Death of a Curse A Twisted Fairytale

By D Raye

When twins, Grant and Aiden, are separated at birth for their protection and then reunited at the age of 18, they discover more about their past than they could have ever imagined. 

They have a journey laid out before them that is not only full of danger at every turn, but of self-control, and saving mankind. Along the way

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. Raye
• Release date: Jan 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9781088078716

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I dedicate this book in loving memory of my amazing husband

Carlos 1968-2020

All rights reserved.  No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other – except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the author.

Published in Nashville, Tennessee, 2019

Book cover design:  Connie Williams

Editor: Stephanie Davis Goad

To be consumed by darkness is a mere void waiting for the smallest flicker of light to change the atmosphere.  Light always wins.

~ D. Raye ~

Death of a Curse

A Twisted Fairytale

By D. Ray

Chapter 1

Branches cracked, and dust flew through the air as Aiden lay low on the back of his stallion. His heart raced; his palms grew sweaty, gripping the reins tightly as the horse darted in and out between the trees and low-hanging limbs. Occasionally glancing back over his shoulder, he was hopeful he had lost the pursuers that were hot on his trail.

    An arrow swooshed past his head, striking a tree on his left. He slumped forward, laying his head against the horse’s neck, slapping him on his backside while jerking the reins to the right, changing their direction. Aiden booted the stallion in the side yelling at him to pick up the pace as they cleared a fallen tree along the trail.

    The horse jumped a small stream; sweat streaking down his belly and legs as he raced through the thicket, running for his life as his rider held onto his mane for stability.

    Aiden shifted in the saddle to peer behind them. No sign of the Kooyati, he thought with a sigh of relief. I think we lost them, old boy. Either that or they gave up, Aiden surmised as he patted the horse on his neck while pulling on the reins to slow his gait to a cantered walk.

    As the stallion slowed, Aiden looked around; he was not familiar with the surroundings. What do we have here? He questioned as he nudged the horse in the side, encouraging him to move towards the boundary of the woodland.

    He slid from the saddle and cautiously led the horse to what looked like the peak of a rocky bluff. The sound of rushing water filled his ears as he approached the cliff. Massive rocks covered in green moss and wet from crashing water coated the path of the waterfall. Aiden gasped in awe; he had never seen such a cascade. He peered up at the water swiftly flowing past him, squinting his eyes in the sunlight, trying to determine how far it stretched up, then he returned his gaze to the endless drop. Small rocks flew out from under his feet as he stepped closer to the edge of the peak, water splashing his face as it barreled past. The roar was deafening. A sense of vertigo swept through his stomach as he watched the rocks tumble to the seeming abyss below. 

    I would not get any closer if I were you, a serious voice echoed from behind.

    Aiden flinched and spun around. His heart thumped in his rib cage as fear of being pushed to his death overtook him.

    Zig, my stony man, Aiden responded with surprise, happy to see it was Zigland and not one of the Kooyatis. What brings you all the way out here?  

    Zigland stood tall; his wings spread high. He was a remarkable creature, gray with flawless skin and gleaming blue eyes. He had a bright, blue stone embedded on the left side of his chest, which shone through his gray, silk shirt. He was wise and high-ranking within the royal kingdom of the Cobble creatures. He also spoke multiple languages; was well-informed, knowledgeable of many other cultures, and was gifted in magic. Aiden stared up into Zigland’s chiseled face, which showed signs of aging. Creases deeply sketched around his mouth; revealing years of time gone by. Folds flanking his eyes resounded countless years of wisdom, and his silver hair flowing down onto his shoulders rendered him a distinguished look. However, he was uncertain just how old Zigland was; he would say the creature was somewhere around two hundred years old, if not more. Aiden had great respect for him, although he would never admit it. 

    Prince Yadon had given Zigland the responsibility of teaching and mentoring Aiden from the night his mother entrusted him with her baby’s life. The night Fran handed Aiden over, with tears flowing down her face, is a night Yadon will never forget; even though it is a night Aiden will never remember. It was a responsibility Zigland would have loved to have handed over to another but accepted as part of his royal duties. 

    Let me guess, you heard about that little incident with the Kooyati? Aiden questioned while tossing his hands into the air. What is up with those boney creatures anyway? They are such angry, hairy things, Aiden uttered with a look of revolt while changing the subject matter. Did you know this place was here? He inquired as he picked up a rock and threw it into the crashing water below.

    It is time for you to head back to the village – Prince Yadon has requested your presence, Zigland countered as he watched Aiden hurl rock after rock into the watery abyss.   

    Zig, always so serious. You need to loosen up, Aiden chided as he chucked a small pebble at him. You are supposed to catch it… Throw it… See what I mean, always uptight, he declared, shaking his head. Did you know about this place? He sought once again as he gazed down the waterfall. And how do you always know where I am?

    Do you think you can find your way back to the village, or should I accompany you? Zigland asked, not confident in Aiden’s capabilities to be on his own.

    Zig, the optimistic one – but no, I do not need you to accompany me. Aiden flashed a full-on smile, Unless you just want to escort me, he teased. Zigland showed little reaction as he stood with his arms crossed, glaring at him. Seriously, how do you always find me? And are you going to answer me about this place? How is it that I have never stumbled upon it before?

    Zigland let out a deep sigh and shook his head. Prince Yadon is expecting you, please do not linger out here much longer.

    Aiden watched as leaves, twigs, and tiny lights danced through the air. And just like that, he’s gone, Aiden declared, scratching his head and glancing back at the intriguing waterfall. I wonder what lies at the bottom; he pondered as he leaned over the side. It’s a long way down – I can’t even see where it ends. He thought, still wondering how it was that he had never seen it before.  

******

I am sorry, Your Majesty, but something needs to be done about that boy. Grant has blown up my barn, caught my workroom on fire, need I add – numerous times! Vareece declared as he flung his fists into the air while freely speaking his mind to the queen. And now he is experimenting with chemicals in a little hut near the forest. Do you realize how dangerous this can be? He wavered in front of her with his fist on his hips. He is simply out of control, and I will not be responsible for him any longer! Vareece warned as he began to pace back and forth in front of the throne while rubbing his head.

    I understand your frustration, Vareece, but he has learned a great deal under your guidance. I do not believe he would be the young man he has developed into without you, Queen Zafarha stated as she rose to her feet and placed her hand on the stone enclosed in his chest. Please, be patient, it will not be much longer, she expressed in a soothing, yet playful tone. You need to calm down, my friend before you crack that stone in your chest.  

    The boys are almost eighteen, and Zigland informed me Aiden has abilities like none he has ever encountered; he has the skill to freeze time! Time – no one has ever done that. Vareece identified with exhilaration, causing his stone to glow even brighter. He can stop time up to sixty seconds. No one can do that, but he can! Who knows what else they are capable of?

    I understand your concern, trust me, I do, Queen Zafarha reassured him. Yes, his brother has also come into his gifts, and I am eager to see what the two of them can do when they come together. Only then will we identify what they are truly capable of.

    Queen Zafarha’s wings glistened in the candlelight, almost transparent, yet strong enough to carry twice her weight. The stone in her breast glowed brightly, and her eyes sparkled. She stood before a mirror; it was a massive piece lined with precious gems and framed in gold. It freely hovered next to the wall, not attached or mounded, just freely floating. She lifted her hand to her mouth containing tiny crystals and blew across her palm. The stones danced through the air, landing on the glass of the mirror, forming images of Aiden riding through a valley alongside a river.

    Aiden has found the waterfall. We are coming full circle, just as the prophecy was declared, she whispered as she watched him enter Prince Yadon’s territory.

    Her son reigned over a city carved into the side of a mountain. It was a glorious city, hidden in the valley, lined with stunning carved pillars and statues. Winged creatures moved about as the day came to an end, and Aiden made his approach to the royal entrance.

    The time is drawing near my dear human prince for you and your brother to meet, Queen Zafarha softly whispered as she watched Aiden through the reflection. I await with anticipation.

    Vareece stood next to her and whispered, I hope you know what you are doing?

    I am proud of the young men they have become; they are smart, strong, and powerful. There is no way to fathom what is to come when they meet, but they are soon to be of age, and their destiny awaits, the queen responded with pride.

    It is the unknown that has me frightened, Vareece stated as he stood next to the queen while staring into the mirror, his wings shuttered as he clinched his fits.  

******

Your Majesty, one of the court’s attendants announced as he entered the room. Zigland and Master Aidenare here, as you requested. Thank you, please show them in, Prince Yadon replied.

    Your Majesty, Zigland affirmed as the two creatures placed their left hands over each other’s stones in a customary greeting.

    Aiden, always a pleasure to see you, Prince Yadon stated as he placed his left hand over Aiden’s heart.

    Aiden returned the gesture as though he was one of their own. Prince Yadon, you look statuesque as always, he countered in a teasing matter.

    Shall we, the prince said as he motioned toward a dining table set for three.

    You need not ask me twice, Aiden chuckled as he forced his way over to the table.  It smells amazing.

    It has been practically eighteen years, and I still cannot stomach the smell of cooked meat or cooked vegetables, Zigland uttered as he drew out a chair and gracefully sat down.  

    Roughly eighteen years, and I still cannot stomach your stone-cold face, Aiden replied as he sat across from him. Zig – my stony man mentor, Prince Yadon – my stand-in father, aren’t we just one big happy family? Speaking of family, where is your lovely bride? 

        Princess Balleigh will not be joining us this evening. Aiden, we have a few things to discuss concerning your upcoming birthday, Prince Yadon stated as he poured water into a small crystal glass and slid it over to him.

    Must you make that slurping sound while you drink? Zigland protested.

    Prince Yadon chuckled. Listening to the two of them bicker at one another was something he had come accustomed to, and Aiden referring to him as his stand-in father always brought a grin to his face.

    What makes this birthday different from the last? Aiden curiously asked while he devoured the feast set before him.

    Must you speak with food in your mouth? Zigland interrupted with an expression of disgust as he rearranged the array of bark and insects on his plate.

    Must you interrupt me while I’m talking – while I eat, Aiden smugly replied without looking up from his plate as he shoved another fork full into his mouth.

    All right, that is enough, you two, even though I enjoy listening to the adoration you share for one another, Prince Yadon interceded with a smile. I asked you to join me tonight because I have something I need to share with you, he added as he stood and walked over to the window.

    Aiden glanced up at Zigland, then at Prince Yadon. I don’t know what Zig told you, but – those Kooyati need to learn to lighten up a little. I had no idea they were hunting in that part of the woods, Aiden defended himself as he wiped his face on his sleeve and downed the glass of water.

    Prince Yadon stood still, ignoring Aiden’s comment about the Kooyati. Zigland gazed down at his lap, waiting for the prince to speak.

    Is someone going to tell me what is going on? Aiden questioned, sensing something bad was about to happen.

******

Queen Zafarha, you startled me; I did not hear you enter, Grant stuttered and dropped the bottle of liquid he was holding, causing the fog to fill the room.

    They coughed and waved their hands in front of their faces as they rushed from the one-room hut. Drawing deep breaths and gasping for air, Grant dropped to the ground.

    Vareece stood about ten feet from them, his wings spread wide, and the stone in his chest glowing brightly; it alone lit up the night. Do you see this? This is what I warned you about! Vareece affirmed, not feeling sorry for the two of them as he watched them gasp for air.

    Grant hunched over onto his hands and his knees, catching his breath. The queen looked at Vareece, then at Grant, and let out a giggle. Vareece threw his hands up, flapped his wings, and vanished into thin air, leaving a whirlwind of debris behind.

    Grant glanced at Zafarha, waiting for her response and to be reprimanded when she burst into laughter at Vareece’s dramatic departure. He also chuckled as he stood, wiped his eyes, and walked over to the hut. Was there something you needed to talk to me about? he questioned as he entered the room, fanning the air while opening the window.

    Queen Zafarha remained outside, peering through the door. Yes, your eighteenth birthday is virtually upon us, and there is something you need to learn.

    What is it? he asked as he continued to fan the room.

    Please, join me, she responded while reaching for his hand.

    The queen stood tall, towering over him as they walked together. Her wings shimmered as she moved about, leaving a luminous trail in her wake. I have rehearsed this conversation in my mind a hundred times, yet now I find myself at a loss for words, she confessed as she shuffled before him.  There is no easy way to say this…

    Grant interrupted, If this is about the experiments, I’m truly sorry – I recognize the fire was a scare, but Vareece blew it out of proportion. I truly do not believe the town was in immediate danger.

    My little human, the queen smiled. I have grown to love you as though you were one of my own. She paused, sighed, and looked at him with a sincere expression. The fires, explosions, and other mishaps; I could have lived without. However, this is not what I need to share with you. She strolled over to a bench nestled amid the trees in the quaint little park. Unique insects with glistening bodies buzzed among the wildflowers, paying no mind to the visitors. You know I have always tried to answer your questions about your parents. I have been open with you about where you come from and how you ended up here living among us.

    Yes, I think that you have, and I am very grateful for all you have given me, Grant voiced, his eyebrows raised.

    The truth of the matter is, she shifted on the bench to face him. I have not told you everything. You are about to turn eighteen, and your life is going to change – you are going to change.

    Grant sprung to his feet, bracing for what was to come. Change how? What are you saying? Am I going to grow hair in places I should not have hair? A third eye?  Oh no, I’m literally not human, am I? I knew it, he retorted, his hands on his waist, shaking his head and trying to calm his breathing.

    Queen Zafarha had to hold back the urge to laugh at his response. This is a serious matter, and I need to keep my composure, she thought to herself as she watched his reactions. When you were born, your mother entrusted me to raise you and to teach you to embrace your capabilities.

    Yes, you told me how there was a queen that was set on destroying me and how she had locked up my father and left him to die. You also mentioned there had not been another human born since. Are you saying because of where I came from something is going to happen to me? He questioned, not sure where this discussion was leading or even if he wished to know.

    She raised to her feet, flexed her wings, and ran her hand through the cluster of flowers on a nearby bush. What I have not told you. The queen paused and turned to face him. You are a twin; you have a brother. She gazed into his eyes. There is more – your father is alive, and you and your brother are royalty.

    Grant stood with a blank expression. What is she saying? He pondered to himself as he stared at her, lingering for an explanation.

    Queen Zafarha placed her left hand over his heart. I realize this is a lot to take in. You must have many questions.

    My father is alive. Why would you keep this from me? he demanded to know as he pulled away from her touch.

    We were waiting for you to come of age, she softly responded.

    Is my mother actually dead? I have a twin, as in, there are two of us? Why would you separate us, my brother and I – what is the point? And if my father is alive, where is he? He challenged with a more boisterous tone.

    The queen that wanted you and your brother dead is still out there, and she has not stopped searching for you. The separation was for your safety. We had to be certain that if by chance she were to find either of you, she would not learn of the other.

    And my father, why not tell me about him?

    If you would have known, you would have tried to find your way to him. We needed you to stay here until the timing was right, she clarified.

    So, you are suggesting that now is the right time. Now that I – I mean, we are turning eighteen and about to change, whatever that means? You are dropping this on me now because it’s the right time?    

    Yes, Queen Zafarha affirmed.

    Grant rubbed his face between his palms with a moan and then walked over to the flowers. He picked one and plucked the petals off one by one. What is his name – where is he, this brother I supposedly have? he asked as he tossed the stem onto the ground. Does he know about me?

    His name is Aiden; he is with my son, Prince Yadon. They are having the same conversation at this very moment.

    So, he did not know I existed – or did he?

    He did not. Aiden does not know any more than you.

    Why eighteen, what is so special about this birthday? Grant stared at her with a baffled expression.

     I understand you have a lot of questions and may be feeling a little angry right now – and with good reason, Queen Zafarha replied as she stood to her feet. In two months, you and Aiden shall meet, and I will answer all of your questions.

    You want me to wait two months, wait for my birthday. That is too much to ask; I deserve answers now!

    I understand how you must feel, trust me, I do. However, there is so much to go over. I need you and your brother together when I explain and inform you of everything that has taken place and what is to come, Zafarha explained as she placed her hand on his shoulder. When you and your brother meet, all will be revealed.

    In two months? You expect me to wait two more months to get answers?

    I am sorry, Zafarha said in a soothing tone.

    Grant looked up and into her eyes as he stepped back causing her hand to drop from his shoulder. You are asking a lot. He gazed up into her face and softly spoke, and with due respect, he paused, took a deep breath as he declared,  I am sorry is not enough. He reached out and plucked a