Novels by J.Hildebrandt

Aurelia and Zinjo held each other as night fell over the city of Venmere. They both knew this would either herald a new age for Shadowfen or end in their death. The entire plan hinged on the greed of the Cheval Mallet herd terrorizing the outskirts of Venmere."Do you think the accursed beasts will come for their victims?" Zinjo caressed Aurelia's hair and held her tight.Aurelia laid her head on his shoulder and stroked her husband's chest, "If they don't. I have a backup plan. You won't like it.""You plan to lure them using the Anzu form?" Zinjo chuckled, "I know you too well, dark princess. You will try to save everyone, as always," He kissed her."I don't see a better way, do you?""Nian and I could taunt them, but I suspect they will sense we are not easy prey. Your idea is much more workable. Nian's men will signal us when the herd arrives."Aurelia steadied her nerves. Everything she accomplished along the way had prepared her for th

The search for the demonic horse proved to be more difficult than Aurelia realized. Lord Bathory had no references to the creature. He asked the team to keenly observe it so he could add it to his creature compendium. They questioned everyone around all three taverns in Venmere.Zinjo leaned against a wall and sighed, "I don't get it, dark princess. I would've expected a demonic horse to have a local legend. It's as if the horse didn't exist.""What does the culture of Kianzangi say about demonic presences?" Aurelia leaned next to Zinjo. She held his hand and stared at the handsome face. She promised to dedicate herself to the marriage once they dealt with Lebende."The demons collect souls, and they often choose families to torment. Back home, a Hyena warrior named Rashid encountered a demon named Mbulu. Like any person, he challenged Mbulu to a fight. Mbulu promised Rashid great riches if he won, and if Mbulu won, he would possess Rashid's soul."Aureli

The border guards allowed them to roll through. The guards still had hope, but Lebende's influence remained a dark cloud over them. They did thorough checks of the cargo. When they found the ornate urn, A rat-faced guard held it up, "What is this?""A gift for the emperor. It is an exceptionally rare urn. I traveled the world to find it," Aurelia's regal tone held the guards in thrall, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have diplomatic relations to establish," Aurelia motioned for Zinjo to take the urn."How do we know you aren't here to assassinate the emperor?" Another guard asked. He approached Aurelia with his hand on his sword-hilt.Zinjo's partisan barred him access, "I would think twice about drawing your blade. You might make us nervous," He gestured to lord Nian who brandished his curved blade. He obscured his face with a silk cloth.The guard caught sight of Nian's fierce anger-filled eyes and took a step back, "Forgive me, your majesty, things are bl

Aurelia and Zinjo awoke early the next day. They opted for a good night's rest, above an evening of passionate lovemaking. They both made a silent agreement to hold off until they achieved their goals. Nian and Tang Sai met them outside the inn. Aurelia inhaled the scents of home. The familiar aroma of bread and laughter of families around the breakfast table strengthened her resolve to bottle up Lebende. Zinjo's new armor allowed him more freedom of movement. The helmet and neck guard added a layer of protection to his neck, which provoked gratitude in Aurelia. "Sojobo flatters me with such a gift," He commented. Nian walked around Zinjo, "I have seen such suits on Tengu before. Many a great swordsman ended a duel with A tengu because the armor is difficult to pierce." "Pfft," Tang Sai scoffed, "What do a bunch of birds know about ground fighting. Now, if you want solid protection, ask Han Xin. He used to be a blacksmith before the Clockwork guild stole our

In Celebration, the entire town of Sea Meet held a great feast for all. Jugglers and fire eaters entertained the children, and musicians played traditional wedding songs. Aurelia enjoyed the scene. Zinjo drank in every last second.Aurelia raised her hands for silence as she and Zinjo faced the crowd. She cleared her throat, "In a few short days, I will be your queen," she opened the parasol, slung it over her shoulder, and twirled it while she paced. "I have decided it is time for Shadowfen to change. For too long, we have isolated ourselves and hid from the world. I intend to change this."She motioned for Lord Nian to come forward, "Lord Nian will be assuming the role as our minister of defense. I have seen the discipline of the far east and feel Lord Nian make our soldiers a force on the continent."Lord Nian bowed, "I shall do my best to meet your expectations," Lord Nian gave a slight bow and stood next to his family."We brought some refugees from

Aurelia couldn't get over how wonderful her dress looked. The black and purple lace For the last time in her life, she applied the gothic makeup the people knew so well before Zinjo entered the picture. Aurelia straightened the purple sating sweep and opened the velvet box with an amethyst choker. The Crowned veil awaited her on a nearby bench.A long-standing tradition of Shadowfen brides was to stand in front of a mirror and practice saying I do. No one is sure who started the tradition or why, but all the same, Aurelia found herself engaged in the activity.She felt rather silly at first and used a deep voice, "I do." She held her silence before she giggled at the action. "That won't do at all, will it?"Aurelia tried again. This time, she added a snobby tone. A knock at her door paused her preparations, "I'll be right there,"The door creaked open, and Tess entered with her long dirty blond hair in braids to signify she had gotten engaged. She held ou

By nightfall, the macabre wedding, Vasilia kept kissing Warren and then would make a face, "Why isn't it working?" She growled."What's not working?" Warren demanded. The last few hours had significantly soured his mood. Without Archon, his chances of escaping were slim to none. The idea of marrying Vasilia made his skin crawl.Vasilia giggled to herself and tapped him on the cheek, "Never mind, my love. You'll find out tonight when we become one."What did Warren know about Vasilia? He could work her vanity against her, but how? Warren racked his brain over the problem."Now, we should come with possible names for our hybrid child. Can you Imagine a Seelie child with the power of an eidolon? A new race for a new world...""Your plan is all over the place. First, you want to take over. Now, you want to make a new race? What is the deal?""I have a long list of friends who a backing my play. Some of those friends have daughters, and for t

Warren Awoke to the smell of pine and earth. A gentle hand caressed his face, "Good morning, my love," Vasilia's sweet tone brought him back to the land of the living, "I hope you slept well because we have a busy day ahead of us." Her beautiful face smiled at him. "I thought you were joking about the wedding thing," Warren tried to scratch his nose, but his hands were bound, "Archon, let's light it up," He growled. Silence followed, not a single peep from the eidolon. "Archon?"Vasilia slapped him gently, "Archon?" she feigned ignorance. "Oh, you mean the eidolon? He is still there, I promise. However, I can't have the groom trying to escape on our special day."Anger bubbled over and came out in Warrens's tone, "Are you serious? You can't trust the witch to do as you say." his eyes scanned the area. He and Vasilia were the only people in the cathedral of trees, "Where is the rest of my team and Theria?""The Bokken Riders took them to get fitted fo

The smartphone buzzed inside Warren's pocket as the street bike picked up speed. He pressed a button on the side of the helmet, "Vandal here."The gunfire came from the other end of the call. Grace shouted into the receiver, "How is it going?""Better than you," Warren shifted gears, the engine whined, and then roared, "We managed to find the female gigas. She's one of the chosen. Cyrus is on his way to your location.""Where are you with the Torvars?" An explosion rocked Warren's ear, "Damnit, Jack, I told you to keep the fire concentrated on the left.""I am on my way. Cyrus gave me an angle to work," He paused and turned the corner, "How is Theria doing?""We have her in the support role. She's keeping us on our feet. Theria won't say it, but she's worried about you."The bike turned down the road to Mole Hill, "I'm not the one under fire...what the hell is that," Warren cried out."Vandal, what's going on," Grace demandedT

Shattered glass littered the ground as Cyrus and Warren stepped over the threshold. Cyrus watched Warren with a strange look on his face. Warren tried to ignore it, but after the third time, he sighed in exasperation, "What is your problem?""I can't believe you came from my brother. He's still alive, you know," Cyrus stopped and put his hand on Warren's shoulder, "You are the best of us all, kid. You were right to save Eve and Duchess. I get why your team looks up to you."Warren laughed, "I think you have it all turned around. I look up to them...""Stop with the modesty, Warren. You were born for this. You are doing things I couldn't touch at your age," Cyrus rarely complimented. He spoke in facts and truth."I didn't have a choice in anything. I wanted to play hockey and chase girls, maybe play in the NHL after college. A scout from the junior team met with me the day magic came back," Warren cursed himself for clinging to a life that would never come

The Scald Crow roared down the highway with as much speed as the engine would allow. Herne and Cyrus had formed a friendship of sorts and conversed in the front.Thankfully Duchess remained asleep for the trip back to the city. Eve curled up next to her and sighed, "Poor child. Her struggle burdens my heart," Her large brown eyes rested on Warren, "You don't like it, do you?"Theria dozed against Warren's shoulder. A look of peace adorned her face. He took a moment to admire her before he answered Sasquatch's question, "No, I don't. She deserves a shot at a good life. Her brother is the head of a racist biker gang, and she still has kindness for others.""Do you ever wonder how people get chosen?" Eve stroked the long streaked hair. "Who knows, I'm just the delivery boy," Warren scoffed, "I know if the witch gets free, things will get worse around here. My job is to prevent it from happening.""Isn't that following blindly?" Eve sounded a litt

Duchess turned out to be more affectionate than anyone expected. She clung to Warren and refused to let him have a moment alone with Theria. Warren longed to tell her to give him some space, but two things complicated the matter. Duchess was like a three-year-old in an adult's body. She needed lots of love and affection. Second, her soul had been washed clean by the raven woman, and its purity was an asset to their plans."Why did I die?" Duchess stared into Warren's eyes.Theria flew up to her, "Well, I think...""It's not important," Warren told her, "What matters is you are alive," he scowled at Theria. "We have something to discuss, and there isn't time to sugarcoat it."Duchess cocked her head to the side, "Is it bad?""It will be the reason why we brought you back," Warren's stomach developed a giant pit, and nausea followed, "You have the power to help protect the world, but it requires you to make a sacrifice."Duchess stopped and gl