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Tag Archives: 30 Days of Chaos

A 30 day focus on the Bringer of Chaos book series by Kayelle Allen

In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, Pietas is still imprisoned inside a steel and copper stasis tube. He uses the word “never” seven times. Freedom lies straight ahead. If–a big if–his captors release him. It opens with Six speaking.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 20

To celebrate the launch of Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas I’m sharing 30 Days of Chaos. Each day during April, I’ll post one excerpt from the book, along with a poster of a quote by Pietas. On the final day, members of my Romance Lives Forever Reader Group will receive a full color book containing all the quotes and posters. Unlike my website, the book posters will have only a quote and a beautiful image. Look for another giveaway at the end of this post.

Never

Never, Never, Never #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen #chaos #quote“Pietas! Can you hear me? I hope you can hear me. We’re coming in. The planet is dead ahead. It’s Sempervia. We’re there! We land today. The strobes you’re seeing–if you can still see–those are alerts. We’re landing!”

Joy and terror flooded Pietas in equal measure. Joy in the hope this repugnant nightmare might soon end. Terror he’d be marooned on this detestable world but never released, never found. They’d leave him to spend eternity alone in a hellish existence of eternal night.

No! No. He would be free. He would. Freedom was his birthright. He had not suffered this long to be denied freedom now.

Every part of his body hurt. Every finger, every toe, every tooth. Every eyelash.

Hunger no longer ravaged him. Did he even have a stomach anymore? In an earlier stage of hunger, it must have eaten itself. That pain had stopped long ago, and moved to every extremity.

Thirst, however, thirst haunted him, a creature from nightmares.

Once he got out of this pod, he’d throw himself into a river and drink it dry. Wait, instead, he’d drink some of it, and then let the river soak into his bones. He’d never go thirsty. Never be dirty.

And he would eat. It would be good to have food. Any food would do. Once he found food, he’d stuff his face full. He’d stop being picky. Whatever there was, it would be good enough. He’d never refuse food. He’d break bread with his family every chance he got.

The thought of family made his heart hurt. He’d hug Dessy, wrap both arms around his mother, and never let her go. He’d even hug his father.

And Six. He’d spend time with Six.

They would fish, as Six had promised. They’d sit by a river, cast lines, kick back on the bank, and watch clouds roll by. He hadn’t gone fishing since he was a boy. Fishing with Six at his side sounded like heaven.

It was true that Six had threatened the sole person Pietas could not and would not lose. Yes, Six had helped capture him. But that had been duty, and hadn’t Six proven his mettle and his true heart a hundred times since?

A klaxon sounded. The ship must be going into port.


Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas
Immortal. Warrior. Outcasts. Traitors took everything. Except their honor.
Preorder on Amazon http://amzn.to/1R8DAbb (Out May 1, 2016)
Read now in print on CreateSpace http://bit.ly/boc-origin-csp

Giveaway – Free Download

Download and print three PDF Bookmarks. The first features Six, the human warrior. The second is Pietas, the immortal warrior. The third is the two, back to back.
Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-six.pdf
Pietas https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas.pdf
Pietas and Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas6.pdf
Download a free adult coloring book you can print and share. Relax and color with friends. It’s fun! https://kayelleallen.com/media/pietas-coloring-book.pdf

In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, fans of the Tarthian Empire series will recognize the origin of Peril. Pain and death have an intimate place there–and here.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 21

To celebrate the launch of Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas I’m sharing 30 Days of Chaos. Each day during April, I’ll post one excerpt from the book, along with a poster of a quote by Pietas. On the final day, members of my Romance Lives Forever Reader Group will receive a full color book containing all the quotes and posters. Unlike my website, the book posters will have only a quote and a beautiful image. Look for another giveaway at the end of this post.

Pain and death

Pain and Death: Part of Life #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen #chaos #quotePietas must have fallen asleep, because he woke with a start. He took quick stock of himself and his surroundings. Black parachute cloth arched above him, flapping in a gentle breeze. The rain had stopped, and there was sun. A few scattered clouds. Still no movement in his extremities. Limited movement in his neck. No feeling anywhere. He tried speaking. Not even a croak.

Under the same stretch of cloth, Six sat cross-legged, thumbing through a notebook. He glanced up, and set the notes aside. “You look better. You ready for water?”

Without waiting for a reply, Six brought him a tube, and held it while Pietas sipped.

“Good job. You didn’t choke this time. You look less shrunken. Let’s get some food in you and then we’ll both clean up.” He brought out another tube, broke off the cap, and held it for him. “Slow and steady. There we go. Good job.” He propped an elbow on one thigh, and held the tube while Pietas sipped the nutrient. “You had multiple fractures from the fall, but your bones set fine all by themselves. Your face was bad when I opened the pod. Nose all squished and off to the side. Jaw broken. Cheekbones crushed. Skull fractured. When you looked up at me…” He gave a long whistle. “All I saw was blackened skin against the black background of the pod, and two huge turquoise eyes staring.” He brushed away a glimmer of tears.

Were those tears…for him? Humans cried because of him. Not for him.

“Man, Pietas. I can’t believe how fast you’re healing. All your bones are where they belong. I wish I healed like you do.”

Pietas had wondered what it would be like to feel pain for more than a few minutes. To feel pain that didn’t end.

The pod had shown him that.

Was that what it felt like to be human? He’d learned long ago they feared pain. Would do anything to avoid it. To avoid death. Threaten torture and most humans caved. Most surrendered anything they knew as soon as they saw the first tool of torture. Some managed to withhold until they were injured. Most talked. Not all, but enough to make it worthwhile. He used torture if it shortened the wait for information, but never to be cruel. He had no compunctions about killing, but unless they threatened him or his mission, he had let humans live.

He wouldn’t do that anymore. From now on, he’d make them beg for death.

On him, torture had no effect.

Pietas had taught himself, disciplined himself never to fear pain. To welcome it. Invite it. Embrace it. Make pain and death a regular part of his life. Whatever frightened him, he ran toward. Pain was joy. He conquered it. Made it his lover. Made it his own. Absorbed it into himself.

When you fear nothing, nothing is a threat.

Now? Did he fear pain now? Pietas mulled that. Well, he no longer had to wonder about pain that didn’t end. He’d experienced it.

Conquered it.

Did he want to repeat it?

He finished the food, and took a long, satisfying breath of clean air.

Not if he could avoid it. But dying every day for a year would be a good exercise for his soldiers. If you survived that kind of peril, you’d survive anything. And no threat the enemy brought would be worse than what he could do to them.

He’d have to give that some serious thought. Maybe train them that way, one soldier at a time. Teach them to embrace death the way he did. An army of soldiers like that…the galaxy could not stop.


Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas
Immortal. Warrior. Outcasts. Traitors took everything. Except their honor.
Preorder on Amazon http://amzn.to/1R8DAbb (Out May 1, 2016)
Read now in print on CreateSpace http://bit.ly/boc-origin-csp

Giveaway – Free Download

Download and print three PDF Bookmarks. The first features Six, the human warrior. The second is Pietas, the immortal warrior. The third is the two, back to back.
Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-six.pdf
Pietas https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas.pdf
Pietas and Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas6.pdf
Download a free adult coloring book you can print and share. Relax and color with friends. It’s fun! https://kayelleallen.com/media/pietas-coloring-book.pdf

The return of his sister brings chaos into Pietas’s life. As usual, when she shows up, there is trouble. Especially when dragons are involved.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 8

To celebrate the launch of Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas I’m sharing 30 Days of Chaos. Each day during April, I’ll post one excerpt from the book, along with a poster of a quote by Pietas. On the final day, members of my Romance Lives Forever Reader Group will receive a full color book containing all the quotes and posters. Unlike my website, the book posters will have only a quote and a beautiful image. Look for a giveaway at the end of this post.

Dessy plus Dragons

Dessy plus Dragons equals Trouble #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen #chaos #quoteThe nameless, empathic bond between him and his twin drew Pietas, and he caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Dess, have you–” He yanked back his hand, biting off the words. “Never mind.”

“It’s all right. Go ahead. Ask me.”

He held her gaze, reading the depth of her knowledge with the innate connection their bond afforded him. “Have you– No.” He turned away. “Never mind. It wasn’t important. Forget I said anything.”

“Dragons.”

The single word stopped him cold. He faced her, chin lifted. “What?”

“You heard me. Dragons. That’s what you wanted to ask, isn’t it? If I’ve been dreaming about dragons.” She unzipped her leathers down to her rounded bosom, and pulled out a fine chain dangling a dragon charm. “In the dreams, yours are teal and silver. Mine are ruby and gold.”

He returned to her, and took the pendant in hand. The golden creature sparkled, its eyes glistening as if wet with blood. “Beautiful.” He rubbed a thumb over it, and the dragon warmed to his touch. He smiled into Dessy’s pale eyes. “How often do you dream them?”

“Every night. Tas, what does it mean?”

At hearing her childhood name for him, he dropped the pendant. “Dragons are primal protectors. They symbolize defeat of the beast within and show selfless courage.”

She tucked the chain back inside her top. “How do you know that?”

“How do you not?”

She called him a rude name, and shoved him.

It broke the tension, and he laughed. “Come on, Sis. Let’s do what you came to do and be done with it. I’m busy.”

“Fine, you big spoilsport. You never let me have any fun.”

“Father wouldn’t approve if I did.”

“And we all know how much you want Father’s approval.”

One thousand nine hundred and sixteen years old, and the truth behind her teasing still stung. Pietas spun away from her and crossed the room.

Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas
Immortal. Warrior. Outcasts. Traitors took everything. Except their honor.
Preorder on Amazon http://amzn.to/1R8DAbb (Out May 1, 2016)
Read now in print on CreateSpace http://bit.ly/boc-origin-csp

Giveaway – Free Download

Download free printable #scifi bookmarks www.kayelleallen.com/chaos-origin #ChaosIsComing @kayelleallen

free bookmarks

Download and print three PDF Bookmarks. The first features Six, the human warrior. The second is Pietas, the immortal warrior. The third is the two, back to back.
Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-six.pdf
Pietas https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas.pdf
Pietas and Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas6.pdf
Download a free adult coloring book you can print and share. Relax and color with friends. It’s fun! https://kayelleallen.com/media/pietas-coloring-book.pdf

In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, Pietas and the council are on their way to the opening ceremony of the peace talks. When he passes the thirty humans who are presenting themselves as hostages for the Ultras, his empathic senses go on full alert.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 9

To celebrate the launch of Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas I’m sharing 30 Days of Chaos. Each day during April, I’ll post one excerpt from the book, along with a poster of a quote by Pietas. On the final day, members of my Romance Lives Forever Reader Group will receive a full color book containing all the quotes and posters. Unlike my website, the book posters will have only a quote and a beautiful image. Look for other giveaways at the end of this post.

Empathic Senses

Empathic Senses: Did You Feel That? #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen #chaos #quoteAs they passed Pietas, they emanated a tired resignation, as if knowing they marched to their doom.

The hair on the back of his neck prickled. “Did you feel that?” He turned, keeping them in sight.

Mahikos frowned. “Feel what?”

“Never mind.” Pietas had always absorbed far more emotion than other Ultras, even more than his twin, and around humans, he sometimes had to tamp down and ignore his empathic senses.

He entered the elevator once more, with the council blasting an even nastier sting of emotions toward him.

Last to enter, Dessy clasped her hands behind her and faced the front.

When the doors opened, Pietas stepped out. The station smelled of metal, polish, gun oil, and human sweat. Enderium Six was no longer a trading station. They’d made it a military outpost. Or worse. The site had the stink of a penitentiary, with none of its charm.

The council arrayed itself around him. Their empathic chill shifted toward a human who came into view.

Pietas surveyed the officious, gold-braid-draped mortal. “What do you want?”

He popped Pietas a salute. “Welcome to Enderium Six. I’ll be escorting you to the main chamber. I’m General–”

“Lies. What you are is some lackey dressed up in gold braid to impress me. You are no one.” He mimed a yawn, and then fluttered a hand, curling his lip. “Take me to someone important.”

“Of course. Come with me.” He headed toward the door.

Such blissful acceptance after that insult triggered warnings. Was the man under the influence of an Ultra? Pietas remained where he was.

His sister leaned in close, her mouth next to his ear. “He didn’t react. Is he stupid? Or entranced by an Ultra?”

Pietas edged toward her warmth. “I’m getting nothing false from the Council.”

“Agreed. If he’s entranced, it’s not by anyone here, but they’ll riot if we don’t go with him. What are you going to do?”

He motioned for her to wait, and as the man continued to walk away, studied him. If he was entranced, it was subtle. Pietas found no trace of another Ultra’s presence, and it would be there if he’d been influenced.

Once the human reached the door, he turned, and the realization that no one had moved crossed his face. “Is there a problem?”

“Humans do not command Ultras. You may ask if we desire to accompany you. If I decide that we shall, my people will follow me. Until we are shown the respect we deserve, we will go nowhere. In addition, you will address me as ‘my lord’ when you speak to me.”

The man made a deep bow. “Of course. Where are my manners? Forgive me, my lord. If it pleases you, will you come with me?”

“It does not please me.” Pietas spoke each word with clarity. “I am here because my people will it, but do not think to placate me, human. I will not be trifled with.”

Bowing, the human indicated the door. “Please.”

Every cell within Pietas warned against proceeding, but with the council’s firm insistence in mind, he walked beside the human. Every step he took delivered a psychic rebuke. Do not do this! He clamped his jaws to shut the rage inside him.

Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas
Immortal. Warrior. Outcasts. Traitors took everything. Except their honor.
Preorder on Amazon http://amzn.to/1R8DAbb (Out May 1, 2016)
Read now in print on CreateSpace http://bit.ly/boc-origin-csp

Video

https://youtu.be/CeKPmFG07fg

Giveaway – Free Download

Download free printable #scifi bookmarks www.kayelleallen.com/chaos-origin #ChaosIsComing @kayelleallen

free bookmarks

Download and print three PDF Bookmarks. The first features Six, the human warrior. The second is Pietas, the immortal warrior. The third is the two, back to back.
Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-six.pdf
Pietas https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas.pdf
Pietas and Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas6.pdf
Download a free adult coloring book you can print and share. Relax and color with friends. It’s fun! https://kayelleallen.com/media/pietas-coloring-book.pdf

In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, Ahjdaya, a human tech agent, is speaking to one of the immortals who’s been deemed “safe”. In other words, a traitor to the other Ultras.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 10

To celebrate the launch of Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas I’m sharing 30 Days of Chaos. Each day during April, I’ll post one excerpt from the book, along with a poster of a quote by Pietas. On the final day, members of my Romance Lives Forever Reader Group will receive a full color book containing all the quotes and posters. Unlike my website, the book posters will have only a quote and a beautiful image. Look for a giveaway at the end of this post.

Dead People Fighting

Dead People Fighting: Ghost Division #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen #chaos #quoteAhjdaya ran a hand through his hair. “We were so sure Pietas would get in the pod.” He chewed his lower lip, and then shot the advisor a sharp look. “You didn’t think he’d do it, did you? You knew he’d refuse.”

“I counted on it.”

“That’s why you’re so dead set on us jettisoning the module they’re in. You wanted us to terminate him. If you hate him that much, why didn’t you kill him yourself?”

“It has nothing to do with hate. Pietas is more dangerous than you can imagine.”

“Who is he, anyway? I mean, I know he’s the head of the Ultra Council, and everyone freaked when they heard he was coming here, but… What has he done?”

“He’s killed more humans than any known Ultra. He doesn’t negotiate, and he doesn’t show mercy. You’ve heard of the Rroglyn?”

“Cat people from the edge of the galaxy. Striped fur and huge claws. They eat humans. Who hasn’t?” He shuddered.

“He created them. He designed other races of non-humans. You don’t hear about them because they haven’t come here yet, but they will. Pietas will use them for war, and they’ll swarm like insects once he sets them free. His parents are both scientists. His father created the Fire-Eyes. Remember them? Warriors who can kill by looking at a person? Mahikos enhanced Pietas and his sister before they were born, and then added more enhancements for years after. Pietas is more lethal than whole armies. Dessy is a tactician unlike any the galaxy has ever seen. Their mother is a scientist who single-handedly made it possible to terraform entire planets. That history lesson should suffice. Do not free this man.”

“I’ve seen war all my life. His entire family is a threat, not just him.”

“As long as the ap Lorectic family is alive, humans will not be safe, but Pietas is the worst. Kill them while you have the chance.”

“I can’t do anything without clearance.”

He took a deep breath, let it all out. “All right.” He rubbed his brow, and turned away. “Send in more than four people. At least twice that many. They won’t land one blow. He’s fast. No human has ever hit him. When they open that door, they’ll be facing Death. I don’t mean the risk of death. I mean Death incarnate. He’ll confuse them by using emotion against them. He can take the fear of one and broadcast it to the others. He’s a strong empath. They don’t call him the Bringer of Chaos for nothing. And remember, he can project illusions. Don’t turn off the cameras. Cameras don’t lie. Believe the cameras before you believe your eyes. He doesn’t have much air, but he might try illusions.”

“We’ll do that. Thank you.” Ahjdaya’s earpiece buzzed, and he listened a moment. “You’ll be happy to know, they’re sending in a team from Ghost Division.”

“You can’t be serious. You’re sending in recycled ops soldiers. Ahjdaya, they’re dead people.”

“They’re not dead. Special ops soldiers who die are reanimated for short-term missions. Ghosts are better than cyborgs. They can go without air for a time, like Ultras. Sure, they have a short life but their sole objective is to kill. People are terrified of them.”

“People, yes. Pietas? He’ll laugh. You can’t send ghosts against him. He’ll take them apart with his bare hands.”

“Not this team. They’ve been reanimated before, and they’ve been on the front lines. They’ve fought Ultras. They’re the best fighters we have.”

“Had.”

“Excuse me?”

“Might as well start using the past tense. They’re going to be dead. Again.”

The voice in Ahjdaya’s ear prompted him, and he repeated what he was told to say. “These guys are good. You’ll see.”

“What you’ll see is slaughter. You’re sending dead people to fight the strongest Ultra in the galaxy. He will–literally–eat them.”

Ahjdaya tapped his earpiece, listened, and relayed the message. “They want to know if you have any other advice.”

“Not for dead people. If they were alive, I’d tell them to say their prayers.” The Ultra said nothing more.

Ahjdaya tapped the earpiece. “Good to go.”

The Ultra started to walk away, but then turned back. “One more thing.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t send in reinforcements. You’d have to open the door. That’ll give him air. He’s going to make you want to do that.”

“How?”

With those glistening, solid-colored eyes, his smile looked like a mask on a demon’s face. “By killing everyone you send in.”

Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas
Immortal. Warrior. Outcasts. Traitors took everything. Except their honor.
Preorder on Amazon http://amzn.to/1R8DAbb (Out May 1, 2016)
Read now in print on CreateSpace http://bit.ly/boc-origin-csp

Giveaway – Free Download

Download free printable #scifi bookmarks www.kayelleallen.com/chaos-origin #ChaosIsComing @kayelleallen

free bookmarks

Download and print three PDF Bookmarks. The first features Six, the human warrior. The second is Pietas, the immortal warrior. The third is the two, back to back.
Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-six.pdf
Pietas https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas.pdf
Pietas and Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas6.pdf
Download a free adult coloring book you can print and share. Relax and color with friends. It’s fun! https://kayelleallen.com/media/pietas-coloring-book.pdf

When every avenue fails, Pietas realizes he will have to get his people out of this mess on his own. While his family and the council prepares to enter stasis as part of their surrender, Pietas makes other plans.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 11

To celebrate the launch of Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas I’m sharing 30 Days of Chaos. Each day during April, I’ll post one excerpt from the book, along with a poster of a quote by Pietas. On the final day, members of my Romance Lives Forever Reader Group will receive a full color book containing all the quotes and posters. Unlike my website, the book posters will have only a quote and a beautiful image. Look for another giveaway at the end of this post.

See his Defiance, his Pride

See his defiance, his pride? #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen #chaos #quoteMahikos railed and punched the wall, showing enough anger for everyone in the room.

Pietas remained near the door, removing himself from the drama.

Above them stood silent sentries, a row of human-shaped silhouettes.

At last, around the barren room, the casket-like stasis tubes hissed, sealing the council members inside. These tubes wouldn’t jettison like lifepods to protect against implosion or the hazards of space. They were the Ultras’ prison. Who knew how long they’d lie trapped within them, or if they’d ever be released.

Pietas lifted his head, willing anyone who watched to see his defiance, his pride. His determination never to surrender. He guarded the door, daring anyone to enter. All had been sealed inside his or her pod except his family, but Pietas remained vigilant.

Mahikos accompanied Dessy to hers. Though it was common knowledge his family was on the council, Pietas refrained from any show of affection in public. Enemies needed no details as to who was more–or less–fond of whom.

Besides, all of them were empathic. He felt their love, or lack of it.

“Pietas.” Dessy spoke, but did not look at him. “You were right.”

“This one, Dessy.” Mahikos patted the middle of three empty units. “Between your mother and me. Close to family. We love you.”

How like their father to throw all caution to the wind and show his weakness to everyone. Yet he would expect Pietas to defend him if attacked.

The tube they expected him to occupy sat isolated from the others, nowhere near family. As usual, his father had isolated him.

Dessy climbed nimbly into the unit. “Love you all. Stay safe.”

The pod sealed. Through its small window, his sister’s face showed. Her eyes closed. Her color paled. Within two minutes, she was frozen, as good as dead. Gone.

For no reason would he let them do that to him.

Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas
Immortal. Warrior. Outcasts. Traitors took everything. Except their honor.
Preorder on Amazon http://amzn.to/1R8DAbb (Out May 1, 2016)
Read now in print on CreateSpace http://bit.ly/boc-origin-csp

Giveaway – Free Download

Download free printable #scifi bookmarks www.kayelleallen.com/chaos-origin #ChaosIsComing @kayelleallen

free bookmarks

Download and print three PDF Bookmarks. The first features Six, the human warrior. The second is Pietas, the immortal warrior. The third is the two, back to back.
Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-six.pdf
Pietas https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas.pdf
Pietas and Six https://kayelleallen.com/media/boc-bookmark-pietas6.pdf
Download a free adult coloring book you can print and share. Relax and color with friends. It’s fun! https://kayelleallen.com/media/pietas-coloring-book.pdf