Imogen and the Veiled World

By Andi J.Feron

Imogen is grappling with grief and heartbreak. She has spent the last year pushing everyone away and trying to make up for a mistake that almost cost her the position she loves as a Grondian guardian—a group of elite warriors who are charged with protecting gods like Dryads and Celestials. 
 

When Imogen's sister is found on the verge of death, Imogen knows she would give anything to save her. Desperate to find life-saving answers, Imogen sets off on a quest with a lower tree spirit named Noi, her newly appointed protector Emrys, and her betta fish familiar Toki. After stumbling upon an ancient text, she learns of a hidden world. A land without magic unexpectedly promises a cure for her ailing sister but going there won't come without a price. 
 

Will the sacrifice spare her sister in time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andi J.Feron
• Release date: Mar 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887360058

Book preview

Chapter 1

Change

My sword sliced through my golden ringlets as well as it did the monsters outside the walls of Paper City. My hair now rested directly above my ears. I threw it all in the trash and dashed for the guardian center for my day's assignment. I adjusted my brown leather armor as I went and sheathed my silver sword.

Toki, my betta fish familiar, bobbed in his bubble next to me. His turquoise scales glistened under the overhead lights, making the red spot on his head stand out even more. He'd made himself the size of a hand and swished around as though his anxiety had settled in his fins. You're going to regret that. You love your hair. His voice sounded childlike, but it was an immense deception.

Loved. Many things I have loved have died, and it's time to move on. It only hurts dwelling on them.

Your hair is symbolic of your grief? Toki always tried to make sense of everything.

Yes, because the person I'm grieving will grow back.

Toki lowered his head. I'm sorry. I didn't think that one through.

You don't need to be sorry. That's all everyone has been for the last year toward me. I'm fine. My hair just needed gone.

It symbolizes a new life for you?

It means nothing. Pretty much like everything else. I flinched at my harsh tone. I'm sorry.

Toki's fins drooped. I don't like it when you say things like that.

They're honest.

They scare me.

I stopped, even though the sun told me I might be late, and I couldn't afford that to happen. You have no reason to be scared. I'm fine.

You're a mess.

I scowled and continued toward my destination. The guardian center was an enormous, blue brick building that was the third tallest structure in Paper City. It annoyingly shifted shape, and I had no clue if I'd be working in a cube or an oval for the day. The variety of shapes it could pull out to create my workplace bordered on ridiculous. I shoved open the heavy metal doors and stepped inside the central room where guardians bustled around, searching for their assignments. Our names were on lists next to the doors we were to leave through for our tasks. You had to wander until you located your list.

She wanted to be male so badly she finally made herself one. Vhon elbowed Loth.

My shield clanged on the stone floor as I slammed it to the ground. Yes, because hair is all that's involved in making one male. It seems your tiny brain would arrive at that conclusion much like a small child.

It's more than that. They gave you a woman to guard, thinking it would solve the problem, but they didn't realize you were down for women, too.

Loth cackled. They should have put a big warning label in her file. Imogen will sleep with anyone, be it man or whore.

I launched at Loth, ready to make him one with the floor.

Toki jumped between the men and me. He faced them. You will refrain from any more comments, or I will be forced to suffocate you within an inch of your life. You will only be released when your head is a fraction away from combusting.

I tried to slip around my fish, and he sucked me inside his bubble. I pounded on the slippery surface, but Toki didn't budge. Toki's magic allowed me to breathe in the water inside his bubble. It was also a private place to converse.

Toki! Let me out!

Why so you can chop off his head in a moment of anger?

I gripped my sword until my knuckles cracked. Sounds perfect!

You can't afford any more infractions. Your probation is almost finished. A single mess up, and you'll lose your position as a guardian.

It'll be worth it to see Loth pay!

It won't. You need to take deep breaths and calm. Toki continued to talk me down and only released me when Loth and Vhon had long left. He blew air out of his bubble and dried the floor as I rushed to get my assignment.

Is there a problem? a deep voice called from the main archway that led to barracks. Emrys, the head of the lower recruits, marched toward me in full armor. His silver helmet was pushed up to show his strong features and a few strands of black hair that had slipped out. He resembled a bear with his towering height and broad shoulders. His work as a guardian had made him in shape, and despite his brute size, he was quick. He was only a year older than me, but he'd climbed the guardian ladder pretty quickly.

No problem, sir. I didn’t see my name on the first two work lists, so I moved to a third.

You're late again, and your probation review is next week.

Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.

Imogen. His voice softened.

Yes, sir.

Tell me how I can help. I know you're struggling. You're one of my best guardians, and it would be a terrible thing if attendance and aggression towards other guardians got your probation extended or even kicked out altogether.

I'll try to hold myself together for another week. May I be dismissed?

Yes, with me. You're on the wall with me today. He started toward a blue door with elaborate gold filigree that matched the fancy wall surrounding Paper City and its outskirts.

I'm thrilled, I mumbled.

What was that?

Nothing.

Nice hair. He held the door open for me.

Thanks. It was time for a change.

We went down a long hall and up the winding staircase to the city wall. The flooring was made of colorful crystals that shimmered in the sunlight and glowed at night. Large black spikes ran every few feet on both sides of the wall. Watchtowers were strategically positioned for the best view of incoming threats from enemies and monsters.

Citizens roamed freely inside the city, and it was only because the guardians protected everyone well from threats. I took the second chair in watchtower four next to Emrys.

He kept his green oval eyes focused through the magnifiers. I'm up to gain a bond.

What?

The council called me, and they want me to serve as a personal guardian. He flipped the switches to move the magnifier in all directions.

For who?

They haven't said.

It must be someone important for them to take you off your station.

He shrugged. Anyone they would give me is important. All citizens in need of protection are important.

Right. You'll be missed.

He snickered and hit a knob to zoom in on something. I'd like to think you actually mean that.

I do. Everyone else around here isn't worth my time.

But I am? Hold that thought. Incoming!

I leaped out of the tower onto the roof with my sword in position. A herd of basilisks! This is great!

Enormous blue lizards with red spikes throughout their backs dashed for the wall. They loved to drag off livestock and small children. They'd been known to barge into houses and rip babies from their beds and could scale walls like they were on level ground. I ran down the wall to meet the first set.

They scurried upward, and I jabbed my sword into the thick, leathery skull of any who came near. I flipped backward to decapitate one who had reached the top. Another slammed its spiky tail into my leg. I grunted as it partially pierced through my armor. One leaped on top of Emrys, and he stabbed it right through the abdomen. I spun in a circle, slicing through two while I did another backflip and jabbed two more in quick succession. We battled ten to twenty, throwing their massive bodies to the ground.

Emrys tossed the last limp basilisk off the wall. You need to get to the healers.

It's a scratch.

Blood is running down your leg.

Toki made himself bigger and poured water over my leg. She should be fine in a short time.

The bleeding stopped as the pain alleviated. It wouldn't be fully healed for about an hour, but I'd be fine.

I grabbed a towel from the tower and dried it off. See, I'll live.

If we had an army of your fish, we'd have an incredible advantage.

The realm wouldn't know what to do with an army of floating Tokis.

Emrys and I kept to our station the rest of the day. I made it home and into the shower about an hour after sunset. I settled in on my couch to read a book while Toki floated a plate of chicken and green beans to me.

My meal was half-finished when a knock hit my door. I grabbed my second sword that rested between my couch and an oversized red chair.

I opened the door to see a figure in a blue hooded cloak. Can I help you?

The figure stumbled forward and landed in my arms. Imogen, a familiar voice gasped out.

I threw off her hood and stared at my ashen sister. Illaria? What's happened to you?

Her lion familiar, Golvig rushed in and gently placed her on his back as she became unresponsive. She's dying, he said.

What? How?

The baby is killing her faster than normal. He brought her over to the couch and laid her on it, using his paw to command a blanket over her.

What baby?

Golvig sighed as though talking to me taxed him. Her baby that she's going to have.

That's impossible. She can't have any children. My sister had lost her ability to get pregnant about a year and a half ago. This made no sense at all.

Tell that to the tiny creature draining her.

Chapter 2

Leave

Iwanted to call the healers right away, but Golvig said Illaria didn't want anyone to know. The council that created the laws for the known realms would cause problems if they discovered a Dryad child was to be born. My two sisters and I were half Dryad and half Grondian. Both were prominent races involved in the council. The leaders believed they had the right to dictate Dryad births because they were considered sacred. The mother gave up her life to bring her child into the world, and Dryad children were sent to special facilities to learn the ways of their people.

Illaria most likely didn't want the council to tell her how she had to give birth or what to do with her child. Her predicament became more complex due to who the father was. He was also half Grondian, but his other half was a race known as Celestials. They were the most powerful race in all the realms, with almost god-like powers. Only the Dryads rivaled them in power.

Her porcelain skin normally had a pale hue, but she looked almost grey with her abundant freckles seeming blotted out. The bright red that she normally kept perfectly in place had matted in places. She didn't appear pregnant. How fast was the baby draining her? The power of a Celestial and Dryad seemed too much for her to handle. It possibly didn't help my sister had no power herself, thanks to something my father had done to us as children.

She stirred and groaned. Azazel? Her usually vibrant green eyes peered at me dull and worn.

I pulled the blanket to her chin to stop her shaking. He's not here. You're in my house.

She tried to sit up but fell back down. Imogen? Oh, right. She scrunched her delicate nose a few seconds before relaxing it.

What's happening, Illaria?

Azazel and I had a big fight, and I need to get to the tower where he can't sense me. I need a break from him. We have a little time because he's at a meeting about some issue in the Underworld. I slipped out while I knew he'd be gone for a while. He'll most likely assume I went to Paper City to work in the archives for the day. By the time he realizes he can't sense me, there will be nothing he can do until I'm ready. I left him a note, so he doesn't panic. My sister had a guardian bond with her fiancé that allowed them to sense where the other was and their emotions.

I narrowed my eyes and gave a snort. He's Azazel. He's going to panic. His temper is going to send things flying.

True, but he should at least realize I'm fine. I haven't talked to Zola yet because of her direct link to the mother tree. I need time think about what to do. Can you help me?

Zola was our other sister who was set to become queen of the Dryads in a few months. She had a special link to one of the most respected beings in all the realms. The mother tree possessed great power that she used to help the Dryads in any manner she could.

Yeah, I can arrange a room in the tower. Do you want to talk about what the fight was about?

She closed her eyes again. Can we get to the tower first?

Yeah, are you sure you can make it okay?

I'll be fine. Golvig will help me.

I opened my mouth to say more but decided we could talk about this at the tower. Then I could determine if I needed to give Azazel a swift kick. My house was located in the guardian complex with underground tunnels that led all around Paper City. Most citizens didn't know about them, and you had to have a key to open certain doors. Golvig carried Illaria on his back, and I tried to quit glancing over to check on her. We made it to the tower that halted magic. It meant her fiancé wouldn't be able to sense her location or teleport to her.

She lifted her head to take in the tower's lobby. Can you get me an internal room without windows or balconies?

Yeah, I'll get you a middle room.

The tower had elaborate golden walls and opal flooring that the dazzling chandeliers made shimmer. During the day, humans, Grondians, Dryads, fae, and many more conducted business of all sorts on the first four floors. The upper thirty stories served as places for people to stay during meetings and other endeavors. To keep everyone as safe as possible, most magic was blocked.

The pointed ears of the elf at the front desk twitched as he scanned his scroll. He brushed the enormous feather pen across his cheek. Are you sure you don't want a fancier room with more accommodations? Our middle rooms are usually reserved for the lower class. The beds aren't the most comfortable.

How about I pay you for a better room, and you have your people switch it for a better bed? I slid the amount for the room to him and added a gold piece. That's for your silence about our location. If we are not found out, there will be another for you when we leave.

His eyes widened at the half-year's wages. Yes, I will not tell a soul and will have the bed switched out immediately.

We were taken a back way to a lift used by staff to go as unnoticed as possible. The room could barely fit the enormous bed they had moved into it. That left enough space to walk around it to get to the tiny bathroom that barely squeezed in a toilet, tub, and sink. I helped my sister bathe and put on the silky blue pajamas that I had sent up from a boutique. Golvig tucked her in and took his place at her feet.

She tried to sit up but didn't last long. I'm pregnant.

Golvig told me. How is that possible?

I'm not sure. All I know is that I am. Soril confirmed it. She doesn't know how it's possible either. It only makes sense if I healed somehow, but the damage done to me should have left nothing to heal.

Soril was the healer that worked on the floating island where Illaria and Azazel lived when they weren't living in the Underworld where Azazel ruled.

I got myself under the covers. Why are you fighting with Azazel?

He's angry I'm keeping the baby because Soril had confirmed I will die giving birth. She said my draining is the worst she's seen, and she is fearful I won't make it to term.

How long do you have left?

Six moon cycles. Azazel won't let it go, and I needed a break from him to think about what I really want.

I fidgeted with the blanket. Her plight hit too close to home. My personal history was repeating itself, and I couldn't take the waves swelling in my stomach at the thought of losing someone else I loved to the Dryad curse. That was all I saw Dryad childbirth as—a curse.

He's not necessarily wrong. Wouldn't it be better for you to live?

She touched her belly and smiled. I'm not afraid to die, Imogen. That's not something I fear because I know where it leads. However, this baby is my miracle. Something stolen from me that I have gotten back.

The miracle you won't get to live to care for.

Her shoulders dropped. I don't need this from you too. Calm is what I'm after, so I can think without noise.

Okay. I'm sorry.

Do you want to tell me what happened to your hair?

I needed a change. It was a pain to pin-up.

She squinted one eye in suspicion but gave in to her exhaustion by not pursuing a clearer explanation. I put my arms around my sister, and she hugged me back.

It was like we were little again, comforting each other through nightmares. This was a grownup nightmare, but it couldn't stay that way. My biggest regret was not fighting harder for Bellamy. This time I wouldn't make the same mistake. If my sister chose to have her baby, it was time for me to figure out why Dryads died in childbirth and not stop until I found a way to prevent it from happening. There had to be a way. Doubt filled me that if a way existed, someone probably would have found it by now.

Emrys stared me down for a good five minutes. Your probation review is a week away. You can't afford any time off. You need to wait until after you're reinstated to normal status.

At this point, I really don't care. Personal things are going on that I need leave for.

His square jaw tightened. I'm afraid I can't approve your request.

I guessed you would say that, so here is my resignation. I slid the official document I'd filled out and stamped.

He looked it over. You're really going to give up everything you've worked so hard for? You've made it this far, and you're throwing it all away at the final hour.

Yes, sir, I am.

He ran his fingers through his dark hair. The council will most likely not be happy about this.

There has not been any point that I have cared about the council's emotions.

I'll arrange a meeting with them to see if they will approve this.

Their decision won't carry much weight for me.

He huffed out a breath. You'll lose everything.

Everything they could take from me, I'm willing to let go. Maybe I'm doing this because I'm about to lose something too important to surrender.

He looked down at my resignation letter like it might change if he stared at it long enough. If I approve your leave, you won't pass the hearing next week. Your probation will either be extended, or you'll be kicked out completely.

So, it's best to let me go with as much dignity as possible.

Emrys set up the council meeting for the next day, and I went to the Dryad children's center in Paper City. There were three centers in three different realms, and I was glad they had kept a certain child close. Bellamy had put in her final instructions that I was allowed contact with her baby. It had been something I wasn't sure would be followed, but a Dryad mother's last words regarding her child were highly respected. In the end, the council ruled I could have a supervised hour a week with Bellamy's baby Lux.

The Grondian nanny took me back to the toddler nursery. Bright flowers painted the walls, and a green rug gave the children the artificial feel of the Dryad realm. A massive tree grew in the center of the room with leaves that changed color. They could climb it and explore inside. A small fenced-in area had various flowers and plants growing where the children could get used to feeling plant energy. Their full abilities wouldn't manifest until they were around twelve, at which time they would gain their bonded tree.

The tree acted as a ground for their massive abilities that would otherwise overwhelm them. The Dryad and the bonded tree would be linked for the rest of their lives, and if one died, the other would, too. My father had messed with the bonds for my sisters and me. He'd made us the ground and our familiars with abilities. He did that to hide us from the council he thought would control our lives too much. Toki was basically my bonded tree, but he had my magic, and I had none.

Lux toddled toward me before I even made it through the gate. We got little time together, but I tried to make the time we did have memorable. Dryads had two forms. One was more tree-like and the other human-like. It varied which form they used. All the things my father had messed with kept my sisters and me in our human form. Lux was still little enough that he hadn't learned how to shift. He had moss tufts of hair sprouting on his head, and his skin had bark like an aspen tree, greyish-white and smooth. He appeared as a boy carved from wood that could make easy facial expressions.

He leaped into my arms, grinning. Moen! Moen!

I squeezed him and spun him around. How's my boy today?

He squirmed out of my arms and toddled to Toki. He wrapped his tiny arms around the bubble. Toki did flips for him, which made the baby giggle. After Toki's show, I set Lux in my lap and read him a story about a fox and mouse who were unlikely friends. He patted my face as I read and snuggled in for a nap. I carried him to his cot and kissed the top of his head.

I watched him for a bit, thinking how I wished Bellamy was here to see him grow. He had her almond eyes, narrow nose, and the same dimple on his right cheek when he smiled. All the children in this place deserved to have their mothers. There was significant doubt Azazel would allow his child to grow up in a Dryad children's center, but their child deserved to have their mother as well. I couldn't sit by any longer and let this happen. No matter what the council said in the morning, I would figure out a way to save my sister.

Chapter 3

Stipulations

The nervous clanking outside my front door alerted me Noi had arrived, and it was going to be fun dealing with his disappointment. He was Bragi, or a lower tree spirit. He served as my assistant, but I never really used him as such. They'd assigned me one as part of the royal family, but instead of refusing him as Illaria had her assistant, I'd made him my best friend. I had Toki to help with anything I needed, but the tree boy's companionship was valuable to me.

I opened the door to see him pacing. His body was similar to a stump, and unlike the Dryads, who had smooth bark skin, the Bragi had rough skin like an oak. Twigs and leaves grew from his head, and his arms and legs were long branches with twig fingers and toes. He had sap-like eyes that appeared yellow and nearly translucent. A small hole in each side of his head served as his ears. His face had the usual distinctly shaped features of large cheekbones, lips, and nose.

I swung my door open. Do come in before you wear ridges in the hallway.

You're resigning from the guardians? Have you caught a fever? That's the only thing I can figure that something had made you disoriented. There is nothing you love more than fighting monsters, enemies, and threats. There's no possible way this is of your own accord. Is there a kidnapper hiding somewhere demanding you quit your favorite thing in the entire universe? That's it, isn't it? You're being threatened and forced. I'll fight them. You taught me a little I can use. He sucked in a deep breath, and his tan cheeks returned to their deep brown color.

You have to remember to breathe while talking before you pass out on sentence thirty. I'm willingly giving up being a guardian, but I can't tell you why.

His gaze dropped to the floor, and his eyes moved back and forth. But why?

It's someone else's secret to tell, but you are wrong that I love being a guardian more than anything. What I love more than anything is you, Toki, Lux, and my sisters.

So, you're doing this for someone you love?

Yes, but don't press this further. I can't and won't tell you. Not because I don't trust you, but because the stakes are too high to not keep it as small as possible. It also protects you from being in trouble if things are figured out. I need you, as my friend, to trust me on this.

He stood up straight and gave a salute. You have all my support. No questions asked.

Your blind faith is endearing but be careful who you give that to.

You're the only one I ever could.

The Bragi were highly loyal, especially to the Dryad they served, but Noi often took it to another level. I thought maybe it was because we were friends as well.

I have to go put on a stupid dress to speak with the council. Give me a minute, and we can leave together if you'd like.

What happened to your hair?

I chopped it off.

Yes, but why?

I paused at my door. It was dead weight.

You're still as beautiful as ever.

Thank you.

I scanned my closet and picked one of the two dresses I owned. It wasn't that I minded wearing one, but they weren't the easiest to fight in. Swords weren't allowed in the council room, so I stashed a couple daggers in my boots. Noi and Toki were conversing when I came back to the living room. I needed to get the meeting over with to check on Illaria.

Noi jumped up and dug his thumbnail into his hand. Wow! You look amazing.

I rolled my eyes. I'm sure.

You do.

You're getting woodchips all over my floor with your fidgeting. You need to take deep breaths because you are way more nervous about this entire thing than I am.

You're never nervous, so it doesn't take many nerves to beat you.

Toki bobbed his head. He has you right there. You, being even the slightest bit anxious about things would make my job easier.

Mine too, Noi said.

I glanced one more time in the mirror by my front door and pushed down my blonde hair that wanted to spike. You two need to stop. There's nothing to be anxious about.

They walked me to the council room, and Toki shrunk himself to go unnoticed by the guards. They otherwise wouldn't have let him in. Illaria's lion and Zola's wolf Lago could turn invisible, whereas Toki could shrink himself and could shrink me inside his bubble.

The council was full of old men who, most of the time, should have minded their own business. They often stuck their noses in matters that did not concern them, like Dryad pregnancies and births. They were why I'd fight to keep my sister's situation a secret for as long as possible.

The members sat in rows of chairs that ascended like stairs. A large podium at the front center allowed for one speaker at a time. Gold speckled the floors, and colorful glass formed a dome at the top with pictures of Grondian history. The walls had tapestries and paintings that showed the history of the realms.

Orym, the council leader, stood at the podium. He was an older Grondian, probably close to five hundred years, with his wrinkled wrinkles, crooked nose, and lengthy white beard. He had on the blue armor of a retired guardian.