Beneath the Gates, a sci fi adventure in the Colonies of Man

Beneath the Gates

Who created the mysterious arches, referred to on nearly every planet on the far side of galaxy as the "Gates of Life?" Archaeologists and xenobiologists of every ilk seek funding to uncover the baffling origin of these towering gates' existence.

One culture retains the practice of carrying newborns beneath the Gates. Others tore them down. On a few worlds, the Gates are feared or worshipped. The consistency of the ruins points to a single use and advanced creators. But who built them, and why? What prompted all the fear surrounding their existence?

If ancient conspiracy theories hold true, the Gates are remnants of unlawful genetic modification undertaken during humanity's earliest space exploration. Or perhaps an extraterrestrial intelligence created them to transform humankind.

Chase the unsolved mystery with a peek at working Gates on the planet Stachien in The Last Vhalgenn. On Ust, in Trailing Kaiwulf, catch up with Dr. Post, an archaeologist whose discovery opens a gate of its own.

This bundle mixes fantasy, archaeology, science fiction, and mythology. It includes full versions of The Last Vhalgenn and Trailing Kaiwulf, plus exclusive bonus stories, access to secrets behind the story, and inside peeks at the unfolding series.

Tropes include: the Chosen One, Forbidden Love, Political Intrigue, Strong Female Characters, Betrayal, Quest

In this scene from Trailing Kaiwulf, our two bounty hunters have discovered more about their mission, and are now retiring to their room for the night.

Excerpt

"How are we supposed to go to another dimension?" Jee tossed her knapsack on the floor and dropped onto her cot. Crossing her ankles, she folded her hands across her waist. Above her, the ceiling fan trailed dust webs as it turned. She swatted at a buzzing insect and reached back to pull the pillow under her head. "I can't figure this one."

Across the room, behind a hanging sheet, Dane yelped. "Watch out for those buzzing things. They bite."

She slapped at one. After a moment, she turned over. "You got any ideas?"

"About how to track an invisible man in another dimension?"

"That's the general problem, yeah."

"Nada, Jee. I could resign. Work for a living."

"What, you mean get a real job?"

Dane slapped at a bug. "Beats this."

"Be serious."

"I am serious. At least your feet stay under the covers. I hang over the end of every bed I sleep in except my own. I'm tired of it."

Dane had propped his feet on a chair at the end of the cot. They showed past the end of the sheet hanging between them. Dr. Post had apologized for not realizing TRAIL was sending agents of the opposite sex. No other quarters existed, but they'd slept in one another's company for years, with no problem. On a hunt, you snoozed where and when you could. Jee felt safer with Dane than without him.

"It's like this." She tucked an arm under her head. "With the kind of money we'll get from this job, you can buy dozens of portable custom-made beds. We could cash out. Put that money in savings and live off the interest. You could pay off your house. Stay home and play with the kids."

"Good as that sounds, I can't imagine retiring, Jee."

"I know. But we have to think of some way to find this guy. Come on. You're the brains of this duo."

Dane snorted. "Right. You think it's so easy, you come up with something. And since when am I the 'brains' anyway? You're smart."

"You only tell me I'm smart when you're stuck for an idea."

"I asked you for an idea back on... on... uh..." Dane's voice dropped. "I think it was... uh..."

Jee snickered. "Like I said."

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Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books within this story universe.

Pietas images courtesy of Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.

Transmission complete.

The Empire remembers.

Remain. Endure. Return.