Catherine Sinclair: The Formation of The Holy Knights: Luke Castello, #3

By Lucas Stocks

This is the first prequel book to the Luke Castello series. Reading the first two Luke Castello books first is recommended but not required.

 

The Holy Knights are one of the greatest squads on Olympus. Every group has its beginning, and this document holds the details of theirs.

 

It started when Catherine's mother claimed she was the daughter of a great god, but her powers never developed. Still, Catherine dreamed of being an officer in the Olympus army. She would train every day to make that goal into a reality. Eventually, she was accepted into Olympus's army as a recruit.

 

A single goal always stayed at the forefront of Catherine's mind. She vowed to form a group to fight the shadows. However, Catherine would soon discover that there are shadows hiding even in the brightest of lights.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lucas Stocks
• Release date: Dec 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215519288

Lucas Stocks

Dr. Lucas Stocks is from Gadsden, Alabama. He graduated from Samford University with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2021.  Catherine Sinclair: The Formation of The Holy Knights is his latest book to release. It's a prequel book that follows Catherine and her group on their first mission for Olympus. The Holy Knights were introduced in the second Luke book and play a major role in it. After that, the next book in the main Luke series will potentially be released in 2024. You can follow this author on Instagram-Lucas.Stocks or his new Lucas Stocks Author Facebook page. He doesn't do much on social media, but they will have his biggest book announcements.  Remember, if you enjoyed Luke's journeys, be sure to leave a review and tell your friends. Nothing helps authors more than word of mouth. Lastly, a quote very dear to him. It's a line Apollo says in his first book, "Nothing is impossible unless you believe it is."

Book preview

Prelude: From the Secret Archives of K

This document is only for K to reflect on. He’ll know if you read this and action will be taken.

My name is Hallay. This is my first recording for the master. I was given the sole purpose to be his record keeper. I am to read the memories of others and transcribe them for his personal use. I am unsure why I am documenting such trivial things before the actual transcription. As a final note, these events happened several years before I was given the honor of being his record keeper. Documentation over. The transcribing of K’s thoughts on the events begins now.

The Holy Knights... almost everyone on Olympus knows their names now. However, there was a time when their exploits didn’t exist. All groups have their beginning, and this record will hold the knowledge behind that time. I don’t fully understand why I am having Hallay collect this information now... Perhaps I am only being sentimental.

Hallay, after compiling everything, I want the information put in my highest security vault. No one must know what truly transpired. This is for the good of the entire world.

Understood, master. No one will ever view this except yourself. I will erase all knowledge from my own mind afterwards.

No, that is not necessary. As my new record keeper these experiences are a part of your training. I wish for you to learn from others. Use them to shape yourself as you see fit.

As... you wish, master. I live to serve.

I will now begin transcribing the events from the target Catherine Augustus Sinclair’s memories.

Chapter 1: A Light on the Surface

I dreamt to be something more. This was my start.

Iwas practically raised by the Olympus army. My mother’s sister, Hope, tried her best to take care of me all on her own, but I was the type of child that would always run off. I couldn’t help it. For us, there is nothing we strive for more than being part of the army, and I was always fascinated with watching the troops train. It wouldn’t be long until I would train alongside them for fun. In the beginning, I think they humored me more than they took me seriously.

My mother Sarah died giving birth to me. She was a demigod, but only ever had a null mark. A null mark is the symbol of a powerless demigod. She never told anyone who my father is. The only thing she would say is that I’d grow up to be a great hero. People took that as my dad being a powerful angel or god.

My powers didn’t manifest at all early on. When I finally decided to give the angel Haniel a visit, he took one sniff of me and said he didn’t sense a thing. He thought I’d grow up to have a null mark as well. Haniel is an expert on demigod ancestry. If anyone could sense any potential power in me, it would be him.

Sure, it wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but I decided I wouldn’t let my circumstances control my life. I constantly train even now to break past the limits of a demigod body. I am still only a cadet in training, and I may never be a hero like mom wanted. I will still protect people, though. That is a promise.

In the academy, we’re taught using a variety of different methods. We learn fighting styles from different eras and cultures to find something that suits us. There are more specialized classes for medics, engineers, and scientists.

You’d think Olympus would have state-of-the-art classrooms. Well, that definitely isn’t the case. They’ve been using the same building for the past few hundred years. I’ve heard there have been talks to make a new headquarters building. If so, the academy and its training facilities would also get moved over. For now, we have to deal with these crummy desks and squeaky chalkboards.

At least demon history isn’t the most boring class. It teaches us about weaknesses that are known for active demons as well as how other demons were killed. That’s the class I’m in now.

The demon of Roanoke is a vicious monster with green scaly wings and red eyes. While we are only assuming its name is Croatoan, we still haven’t learned anything regarding the situation around its creation. He hasn’t been shown to have any clear weaknesses either, our teacher Elijah explains. I raise my hand, and Elijah calls on me. Yes, Catherine?

I’ve heard someone claim that he can turn into a dragon. Is that true? If so, would that make him as strong as one of the demon commanders? I ask.

Elijah sighs. You always find a way to tie your questions to the demon commanders. To answer, I haven’t personally heard of him having that ability, but I wouldn’t rule it out. Also, as I’ve explained before, even comparing between the demon commanders in terms of strength is hard. Sloth wasn’t physically strong but could exhaust an entire city by yawning. After Sloth’s demise, his presumed replacement Beelzebub could be considered stronger in terms of raw power. You can’t judge a demon’s power by being in the seven commanders. Beelzebub simply served as Hell’s tactical advisor until recently.

That was more of an explanation than I was hoping for. I just want to fight a dragon. What better way is there for a hero’s story to unfold? Stop it, Catherine. I’ll be lucky if I even get to fight in the army.

Elijah continues his talk on other known demons. I lean back in my seat. My chair scratches across the marble floor. Most of the class appears half asleep. I shouldn’t be surprised. We just finished drills thirty minutes ago. It can definitely be smelled off us all. They really should implement shower time after drills.

I feel something touch the back of my head. I reach back to my hair only to find it’s sticky and matted together. Gum... someone put gum in my hair. I don’t even have to guess who.

I turn my head rapidly to see Richard sitting back down. He has a devilish grin across his face. His eyes are daring me to do something. So, I do. I wait for Sir Elijah to turn his back. Then, I pull the gum along with some of my hairs out and toss the whole thing at Richard’s head.

Richard’s expression turns sour. He stands and slams his hand on his desk. Sir Elijah, Psycho Sinclair is at it again!

Elijah turns to see Richard pointing at the gum now stuck in his hair. Elijah looks at me. Catherine? Did you do this? Richard has his stupid grin out once more.

I roll my eyes and shrug. He tried flirting with me again. I only wanted to make him a little easier on the eyes. I don’t think it worked. A few of our classmates laugh.

Richard scowls. That’s it, Psycho Sinclair. You and me at the Olympus clocktower after class.

You’ll need a little more makeup before I agree to do that, I say sarcastically. Some more giggles ring out around us.

No, Sinclair. I’m about to show everyone why a null mark like you should never have been allowed here, he sneers.

The guy sitting in the desk next to me stands. He turns to Richard. He takes one step toward him.

I grab his arm. Ko, it’s okay, really, I look Richard in the eyes. I’m not a null mark yet, and I’m not scared of you. I’ll be there.

Elijah looks like he wants to step in, but he shouldn’t. Duels like this are common amongst recruits. To do that to me would prove Richard right. I have no doubt Richard will have this spread throughout the school. Many of our teachers use matches like this to gauge our power and to find a place for us in the army.

The tension is broken by the bells ringing. Richard and his crew clear out pretty fast. Ko and I are about to walk out when Elijah calls us over.

Catherine, you don’t have to do this. I’m sorry I didn’t see through his charade from the beginning, Elijah says sadly.

I smile. It’s fine. I don’t blame you. Richard comes from one of the most distinguished families on Olympus. He’s been trying to make an example out of me for a while.

He says seriously. Still, as your teacher, I should be better. Be careful, okay?

I wave my hand as to shrug it off. I will. Come on, Ko.

We walk out of the classroom and into the hall. Ko asks me. You do have a plan, right? Richard may be smug, but he isn’t a pushover.

I laugh loudly. Neither am I.

A quiet voice says behind us. You won’t beat him with only physical power. I can help, though.

Ko and I turn. Hmmm... I know this girl is in our class, but she’s so quiet that I don’t remember her name. Our class is rather large, but I’m not sure how good of an excuse that is. I know she got in the recruits because of her intelligence. Her short stature and weaker body wouldn’t be suited for combat, that’s for sure.

I tilt my head. Oh, umm. How’s that exactly? Also, don’t take this the wrong way, but what’s your name again?

Her eyes won’t meet my own. It’s okay. I usually try to keep to myself. I’m Alivia. Alivia Price. I know you don’t have much of a reason to believe me, but I can help you. I’ve run a bunch of scenarios in my head, and I think I know your exact path for victory.

I shrug. Okay! Walk with us. Tell me what you think.

Ko holds his arm out to keep us from moving. Catherine... You truly shouldn’t be so trusting. Ko leans over Alivia. Why would you want to help her?

Alivia scoots back a little, pushes up her glasses, and says even quieter. Richard has messed with a lot of people in our class including myself. I want to see jerks like him get what they deserve. That is how our goals align.

I laugh heartily and hug my arm around her neck. Sounds like the making of a future hero to me! Ko, she’s fine. I trust her.

Ko puts his hand on his head and groans. Ohhh, alright. I hope you don’t regret this.

Alivia looks down at the floor. L-Let’s s-see. He-He’ll pro-

Ko looks at me doubtfully.

I shake my head. Give her a second, Ko.

Alivia takes a breath and turns her gaze to the ceiling. Her eyes are moving like she is looking at a variety of different things. Whatever she is seeing, Ko and I have no part in it.

Something in her face changes. She appears sterner, and her personality shifts.

Alivia’s eyes lock with mine. You won’t need to get your weapon for this fight, but we will need something to throw him off balance. Luckily, that won’t be hard at all to get.

She continues talking while we walk to the Olympus clocktower. The quiet little girl is replaced by a seasoned analytical genius. I can see that this girl observes everything and everyone around her very closely.

I was right about Richard making this a spectacle. I feel like he must have called his father, General Swanser, because I see many high-ranking officials around. The crowd is at least far enough away from the clocktower’s front courtyard to give us room to fight. I walk past the large fountain in the middle of the courtyard. I don’t see Richard... unless Alivia was already correct.

I hear his voice quickly enough though. So, you did decide to show up! I would have thought you’d hide in the classroom all day. Here! To give you a slight glimmer of hope!

I see a shimmer of light. A spear pierces into the concrete in front of me. It’s about the size of what I usually use.

Aww, I’m not sure if I should be flattered or creeped out, Richard. You even got the measurements right. I was beginning to think you didn’t care after all, I goad and look up.

He just sits down on the edge of the clocktower roof and doesn’t say anything back. I can feel his eyes bearing down on me from here. I take a check of my surroundings. Good.

Richard drops from the roof. Fire sparks from his feet. As he falls, the fire turns into a roaring flame and propels him even faster. I’ll have to time this perfectly. I drop my spear. Then, I pull my secret weapon from the side strap of my backpack.

Richard turns his descent angle to me. I dodge right before he can hit and sling my arm in his direction as he passes by. Water sprays around Richard’s body. His flames sputter. He blasts fire from his hands to help steady himself in the air.

He coughs. A water bottle? That was a di-

I don’t even give him the time. He’s right in position. I tackle him, and we both fall into the fountain in the courtyard. I pull him up by his shirt, then slam him back down into the water. He grabs my arm, but I knock him away. I yank him up and throw him across the ground.

His body is completely soaked. Technically mine is too. I had to be wearing white today. Whatever. He starts to stand, but I kick him in the chest. I grab my spear as he falls back to the ground, then I stab it into the ground next to him.

I lean in and grin. Had enough?

All he does is look away. I stand and begin to walk away. I feel a little warmth from behind me. Man, Alivia really predicted this too. She was spot on.

I crouch rapidly as a ball of fire passes over my head. I turn and sweep my foot across the ground. Richard tumbles right back to the concrete. Then, I bang the pole end of my spear to his head for good measure. He was asking for it. I can see his wet handprint in the hot sidewalk. That’s how he dried his hand enough to use his fire.

The people around us actually cheer... for me. Although, I feel like the older officers are cheering for different reasons. Still, I raise my spear high into the air.

I yell. Some of you may be timid. Others may be scared to speak up even for the sake of the weak. Heck, you may even feel completely powerless. I’m here to tell you that any of you can have the courage to fight because me and my friends do! I may not be anything now, but one day, you will all know the names Catherine Sinclair, Ko Tourise, and Alivia Price! I... no, we will be heroes one day! Count on it!

The crowd cheers even louder. I see General Swanser from here. His eyes are enraged. He shakes his head and walks away. I feel something brush around my shoulders. It’s Ko’s black leather jacket.

Here, milady. Please cover up with this for now, Ko says.

Thank you, Ko, I laugh. Don’t make me sound like some kind of noble woman, though. Just Catherine is much better. I tell him that at least three times a day.

Alivia says from behind Ko. You did everything exactly right. If your body wasn’t in such great shape, I’m not sure it would have been possible. However, I don’t know about that hero speech. I only wanted to help.

I move Ko out of the way and hug Alivia tightly. That is exactly the heart of a hero. Without you, this couldn’t have happened. I was planning on fighting him straight forward to be honest. Fist to face.

Of course, you were, Ko says behind me with exasperation.

Uhhh... the water from your clothes is starting to soak my own, Catherine, Alivia says.

It’s okay. It’s okay, I squeeze even tighter.

Little do they know, some of my own tears are mixed in that water. Today, I took a big step to accomplishing my goals. In a place where having powers dominates our society, I showed our classmates and officers that powers aren’t everything. I mean, sure I had a little help, but what’s wrong with that?

Afew weeks have passed since that fight. Beating Richard didn’t really change that much in my everyday life. Ko and I did keep hanging out with Alivia after that. Talk about a super smart girl. She’s still shy around us, but I didn’t expect that to change fast.

One more thing did change. Richard doesn’t try to bother me anymore. Actually, he won’t look in my direction most of the time. I think I saw him covered in bruises the day after our fight... I hope that it wasn’t from the general. He is known for being hot blooded.

It’s another normal class day. I keep getting distracted by how nice it is outside. I wish I was out there instead. Sir Elijah is writing on his overused chalkboard and teaching us about Baal. He’s a being that Elijah has fought against multiple times in the past. Baal hasn’t always been aligned with Hell’s forces, but he still tormented humans all the same.

As for Sir Elijah, he is a prophet that was taken up to Heaven while still alive. Hell’s increasing activity brought him out of retirement many years ago. He couldn’t sit idly by while this war raged on. Now, he helps teach recruits, commands part of the army, and occasionally fights himself.

Elijah’s actual rank is called Prophet Commander and was specifically created for him. He is given a vote on the court of Olympus and was allowed to eat a fruit from the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life has significantly prolonged his lifespan, and it’s said that one fruit can treat any disease as well. Unless he dies from a wound, Elijah will continue to live on long after I die. Very few have gained the honor of eating from the Tree of Life.

Sir Elijah says. Baal has only become weaker from our fights, so he would probably never be in the running for the demon commanders. Regardless, he is a threat that should be taken seriously. Any quest-

The door to the classroom flies across the room. The angel Samson barges in. He has a black robe with gold stripes running down it. I’m not sure I see right, but he might have on a Hawaiian shirt under that. His two famous drill swords are strapped to his sides. I heard he went toe to toe against the demon Wrath with those blades. He’s in charge of military training, so if someone wants to rise through the officer ranks, he’d be somebody we would want to impress.

Behind Samson is someone that looks like a kid, but I know better than to trust first impressions on Olympus. It’s the easiest place to be led astray on dating apps, that’s for sure. One time Ko had this hilarious encounter with a girl centaur. Good times. She only showed her face in pictures, so boy was he shocked when they went out to dinner. He hasn’t been on a date for months after that.

The smaller guy with Samson has a golden cloth wrapped around his neck. He’s looking up at the ceiling as if deep in thought. He has on a spotless lab coat with scalpels and needles filled with liquid in the pockets.

Elijah is definitely confused. What are you two doi-

Samson yawns. Howdy, Elijah. Sorry for interrupting class and all that jazz. You know how much I hate to work, but the bigwigs up top want us to throw some pain at the recruits.

Sir Elijah ignores the fact that Samson interrupted him again and asks. Pain? What is this about?

Samson squints. Oh, did I say pain? I meant, uh, special training. Yeah, that’s it. Apparently, Hephaestus and some of his children have created some kind of v-ventual. No. Sensational? That doesn’t sound right. Sensual? Oof, no, that’s definitely not it. Oh! Vir-virtual doodad, he nudges the kid. Help me out here, Paean. You understand this stuff better than me.

The shorter guy shakes his head like he just came out of a trance. His voice sounds slightly British. Oi, angel! I was in the middle of rereading a fascinating book on physics that some human wrote. Human science is quite interesting. Too bad most of it is wrong. If only I could teach them t-

Samson coughs loudly. Uh... you were staring into space from my point of view.

Paean rolls his eyes. I memorized it so I could read it whenever I wanted. Wasn’t that obvious?

Samson rubs his forehead. Nobody does that so no. I swear Gabriel must be rolling in his throne from laughter over this team up. Will you just explain the thing to the recruits?

Paean jumps on top of Elijah’s desk. If I must. I doubt their minds will comprehend the complicated parts, so I’ll keep it short and simple. Hephaestus and a few of his brats have created a virtual world using those fancy computers the humans invented. They found a way to disassemble our physical forms and transport them into that virtual world. This can be used to recreate fights from the past without any actual damage to the body of the user. In essence, it could be used as a new way to train although my applications for it would be so much better. Uncreatively, they named it, The War Simulator.

Ko whispers to me. That was short and simple?

Samson nods. Exactly how I would have explained it, probably. The point is that we are considering using this as another platform to gauge you recruits. It may even be as heavily televised as colosseum fights one day. You don’t have to take part in the trial run, but it would be a good way to show the officers what you are capable of. Sign-ups will start tomorrow and run through next week. The only requirement is, you have to sign up as a five-man squad, but the squads can consist of students from different classes. I know this is different from our usual six-person formation, but I wanted to make it less flexible for strategies. More information will be given closer to time. Dismissed.

Elijah sighs. Uh, no, they are not. We still have class.

Samson’s face is startled. Huh? Oh, forgot about you for a second, Elijah. Sorry about that. Also, you’ll be reviewing the groups with Paean and me. Court’s orders.

Elijah says unenthusiastically. Of course, I will. Any other announcements before I get back to my actual job?

Samson laughs while walking out. Nope! I’ll send someone to repair the door later... then he mumbles. If I remember.

This is the perfect opportunity to keep the momentum going. If I win this, the officers are sure to take notice of me. I look over at Ko.

He shakes his head. I already know what you’re thinking. Guess we might as well.

Elijah was about to pick back up on his lecture when the bell rings. To say he didn’t look happy would be an understatement. He sits at his desk and lies his head on the table. He does get interrupted a lot, so I don’t blame him. Poor guy.

Dismissed, he pouts.

I stand up and get to work immediately. Hey, Carol! Do you want to join my team?

Carol usually sits in front of me. She’s a satyress, a female satyr, but still decided to fight for the Olympus army. She’s good at making melodies with her pan flute that alter a person’s state of mind.

Carol glances behind me. She says nervously. Uhhh... sorry, Catherine. I’m not sure that’s a good idea.

Huh? Why? I ask her.

N-no reason. Listen, I-I’ll talk to you later, her hooves clop across the floor as she leaves.

I turn to Richard. He was facing this way but huffs and turns his head away. Don’t tell me...

I ask three more people. They all turn me down. Is everyone really so afraid of Richard that they won’t even join my team? Cowards. Guess all that cheering the other week was for show.

She’s trying to find people to form a team, huh? I hear Alivia ask Ko.

Yep, is all he says.

She’s not having any luck?

Nope, Ko answers as I try to convince someone else.

I thought it might be like this. Hey, Catherine! Come here. I have an idea, Alivia calls from across the room.

I run up to her and place my hands on her shoulders. I say desperately. Do you mean it? You really know what to do?

Alivia smiles. I didn’t say that. I have some leads on people we could ask. They aren’t conventional or fit with the status quo around here, but I have a feeling that works fine for you.

I laugh loudly. Of course! I mean we already have a super genius, a powerless future hero, and a dwarf son of two giants! I say the more misfits the better! We’ll show them!

Alivia turns to Ko. You’re a giant? I never knew that.

Ko shrugs. Few do. For one of us to be the size of a human is almost unheard of. I was cast away from my family because of my stature. Instead of trying to join one of the other giant clans, I made my way to Olympus. I was living on the streets when milady met me. She offered to house me in her late mother’s home. I owe my life to milady.

I lightly slap Ko’s back. I’ve told you to stop with the milady crap. Still, Ko has the strength of the giants running through him. No one here would be able to match him in hand-to-hand combat, and he’s as durable as steel.

Ah, I see. Makes sense as to why you would want him on your team. Anyways, here is the list of people that I thought of and a few notes about them. Now, you’ll need to convince three of them to team up with you, she hands me four pages.

A few notes? These are basically full-blown dossiers on the people. We just found out about this contest, and she already drafted these up? She really is something special.

Confused, I ask. Three? What are you talking about? There are already three of us. We only need two.

Alivia is taken aback. Oh no. You can’t possibly want me to fight with you guys. I’d only be a burden. Your chances of winning would be-

I place my hand on her head. Much greater if you were there. In any type of warfare, the ability to analyze situations and adapt is critical. We’ll need you if we are going to win. I have no doubt.

She looks away. Al-alright. If you insist, then I know of two that we should try to convince over the rest. They might even make up for my shortcomings.

I say happily. Perfect! Lead the way! There’s no time to waste!

We quickly follow Alivia to the main exit of the cadet training facility. She said that we would have to hurry to find this one because of how early she goes home. It doesn’t take me long to figure out why she leaves so early. I’m almost certain this one is a little kid. She has long blue hair and a small bunny doll.

Alivia calls to her. Um-umm. Mavis Thorley? Do you have a second?

The blue haired girl turns around and tilts her head to the side. Huh? Do we know each other? I can’t chat long. Mother is cooking dinner, and I shouldn’t be late.

Alivia stutters. W-we don’t know each other directly. I was one of the people who oversaw your early acceptance into the program. My friend wants to ask something of you.

Mavis Thorley? I wish I would have thought to look over the papers on the way here. Oh well, here goes nothing.

I hold out my hand, and her tiny hand shakes it. Hey there! I’m Catherine Sinclair. We were looking for people to join our team for The War Simulator. I was hoping you would be one of them?

Mavis’s face scrunches. You’re asking me? I thought it sounded like fun, but nobody in my class would let me join them. They think I’m too young, but I’m a recruit just like them.

I wave my hand as if to blow it away. Psh, I don’t care how old you are. Can you fight?

Well, I mean... I don’t know, she says with a little less confidence in her voice.

She’s a direct daughter of Poseidon. During her admittance exams, she received perfect marks in everything including combat, Alivia says.

I laugh heartily. We’d be glad to have you! Think it over for a few days if you want.

Mavis shakes her head. No, I’ll do it. Um... just.

Huh? Just what? I crouch a little.

Does this mean we can be friends too? Mavis asks timidly.

I see. She looks about ten while most of us in the program are eighteen or older. I mean, I’m twenty. Ko’s twenty-three. Mavis probably hasn’t found it easy to find people to be friends with. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s had a harder time being here than me.

I wrap my arm around her. Of course, we’re friends! Find us at lunch from now on. We’d love to have you around! We’ll talk more about The War Simulator later. You should probably be getting home.

Mavis nods her head. Okay, I will. I’ll see you guys tomorrow, she runs down the steps.

Nice kid. She’ll do great things. I can feel it. Well, that one wasn’t too hard to convince. Who is the other priority person, Alivia? I ask.