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Realm Of Fantasy

Realm of Fantasy

A Collection of Short Stories by: Kyara D’Paul.

This Collection of Stories is a work of fiction. Names, Characters, Places and Incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means now known or hereafter invented; Including Xerography, photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Author and Publisher.

Dedication

This collection of Short Stories is dedicated to my mother; Amparo and my father; Arturo who were excellent parents and an inspiration to me. The love you gave me will always be remembered and the education you gave me has brought this book and others to life. I pray that God has you beside him in heaven and we will meet again in our next life. Either on earth or heaven.

My best friend Mely, Annie, Adrian, Alberto, Karla P., Cassandra and Paulina, Yvonne, Martha and Maylanni who continue to inspire me with their love, acceptance, belief and support. May God keep each of you safe and well forever and may each of you be part of my life for eternity.

To Roy D. Who inspired me with his excellent work, great looks, expressive eyes that speak to the heart and soul, amazing humanity, caring nature, Intelligence and tenderness. A man who is not just an actor but also a Philanthropist, Environmentalist, who loves animals, children, his land and country, who is loving and protective and is truly a man of dreams. You are a man unique to this world. There are men in the world that still amaze women with their honesty, personality and sensitive nature and You Roy are one of them. May you always be blessed and May we enjoy your presence for many years.

The Valkyrie

"There is only one success--to be able to spend your life in your own way."

The stench of death is thick around her filling the cool morning air. Unable to escape the smell, The Valkyrie gently strokes her steed, trying to ease his distress. Though they've both seen death and destruction far too many times before, it remains unsettling.

Each battle brings forth more idealistic young men dressed in their pageantry ready to serve their monarch. Some are not more than boys who have followed in the footsteps of their fathers and brothers who came before them. And this, their debutant, gruesomely welcoming them into the world of fear, and death. When the fighting moves on to another venue, all that is left behind is the battle-scarred earth littered with piles of wounded and dead bodies.

A strand of her coppery hair whips across her face as she turns toward the south. Weaving in and out of the rows of bloodied bodies. Many still clutch their swords, while others, their limbs severed from their bodies. A grisly sight she has grown accustomed to; one she cannot run from.

Amidst the death, she sees movement. Then, a muffled groan is heard. Looking around the devastation she sees him, his helmet has been torn from his head, leaving the mass of riotous cinnamon brown curls spread across the blood covered grass. Her heart flutters as she hears his pain filled moan once again. His eyelids flutter briefly, as she dismounts. When she reaches his side, she knows she has found one still clinging to life with every breath. His eyelashes flutter again, opening slightly, she finds his eyes are rich Jade green in their hue. His cinnamon brown hair curls around his face, dampened by his own blood. Or perhaps by that of another. Kneeling beside him, her fingers tingling as she brushes a curl off his cool brow. “Do not fear,” she whispers as his lids flutter closed.

She closes her eyes as a pain flutters inside her chest, not knowing why she feels such sadness as she gazes at the broken body of this handsome warrior. A frown creases her brow as an inner voice softly whispers. He’s the one, that special man that was born for ye, inhaling softly her lids flutter open as she shakes her head, making the mass of coppery curls flutter in the soft breeze. “No, that cannot be.” She mutters before biting her lower lip and lowering her gaze in time to watch her chosen warrior's breast shudder with each breath he takes. She finds herself staring at his perfectly formed face, unable to look away. “He is truly well formed,” she muses as her gaze caresses his entire body.

When his eyes open again, Kya sees recognition in them. Her heart quivers with longing. His bloodstained hand reaches to touch her cheek. His skin, coated in the morning's dew, feels cool and wet against hers.

“Sweet Valkyrie…..you've……come for me,” he breathes as his knuckles faintly brush against her coppery hair. She releases a tear as she nods in answer.

Kya can see it so clearly. He led the charge, shouting to his men to keep advancing forward. And when the lines broke down and the melee had begun, he fought alongside them, plunging his sword into each enemy soldier that crossed his path. Even into the soldier who struck him from behind. With reflex action, he jabbed its sharp edge behind him, finding his attacker, killing him. Wounded, he struggled to remain in control, to stay upright and moving. Despite the blurring of his vision caused by blood loss, he saw a flash of black as a raven flew overhead. A few steps later, his body crashed to the ground bearing the weight of another man thrust against his chest in the chaos of the battle.

Holding his head in her lap, Kya knows he is the one she sought. Brave. Valiant in his efforts, and beautiful, his face sculpted with great care. A favored son. The one that will return with her.

Scooping her arm beneath him, she elevates his upper body. He grimaces, his breath coming rougher and his skin looking more pallid.

“My mother….” He asks breathlessly, his head cradled against her breast.

Looking into his pale Jade eyes she nods faintly as her fingers gently brush the wet curls off his pale brow. “She knows my brave soul,” the Valkyrie answers, “she is proud of having such a courageous son.”

Kya smiles as a smile softly curls his bluish lips and her heart breaks as she feels the life ebbing quickly out of him. Gently stroking his cheek with her free hand, she whispers against his temple, “You don't need to fight it anymore. It's okay. The battle is over.”

At hearing those words, there is a greater ease in his Jade green eyes that normally would hold such intensity. Wrapping the silver cloak around him, Kya prepares to lift him. While cradling him against her, she feels an ache inside, sadness she normally would not feel. How many eternities has this been, and how many more will there be?

The wind, sensing the moment of their departure, uplifts the white feathers of the cloak, fluttering them. Yes, it is time. Time to bring her chosen one from the battlefield to the other side. Standing carefully, she lifts him gently, she can feel him struggling to stay alive, to see a last sunset as they ride away into eternity. Quickly her steed well knowing the ritual reaches her side and stands as still as marble as she gently lifts her chosen warrior into the saddle. Climbing behind him, Kya sighs as her arms wrap around his shaking chest and bending forward she tenderly places a kiss upon his pallid lips, inhaling the scent of him. “Look your last upon this earth my love,” she murmurs, gently cradling his head against her shoulder.

Opening his eyes, the pale orbs slowly roam the battlefield, shedding the last tears he will ever shed as a human, for as soon as they cross the bridge into Valhalla he will be an eternal warrior, forever enjoying the blessings that his bravery has won him.

Kya fights the desire to weep as she feels his body struggling for one last breath. Wrapping her arm around him more tightly she gently press a tender kiss upon his temple. “Do not struggle my gallant warrior, come with me into eternity and live forever in Valhalla.”

“Will….we be…..together…..forever?” He asks, his breathing shallow and rapid.

Frowning, she inhales softly, knowing she will never be allowed to keep him as her mate. Being Odin's youngest daughter, Kya will never be allowed to love and keep any man. Hiding the sadness from her voice, she caresses his cheek lovingly. “Yes,” she answers him in a bare whisper, her heart is breaking into tiny pieces. “Forever and a day.” Pressing her golden heels to the steed's sides Kya urges him into a soft gallop. “Stay with me.” She begs him as the stallion gallops through the woods, their journey into Valhalla starting. She shakes her head in denial of her emotions, it is love, an eternal, human love that she had always heard of, but never felt. The soft voice echoes as they ride swiftly into the sunset. Biting her lip she closes my eyes, knowing this man will change her forever, for it is known that once a Valkyrie falls in love, she must fight Odin himself to prove her beloved's worthiness, if she succeeds, the Valkyrie is gifted with her beloved and allowed to retire to that special place that only lovers can go. “I cannot be in love, Father took that ability from me so I would never have trouble doing my duty.” She answers her inner voice.

Hearing a chuckle, Kya cringes as the words echo inside her mind. “How do you know? Do you remember the ritual Odin did or do you simply trust his words?”

Frowning, the young Valkyrie searches her memory as she fights the desire to kiss this man’s trembling lips. Feeling his fingers clasp hers weakly, she jumps, gasping at the coldness of his skin. Caressing his cinnamon curls, she smiles and gently tightens her hold upon his weakening frame.

“Together….forever.” He whispers softly and she nods, a smile slowly brightening her face. Why fight this? He’s handsome, strong and worthy of your love. A favored son and noble in birth. Knowing the truth of that statement she sighs deeply, knowing she must fight her father, but love gives her the knowledge that she will prove her warrior's worth to him.

Just as they cross the bridge that leads into eternal life, Kya feels him shudder and his head falls limply to the side. “My love.” She murmurs, tightening her grip upon him. Suddenly, his body arches into a bow before he inhales and his body shakes softly, life once again returning to his cold limbs. “Yes my love, stay with me forever.” She begs, urging the steed to gallop faster.

“Yes.” He utters as he buries his nose against Kya's throat. “Forever……”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As they reached the gates of Asgard and they open into the realm of Valhalla she feels his trembling increase in her embrace. Looking down she brushed a stray lock of her coppery hair and smiled as their eyes met.

“Is this Valhalla?” He asks in a breathless whisper.

Nodding she gathers him more tightly against her as the gates open and her sisters ride toward them. Lifting her chin, she straightens in the saddle and smiles.

“Didn't take you long to find this one Kya.” Mist, the oldest of the sisters stated in a proud tone of voice.

“But I can never beat your record.” She responded, forcing the stallion to stop before them. “What is it again? Five minutes?”

They all laughed as they slowly dismounted. “Mist will never allow us to forget, she found him just outside the gates and dragged Olrik inside by his hair!” Skeggjiold stated as she tossed her mass of bright red curls over her shoulder.

Chuckling with her sisters Kya slowly dismounted, allowing her beloved to lie over the stallion's neck. Meeting his gaze she gently brushed his cinnamon curls off his face and smiled. “Don’t worry,” she murmured as he grabbed her hand. “All will be alright,” turning she looked at each of her sisters, their eyes shone with pride. She watched them all drift closer and admire her warrior.

Lifting his head, Skegi sighed at seeing the beauty of this warrior. “You chose well dearest, baby sister, he is a magnificent specimen for our hall.”

Hild and Thrud also gently brushed their hands down his back and hissed in admiration. “Not since Erik the bloody has there been such a perfect warrior born.” Thrud stated in awe.

Stepping between her sisters and the warrior, Kya gently held his hand as she stared angrily at Skegi. “Leave him be,” she stated. Her voice claiming he belonged to her.

Mist stepped forward, her tongue clucking as she shook her head. “You know that's impossible Kya, he is worthy of Valhalla but no man will ever be worthy of you.”

“How do you know?” Kya demanded, her dark eyes flashing.

Hild sighed heavily and looked at Skegi and Thrud. “We all understand dearest,” she stated, brushing a copper curl off her baby sister’s cheek.

“Aye, we do for he is magnificent.” Agreed Thrud who gently smiled at the warrior, trying her best to calm his fears. “But it is written in the law-“

“I don't care about the law, he's mine, claimed by my heart and soul and not even father will keep me from his side.” She stated as she pushed her sisters back, away from the warrior. Feeling his shaking hand grab her left arm she turned and gasped at seeing the fear reflected in his Jade green eyes.

“I….do not…..want to be……a Burde-” He mumbled before falling silent as their eyes met.

Shaking her head, Kya gently brushed the back of her fingers across his cheek. “You must not worry my brave love, they speak from rancor.”

“How would you know what love is Kya?”

Lifting her shaking chin, Kya stared into the eyes of each of her sisters and nodded. “it's true, until I laid eyes upon this warrior I had not felt that special emotion all humans seem to have but the law can change, if father only-“

“KYRIANA!” Boomed the voice of Odin, King of all the Norse gods.

Bowing her head, Kya bit her lower lip but kept a gentle grasp of her warrior's hand in hers. “Yes father?”

“Look at me child.” Odin asked as he dismounted his great, black stallion.

Lifting her head, Kya shivered as she met Brunhilde's pale eyes and bowing her head softly to the leader of the Valkyries, Her gaze shifted to stare deeply into her father's pale eyes. Eyes that could be as tender as a caress or as angry and fiery as his temper. `Please father, let me keep him.' She begged silently as she stared into her father's eyes. `I love him and he loves me.'

Closing his eyes, Odin smiled sadly. “You wish to prove his worth?” Was all he asked as he waved the rest of his daughters away.

“Yes father, he is worthy I assure-“ she started to explain but stopped as Odin lifted his hand.

Stepping forward, Odin brushed his fingers down Kya's pale cheek. Shifting his gaze toward the shaking warrior he nodded slowly. “You have three days to regain your strength, on the fourth day you will prove to me if you are truly worthy of her, but know this; if you prove to be unworthy of my child, you will be sent to Hel for eternity.” Saying this, Odin mounted Sleipnir and rode away.

Exhaling a breath she did not know she held, Kya gently led her stallion toward Freya's hall. Once there she gently helped him dismount and with great care dragged him into the great hall where several young, giggling girls approached them. “Have a chamber prepared,” she ordered as she led him toward the hearth. Leaving him seating before the fire she rushed to bring him food and drink.

Freya smiled as she entered her great hall, she could feel the vibrant life of the man sitting before the fire, his pale skin shimmering with the fire's glow. “And who are you my brave warrior?” She asked as she took a seat on her throne.

Lifting his gaze, the warrior slowly met the pale eyed goddess. Falling to his knees he bowed his head. “I am Roi, son of Gandolf the pale.” He murmured.

Leaning forward, Freya smiled wider. “So you are, I had forgotten about the bravery of your father, he served me well.” She stated, reaching out and gently brushing her fingers through his hair.

Swallowing hard, Roi slowly lifted his head at the touch of her fingers. “I am glad my lady.” He responded in a shaky voice, unsure of why he had been brought to the goddess Freya.

“Aunt Freya,” Kya whispered as she entered the hall, setting the food she carried on the table she quickly approached the beautiful goddess. “I thought you were still searching the battlefield.”

Shaking her head, Freya winked at Kya and nodded toward the stairs. “I exhausted him as always.”

Kya blushed brightly, knowing her aunt perfectly well. “Aye, I am sure you have.”

Smiling brightly she hugged the young Valkyrie. “You have chosen well my dear.” The goddess murmured before kissing her niece's cheek before departing the hall.

Whirling, Kya fell to her knees beside the warrior. “Thank Odin she is just as exhausted herself.” She whispered helping her warrior to stand and with great care helped him to take a seat at the huge table, she smiled softly. “Eat and drink, once you are sated I will take you to your chamber where you may rest.”

Clasping her wrist in his bloodied fingers, Roi lifted his weary gaze to meet her dark one. “Don’t leave, please.” He begged as he gently dragged Kya into the chair beside him.

“I am at your service my lord-“ biting her lip she smiled tenderly at him, she had taken him from battle, chosen him as her love and she didn't even know his name.

“Roi, I am Roi Gandolfson.” He stated, kissing the alabaster skin of her hand.

Lowering her gaze, she nodded slowly. “Enjoy the meal my lord Roi, once you are well rested we will join the others in Odin's great hall.”

Roi stared at the meal before him, unable to take a single bite he closed his eyes and considered what he had heard outside. The Valkyrie who had brought him home was the youngest of Odin's children, a favorite daughter and obviously extremely protected and she had chosen him as her mate? It was unbelievable. Shaking his head he suddenly felt the heaviness of the trial he had endured for the last few weeks, ever since leaving his home he had rarely rested as he and his men rode hell bent toward the battle at Brunanburh. “All was a waste of time and resources.” He mussed silently as he forced himself to remember the battle.

Watching him attentively, Kya noticed how his skin glowed with the light from the fire, how his hair became a riotous mass of dark curls as they dried and his eyelids drooped until there was barely a slit showing the bright green of his magnificent eyes. “You are so magnificent my beloved Roi, the epitome of a true warrior, handsome, brave and strong.” She mussed, her fingers tangling in her coppery hair as they twisted a strand around her index finger. She jumped startled as his head thumped on the table, reaching out she gently lifted his head and sighed as his lashes fluttered softly. “I see you are ready for bed,” she murmured as she helped him to his feet and gently guided him toward the stairs. Once inside his chamber she carefully laid him on the bed and taking his boots and his clothes off she allowed herself the need to watch him as he slept. Taking the window seat she slowly braided her long hair, her gaze never leaving the sleeping warrior.

In his sleep, Roi relived the fateful battle. It had lasted three days and in those days, his entire battalion had been lost, all because their king could not keep his greedy hands from taking the entire Isle. Seeing the battle once again in his mind, he relived the entire scene up until he had been distracted by…..gasping for breath he now remembered he had seen Kya before he had been struck down.

Kya watched as his breathing became shallow and fast, knowing he must be reliving the battle she stood and gently brushed her fingers across his brow, taking the images away so he could rest. He needed to be well recovered when her father demanded the proof she had promised. Returning to her window seat she kept a vigil of her beloved's sleep.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Late the next morning, Kya awoke to the sound of clanging swords. Looking around she realized Roi was nowhere nearby and she quickly rushed toward the field, where she knew her father had already started the inquisition. Pushing all those before her aside she arrived at the field as her father slammed his great sword against Roi's. “You promised three days father.” She hissed softly. Fisting her hands she knew it was forbidden to interfere and with a soft curse she rushed toward her sisters who cheered their father on to massacre the warrior before him.

Skegi turned and smiled as Kya approached. “He's amazingly brave Kya.”

Nodding, Kya stared wide eyed at the battle before her. “He promised three days Skegi,” she murmured without taking her eyes from her warrior.

Laughing softly, Mist stepped forward. “It was your warrior who demanded this trial Kya,”

Her eyes widened even more at her oldest sister's comment. “I bet he did,” she murmured. They both were magnificent. Her father's armor shone in the bright sunlight while Roi's simple leather clothing showed every straining muscle as he forced his tired body to deflect each advance Odin made.

Kya watched in awe as her father kicked the sword from Roi's slack fingers and proceeded to pound some sense into the young warrior. She shuddered with every blow Roi received, not knowing how he stood the pain of her father's fisted blows. Closing her eyes she awaited the final result, the sickening sound of Roi's head splitting open as her father broke every bone in his body but frowned as a different sound reached her ears, gasps and cheers grew louder and she snapped her eyes open only to find her warrior had kicked her father away and had his sword back in his hands.

Suddenly Roi stumbled and fell, his sword skidding away from his hold. Kya watched horrified as the young warrior turned unto his back and with a resigned stare he waited the death blow which would send him straight into the arms of Hel, mistress of the underworld. She watched as in slow motion, her father raised his sword and aimed it straight at Roi's heart.

“Noooo!” Kya screamed as she launched herself forward. Falling to her knees above the warrior she turned and met her father's dismayed pale gaze.

Lowering his weapon, Odin glared at his youngest daughter. “Move aside,” he growled.

Shaking her head, Kya gently grabbed Roi's hand and stared angrily at her father. “He proved his worth father, with one night's rest he proved his worth.” She stated loudly for all to hear.

Gasps were heard from all around them as Odin stepped back. “He demanded it,” he stated. “You know I could never refuse.”

“Aye father, he did.” Turning to her warrior she met his worried gaze. “He is as brave and proud as any Norse god and you know it.” Standing she smiled lovingly at Roi. Turning to her father she knew what she had to do but it broke her heart to do so. Taking a step away from the warrior she fought the tears that threatened to spill. Meeting her father's angry glare she straightened her back and nodded. “Allow him entrance into Valhalla, he deserves to enjoy Asgard until Ragnarok.”

Turning away, Kya fisted her hands and slowly walked away, her head held high as she abandoned a chance at love so Roi could remain in Valhalla.

Frowning, Roi watched Kya walk away from him. Looking up he took Odin's proffered hand and stood slowly. “I don't understand.”

Smiling with pride, Odin pounded the young warrior on the back. “She has given you the gift of eternity in Valhalla while sacrificing her own heart.” Turning he met the warrior's pale Jade green eyes and shook his head. “I cannot allow her to do so.” He growled. With those words he shoved Roi toward Kya. “Do not break her heart, for if you do I will break every bone in your body!” He hissed in a low growl.

Stumbling slightly, Roi rushed toward his beloved Valkyrie and taking her hand he spun her around.

“What are you doing?” She demanded trying to get away from his hold.

“Your father-“

“No Roi, go back to Valhalla before he changes his mind.” She begged pulling away from him.

“Kyriana,” she heard her father's voice echo close behind her and she stopped struggling and spun around to stare into his sad gaze. “Take him, he's yours.”

Unsure of her father's words she stared at Roi for a long time before she understood. Spinning around she smiled happily at her father. “I may keep him?”

Nodding, Odin slowly smiled brightly. “Aye child, he is yours forever.”

Vaulting into Roi’s arms, Kya wrapped herself around her beloved’s body, their lips meeting in tender union. The heated passion of his kiss stole her breath away. Everything faded away into vaporous clouds as he ravished her mouth with passionate abandon, his tongue sweeping against hers. Suddenly they felt a swift breeze and pulled apart to gaze around them, the scene had changed vastly as they now stood inside a bright chamber, a bright fire roared softly upon the fireplace and she smiled at seeing the feathery bed before them. “I guess my father kept his word.” She murmured as she dragged Roi toward the bed.

“Always and forever?” He asked in awe as she undressed for him.

“Forever and a day.” She whispered against his lips as she claimed her warrior as her mate.

The End.

Soul Mates

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

Ryanne sat at the window of her seventh floor loft, she watched as the moon began its descent in the blackest sky she had ever seen, she felt Maxe's hands on her shoulders as they massaged the stress of the past few days away.

"Ryanne you need to relax the move was the best thing we could have done, you’ll see Montreal will be much better than New Mexico. " He softly rested his chin on top of her head as she laid her tired head against his strong chest.

"I hope you're right Love, last thing we need is to move again due to my family finding us, why won't they ever let me go? It has been 6 years since I left and they still want me back home. Why? I mean the trust fund is not even large enough, why do they must always control me? " Ryanne lifted her tired gaze toward her husband's face, she had finally found her true soul mate, all those years of traveling and searching had paid off, she had found Maxe by chance on the internet after 3 years of searching, she had given up on love and then suddenly there he was, emailing her.

Ryanne pulled away from His embrace and walked to the bathroom, closing the door she turned the shower on and began to undress. ** God what a time to recover the lost dream visions I had as a child huh? ** She whispered as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She watched her pale white skin flushed from the exertion of the day's move, her dark chocolate brown eyes that Maxe loved so much to look into shined like the stars on a clear night. She lifted her hand and undid the chignon, her hair came tumbling down in waves of red-gold silk, she ran her fingers through her hair trying to disentangle it.

"When will the dreams ever stop?" she whispered as she opened the shower curtain and entered the tub. She rubbed her slightly swollen stomach begging god to allow this child to survive.

Maxe watched as Ryanne left his side and locked herself in the bathroom, he sighed and walked to the kitchen to make some dinner as Ryanne showered and dealt with the dreams she had been having lately.

He didn't understand why they affected her so much, he knew she mostly dreamed of their past lives where they had met and many times died together or alone, but still he did not understand her gift fully.

Maxe took the Meat out and began to chop the Vegetables to make a stir fry, he wanted to soothe Ryanne after the whole ordeal they had just been through, he sighed again as he began to go over the last 2 weeks since Ryanne's sister in law had arrived into their lives.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

2 weeks before

Maxe had just left work in Santa Fe and made his way toward the home he had made with Ryanne, he was so happy about the news of their future baby, he smiled softly as he drove his Jeep Liberty down the highway toward their home.

Ryanne had stayed home after her doctor's appointment, she had been ecstatic to know she was finally pregnant, after 2 years of constantly trying to get pregnant and 2 miscarriages they were again expecting, she had been ordered to stay at home, in bed. this was the hardest thing to do since her job demanded so much from Ryanne, but she had called her boss and told him she could do the job from home if he allowed it, making web pages was not so difficult and she had all the software in her laptop. She had been given the first of many assignments that afternoon, she sat at her desk working on the designs of the page she was making when the doorbell rang, she stood and walked to the door expecting to see Jean or maybe Paty, she opened the door and found herself face to face with Lyra her sister in law.

Ryanne tried to close the door but Ferdinand had pushed it open.

"Hello Ryanne took us long enough to find you, where is your good for nothing playboy huh?" her sister in law walked into Ryanne's home admiring the great decorations, she took a seat at the living room couch and waited for Ferdinand to sit beside her before speaking.

"What are you doing here? I thought we had decided you would not search for us anymore! " Ryanne walked to the kitchen door and looked out waiting for Maxe to arrive.

Lyra stood and walked to the kitchen " tell me how long were you going to wait to tell us you had finally married the beast you call a husband? Why Ryanne? He is nothing but a peasant, a piece of crap, you know he is only after your money baby." Lyra held Ryanne's hands in her own, her face a mask of sweetness and devotion which Ryanne knew was a front to break her resolve down.

Ryanne pulled her hands sharply from Lyra's grasp and walked to the front door, opening the door and standing at the threshold she spoke. " Yes I married Maxe 2 years ago, so what? You knew about it, you got the invitation. Why do you keep calling him a beast Lyra? What has he ever done to you? " Ryanne turned to look out the door, seeing her husband's face in her minds' eye.

Maxe was 6'0. 180 pounds, softly tanned skin was framed by the most beautiful Cinnamon-Brown hair she had ever seen, his changeable eyes were so magnificent, a soft grey/blue. She had dreamed of those eyes so many nights as a child until her sister in law had joined the family.

Soon after Lyra, her sister in law had convinced her parents that Ryanne was insane and needed to be institutionalized, her parents had agreed and Ryanne had been committed for 6 years into a psychiatric hospital in Texas, she had been subjected to the most intense tests and medications known to them, Ryanne at 10 years old was no match for the elctro-convulsive therapy and other treatments done to her extensively until her mother had protested and taken her out. she had lost her dream powers ever since, but her sister in law had always kept a close eye on her, the hate was so evident every time Lyra gazed at Ryanne that the room felt stuffy and uncomfortable when they were together.

Ryanne had finally taken matters into her own hands and escaped her home after her mother died, she had lived on the streets for years before being able to get a decent job and a nice place to live.

Slowly her dreams returned full force, the young man she had dreamed about as a child was now grown and waiting for her, Ryanne had searched every city and town in the U.S. without luck, then through a dream she decided to search Canada, and several years later she had met and after a swift romantic rendezvous, she married Maxe. Ryanne shuddered at the memory of her beloved a few months ago when her family had found them; Maxe had been alone at the apt. when her brother and sister in law had arrived, they had decided to make Ryanne a widow so they could control her even more; they had beat Maxe within an inch of his life before Ryanne walked through the door and called the police, her brother and sister in law had been taken to jail while Maxe went to the hospital, he had broken ribs, a perforated lung, multiple lacerations and a very severe concussion with complications, and that on top of his already fragile head injury which had caused him so much grief.

After 2 weeks in the hospital Maxe was discharged and they had moved from New Orleans, Louisiana to a nice house in Rural New Mexico and had again begun their lives. Maxe was still suffering from the complications of his concussion. Severe seizures would attack his once strong body several times a week, he was almost fired from his job before they had gone to court to contest the loss of his job. The company was ordered to rehire Maxe and keep him under their employment for the next 12 years or pay compensation worth over 20 million dollars for wrongful discharge, the company had opted to keep Maxe working.

" Ryanne are you listening?" her sister in law grabbed her arm and turned her toward her.

" What do you want now Lyra? I signed the papers that would allow you to take the trust fund and use it as you wish, why can't you leave us alone? You already damaged Maxe enough, are you here to finally kill him?" Ryanne heard the SUV approaching and rushed out the door, she saw it was Maxe and ran toward the Jeep.

Maxe stopped the Jeep as he watched Ryanne rush out of the house with Lyra close behind her, he grabbed the bat he kept with him at all times now and left the truck. Maxe gathered Ryanne into his embrace and shielded her from Lyra as she neared them, he raised the bat and waved it at her.

"What are you two doing here? Didn’t we give you all you wanted? What more do you want? "

Lyra stopped and looked up at Maxe, he was prepared, too bad they might have to use the guns. She sighed and turned to look at Ferdinand who stood at the door of the house.

Lyra locked her gaze with her husband's and he nodded, she sighed once again and turned toward the couple, a sweet, loving expression in her brown eyes. "Maxe all we wanted was to see Ryanne, make sure she is ok. We heard from aunt conny that she was having those crazy dreams of hers again and that worries us, she needs medication and proper treatment and she will not get it if you keep protecting her. " Lyra moved to touch Ryanne's hair but Maxe pushed Ryanne behind him.

" Don't touch her. Leave Lyra, please we don't want any trouble, we just want to be left alone please." Maxe began to walk toward their home with Ryanne in his embrace and Lyra followed close behind. Ferdinand had walked into the living Room and sat down to wait for them.

They entered the house and Max sat on the wing chair and pulled Ryanne into his lap, his own gun sitting just under the chair for easy access just in case.

"Maxe please allow us to care for Ryanne, she needs the proper medications so those hallucinations will stop, she needs a stable home not the nomad way you two live." Lyra had taken a seat beside them and tried to make them do as she desired, but Maxe did not believe the sweet, caring act Lyra was playing, he knew how devious and conniving she could be, he wrapped his arm around Ryanne's waist and pulled her tighter against him.

"Lyra; she does not need any medication, she is fine, the dreams are being controlled so you have nothing to do here, please leave our home now before the police arrives, we don't want any more trouble please."

Lyra and Ferdinand had to be taken out of the house several hours later by the police and Maxe had immediately began to pack their few belongings to move once again, this time they would go to a place where they could never be found. His time in Quebec had been wonderful and he knew they would be safe there.

Maxe was brought out of his reverie as soft hands wrapped around his waist and soft lips suckled at his neck.

"Ryanne dinner will get cold " Maxe moaned as Ryanne's hands strayed down toward his erection.

She softly caressed her husband through the fabric of his pants and her mouth suckled more at his tender skin, she smiled against his throat when he moaned again, she pulled him toward their bedroom and once they reached the bed she pushed him down and crawled on top of him, she gently pulled his clothes off and began to make love to Maxe slowly and tenderly. They drifted off to sleep after making love twice more.

Several hours later Ryanne began to dream.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Paris, France 1941

Tall rows of poplars lined the lane on both sides. The thundering sound of cannon fire was in the distance, but the vibrations were felt by all who were in a mad rush to flee Paris. The Nazi's had taken Paris, the City of Light. The unthinkable had happened--brazen Nazi's strolled down the boulevards of Paris. Armand could not comprehend how the French people had allowed this to happen. He and his fiancée Jazmyn were fleeing to Dijon at the base of the Seine. They had family already there who would provide for her, so that he could join the Marquis French Resistance Movement.

He had been too complacent and convinced that Paris could never be taken. Now he had lost everything except his beloved Jazmyn.

"Armand, are the guns closer? How long will it take us to reach Dijon? Do you think we will be safe there?" Her questions took him aback. He still hadn't told her he would not be staying with her. He supposed that now was as good time as any.

"Ma petite jazzy, you will be safe, but I am going to join the Marquis. I must fight to free my country from these Nazi pigs." He told her this gently and with no little trepidation. His blue eyes looked at her with a hunger, but this was not the time, he knew.

"Armand, non! You must not do this. I don't want to be without you. I can't live without your love, Mon amour. I will go with you!" Her brown eyes filled with tears as she gazed into his blue ones. "I will fight too! This is my country too!" She declared this as she tossed her long red-gold hair.

"You will not do any such thing," he said softly. "You can be of great use to the Marquis by being our eyes and ears in Dijon. I plan on connecting with some ami of mine there. I will be nearby, but I will not be able to see you because it would be dangerous for both of us."

"Oh Armand, I will miss you so much. I will miss your lovemaking," she said impishly. "We must make the most of every moment until we are separated." Her brown eyes were twinkling.

"You are insane my little one. We are fleeing along a narrow road with probably several thousand other people, and you talk about making love every moment. I am not made of steel. You must hush this silly talk until there is the time for lovemaking."

"Armand, you are tres obstinate. I don't mean right here and right now," she whispered into his ear and swirled her pink tongue in it as well. "Cher, I mean later tonight, whenever we stop to rest....." She gave him a sideways glance and winked.

Any other time, and Armand would be stopping to rest right now. He and Jazmyn would have been married by now had the invasion and capture of Paris not taken place. Her family was already in Dijon. He looked at her and saw the veritable goddess he thought her to be. Small, reddish-blonde, brown eyed, intelligent (although not acting it particularly at the moment), stubborn, willful, passionate Jazmyn Angel Trudeau was his soul mate for life. They had been friends as children, emerged through an indifferent adolescence to fall in love. Their wedding had merely been delayed by war, but not their loving. He had been twenty-two and she had been twenty when she had finally said, "Enough of this virginity crap! Make love to me Armand, before I die from the longing."

Armand had not needed a lot of encouragement or reassurance that she would still respect him in the morning.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Jazmyn had not seen Armand for over a month. He had left her in Dijon with her family and his, and he had disappeared into the forest to join his friends in the Marquis underground. She had worried and worried to no avail. Occasionally, a message would come from him. He was safe as far as she knew. Only last night rumors of a Nazi train being derailed had reached the town.

Jazmyn was proud of Armand and the mission of the resistance, but she feared that she would never see him again. Their families seemed to go about their daily routines as usual. They kept to themselves, and tried to stay out of notice of the Nazi soldiers in town. Jazmyn felt she was being watched. These Nazi pigs seemed to be everywhere, and one even followed her home from the street market one day. She had resolved never to go there again alone.

Her striking appearance made her stand out in the crowd, and she had no desire to "stand out." She attired herself as plainly as possible, and wore her hair pulled back in a bun, but it did no good. The soldiers still stared at her as if she had "take me, I'm yours" emblazoned on her backside.

One morning at the market she was met by Silvan, Armand's best friend and he told Jazmyn that Armand had been captured by the Nazi’s and sent to a concentration camp in Germany, she worried for many nights after that until her willful mind demanded she go and help him escape. She had befriended a German soldier his name was Rutger and he helped her get German papers to travel, he also helped her to plan the escape, and where to take Armand. it had taken her 3 months to plan and finally move, she had gotten Rutger to transfer to Birkenau and he had explained to Jazmyn they needed to get Armand out soon, he was beaten and weak, his body going many weeks without nourishment, Jazmyn met Rutger in town close to Birkenau and soon they walked into the camp, Jazmyn being changed into a perfect German lady, Rutger was able to get Armand into one of the solitary sheds, and he had made a clean opening in the back fence, getting the guards to take a 20 minute break.

Rutger had told Jazmyn what Armand looked like, she would be frightened to see his body weak and broken, Rutger opened the door and pulled Armand out. Armand had his arms covering his face, barely conscious and begging to be left alone, Jazmyn almost cried as she saw the condition her love was in, his face was ravaged, pale and dark circles surrounded his eyes, his body once well-muscled was now just barely thin, the clothing he wore was a mere thin shirt and pants, no shoes, he was shaking and his voice had become hoarse, barely audible, his hair not yet grown out, since the Nazi’s had shaved it off, suddenly he realized she was there and as his blue eyes met her chocolate brown one's, she could see the shame and horror of seeing her here. He launched himself from the guard's clutches and embraced Jazmyn, his body barely able to hold her, he was shaking so much, he kissed her so roughly but soon his lips became soft and pliant under hers. Suddenly he stopped, looked at her and then turned to look wearily at the guard, Rutger smiled and took one step toward them but Armand misunderstanding what was happening pushed Jazmyn behind him and almost jumped on Rutger.

"Jazzy what are you doing here? Did they grab you too? Is this a farewell? " he asked this as he watched the guard approaching, his body was so malnourished and hurt his knees kept buckling under him, he was so weak, he knew he was not strong enough to fight this Nazi, but he would die protecting his love, his breathing labored and rapid, his heart racing in his chest.

He wearily watched as the guard stood right in front of them and suddenly Rutger took his coat off and draped it over Armand's shoulders, he pulled his boots off and gave them to the young man. Armand was speechless as he saw the Nazi guard give his boots to him, Jazmyn smiled and helped him put them on, then she stood and kissed Rutger, turned and offered her hand to Armand, who clutched it tightly, they walked to the gate and passed through the hole made in it, soon they were inside the woods when a shot rang out. Jazmyn turned and her eyes glazed over, she knew Rutger had killed himself to protect them, she embraced Armand and pulled him toward the cabin that Rutger had shown her, they would hide there for as long as need be, until Armand was strong enough to travel back to France.

Jazmyn could feel Armand's strength leaving him, his step grew slower and his body grew heavier, suddenly he stumbled and fell, bringing Jazmyn down with him, he was panting, his face sweat drenched and his skin clammy and cold, Jazmyn knew he was going into shock, she had been told by Rutger how Armand had been pulled aside and shot twice only 4 days ago to show all the prisoners what they could expect if they did not obey, he had barely survived thanks to Rutger, but he was still not yet recovered fully, his blood had not been replaced, and he had been placed in isolation 2 days later, Rutger had taken food and water to Armand, but he had barely tasted the water, no food, it was amazing that he was alive. Carefully she pulled him back on his feet, he leaned heavily on her. With a lot of effort they made their way to the cabin.

Jazmyn had been basically dragging Armand for hours when she saw the cabin, the solitary light on the window shone like a beacon, she pulled Armand toward the door and as they neared the door he collapsed, his head hitting the first step. Jazmyn checked his vital signs, his heartbeat was racing, his breathing was barely audible, he was shaking so much, even unconscious he shook, she opened the door and lit the 3 candles and fixed the bed, she walked back outside and dragged a limp Armand into the cabin, softly she deposited him on the bed, locked the door making sure there was no sign of them coming here.

She walked to the bed and disrobed Armand, his skin drenched in sweat, the fever raging in him was very high, he started to mumble deliriously and soon he was screaming and crying to be set free, she opened the bag Rutger had left for her, there were some antibiotics and a large dose of sedatives, she took a syringe and drew 2 cc of antibiotics and injected Armand, she took the towel and washed his body, his skin was so pale, his breathing fast and shallow, she was not sure if he would survive but she prayed.

He was so sick, she had realized in the first 3 days at the cabin that Armand had developed Pneumonia, his breathing becoming so shallow and rapid he barely drew breath, between the pneumonia, the fever and the loss of blood he was dangerously close to dying, Jazmyn had taken to sleeping beside him, holding him tight against her, she was terrified of losing him.

"God don't take him, not now please!"

It had been 5 days since they had escaped the camp and Armand had not yet regained consciousness, she was frightened for his life, he had survived, the fever coming down early this morning, Jazmyn had gone to the kitchen to make some soup.

Armand awoke to the soft sound of Jazmyn singing, his eyelashes fluttered and finally opened, His chest hurt as he inhaled more deeply than he intended ...the sigh bringing a sharp stabbing pain which he could do little to subdue … He gritted his teeth and turned his head on the pillow..

He blinked hard trying to focus on the door ....the drugs in his system had made him groggy and less responsive than normal, he could tell by the time it took for the image to become clear.

He saw Jazmyn busy over the stove, heating up something that smelled delicious, he had barely eaten anything in the last 3 months. he tried to move but his body was oddly numb, he tried to raise his hand to push a lock of hair that had fallen on his forehead but he was unable to control his hand, it rose a couple of inches and then flopped back down, he was frustrated at his weakness.

Armand tried to lever himself up gingerly in the bed. His head spun as he moved into a vertical position, he fought the nausea and steadied himself . But to no avail his body rebelled against him and he collapsed against the pillows, his breathing shallow and rapid, his head dizzy.

The air in the room was warm and dry, making his lungs ache as he inhaled slowly … the bandages around his chest were tight, he assumed that he'd sustained a cracked rib at the very least. Then he remembered being shot, and touched his side gently, a sharp pain assailed him as he gingerly touched the bandages below his ribs. Swallowing hard, he realized he was very thirsty and He coughed softly to attract her attention.

She looked up and was taken in by a pair of pitiful looking Sapphire blue eyes watering slightly and outlined with dark circles. Armand looked so helpless as he gazed at her and whispered for something…his voice barely audible.

Jazmyn walked toward him and sat on the bed, taking the curl that had fallen across his forehead and smoothed it back, she gazed into his eyes and saw that he was coherent once again.

He licked his dry lips with the tip of his tongue before huskily speaking once more … his voice heavily accented.

"Water please. " his eyes tearing at the light from the window, he closed them tightly as Jazmyn gently brought her hand to caress his cheek, he sighed and let himself enjoy her caress.

Jazmyn pulled him into a sitting position and then took the glass of water from the table. " Sip slowly" she whispered.

After he took a few sips he settled back on the pillows. " What happened? Where are we?" Armand was still disoriented and extremely weak.

"You were captured 3 months ago, you have been in a concentration camp all this time, we are a few kilometers from Birkenau, a friend helped me get you out." Jazmyn saw how hard he was trying to stay awake, she brought the glass of water to his lips once again, putting her arm around his shoulders to support him as he swallowed. She could feel that he was still very weak, he sipped slowly, a few sips then he smiled and she laid him back on the pillows, his eyelashes fluttering, he took her hand and kissed it, as he lost consciousness again, the last image he saw was her smile as he kissed her hand.

Armand felt himself drifting in a sea of darkness. Should have been a warm-velvet place, but it wasn't. Rather it was cold and dense, pressing down upon him till he nearly suffocated. He clawed his way through the black void, reaching for the light.

Armand Forced open heavy eyelids and nearly sobbed with relief to see brightness. Painful and sharp. Armand closed his eyes he could still feel the heavy darkness pulling him back, he opened his eyes again to see a blurred face looming over him.

Jazmyn was standing over him, trying to wake him from the terrible nightmare that only seconds before had him in its grip.

Skin ashen and sheened with a cold sweat. Silver-blue eyes glazed and unfocused. She was worried to see him so lost. " Armand can you hear me? Can you understand?"

Armand heard the soft voice, like a pale silk ribbon running through the black tangle of sound and thought which cluttered his head. He tried to speak but no sound came out, he slowly licked his lips and soon Jazmyn had a glass of cool water to his lips, he consumed it greedily and watched her, her Brown eyes worried for him.

Jazmyn watched as he drank the glass of water, but given the ashen sheen of his skin, the pain that shimmered in his eyes and the way his body trembled, she knew he was still suffering the after effects of his near death experience.

She ached for what he must have suffered through. She wanted to hold him tight and protect him.

Jazmyn watched him fight the pain and weakness, but she saw him lose, slowly his eyelashes fluttered closed and he drifted back into oblivion.

Jazmyn spent several hours watching him sleep, she stifled a yawn, rose from the chair to stretch, then moved to the side of the bed.

Reaching out with one hand, Jazmyn brushed a red curl off Armand's forehead and felt him stir. Excitement and relief flooded through her and she whispered his name. "Armand?"

He opened his eyes, remembering that Silk voice. Felt it pull him out of the darkness and into the light. Smiled at the beautiful face peering down at him. Reached up to brush the back of his hand over her soft skin, then said, " Where am I?" he tried to sit up but felt the dizziness and nausea assail him and he promptly fell back upon the pillows.

One hand lifted and he combed his fingers through his hair, detangling the soft curls. Curls, his mind registered that fact and somehow it didn't seem right. Didn't seem like...him. But he dismissed the thought as unimportant.

He pressed the heels of his hands over his eyes for a moment, to ease the burning ache behind them,

Impressum

Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG

Texte: Kyara D'Paul
Bildmaterialien: Kyara D'Paul
Lektorat: Kyara D'Paul
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 19.06.2013
ISBN: 978-3-7309-3323-7

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