Surface World Read online

  Surface World

  By Ed Montalvo

  Table of Content

  * * *

  Table of Content

  Surface World

  By Ed Montalvo

  Text Copyright © 2001 Ed Montalvo

  All Rights Reserved

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Text Copyright © 2001 Montalvo

  All Rights Reserved

  www.mysyfybooks.com

  [email protected]

  Prologue

  As a child, I dreamt of a muscular black male with a birds’ head…, a surface creature, I think. He comes to me whenever I am in great distress and never speaks, only motions for me to take action.

  Memoirs of the Master

  Amethysia walked onto the balcony of her home, overlooking the massive cavern. The gentle breeze of her movement made the gown flutter exposing her ebony legs. She glanced at the large column littered with quartz crystals and sapphires supporting the great cavern. The stones glistened from the low crimson illumination from the balcony. She gently laid her inky black hands on the stone railing and looked to the far end of the cavern where Duke Dorian Von’Negrous, her husband, engaged the enemy. Her white eyes, contrast her skin expressed mild concern. Locks of silky white hair draped her shoulders.

  It was the first time the Duke allowed a challenging house close to home. He explained it was necessary, allowing the enemy in believing his forces were stretched thin. The house matriarch’s confidence will bolster, allowing him to exploit her error, permitting victory with fewer losses.

  Her husband used his gift of sight to defeat challengers. He instilled fear in any who tread against him, but the Empress, who trusted the Duke without question. A fireball erupted at the battlefield. It was the Duke’s signal; the battle was won. “angia feg zuwaneu,” she whispered smiling as she walked back in.

  Young Dregous awoke panting as his mother approached his chamber. Her heart went out to him seeing his small frame dwarfed by the bed. “eff’dregouc et’liet dezugah kacabah,” she cooed and sat at his side.

  His skin glistened with perspiration from the crimson glow in the hall. A few thin white locks freed from his ponytail clung to his youthful cheeks. Little Dregous passed his tiny hands over his white eyes blinking up at his mother. “eff’negrouc hahc bei hipue,” she asked. He nodded and hugged him assuring it was a dream and he was safe. “eff’hahc eche kunia du adeh hemn.”

  He explained, in his sleep vision, he was alone and afraid. The birdman showed him sitting on a floor resembling long green hair surrounded by tall cracked columns branching out up to blackness. On the ends of the branches were odd shaped green parchments.

  “todah adeh weh feirmerma. fa heneh ee ec’geff fayhan geheh,” she tenderly showered him with kisses then sang him a lullaby. The sound of her soothing voice, the smell of her silky white hair, the scent of her breath lightly brushing his eyes made him feel safe in her arms.

  ***

  Cha’chila, a young acolyte of the sisterhood, from The Daughters of Loathe, awoke suddenly in the dorm, gasping as her white eyes darted. Her thin gray gown clung to her inky dampened ebony skin.

  She quickly reached for her book and coal-writing instrument. The young acolyte dreamt of the Dragon egg again, protected by the legendary ancient black beast, known for its dark powers. It’s the first time Cha’chila had seen it. It was so vivid she wondered if it was a sleep vision. In previous visions, she only heard the beast’s heavy breathing at a distance. This one, the beast shielded the egg from prying eyes as the hatchling freed itself from its confines. Out tumbled the baby black Dragon. The grand dragon allowed the hatchling to slip between its’ legs and vanish. Then opened its massive leathery wings for all to see and bellowed an outcry. Only the shattered shell remained, they fled in fear.

  “runehmo, runehmo, yehdich dumfeh adeh doomeh,” sister mother strolled through the middle of the chamber clapping her hands. Cha’chila was grateful she always walked in without looking then exits, otherwise she would’ve taken her vision book away.

  Her bunkmate Chanti saw her shielding it, “kacabah adeh?”

  Cha’chila smiled, “leb neh tcuom,” she answered biting her lower lip.

  “eff’leb tcuom?”

  “eff… fa Chie cabeh ad fe’onoc to f’zen.” Cha’chila explained the reason for her tome.

  “feg zoh geh fe’bec bounohen ehpnoh f’okdeh, ti fe’wahzan ad fe’onoc to fe’zen,” Chanti replied curiously as she slid down from her upper bunk.

  Cha’chila laughed at her comment, “o’ahgma adeh ad proh okdeh gafen. aga, ad zencieh du godah uvenz og‘cabeh. fa chie de cabeh feg.”

  “adeh’adeh fa gahm. fayhan aprie you ad og’muno dezugah. ad undac adeh ad bou’ahgma ee kacabah cabeh wiz bounohen nage ee opocc f’rrayfac de vich pfucceg,” Chanti pushed against her, they toppled over as she giggled. Cha’chila laughed at her perverse comment.

  “fayhan kunfooc wumehn de lehhehn ji ad et wahciin to ad dumfeh!” barked sister mother from the corridor.

  Chapter 1

  Since I started with the clergy, I dreamt of the hatchling, the one that would lead us and destroy the light, the surface, to restore our rightful place. I believe I discovered who it is. The great high priestesses believe it is the Grand Duke, understandably why. I alone know. If I position myself, I may be the next imperial grand high priestess.

  Translated memoirs of the demon Queen’s imperial High Priestess. Dated E.C. 4200

  231 years later, E.C. 4431

  The hatchling forced through his protective shell and saw for the first time a grand world filled with beautiful hues. An assorted display of scented flowers obscured the ground. Awed, he saw things with wonder that was beyond his diminutive world. Its’ expanse extended past his infantile eyes.

  Squinting against the sky’s reverence, a large lustrous orb forced him to look away. The horizon was gentler and gazed at the astonishing vastness. Unconcerned with the distance, the journey filled him with wonder. The prospect to explore was a marvel and set forth.

  His strength, mind and spirit grew as he traveled. Knowledge came to him with every stride. The further the hatchling wandered the greater his power. The greater his power, the greater the threat he became to the New World. He grew to the size of a grand Dragon, his power matched his immensity as others regarded him with fear.

  The young dragon charged knowing the more he learned the greater the splendor. Relishing in the grandeur of all he absorbed, he realized how hateful others became of him. He glared at the New World with contempt. They condemned, criticized and persecuted him without provocation. Fear, birthed accusations against the young dragon.

  The aid he provided held no sway to the many allies gained and turned against him. Their betrayal wounded the dragon greatly. His aching heart echoed in his powerful body, sounding like thunder, went ignored.

  With blinding frenzy, he unleashed his full supremacy upon the world sparing none from his wrath. So monumental his rage the Gods wondered what authority dared interfere in mortal affairs. Shock echoed the heavens when they learned it was a young mortal dragon, whose power rivaled their own and bore their secret.

  War broke throughout the world. It stormed on as his power continued to grow.
He devoured countries while smashing others to the sea under his will. Continents quaked from his massive claws as he stomped upon the ground. Storms erupted from the bellows of his nostrils crying out war, reaching the four Corners of the earth. In his anguish, he lashed without remorse. The skies of humanities cradle darken, lace in red, mimicking his shattered heart, as the tides of war raged. His massive frame blotted out the sun.

  Dark creatures emerge from the depth celebrating his victories against the light. With the grand Black Dragon as their ally, their world grew to power. He was death on black wings. Victory upon victory, who could stop him. The gods’ temples laid shattered wastes. Humanities cries fell silent. The void in his chest was his sole companion, devouring what little innocence remained.

  When the Dragon’s anger kindled, the wars ceased, he turned and saw the devastation of his wake. His injured heart delved in greater pain. The dragon turned and walked away. His people pleaded for him to guide and protect them. He responded, ‘It is time to go home,’ his words resonated agonizing sadness. The Dragon realized he had no home. He was condemned to leave this world as he came…, alone.

  Grievous and head low he walked to the very horizon he had set out as a hatchling. The people watched him depart as the sun fell casting his shadow over them. They wept, who will protect and watch over us. The dragon pleaded forgiveness he knew would not be given. He vanished in the sunset’s glow as though he was never there. In his wake, remained a shattered world from his destructive power.

  The high priestess woke with a start clutching her chest. The sleep vision pained her remarkably, a sensation she never experienced.

  “yeien weh fayhan?” her acolyte, Chadzi, raced from her perch, “kunfooc feg necho fayhan yemef?” she dropped to her knees at her mistress’s bedside, expressing concern.

  Cha’chila loved how she tend her needs, “tcuom f’tey ec,” she replied wearily.

  “lpecc ad hipue?”

  Cha’chila swung her legs over the bedside. Chadzi hugged and kissed the high priestess’s feet as her toes touch the cool marble dais. She relished her fetish, though she had no time for seductive distractions. Her sleep vision must be documented. The priestess gently pulled her aid to her knees, “jech’dehfen r’hcen fa’angia. fe’peg reic’dumfeh…, teg,” she gently kissed Chadzi’s lips.

  Her eyes widened and smiled. “yeien teg,” she laid her head on the priestess’s lap pressing her chest against Cha’chila’s knees and sighed deeply. The thought of the priestess requesting sexual pleasure from her, later in the day, excited her.

  “fayhan zanzah,” Cha’chila gently smirked at Chadzi’s gentle advances.

  Chadzi bit her lower lip lustfully mixed with shyness and quickly retrieved her mistress’s book and quill, then opened the door calling for her wardrobe while Cha’chila scribed her vision. Moments later, partially nude female goblin slaves entered with a selection of gowns. Chadzi dismissed a few before agreeing on a slightly transparent spider silk dress, exposing the arms and belly down to the navel and back. Thin straps supported the breasts. Three thin silver chains held the garment exposing the legs. The center chain linked to another, attached to a choker adorning her neck.

  Cha’chila blotting the ink then slipped into a pair of heeled slippers generously exposing her slender toes. A house guard entered as she dressed. Her fine toned figure caught his attention and smiled. She ignored him, though enjoyed the attention but not giving satisfaction of that pleasure.

  He was about to speak. “fayhan toch?” Chadzi asked plainly.

  The guard looked between them as their eyes met. Cha’chila smiled knowing he would get aroused and uncomfortable. “fa…”

  Chadzi interrupted harshly, “fayhan toch!”

  “…fa, kunfooc deceh,” and handed her the sealed scroll.

  The scroll came from one of Chadzi’s spies at great house, Mu’Cuonan. The matriarch was determined to defeat house Von’Negrouc. She read the scroll, “viche,” she dismissed him like a slave and walked to her mistress.

  Cha’chila positioned her breasts, “wahn?” she enquired.

  “celiah’en.”

  “ee…,” she asked while straightening the chains of her dress.

  “waylou Mu’Cuonan amieh runehmo zug feg godah’waylou wahcahmu ad zpah.” Chadzi summarized the note, how both houses joined forces to destroy the Duke.

  “kacabah!” Cha’chila was surprised.

  “ad mahcee f’wohaim hidez kunfooc kinda zi ufec woceem. hidez romo hidez dreum marru echeh.”

  “f’hehked godah ti, adeh ti’dreum…,” Cha’chila quickly fluffed her hair. “eff hidez brove adeh…," she gently lifted her dress. “hidez ltic geh vichteh.”

  “yeien, eff echeh ad et, echeh dreum f’feg tocno kunfooc,” she rushed alongside Cha’chila.

  “kacabah brove’fa jchun?” The priestess rushed passed the door.

  “adeh ecgeff, madafeich,” Chadzi glanced at her, ensuring she looked perfect.

  “adeh ad dezugah, og’tocno hidez dreum,” Cha’chila felt the urgency nipping at her.

  “og’tocno, kacabah?” Chadzi was stunned.

  Cha’chila ignored her. “todah hidez dreum og’tocno ahmah echeh ee dreum marru feg,” the high priestess feared the power of the hatchling and quickly headed for the stairs with Chadzi on her heels. She strolled through the grand hall of her ancestral home. Chadzi called Cha’chila’s escorts. A steady stream of acolyte’s fell in position around the priestess as she signed their duties with her eyes. She instructed a servant with hand gestures to go ahead, informing the imperial court, the imperial high priestess wished to consult with the Empress.

  The entourage paraded through the streets of Meh’Chuan, an imperial capital. Passersby stopped on obsidian walkways to watch as the high priestess strode elegantly with her entourage on tourmaline tiled streets. Many citizens looked from the window and doors. Some marched alongside showing their loyalty to their demonic religion.

  They continued to the Imperial palace which was carved from a massive stalagmite and stalactite that fused together thousands of millennia ago. Crimson lights flickered in every opening. As they approached the main gates, guards opened them allowing her entourage in. The procession didn’t miss a step. The supporters remained outside. The entourage passed the gates as an imperial guard stepped ahead of Cha’chila. He signed her with his eyes, ‘This way my lady.’ As they marched through the winding corridors, she noticed every corner a spider nested on webs.

  They entered a grand corridor with opal tile flooring and columns made of polished blue calcite. At the end, immense double doors sealed the imperial audience chambers. The guards flanking the doors opened them. Her escorts fanned left and right between the columns and wall encircling the chamber as they entered, almost out of sight as she proceeded to the throne.

  The high supporting columns possessed a mixture of metamorphic rock, granite and ore. It gave the main chamber an orange hue, a bright contrast to the black volcanic walls and ceiling. Large red drapes lined the back walls, highlighted with silver chains accenting the red. The black marble tiled floor bordered with smoke white moonstone.

  An elegant Drouwen female sat on the obsidian throne, Empress Tha’taliah of house Rue’naheh appeared troubled. Her bloodline, the first to hold the thrown for four generations. Her great grandmother ruled over seven centuries. Her grandmother till her death bed. Her mother ruled two and a half centuries, short by Drouwen standards. Tha’taliah was young when she ascended the extravagantly designed obsidian throne. Duke Dorion was her mothers’ aid. Tha’taliah ruled the Empire nearly six centuries, more than twice her mother. Her first proclamation was appointing the Duke as her personal advisor, an announcement that upset the court. Another title adorning the infallible Duke.

  Her long charcoal gray dress resembled spider webs. High splits raced up both sides above her knees. The front was cut as an inverted V. The apex reached mid thighs. The webbing pattern continued down the tail, which rested behi
nd her delicate ankles and down the dais. She held a scepter crowned with a black widow spider, made of onyx, accented with other dark stones. Tourmaline formed the legs gripping the top of the scepter. Obsidian filled the eyes and fangs. A rich blood red stone formed the hourglass under belly.

  Silver-thong slippers cradled her feet as laces weaved to mid calves. Silver toe rings rested on each index toe with a thin seemingly fragile chain fanning out forming a silver webbing around her ankles. A parchment and broken seal rested by her feet.

  “eat brove kacabah feg zec adeh hehno, hapti godah?” she greeted lavishly. The empress was preoccupied with the news she received a cycle ago. It was heart wrenching accepting the Ducal prince missing.

  Cha’chila executed proper protocol by dropping to her knees as the Empress’s spoke, “juunoh fayhan fa’gahfuom, fa’ltic fa’tcuom. et’fayhan dreu pelteh upenz pgehcue, ee fayhan zfich,” she greeted humbly and stated her reason for seeing her then shifted aside freeing her legs to sit on the floor.

  “ee,” preoccupied by the news, she prayed the absence of her beloved’s son was a lie. His disappearance was cause for concern. She knew the Duke dearly. The Empress listened to Cha’chila’s vision. She had her own sleep visions, hers seemly none-prophetic, dreamt of her demise at the hands of a shadowed female. The Empress pretended little interest. Her gamblers mask revealed nothing, only intimidation. She could almost hear her Duke, her tutor, mentor and lover, instruct; focus. “pgehcue, echeh jkacuwa?” she commented then rose from her thrown. An imperial guard picked up the parchment, and handed it to her.

  The high priestess was baffled, “juunoh fayhan, jkacuwa?”

  “teg…,” the empress started, “achmah, lantane ruune’fayhan,” she demanded.

  “fa’jchun ad bou juunoh fayhan,” she answered humbly.

  “ad bou?” she said loudly. “fayhan ec’yahmahnu! fa’kunfooc mahcee to echeh mouen.”

  “adeh og’dreum geh…,” Cha’chila was shocked.