Chaotic illusions

By J C Brandt

"Chaotic Illusions" is a captivating tale that blends fantasy, mythology, and adventure. Dean has always been fascinated by the fantastical stories his grandpa told him about gods and ancient powers, but his grandpa didn't believe in them. In an effort to prove that these stories could be real, Dean starts a business dealing in old artifacts and

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.Brandt
• Release date: Feb 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9781738206940

Book preview

Chaotic illusions

Chapter 1————-Concealed

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In a sea of fire, souls soar wildly in chaotic disorder. At the center of a plateau of fire, two gods sit playing chess for the souls within. This game had been going on for a very long time, but it appeared the end might be near. Destinic the wise believed that his wisdom would be superior to Goolauge's, but it looked like things would not go his way. He couldn't have that. He stood for the truth, but there was a time to cheat, and this would be that time. Goolauge, he said. This got Goolauge to focus his attention on him. Destinic looked deep into his eyes. Goolauge's eyes were terrible. Destinic could hardly hold his gaze. Yes, Destinic, he replied. Destinic yelled, Tolik undol cansip natru a sep ti! as he forced a prism into Goolauge's mind, trapping it within. Deluk uncowa suel netr bin, said Destinic. Now, my old friend, you will no longer remember who you are. And as for this board of yours. He stood up and hit the board. The chessboard broke in two, and Goolauge's pieces vanished. Destinic gathered all the souls and buried the chessboard deep within the earth. He cast Goolauge into the sea. It is said that Goolauge survived the sea and lives as a normal man, not remembering that he is a terrible god. He is the winner of souls, however, for his power and glory. His chessboard will call to him if they make it whole. And if he should find it, he will collect souls once more, even though he will not know about it. They say also that if you ever play him and are about to lose and know it is him, tell him his name, and he will remember who he is and won't make the next move, letting you go free. Grandpa, is that story true? Dean asked. Well, my father told me, and his father told him, and as far as I know, they believed it, his grandpa said.

What about you, though? Dean asked.

I am not sure; it could be, but those things are beyond me, young man.

I am not too sure, he said.

Well, Grandpa, I am going to find out if it’s real; one day you will see, Dean said.

His grandpa let out a loud, robust laugh. Oh, son, if you find that out, you come and get me. I want to see it as well.

I will, Grandpa, I will.

They both sat back in their chairs, took a sip of their iced tea, and basked in the sunshine.

Dean had been going to underground auctions for years. That's where he discovered the good stuff. Dean ran a small downtown shop where he sold and bought antiques that were more akin to ancient artifacts. That's what he was looking for, and that's what he dealt with the most. He was drawn to the unusual and mystical. Tonight was no different. He was going to an underground auction, where he knew there was going to be some rare stuff that you wouldn’t find in normal auctions. His grandpa had fueled his passion for the ancient and magical. His stories still echoed in his head.

He had two hours to wait, and the shop was dead. No one had come in most of the day, so he decided he would close up early, go home, eat something, and get ready to go. While he was home, the phone rang. It was Stan.

Are you going tonight? he asked.

Of course I am, Dean replied.

Are you coming?

If you don’t mind? Stan inquired.

That would be great.

I'll meet you at Stella's for a drink before we go, Dean said.

Ok, see you at 11, Stan said. That didn't give him much time. Where has the time gone? he wondered. Dean showered, got dressed, and went to Stella's. He was a bit early, but as he came in, he noticed that so was Stan. He was already at a table, waving Dean over. Dean went over and sat down. Ah, you have a drink for me already, Dean said. I know what you like, so why not? You would be early. I had to beat you, Stan laughed. Dean laughed as well. They both finished their drinks. Do you think this will be the time you find it? Stan asked. Dean smiled. I am hoping, but I am always hoping. "I don't even know if anyone has found it, but if they have these auctions,