Unburied: The Loci of Power Series, Cycle 1

By Patrick Scott

Faye only focuses on the things most college students think about - classes, guys and the next time she can avoid looking at the pain she left in Arizona. She ignores how far she moved away. Faye seeks a life where she decides who and what she cares about. Unfortunately, everyone else sees it and pushes for her to deal with things

• Language: English
• Publisher: Atmosphere Press
• Release date: Apr 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781639884247

Book preview

THE LOCI OF POWER SERIES

A black and white logo Description automatically generated with low confidence

CYCLE 1

Patrick Scott

atmosphere press

© 2022 Patrick Scott

Published by Atmosphere Press

Cover design by Matthew Fielder

No part of this book may be reproduced without permission from the author except in brief quotations and in reviews. This is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to real places, persons, or events is entirely coincidental.

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Cay, thanks for being adventurous enough to bring so many different people into my life. Such boldness makes me a better writer and person for knowing them through you. Kit, thanks for never holding back in sharing what you love

and hate. I’m challenged every day and revel in it.

My life and this book, along with all slated to come after it, are better with both of you.

Acknowledgements

Sitting down after my first book, I realized an egregious error had occurred. I took time to dedicate the book, which I did this time as well, but neglected to thank the numerous people who had a hand in my journey as an author. While the list and brief thanks will never fully encompass all these people have meant and have done, I want for the readers to know who they should thank for the unbridled curiosity and creativity which brought this to life.

Atmosphere Press:

Thanks to my artistic home. Nick Courtright, Visionary Publisher and Professional Risktaker. Bryce Wilson, Stalwart and Creative Editor. Ronaldo Alves, Unparalleled Artist and Bringer to Life of All Things Imaginary. Along with countless others who make the World of Atmosphere Press run. Thank you all for making tales come to life.

Family:

The Scotts

These were the poor souls subjugated to my mammoth bouts of creativity when they had no outlet outside of the messy rooms, force rehearsals of movies never to be made and the slow simmering burn of a frustrated artist. It had to be challenging. You’ll never know the how much you helped. Pat and Terry Scott. Stephanie, Mike and Ashleigh Ivy.

The Whitleys

And then there are the people who asked and marched with me without any blood relation to call their own. I’m proud for each of their places in my life. You’ve been such a help when it would have been easier to surrender. Carroll Whitley. Chuck and Ann Whitley, Bud and Sarah and Lily Whitley, and Jackson Whitley. Clif and Lynn Whitley, Austin, John, Lauren and Tyler Whitley. Mara Whitley.

Gaggle of Goons:

This merry band opened up sides of life to me I might never have gotten to witness on my own and protected someone I love dearly during times I could not. Thank you for being a true band of adventurers. Nat 20s all. The Gaggle of Goons includes Hayley Wright, Laz Devine, Kayla Epps, Alexis Seith, Lilas Verrill, Jashawn Cooper and Roni.

The Fellowship:

Now, there’s a group that’s hasn’t been family, but have been suffering, hoping and celebrating with me. These people have seen my heart and never once turned away. They are truly the stalwart companions in any tale. I thrilled to call them friends, fellow artists and strugglers toward something better and brighter. They are Alan, Janet and John Newman; Richard Jr, Eleanor, Annalise, Richard III and David Remigailo; Ewan Kennedy; Terry and Dot Mitchell; Alex and Shannon Woods; Nancy and Chuck Francis; Mike, Trisha, Noah and Liam Sanders; Chris, Elise and Penny Shepherd; Jenny Deaver; Katherine Louthan; David Jonas; Craig Meyer; Harper and Heather Cossar; Jess Cohen; Norman, Julie, Ivy and Micah Beck; Keith Robinson; Eric, Jamie, Jack, Ben and Maggie Turner; Bob and Barb Dresdow; Stacy York; Cedric Hitchcock; Kristy Mancilla; Gail Jackson; Karey and Zack Ganster.

While this feels too long and too many names between you, Dear Reader, and the story, please know it barely scratches the surface for what all these people mean. I could easily have dedicated a great deal of space to each of them. Regardless, they all understand where the fun will be found and that is in the story. With that said, let’s walk into it and get lost.

Chapter 1

Light and Voice

With the music thrumming, Faye slammed into the big, blocky, clean-cut lineman thrashing to the proto-punk band set up in the corner. She felt the satisfying impact against his muscled chest and shoulders, jarring her whole body. She snarled something at him as he looked down at her with a frown on his face. Faye noticed he returned to dancing with the slip of a girl on the other side of him.

Yeah, you’ll be sad she’s with you tonight.

She did not wait for a reply. Faye stomped toward the front of the old two-story off-campus house. She lowered her own shoulder, making sure enough of these happy college students felt a little discomfort. She reveled at the cries of outraged couples with unflattering comments about her being crazy. Looking at her empty cup, Faye threw it to the floor, pulled out her flask, and took a slug of some cheap whisky sloshing from the cool metal container.

Faye stepped outside, watching her breath fogging in the air as the last hold of winter punished her for coming out. She reached for her phone inside the black leather jacket she wore. Flipping her jet-black hair hanging in her eyes, Faye checked her messages, hoping her roommates reached out to say they were on their way.

Guess I’m getting myself home again, she muttered to herself. I can’t believe it is still so cold here. I’d be burning up right now if I was still out west.

She hit the campus app for a ride. Waiting on the corner by the house, she swayed to the now-distant driving beat. Faye ended up leaning against the street sign, gathered saliva in her mouth, and spat.

Safe Ride? a voice asked.

What?

You waiting on Safe Ride?

Faye looked up to see a fresh-faced kid with bright blue eyes. She fixed him with her dark eyes, wondering if she should tell him she wanted someone else. Eventually, Faye decided she wanted to be home more than to make this freshman’s life hell.

Yeah, I’m waiting for it. You’re it I’m guessing. She laughed at what she thought had to be a hilarious joke. Where are you parked?

I’m right here, the young guy said, opening the door. Here, let me help you.

You some kinda creep or something? Aren’t there supposed to be girls driving girls?

She got into an accident. If you want, I can—

Shut up, Faye snapped, rubbing the knife in her pocket. If you turn out to be that big a problem, I’ll cut you like I threatened to do to the last one.

Faye had to stifle a laugh at the look of shock and fear on the boy’s face. She landed in the passenger seat of the car, leaning against the window once the door thudded shut. She felt grateful for the cool of the glass.

You need to buckle up.

Shut up.

I can’t drive if you aren’t—

I said shut the fuck up.

Faye closed her eyes, waiting for the car to carry her home. She needed to keep the contents of her stomach in place and she would be fine. She enjoyed the pervasive quiet on the drive home. Once the car stopped in front of her street, Faye climbed out of the car, flipping off the underclassman who had driven her home.

In the house, Faye heard a baying lament in the backyard of the off-campus house she shared with three other girls. She reveled in the disjointed feelings running through her veins and cutting her off from the world at the same time. Left without the support of two of her roommates who had promised to meet her, she managed to remain safe, not consuming anything she did not want. She possessed unparalleled training to keep herself safe.

Following the melodic cry, Faye walked to the back door, flicked the lock, and opened it wide. Her skin tingled in the cool breeze washing over her.

"Faye," an airy voice called as though carried by the wind.

Creepy, she slurred.

"We’re here for you. To help."

Nope, I’m going to bed. I promised my roommates not to get in any more trouble.

Hearing the wind and what had been a strident animalistic cry morph in her ear to night song, Faye tilted her head and stared into the dense stand of trees backing up to their little tamed slice of civilization. She frowned, wondering if the trees had always been so tightly packed or was it possibly a trick of the night. She concentrated on the singing, trying to see if she could make out the words she heard. She strained and eventually gave up, confident there were no real words. Or maybe she had not been as diligent as she thought she had.

Who are you? Faye called in hoarse whisper. What do you want?

She stepped off the concrete patio and moved through the lawn. At the edge of the woods, and drawn by an indefinable force, Faye pushed the branches aside. Her unsteady foot came down on a rock or a root. Faye fought to maintain her balance.

Without thinking, her hand strayed to the pocket holding the black-handled buck knife she always carried, since her fixed blade knives with their sheaths called too much attention to themselves. Faye resisted the urge to pull, flip, and lock the blade. She felt safe knowing she could get to it fast if necessary.

Who are you? she said a little louder.

This soft voice continued its tender undulations. It grew in pitch, giving the appearance of being louder. It was like a pipe or flute, swirling notes up and down the scale in a hauntingly beautiful way.

Faye rested her mind on the tune, hoping she might get some sort of insight. When the notes repeated in a run, she hummed along with the tune. She could not deny a rightness in the sound despite her rendition being slightly off-key from the original. Faye had never been much of a singer, but she thought her drunkenness could be partially to blame.

While continuing to walk, she thought she caught the glimpse of a light floating between the trees. She tried her best to source the glow. Faye noted the gleam as too muted for the moon, but with a purity seemingly impossible for something manmade. She also could not think of a reason someone would put a light out here in the woods to begin with.

Find the real, she muttered to herself. Find the solid. That’s where you can figure out what is going on.

Faye ran her hands along the outstretched branches of the pine trees. She found a strange comfort in their presence, mainly because they were so different from the cacti and scrub brushes of where she grew up.

Thinking of home, Faye considered her father, Grant. Her hand went to her mouth at the thought of him and then dropped back to down. She frowned. She felt, for the barest instant, as though a tear for her father might roll over her eyelid and streak down her cheek.

She rounded a bend in the path and swelling sound in unearthly song clouded everything from her mind. She squinted against the brightness. Faye swore she heard individual voices singing now. She could still not make out the words, but some sounded hauntingly beautiful while others carried a dirge-like tone to them.

Tell me who you are and what you’re doing in the woods behind our house.

She stood still, looking at the odd golden glow. She thought shapes seemed to be moving around within it. About the time she became convinced of an elaborate hallucination, Faye heard something that caused her to stop at the entrance to the small clearing.

"Hold. Come no further."

What?

"You heard."

Faye fought and failed against the need to have the knife in her hand. Her movements were a blur, including the one in which she clicked the blade into the locked position.

Who are you? she asked in a flat tone.

"I have something for you."

I don’t need anything you have. I’m fine.

"No, you’re not. But you will be. Remain there."

Faye saw a solitary figure encircled by smaller forms in the light. Because of her training, Faye checked her footing ready to spring in any direction depending on where the attack came from. She felt prepared.

When she looked down, Faye noticed the odd pale stones seeming to glow with the same light as the one pulsing in the clearing. She tried to determine if these had been carved and placed around this section of the wood by a skilled craftsman or were some unique natural phenomenon of an unbroken stone ring. She found their shading odd too. She expected this type of rock to be in a more arid climate.

"Wait."

For what? Faye asked with unmasked hostility.

Her eyes tracked the blurry smaller figures’ movements. She tried to concentrate on a single one, but kept losing them in the motion of the others as though they were creating an intricate weave. As she did so, Faye felt her temples start to throb mercilessly, causing her vision to blur further. She equated looking into the clearing with peering down into the center of a muddy pond.

"Take this. It will help."

The song coming out of the clearing peaked in a swirling crescendo where the notes blended in a fevered melding. The voices synced beautifully. All the harmonics stayed in connection with one another.

Is this a dream? Faye asked. Am I going to wake up in bed?

"You will, the over voice said while the singing continued. Because that is what is best. Easier for you to explain to yourself."

What is?

"Dreams."

Faye saw an orb bouncing along as thought carried on the voice. Her vision filled with shapes and sights she could barely make out. As she saw them, Faye fought back against the things she felt.

She opened her eyes wide. When she did, she watched the path of the orb grow clearer until it dominated her field of vision. She could not avoid it.

Upon impact, Faye became awash with warmth. She thought she released a long and happy moan as though something comforting slid from inside her mind into the rest of her body. She felt the suffusing warmth and could not ignore it.

"One is coming."

Coming? Faye slurred with bliss. What do you mean?

"One comes to distract you."

If this is who it think it is, I’m ready for him. I have been ready for him for a long time.

Without thinking, Faye caressed the handle of the knife in her hand. She felt a chilly shiver run through her whole body. Her mind filled with a collection of voices screaming and making no sense whatsoever.

What’s that?

"Your attempt was noticed."

My attempt?

"You are headstrong, Faye. That is part of the reason you have been chosen. You will not turn from the path on which you have found yourself. For that, you should tread cautiously. Your first reaction is not always the best."

Faye weighed the words. She thought the voice sounded familiar somehow. As it spoke, she heard a strong timber mingled with a deep care. Before realizing it, she felt tears running down her face.

Who…who are you? she stammered.

With the question out of her mouth, Faye listened to the song shift from a light underlying tune to a driving chant. She recalled one of the recordings her Intro to Anthropology professor played in class of a remote tribe off the coast of West Africa calling out to the sky.

"Time is short."

Her head filled with the words. She closed her eyes against both the volume and force with which they were spoken. When her eyelids fluttered open, Faye saw the golden orb floating before her. She tried to figure out what created it. She guessed it was made of light and mist, but it appeared far too solid to be constructed of more insubstantial materials.

"Do you accept this?" the voice asked.

What is it?

"Do you accept this?"

You didn’t answer my questions, Faye shot back.

She thought the light and mist faded ever so slightly at the speaking of the repeated question by the strange voices.

"Do you accept this?"

At this offer, Faye noticed how much lighter the glow had become. She released a long sigh. Her body shook with something that was not exactly frustration, but neither was she offering full acceptance. She reached out with her hand and tried plucking the bit of light from midair.

The orb disassembled like a soap bubble being popped. Its constituent elements took on several odd and familiar shapes before falling into Faye’s palm like a layer of golden frost.

She felt an odd chilling warmth racing through her body. She tried to speak, to ask questions, but her throat closed up as though something far too large had swollen up to block the passageway. Her eyes stretched wider with panic.

"Breathe."

The tuneless voices sang the word at a register just below that of the voice who spoke. It sounded more like a comfort than a command.

Faye attempted to relax and take in an easy breath. She still found her throat blocked. She considered what it would look like for someone to find her in the woods behind her house. She wondered who it would be. Faye guessed one of her roommates would be the lucky one to find her asphyxiated body. She could hear her drinking being blamed, leading to her becoming lost in the woods.

When the strange force blocking her throat gave way suddenly, Faye took a huge gasping breath. Her vision snapped back into focus. Faye bent at the waist, sucking in chilly night air. She felt reinvigorated by being able to breathe again.

You better not fucking do that again, she said between ragged breaths. Not funny.

"You need to be ready. The calm voice seemed not to notice Faye’s inherit threat. You are in danger, but not just you."

I know I’m in danger. Whoever you are, you just tried to kill me. You can hear me, right?

She heard the singing rise in pitch, causing her heart to flutter in time with the vocalizations. Faye looked into the clearing. She did not understand where the sound emanated from, since she saw nothing she expected. Occasionally, Faye noted indistinct figures gliding by as though made of denser mist.

I’m coming in, she said forcefully. You can talk about this threat to me face-to-face. I’ve dealt with this sort of thing before and I can do it again.

Faye made a move to step into the clearing and found her way blocked. She saw no direct barrier to her effort, but she remained outside the clearing all the same.

What are you doing?

"This is not the time or place. You have what you need and have been forewarned."

Yeah, that’s not going to work with me. I’m not a drop-everything-and-go-along-to-get-along kind of girl.

Faye thought she heard the speaker or singers or maybe both give a low chuckle at her mention of thinking this might not be the case. She blazed bright with fury.

What? she snapped. What’s so funny?

"You are known. More than you realize. You are known."

What does that mean?

"You know enough. Now, rest."

Faye frowned at the nature of the answer. With the scent of pine in her nostrils and the song in her ears, Faye plunged into complete darkness.

With whatever they slipped me, Faye muttered. This is without a doubt the worst trip I’ve ever been on.

Chapter 2

In the Morning

Faye blinked back at the sun streaming through the blinds into her room. Lying in her bed, she half remembered what must have been a dream. She found not recalling how she arrived at her bed only mildly discomforting. She rubbed her throbbing head, muttering a curse. She intended to use her Doc Martens to trample the tongues of the Independents who threw the party.

Would serve them right, she croaked, closing her eyes against the nauseating spin brought about by too much alcohol. That’s great. I’m here talking to myself. Guess I must be crazy like everyone said last night.

She got out of bed and headed for the bathroom, careful to avoid looking directly in the mirror. Catching a sidelong glance of herself, she found the merciful quickness revealing disheveled hair and a pale face dominated by too-large dark eyes a strange blessing. She peed and splashed water on her face. She let it drip back down into the sink before putting her mouth under the faucet, drinking greedily.

She walked out of the bedroom into a blast of noise and activity. She wondered if this had roused her from sleep.

Faye spotted Cho on the couch with her oversized earphones drowning out the rest of noise and reading a thick Russian novel. Faye assumed the tome represented her roommate’s latest assignment for lit class. She tried to slip past the diminutive student with long dark hair without causing too big a distraction.

Cho stuck her finger in the pages of her copy of The Master and Margarita, smiling broadly. Welcome to the land of the living. Her voice carried a slight lilt of southern California. We were taking bets if you’d get up before noon.

What time is it?

You just made it. It’s 11:49.

Ugh, no wonder things seem way too busy.

Blame Nena.

A workout?

Cho nodded. One of her early ones. She was gone from six to about ten. Now, she’s in the backyard prepping a space for the garden.

I thought we weren’t supposed to…

Make any major changes, a voice said from the kitchen.

Faye turned to see Ari wrapped in a fuzzy grey robe and her massive mane of brown hair teased out and bundled on her head. Faye did her best not to giggle at the sight of the normally put together prelaw student in her Saturday garb. She debated if Ari bothered with pajamas under the robe since spring had eased into being.

And the garden, Faye started.

Would not be considered a major change since disassembly of the planters, stakes, and any other equipment would not leave lasting damage.

What about the grass? Cho suggested.

The lawn can be repaired with a few pieces of inexpensive sod or grass seed before we move out. That’s if we even care by that point. I’m guessing we’ll have the makings of a great suit based on the deficiencies of this place.

Internet down again? Faye asked looking at Cho.

The reason I’m working old school, she said holding up the book. Nena’s in the backyard digging in the dirt and Ari has decided to bang around the kitchen for a change.

I can cook.

Faye shared a smile with Cho, knowing the extent of Ari’s skills. Faye headed for the kitchen herself. Her eyes fell on the coffee pot holding the barest amount of liquid to justify a quarter cup. She sighed.

Anyone want the rest of this before I make a new pot?

I just filled mine, Ari said.

I have about a half cup, Cho called.

You win then because that’s the amount I have in here.

Faye headed back into the den, topped off Cho’s mug, and rinsed the pot at the sink. She stared out into the backyard. She scanned for Nena. Faye’s eyes caught a bit of movement and fixed her gaze to the right of the patio. She watched as the lean young woman with muscles rippling under her rich warm skin plunged a shovel into the ground.

Is she planning on tearing everything up first and then going to get what she needs?

Faye turned back to fill the coffeemaker’s reservoir from the water filter pitcher on the counter before grabbing the filters and beans. She inhaled deeply the scent of unground coffee. Her heart raced at the sensation of setting everything right.

No, Ari said, placing the skillet on the burner. I think Ike is bringing stuff over from his grandmother’s. You want some eggs?

I would love some.

Cho?

Huh? Cho called from the other room.

You want eggs?

Eh, not really. I’m not hungry. Coffee’s fine.

Don’t make me turn into my mother, Ari warned. Next thing you know, I’ll be feeding all of you and looking to set you up with that nice boy from my business law class.

We can’t all have him, Faye said. When will Ike be here?

So you can go get ready for him?

No, I was just wondering.

Sure you were, Ari teased. Just like you were wondering if he was going to be at last night’s party. What time did you get in?

I don’t know, Mom. Why don’t you tell me?

Before her friend could answer, Faye pushed the plunger on the grinder, drowning out everything else. She dumped the ground coffee into the filter, swung it closed, and switched the coffeemaker to brew.

She rooted through the cabinets to try to find a clean mug. Eventually, she located the one they kept on hand for emergencies with a chip on one side near the rim. Faye checked the interior to make sure it was clean and gave it a quick rinse.

Are we not talking about the fact that you didn’t come in until late? Ari asked while working on the eggs. Or is that topic, like your major, off limits?

Let’s just say it’s off limits. That way neither of us will be disappointed when we have the conversation.

You knew she’d be cagey about it, Cho called from the den. She doesn’t like us knowing anything.

It isn’t that, Faye said defensively. It’s just that nothing exciting happened.

If that were the case, then you shouldn’t have a problem sharing it with us. Ari stirred the eggs into the buttered skillet and hummed along with the task. We’re all here alone and we have to watch out for each other.

It was the usual group. I promise.

So no Ike?

Faye ground her teeth knowing full well what Ari aimed for with the comment. He wasn’t there and I didn’t go to the party to see him.

Is that because you heard about what he was up to?

What do you mean?

Oh, nothing.

Feeling a tickle in the back her mind, Faye turned finding Ari’s back to her working on the eggs. She did her best to push aside the nagging feeling in her stomach. Faye knew Ari would not cruelly tease her. She guessed Ari assumed they both possessed the same information.

What is it, Ari?

It’s not a big deal. I just figured you’d heard and that motivated you to attend the party.

I knew what?

You clearly didn’t know it.

Otherwise, you wouldn’t have brought it up to torment me.

Stop being that way. If it was something you needed to worry about, I would tell you.

Why don’t you let me decide if I need to be worried about it? Faye said. Rather than determining what is the best for all of us.

You do realize I’m making your eggs, right?

Planning on slipping something in them?

If I had known how bitchy you’d be this morning, I would have grabbed some of the extra strong laxative I give to those that piss me off, Ari shot back acidly. As it is, you’re just going to have to trust me.

After a getting plate of eggs from Ari, Faye thanked her and then went outside to eat them. She was tired of being around the sanctimonious Ari at the moment. She could trust Cho to handle her with her usual aplomb. On the patio, she sat down on the old plastic chair.

So you came out here to watch me work? Nena asked from the corner of the yard.

Not you too.

Ari riding you?

Is it obvious? Faye said.

You two are made to rub up against each other in just the right way. Nena glanced back over her shoulder with a bemused smile. Or maybe just the wrong way, depending on your view of the situation.

I’m leaning toward the latter. She implied the only reason I went to the party last night was because… Faye trailed off suddenly realizing what she was about to say and