Trials And Settlements: Spring Castle Legacy, #1

By Michel R Vaillancourt

Life is complicated when you're dead, as the Youth of Glitter City have found out.

After the tumultous events of 1996 on the Gulf Coast, the Afterliving Orphans find themselves having be catapulted from being afterthoughts to the founders of a brand new Court of Eden, not far from Denver, Colorado.

With a war brewing between the new Court and the local Dämonvülf Pack, favors and friends are called in to keep everyone safe. However, the real danger to the Court and Community of Spring Castle is about to announce itself in a way that will leave everyone reeling.

New loves abound, old friends hold fast, and strange alliances are made. History is unfolding in the Unseen World that will change everything that the Youth of the Court thought they understood about their place in the Unseen World.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michel R Vaillancourt
• Release date: Aug 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223245469

Michel R Vaillancourt

I was born just after man landed on the moon. I grew up with New Wave and Friday Night Videos as the soundtrack to my teen years. My first computer was a Commodore 64 that I bought with money I earned from Sea Cadet camp. I was a geek when it wasn’t cool, tapped into an international FidoNet and an Internet no one knew about at 1200 baud. My Mom was a Navy Wife; my Dad was an Officer and a gentleman. I stole my Dad’s National Geographic and Popular Science magazines. My Mom gave me her wisdom, patience and and enough rope. The Berlin Wall fell during my first try at University. I served during the Persian Gulf War as the first shocks of the New World Order started rippling outwards. I was married, had a wonderful son, and divorced. I’ve gotten remarried, to an amazing friend and bright light in my world. I’m into Steampunk, the Society for Creative Anachronism, table-top Role-Playing Games, and MMORPG gaming. Hal-Con, WolfCon, NovaCon, ConSeption, DraCONis, Steamcon. I’m a 30-mumbleyear IT professional that started with NetWare. I ran my own consulting company for a decade. I’m an author, writing people-positive action-adventures and romantic fiction. I’ve been around the world in 180 days. I’m thinking about building an Earthship. I still fight with swords. I’m a bit complicated, a bit hard-nosed and a bit soft-hearted. My friends are my awesome.

Book preview

Part One

Establishment

Chapter One

Imani

8:02 pm, Friday, 9th May, 1997

May 1997

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

The long rays of the setting sun drew slithering shadows that slowly stretched from the mountains, through the valleys, and into the heart of the city of Denver, Colorado. The day had largely been cool and clear, with the afternoon sun bringing comfortable warmth through bright windows and into city lanes. A brisk southerly wind rustled the trees and lawns, stirring raised flags and strung laundry alike.

The night arrived, with the gemstone sky revealing only a thin crescent of the moon, and lights began to glow across the Mile-High City. The pace of the city changed, as factories and offices emptied while bars and restaurants filled.

Half an hour to the West, another change of pace was taking place in Spring Castle. Three years prior, a wildfire had swept down the valley from a near by forest park. In less than a day, the entire town of over a thousand was reduced to heat-shattered rubble, and ashes drifting in the fire-swept winds.

These days, building work was everywhere, with semi-trailers of construction materials regularly pulling into the substantial truck stop that had grown on the edge of town. The construction crews were putting away tools and heading home — be that trailers, motels, or apartments — to get cleaned up and ready for the evening. Everyone in the industry had gotten paid either yesterday or today. It was party night in Spring Castle.

The truck stop was filled to capacity as it usually was. The big rigs would start arriving just after the Denver commuters had parked, and would keep arriving until well after two in the morning. "Hauler House", as the place was called, was pretty much what anyone doing long-haul could want. It had eight truck-only gas-pumps, nearly three acres of parking lot for the rigs, a restaurant with a drivers-only area, a coffee lounge, showers, TV room, eight-ball tables, a licensed mechanic, a truck wash, and twenty-four-hour security staff walking the grounds.

Right next door, a motel had just finished construction, which had its own modest restaurant at one end, and a quiet bar at the other. Beside that was a Gentleman’s Club named "Mahaybees", whose patronage commonly included several visiting truckers, more than a few construction workers, as well as the local sheriff and a couple of his deputies.

You might think that three years would be plenty of time to rebuild a town, but at least in the case of Spring Castle, it wasn’t. It took nearly fourteen months for the County, State and Federal governments to get done fighting with each other and the myriad involved insurance companies before clean-up had fully gotten underway. By then, almost twenty percent of the original families had moved out of the area, to other places where homes were readily available. Likewise, nearly a third of the businesses that had lined both Main Street and Empire Avenue were never coming back, for a variety of reasons.

Land developers were wary of the morass of red tape that seemed to be slowing down everything that tried to happen in the area. Likewise, at least two substantial law suits ground everything to a halt for a few months until that was put to rest and settled out of court.

Life in the area of Spring Castle had really only gotten back to anything close to normal a year ago. Since then, the primary employment in the town was construction. All the water and sewer had to be replaced, and that massive under-taking was still on-going. As well, every square foot of asphalt needed to be resurfaced, proceeding slowly as the prior task progressed.

One of the developments the locals weren’t too fond of was the sudden arrival of a gated community at the east end of town, across a brand new and fancy bridge over County Creek. Eight distinctly posh-looking places, all but mansions, really, had sprung up in less than five months. Each lot was nearly three acres and sported not only the primary home, but usually a couple of other buildings of varying functions. Construction crews, landscapers and the like that no one knew and certainly weren’t part of any of the local trade Unions showed up and started on eighteen hour days.

At the same time, outside security people were suddenly around the place, and an altercation between a dozen Union guys and two of them resulted in the an awful lot of laid-up locals. The Sheriff gave everyone involved stern warnings, but it was noted that he didn’t seem to press the issue too much on the side of the new arrivals.

Every once in a while, a snazzy business helicopter would come and go from that area, which raised a lot of eyebrows at first. Similar reactions were given to the sudden number of expensive imported sports cars and motorcycles seen in evenings about town. Rumour and gossip about the place said the new home owners were everything from retired CIA operatives to Hollywood personalities to Mob Princes and Princesses. What the truth was, no one had yet been able to really pin down.

What was undeniable about whoever they were was the wealth. That was something the town of Spring Castle needed desperately. So, misgivings aside, the influx of cash into the town was not getting turned down.

In the basement of Number One, Sunset Court, Imani Jackson, originally of Atlanta, Georgia, was laying in a very expensive and comfortable casket, wearing a very expensive and comfortable linen nightgown. She had died two years ago in Glitter City, officially from a hiking accident. Her hand slowly raised, and grasped the side of the coffin. She opened her eyes.

Gawdamn, I am never going to get used to this, she groused as she struggled to sit up. It took her nearly four tries before her limbs would do as she desired.

A handsome young man opened the door to her room, and glanced in. Good evening, Duchess, he said quietly. His dark skin and hair was a blend of African and Hispanic ancestries, and he was tall, with the build of a speed skater.

G’evening, Reggie. How are things? Sun is mostly down?

He shook his head. You are, as ever, an early riser, My Lady. The shades will remain drawn for another twenty minutes.

She got her feet to the ground and stretched, and then nodded at him.

Will you be handling business immediately, My Lady, or relaxing?

She frowned for a moment, considering. Anything new from the Tiffster ... gawdammit, Anoki, now you’ve got me doing it! Imani grumbled in an equally amused and exasperated tone. I meant Lady Tiffany, of course, Reggie.

Reggie shook his head and chuckled. Of course, your Grace. Nothing has arrived today from the office of the Keeper. Nor from the Ambassador.

Imani nodded. Alright. Well, then I think tonight is going to be breakfast, a bit of reading, and then maybe out for a stroll.

Do you wish me to inform either the Ambassador or the Reaper of your intended outing?

Imani sighed. I appreciate how well you do your job, Reggie, but some times, your job is a pain in my ass.

Only because you know I’m right, Reggie chuckled.

She sighed again and nodded. I’m a grown-ass woman and a Lady of the Court of Eden. I shouldn’t need a baby-sitter to go for a walk.

"That would be entirely true, if not for the little detail where you are the Duchess of a brand new Court. A new Court of Eden, which happens to be getting itself established in the territory of a group of functionally fanatical Dämonvülfen who refuse to listen to reason, even from their own kind."

I know, I know, she sighed. Arguing with him was pointless. He was compulsive and stubborn about rules and protocol. He would simply argue chapter and verse with her until she gave up in frustration. Of course, this was precisely why he was her Retainer. Yes, Reggie, please let Lady Sharlene know what I’m up to and find out if she’s available.

I will do so, My Lady. With regards to your breakfast this evening ...?

Yes? Imani raised an eyebrow.

I am available to you, My Lady.

Well, that’s not an offer I’m gonna refuse. Go make those calls while I get cleaned up, and then you come on back. We’ll take some time and start our Night together.

Chapter Two

Sharlene

9:21pm, Friday, 9th May, 1997

Sharlene rested with her elbows on the guardrail of the bridge going over County Creek. She watched the current lazily curling water around a tree trunk that had gotten dug into the bottom after the last big rainstorm. The normally quiet flow of the Creek had been a fairly violent roar for almost an hour after the storm. Naturally, she’d been out in it, wearing a t-shirt and cut-offs. Naturally, Andy had been beside himself with worry until she came back in, looking like a joyfully drowned rat.

She sighed. She was going to have to have a sit-down heart-to-heart with Andy soon.

Well hey there, little lady! Lookin’ fine as ever, a Town Deputy said with a broad smile as he joined her on the bridge.

Hello, Emerret! Sharley replied with a grin. How was the day?

Oh, not bad. It’s pretty quiet around these parts; speeding tickets and loud music at too early o’clock is about the worst of it, he said with a grin, matching her stance, looking over the flowing water below.

Emerret was the most junior of the Sheriff’s deputies, and fairly easy on the eyes in Sharlene’s opinion. That had made chatting him up and gaining his trust reasonably easy. A bit of flirting at a bar after work, a bit of Suggestion, and he had a serious crush on her. Enough so that he was willing to keep his ears open for her about anything unusual going on.

None of the Union guys causing you too much trouble?

Oh, naw, Miz. They make big scenes, but at the end of the day, they just want the same things as everyone else. I just let ‘em vent a bit, and ask ‘em if they want to put a formal complaint in, and they never seem to remember to fill out the paperwork.

Emerret was in his uniform; likely just starting the evening shift, Sharlene thought. It probably made for an interesting scene, she guessed. She was dressed in hiking clothes, standing hip-to-hip with a police officer and chatting, next to a pricey gated community.

Emerret paused for a moment, thinking. Oh! I almost forgot. You wanted me to let you know if anyone used a few words off a list you gave me.

Yeah! What’s up?

Had some tall and thin chick wearing a mini-skirt and hoodie come into the diner late last night while I was having a coffee. She had a kind of weird vibe about her; a bit awkward but, a bit creepy too, for no reason I can point at?

Sharlene raised an eyebrow. Oh really?

Un-huh. Anyway, after a couple of minutes browsing the magazine rack she came over to me, and asked me if I knew where the doorway to Eden was. Like, she asked as though I’d automatically know what she meant. I told her there wasn’t a club or restaurant named that anywhere around here. She seemed kind of put out, but more surprised?

You don’t say? Sharlene questioned, listening carefully.

"Yeah. Anyway, naturally, I only sort of clued in while I was shaving tonight that ‘Eden’ was one of those words on the watch-list, as it were."

You did great, Emerret. That’s super helpful to me. Cash or credit?

"Uh, well, I’m in uniform; probably not a great idea for you to be handing me a fistful of twenties. Just put it on my tab at Mahaybees, like the last time."

Sure thing, Emerret. I really appreciate this. Any idea where she’s staying?

The young officer shook his head. I didn’t hear her talk about that, and by the time I finished my coffee, she was gone. If I see her around, want me to let you know?

Sharlene nodded. Yeah. It might be important for my research paper. Did you notice any jewelry on her?

The young deputy thought for a moment. He nodded. She had a heavy chain around her neck; had something hanging off it, but it was tucked in her shirt out of sight.

Huh. Good job, Emerret. That’s a big help to me.

Emerret nodded. I’m happy to help you out, pretty lady.

Sharlene snapped her fingers beside her right eye, and naturally Emerret looked up at the sound. His gaze met hers and he visibly ground to a halt, and his eyes glazed.

I’m glad you helped me out, too. So, go back to your car and get on with your night, Emerret. When you think back to right now, you’ll remember me being very grateful and giving you a shy kiss on the cheek before you left. You’ll really want to make me happy again. Okay?

The young officer nodded slowly, blinking in equal speed. After a moment, he turned and walked back towards his car. Not long after, he drove off.

♱☥♱

9:32pm, Friday, 9th May, 1997

I was starting to wonder if you’d changed your mind, Lady Imani, Sharlene commented as the other woman arrived on the bridge.

Sorry, Lady Sharlene. I was ... um, we’ll call it delayed.

Reggie?

Yeah. He needed to be Fed, and so did I.

Brown chicken, brown cow, you say?

Reaper, Imani scowled.

Your Grace? Sharlene replied with entirely feigned innocence.

The two women eyed each other for a moment, and then Imani grinned, and looked sheepish. "Yeah, bow-chicka-bow-wow, a hundred percent. That boy is enthusiastic when he’s just been Fed."

Sharlene laughed. That’s as good a reason as any to be late for a walk.

Shall we? Imani gestured down the bridge.

After you.

How are you doing this evening, Sharley?

Sharlene sighed. Not great, Mani.

Andy?

Yeah.

What’s going on with you two? You were both goofy happy back in Glitter City, Imani questioned.

"Yeah. That was then, this is now. He’s not liking the hours that come with being one of the Three, and he’s being infuriatingly insecure ever since we got here. Like, nothing I tell him seems to stick. We have a big talk, I do everything I can to reassure him, and then next time he sees me dancing with a Vülf or something, we’re right back to square one. That’s making sorting out a Retainer next to impossible."

Imani rolled her eyes and shook her head. You say he’s bound and determined to prove himself right?

It feels like that some Nights, yeah.

Have you considered asking Anoki to talk to him?

Anoki? Sharlene blinked. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a sweet guy, but ... not my first choice for adult life advice?

Imani chuckled. Yeah, well, keep in mind that he’s keeping two very high-maintenance women happy. One of whom is the Keeper and the other is a fucking bombshell.

Excuse me, bitch? Are you calling me high maintenance? Sharlene questioned in mock outrage.

"Yes, I abso-fucking-lutely am calling Miz Glamor-Jeans-and-Guns high maintenance, Imani snorted in reply. Any woman that looks like you is going to scare any reasonable fella she’s dating stupid."

Sharlene sighed and shook her head. Why are guys so damn complicated? I thought all they worried about was cold beer, good steak and hot sex?

We’re a little past high-school dating, my friend. We all grew up, and then died, and then got made government.

Anoki, huh?

Yep. They’re both artists, and they are both in regular contact with Lady Emilia, and they both have women that most people would immediately say are out of their league.

Hey, now! I’m not out of Andy’s league at all!

Sharley, just trust me on this, Andy’s cute and all, but yeah, you are completely out of his league by most people’s measure. You could be a swimsuit or jeans model, and he looks like he skipped his own last meal.

Sharlene shook her head and glared at Imani. He’s a damn handsome guy. Piss off with that.

Like I say ... ask Anoki to talk to him. It’ll likely do the two of them some good.

I’ll think about it. Before I forget, I got word that we might have a visitor, Sharlene said, changing the topic. She really did wish that people would give the whole "you’re hotter than he is, so it’s a problem" thing a rest. If the entire value of a relationship could be undermined by who’d get asked to pose for a shop-wall calendar, it wasn’t much value being undermined by her way of looking at things.

The other thing, of course, was that she damn well knew what she looked like. People had been reminding her of it since she hit puberty. Not her test marks, or her ribbon finish one year at an amateur show-jumping competition, or her performance as a biathlete, or her rapidly developing skill at arms, or her command of the Laws and Courtesies, or whatever. No, what everyone commented on was her bra size, the way her ass curved her jeans, and her inseam measurement.

Andy didn’t. Andy wanted to talk art, sunsets, music, starlight on flower blooms, the sound of bats flying in the night, and the joys of setting a challenge for yourself and working your way to the point that you hurdled it. Sure, he said she was beautiful, but, honestly, most guys say that when their eyes are crossed and you’re raking your fingernails down their back.

Which is why Sharlene found this whole change of attitude since the move to Spring Castle so damn frustrating. It wasn’t like him at all. It didn’t make sense. Sharlene really liked a tidy, ordered world that made sense.

Yo, hoe? You home? Imani prompted.

Huh? Sharlene blinked, shaking her head.

You said you had news, I asked what, and you were kind of glaring at the ground. I was wondering if you were trying to Evil Death Gaze a bug or something.

"Sorry. Emerret, one of the Deputies, said someone new was in town asking about the ‘doorway to Eden’. The way he described the woman in