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Tag: Joss Avaton

Joss Avaton, a character in books by Kayelle Allen. She is the narrator in An Immortal’s Guide to Tarth and a major character in the Bringer of Chaos series.

What a telepath focuses upon, she controls #SciFi #MFRWhooks #MFRWauthor

Kayelle Allen 8 Comments

What a telepath focuses upon, she controls #SciFi #MFRWhooks #MFRWauthorIn this scene from Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire, Pietas and the search party sent to find him have stopped their upward mountain trek for a short break. Prior to their reunion the previous day, Pietas had spent a year in confinement, hands bound behind him. He’d been starved to the point of death, but because he’s immortal, could not die. Although he has healed since, the brutality left a lasting toll on his once robust physical body. As they prepare to get underway, he unwittingly reveals the impairment. To a telepath…
—

Wincing, Pietas stretched to ease cramps in his back.

His sister stood. “Tas!” she called up to him. She’d started using her childhood name for him since they’d reconnected the day before. “Are you hurt?”

A quick telepathic scan from Joss swept over him before he realized it was there. Pietas had still been a teenager when she’d trained him to shield his mind from those with her gift. Not that he’d ever been able to block her. She was far too powerful, but today, she’d read him with no more difficulty than a hunter spying trail signs. He’d been near no Ultra telepaths for over a year.

His affinity with Six had made him careless and he’d neglected the basic lessons Joss had taught him.

It wasn’t a lack of trust. Trust had never been an issue with Joss.

He treasured her, but he ought not to have been so unguarded and open. Vulnerable.

“Pietas.” Joss stood. The waves of emotion he picked up from her held love and concern in equal measure. And a bit of disappointment. “You’re injured.”

He ducked his head like a schoolboy who’d forgotten his lessons. Admit mortals had damaged him? Never. Neither would he lie about it. He’d take better care to hide the pain.

“Don’t worry about me.” Whistling, he circled a finger in the air. “Let’s go! Long climb ahead.” He leaped down from the rocks. “Joss, you lead.” Last thing he wanted was her behind him, using him as an object of focus.

What telepaths focused upon, they controlled.

Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire
Science fiction with romantic elements
Rated PG13 for violence (no explicit content or profanity)
Humans created a genetically enhanced race to defend mankind. Instead, the Ultras became humanity’s greatest threat. Traitors among them help humans imprison half a million and exile them on an alien world.
Pietas has no tech, tools, or resources, but he vows to unite and avenge the Ultra people. First, he must regain command from a ruthless adversary he’s fought for centuries–his brutal, merciless father.
Ultras are immortal, and with few exceptions, they revive after death. Some injuries heal instantly. A few take time. But battered trust and a broken heart… That pain lasts forever.
This military science fiction novel is scheduled for a December 29th release.
Publisher Romance Lives Forever Books
Genre science fiction with romantic elements
Rating PG13 for science fiction violence (no explicit content or profanity)
Length about 74,000 words / 300 pages
To take part in an exclusive pre-release online party and get advance notice of its availability, join the Romance Lives Forever Reader Group. You’ll also get free books and other downloads and goodies.

The prequel for Forged in Fire is Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas. Next book in the series is Bringer of Chaos: Watch Your Six.

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Humans were made to be ruled #SciFi #Pietas #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 11 Comments

“Humans were made to be ruled.” A scene from Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas (Military Sci Fi, Soldiers, Bad Boys, Adventure, and Angst) In this snippet, Pietas receives an ultimatum.

Humans were made to be ruled #SciFi #Pietas #MFRWhooksThe leaders of his people gathered in sleep around Pietas, sealed inside their curved, steel stasis tubes.

“You think to imprison me? You think to bring me down like a hunted animal?” He indicated the other life-pods. “I will not cower before you. I will not bow. I will not kneel. I will not serve. I will never submit. Humans were made to be ruled, not by my people, but by me.”

The silhouettes above him contrasted with the bright light behind them. One by one, they slipped away, until one remained.

“Fighting us accomplishes nothing.” The disembodied voice echoed in the chamber. “Enter the pod, Pietas, or we’ll siphon the air. You’ll die.”

“I’ll revive. I’ve died countless times. I do not fear death. Death fears me.”

[bctt tweet=”I do not fear death. Death fears me. –Pietas” username=”kayelleallen”]

 

Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas
Why should Pietas end the war with humans?

His people are winning, yet they insist on peace talks. The Ultra people want to grant humans a seat on the Council. Pietas ap Lorectic, Chancellor of the High Council, War Leader and First Conqueror, disagrees. What’s best for mortals is oppression, control, and if necessary, elimination.
Pietas seethes with rage at the idea of human equality. Humans might have created Ultras, but the creation has far surpassed the creator. Humans die. Ultras are reborn, no matter how grievous the injury. They have no equals.
His people permit him no choice. He must attend these insipid peace talks on Enderium Six and what’s worse, be polite. To humans.

Available free on Kindle Unlimited
Amazon https://amzn.to/28QOTpb
Get an illustrated book of quotes by Pietas

JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKSHumans were made to be ruled #scifi #pietas #MFRWhooks

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Joss and Pietas meet (from Forged in Fire, a sweet scifi romance) #excerpt #Scifi

Kayelle Allen 4 Comments

This is the sequel to book one in the Bringer of Chaos series. The first was Origin of Pietas, the second is Forged in Fire. In it, we get a lovely flashback of his first love. When Joss and Pietas meet for the first time, he is young, isolated, and alone.

Joss and Pietas Meet (Excerpt)

Forged in Fire: Bringer of Chaos #SciFi #SpaceOperaPietas didn’t sleep with Joss until he was twenty, but he fell in love with her at first sight.

He was sixteen. She was ageless.

The older woman had plucked him off the streets, fed and clothed him, given him a job and dignity. That wasn’t why he’d slept with her. It had taken several years to become her lover because he didn’t know how to ask. She told him later he’d been too young to know what he wanted and she’d promised herself she wouldn’t make the first move. This time, he knew how it was done, he had no intention of waiting, and he knew exactly what he wanted. Her.

As he hiked beside her, he recalled that first meeting. He’d been starving, standing in lines to join work crews. For days. No one would hire him. He had no identification. No money. His father had thrown him out with nothing. Obtaining his own weapons hadn’t been difficult. He’d wagered his skill to gain those. But a job? He had no war campaigns to claim and no ID to acquire passage for one. He was too proud to steal and far too proud to beg. He refused to buy falsified documents. He’d either earn his keep the right way or he’d starve.

Once you sold your honor, nothing else had value.

The day had grown late and it had started raining. He ducked into a covered alley and huddled against the wall for protection from the wind. The greasy food cooking at the diner across the street had started smelling good two days ago. Skinny Ultras stopped by the diner’s back door every night and accepted a handful of scraps. A few picked through leavings. He would bear stomach cramps forever before he’d do that.

A female soldier passing by slowed, looked him up and down, and then stopped. She wore an officer’s uniform: simple black jacket, white blouse, black skirt, shiny shoes. “Hello.”

He stood taller. Finger-combing his hair, he smiled at her. “Hello.”

“Are you looking for work?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She entered the alley, gesturing for him to accompany her.

He turned to follow, staggering with dizziness. No matter what kind of work she needed done, he would find a way to do it, hungry or not. Once they reached the alley’s deepest end, she pulled up her skirt and held out paper money.

It took a moment for it to register what she expected him to do. He’d never been around any women other than his mother and sister. Did people…do that…in an alley? Surely not. He must be mistaken. Surely she needed something else and he had misunderstood.

When he just stood there, she gestured with the money. “I don’t have all day, do you want this or not?”

He turned and fled and didn’t slow down until he reached the Ultra’s union hall. There, he dropped onto the ground in the drizzling rain, back against the wall. Arms resting on upraised knees, he hung his head, sopping wet, cold and miserable.

“Hello?” called a gentle voice.

“I am not for sale!” He clenched his teeth and glared up at her.

“That’s good to know.” The woman looking down at him was not the one who’d offered to buy him earlier.

Pietas clambered to his feet.

Unlike his platinum blond, her hair held tones of gold. Kind blue eyes seemed to look right through him. The rain had ceased and a beam of sunlight illuminated her. Seeing her, a man could believe in angels.

He pushed hair out of his face. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. Are you Pietas?”

“I am.” Was this someone who could hire him? It wouldn’t do to look sloppy in front of her. He drew back his sodden hair into a tail and tossed it over his shoulder. Wiping wet hands on wetter clothes, he held himself in militarily correct posture. “How do you know me?”

“From your mother’s description.”

“My mother?” A wave of homesickness arose in him so strong he lost his breath. He might be new to the greater Ultra world, but he hadn’t been raised a fool. He kept his distance. “How do you know her?”

“Helia and I were created at the same time. She was scientist class and I was warrior, but we became friends. I introduced her to Mahikos. Thankfully, she doesn’t hold that against me.” A wry smile tilted her mouth. “She called me, told me she had a son named Pietas and a daughter named Dessy. She said you and your father had a fight and asked me to look for you. She sends her love.”

“You’re Joss Avaton.”

“That’s right.”

“Growing up, Mother told me all about you. She said you were the sister she never had.”

“Did she?” Her amusement came through the aether, as warm and embracing as his mother’s had ever been. “I’m glad to know that. I wish she’d told me about you.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. That isn’t your fault.”

“Is Mother here? Have you seen her?”

“No. But she was worried so I said I’d try to find you. Looks like I did. She said to try the work halls. This should have been the first place I looked.” Smiling, she spread her hands. “But I finally found you.”

Surely it wasn’t wrong to fall in love so fast. Mother had said not to trust strange women, and from his experience with the one earlier, she’d been right. But this was Joss. Her friend and sister. Pietas took two steps toward her, stopped himself and stuck his hands in his pockets.

Joss offered her hand. When he shook it, she clasped both of hers around his.

The moment she touched him he knew he would survive. He could do anything. His life was not over before it began. He’d had no idea then she was using her gift of Clarity to help him see his path. All he knew was this amazing woman cared about him.

“Thank you for looking for me. Finding me.”

“My pleasure.” She slid her fingertips down his jaw, out to the dimple in his chin and released him. “Now, let’s get you off these streets, find you a meal and dry clothes. If you want to, you can call your mother.”

(download a pdf of the Joss and Pietas meet excerpt taken from Bringer of Chaos: Forged in Fire)

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Mayday! The Bringer of Chaos is in the house #Chaos #SciFi #Mayday

Kayelle Allen

Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!

Mayday! Frenemies. Forever. Bringer of Chaos #scifi @kayelleallen #MaydayAccording to Wikipedia, the phrase Mayday Mayday Mayday is used to signal a life-threatening emergency primarily by aviators and mariners. In some countries local organizations such as firefighters, police forces, and transportation organizations also use the term. The call is always given three times in a row ("Mayday Mayday Mayday") to prevent its being mistaken for some similar-sounding phrase under noisy conditions, and to distinguish an actual Mayday call from a message about a Mayday call. I thought Mayday was a fitting release date for a book about Pietas, known throughout the galaxy as the Bringer of Chaos.

This scifi book is now available on all retailers.

Download the Pietas coloring book and share it with friends.

 

Read the introduction, a foreward by the hero of the book, below.

You are unworthy, human.

A foreword from Pietas

This book you hold is being presented as fiction, but it did happen. It is as real as the air you breathe. While this is not a first-person story, it follows my point of view.

I would never have allowed a human to know these things, but a friend persuaded me there can be no vengeance unless those in the wrong know what they did. When one has wronged another, one must face the consequences.

Having been persuaded to tell the story, I now allow it to be placed into your hands. I want you to know the truth. Why? Because other Ultras have hidden the truth. Buried it beneath fables and false retellings, as if you were a child unable to bear harsh reality. Unwilling to face the consequences of what your kind has done.

Above all, because I will not lie to you.

When I come for you, I want the satisfaction of seeing your regret for what your ancestors did to my kind. I want to see your fear, and taste your terror.

This is no horror story. It's merely science fiction. Tell yourself it is only fable, if that will help you sleep. By all means, human, do sleep.

Read this, if you dare to know the truth.

~ Pietas

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Empathic Rage: a tragic reveal #ChaosIsComing #scifi #quote

Kayelle Allen

In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, Pietas discovers a critical truth. He is plunged into an empathic rage that unleashes his emotions on the world. Everything changes. The scene below picks up after the reveal so as not to include spoilers. Pietas ventures into the night alone on Sempervia.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 30

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.

Empathic Rage

Empathic Rage: a tragic reveal #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen#chaos #quoteLost in thought, Pietas walked for hours. He became aware of his surroundings in the center of a clearing. Sempervian moonlight bathed the night in silver. He’d learned the secret. Now, how could he face the truth about ghosts? He’d begun to have second thoughts about humanity. Since getting to know Six, he’d considered the wholesale slaughter of humans might be wrong. That his father might have a point, and humans might be worth saving.

He’d considered resigning himself to life on Sempervia. Leaving humanity to its own devices.

How pathetic.

He would go back if it cost him every vestige of strength, and make humanity pay for what they’d done.

He would kill every last one.

Every ghost.

Every human.

All of them. Every. Single. One.

Fury activated pheromones he’d long suppressed.

He loosed them.

The moon darkened behind a cloud of insects.

A torrent of nesting birds roused and with terrified wings, beat the sky.

Pietas threw back his head, flung out his arms, and poured forth a silent howl of empathic rage.

—
Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas
Immortal. Warrior. Outcasts. Traitors took everything. Except their honor.

Universal Buy Link https://books2read.com/origin-pietas

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South It Is: Pietas wins one #ChaosIsComing #scifi #quote

Kayelle Allen

In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, Six wants to head north. Pietas maneuvers him into heading south and into the belief going south was his idea in the first place.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 29

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.

South It Is

South It Is: Pietas wins one #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen#chaos #quote

Pietas dangled a length of fishing line in the water. He lassoed it to a rock, braced his back against a boulder, and crossed his ankles. “This day is so beautiful.”

“Uh huh.” Six tended the three lines he had going, each in a different part of the creek.

“How good the weather is on this world. I’m quite pleased with it. If we have to be marooned here, at least we’re not facing constant storms or stuck in a desert.”

“I hope it lasts.”

“You think it won’t?” Pietas craned his neck, but in this part of the creek, under the canopy of trees, the sky showed up as blue specks.

“No place has perfect weather. It must rain sometime. Trees don’t get as big as these or the creek full without rain.”

“Ah, of course. I knew that. My mother is a consummate terraformer. She taught me about the cycles of life and renewal and how planets replenish themselves before I was ten. She made me learn the name of every plant and animal in existence, I think. I got caught up in enjoying the beauty and forgot my lessons.”

“You know, Pietas… It’s okay to admit you forgot a detail.” Six shot him a smile.

“For you, perhaps. Such excuses were unacceptable when I was growing up. Saying I forgot was equivalent to saying please beat me now.”

Six chuckled. “Sounds like a tough childhood.”

“You have no idea.” Pietas settled back against the boulder. “But regarding rain, I hope we have ample warning. We need better shelter than our lean to.”

“I was thinking, now that you’re able to walk on your own, we might relocate upstream. There are hills north of here, and I found shallow caves. Deeper ones would be good natural shelter. There are fish near the waterfall.”

“I agree shelter would be good, but we agreed once I’m able to walk any distance, we need to find my people.”

Six faced him. “I haven’t forgotten, but we don’t know where they were released.”

“My mother used to say most settlements were made along the equator, and then spread in both directions. Judging by the sun, we’re in the southern part of whatever continent this is. It’s summer, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yes. Most likely.”

“If we went north, how long would we have before the weather grew colder?”

Six murmured in Spanish, rubbing his jaw. “It could get cold fast. We’re ill equipped for that. If we go south, perhaps we’ll see a clue we’re near their settlement. Smoke from campfires, that sort of thing.”

Pietas crossed his ankles in the other direction. He might not be able to coerce Six, but he could lead him. “I think you’re right. We’ll try it your way. South it is.”

“What? Why?” Six braced his hands on his hips. “You never give in that easy.”

“You made a good point about going south. As a leader I always relied on the wisdom of my staff. I can’t know everything, as much as I’d like to. I’ve relied on your wisdom since we arrived. You’ve been out. Seen the land. You parachuted in and therefore saw it from above, which puts you in the position of having more experience regarding layout of the land. Hence, I’d be a fool not to take your advice.”

“Huh. How about that?”

“I’ll be ready to go by the end of next week.”

Six sized him up. “I think you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right. I’m always right.”

—
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

Support Bringer of Chaos

How? By joining my Thunderclap or Headtalker campaigns.
For Thunderclap click here: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/40531-chaos-is-coming
#ChaosIsComing Create chaos and you create opportunity. Pietas; BRINGER OF CHAOS #SciFi #Amreading http://thndr.me/kyeSr9
—
For Headtalker click here: https://headtalker.com/campaigns/chaos-is-coming/
#ChaosIsComing In battle, chaos is a good thing. Especially among the enemy. BRINGER OF CHAOS #SciFi #AmReading https://hdtk.co/LeBAh
—
Review the book or host it on your blog. Sign up here http://bit.ly/1SDr9nj

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

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No! My name is Pietas #ChaosIsComing #scifi #quote

Kayelle Allen

This scene from Bringer of Chaos marks a major turning point in the story. Six and Pietas have been reluctant enemies, and now move into being reluctant friends. It still doesn’t mean Six trusts him enough to tell him his name. Will Pietas get past repeating “my name is Pietas” or accept a nickname? This is not the first time he has called Six an “infuriating person” — or the last.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 28

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.

My Name is Pietas

No! My name is Pietas #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen #chaos #quoteDays passed into weeks.

Six spent time hunting, fishing, gathering wood for the fire, hauling water. The man gave no indication of impatience, ever. Six was at his side, offering, assisting, without Pietas having to ask.

One evening after dinner, they stretched out side by side near the fire, staring up at the stars.

“Thank you, Six.”

“For what?”

“You’ve been good to me. I appreciate it. I don’t say that enough.”

He folded his hands over his waist. “No problem. Glad to do it, Three Point One Four.”

“Three point…” Pietas grappled with what the number might indicate. “Pardon?”

“I’ve decided that’s your name. Now that we’re friends.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your name.” Six sat up. “Since you call me Six, I’m going to call you Three Point One Four.”

“I fail to see the significance of the number.”

“Really?” A big grin crossed Six’s face. “And here I thought you were good at math. It’s pi.”

“No!” Pietas sat bolt upright. “I forbid you to call me that. I am Pietas. Pee-ah-toss.”

“I dunno. I’m partial to Pi. I think I’ll keep it.”

“No. You may not call me Pi. My name is Pietas.”

“Why not?”

“It is not my name!”

“Oh, you mean like Six isn’t my name. It’s a number.”

“Simple remedy. Tell me your name.”

The quiet lengthened, but then Six stretched both arms over his head, and gave a wide yawn. “Nah. I don’t think so.”

“Fine, then.” Pietas settled himself on the ground once more. “Six it is.”

“Guess I’m stuck with it.” He grinned at Pietas as he stood. “Pi.”

Pietas sent an empathic icicle Six’s way. Infuriating person!

“Back at you, Ultra.” He wandered off to prepare for sleep.

—
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

Support Bringer of Chaos

How? By joining my Thunderclap or Headtalker campaigns.
For Thunderclap click here: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/40531-chaos-is-coming
#ChaosIsComing Create chaos and you create opportunity. Pietas; BRINGER OF CHAOS #SciFi #Amreading http://thndr.me/kyeSr9
—
For Headtalker click here: https://headtalker.com/campaigns/chaos-is-coming/
#ChaosIsComing In battle, chaos is a good thing. Especially among the enemy. BRINGER OF CHAOS #SciFi #AmReading https://hdtk.co/LeBAh
—
Review the book or host it on your blog. Sign up here http://bit.ly/1SDr9nj

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

(Moon image courtesy of Todd Rowe)

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“Bring. Salt.” Six insults Pietas #ChaosIsComing #scifi #quote

Kayelle Allen

Pietas is known for eating his enemies. It’s more tactic of intimidation than true action, but when he threatens Six with it? “Bring. Salt.” In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, Six just used a knife to assist Pietas with a ritual, and the immortal comments on the blade.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 27

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.

Bring. Salt.

"Bring. Salt." Six insults Pietas #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen #chaos #quote“I want to see how you sharpen knives.”

Though it was full daylight, they were in shade, and the firelight cast flickering shadows on Six’s face. “Oh?”

“That blade is impressive.”

“Thanks.” Six folded the knife, and holstered it. “It does the job.”

“However, you disobeyed a direct order.”

He fastened the safety on the holster, securing the knife. “See, I’m not one of your soldiers.” Using a thumb, he wiped away a smear of blood from Pietas’s cheek. “Which means you can’t give me an order. Therefore, I did no such thing.”

He met the man’s unwavering gaze. “How you frustrate me, ghost.”

“To quote you, ‘Good.’ Now, what’s next?”

“The ritual is complete.”

Six gestured to his own eyes. “So that mask is part of your ritual.”

“I never wear the mask until I’ve made myself worthy. And I’m ready for war.”

“That means the day we met, you’d done the ritual.”

“Yes.”

Six cursed under his breath. “So, uh, what else do you need?”

“I’ll settle for you helping me up.”

“The great Pietas, War Leader of the Ultras, wants help from a mortal? How the mighty have fallen.”

Pietas narrowed his eyes. “Ghost, don’t make me eat you.”

“Yeah? I got two words for you, Ultra. Bring. Salt.” He stood and offered his hand. “Come on, amigo. I’ll douse the fire while you get dressed.”

Pietas gripped it, and forced himself to stand. His legs hurt, and it took a full minute for him to catch his breath. Did mortals put up with this kind of pain on a daily basis? They must be stronger than he ever imagined.

Six had the courtesy to remain silent about how badly Pietas limped, and instead, worked on putting out the campfire.

Once he’d brushed off the dirt on his legs, Pietas dressed, and then helped Six clean up. Though it was still morning, the day darkened while they were finishing. By the time they reached camp, the sun was gone.

At first, Pietas thought it might be more birds, but then he spied what had sent the birds fleeing.

Black clouds roiled. Thunder boomed. The sky went white with lightning.

In the north, the mother of all thunderstorms rolled over the horizon.

—
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

Support Bringer of Chaos

How? By joining my Thunderclap or Headtalker campaigns.
For Thunderclap click here: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/40531-chaos-is-coming
#ChaosIsComing Create chaos and you create opportunity. Pietas; BRINGER OF CHAOS #SciFi #Amreading http://thndr.me/kyeSr9
—
For Headtalker click here: https://headtalker.com/campaigns/chaos-is-coming/
#ChaosIsComing In battle, chaos is a good thing. Especially among the enemy. BRINGER OF CHAOS #SciFi #AmReading https://hdtk.co/LeBAh
—
Review the book or host it on your blog. Sign up here http://bit.ly/1SDr9nj

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

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A Tantrum and its Lesson #ChaosIsComing #scifi

Kayelle Allen

In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, Pietas refused to apologize to Six and insisted he needs no help from the human. Unable to feed himself, Pietas has become dehydrated. He’s relapsed and lost the inability to speak. Six does not realize it yet.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 26

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.

Tantrum

A Tantrum and its Lesson #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen #chaos #quotePietas woke to the smell of fish cooking. He tried, but could no longer turn his head. A body-deep lethargy stole his breath, and he lacked energy to cough, or speak. His stomach cramped from hunger.

If his people found him, they would make this ghost pay for–

No. No.

Pietas had given his word he would not allow his people to harm Six. Though the ghost had let him starve, Pietas would keep his word. His honor set him apart from humans, who broke their oaths with complete disregard for the sanctity of vows.

If Ultras encountered Six while the ghost was out hunting, he could be killed. If the others came here, Pietas lacked the strength to tell them anything.

Why wouldn’t this ghost unbend his stubborn neck and listen to reason. Humans are impossible!

“Excuse me?” Six, squatting beside the fire, pivoted on one foot. “Did you say humans are impossible? Try dealing with the king of the Ultras.”

Pietas had not spoken aloud. His throat had closed so much it hurt to breathe. The ghost had heard his thoughts.

Could Six be telepathic? Or perhaps when angry, Pietas overcame his inability to reach others. It would explain how Six had known Pietas was awake aboard ship, and his comment about Naro the day before. Six was not the single person to whom he could mind-speak. Surely not.

He tried reaching out. Six!

The ghost stood at once, and came over to him. With alarm in his eyes, he dropped to one knee. Bending over him, Six lifted one of Pietas’s eyelids. “You stubborn, pig-headed Ultra. You’re dehydrated.” He left, and came back with a steel cup. “Drink this.” He held it for him.

Water cascaded through Pietas’s mouth and across his tongue. His teeth stopped sticking to the inside of his mouth.

“Look, I’m sorry, Pietas. I shouldn’t have done that to you. Considering what you’ve been through, that was wrong. I’m sorry. I will never do that again. From now on, you don’t ever have to ask me for anything, you got that? I’ll be here.” Six helped him sit up. “I know you like being right, but you don’t have to be right all the time.”

Pietas rested against him. “Not…right. Perfect.”

“Man. Nobody’s perfect. Not even you.” He held the water for him. “You’re worse than a kid having a tantrum.”

Before he could react to the insult, the words sparked a long-ignored memory.

He was nine, and learning one of many languages his father insisted he master. The work was easy, which bored him. He much preferred a challenge. That night, his father came to check on him. Pietas was eager to show him what he’d learned. Mahikos held an extended discussion with him in the language.

“Good enough. Language is one of your strengths. You must learn to speak as many as possible. Begin another.” Mahikos left the room without further comment.

Having spent days memorizing the hundreds of verb forms of the language and how to use them, the sparse praise irritated.

Pietas kicked the table leg. With his superior strength, the leg broke. The table canted over, dumping everything onto the floor. Liquid spilled on scattering papers. Glass broke. He cut himself picking it up, and popped the injured finger into his mouth.

His mother entered, took in the damage, and came over to examine his hand.

“It doesn’t hurt.” He pulled it away from her.

“Tell me what happened.” When he told her, she cupped his chin in her hand, and kissed his brow. “Pietas.” She sat beside him, and drew him into her arms. “Son, when someone has a tantrum, people always gets hurt. More often than not, it’s the person who threw the tantrum. You were born to be a leader. Train yourself to think before you act. Always set an example. If your soldiers you see you out of control, they will be. You can never afford to indulge your temper.” She kissed his brow. “You were born to rule. You must be above pettiness and anger.”

“Father is always angry.”

“Do you want to be no better than your father?”

—
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

Support Bringer of Chaos

How? By joining my Thunderclap or Headtalker campaigns.
For Thunderclap click here: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/40531-chaos-is-coming
#ChaosIsComing Create chaos and you create opportunity. Pietas; BRINGER OF CHAOS #SciFi #Amreading http://thndr.me/kyeSr9
—
For Headtalker click here: https://headtalker.com/campaigns/chaos-is-coming/
#ChaosIsComing In battle, chaos is a good thing. Especially among the enemy. BRINGER OF CHAOS #SciFi #AmReading https://hdtk.co/LeBAh
—
Review the book or host it on your blog. Sign up here http://bit.ly/1SDr9nj

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

Read more →

Infuriating human! A clash of wills #ChaosIsComing #scifi

Kayelle Allen

In this scene from Bringer of Chaos, Six expects an apology after being treated like a servant…and a human in a previous scene. This is not the first (or last) time Pietas refers to Six as an infuriating human.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 25

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.

Infuriating Human!

Infuriating human! A clash of willls #ChaosIsComing #scifi @kayelleallen #chaos #quotesSix wandered away from the camp, and came back with an armful of small twigs. He stooped, and began laying them on the fire. The smoke rose, and the heat began sizzling the fish. He sat, feeding the fire.

The scent drifted to Pietas, making his stomach clench with hunger. His mouth watered. He had not smelled food in over a year, and his senses were starved for the meal, and for the experience of the texture and taste. Hot, flaky fish against his tongue. Licking the smoky liquid from his fingers, sucking the juices into his throat.

E surient!

“Now that’s a phrase I recognize.” Six pivoted toward him.

Pietas hadn’t realized he’d spoken aloud. “Pardon?”

“That sounded like ‘I’m hungry’ in Naro.”

“You speak Naro?” As a rule, Ultras reserved their language for use among themselves. Though based on the human language Latin, it had many words Latin didn’t. What humans didn’t know they couldn’t use against you.

“I know a few words.” Six broke a twig and tossed it into the flames. “Enough to know you’re hungry. You want some?” He turned the fish. Its juices hissed over the fire.

“It smells amazing.”

“Sure thing. I didn’t realize you’d be ready to apologize so soon.”

“Apolo– what? Since when does an Ultra apologize to a human? And for what?”

“Oh, I think we both know the answer to that question.” Six quirked an eyebrow, as if waiting for an answer.

Pietas refused to grace that with a reply.

“Fine.” Six shrugged. “More for me.” He swiped a finger along a cooked portion of the fish, and tasted it. “Oh, this is delicious. You don’t know what you’re missing.”

Infuriating human!

The fish sizzled, releasing a tantalizing smell. Pietas’s stomach growled.

Six shot him a glance, but said nothing. He pulled one off the fire and tested the fish against his tongue. “Perfect temperature.” He bit into it, and then waved the fish toward Pietas. “You should taste this! Tender, flaky, moist. Never had fish good as this. Purest water you can imagine to swim in. Not a bit of pollution on the planet.” He bit into the filet, and moaned as if in rapture.

—
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

Support Bringer of Chaos

How? By joining my Thunderclap or Headtalker campaigns.
For Thunderclap click here: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/40531-chaos-is-coming
#ChaosIsComing Create chaos and you create opportunity. Pietas; BRINGER OF CHAOS #SciFi #Amreading http://thndr.me/kyeSr9
—
For Headtalker click here: https://headtalker.com/campaigns/chaos-is-coming/
#ChaosIsComing In battle, chaos is a good thing. Especially among the enemy. BRINGER OF CHAOS #SciFi #AmReading https://hdtk.co/LeBAh
—
Review the book or host it on your blog. Sign up here http://bit.ly/1SDr9nj

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

Read more →