Relics of the Gods: Idol Maker, #4

By Sonja Dewing

AJ Bluehorse and Leslie Kicklighter are facing down demi-god Alex bent on world domination. They'll have to find the second staff of Viracocha before Alex does or he'll warp the world into his own vision.

They must take on an Aztec god, one of Alex's disciples; decode the mysterious symbols found by Benedict Cecil Spafford hundreds of years ago, and discover the magic staff. Can they do it before time runs out? Or will the world be forever changed?

This is book 4 (final book) in this award-winning series!

 

Book 1: Toy of the Gods - Leslie Kicklighter agrees to go on a simple expedition, a tour of the Amazon on a luxurious, prototype hovercraft boat that promises to revolutionize travel. The only problem is an Inca god wants to use the passengers for his own agenda: finding someone to take over the mantle of his powers.

Captain John Holbrook is having nothing but trouble because someone keeps sabotaging him. He doesn't trust Leslie and he definitely doesn't trust the local entrepreneur, Simon Leverence.

The Inca god, Viracocha, takes over the body of a man named Sun CAstel, one of the tour guides, in order to get to know the passengers. When he can't figure out who is worthy of his powers, he strikes down the ship and strands everyone in the jungle, forcing them all to make their way through the jungle on foot.

* * *

Book 2: Gamble of the Gods - AJ Bluehorse was born on the Navajo Nation reservation in northwestern New Mexico. Her mother moved them out to New York City when AJ was little, and AJ is loving her New York apartment and job as a freelance programmer. Now she's being asked to come back to the Navajo reservation to help with a high-tech problem at the local casino. Someone's steeling a lot of money, and even with the casino's new computer system, they can't seem to track down the thief.

She'd like to stay in New York and learn more about her new powers, but the call from her cousin to help in New Mexico is too great.

Along the way she adopts some dogs, works with her boyfriend to learn what her powers can do, and investigates to hopefully find not only the person stealing money, but also a murderer who killed a young boy.

* * *

Book 3: Castoffs of the Gods - Leslie Kicklighter is distraught to realize that John Holbrook has gone missing in the Amazon during his search for his distant relative's last resting place. Leslie mounts a rescue effort and invites AJ Bluehorse along.

AJ finds herself called back to the jungle as each night brings dreams of a hidden ancient city.

Accompanying them is an old friend, Miguel, as well as two unknowns, Alex and Anya.

Every person on this trip has their own reasons to be out in the jungle, and many don't care if they find John or not.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sonja Dewing
• Release date: Jan 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9781957909141

Book preview

PART I

1

PROLOGUE

Bart Potts stood up and pointed a finger at Dr. Cassan. You can’t do this! I’ll tell the world what a liar and a cheat you are.

Dr. Cassan stood up in return, moving to stand in front of his office door. You bet I can. I rule this university and you will do what I say. And if you don’t, you’ll regret your mistake. Now, get out. You can exit through the side door. I don’t need people to see that I’m wasting my time with an undergrad.

Bart wanted to go back out the main door, but he’d have to push past the doctor to do that. It was one thing to argue with his boss, it was completely another to assault him. Instead he backed away. He opened the door the doctor had indicated and walked out. The door shut behind him before he realized he was in a hallway that sloped downward into the underground tunnels for the university.

He had heard of these tunnels even though he had only been in New York City a few weeks. The students could take them to many of the university buildings, but most choose to walk outside, even in the chilly winter cold. Bart had never been in the tunnels.

He shook his head. He was going to give the doctor a piece of his mind, again. He turned and pushed at the door to Doctor Cassan’s office. It was locked, it wouldn’t budge.

Bart pulled out his cell phone, thinking he could get a map of his location, or call his old friend Frederick for some help out of here.

No service? Damn it. He put his phone in his pocket. His small town cell phone carrier wasn’t cutting it in New York City.

He walked down the ramp, then looked down the long tunnel of darkness punctuated by occasional dim lights. Bart walked quickly, keeping to the middle of the tunnel. The steam pipes that covered the sides of the walls sounded like coiled snakes ready to strike.

The hairs on the back of his neck rose as did goose bumps on his arms. He started jogging. He glanced behind him, there was nowhere for anyone to hide, but those pockets of dark between the lights made him feel like someone was there, watching.

He ran faster, his heart pumping and his breath coming fast. Certainly he’d find—yes! A door. He tried the door and smiled when it opened for him. But then Bart grimaced when he found it led to another sloped floor, leading down even farther. He turned to go back but then heard the sound of talking. Someone was here! Probably some students.

Hello? he called.

He walked down the ramp and turned into a wider tunnel. It was full of lit candles. He followed the sound of the voice until the path of candles ended in darkness.

The man that came out of the shadows had black and red paint across his face, a gold and green headdress, and bulging dark eyes.

What are you made out to be? Bart asked, stepping backwards.

The man blew something into Bart’s face. Bart found he couldn’t move.

A god, the man answered as he dragged Bart’s body into the darkness.

2

PROJECT X

AJ Bluehorse paced the hotel room and glanced out the window as she passed. The Sandia mountains were covered in clouds and she figured it was probably snowing at the top—a welcome sight for drought-ridden Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She glanced into a mirror on the wall and checked her hair. The black color almost looked blue in this hotel light. Her plan was to grow it out so it was a little longer than her normal short cut. Her family members didn’t like her short hair, but then Diné rarely, if ever, cut their hair.

But of course, AJ wasn’t a normal Navajo. Taken from the rez as a kid, her mom had hoped that living in New York City and learning computer programming would change AJ’s future from that of other rez kids. Although AJ was seeing Native Americans be just as successful from reservations, she was sure it had changed her future.

AJ was a successful freelance programmer, which had led to her being invited on a trip to the Amazon as a possible business investor. And now, AJ’s blood was flowing with the unwelcome powers from a now dead Inca god, Viracocha. She wondered what her mom would have thought if she had lived to see this.

It was cold outside, but AJ’s thoughts turned to heat and worry.

The hotel room door opened and her boyfriend, Frederick Hall, entered with two coffees and a bag of fast food that she didn’t think she could eat. It’s time, Love.

She grabbed her bag, a cup of coffee from his hand, and followed him out to the car.

What did Darryl say about you getting tested? Frederick asked.

The thought of her old family friend and medicine man gave her a flashback to her recent trip to the Amazon. She had almost burned a woman with her flame, but Darryl Manygoats had stopped her and helped her reconnect with who she really was: a strong Diné woman.

I didn’t tell him.

Frederick glanced over as he backed up the car. What?

AJ sighed. I’m torn. I’ve always been torn. Between the old ways and new ways. Now I’m torn between an Inca heritage that doesn’t actually belong to me and my Navajo heritage. I’m just a little embarrassed. I’ll share the results with him.

Frederick nodded. I guess I’ve never realized. He set his hand on her hand and gave it a squeeze.

She squeezed back, grateful to have him here and on her side.

When he had the car on the road, Frederick glanced over. This is how it’s going to work. I’ve gotten us temporary badges to be on the Air Force base as dog sitters.

AJ laughed. Really?

Frederick shrugged. Someone’s got to dog sit for traveling airmen, and I have a buddy who owed me a favor.

AJ thought about her own dogs, all three of them being watched by a friend. All three of them a bundle of love. The cover sounded perfect.

What about accessing Project X? she asked.

Luckily, Project X is just another building on the base. No top-secret clearance to get in. Its directive is to test the thermal stability of materials. Just the individual components, so no complete drone, craft, or rocket is in the facility at one time.

AJ nodded.

As Frederick turned onto the next road, he reached out and set his hand on hers again. I know, you’re nervous. Todd and Sean have been running this project for a while and I think they can definitely help you.

And no one else will be there? The less people who knew about her super abilities, the better.

Frederick laughed. It’s the weekend. This project has no funding for overtime, so no one works outside of nine to five.

What did you tell your friends? she asked.

I told Sean and Todd that you have special abilities and need to find your limits. That we need the heat resistant room.

And they believed you? AJ looked at Frederick.

His eyes stayed on the road but he nodded at seeing her turn toward him. Todd believed me, Sean not so much. But after they see you heat up that room, they’ll believe.

Did they ask how a DEA man is involved with a super human?

I told them I’m the super human’s sidekick.

AJ smiled and tried to picture Frederick in a superhero sidekick costume, but the image kept changing to his normal suit and tie, with his tie blowing in the wind. Either looked good on him.

Frederick continued, These two are super DC universe fans and I’m sure love they idea of being in on a secret like this.

AJ’s heart beat faster as they drove up to the gate, the car in front of them was waved through in an instant after showing their credentials.

Frederick rolled down the window. A burst of cold air hit AJ as well as the eyes of the guard at the gate. Frederick handed over their credentials. The guard scanned the codes on the IDs, glanced over at AJ again, then handed the IDs back and waved them through.

Frederick, you’ve taken a lot of risk. If we get caught, you would lose your job.

AJ, you mean more to me than anything, and I’m the one that suggested you get tested. Knowing if your limits or if you have limits could help you out in the future. I’m just glad you agreed. I’m sorry this was the only time they could fit us in. I know you’d rather be with Leslie looking for Alex.

I think it’s important to know how powerful I really am, because it’s possible I’m going to have face down Alex. Too bad we don’t have a way to test him.

Hmmm. Frederick sounded uninterested, but she knew he was deep in thought.

AJ wanted to know as much as she could about herself and about Alex Quispe. Viracocha, the Inca god who had left her with these powers, hadn’t given her so much as a post-it note on how they worked. And Alex, a part human son of Viracocha, had magical abilities of his own as well as the powers he had acquired by stealing a relic of the gods.

The Air Force base roads were quiet as they drove past building after building and mostly empty parking lots. The one fast food chain on base had a few cars in the drive thru, but that seemed to be the busiest place on a Saturday.

Frederick pulled the car into a lot with two other cars and parked in front of a red brick building.

AJ took a moment to drink the last of her coffee before opening the car door. She grabbed her bag and stepped out into the chilly air.

Frederick stood next to the car. I asked them to have a room ready where you could get your thoughts together. You don’t have to do that out here in the cold.

They walked up to the entrance, and Frederick waved at the camera. At the sound of a click, he pulled open the door.

AJ was so nervous that the sound of beating wings almost escaped her. She stopped and turned around, raising her arm in defense when she saw something coming at her. A golden eagle landed gracefully on her arm.

She gasped. A legend of the Navajo was sitting on her arm. It was looking into her eyes, as if telling her everything was going to be okay. Then it took off without as much as a scratch on her arm.

Coming? Frederick called from inside.

AJ followed him through. There were some things she felt belonged to her and her only, so she kept the eagle information to her herself. He stopped and plucked a yellow stickie note from the wall and pointed into the open doorway.

This must be the room for you. Take all the time you want, then head this direction to the control room. He pointed down the hallway.

AJ kissed him on the cheek and moved into a conference room. It was decked out with a long table, ten black chairs, and a big screen on the wall.

She closed the door behind her. She wanted to sit, but the chairs were big with high arm rests, way too confining, so she sat on the top of the table, crossed-legged.

Her heartbeat was going too fast and her muscles felt wound up. She was about to expose her powers to two strangers, and she was going to push herself to her limits.

But she had been blessed by a golden eagle. She could do this. AJ drew in a deep breath. As she exhaled, she focused on what was important. Knowledge and connecting with her powers. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply until her heartbeat was under control, then stood, gathered her things, and started down the hallway.

It was time to see what she could do.

3

PREPARED

AJ walked down the hall until she found a room with two men, facing away from her and toward a wall of controls.

No, that’s not possible, the one with dark brown hair and wearing a bright red Hawaiian shirt and khakis said, shaking his head.

But what if it is? the other man, grey hair, and wearing a grey sweater, and black hiking pants asked.

I’m telling you that it isn’t a thing.

Listen, Frederick told me that she melted a steel trap. That’s at least 2500 degrees Fahrenheit.

This whole thing is ludicrous. No one can do that.

AJ cleared her throat and the two men turned to face her. You two must be Sean and Todd. Actually, it is true. I was able to melt a steel trap. I’m curious, is it possible for me to damage your facility? How hot can I safely get before I start to melt the walls of your building?

The older man jumped up with a smile on his face and his hand held out. I’m Todd. It’s an honor to meet you.

AJ felt taken aback by the star-studded look in his eyes. Like she was some kind of celebrity. She nodded at his hand. Shaking hands was not her thing.

The younger man scoffed and folded his arms. That question is moot. It just isn’t possible for a human to create heat.

AJ knew they were going to see what she could do soon enough, but she liked the idea of a little warm up. She formed a purple ball of flame in her hand. To show off she tossed it into the air and pretended to blow it out, even though she had really put it out by pulling the energy back into herself.

Wow! Todd and Sean both exclaimed.

Todd fell back into his chair, shaking his head. I knew there were super humans, but I never knew I’d get to meet one. The answer to your question is, our testing facility is built to test items that go into space, like the tiles on the outside of the shuttle. We turn the heat up to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. We’ve never gone beyond that.

Is there some way to warn me if I’m getting too hot?

He shook his head. Not really. The facility is set up to test equipment electronically. We’ve never had to communicate with a person inside the testing lab before. There’s no way to send you a signal. There’s no sound system in there, and even if we had one it wouldn’t withstand the temperatures. The best I can suggest is that you keep an eye on the materials around you. If anything begins to melt, that’s the point that you’ll want to pull back.

She nodded. She would feel more comfortable with some kind of warning system, but then who and what lab were really ready in this world to work with a living supernatural being?

Although… there was Annie—who was a bit like a medicine woman, and the title on her business card called her a Moon Cycle coach—and she seemed to work with all sorts of supernatural beings.

Frederick came in from the hallway. I was looking over the heat testing room.

Everything look okay? AJ asked.

He shrugged. I can’t really say I knew what I was looking at. My expertise is chasing down bad guys. He held out his hands for the extra set of clothing AJ had pulled out of her bag. I’ll hold onto these.

She nodded. They both knew that more than likely the clothes she was wearing would likely disintegrate in the heat, so he was going to be close by with backups.

Todd stood up again. Let me escort you into the heart of Project X.

He led her down the hallway and opened a door. The inside of the room was not what she had expected. There were thin wire frames and white padding, none of which looked very formidable.

He saw her unbelieving look and responded, I know, they don’t look like much but these are actually the same materials they put on the shuttles to protect them from the sun’s heat in space and during reentry.

He led her to the center of the room. A flat section of tile was all that was there. Sorry, no chair. We don’t have any that wouldn’t melt.

She sat crossed-legged in the center of the floor. He pointed over to the wall behind which she knew Frederick and Sean were sitting on the other side.

Just on the other side is where we’ll be monitoring the heat index. We won’t be able to open the door until the heat comes down to about a hundred degrees. Any hotter and it will bake the equipment in the next room. But, all the vents will open and that heat will pour into our cooling tunnels. So, don’t worry if we don’t open the door right away.

Tunnels? she asked.

He pointed around the room at large metal grates around the top of the walls. The vents go into tunnels that run underneath the base. The tunnels were originally created for underground living quarters for a president if they needed to get away from nuclear fallout. Now we use them to vent heat out safely. So, how did you get these powers? Todd asked suddenly.

AJ didn’t know what Frederick would have told them already, and maybe it was better that they didn’t know too much. I can’t really talk about it.

Todd frowned. Right, right. Secret stuff. But if the universe is going to make people into super humans, the least it could do is do it to me. Super Todd has a nice ring to it, he said as he moved toward the exit.

She wandered if she looked nervous because he called out to her as he shut the door. It’s okay. You got this.

Sure, she knew she could do it, but could she do it and not burn the place to the ground?

4

CRACKLING FIRE

AJ set her hands on her knees in an easy yoga pose, took a deep breath, relaxed her shoulders, and straightened her back. She took the energy around her, reached out her hand, and manifested a fire ball.

She turned it from the warm purple to the fully hot multi-colored flame. As she expected, the fire quickly jumped to her clothes. Her pants lit on fire, but she didn’t feel any pain, and she knew from experience that she wouldn’t be harmed.

She checked her necklace. It was a gift from Changing Woman to ward off prying eyes if she used her powers in public. The last thing she wanted was to damage something so precious, maybe she should have taken it off, but it was too late now. Perhaps Changing Woman’s magic had thought to protect the necklace from heat.

AJ felt as if she was in a warm summer day but knew that the heat she was generating was so intense it would melt steel—she had done just that only a few months ago.

Now it was time to go hotter. She closed her eyes and found the dark bit in of her that the Inca god had left behind. She fanned that energy of anger and vengeance to the flames.

Opening her eyes, it was a surprise to her to find the fireball had changed into a circle of flame winding around her. She had heard fire crackle at a campfire, but this was the first time she’d heard it crinkle. It sounded like butter on a hot pan.

AJ decided to raise the heat level, if she could.

She pulled at the energy from the earth and fed it to the fire. The sound grew louder.

She was doing all she could to feed the heat, yet the room around her was still standing. That comforted her a little, until there was movement under her. The floor panel she was sitting on was missing its rivets. They had melted.

She shut off the fire and breathed in, taking in the energy and then sending it out into the universe, hoping she hadn’t caused too much destruction.

The rest of the panels looked undamaged. Just the ones under her were missing pieces. Maybe proximity had something to do with intensity of the heat.

Todd and Sean must have realized she had stopped or she had gotten so hot they were worried, as the vents popped open and she could hear the system pulling the hot air out of the room.

She wondered how long it would take for the room to cool enough for anyone else to enter. Even though she had fed energy back into the earth, she could still feel much of it coursing through her veins.

She stood and stretched, wishing she could be anywhere else but here. In fact, a cup of coffee sounded really good. She was feeling tired, and a sip of coffee would go a long way in making her feel better.

Maybe she could manifest one. She imagined holding a hot mocha in a cup from her favorite Starbucks. Whenever she traveled through Albuquerque, she’d go there for a fantastic view of the mountains and that always seemed to have the right balance of chocolate sauce and coffee.

She closed her eyes and imagined that last time she had been there. The coffee had been perfect, and the view from the shop was of the wide expansive Sandia mountains.

Eyes still closed, she leaned forward