The Temple & the Fortress

By M.A. Abraham

The Temple

Ele is a powerful goddess in her own right, so she doesn’t worry about her safety as her sisters think she should. She is beautiful in ways that catches the wrong type attention. In order to keep her safe, her sisters blackmail a god from another world to take Ele into his care.
Sagan is a warrior god on his planet and every bit as powerful as Ele. He is also the epitome of what every woman thinks a god should look like. Without seeing Ele, he promises to keep her safe and keep his distance. After seeing Ele, he doubts if he can keep his word.

The Fortress
As Ele welcomes her sisters to her new home, Sagan senses a familiar disruption in the ether on his planet. It doesn't take him long to discover the reason, or to meet the twin he never knew existed before this.

As a god of chaos, Tash, is intent on creating discord wherever he goes. Telling Riel who he is was supposed to cause a war between brothers, instead Riel bonds with Sagan. He then takes a look at one of Ele's sisters and falls in love. This isn't anything Tash will allow to go unchallenged. He will go to any length to get his way despite the odds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.A. Abraham
• Release date: Jun 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005558581

M.A. Abraham

I don’t really know what to say about myself.I have been writing books since before I became a teenager. Most are still hidden in the closet. I used to make up my own stories as a child, everyone used to act them out while we were playing outside. As a teenager someone issued me a challenge. I told her that her stories stunk, she told me to do better.My job growing up was to play guardian to my little brother, keep him safe. That meant I ended up getting into more fights than enough – makes sense now that I write about warriors.My family will try to tell you that I’m not innocent, I have a personality that keeps them on their toes. Over my lifetime and theirs I have earn several nicknames – The Godmother, The Evil Christmas Elf (comes from making my nieces wrap their own Christmas presents), Mistress of Ambush. My favorite response to them when they try to get me into trouble is just to look at them with a wide doe eyed expression and say “Moi?????”I have a seal point Siamese cat named Snoop, named after my favorite cartoon character and hobby. I have a “healthy” but small collection of Snoopy memorabilia. He is a character alright; never met a cat who can talk back like he does. He expects daily dosages of adoration on his schedule when he wants it – not when it’s convenient for me and he HATES snow.I come from a very large family (mostly brothers) and I could outrun the whole works of them (I’m the shortest!). It was called survival.This book has been in the making for a long time now. Over a half a year to write it, about the same amount of time to edit it, and probably about the same amount of time to get the art work and website! I have learned you can’t control the timelines of other people – Murphy likes to step in.So for now I am setting up good luck charms everywhere... didn’t know I had that many stuffed Snoopy’s. *Fingers, legs, toes, eyes and anything else I can crossed*

Book preview

CHAPTER I

Satirea stormed across the practice field oblivious to everything and everyone around her. She was on a mission.

Aslea, Satirea’s voice thundered across the field to where her sister was preparing to toss a javelin at a moving target. Janis is plotting again.

Aslea tossed her spear, and then turned to her furious sister and said, So what? It is doubtful she can do anything to harm any of us. Corrigan is getting so fed up with her manipulating and moodiness that he is seriously considering setting her aside.

Satirea returned, That deviate has something diabolical going on behind the scenes, and something tells me our beloved brother knows nothing about it.

Aslea frowned as she commented. If Janis tries to do anything to harm us, and Corrigan finds out about it, he is sure to toss her out like the nasty piece of work she is.

Satirea knew more than Aslea did. Janis wasn’t after them, and she passed on her information. Janis isn’t after us, she is going after Ele.

Aslea tossed her head back and gave a short bark of laughter, Foolish child. Janis has no idea what she is facing, does she? Our illustrious sister has more power than the two of us put together, though no one would guess it. Our sister is one cool piece of art. I dare her to face off against Ele.

Satirea pointed out what she thought should be the obvious, even to Aslea. Janis hates Ele with a passion that is unhealthy. Ele has a way of making her so jealous and frustrated that she is getting reckless.

Aslea narrowed her eyes and studied Satirea carefully as she asked. What is causing this new bout of animosity? I realize there have been few breaks for Ele from Janis’ hatred since Corrigan brought her home, but Ele has always managed to come up on top. So what makes you think anything changed?

Satirea sighed and admitted, Nothing concrete, although I have been getting signals from Janis that she is getting tired of Ele’s defense mechanism. Our sister has refused to have anything to do with Janis, and Janis has been complaining to Corrigan. Our brother laughed at her, and she stormed off. The way Corrigan has been acting towards Ele lately, I am surprised he didn’t take the opportunity to try to take control of her. He doesn’t like the way the other gods have been looking at our sister, and he has gotten into a few fights trying to protect her honor.

This was news. Aslea couldn’t remember Ele doing anything to invite unwanted attention. She was, however, beautiful enough to attract the notice of every man on the planet. Corrigan wouldn’t like that. He was very protective of all of them. What is going on there?

With a smug grin, Satirea passed on what she knew, Corrigan tried to do some matchmaking to keep Ele safe. So, he set his friend on her. The young god cornered her in her garden. She squashed him like a bug and sent him home in a basket. To say the least, Corrigan wasn’t pleased with her actions. It made him look bad to his friend.

Aslea looked thoughtful for a moment. She hadn’t heard a thing, which meant that although Ele had sent the man home, she hadn’t hurt him badly enough to cause an incident. So, what irritated Corrigan about that? Ele often makes his friends look like fools. He has never let it bother him before.

Satirea smiled smugly and answered. Corrigan wouldn’t have cared so much if Ele hadn’t bound his best friend to the surface of Earth so firmly he came close to becoming a part of it. The man looks like a walking corpse. No one can hurt one of Corrigan’s friends without repercussions, not even Ele.

I am assuming Corrigan doesn’t know about this yet or there would be a war going on. Aslea sighed in irritation. Ele, for all her beauty and grace, was an exercise in frigidity, though she seemed compassionate enough.

Satirea continued to pass on more information, Well, Janis knows about it if Corrigan doesn’t, so you know it is only a matter of time before he becomes aware of what happened.

Aslea grew even more thoughtful as she asked, What do you think Janis intends to do with this information?

Satirea sighed, I suspect Janis intends to have Ele banished from our home.

Aslea gave a snort laugh, Janis can try, but I doubt if she will succeed.

Satirea warned. Janis knows how to play Corrigan, and when she puts her mind to it she can, even when he is determined not to let her have her way.

Aslea sighed, Do you really think she can get Corrigan to act against Ele?

Satirea nodded. Mark my words, Janis is going to try something underhanded, even if her position at our brother’s side is placed in jeopardy if Corrigan finds out what she is up to and what his friend is to her.

I doubt if Janis is thinking that far, Aslea stated. She has the brains of a lump of coal.

Unfortunately. Satirea pointed out how apt the analogy was, Both are able to incinerate with the same amount of heat.

The two sisters exchanged a look, then Aslea added. She will have to include more than just one god or goddess in her plans for it to work.

Satirea thought for a moment then replied, You can count on Janis’ brother being one of them. He holds a grudge against Ele for her last refusal of him and would be happy to cause trouble for her.

Aslea nodded in agreement. I can’t think of any goddess who will even talk to Janis. They know the type of trouble she is capable of causing, and she has been disagreeable to most of them. They also don’t trust Janis around their men. I still can’t see what Corrigan saw in her when he took her for his wife.

That makes two of us, Satirea sighed. Then again, he could have been blind to find what he wanted from her.

Aslea chuckled as she replied, That was a naughty thought, although you are right. He only looked as far as the surface and we have to admit, Satirea, Janis is well put together.

Satirea snorted then replied, Perhaps, but she slithers.

Alsea speared a snake as it entered the field and flicked its body back into the bushes then spoke her thoughts aloud, We better go and warn Ele.

Satirea stated what she thought should be the obvious, Ele probably knows about this already, but making sure is probably for the best. Janis is more venomous than the sand shifter you just dispatched.

And ten times more sneaky. Aslea added.

Ele was in the midst of revitalizing some dying roses in the garden when her sisters found her.

Janis is up to no good again, and you are the target. We thought you might like to know. Alsea spoke first.

Ele smiled and hugged Aslea in greeting. I am so pleased to see the two of you. Ele then paused to hug Satirea before continuing. It has been too long since you have come to see us. Janis will be overjoyed to see you both.

Satirea narrowed her eyes thoughtfully and then mused aloud. She will, will she? Just what are you up to, Ele?

Ele smiled as she answered, Returning a snake to the grass.

Alsea pointed out. You know she is going to come after you. The sneaky, conniving witch is not apt to play fair either. I would watch my back if I were you.

Speaking confidently, Ele noted, Janis doesn’t have the power to take me on and she knows it. That, my dear, beloved sisters, is why she is pushing her luck with our illustrious brother.

Satirea admitted, with a touch of irritation, We just thought you might not be aware of what Janis is up to.

Ele gave Satirea a droll look and replied. I know Janis will need the help of at least one of the more powerful gods to challenge me, just as I know that none are apt to ever think of doing it.

The two sisters exchanged looks and frowned at the smug self-assured tone in Ele’s voice. This was not going the way they thought it would. Ele was supposed to be unaware of what was going on around her, in the way she seemed to be about everything by all appearances. She was too sure of herself by half, and she really rubbed them the wrong way by sounding so condescending. Their sister needed a lesson in humility to knock her down a peg or two.

Aslea replied, with a slight edge, Well, as you seem to have things under control here, dear sister, we will leave. We just thought you needed someone to guard your back for you. I guess we thought wrong.

Ele smiled, answering, I appreciate the gesture, I really do. But Janis doesn’t worry me in the least.

The sisters returned to their practice field and Aslea sneered. Our sister is getting a fat head if she thinks Janis can do no damage to her. A little sneakiness and some backup, and Ele could be in major trouble.

Well, our brother lacks the strength as well as the balls to go through with anything serious. Satirea stated.

Aslea sounded pleased with herself as she relayed her plans, Which is why I am going to kill him. I do have a few ideas about what to do with our sister too. Just to show her she isn’t as invulnerable to machinations as she thinks.

Satirea reminded Aslea. You are not going to get nasty are you? She can kick both of our butts too you know. Satirea wasn’t about to take Aslea’s threat to their brother seriously.

I know, Aslea replied. I only want to teach her a lesson in humility and I know just who is capable of giving it to her.

Satirea gasped, Careful Aslea, this could backfire.

Maybe, Aslea admitted. But I am willing to take the chance it won’t.

Satirea decided to go along with whatever Aslea had in mind. Alright. What, or should I say who have you got in mind for our overbearing but lovable sister?

Aslea answered. Sagan, Lord of the skies.

Satirea frowned and admitted, Never heard of him.

Aslea smiled, No, you missed him. No female who meets him forgets him and he knows it. He is a gorgeous piece of work who is fully aware of the fact. Also, before you ask, yes, he has a body of granite along with the face of an angel.

That made no difference to Satirea, Power?

Aslea answered, Enough to rock our brother while holding us back. Power is not a problem.

There had to be something wrong with this picture, so Satirea asked, So why am I getting a bad feeling about this? Is he possessive or something? That could be troublesome.

Aslea admitted, I have never seen anything to make me think he is unreasonable. Arrogant as hell, yes. But not possessive or anything like that.

Satirea hummed. So how do we get to meet this epitome of the gods?

Aslea grinned, He will come to us the moment I send for him, which I already have.

Satirea wondered, How long will it take him to get here?

Aslea looked upwards then back down, He should be arriving at any moment. The message I sent him should intrigue him enough to get him to move fast.

Another thought occurred to Satirea as she thought about things locally, So while our sister sitter is taking care of her, who cooks Janis’ goose?

Why sister, Aslea purred. I thought you would never ask. We do, of course. She hates us more than she does Ele.

A slight breeze rippled through the trees and across the clearing. A few moments later a tall male form appeared before them, and he didn’t look happy to be there. Satirea leaned over and murmured into her sister’s ear. You are right, this one I would not have forgotten.

Aslea replied, Down girl. He is not in a good mood. I hardly endeared myself to him when I sent him the note. That was guaranteed to bring him to us.

Satirea gasped, What did you do?

Aslea gave a half grin and answered, I began by nicknaming him the god of lust.

Really? Satirea couldn’t see why that should bother the man. An this bothered him?

Aslea explained, He is a prude, glorious or not. Much like our beauteous Ele.

Satirea snickered, Should be interesting.

Aslea chuckled and agreed, Yes. She then greeted their guest. Sagan, how magnanimous of you to visit.

Sagan growled as he stormed up to Aslea and Satirea, What the hell type of message was that?

Aslea purred, her voice low and sultry, My. My. You are in a lousy mood today.

Sagan only snarled back suggestively while giving the impression he would rather have nothing to do with them. Care to make the effort to do something about it?

Aslea continued to tease, knowing it was probably the best way to deal with Sagan in his current mood. Very tempting lollipop, but I have bigger and better plans for you.

Sagan continued to growl. Nothing you can offer would interest me.

Aslea only smiled and continued, Then why did you come?

Maybe because you threatened to hand out the location of my home to every oversexed goddess in the universe. How did you find out where I live?

Aslea laughed, You broadcasted it clear as a sunbeam. The rest is history.

Sagan had no idea what Aslea was talking about. I don’t believe you. You also said something about my giving you a reason to forget what you did. What do you have in mind?

I want you to babysit someone special for us while we secure her future. Aslea suddenly got down to business. I am talking about our sister, Ele. She is attracting the wrong type of attention and needs the protection of someone trustworthy.

And you think I am that person? Sagan laughed incredulously.

Well, I did. Aslea injected a little doubt into her words. I could be wrong. Perhaps I should just find another god to do this little favor for us. We do need to be careful with her.

Sagan gave a huff of impatience and ordered. Perhaps you should just tell me what this is about before we both get old and decrepit and it no longer matters.

Fine, Alsea snipped. Our sister Ele needs asylum until we take care of a problem. When it is safe for her to return, we will send you word. We decided we could trust you not to harm or try to molest her.

Sagan blinked and asked, Why?

What do you mean, why? Aslea returned.

Sagan clarified, Why me?

Simple, Satirea finally decided to put her two cents in. Ele is an iceberg that most men drool over with no hope of being able to chip the surface. From all we have heard, you are a prude with little or no use for females. She should be more than safe in your company.

Sagan gave a disbelieving snort. What in the name of common sense are you trying to get me into?

Oh, just keep her safe until we tell you to send her home. You should be able to do that much. You are one of the more powerful on your planet. You should be good for something besides looking pretty. Satirea sighed.

Sagan shook his head and looked thoughtful, And what about Ele?

She doesn’t know about this. Ele thinks she can handle things on her own. Granted, she is one of the more powerful goddesses, but she is over her head with this problem. Alsea made things sound like the information was being dragged out of her. When she noticed how dark Sagan’s expression was becoming, she sighed and relented. Alright, fine. Ele is a major goddess. There are almost eleven temples that have been built in her name on the planet where she dwells. The danger is that Janis’ brother is garnering help in a concerted attack against her. He plans to take her against her will.

Sagan repeated, Why?

Why! Alsea nearly screamed in exasperation. Ele is beyond beautiful. She is untouchable, unreachable. The goddess of beauty and grace. She is the personification of elegance in motion as well as form. Janis is so jealous of her that she would kill her if she could find someone with enough power to do it for her. That is why.

If she is so powerful, why does she not take care of the problem herself?