Hi all,
Over the next few days I will be releasing an extract each day from the forthcoming book 'The Shipley Five, The Coming of the Dark King' which is the immediate sequel to 'The Shipley Five, Eye of Osiris'.
The Shipley Five books have been written for teens and adults alike. The content and storyline will become darker with each sequel, so I hope to appeal to readers from all backgrounds.
In the Shipley Five’s first adventure, Muneeb found a crystal at the bottom of the Din family garden, which transported him, his brother, his sister and two friends to a Hallway of Worlds. There, they found magical weapons, a Food Tree, and a water carrier that refilled itself with the twist of its cap. Armed with their finds, they entered a dark world plagued by the Damned. A war broke out, uniting the evil lords of the north to the west. Unfortunately, Lisa, who had become the Great Red Queen, was attacked by the Dark Lord Greva in the confines of her Royal Dome. The children returned to Earth without her, believing her dead. But, when they arrived home, Matthew’s father told them that her predecessor had healed herself.
Asif recalled Lisa’s final words . . . to near the Eye of Osiris to her rubies! The Eye of Osiris was a magic crystal known to have an infinite power source, which the children believed would restore Lisa’s lifestones. Asif, Matthew, Arusa, and Muneeb want to save Lisa before the dreaded Siren Queen makes her move. Yet, from the moment they step foot again on the Jenn world, they learn of a terrible threat.
For the majority of Matthew’s life, it was assumed that Richard Banks had been killed in action by a roadside bomb. His body had never been found, but in the last chapter of “Eye of Osiris,” we learned that he had survived. Richard experienced the ancient war where he fought alongside General Lebo, a hero revered by all the Osirions.
In the “Coming of the Dark King,” the Shipley Five learn the magnitude of Richard’s contribution to Osiris. New characters spring to life, some who will have more significance than others. The War of the Jenn has a wider impact, one that threatens Earth too. The Eye of Osiris crystal will take a back seat for this story, as the Osirion Alliance come to terms with their new danger, and rise to confront their worst fears.
For those who are not familiar with the Daraan, the Ithfirians, the Azura, or the Jades, it is recommended that you read the Shipley Five’s confrontation with Lord Greva, in the book called the “Eye of Osiris.”
But if you want a peek on the sequel, keep reading. I have taken the extract from one of the chapters when the Osirion Alliance are experiencing Matthew's father's memories of an ancient war, and his experiences with the legendary, hero, and saviour General Lebo.
From Chapters 15-16:
The Darian King was talking to General Lebo, while they waited for the Elijans to near them.
“It appears you were wise to let the Delyans leave on their ship, Lebo. I really thought Altas was a coward, but the Damned attacked before dawn. They left no survivors!”
He shook his head with a sigh.
“If only I’d been as cautious; so many lives would have been saved!”
“You were not to know, Maje.”
“Yes, there was a lot I was not to know, Lebo. I should have heeded my mother with her words of kindness, and taken the Jade path in my youth. Perhaps it would have helped lead my people with better decisions, decisions which might have saved Delfar and Emicus. Instead, I wiled it away with acts of chivalry and self-righteousness. What folly it all seems now, how incredibly reckless.”
He looked at the general with a sad, yet respectful glance.
“I failed to hear you when the moment was right. You always seem to know General; you give shrewd advice that even outsmarts our esteemed elders. Wise are your decisions, even at the worst of times. The Daraan are lucky to have you, and Osiris is lucky to have you as our advisor, our leader, and our comforter! Blessed was the day when you were born, for your achievements have hindered the advance of the Damned as if Ayla himself sent you.”
The general glanced tiredly at King Defra.
“I am a Jade,” he said quietly.
“That you are!” said King Defra. He inhaled and exhaled deeply. “That you are! A path for the wise and learned, a path for the gracious and gentle. You are the finest of them all.”
They watched from a raised hill. The long line of Elijans, with their white, flowing hair and long, white gowns, filed past carrying very few belongings. Their pupils sometimes were barely discernible, except for their white glimmer. Other times, they were glowing in vibrant colors.
Graceful and silently, they made little sound in the evening light.
Defra’s animal moved forward to the edge.
“Elijan Maje! Elijan Aarta!” shouted the king with the height of his voice. He raised his arms with his palms outstretched. “I ask of you, I implore you, do not abandon us to our darkest hour. You are our elders, wise and learned. Glory of the Jenn; leave us not at this moment of need. As King of Daraan, I implore you! The Dark King arrives within days, and we hold little hope without you.”
Amazingly, the Elijans stopped in unison, turning smoothly to face him as if all of them were joined together. Their response surprised even the Darian King.
“Salam ye Ishak, King Defra the Brave, son of Dahood of Delwar and Desra the Jade, ” they echoed as one voice. “We are no more the Elijans, the esteemed of the Jenn who failed at the hour of the Dark One, and failed at the rise of the Dark King. We have rejected the Elijan King, though he is welcome in the fold of the Eli. Praise be to Ayla, for the decision we made is a decision to last. The paths are clear for all to see; damnation or redemption. We are the repented, pledging to seek the path to redemption. Holy are the Eli! Your material concerns are no longer ours. We leave you our weapons, protected from the Dark King’s curse. With the touch of your hand, you will be learned. We head for the Great White City where hallowed will the Eli. Come with us, you are welcome, though fear of the Dark One cannot be prevented.”
And with that, the Eli turned back to the direction they were traveling and continued their journey.
Richard was astounded. He chuckled with amusement, yet felt the disappointment of not being able to stop the migration. He’d seen the Elijans battle many times, and was surprised at how effective they were on each occasion. They were the greatest asset to their war strategy. To suddenly lose the ace up their sleeves may have caused panic and a possible surrender if it had been a war on Earth. Yet, the Jenn stood firm in their unified resolve, feeling the bitter setback, but taking strength from General Lebo’s presence.
They had to face the Dark King, the Vinx, and the Damned, lest the demise of all!
The king suddenly noticed someone who was known to his royal court.
“And you Wiffron? Will you desert us too?” he bellowed.
A youthful Elijan turned sadly to face the King.
“Material matters matter no more. I have embraced the path of the Eli,” he said, lowering his gaze.
“Material matters?” echoed the king angrily, with grief in his eyes. He vented his frustration. “What is left to be material? My kingdom is barren, and my people ruined! What is ‘material’? I have naught but the sword in my hand and my faithful steed! What is ‘material’? Do you condemn me, Wiffron? Do you condemn us all? For we would still rise to defend you!”
Wiffron looked back at the king with tearful eyes, but continued to follow his people along the long road to the White City.
Suddenly, a tall, young Elijan, of similar age to Wiffron, broke away from his path and clambered up the steep slope with long strides of his long legs. He approached the king, and the Eli abruptly turned their heads, robotically, casting a glance before continuing their journey.
The Elijan’s hair was as white as snow, and his skin as soft as an infant. His eyes, surprisingly, were as green as Olwyn’s and Lebo’s, glowing just the same.
“I will fight by your side, King Defra. My name is Wazira, and there are more like me who will remain to assist you, some in battle and others for your cause. But, do not raise your hopes, for they wish to join the path to redemption as soon as it is possible.”
Defra gasped with relief. Richard, Oleena, and the general were elated.
“Thank you, Wazira. Pray tell me, how many Elijans will remain with us?”
“Less than a thousand,” replied the young Wazira, with emerald eyes that glimmered.
“Oh, by the glory of God!” cried the King with relief.
“Thank you, Wazira,” said General Lebo, offering to take his hand to shake it. But, Wazira stepped forward and kissed it, touching it to his forehead.
“It is my honor to stand before thee, General,” he said reverently. “It is said that your heart is as pure as the first Jenn created. I know that to be true now. May Ayla protect and watch you.”
“And you, Wazira,” replied the general, with a tired smile. “Come! We head back for the cave where we have much to discuss. Join us, Wazira, and bring my new recruits. There is food enough for all.”
The mithrin pulled away, and Richard followed the general, with Oleena embracing him tightly from behind.
Two days later, Richard entered the Jade City’s Oval Hall with General Lebo for a distressing task. It was a moment of turmoil for the general, who had tried hard to avoid it. They walked briskly to the far end, where the Jade Queen stood staring at a painting on the wall. Her long, green dress flowed to the ground, and her figure was just as elegantly poised; slim, and slender as a graceful princess Richard had once seen in his duties. Though Olwyn was by no means timid, she was a Jade Queen.
She turned to face them with mournful eyes as they crossed the center. Her greeting was directed to the general:
“Murffa Maje, it is good to see you. Do you come to share some of your burden?”
General Lebo halted.
“You know what I come to ask of you?” he asked edgily, with a deep frown about to break.
Her answer came swiftly, biting the air.
“Know that I will give it gladly!”
He choked on hearing her response, and his steps faltered with a violent tremor. The Jade Queen hurried towards him, but he fell to his knees before her, sobbing tearfully.
“Eh aarta . . . yee fi ray Jade Ferani,” his voice breaking, overcome with grief.
He struggled to speak to her with each uncontrollable sob.
“My Queen! My dearest Neroon! Know that I would give my life for you. Know that I resent it! I would give my life without a second’s thought. Yee fi ray Jade Ferani. I have searched for another way. Yee fi ray aarta! Ray ji aarta! Wretched is she! She demands it. Yee fi ray Jade Ferani . . . ray ji aarta! It pains me so, to ask you this!”
Richard felt deeply saddened to see the general tormented. The queen crouched down, wrapping her arms around him. She spoke gently to ease his burden.
“You are my brother, Lebo, as sure as the green sun gives life to the Jade. You have protected me and served me best in all my years. Had you asked me as my brother, I would still say yes. Asking me as my trusted general, protector and Herald of the Jade, there is only one right answer. Heed this; I have known of this burden for quite some time, though you dared not face it, and of your son as well as your loss. You are my maje, and you have searched all that you can, but you have found not what you desire. Your heart weeps as you are torn asunder, though you can comfort now. I am Olwyn, your sister; remember me who shared your youthful years? Our father and mother considered themselves blessed with you as their son, as I feel right now in your presence.”
“Am fim neffi... yee fi ray aarta,” General Lebo sobbed.
“As Jade Queen, it is my duty to protect my people to the best of my ability. The vile infliction that threatens the Daraan threatens all. Bold decisions have to be made, and sacrifices given, so that others may cherish the freedoms of tomorrow, free from damnation and free from the curse that binds us.’
The general heaved uncontrollably, holding his younger sister, whom he had failed to protect.
“Olwyn, this debt torments my soul. Forgive me Aarta, forgive me for what I ask of you!” he cried, his voice shaking enormously.
“You ask me not, ray effreena maje! It is my duty!”
She kissed his forehead, and held him close.
It was awhile before the general recovered from the grief.
Richard waited patiently, feeling sorrowful and wishing there was anything he could do to help them. But, the burden was theirs alone. Richard knew that General Lebo had spent a long time searching for an alternative, up until the night before the Dark King’s return. He finally accepted there was none. The distress had left him deeply anguished, although now the emotions were surfacing exactly where they should be.
In the arms of his sister.
The memory changed to the next day. The drums beat to a haunting rhythm, much louder than the ones he faced with the centurion.
Richard’s heart beat fearfully, though he tried to convince himself that he had seen it all before. But fear was rife in the ranks, he could tell just by a mere glance in all directions.
The long lines of the damned faced them with menacing looks, holding their crude and brutal weapons with the look of death. It wasn’t the Damned that they feared but their wicked master.
The Dark King.
And then he came. The sound of him arriving, towering over the hills with his extended size caused sheer terror and panic.
The dreaded moment had finally arrived.
Chapter 16
A TALE OF THE PAST IV
The sight of the king, when he arrived, had sent a tremor of fear throughout the ranks. It grew until General Lebo, Richard, and the two kings rode from one end of their sections to the other, yelling boldly with encouraging words. It took nearly an hour of courageous shouting with help from the commanders to calm their battalions.
Richard wasn’t sure if his words were enough, except to remind them that the Osirion Alliance had General Lebo to lead them. That quickly brought a cheer from the soldiers.
Merwyff neighed, adjusting her hooves. The anxiety was felt by all, especially the animals.
General Lebo had chosen their heightened position because it looked outward, and exposed at least twenty gildard to the north and west.
Richard sat with the cavalry, and stared at the enormous army of the Damned, grey and dark, with their vile beasts and burning yellow torches. They stared back, as if hell had let them loose for the day.
The bitter cold that they’d brought with them reminded Richard of a mission that soured in Bosnia. Their mere presence sucked the life out of plants and gentle creatures, bringing to ruin an area that had once been prosperous and thick with flowers, fruit, birds, and insects. Who knew how many countless species had been wiped out with their arrival?
The two queens, distances apart, were waiting patiently for the moment that their strength would be tested.
The Vinx arrived with the largest section of the Damned, isolating the route to the City of Rozen. Since her defeat near Rozen, her size had grown tenfold. Although, from Richard’s distant position, she looked smaller than his fingernail.
The Dark King was gigantic! His large eyes were empty, with only darkness filling the space between his eyelids. His skin was scaly grey, with protruding black veins that pumped the curse into all of his organs. His hair had solidified into dark black crystals that were rumored destructive enough to burn through the ground and dry up the Shaara.
Towering with all his vile, as if Osiris was insufficient to hold his stance, he stared menacingly at General Lebo and the two kings that dared to defy him.
The three armies were spread densely over a wide expanse that covered over fifty gildard north to south. The Great Red Queen and the Daraan covered the south, spreading over the plains into both Valley of the Three Points and the Valley of the Devils. The Feroshans, the Lemothinians, and the Roshans defended the territories around the City of Lemoff.
The remnants of the Elijans had spread themselves thinly throughout the southern wall of General Lebo’s army.
The moment was afoot; the great battle was nigh.
Richard now fully understood the Osirions’ tension. He understood why the general had worked tirelessly for all the pieces to be put together, why the Daraan were filled with anxiety, why the Jades had religiously trained the warriors and organized a lavish supply of food for this day. He understood why the Feroshans had been so critical of the Scimitaff, and had ultimately brought about its demise, why the Ithfirians had put away their lavish instruments of merriment to pick up weapons of steel, why the Elijan King had abandoned his ways and forsaken his people to conspire in a daring scheme with the general. He understood why all had placed their endless faith in the great man, General Lebo, who would lead them in this dreadful hour.
This enemy was more terrifying than anything Richard had ever seen. Even if they destroyed his army, the Dark King looked like the epitome of the devil. Fearing the sight of him, Richard focused his thoughts on his one true love, the one that could see him through this darkness.
“Oleena,” he whispered, and repeated her name until his nerves were settled. He wondered if he’d survive to see her again, and regretted not telling her how much he loved her.
“I know you love me Richard. Know that I love you too!”
He looked around, surprised, and saw her smiling from some distance away, in the company of a battalion of Ruby Warriors.
“Live through this day for me, I need you to!”
He worried for her now, for she carried his child. “She shouldn’t be here,” was his deepest thought, though he braved a poignant smile. He had discussed this with her, and yet she hadn’t relented. He looked away, deeply troubled, seeing all but seeing none. The comforting words spoken next brought him to his senses.
“Are you with me, Maje?”
Richard turned his head to his left, and saw the stern look from General Lebo. He was clean-shaven now, thanks to Queen Thirya’s constant harassment. After three visits from the pretty, red-haired cousin, he’d succumbed to her demands, albeit for the amusement of the commanders.
The clean-shaven, combed, and groomed look suited him.
“To the end!” he replied with a hardened glare, gripping his sword.
They waited for what seemed like hours, staring at their enemy with dread, anticipation, and anxious determination, listening to the encouraging speeches from their commanders. The heat from all three suns increased their tension, despite being subdued with the mere presence of the Dark King. A few times, there were cries that declared the battle was afoot, but General Lebo and the two kings signaled for their patience.
The red sun began to descend, and Richard was sure the Great Red Queen would be frowning. She’d made it clear that battling under the crimson sun was preferred if her peak strength was required. Thirya was somewhere at the top of a hill, watching over the vast expanse between the mountains and the distant head of the Dark King.
The Jade queen was nearby, though Richard couldn’t see her. It was just as well. Richard dared not watch her. He knew what was expected.
Suddenly, all fell silent from the direction of the Damned. General Lebo raised his hand, and silence ushered from their side. Richard could feel the apprehension and heightened tension spreading to the valleys, the straight plains, and the Venn Varda. He wondered how many remained at the Vedaffy Pass, knowing fully that they’d be deep within enemy territory. Such bravery was commendable!
There was a chorus of gasps from behind him, so Richard looked up and saw that the Dark King was transforming into a hideous beast with gigantic, thin, black teeth that extended until they pulled his mouth apart. His skin melted to give way to dark fur that stood on end and flickered like black fire. The dark crystallite receded slightly, to give way to horned ears that extended. His eyes grew until they encompassed the upper part of his head, protruding darkly, as black as the abyss at the depths of space. They stuck out like dark spheres, while his feet grew thick with sharp claws that could rip out the even the hardest mountain rock without effort.
The Dark King was a hideous beast. It stared at them with all of its wickedness!
And then it roared, shaking the ground tremendously with its horrifying sound.
The mithrin neighed with fright, some collapsing under the strain and some bolting away. Everyone crouched forward, covering their ears, waiting for the sound to die down, and praying to the Almighty to see them through their terror.
It lasted a minute, but felt like ten.
General Lebo gave the order.
“AAAAAARTA LEEYAN OSIRIS —BADAA!”
A huge column of Jades, Ruby Warriors, and Azura, who were part of the Osirion Sisters Fellowship, took to the air, firing relentlessly with all their might at the Dark Beast. Another column arose from some distance away, to take on the Vinx.
The Beast leaped forward, severing three with its teeth before they fell to the ground, where the darkness took them.
They arose within minutes, deformed with scaly skin and talons, and growling with pain from their transformation. Two Jade arrows of intense, green, cold fire slammed into the nearest siren, and Azura arrows hit the other two.
The Ruby Warriors retaliated against the Dark Beast, aiming for its eyes with both arrows and red fireballs, and causing some injury to both. Jade fireballs tore off chunks off its hide and severed one claw. The Azura aimed for its mouth, breaking a few teeth and causing some internal damage. Disappointingly, the claw grew back and the injuries recovered, with the exception of one eye, with which the Beast struggled painfully.
The noise was deafening.
The Jades spun in their dozens, firing volley after volley, only to injure it temporarily. The injuries repaired themselves each time. So, Lenwa the Ruby Elder, who was the fiercest, fired so fast that her arms were invisible to the human eye. Her intention was clear to Richard; she wanted to hinder the Beast’s recovery. Lenwa was joined by three Elijans whose streaks of white light shattered pieces of the black crystallite that covered the top of its head. The shards sank into the ground, sending up a plume of noxious fumes.
The Beast roared angrily at the Elijans, retreated two steps back, and then leaped forward with a swipe of its claw. It struck two, who were clumsy enough to follow inward.
Richard stared with dismay as they fell down. The Elijans cried with pain as the shadows grew within, though their friends tried hard to retrieve them.
The Dark Beast placed its claw over both victims, and roared defiantly, facing off the challengers. The noise was deafening, forcing the challengers to briefly retreat.
Thirty Elijans joined in the assault. The resulting firepower, from the Osirion Sisters Fellowship and the Elijans, could not dislodge their nemesis.
The fallen Elijans turned into gigantic deformations of their former selves.
The Beast shoved them away with its claw and stared mockingly, baring its black, icicle-like teeth. Black drool oozed onto the ground, melting the earth.
The deformations stood up briefly, before a hail of green arrows and white light struck them down permanently.
Fifty more Elijans arrived, opening fire with a hail of white light. Their long, ghostly figures were focused with sheer determination. Speed and skill fought against the Beast, and defended their kin from its clutches.
White light, and green and red fire, began to take its toll.
The Dark Beast reluctantly and hastily retreated for the cover of the mountains, where the Great Red Queen began her ferocious assault. The thud from each bound, and its cries of pain became distant.
The Osirion Sisters Fellowship and the Elijans followed together. The distant explosions were deep. Every now and then, a red, blue, white, or a green flash lit up the mountains for a brief second. Then, a huge boom followed, shaking the ground.
Merwyff neighed gently, so Richard patted her head, whispering comforting words to ease her tension. From his position, he could see that the battle was raging just as fiercely from where the Vinx was positioned.
General Lebo sent a commander of the cavalry to take a closer look, daring not to wander too far in case events took an unexpected turn in his absence.
Richard wondered when it would be before he could engage with the Damned. Staring at their ugly faces for hours was not what he’d envisaged. He could see them from where he sat, and they glared back at him with all of their menace, but this was a war that would be fought on different levels. Their turn would come when the Dark King or General Lebo permitted it.
He turned his attention instead to discussing strategies with the maje.
The battle raged for hours with the Dark Beast, although not as intensely after the Vinx advanced. Flashes of color from the horizon, and the numerous wounded Jenn returning, filled the hours.
Richard busied himself assisting wherever he was needed.
There were wounded to tend to, food to distribute, weapons to sharpen, and mithrin to be cared for.
The Osirion Sisters Fellowship bade goodbye, braving the inevitable with taut faces and looks of determination. Some dared not look at their loved ones, as they headed for the skies in both directions. The maje of the Feroshan Elite followed, although many battalions remained for the greater battle to follow.
“They say you faced him on Keffi, and killed him?” Richard said later, standing with the general on the withering grass. He’d been listening to the Jades chat, but he didn’t know what to believe. The Dark King was here, alive, and destructive. How could he be dead?
He supped the ration of hot soup handed to him by a maje. The warmth was a comforting relief from the cold that had arrived with the Damned. With the retreat of the Dark King, everyone suddenly felt the cold.
The general inhaled, frowning on a terrible memory that resurfaced. He stared at his own bowl, feeling a loss of appetite.
“He cannot be killed,” he replied grimly, gazing distantly through the corner of his eyes for a moment, as if relaying a reply.
The mountains rumbled and shook. The general looked down forlorn, as if someone he’d known had fallen prey to the might of the Dark Beast.
It was a few minutes before he spoke again.
“I killed him on holy ground,” he said quietly, with a remorseful look. “I severed his head from his shoulders and distanced them by many gildard. A great many people died to achieve this, and though we were cautious, by evening his head was gone. By dawn the next day, he had risen with tenfold his might. By nightfall, all of Keffi was ruined. Those that survived were those that fled. Such is the curse of the Dark King.”
Richard was slightly shocked. So it was true! The Dark King had been killed, and came back alive!
He stared at the general, sensing the general’s despair and sadness. He speculated on the people he had faced in his own lifetime. They had been the scum of the Earth, and everyone was better off without them. He shook his head gently. It was terrible. The general had fought hard and killed his worst enemy with his own bare hands and sword, and then witnessed this foe come alive again. All those people that had died, what hope did they have today?
General Lebo spoke softly, as if he’d heard Richard’s thoughts.
“Abaddon is terrible, there is no doubt. Though, there will come a time when even his strength will fail, a time of demise, despair, and yet a time with a glimmer of hope. Evil is the path he has taken, and evil will be the course that takes him. Today we can only postpone the inevitable, to give ourselves a chance to save ourselves and our tomorrows.”
The hillsides were shaken with a loud roar.
