Cornerstone Deep

Release Date - November 2010 

Class Act Books 

It’s their nature - long lives and rebirth. They're from another dimension. Cornerstone Deep has them. They're the Wizards of Shilo Manor.

It's their nature - long lives and rebirth.  They're from another dimension, but Cornerstone Deep has them.  They're the Wizards of Shilo Manor.

They outlive the mortals of the realm in which they serve; and when it comes to love, the cruel fact is reinforced.  They lose their women to death with no hope of reuniting.  Reincarnation doesn't exist on this plane.  Yet they continue to accept others for whatever time they have together.  Save for Cole.  His love for his last wife still burns in his soul three centuries after her death.

When the service they render to the Lords of Cornerstone Deep brings him face to face with Anna, something entirely unexpected happens.  In a realm of silent souls, hers calls to him.  An undeniable pull causes him to react at the worst possible moment.  He responds with a kiss - one that joined with the spell to place her in servitude, binds her soul. 

Upon learning the consequences of his actions, Cole discovers who Anna really is - rebirth does indeed exist here and he fights to free his past love from the binds he inflicted.

Breaking ancient covenants, angering the Lords, and bringing the Gods's wrath upon himself, he combines untried magic in an attempt to do what has never been done.  Unbind a soul.

~ Sample Chapter ~

~ * ~

My life is a mirage of endless time.

 But you, in this moment, engulf me, rivet my mind,

encompass my heart.

 (Cole Shilo)

The mantle clock chimed 3:00, and Cole blinked his gaze to the old timepiece.  He glowered as the throaty tone sounded three times and fell silent.  If it wasn't a priceless treasure, he'd crush the wretched thing.  Time meant nothing to him.

He returned his gaze to the family's Candle Vignette.  Silver laced its stout core and it fit heavily in his hand.  A single picture shown within the flame emitted from the cleft in its crest.  The amber glow framed the memory by a faded margin.  Big blue eyes sparkled up at him.  Long dark brown ringlets and bows framed the cherubic face.  She died over three hundred years ago, but her smile still touched his soul. 

Mianna.

Footsteps sounded down the hall and Cole looked at the door.  James leaned his head inside.  "I thought I'd find you here."

He pursed his lips and waved a hand over the picture album.  The depiction faded.  "Meaning?"

"Whenever the subject of Mianna comes up, you retreat to the study."

It was probably true.  He glanced around at the hallowed room.  It seemed the only place he found solace - in his father's study.  The tapestries that hung along the east wall were the closest thing to home he could surround himself with.  The blue sun of Meridian and the moons that cast an indigo glow over the wide fields of dark sand soothed him somewhat.  It was an insane.  He sat in their presence trying to escape the reality of this plane with the memory of its native daughter in his hand - and soul. 

Cole sighed.  "Did you need something?"

James took a seat beside him.  "We found a harvest subject for Lord Dressen's order."   

Vincent stepped in and leaned on the door frame. 

Cole settled his eyes back on the Vignette.  "The spell's ready.  Are you sure she fits all the requirements?"

James nodded and glanced at Vincent who looked away. 

"Curfew breaker?"

James nodded again.

"Okay."  Cole straightened and sat the Vignette on the mahogany desk before them.  "Details."

James passed a finger over his wrist-watch.  Its luminescent face throbbed and acronym symbols on the circumference morphed.  "Her name is Anna Sinclair.  Five feet four inches.  Brown hair, age twenty-five.  Lower East Side."  He looked at Cole.  "She uses the park's shortcut and makes it home only minutes late.  Without the pass, she'd be out well past the allotted decree."

Cole upped his brow.  "Dancing on the edge."

"More likely, pushing the limit in denial that anything would happen to her."

Vincent crossed his arms and shook his head.  "Harvesting is for the homeless, the needy.  Not a curfew breaker."

"We're here serving a covenant with the gods.  Nothing else.  This falls under keeping the Grand Marshal's placid.  If they want lawbreakers in their homes, so be it.  It's their bid."  He leaned back in his chair.  "We leave at dusk.  Secure the north entrance to the park.  There won't be a shortcut tonight."

James glanced at him.  "Gryffin's perch."

"Gryffin knows of this by now.  His silence on the matter proves this is no different than any other duty we perform."  He glanced at the depictions of his home realm.  "And I gave up caring a long time ago."

~ * ~ 

The lights died and shadows replaced the candescent glare.  Lights out already?  Anna threw her gaze to the window.  Dusk.    

She slid the aromatic candle closer, using the dim light to finish positioning the intricate glass forms.  Though she thought on snuffing out the gift after Dressen's actions, she couldn't bring herself to extinguish the comforting scent.  Its stout core lessened over the hours she'd worked.

Cursed time.  She draped her work station with a light cloth and threw on her jacket.  With the bejeweled candleholder tight in her grip, she rushed out the door.  The scent of licorice and vanilla trailed from the flame as she weaved her way through adjoining art studios and corridors.

As she stepped out onto the stairs of Cantrell Artesian, she shivered in the spring air.  The industrial West Side's sulfuric odor rode the breeze from across town and the fragrant fire flickered out.  She cradled the holder between the large granite lion paws that sat beside the steps.  It fit nicely.  She sniggered at the sight.  Kyle Dressen's artistic contribution to the sphinx. 

She stepped onto the sidewalk and looked around.  Humor faded.  Vapor loomed over the empty streets like phantoms gathering warmth from the asphalt.  She briskly rubbed her sleeves.  The slight warming did nothing to ease her insecurity.  Street lights blinked on but offered little comfort as the newscaster's announcement flooded her mind.  "In an attempt to control the vandalism on the east side, strong measures have been set into place to enforce the new curfew." 

What a ridiculous notion.  The impoverished East Side getting aid from the lawmakers.  Yet now, unease filled her.  Amy's insistence on the matter didn't help either.  An apprehensive tone caught her voice as she repeated the warning.  "Curfew breakers are never heard from again."  Her whisper sent mist through the chill.  She wished she hadn't spoken. 

Anna hurried across the open court and down an adjacent street.  Awnings rustled in the wind.  Neon signs that once invited late night commerce hung dead behind barred windows.  Her rushed steps echoed through the air. 

She darted her eyes to the sky as it unfurled a blanket of stars.  "God, I'm a curfew breaker!"

Her steps quickened.  As she approached the shortcut through the park, her breath caught.  The wide corner entrance stood closed.  The ancient stone gryffin perched high on the gateway glared down at her.  She shook the bars with disbelief.  "When do they ever lock Shilo Park?"  Scanning the long gates that fortified the urban green, fear gnawed at her stomach.

"Anna." 

She whipped around.  The sound was like a whisper to her mind yet clear as if spoken.  Her gaze intensified as she studied the shadowed pavement.  Beneath the dim light of a street lamp, dense smoke filtered through a gutter drain.  It billowed and rose, taking the form of three men.  Her throat clinched.  "What - in - the - world!"  She spun around and ran. 

"There's no use in running." 

Throwing her hands to her ears, she tried to block out the voice.  An abandoned shuttle van propped half way up the curb offered the only protection along the vacant street.  She darted across the road to find refuge. 

Her long hair netted her face as she stumbled past street-side clutter.  She swiped it away.  Catching her balance, she raced along the storefronts and spotted a weak halo down an alley.  The chance of an open back door gave her hope.  She rushed into the darkness. 

Discarded waste filled the air with a foul stench.  Her frantic feet beat the pavement as she raced to every locked door. 

Steady footsteps followed. 

A hoarse cry ripped her throat as she halted at the wall that blocked her escape.  The small lamp flickered as if to mock her.  She turned to the way she came.  Her body trembled and she backed into a corner for support.  "This is a nightmare."  Her shallow voice quivered and sent denial through her.  "This isn't happening!"  The tomb-like closure briefly echoed her claim but resounded the measured steps' that approached. 

She stared at the forms as they overtook the narrow alley.  A man led center, his companions flanking.  Each unified stride caused their capes to furl with controlled motion.  Their focus was on her.  The dim lamp lit their approach - a dark trio.  Reapers, all of them - black hair, black eyes, black cloaks.  Anyone alive and breathing didn't have a chance.  At that moment, she believed.  Anna held her breath.

They stopped a few feet from her, but then the leader stepped forward.

The men waited. 

Endless time filled her as she gazed at their resolute faces.  She swallowed hard to ward off the want of air. 

With graceful motion, the leader lifted his hand as if setting a butterfly free.  A mist, the brilliance of snow crystalline encircled her and lingered in the air. 

Anna struggled to withhold a gasp. 

"You have to breathe sometime." 

The voice sifted through her mind.  Her lungs begged for relief.  Fate called her fall. 

She succumbed and the tiny crystallites flowed past her lips.

The taste of divinity touched her senses and the promise of bliss sang in her mind.  Reprieve.  The invitation was overwhelming, irresistible.  A wave of serenity coated her emotions.  Her trembling eased.   

She met his gaze. 

A small smile touched his coal eyes.  It touched her soul.  Opposition dissolved. 

He inhaled the sparkling mist and leaned close.  Cradling her face in his hands, he touched his lips to hers.  They were warm and seductive, unexpectedly tender.  The aroma of licorice and cream flowed through her.  She accepted his attention, intoxicated by the offering.  In a gentle motion, she felt the loving caress of his tongue on hers.  Eternity echoed in her heart blinding her to the world.

With a breath, the magic's spell filled her. 

Heat steamed her lungs and filtered throughout her body.  Every wave carried with it memories; the last words of her father, the aged photo of her mother she clung to as a child. 

Subjection engulfed her mind.  All wonderment ceased under its capture.  Rapture sealed her senses and final will vanished.

Anna weakened beneath Cole's touch.  Her mouth relaxed and her face stilled.  He lifted from the tender moment.  Her eyes were closed.  The spell.  He started at the realization of his actions.  They were entirely uncalled for, unexpected, yet he couldn't deny the pleasure it brought. 

He stared at her as she wavered with the effects of empty thought.  This girl had indeed sought refuge from her life's experiences.  The only memory she'd be gifted to retain.  By her complete surrender, he had no doubt she'd wished for the chance to forget many times - a common occurrence among the homeless.  He allowed the spell's sparkling enchantment to fade.  No further need for it with this one.  It was complete.

As she opened her eyes, he gazed deeply into the blue pools.  "You're life will find meaning."  Words to offer hope and set the desire to take pride in her service.

Her eyes wandered amongst them.  James, his strong stature evident beneath his cloak, would intimidate many without the effects of the charm.  Though distinction trimmed his features, she seemed to be taken by his dimple-kissed cheeks and brushed her own.    

Vincent was her next query.  Her head leaned a little as she studied him.  Smaller in build, he still radiated strength.  His deep onyx eyes held low his defined brow.  His square jaw set, he looked as if vengeance ruled his core.  His untamed locks fell in loose waves past his cheeks.  A radiant glow encircled his clenched fists as they clutched his cape.

Cole watched as her eyes returned to him.  Curious with this one, he allowed her to look him over.  His lips creased into a thin line, the corners tugged downward.  She scanned his long hair, tilting her head to as if to see how long it fell to his back.  

Then her eyes met his again.  He had to touch that angelic face.  He raised a hand, but caught himself and straightened to his full height, squaring his shoulders.  What was that pull?  It was unsettling.  Instead, he clasped the edge of his cloak and turned away. 

Leading the way back down the alley, James and Vincent fell into step.  Anna gasped, then followed.   

The litter from the empty street scurried from their path.  Night birds sang from high on their perches, the melody odd in the darkness of the shadowed city.  Distant recognition of an emerging tune lulled his heart. 

A vagabond sat beside the center fountain.  Cole pulled Anna to him and wrapped an arm around her waist.  He lifted his cloak with a furl and took on The Smoke of Night before the man could catch their approach.

Giggles and thrills flew through his senses as the young woman's silent emotions reacted to the disembodiment.  He smiled to himself.  Most found the experience a fearful one. 

She held to him as they reformed, even after his release.  Only when he continued his pace, did she draw her hands to her chest and follow with innocent trust echoing from her heart.

They proceeded up an illuminated trail, leading to wide arched doors.  He heard a soft, "oh", and glanced at her expression.  A rare occurrence.  Subjects remained contently silent. 

The doors opened and a servant quickly welcomed them in.  "Good evening, Sirs.  I'll fetch the Sire."

"Yes."  It was the first time he spoke in her presence and Anna shot her gaze to his voice.  Her eyes bore into him at the one word. 

They stepped inside. 

Cole scanned the obtrusive setting.  He never appreciated the over indulgence of this Grand Marshal, known for his eccentric views and tastes.  He seemed more eager to flaunt his position than most. 

A screen of sparkling crystals adorned the left wall, neighbored by opposing onyx pillars.  To the right, a rash of brass hair lines cascaded the pane between two doors like a million squirming worms looking to invade the upper rooms.  Sculptures of oversized fruit stood at each side of the wide staircases, reflecting the ceiling's many pin lights in their polished silver surfaces.  The black veins in the white marble floor continued up the divided stair cases at teach side of the hall, great rounds to call attention to the enormous stained-glass window at the center of the back wall.  The great montage of unusual hues making up the piece over whelmed any finery the room possessed.    

The sire appeared and greeted him.  "Sir Cole."  He scanned Anna, a wash of satisfaction covering his face.  "The addition, I see."  He withdrew three coins from his pocket.   

Cole glanced at the prize.  "I believe the price is double for this one.  Your requirements were steep.  Far beyond that of a Grand Marshal's standard order.  As per your bid, she will comply completely.  The harvest was a solid take."  He looked back at the lawmaker.  "And I see she pleases you." 

The sire chuckled and a crooked smile curled his lips.  "Very well."  He pulled out three more coins and handed over the requested currency.  "The Wizards of Shilo Manor own up to their reputation."  He looked back at her.  "And I am very pleased." 

Cole's dark eyes turned to her.  She flushed at his attention. 

"Lord Dressen is now your keeper, Anna."

To his surprise, he instantly regretted the release to Dressen's care.  Countless subjects had been harvested for service to the Noblemen; the assignment of a keeper was an essential step.  He reminded himself they'd just completed another task, fully satisfying the order. 

"Thank you, Sir Cole."  Dressen stepped to the door dismissing the wizards himself.  "It's rare to find such dedication to quality.  You have never failed to produce astounding results."  He smiled before grasping the handle.  "I must admit, I find your natures very compelling.  Meridian must be an amazing dimension."

Underlying meaning seeped through Cole and he straightened to temper a scowl at the comment.  "Thank you, Lord Dressen.  We're pleased you find our work satisfactory."

Dressen shook his head.  "Silent on the matter as ever."  He chuckled.  "Well, do be watching for an invitation to my forthcoming celebration.  I would be honored to have you present."

"Of course."  Cole turned before further comment held their departure.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Vincent's chiseled features contorted into rage.  Cole furled his cloak before a confrontation erupted and took on the Smoke of Night.

Their undulating essences flew through the city like the crest of a storm.  His brother's emotions melded to his - James's concern and confusion, and Vincent's pure fury.  Small jets of lightening pierced their dark mass and Cole knew his youngest brother's attention was directed solely on him.