Shadows of the Past

By Laurinda Juhl

Scorned by the Pantheon of Gods for committing an unforgivable transgression Veļu Māte (or Aloora) the empathic protector and guide for lost souls to the afterlife is forced into a penitent existence far removed from the grandeurs of the divines.

When a malevolent conspiracy capable of shaking the very foundations of creation is unearthed, it is charged to Pērkons, God of Justice and Order to defy edict and seek the aid of the shunned Goddess, for her talents although weakened may provide the key to averting an imminent apocalypse.

But when Mēness, God of War uncovers an ancient knowledge hidden since the beginning of time by the High King Dievs, gives him unimaginable power it places not only human lives in peril but the existence of the Gods themselves.

So close to achieving his goal of usurping the throne and Dievs apparently powerless to stop him can Pērkons and Aloora, both consumed with unrequited passion for each other possibly prevent Mēness from destroying them all

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laurinda Juhl
• Release date: Jun 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310833953

Laurinda Juhl

I am an American born, kiwi living in Australia with my partner, daughter and a fat pug called Oscar. I have always had a love for writing fantasy and science fiction novels. A favourite pastime is to lie in bed pretending to be asleep and create a new story to tell. When forced to work to pay my bills I am a teacher and I do my best to impart a love of writing and storytelling into the children. A joy I want to pass onto my daughter as she grows.

Book preview

Shadows of the Past

Copyright © 2014 by Laurinda Juhl

All rights reserved

Laurinda Juhl

Cover art by: Benjamin Juhl

Published by Laurinda Juhl at Smashwords

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Contents

Copyright

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Glossary

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

The End

Dedication

To Roger Henare

For all the time and encouragement given to help me turn an idea into a reality. Without you this would never have happened

Acknowledgements

A big thank you to my mother for all the time spent helping me edit and craft my draft into a polished version. Thank you to my nephew for the time spent creating my title page and lastly thank you to my partner for the hours spent brainstorming, debating, and helping me develop the storyline.

Glossary

Alkas: A sacred grove

Bienheureux: Blessed

Blogis: The absence of harmony. A state in which chaos and evil reigns and an inability to restore harmony.

Darna: An ideology based around harmony and balance of all things both good and evil. Without Darna evil will reign.

Daugava: The sacred river of destiny.

Debeskalns: Is the Sky Mountain on which various deities live when not in their own realms. Similar to Mount Olympus.

Dieviņi: Refers to the minor gods as a group. Worshipped as mainly individual household gods.

Dieviņikchi: (D -EV-IN-ITCH-E) A small group of Druids who serve Dievs and keepers of the secret knowledge.

Furies: Creatures that come for dishonoured souls to take back to the Underworld. The only creatures that can cross the seal.

Gensies: An electrical fairy that lives in lightning and draws the unworthy into lightning bolts.

Ichor: Blood of the gods. A rare clarified liquid that contains healing and magical properties.

Kakis Sargs: Cat Guardian – Aloora's comforter.

Krass: Non-alcoholic drink made from yeast.

Kuks: Ancient wine drunk by the gods.

Lauma: Forest fairy that is extremely strong and beautiful.

Mājas Gari: Protective household spirit that brings prosperity and good luck to the family if properly placated. Servants to the gods.

Mana Mīļotā: My beloved.

Mans Mazajiem: My little ones.

Mans Skaists Viens: My beautiful one

Pazeme: Hell

Ragana: Witch or Prophetess. Head of her family, keeper of knowledge and is responsible for passing on and teaching the knowledge to her successor. Veļu Mates followers.

Rohor: Large, carnivorous, sightless grub.

Schimitars: Large creatures that resemble lions that spit poison.

Sersnu Larks: (Frost Time) 7 February – 25 March

Sudi: Excrement

Veli: Lost souls that wander the earth, often angry and confused.

Veln: Veli who have allowed themselves to become bound to a god. They lose their free will and become slaves.

Vilkacis A monster that is similar to a Werewolf but was never human and does not have the ability to change into human form.

Vilks Sargs: Wolf Guardian – Aloora's protector.

Vinsaule: The land of the dead where human souls find peace. Veļu Mates realm.

Ziemas – Sevetki: Winter Festival that runs from 20 December – 23 December also known as the Winter Solstice.

Zimiatri: Large creatures that guard the entrance to Mēness realm.

Prologue

Sērsnu Lakis, Ancient Times

Night settled softly upon the village of Adamain as a solitary figure slowly and gracefully walked the main street shrouded all in black. Her cape brushed caressingly against her ankles, the long sleeves floating over slender wrists and resting against her delicate hands. The breeze pushed her flowing dress against her slim figure, emphasising softly rounded breasts, nipped in waist and gently flaring hips. Accompanied only by a sleek black cat on her left and a white wolf guarding her right.

As she continued along her chosen path doors were quickly shut and locked firmly against her. Anxious parents held tight to frightened children, refusing to look upon her beautiful face shadowed by sorrow and such a profound, deep sense of loneliness which emanated from deep within her eyes. The woman halted outside a little cottage and tilted her head as if she listened to some distant voice calling for her. Purposefully turning to stand facing the tiny yard she appeared to look right through the thick wooden door. Those who dwelt within the surrounding homes felt a surge of relief when she had not looked upon their residence, warring against the guilt and grief felt for the old couple who occupied the cottage she watched with such focused intensity.

An eternity may well have passed as the village held its breath. Not a living soul dared move for fear they would attract her attention, watching covertly instead as she silently moved forward and entered the locked cottage. The animals were left to stand sentry, guarding the outside from anyone so foolish to seek to interfere in the nights deeds. From inside an old woman’s cry was heard which echoed through the silent village.

It’s time was the only words spoken to the old couple in a cold, emotionless voice. The wife turned frantically to the husband she loved above all else. His body worn out from life’s hardships, his skin pot-marked and sunken, ravaged by sickness. She only saw the young man she had desired as a maiden and held her hand out for him to take. The husband looking desolately into his wife's warm, tear filled eyes. He whispered in a weak voice, draining what remaining strength he had

I’m sorry, he gasped desperately trying to draw breath into his frail lungs. I tried to hold on. I love you, always have, and will for all of eternity. Goodbye my love, may we be reunited in Vinsaule. He turned his head away from the familiar beloved face he had protected and cherished for most of his life and looked into the unfamiliar, frigid woman’s dark amethyst eyes. Compelled against his will he touched her hand, closed his eyes and breathed his last. The old woman’s cry became a scream, then a heart wrenching wail, as she watched the younger woman turn and leave her cottage empty, alone and cold. The woman left the village the way she came, walking beside her, the cat, the wolf, and the soul of the old woman’s husband. To all who dared to watch, they blended in with the deepest black of the night, as the village listened somberly to the broken old woman weep mournfully for the death of her husband.

Aija looked inquisitively at her grandmother and whispered softly

Ragana, who was that sad beautiful woman and why is everyone so scared of her? The Ragana gazed solemnly at her curious grandchild before beckoning her to return to sit before the fire. The old woman's eyes almost glazed over as they took on a faraway distant look. She remembered asking the same question of her mother and she began recounting the story told to her in her youth.

"She is no normal woman my child. She is known to us as Veļu Māte, goddess of the dead and Queen of Vinsaule. She ruled the land of the dead which lies beyond the sun. No one knows her given name any more, it has long since been forgotten. She seeks the veli, the souls of those who have died before their time and those who resist their death when summoned by the Fates. She comes to lead them to their new home so they do not remain bound to this earth to torment the living. It is whispered that should you look into her eyes you will not live to breathe your next breath.

Long ago, she was loved and worshipped, especially during the months of Veļu Laiks, as she was the protector of souls. The goddess benevolently resided over the festivals of Miķelis, and Martini."

What are they Ragana? Why do we not celebrate them anymore? the child interrupted.

"It was a time of celebration and thankfulness for the harvests bestowed upon us by Miķelis and marked the beginning of Mārtinš reign over the winter months. It is the time of year when the veli will return to their earthly homes and visit their loved ones. On the final day of the Festival of Miķelis, the men would propose to their prospective brides. There was singing and dancing, plenty of laughter and the Kuks always flowed freely.

Then one autumn during the festival of Miķelis, she fell in love with a mortal man, known only as Peteris. She disguised herself as a peasant woman so she could be with him freely. Veļu Māte would come to see him often over the years, always waiting for him to declare his love for her. Every year she would wait expectantly for him to propose only to be disappointed. One year, on the final day of the festival she unexpectedly came upon her lover with his rich mistress in the forest and as her anger exploded she struck both of them down. Taking their lives before their time was up. A grave sin among the gods, almost unforgivable for her."

Why is it unforgivable for her? The Gods strike down and curse humans all the time the child asked, confused by the double standard.

To bring about a mortals death before the Fates decree leaves the soul wandering the Earth. The veli becomes lost, confused and outraged it did not get to live out its destiny. It is then trapped in the cycle of its death and becomes resistant to moving on to Vinsaule. Veļu Māte must then intervene and compel them to follow her. Until the veli can accept its death it cannot see through the mystical veil shrouding what is the true reality. The veli have no rest and are unable to find peace. Bitterness, anger and fear holding it captive as chains never could. They will eventually become blind to love, hope and all that made them once human. As it is Veļu Māte's charge to protect not only the dead but the living from becoming the veli she acted against her calling by creating two. That is why it is for her an unforgivable sin. The child nodded as she absorbed the knowledge there are different sins for different gods and she listened raptly as the Ragana continued.

"Her cousin Laima one of the goddess’ of Fate went to Dievs and Zeme and petitioned the supreme God and Goddess to punish Veļu Māte for her sins. Dievs in a moment of intense anger and disappointment ordered from that day forward Veļu Māte would be banished from Debeskalns, the mountain of the gods and would be ostracised until such a time as she redeems herself before Nature and the deities. The humans would no longer worship and revere her and she would be despised upon the Earth on which she was to remain, forbidden even from entering her home in Vinsaule.

A disgraced Veļu Māte changed her robes from white to black that day and has walked alone ever since, except for the cat and the wolf. Over time, she has become embittered and cold. Unwilling or unable to bring peace to those whose death is upon them or to the loved ones left behind. The festivals of Miķelis and Martini are no longer joyous times, many choose not to celebrate them and men stopped proposing on the once holy day as it is now believed to be cursed." The child looked sadly at her grandmother

It is so sad. What must she do to redeem herself Ragana?

Now that is the problem my child, for no one knows, and she has yet to discover the answer herself. For how does one ever atone for taking the life of another?

Chapter One

It was during the time when the world was still new and gods walked the earth most of the humans were an unsophisticated, simple race. Made up of mainly gatherers who sought only to tend the soil, provide food and shelter for their offspring and placate whichever of the gods they chose to serve.

A young god, just recently created left Debeskalns to walk among the humans. Mēness was dissatisfied with his lot and looked with envy upon all that his creator held. The other gods followed the King and Queen willingly but Mēness saw that he could have more, could be more and his heart began to tell him he should rule instead of Dievs and Zeme. He wasn't foolish enough to let his desires be known, instead he hid his hateful thoughts behind a charming facade. He was well liked, especially amongst the female immortals who often sought his companionship and he was careful to hide his true nature.

Mēness loved owning luxurious possessions and sought only the best there was to offer. The finest jewels, linen, food, wine and women. His search had led him to Earth where he would seek to satisfy his more carnal desires away from the all-seeing eyes of his King and Queen. He found the human women were easy prey for his base appetites. He feasted regularly upon their pain and distress. If they were lucky, he had them once and left. The most beautiful he took away, never to be seen again. Using them viciously then discarding their broken bodies. Some bore him children whom he despised for their 'mortal weaknesses' and he refused to acknowledge them as his. Leaving them unprotected to find their own path in a world filled with fear and superstition.

Mēness relished tormenting what he perceived as worthless humans. Then unexpectedly a race more aggressive than the others emerged and found favour in his eyes. Intrigued by their barbaric ritualistic beliefs and ruthless treatment of others he was drawn to the hidden sadistic desires he read in their hearts. He whispered to them as they toiled under the searing sun in their fields of the wealth and power that could be theirs. He showed them in their dreams how to fight, working on them day and night until their primitive minds were fertile enough to see him with their mortal eyes.

He lived like a King among the human mortals. Teaching them the art of warfare, causing them to rise up against the Laws of Nature and deny the importance of maintaining Darna. He fed the desire in their hearts to want more from life than to be gatherers. Mēness taught them about the importance of owning the land. With that came power as well as the pleasure of having others do the work they now believed beneath them. They sought the dark knowledge Mēness held out enticingly and turned from the ways of peace. Seeking the dark path, they became marauders, the first to wage war amongst the human kind and those simple gatherers had no defence against Mēness disciples. It was then that Mēness realised the true power in war as he felt himself strengthen with each premature death, and it was then he also learnt the vital difference between the veli and the veln.

Dievs walked the Earth seeking those who could become gods. The power he held entrusted to him by Nature consumed him, burning with its strength, painful in its intensity. He needed to find worthy beings to gift it too. He considered himself blessed as his wife Zeme was again heavy with their second child. It was extremely rare for two deities to conceive a child let alone two.

His first, a daughter, Saule had exhibited the attributes needed to rule over the day and had finally reached maturity. He had gifted her with the power of the sun. It had been a sacred but joyous ceremony as he released the power from his own body and it had flowed into her. He would never be able to take the power back into his own body and a replacement would have to be found should she ever die but Dievs had taken measures to ensure that would never happen. His second child already showed signs within his wife's swollen womb that she would become Vēja Māte, the goddess of the winds when her time came upon her.

Dievs had been drawn to a grove by the cries of the veli. Humans whose life had been torn from them before their destined time. He was troubled by the number of veli walking the earth but was even more concerned that some were disappearing without a trace. Dievs gathered the veli and sent them on their way to Vinsaule, where they would be protected from the dangers of becoming trapped in the earthly realm.

It was in this grove Dievs found Pērkons, lost and alone in the forest as a small boy. Surrounded by his murdered family who had been slaughtered by marauders before his innocent eyes while they gathered food for the evening meal.

His mother had hidden him in a tiny hollow of an ancient Oak when she had witnessed her husband's barbaric demise. She urgently whispered to him to stay silent and not to reveal himself. He had watched through a gap in the hollow as the marauders charged through the forest their swords and cries deafening in the once peaceful grove. Knowing she was already dead his mother sent a desperate prayer heavenward that her remaining son would be protected as she raced away from his hiding place. The marauders mercilessly struck her down, hauling her body through the forest in triumph. Pērkons turned his back from the scene desperately hiding his face from the world. Forcefully pushing back the reality he was alone. He stayed hidden long into the afternoon with nothing but the forest noises for comfort and the smell of coagulating blood flooding his senses. Finally he could wait no longer and emerged to find his mother lying next to his father, dragged from her place of death and dumped upon the blood soaked earth. Her clothes torn and her mouth opened in an eternal silent scream, terror still filling her eyes. He had shaken her cold stiff body again and again, pleading for her to answer him, but no sound came from her mouth, no comfort came from her touch. His older sister and brother who had accompanied his father lay broken next to his beloved parents, and they too were asleep.

Dievs looked upon this small child who stood covered in the blood of his family with nothing but a broken branch from an Oak tree to protect their remains. The child so certain they would wake soon and his mother would prepare the evening meal while his father tethered the livestock to ensure they would be protected through the night.

Don't come any closer! the child shouted, his voice full of false bravado as Dievs entered the grove in which they lay.

Do not fear child, I have no desire to harm you. What has happened this day? Dievs questioned, sending waves of calm towards the trembling child and already knowing the answer.

Demons came, dressed like beasts. My mother hid me and when I came out I saw that the demons have hurt them, made them all sleep. They will wake soon and we will go home the child answered defiantly unaware of to whom he spoke. Dievs looked at the child so full of bravery and courage and saw in him the potential to become a mighty god.

Your family will not awaken from this sleep. Their bodies shall be returned to the earth from whence they came and their souls now reside in Vinsaule. You are alone now child. he said softly. The child vigorously shook his head in denial even though the truth could not be denied.

Come with me, I will make sure you are taught what you need to seek your vengeance when the time comes. Dievs stood holding his hand out to the child while giving him a gentle subtle mental command to accept his hand. The child looked at his family once more and whispered a quiet farewell before turning and taking the gods hand. Not one tear was shed that day, nor the next. It would be many years before Pērkons would finally grieve for his family.

Pērkons felt power race through his small body, so forceful it caused him to close his eyes and grit his teeth determined not to cry out as it threatened to tear him limb from limb. What was seconds felt like hours to the small child whose world had been violently torn apart and was being reshaped into something bigger than his mind could comprehend. The Fates had decreed he would be powerful but to fulfil his destiny a price had to be paid. Only if he proved worthy would he reap his reward.

Pērkons opened his eyes and slowly looked around in wonderment. No longer was he standing in the bloodied grove beside his home but now stood in the middle of a circle of giant stone monoliths. He turned as he heard the sound of approaching footsteps and instinctively stood on guard against another attack. Dievs made no move to fight, reassuring him that he was not threatened. Pērkons relaxed slightly but warily watched the approaching group for any signs of danger.

They stopped and each member took a place between the monoliths but did not enter into the circle. Pērkons watched as with bowed heads each one fell to his knees, never once looking at the two of them.

You may enter Dievs ordered and Pērkons watched as one man crawled forth on his hands and knees. The god observed the human inch forward slowly, his eyes holding no emotion and his thoughts remaining hidden.

You may rise the god said in a quiet voice. The man rose smoothly to his feet in a well-practiced motion, keeping his head bowed in reverence.

I have a ward for you he announced placing his hands gently on Pērkons shoulders and guiding him forward. You will take the child, teach him my laws and how to defend against the darkness. I place him into your care and charge you personally with his safekeeping

Yes, great one the man whispered. Pērkons watched as the man reached out to take his hand and hesitated. Looking to the god for guidance.

Go with him child Dievs said gently

You said you would teach me Pērkons said accusingly

No child, I said I would ensure you would be taught. Dievs answered patiently. The humans stiffened as they watched the child question the god and in that instant they knew he was destined for greatness. Pērkons took the man's hand and walked beside him as he slowly backed out of the circle. Once again he felt the surge of power, this time not nearly as strong and when he turned to look back, the god was gone.

Who was that? Pērkons asked the man.

That my child, was Dievs the King of all gods. Pērkons absorbed this information and like a child simply nodded and moved on to the next issue

Who are you?

You may call me Bendiks and I am the seer of the Dieviņikchi

What is that?

We are a chosen people who live to serve Dievs. The forest is our home and Nature provides our needs.

And this is to be my new home? And you will teach me to fight?

We will teach you many things child, fighting will only be a small part

But that is all I wish to learn Pērkons answered petulantly

Dievs wishes otherwise child, you will learn it all if you want to learn to fight. Pērkons watched the man for any signs of weakness and saw only devotion and obedience to the god. He shrugged his shoulders and realised he had no choice. He had nowhere else to go. As if the seer had read his thoughts he pointed the way to the forest. The small group headed back the way they came and Pērkons followed in their wake thinking only of the day he would watch the demons die by his hand.

Time passed slowly for Pērkons in the 'village'. The memories of the grove faded as did his thirst for revenge, although they were always there in the back of his mind. He would ask Bendiks when he could start training with the warriors and the answer would always remain the same, When you are ready in the beginning it had frustrated and angered him but over time he was able to find a semblance of peace amongst the gentle Achieving. Bendiks taught him the Laws of Nature, about healing herbs and the ways of Dievs. Honour and justness were praised in the village as was bravery and the sense of community was strong. His father had taught him to look after his own family and not worry about how others lived, mind your own was his way, the Dieviņikchi believed you watched out for those weaker than yourself, protect the innocent and help your neighbour.

Who is my neighbour? Pērkons question Bendiks one evening after the evening meal.

Anyone who is in need is your neighbour. he replied. Pērkons embraced the teachings and the wisdom the old man and Nature provided. He thrived and grew strong with the physical demands of living in the forest. He hunted and learnt to use the spear and bow. Bendiks taught him how to track his prey in silence and listen to the forest speaking to him.

Everything has a voice child, you just need to learn how to listen he had told him one day as they sat in the forest

I can't hear anyone speaking to me Pērkons answered.

That is because you listen with only your ears, open your mind, let your senses roam free. Close your eyes and truly listen to the forest. Pērkons closed his eyes and sat in silence. He heard the breath leave his body then rush back in. He heard his heart beating in time to a constant rhythm that seemed to match the energy surrounding him, then he heard the wind whispering through the trees, laughing at the blind badger. A bird singing to his mate and the people of the village far away resting peacefully after a hard days work.

That my child is the forest, learn her voice and she will always protect you Bendiks said as he rose to his feet and lead Pērkons back to the village. Over the years Pērkons went often to the forest. He indeed learnt to listen to what she told him and became one of the best hunters and providers the village had. Despite his large size he was agile and fast and none could beat him in a race or track him through the forest.

He was ten when Bendiks came upon him while watching the warriors train.

Is your life ambition still only to seek revenge against your parents’ killers? Pērkons continued to watch the warriors train and thought about his answer. The child no longer answered without thinking about his reply like so many of the other children. He was a reserved and quiet boy who if not for his size one could easily overlook, but Bendiks knew the child missed nothing and chose more often than not to keep his own council.

It is still what I wish, however there is more to life than seeking death. Dievs promised it would be mine and I trust him to keep his word. I only seek to be ready when the time comes, until then I shall endeavour to live a full life.

You have finally learnt to control your anger. You start your training tomorrow child Bendiks said simply before walking away. Pērkons didn't turn to watch him leave, he continued to watch the complicated moves the warriors were being taught, committing them to memory as he had done since the day he had arrived many years before.

His first day of training was difficult. He started older than most of the children who had been chosen to train as warriors and had already been training for three years. The other boys, led by Ludas, resented the special attention he received by the seer, especially since he was still considered an outsider by most of the village. Every time the instructor turned his back the other children tormented him and would turn upon him during drills. Pērkons wouldn't back down, he knew why he was here and he remembered every word spoken on the day his family died. When the instructor yelled at him for not performing a move correctly he simply tried harder. He took to the forest often and practised away from the belittling eyes of