The Key (The Arcadian Series) Read online

  The Key

  Book One

  The Arcadian Series

  ****

  T.L. COULTER

  The Key

  The Arcadian Series

  Copyright © 2014 by T.L. Coulter

  This is a work of fiction. Names, Characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, even or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of T.L. Coulter.

  The sale of this book without its cover has not been authorized by the publisher. If you purchase this book without a cover, you should be aware that neither the author nor the publisher has received payment for this “stripped book”.

  This book may not be reproduced in whole or part, by mimeograph or any other means, without permission. Making or distributing electronic copies of this book constitutes copyright infringement and could be subject the infringer to criminal and civil liability.

  Cover art by dleoblack

  Written by T.L. Coulter

  The Key

  All rights reserved.

  Copyright © 2014 by T.L. Coulter

  ISBN-13: 978-1497378957

  ISBN-10: 1497378958

  Email: [email protected]

  Visit my website at: http://tlcoulter.blogspot.com/

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TL-Coulter/710594152325476

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/tlc2255

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1 Coronation Day

  2 Questionable Powers

  3 Separated by Realms

  4 College Bound

  5 Fresh Meat

  6 Strike Out

  7 The Photo Album

  8 The Key Lineage

  9 Kailee’s Nightmare

  10 The Traitor

  11 Winning Gabe Over

  12 Fast Friends

  13 Misunderstanding

  14 Sparks Fly

  15 The Spy

  16 The Prank

  17 The Test

  18 Intuition

  19 Messages

  20 Confessions

  21 Pleading Their Case

  22 Prophecy

  23 One More Night

  24 Finding Strength

  25 Homecoming Dance

  26 Tomorrow

  27 “The Protector”

  28 Day of Reckoning

  29 More Secrets Revealed

  30 Crossing Realms

  31 Pylas

  32 Meeting The King

  33 Jealousy

  34 The Garden

  35 Sword Play

  36 The Power Within

  37 Feeling Confused

  38 Tracked Down

  39 Preparing For Battle

  40 Castle Lindgren

  41 Sorcerers

  42 Identity Revealed

  43 Audric’s Anger

  44 Future Plans

  45 Deception

  46 The Funeral

  47 Empty

  Acknowledgments

  First and foremost, I have to thank God. Without his blessings, I wouldn’t have been able to write at all.

  I want to thank my husband Jeff, and my son Hunter for their understanding of the many hours and late nights I sat at my computer. Also, for their continued support in making my dream of writing and publishing a book finally come true.

  I want to thank my mother Carolyn Tarrence, for it was her collection and love of books, that put me on this path. Also for her help on my back cover. I couldn’t have done it without her.

  I want to thank DLeoblack for doing the artwork for my amazing cover. I also want to thank my friend Ginny Jeppesen for the fantastic author picture.

  To Jason Cheek, author of “Flight” Book One of The Last Paladin Series, thank you for publishing your book and paving the way. Also, for answering my endless questions about publishing, and listening to my complaints.

  To my good friends Becky Mathis-Isbell, Suzanne & Alyssa Moncrief, Andrea Faublas and Heidi Boone, for believing in my story, and taking the time to provide feedback.

  To My running buddy Candy Hendrix. Making me run, not only got me in shape, but cleared my head for ideas.

  Lastly, but not least, my favorite U.K. friend Sarah Rogers. Thank you for the encouragement after reading my synopsis and for promising to pass my book along to others.

  Prost!

  1

  Coronation Day

  The sun was starting to rise, bringing alive the kingdom of Arcadia. Rek Sjöberg was standing at his bedroom window enjoying the view of the lush green rolling hills, the tall mountains and the waterfall that stood just over 3,212 feet.

  When Rek was old enough to move from the nursery, he had specifically requested this room, because of the view. It was the first thing he saw in the morning, and the last thing he saw before going to bed. The waterfall was particularly beautiful under the moonlight.

  Rek had been awake most of the night thinking of how in a few short hours things were going to change around Castle Lindgren.

  Today was the day his brother Audric would be crowned the king of Arcadia. Ever since their father had been found murdered six months earlier, the regents have been preparing Audric to take over. Their mother had died two years earlier from what they were only told as “mysterious circumstances”.

  Stricken with grief, their father withdrew from everyone, leaving his sons to watch over each other. During that time, Audric and Rek had grown closer than ever. In the morning Audric would attend classes to assist him with ruling the kingdom and the wizard realm, you know like how to rule a kingdom 101, and how to rule a kingdom for dummies (Rek’s words, not Audric’s, only said in jest).

  Meanwhile, Rek would attend classes far less important (Audric’s words, not Rek’s), such as sword fighting and how to protect the king, and all the things Rek enjoyed doing.

  In the late afternoon, the brothers would race to the stables and ride as fast as they could to their spot by Rek’s favorite waterfall. There surrounded by the beauty of Arcadia, they would talk about their futures, Audric as the future king, and Rek as the captain of his guard.

  Audric is now twenty years old, and wise beyond his years. Rek had just recently turned eighteen, and has been called incorrigible by everyone in the kingdom. Rek doesn’t mind at all, he would rather it be Audric on the throne instead of him. Rek prefers the feel of a sword in his hand, and the freedom to come and go as he pleases.

  Audric has been enthusiastic about becoming king since they were children. Rek had always felt that Audric would make a great king, and Rek would be there to protect his brother.

  Rek was actually looking forward to tonight, drinking wine and flirting with the ladies. Rek and Audric were both considered extremely handsome. Where Audric is tall and lean towering around six feet with their fathers blonde hair and light complexion, Rek was just as tall, but with a more muscular build due to all his physical training, and he had his mother’s dark skin and hair. If you looked at them together, you wouldn’t believe they were brothers, except they both have the same stubborn chin, dark blue eyes and pouty lips.

  Rek had always felt that their pouty lips only made them more attractive. However, their father used to think it was just his sons whining about something. Many times the boys would get in trouble for their pouty lips, until one day their mother pointed out to their father that they gotten that from him. From that day forward, it was never mentioned again.

  Rek missed his parents an
d thought of them every day. His parents had loved each other very much. Rek could only hope that one day he and Audric would find that kind of love, but for now there were too many ladies to appease, one in particular named Astrid.

  Astrid was everything physically a man would want in a lady. She was beautiful on the outside no doubt about it, but the inside however, remained to be seen. Astrid is taller than most of the girls around the kingdom, at 5’10 with long legs, nice curves, long blonde curly hair, and dark blue eyes.

  Rek and Astrid had been playing the cat and mouse game with each other. Rek had heard whispers that she was after Audric for the crown. So far those whispers had only been speculation. However, Rek made it his duty to investigate, and what better way than to take matters into his own hands, if you get his drift.

  Rek was so deep in thought, that he almost didn’t hear the knock at the door. Assuming it was one of the servants, Rek did not answer until he heard his brother’s voice bellowing from behind the door. Audric was asking Rek to open the door, and then mumbled some foul threat, like cutting off his balls or something to that affect, if he did not do it quickly.

  Rek chuckled as he opened the door, but took one look at his

  brother’s panicked face, and braced himself for whatever his brother had to say.

  ****

  Audric was not surprised to see that Rek was not prepared for the day. There was much to be done before the coronation ceremony took place today. No doubt Rek was contemplating how he was going to torture the ladies tonight at the coronation ball. He certainly had a way with the ladies. A part of Audric was a bit jealous of it, the other part was glad to be out of the drama of it all.

  Audric trusted Rek with his life, and even if they were not brothers, he would still trust him. Audric needed Rek to focus and be on guard today. That would mean putting his tryst with Astrid on hold.

  “You’re looking a bit under-dressed brother. Perhaps this is how you ensure the ladies will remain interested in you. Have they all grown quite tired of you already?”

  Rek taking the bait, and loving the word play that was about to commence, smiled his devilish smile showing his perfect white teeth.

  “Why brother, if you could only learn to lift a sword, you too could have a body like this, instead of the body of a 12 year old girl.”

  Audric laughed, and only wished he could continue their word banter, but he was here on more important matters.

  “Rek, I need you to be on high alert today.”

  Rek grew serious as he left his place by the window to face his brother. “Did you hear of a threat dear brother?”

  “I have spoken to the regents. There are rumors of a traitor among us. It is rumored this traitor will strike today to prevent me from taking the crown. Perhaps, it is the same traitor that killed our parents?”

  Audric and Rek had always believed their mother’s death was no “accident”. When their father’s breathless body was found in his bed, they both agreed that something was not right.

  “Rek whatever happens today, I need you to follow my instructions precisely. I know you have the power of strength, you are the most highly trained fighter, and the best guard I have, but if I ask you to step back then you must obey.”

  “Wow Audric, you’re not even crowned king yet, and you are already barking orders at your future captain of the guard.”

  “Dear brother, this is no time to jest. I need you to promise me.”

  “I promise.”

  “Wait, I need you to say the oath.”

  “Really Audric? We haven’t said that oath since we were children.”

  “Yes, I need you to say it Rek, it is the only way I can be assured that you will do as I ask.”

  Rek rolled his eyes, but put his right hand high in the air, as did Audric. Their hands clasped together, as they looked into each other’s eyes, Rek repeated the oath.

  “I honor my commitment to my kingdom, I honor my commitment to my beloved parents, but most off all, I honor my commitment to my brother, for shall I not honor thy commitment to my brother the God’s will strike me down, and cut off my balls.”

  Audric lightly patted Rek on the cheek. “Now Rek, we know how you love your precious balls, so be prepared to follow my instructions.”

  Rek laughed, but he took the oath serious. You never knew if it might actually come true, and he was not one to tempt fate or the God’s.

  “Is there something else you’re not telling me Audric?”

  “Right now Rek, all you need to know is what I have already told you. Just be ready!”

  2

  QUESTIONABLE POWERS

  Kailee Reece was supposed to be enjoying the last few days of summer with her best friend Gabe, before the start of their senior year. However, it seemed that trouble in the name of Emily Thompson followed everywhere they went.

  After the death of her parents, Kailee was raised by her mother’s sister Meg and her husband Bryan. Kailee was just a baby when they died, so she had no recollection of her parents. Some nights in her dreams, it was as if she could see them, as if they were still alive.

  When they had moved from their home in sunny Vero Beach Florida to live in rainy Astoria Oregon, Kailee thought she was going to die from the lack of sunshine. They moved around a lot because of her uncle’s job. Ever since Kailee could remember, they had moved almost every three to four years. Kailee was getting used to it, in a way. She thought it was nice meeting new people, especially after the last move. For unexplainable reasons, things started happening, and the kids in school started pointing at her.

  Kailee had felt that Emma Fitzgerald had it coming. After all, she had embarrassed Kailee in front of the whole lunchroom when Emma tripped Kailee, making her spill her food tray all over Principal Harker.

  That night, Kailee had made a wish that Emma’s good looks would fail her for once, and by coincidence she had a freak accident with facial cream.

  The doctors claimed it was allergies, but Kailee’s best friend at the time Katie, had overheard her make the wish while she was staying at her house that night. In the end, Katie turned against Kailee, and told everyone at school. Katie gained popularity with Emma, but it only caused Kailee to become even more of an outcast.

  Kailee moved to Astoria the summer before her junior year. Her aunt and uncle promised her that they would stay until she graduated from high school. Kailee met Gabe Wilson the summer they moved here.

  Gabe was the boy next door, and nice enough to show Kailee around. While they were hanging out, they ran into Emily Thompson and her “gang”. She started calling Gabe names and making crude remarks about him.

  Kailee decided to stand up for him, since he couldn’t hit a girl. The next thing everyone knew, Kailee and Emily were in a full on “girl fight”. Emily was pulling on Kailee’s hair, and Kailee was trying hard to push Emily off of her. It was certainly a sight, and the boy’s crowded around to get a closer look. Finally, a boy named Eric Bowman stepped in to pull the girls apart. It would take two more boys to break them up.

  Later that day, Kailee asked Gabe why Emily and her friends picked on him. He said it went back to 8th grade when they were hanging out, and Gabe had refused to kiss Emily. Apparently, she had a crush on him, and when he rejected her, she decided to make his life miserable. She has held true to her word for the last two years.

  Gabe was Kailee’s first real friend. He accepted her for who she was, and he didn’t ask too many personal questions. There are days that Gabe and Kailee just sit around not talking about anything, but just being.

  The first summer Kailee and Gabe became friends; Kailee had to admit that she had harbored a small crush on him. Gabe after all, is easy on the eyes. He is around 5’11, with a slightly muscular stature, which he gets from running and playing lacrosse. He has thick wavy brown hair that slightly falls into his dark brown eyes. Gabe had been the first boy to ever be nice to Kailee.

  One night, Kailee wished that Gabe would kiss her, and not surprisingl
y he did. However, once they kissed they both realized there was nothing there, no spark. To Kailee it was like kissing her brother (if she had one). So after that, they remained friends, and Kailee loved the fact that they didn’t have to worry about awkwardness between them.

  So far things had gone smooth in Astoria for Kailee, until this summer. Emily had started to show up wherever Kailee and Gabe seemed to be. Emily had started to spread rumors about Kailee and Gabe, and that caused Kailee’s aunt and uncle to grill her about her relationship with Gabe.

  Kailee was so angry that Emily had tried to ruin the one real relationship she had, so in front of everyone Kailee said, “Emily you are such a bitch, I wish you would fall off a cliff”. Of course, Kailee regretted the words, and not surprisingly Emily fell off a small cliff (thankfully), and broke her leg. Luckily for Kailee, this time everyone believed it to be a coincidence. Kailee thought it was because a lot of people really couldn’t stand Emily, so they decided not to pry too far into the situation.

  Gabe makes jokes every once in a while, and asks Kailee not to get mad at him or wish him ill will. Kailee would love to tell Gabe the truth. She wants nothing more than to confide in him about how these things happen, but she didn’t want to lose her one and only friend. So even though Kailee had a friend now, and she had her family, she still felt lonely.

  3

  SEPERATED BY REALMS

  “Your Majesty, will you stop pacing back and forth, it will not help matters.”

  Audric stopped and looked at his trusted guard Solomon. Solomon had been with Audric’s family since before he was born, and he was the only other person besides Rek that he trusted. Solomon was one of the most powerful warriors next to Rek, and not someone anyone would want to start a fight with.

  Solomon is 6’2, with tanned skin from hours of being outside honing his skills with a sword. He has intense black eyes that could stop one in their tracks. He prefers to wear his head bald, because he said that hair was not a necessity.