Welcome to Science Fiction Author Barry E. Woodham

Today I am very happy to be interviewing Barry E. Woodham. If you are a reader of Science Fiction then you are familiar with his work. If you haven’t read any of his books then you need to do so right away and find out what all the buzz is about.

So lets get right to this.

MA.   Barry, I know my readers would like to know something about you. Please tell us a little about where you are from and what caught your interest in Science Fiction.

B.W.   As a design engineer I have written instruction manuals explaining how my machines worked, but never fiction!   I never really thought of being a writer, it just sort of happened! One lunchtime I had nothing to read and decided to write down some ideas that evolved into Genesis 2. Eventually I had people stopping by my design section asking me when the next chapter would be available to read?  When the project closed, I was able to retire early and continued to write and finish the first book. Because so many people wanted to know –“What happened next” - What can I say, I was hooked! As I too wanted to find out what happened next, I continued writing for the next 15 years! Now I write because I love it. To my amazement the reviews on Amazon have been astounding so I have taken the step of self-publishing all six novels. Now that the seventh is finished, I will spend some more of my children’s inheritance and send another flight of fancy aloft! The joy of knowing so many people love to read my SF is icing on the cake.

M.A.  Do you another interest that is close to your heart?

B.W.  Actually, Mary I have been seriously think about how I might contribute to charities like Cancer and Alzheimer's research. I would like to share my blessings in a useful way. At age 70, what would I spend money on anyway?

M.A.  You know what they say 70 is the new 50.  I am sure you have many more wonderful SF stories to delight your readers with.

MA.   I have read quite a bit of your work and your ability to create other worlds that are so different, but totally believable amazes me. It has to be a gift. I know when someone has a gift the things that inspire can be boggling yet so interesting to others. Can you give me an example of something that inspired you in creating your favorite character?

B.W.  Artificial intelligence has always fascinated me and the personality of Kamiel and how he managed to ‘go around’ his conditioning to safeguard the cloned humans and apes made me think. Watching him evolve throughout the Genesis series of books was intriguing! His interpretation of his mission to include ALL sentient creatures in his guardianship allowed me to continually delve into the logic and balance of his mind!
Peterkin however, allowed me to glimpse what it could be like to be an almost immortal being governed by a set of ethics handed down by his people that he had to break to save them! Now that gave me endless hours of typing fun to unravel. I delved into the archives of the Internet and blended old legends with speculation.

MA.   Every author has a favorite author.  Would you share with us, who is your favorite author? Is this author the one that inspired you to write your own SF or was there another author that did that?

B.W.    I have many favorite authors and for sheer variety Tad Williams come to mind. I can honestly say that I have not been inspired by just a few science fiction authors, I have been inspired by hundreds over the years. Many of them have died of old age and I miss their ideas and speculative fiction. I have read the magazine called Analog for at least 55 years so I have read thousands upon thousands of short stories, novels, novellas by all kinds of writers. I still have SF magazines from the sixties in order on bookshelves that I simply cannot bear to throw away!

M.A.  Is Molock’s Wand  your Work In Progress?

B.W.  Yes it is. I am looking at the last chapter at the moment.

M.A.  Could you tell us a little about that story?

B.W.   Yes. Two centuries after the destruction of the Dark Elves by the new High King, Molock’s Wand is the sequel to Elf War and follows the ruthless journey of revenge of the Halfling daughter of Molock’s rape of a human women. An overlord in her own right, she escapes the virus that destroyed the Dokka’lfar by being part human. Her stronghold is burnt to the ground and she escapes the vengeance of the humans that were under her control  and embarks on a violent journey of revenge against the High King, Peterkin.

To do this she needs Molock’s Wand from the rubble of the Dream-shifter that Peterkin destroyed along with Abaddon, Molock’s son. This is on Haven, the world where Peterkin lives. Once in her genetically keyed hands she will resurrect the Dream-shifter and build her revenge. Taking the life force from any who she can subdue, she remains young and telepathically powerful. Once again Peterkin is forced against his will to become a killer.

M.A.  Sounds like a great story. Don't meant to rush, but I hope Molock's Wand is available soon. I enjoyed your Tales of the Ferryman and they can be read for free on your bog, but are they available anywhere else as well?

B.W.      http://authonomy.com/writing-community/profile/e73a5c4a-76ba-4025-9df8-f73160cf876d/barry-woodham/           Just Click on READ THE BOOK  and all 15 Tales are there.

M. A.  Barry, thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights with my readers. One request from me….Finish Molock’s Wand!!!

B. W.   It is finished! I need to tidy up and provide a character list. I am on the last chapter and then I need to read it through again and search for Faux pas!

B. W.  Thank you, Mary, for featuring me on your blog.  It has been an enjoyable experience.  I always enjoy reaching out to readers who love SF. Many of my readers who have ‘done the course’ have said that I have ruined them reading other authors work as I have taken them back to science fiction as it was – aliens – time travel – powers of the mind – space travel – AI and all in the same book! Now I have added elves as well into the mix, without magic! What’s next? Only time will tell, but I promise it will be worth the wait.The last few sentences of Molock’s Wand could springboard another set of adventures in the parallel universes! With a host of parallel worlds at my imagination to explore all sorts of problems could beset the elves in the future.

M.A.  And I thank you for sharing yourself with my readers. I hope you will come back soon and share more of your work with us.

I have listed each of Barry’s books with links to Amazon. If you buy your books from Barns and Noble or any other book retailer, not to worry, Just go there and search Barry E. Woodham and you will find his work.  I have also included links to Barries blog where you will find a virtual ‘book’ free to read, as well as 15 Tales of the Ferryman and six ghost stories + a short SF.-----That keeps on growing!

Barry E Woodham.
http://j.mp/QvonDd
http://sci-fiauthor.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/scifiauthorbarry
https://twitter.com/sci_fiauthor     


Be on the lookout for Soon to be Released   Molock’s Wand!
Also look for Tales of the Ferryman --- 1 – 15 and Ghost Stories

Here are the links to Barry's Books on Amazon:
The Genesis Project. In eBook and paper back.
Book 1 - Genesis 2 Book 2 - Genesis Debt (The Genesis Project) Book 3 -Genesis Weapon: The Genesis Project Book 4 -Genesis Search: The Genesis Project Book 5 - Genesis 3 - A New Beginning: The Genesis Project And  The Elf War         

Mother's Day Special

Mother’s Day special:

Both Passion's Vision (Passion's Series) and Passion's Price (Passion's Series) are .99 at Amazon Kindle today and Monday. If you haven't read them this is a great time to add them to your Kindle library.


Passion's Vision (Passion's Series) won its first award, Betty Henrick’s Award for Most Publishable Romance by the Greater Dallas Writer’s Association, shortly after its first publication and has been going strong ever sense.

A Review for Passion’s Vision and Passion’s Price by:

Best Selling Author Caroline Clemmons:  Author of award winning Brazos Bride (Men of Stone Mountain)

Review: Passion’s Vision:

Evenly matched in determination, New Moon and James find their battle of wills turn to passionate romance amid the tumultuous drama of life in the 1700's. The author's careful and extensive research of the Cherokee people and this period of American history is artfully woven throughout this compelling saga of danger, intrigue, betrayal, passion, and triumphant joy. PASSION'S VISION is certain to capture the imagination of any reader who loves historical romance and adventure.
Caroline Clemmons   

                          Review: Passion’s Price:

 Passion's Price is the stand-alone sequel to Passion's Vision. In Chota Town in the Carolinas, Golden Dawn Fitz-Gerald has inherited her Cherokee mother's gift for visions and her Irish father's blonde hair and blue eyes. When Dawn learns her childhood friend Raven Cloud is in danger, she sets sail for England to protect the man she loves and has seen in a vision as her life's partner. Raven's life includes a successful career as head of the London office for Fitz-Gerald Shipping---and a fiancée. The path Dawn and Raven follow to discover the source of the mysterious accidents plaguing Fitz-Gerald Shipping threatens to destroy them both. Love triumphs and the two fulfill the promise of passion Dawn's vision foretold. Passion's Price is Mary Adair's second novel and reflects the same painstaking research of Ms. Adair's first novel, as well as her ability to breathe life into an interesting array of characters. Passion's Price is filled with adventure, romance, humor, and pathos sure to please readers and hold their interest from the first paragraph to the last.

by Caroline Clemmons

      

Genesis Debt

Genesis Debt (The Genesis Project) by MR Barry Woodham  My rating: 5 of 5 stars                  

                  
Genesis Debt, written by Barry E. Woodham
Reviewed by Mary Adair
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Barry Woodham’s creativity in developing the life forms that populate the new world is unmatched. This is a story of survival for the human race with twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages. Throw in time travel and the threat of extinction and you have an exciting example of storytelling in its truest and most enjoyable form.

If you enjoy Science Fiction/Fantasy/Adventure, then this is a must read for you.
I give Genesis Debt 5 Stars for Creativity, The Art of Storytelling and a thoroughly Enjoyable Read.


View all my reviews

AEL Data Services

Captive Spirits is being featured this week at AEL Data Services  https://www.facebook.com/aeldata
Go there, scroll down just a little way and see what these talented artists did to feature my book. I am totally amazed. 

In their own words:
AEL Data is an IT and ITES company specialized in ePublishing, Mobile apps development, ebooks development, Digitization and eLearning. We are the preferred vendor for most of Europe's biggest educational institutions, libraries and Government bodies.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/aeldata like the page and take a look at AEL Data Services.

Queen Alexis Volcum

On my last post I introduced you to Alexis Zentar Princess of Iskaria. I had so many views I thought I would tell a little more about Alexis. Alexis is my favorite character in Captive Spirits. In fact, she is the one that inspired the title, Captive Spirits.  I hope you enjoy the preview below. 

 Alexis’ father, Romney Zentar was the only Region Head pompous enough to call himself King. The other Region Heads allowed it as long as he did not encroach into their territory. That was just a little back story I didn’t mention before. I did talked about how, before she became Queen Alexis Volcum, Alexis was well known for her beauty and gentleness.

This time I want to introduce you to Queen Alexis of Aztar. She accepted her arranged marriage to Si Volcum.  Before she met her intended she was nervous and apprehensive. After all, Si Volcum was a legend in his own right. He had fought and won many battles in defense of his homeland, Region Elderwood. Si Volcum was a fierce opponent and feared by all his enemies. He was also known for his fairness.

When Alexis and Si were married it did not take long them to fall in love. She was secure in his ability to care for her and their children while maintaining the peace that their union had helped to bring about.  Si found that Alexis beauty and gentleness was what he had missed in his life. He loved his wife and his children more than life itself.

Then, on a day of celebration, Si and their son Lyon disappear.  All of Aztar believe them to be dead. All, that is, except Alexis. Alexis has access to some knowledge that convinces her that her husband is alive. She immediately sends out search parties.

Then something happens. Alexis is found unconscious in her garden. She is alive, but will not awaken. Her brother steps in and claims closest kin and therefore allowed to stand in her place until she awakes, or it becomes obvious she will never waken.

But Alexis does awake. After weeks of sleeping she opens her eyes to a world she does not know, a child she does not remember and a man that calls himself her brother and warns her of a deadly danger to her and her daughter. Worse than all of this, she learns she is Queen in a kingdom at war. 

All Alexis has is her intuition, and her instincts are strong. When she first sees Cordea she sees a beautiful girl of about 13 turns. Her hair is fair and her eyes a beautiful aqua. Cordea runs to her, throws her arm about her and calls her mother. Alexis does not need to be convinced that in her arms is where this child belongs. Though the sight of the child brings no recollection, the fell of Cordea in her arms is all it takes for Alexis to know this is the child of her body. Alexis knows from that point she will risk all to keep her child safe. A man enters the room and is called Uncle Ranuff by Cordea. Alexis instincts again tell her to trust this man as her brother.

Though the gentle Alexis awakes to a strange world of wars and espionage her instincts serve her well. Alexis becomes a Queen no one expects. Alexis becomes a Queen worthy of respect. She rules the kingdom with wisdom and strength. Always in the forefront of her thoughts is Cordea and keeping her safe. Alexis knows that at some point she will have to make decisions that will exact a high price for Cordea’s safety. Like her husband, she will not falter.  She will pay the price.

Alexis Volcum

In my book, Captive Spirits, I do not give the back story for Alexis Zentar or tell how she came to be Queen. So I will do that now.

                                      Alexis Zentar was born to one of the most influential houses of Aztar.

Aztar was once a beautiful world filled with great forest, rolling fields coastal marshlands and a mountain range that provided a safe passage between Regions. Aztar is now a world at war. The war, before Si became King, lasted longer than even the old ones could remember. The land, as if affected by the evil that grips the minds and spirits of the people, was slowly becoming barren.

Alexis' father, while on a trip to explore the Northern Region for fertile land, came across an ancient castle. His suspicion that it was the lost Castle Museth was confirmed when he entered and found a riches of lost script form the Holy Book, Zemeria. The book contained a prophecy so magnificent and so full of promise that King Romney Zentar from the Region Iskaria had no difficulty in proclaiming it was meant for his very own family. He returned and called a meeting of all the Great Houses of Aztar. It was plain to see that a King had to be chosen and that his own gentle and loving daughter would be the mother of the prophesied Deliverer.

Alex, well known for her beauty and gentleness, was at first taken back and frightened to imagine her father would give her in marriage to a man she had never met. The fact that her betroth was the newly elected King only frightened her more. As time grew closer, and she heard stories of her husband to be, her fears lessen. In fact she became intrigued by the stories and began to look forward to their meeting.

When she first saw her new husband her heart flutter with excitement. He was imposingly large. His hands were hard and strong, yet as gently as a soft caress as he lifted her from her carriage. His eyes were dark brown and she fancied she could see straight through to his soul. She liked what she saw. She held her heart close, not wanting to be fooled by pretty words and softly spoken sentiments. To her surprise, there were no pretty words or overly studied speeches. He spoke to her as if she were his equal. He made her feel strong and brave and special. It did not take long for him to win her heart.

As the years passed their love grew and a daughter and a son was born. Alexis had never known such love or happiness. She thanked Father Creator for the blessings he bestowed on her and prayed her children would choose the teachings of the Zemeria over the magic of the Priests.

Her happiness came to an abrupt halt when she awoke to a world she did not know, a child she did not remember a brother that warned her of a dark mystic danger and...she was Queen of a Kingdom on the verge of war.   

King Si Volcum

 Captive Spirits is my newest to be released Fantasy.  It is a story of the Legends of Aztar.  Of all my characters, Si Volcum is my favorite.

The population of Aztar elected Si to be their King. Their world had been in a state of bloody war for a very long time. Their children are being abducted and most people feel they are being killed. Others believe they are held captive somewhere.

The story starts with Si and his young son, Lyon being captured and forced to travel through the caverns to some unknown destination. Si believes he is becoming ill because of the horrific headaches he is suffering. He knows if he is to save his son, he must do something, and soon. Here is an excerpt :

Time moved slowly as the King was led through the caverns. He opened his shirt and cradled Lyon against his skin in an attempt to keep the child warm. There was little food allowed the captives, so Si fed as much of his own portion to Lyon as the child would eat. Each time they were allowed to sleep, Si would rest his back to the cold stone with his knees pulled up, Lyon tucked close to his chest and enfolded warmly in his arms. Still the child would squirm fitfully and call out to his mother in his sleep.
Si held his sleeping son and thought about their captors. It was clear now the three men were hired by someone to steal Lyon away. The only reason he was left alive was to make the transport of the child easier. He realized it was also important that the child arrive well and healthy to the ones behind this abduction.
He prayed to Boc that Alexis and Cordea were safe. He rubbed the sudden painful throb in his temple.  Perhaps the abductors were only after Lyon, but why? I swear I will see the three of you dead.

The pain in his head intensified. I can’t be sick. Not now. Why the Boc am I having these mind dulling head pains now?  Think, what was it Radsnu told me? I must think of something less disturbing, something pleasant? I have to get this pain under control.

Images of the world outside drifted through his mind. He saw tiny flowers in a multitude of colors carpeting the mountainside leaning down from his castle home. He saw Alexis, her fine black hair flowing back from her face as she played with her children in the sunshine. He could see Cordea, small and gentle like her mother, and Lyon’s joyful energy.

Oh, Alexis, do you know by now that we are gone? What are they telling you?  How are you holding up, my love? The pain returned.

To hell with pretty thoughts. He gritted his teeth and turned his gaze to his captors. 

Captive Sprits Video

http://youtu.be/27WVyWsPdJA

Well, I thought this was going to be live. I am still learning. Anyway, the link should work.

Interview with Loren Kral

Interview with Loren Kral    

I am happy to post Loren Kral’s interview done by me in January 2013. I was busy at that time working on Captive Spirits and was hoping Loren could shed some light that would help me out of my writer’s block.

Loren is married to Peter Kral and they live together in the southern area of Region Romtha. 

I hope you enjoy the interview.

M.A.A.  Loren, in the story, Captive Spirits, you and Peter have been married for several years. Could you tell me a little about how you met?

L.K.  Yes, of course. There was an outbreak of a virulent illness in the land. Only the elderly and very young were in danger of death from this plague but none of the young or elderly that contracted this horrible illness had survived. Peter has a younger brother who contracted the illness so Peter and his father came in search of my mother, who was well known for her ability to fight dead and win.

M.A.A.  So you met Peter and your mother treated his younger brother. Did his brother survive?

L.K.  Oh yes, the little fellow is not so little now and has a family of his own. It wasn’t my mother who treated him, though. My mother was old and near her time. She sent me with Peter. I can tell you, it was hard leaving her knowing she would go before I could return. Loren pats at a tear. It is the way of things.

M.A.A. I understand you also have the gift of knowing. Did you know Peter was coming or that he was the one?

L.K.  Loren folds her tissue and smiles sweetly. No, actually I did not know. My mother knew. She had prayed long and hard that the one for me would arrive before she left. When she saw Peter she knew he was for me. She told me so. 

M. A.A.  Did your gift develop after that? Did you know Peter was going to bring home the King of Aztar?

L.K.  Yes, in answer to your first question. The gift has developed as I aged and grew in understanding. As to your second question, no. The gift is not so acute, even now, that I should all things. Sometimes it is clearer than others. Though the knowing has grown within me, I am better at healing than seeing.

M.A.A. I would say that is a good thing. Caring for the King must have been very stressful.

L.K.  Fighting death is always stressful. All life is precious to me. It matters not the patient’s station in life.

M.A.A.  Well, Loren, The King is now well and Peter will soon be home from his trip to visit the Queen. Has your gift of sight revealed to you anything concerning Lyon or the King’s ability to find the little Prince?

L.K.  No, my dear, I do not know.

M.A.A. Not even a hint?

L.K. No, not even a hint at this time. I can tell you though, there are many that strive to control all around them.  Our best defense against the evil that is about to strike is knowledge and free will.

M. A. A. Thank you, Loren, for sharing with my readers today. Maybe you will come back again?

L.K. Loren’s smile is knowing and somewhat sad. Only time will tell.

Captive Spirits

Captive Spirits is now available at Kindle. I am so excited about finally having it published! I made changes right up to the last minute. Hopefully anyone that buys a copy will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.. This is my first attempt at Fantasy and I have to say it was a blast to write.

http://www.amazon.com/Captive-Spirits-Book-Legends-Aztar/dp/1482549727/

Here is the Prolog:                                

Prologue

Evil Comes:

 Ryasi Volcum gripped the stone ledge of the North tower as his eyes scanned the edge of the forest. Something evil approached. He had tried to tell the others in the castle but they wouldn’t listen. No one would listen to a servant, especially a servant with the sight. 

He hit the stone with his fist. Is all of Aztar oblivious to the foul wind?

Because of his large size, his rank cast him as nothing more than a servant. After all, his size made him a good shield to hide the tiny Royal Family. The Museth were the smallest of all the races and the smartest. It was being smart that made them special, made them the guardians of the Books of Zmeria. And as guardians, they revealed to the people only as much as they believed necessary.

 Ryasi first admitted to having the sight a season ago. He warned the King an evil was coming, evil spoken of in the Zmeria. You would think a race so well known for its wisdom and cunning would have spared a moment to consider his words. But for his warning he was beaten and told to never speak of the sight again.

It is an abomination, the King proclaimed with each lash of the whip. 

There, Ryasi saw something. It was moving closer to the castle. The wide expanse of snow-covered ground between the castle and the forest appeared to shift.  

Ryasi Volcum knew the sight was no abomination. The castle was about to fall. He had to save the Zmeria. He hurried to the hidden doorway and entered. He rushed through the tiny passage that ran between the walls. Finally he reached the hidden chamber.  

The chill that grew from his inside outward held him almost immobile, but he struggled through it. There were so many scripts. He could not carry them all. He could barely read and so had no idea what he should take. Quickly, he decided to let the sight lead him and began to stuff as many as he could push inside his clothing.  

A pain of such magnitude slammed into his head that he dropped to his knees.  He knew he was not wounded. It was a warning from the sight. He had to leave this place. He had to leave now! 

He stumbled through the darkness caused by his pain. He felt a stone on the wall that moved under his touch. A faint scent of fresh air drifted toward him from the small opening that appeared before him. He didn’t hesitate to step in the tight space. Immediately the stone slid back into place.  

Warned by his sense, he knew the evil drew closer. He prayed he had properly shut and concealed the doorway to the Zmeria Chamber. Ryasi wanted to hide the scripts he held and return to do battle, but he knew he must escape with the writings. The writings would help his world heal and then prepare to battle the Evil that would come.

Ryasi knew deep inside his soul, what he did today would determine if his people would someday reclaim Aztar. He struggled with the battle that raged inside him.  

Drawing a deep breath, he called out to Father Creator, “Give me strength, Father. I will protect the scripts as best I can, but I can not leave others behind.” As he turned the stone once again opened. Had he passed the test? 

Hurrying from the chamber he made sure he sealed the entrance. The closest chamber was the servant’s quarters. He rushed forward to the cot of Ambrose Zantar, the head keep of the servant staff.

“Wake. You must hurry, it comes.”

Ambrose woke with a start, but it took only a moment for him to understand and roll from his cot. “I will warn as many as will listen, but how do we get out?”  

“Evil comes from the east. Go out the door leading to the garden. Past the herbs there is a small gate. Just beyond the gate there is an entranced to the caverns. Go in there and wait for others to come.”  

Ryasi reached inside his shirt and withdrew several scripts. “Here, take these.  I have more in my clothes.”

Ambrose looked at Ryasi like he was mad. “We have no time for this.” When Ryasi grabbed his arm, he insisted, “Let me go, Ryasi, I must warn the others.” 

Ryasi did not release his arm. Instead he shoved the scripts toward him. “Take them. They are part of the Zmeria.”

Ambrose snatched the scripts and stuffed them in his shirt as he hurried toward the servant’s quarters. 

Ryasi’s body shook violently and he knew time ran short. He ran to the King’s quarters and burst through the door.  

King Elgin Isri was dressed and preparing for battle. “I owe you an apology, Ryasi, but there is no time now. I see them out there, though I wonder how. I never knew there were beings in that forest that could hide themselves so well.”

He tossed a sword to Ryasi, “Take this and my family with you. I know you now.” He rolled his eyes upward, “Father, forgive me my arrogance.”

Ryasi heard a noise and twirled. Behind him stood the Queen. In her arms she held Prince Elgin.

The King gestured him to hurry. “Go now, save as many as you can. I and the Royal Guard will hold them back as long as we can.”

The Queen, being from Romtha, was only slightly larger than the King and was easy to snatch up, babe in arms. Ryasi carried them both from the room. As he ran down one corridor after the other, always headed downward and toward the kitchen, he called a warning. Everyone within earshot followed him without question.

The corridor became crowded as guards ran past to do battle with an evil force they were not prepared to face and could hardly see. The sounds of battle hurried them on, some to battle, some to escape.

Ryasi and the small band that remained burst into the garden. He hurried them all to the gate and led the way to the caverns. Once inside precious few waited. Among the survivors were a few of his own tall and very large race, mostly female. The others must have chosen to stand and fight so the females could escape.

He looked about the survivors to count the numbers and the supplies. Like his own race, few men numbered among the Queen’s homeland of Romtha. The same was true of the people from Iskaria.

Most disturbing was the very few left of the Museth, the King’s race. Though the King’s race was the smallest of all the people, they were the ones that could read the Zmeria records.  Protecting the records that detailed their beginning and taught them the Father Creator’s words became the bond that kept all the people together.

It was only right that a king and protector should be chosen from the people who could read and interpret the words. Now they were a people without a home. The Evil was planted firmly in this region. No one must be allowed back in and the evil must not be allowed escape.

The memory of the King’s words drifted through his mind.

 I know you now. Ryasi wondered about its meaning.

The sounds of battle raged outside and were easily heard from their hiding place. “We can not stay here. The men out there,” he pointed to the cavern mouth, “are dying to keep our people alive. We are no less men and no less courageous for taking survivors from this place.  Go, take them further into the cavern. I will follow shortly.”

One of the men from Romtha stepped forward and turned to the small, frightened crowd, “I am called Peter. We will travel through that cavern.” He pointed to one of many openings within the large cave. “I know the way through these caverns all the way to Romtha. If there is no one within each of your races that knows the way to their own homeland, do not worry. We will find the way together.” He then led the group forward.

Again the words entered his mind. I know you now.

“Wait,” everyone turned to look at Ryasi. “Our homelands are separated by great distance.” He pulled scripts from his shirt, “Here, Peter, in case I do not return, be sure a person form one house of each region has a script. They must be protected and everyone must be allowed to study them.”

Peter nodded as he took the scripts from Ryasi.

Ryasi turned and moved to the cavern entrance.  Just outside several of the Evil Ones stood and glared in at him. Shock filled his every fiber of being. They were so close, yet they did not enter.

In his head he heard... Come out to us, human.  He placed his hands to his ears. Did they speak to him?

He watch in disbelief as the bodies shifted and changed in color. Becoming agitated, they pointed toward the trees and the tree’s branches swayed and bent into grotesque shapes. Behind the Evil Ones, the castle remained in attack as the men ran out to meet the foe in battle.

As he watched in horror the carnage before him, he realized the Evil Ones had not entered the stone castle. They didn’t have to. Every man ran out to them. 

Come out. Fight like a warrior. It would be a dishonor to you as a warrior if we come in and drag you out.

“If you could enter here you would have already.”

The Evil Ones screeched in vexation.

Sickened by the sight and knowing what he must do, he turned his back on the Evil Ones as well as the sight and sounds of his own people being slaughtered.

Ryasi hurried to catch up with the others. They traveled deep enough into the cavern to no longer hear the battle.

“We need to stop here and rest.” Ryasi walked over and took the Prince from his mother’s arms. “Sit down, I’ll hand him back when you are ready. You need to rest now.”

The Queen obeyed as if no rational thought was left to her.  When she reached up for her son Ryasi handed him to her.

“We must put a ban on the Great Forest. The ban must include the castle and the land around it,” he spoke softly to the shattered group. “Everyone must be warned to stay out of this Region.”

The Queen looked up. “We must go back. There may be survivors.”

He knelt down in front of her. “There are no survivors, my Queen. You must take care of Prince Elgin now.” 

“What is to stop them from following us?” asked Ambrose Zantar.

Ryasi rubbed his large hand across the top of his head and tried to make sense of it in his own mind. “They would not enter the caverns and they did not enter the castle. I do not understand it.” Ryasi turned his gaze to Ambrose, “They can not or will not enter the stone walls.”

Ryasi cleared his throat to address the small band. He was about to commit himself to a promise he prayed he could fulfill. “My homeland is the closet to this place. My kind has always shielded the royal family. I vow I will raise a guard to enforce the ban on this place. No one must enter, and the Evil Ones must not escape.” 

The men exchanged low rumbles of mutterings as they gathered and sat about a small fire.

Ambrose was the first to speak up, “So, we must travel only through the caverns to our homelands?” He looked to Ryasi. “Do you think the Evil has already reached our homes?”