Secrets of the Void

By J S Guay

About the Book
The gods have made a mistake that will cost them dearly, and their savior could also be their doom. By opening the Secrets of the Void, Das will surely enslave the entire world to the will of the Ever Beasts that have been locked away. At the same time, he’s attempting to correct that wrongs that his own mother inflicted.

About the Author
J S Guay is currently a stay-at-home mom of six. Her children are her pride and joy, and the reason she gets up the in the morning. She loves to be outdoors – if you gave her the choice between doing dishes and mowing the lawn, she will always choose mowing the lawn.
She served over six years active duty in the Army. During that time, she went to Airborne school and served as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division; she also spent a year deployed in Afghanistan. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication, as well.
Her lifelong passion has always been reading fantasy novels. She was inspired to write this book while reading her all-time favorite series Xanth by Piers Anthony.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company
• Release date: Mar 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685376338

Book preview

Chapter 1:

The Capture

So, I have heard rumors of where I can find a little half demon that can help me find the Key Stones. Perhaps you have heard of her, she goes by the name Caracara. Supposedly she specializes in acquiring lost or fabled artifacts. I have been informed that she is a little difficult to get ahold of at times, so I have devised a plan to capture and enlist her to our cause," Das was explaining to his demon friend.

The demon called Uriel shifted a little in his chair. Das and Uriel were meeting in a little bar on the outskirts of the city, St. Louis. It had taken all day for Das to get there, because his morning had started out in Southern North Carolina, just north of South of the Border, South Carolina. It seems Das’s life has consisted of meeting after meeting with his demonic friends lately, but it was all for a higher purpose.

I just arrived from North Carolina. My meeting with the Sergeant Major of the Army has been a weeklong event, but he has provided me with some juicy details of where I can find Caracara. Therefore, I have asked you to meet me in St. Louis tonight. Caracara is here in this city, and I intend to find her. Given you are her father, I figured she might want to see a familiar face when I have her brought to me. I also intend to make Oh Mighty Sergeant Major pay for wasting my time for a whole week. He’ll find that his little bodyguards are not what they have always seemed to him.

Uriel spoke for the first time since Das began his little speech, "Das,

I don’t think you realize how long it has taken to get those agents into

place with the Sergeant Major. I also don’t think you realize how long it took to convince the Sergeant Major to side with our cause. Why must you insist on playing these games? Also, I do not care that my daughter is here. I have no interest in seeing her, and I’m positive she doesn’t want to see me either."

Uriel! You amuse me with your little antics. I really do find them hilarious! Surely, since your boss is using me, he won’t mind if I use what and who I want, to achieve His goals! You will be here when your daughter is brought in, and I want you to help her remember whose side she is on. She cannot run from her destiny any more than I can, Das said before sipping from his mug.

Das looked around, silently musing about his own predicament. After he had chosen the side of evil, a messenger angel known as Gabriel had tried one last time to bring him to their side. The angel had told him that he is the bastard son of a Maker, and that enormous power is his heritage. Gabriel had been devastated to learn that Das was not changing his mind. The angel tried one more tactic before giving up. Gabriel told Das that if he opens the Void, he would release countless horrors that would end human existence. Das grimaced at this memory, because the demons had not told him that much, but he wanted to stick it to the man, as it were. He had to remain on the side of evil, but bitterness for his decision turned his soul darker and darker. Das could feel his very being seething about his mother’s betrayal, and so he did with the demons what he wanted. Turning his head to finally look at Uriel again, he said, They are bringing her to me right now. I want you to clear this bar out, because I am comfortable where I am. Keep the bartender on hand. I am thirsty tonight, and this beer isn’t too bad.

Uriel sighed and shook his head slightly, but he rose from his chair and began clearing a space in the middle of the bar. He knew Das would want some room to strut around and jabber about random things. This is, after all, not the first prisoner Das has ever captured, and knowing what Das wanted would make this all easier for everyone involved. Uriel really had no love for Caracara, but her human mother, whom Uriel cared deeply for, would be devastated if she found out Uriel let something happen to her. While he pushed tables and chairs around with mere thoughts, he spoke aloud to the rest of the bar customers, Sorry, folks! The bar is closing early tonight, and it is best if you all go home now.

A trio of drunken and belligerent men stood up to say something, but Uriel cut off their protest, I don’t think you want to oppose me, gentlemen. I am a perpetually pissed off demon, and I would love nothing more than to tear you limb from limb and to eat your major organs. Seeing as how I don’t have time for that, I will settle to just rip your hearts out through your chests and be done with you all.

One of the drunks was clearly not cowed and again tried to speak, and so Uriel punched his fist into the man’s chest and brought his dying heart out for the rest of them to see. Like I said, I don’t have time for this. I give you one last chance to leave now! He threw the dead heart to the floor as the similarly dead owner of it slumped to floor, blood pooling around his corpse.

Suddenly sober, the other two pushed and shoved each other out of the way to clear out with the rest of the bar crowd. Once the bar was silent and empty, Das stood up to wait for his special delivery. Uriel took a moment to take a pull of his own mug. Just as he wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve, the escort demons with Caracara entered the bar from the back door. Caracara’s hands were tied behind her back and a strip of duct tape was over her mouth, but she looked very angry as she was manhandled into a chair.

Chapter 2:

Dastard In Deed

I need your help finding some artifacts, and word on the street is, you are the go-to person for stuff like this. Perhaps you have heard of what I seek? I am seeking the Key Stones to unlock the Void."

At this point, the young woman raised her eyebrows in surprise. Das continued, Ah! So you have heard of it! This is great news for both of us, little bird. It seems we are going to be partners in this quest! Das exclaimed when he saw the look on her face.

What makes you think I will help you find the Key Stones, since you will most likely kill me anyway. I can choose to not tell you and take what I know with me to my grave. I have always known I could die young, so I have accepted it, the prisoner spoke slowly and sullenly in her proclamation.

Yes, little bird, I can see that you have indeed accepted your fate, but I offer you your life in exchange for assisting me in my quest. It seems I do not exactly have a knack for locating mystical objects, and all my sources have pointed me in your direction for this kind of thing. My need for your skills will keep you alive, but if you refuse my offer, I will kill you without hesitation! Das replied. I am in a little bit of a hurry, since I have undoubtedly made enemies with the side of good. Seeing as how I have renounced them, so I require a prompt decision.

Cara was silent for a few moments, but it was obvious she was thinking about Das’s words. Okay then, but I require your word that you will release me at the end of this quest, but you must also grant me protection while I help you find your Key Stones.

Das thought for a moment before saying, "As long as you stay close by my side, I will make sure I am the