Infection: Lost Colony, #2

By Brice Britton

In the first book of the Lost Colony series, 'Inspection, Anya Arland and her brother Oliver, attacked by the Crannions in their house in Casper at 24th Street, they discovered the underground clan who kidnapped their parents, Brandon and Elsa Arland. Both siblings started flee in a long chase. During the escape in the wilds of Wyoming, Anya and her brother discovered a truth beyond their wildest dreams: magic runs through their veins. Hunted by the sinister Crannions, who hold their parents captive, they fled to the hidden haven of Owl Creek. There, with the help of a mysterious uncle and a band of courageous allies, reeling from the loss of their parents, clung to the hope that they were still alive. Their escape from Casper had been a blur of adrenaline and fear, but it had also awakened a hidden power within them - the magic that pulsed through their veins. With the help of their eccentric uncle, Victor, and newfound allies like Varna, the Asepian leader, they learned the truth about their heritage and the sinister plot brewing beneath Devil's Tower.

Now, in "Infection," Anya and Oliver face their most crucial mission yet. The Crannions, led by the ruthless Empress Laila, are on the verge of unleashing a deadly virus - COVID-91 - upon the world. Can Anya and her allies decipher the secrets of their magic, infiltrate Crannium's hidden depths, and stop the virus before it's too late? The fate of humanity hangs in the balance as they embark on a perilous journey filled with danger, sacrifice, and the ultimate test of their newfound powers.

In the first book of the Lost Colony series, 'Inspection, Anya Arland and her brother Oliver, attacked by the Crannions in their house in Casper at 24th Street, they discovered the underground clan who kidnapped their parents, Brandon and Elsa Arland. Both siblings started flee in a long chase. During the escape in the wilds of Wyoming, Anya and her brother discovered a truth beyond their wildest dreams: magic runs through their veins. Hunted by the sinister Crannions, who hold their parents captive, they fled to the hidden haven of Owl Creek. There, with the help of a mysterious uncle and a band of courageous allies, reeling from the loss of their parents, clung to the hope that they were still alive. Their escape from Casper had been a blur of adrenaline and fear, but it had also awakened a hidden power within them - the magic that pulsed through their veins. With the help of their eccentric uncle, Victor, and newfound allies like Varna, the Asepian leader, they learned the truth about their heritage and the sinister plot brewing beneath Devil's Tower.

Now, in "Infection," Anya and Oliver face their most crucial mission yet. The Crannions, led by the ruthless Empress Laila, are on the verge of unleashing a deadly virus - COVID-91 - upon the world. Can Anya and her allies decipher the secrets of their magic, infiltrate Crannium's hidden depths, and stop the virus before it's too late? The fate of humanity hangs in the balance as they embark on a perilous journey filled with danger, sacrifice, and the ultimate test of their newfound powers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brice Britton
• Release date: Mar 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224589005

Book preview

Dedication

To the brave adventurers who turn these pages,

This story is for you, the dreamers who seek solace in the fantastical, the courageous hearts who yearn for justice, and the kind souls who believe in the power of love and family. Within these realms, you'll encounter magic, face formidable foes, and embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside Anya and Oliver.

Prepare to be challenged, to laugh, and to feel the embers of hope ignite within you. Remember, even in the darkest of times, the flicker of courage can illuminate the path and lead you to extraordinary adventures.

Welcome to Infection, and may your imagination soar!

This story exists because of you, the one who seeks adventure, who craves to delve into worlds of magic and mystery. Within these pages, you'll join Anya and Oliver on their perilous journey, a journey ignited by the flame of hope and fueled by the power of family.

This story is for the curious soul who yearns to delve into a world where magic whispers in the wind and courage burns bright in the face of darkness. It's for the dreamer who craves a journey filled with thrilling escapes, heart-pounding battles, and unwavering bonds of friendship.

Perhaps you, too, have faced challenges that seemed insurmountable, felt the sting of loss, or yearned for a hidden strength within. If so, know that you are not alone. This story is for you, a beacon of courage and a reminder that even in the face of darkness, the human spirit can rise, and magic, in its many forms, can bloom.

So, turn the page, dear reader, and embark on this adventure with open hearts and curious minds. Let the story unfold, and may it leave you breathless, hopeful, and forever changed.

With gratitude,

Brice Britton

Lampar Arion

Heavy footsteps rebounded in the narrow, walled lane. A feeble lantern light cast a huge shadow of a hulky, muscular figure. It was a few minutes after midnight. The alleys of Crannium were silent and empty. Only Lampar Arion, the guardian of the night, was roving alone on his regular watching patrol.

His extended speckled beard quivered as he pushed his goliath frame forward. Long, thick locks of hair cascaded over his broad shoulders. A sudden gust of wind billowed out his black cloak as he held a lamp in one hand and a large wooden club in the other. He paused for a moment, scanning his surroundings with a mixture of confidence and caution. He had been patrolling these passages every night for hundreds of years, and he could recognize each inch of the old town, even the slightest movement or sound.

As he walked, Lampar kept his eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. The streets were deserted, but he could hear some faint voices every now and then. Sinister guards stood in the towers of the ancient medieval castle, holding arrows and spears. They were silent and still, their silhouettes barely visible against the dark sky. The gust whistled via the arrow slits of the ramparts.

Pitch-soaked wooden torches hung from the turrets of the fortress, swaying in the breeze. The flames flickered and danced, casting eerie tails on the fences. The airstream howled through the battlements, and the bonfires' flickers seemed to be alive, writhing and twisting in the darkness. The oil made the blazes burn brightly, as a symbol of power and authority.

Lampard squinted, inspecting the Cladions in their hooded black clads. They were everywhere, patrolling the walls and the courtyard. He knew that he had to be careful to keep away from them and to avoid evoking their doubts. They will keep him under constant inspection. He crept along, keeping his head down and his eyes peeled for any sign of danger. As he rounded the corner, a group of them was standing in the shadows. Their breaths were heavy and piercing, matching those of their horses. Their hoods were pulled up, so Lampard couldn't see their faces. They were tying the stallions’ leading ropes to hitch posts at the castle entrance. The huge black animals stood like stone statues with glowing red eyes.

I hate those faceless, undead creatures. The old hulk thought. The wraiths are not sent to protect the town alone; they are here to track my movements. Am sure. Laila and the council started to suspect my loyalty.

A troop of the featureless Cladions, with their tattered clothes, riding dusky steeds, was hurrying towards the laboratory caverns. He tried to examine their characters. But he could see only hollow eye sockets.

They can suck the happiness and memories out of people, leaving them feeling empty and hopeless. He told himself. It’s more safe to stay away from those soul suckers. They are preparing for a high-ranking visit. One of the council.

On this night, more torches appeared all over the place. The wind was still strong, and the flames started to dance in a wilder rhythm. It was as if the beacons were warning the people inside the castle that danger was approaching. Spooky shadows showed, swaying in the fountain yard.

Lampar was about to turn the corner when he heard a swishing noise. He stopped and listened. The blare came again. It sounded like someone was moving nearby in the shadowy adjacent lane. He drew his mace and held it up in the air. He slowly walked around the bend, his lantern casting a flickering light on the ground.

There, in the darks, was a form of a female. She was long and slender, in a white raincoat with a black poncho over her shoulders. The shape was progressing sluggishly, and it seemed to be limping.

Lampar followed the strange woman, his breath held in anticipation. He didn't know what to expect from this mysterious outline. Is she a threat? Who is this unexpected dame?

The figure stopped shifting and turned to face Lampar, who gripped his club tightly over his head, ready to strike at any moment.  Darkness obscured the outline’s features, but her eyes shone like two blue orbs. The guardian of the night charged his truncheon, which passed right across her stature as if it wasn't there. She didn't move, just stood there with her glowing azure looks staring at him.

The watchman slung his magical baton, which transfused through the specter. The mystic cudgel clanked against the stony fence, creating a shower of sparks before it dashed back, blazing in the huge man’s hand. The mirage duplicated itself many times, fluctuating around the confused janitor.

Laila? Lampar pondered, Are you irritating me or trying to show me your talent?

No! Laila laughed, I need to test your abilities. You are getting too old.

Am still strong and I can stop any intruder. The arrogant bouncer bragged.

But you failed to prevent a pair of kids from storming the lab. They plundered their parents' bodies with the stasis incubators. The woman in a white raincoat explained. Your inattention ruined our main plan to eliminate those manimals, the humans.

You realize well that Monda was behind all of that. The huge man clarified, floating his enchanted staff over his head. Your disputes about Fandor compelled her to take the other side.

No! That’s entirely false. Laila protested. She seduced and deceived you, outdated lovesick. Am still suffering from the wounds she caused in my leg.

Even the council trusted her! He tried to support his estimation.

Never mind, she has left with them, Laila assured. Now, you must find the remnant of the Arlands. Am sure. They are still here, inside Crannium. Their kids will come back for them. But as you see around you, they will fall in a deadly ambush.

But your assistants, Marlin and Vorno, are hindering my task. Lampar tried to explain the situation.

I’ve told you that you are getting too old and inattentive. The woman with the black poncho on her shoulders. Helen, after the disappearance of Brandon and Elsa Arland, is our last chance to stop those stupid creatures, the hominids, from devastating Earth. She will spread the virus, COVID-2090, which would eliminate this damen species in no time. So, you must apply to the plan. These are the orders of the Consilium Militum.

I will, Laila. I will. The massive man agreed and walked forward, adding, I have to resume my round. See you.

Laila stopped in her tracks, her eyes fixed on his broad shoulders. A mixture of uncertainty and esteem shone in her eyes as his lofty figure disappeared into the next alley, the light from his old lantern flickering in the darkness.

The imperator turned, whispering, Follow me to the lab, Akio. A tall, slender young woman in a blue Kimono and a Japanese paper umbrella in her right hand appeared from the dimness and walked behind Laila.

Marlin and Vorno were sitting in front of a large computer monitor in the center of the sentry room when their captain, Laila, penetrated the hall in haste.

Have you finished? she demanded, not bothering to greet them. Is she ready?

We can deploy her tomorrow morning at the latest, Marlin replied. But there is an encrypted module in her brain. We tried to decode it, but no way. It seems as an old repressed trauma memory.

Does that affect the main procedures blocks of the virus mechanism? The female chief inquired.

Appropriately, no. It is separated from the primary system we’ve installed. Marlin assured.

That's great. The lady remarked, then asked, Have you noticed anything unusual about Lampar's performance?

Normal! But each day and another, he vanishes for an hour. Vorno told her. Our secret men, who follow him like his shade, informed that every time they lose his traces in the hindmost garden of the castle. Maybe because of the grave darkness there.

Let them inspect the place thoroughly. Scan any doubted span. She ordered.

Lampar’s black figure slunk silently at the rear the ancient palace. The moonless night was dark, and the only sound was the occasional hooting of an owl. Lampar crept through the shadows, careful not to make a tinkle. He arrived the chateau's backyard and paused, looking around. The plot was empty, save for a few trees and a fountain. He took a deep breath and stepped into the yard. The man reached out and touched one of the thick wall stones with the head of his club. A door, veiled by dense veins, swung open with a click. The ancient, towering ranger stepped into a cramped, hidden chamber, disappearing behind the tangled vegetation.

The darkness was so thick that he could see nothing at first. Raising his mace in front of his face, a faint radiance from the weapon revealed a stasis pod with two corpses floating in blue liquid inside. They were floating in the stasis pod, just as he had seen them last, but they were clearly different. Their skins were more pale and their hair was long and unkempt. They looked like they had been asleep for an extended time.

Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Arland, he murmured in a low voice. you’ve been swimming in this cranky junky gadget. They should come sooner to save you. The place is getting more dangerous, and time is running out.

Sparkling dreamy green eyes shone in the darkness behind the transparent cylinder. Golden blond hair strands glittered as the ancient guard shook his shining club in the air. A thin, fiery beam zoomed out of the magic wand, but the female spectrum raised her palm, diverting it towards the opposite wall, where it flared feebly.

Lampar hoisted his stick again and pointed hindmost the pod. Who are you? he demanded. How have entered here? What have you done to them?

Slowly, the figure stepped out from behind the cylinder. Her long, flowing hair cascaded down her back. Her skin was a pale, flawless ivory, and her eyes were a deep, emerald green. She was dressed in a simple white gown that clung to her curves, and she wore a delicate silver necklace around her neck.

The ancient guard lowered his club, his eyes widening in surprise. A young female silhouette smiled, showing her pearly teeth, and the fiery beam from the magic wand fizzled out.

Am Anya, the girl whispered in a warm voice. Anya Arland. Have you forgotten me?

No! No! He uttered quickly, Your beauty is unforgettable. But your presence stunned me. How did you come in? The Cladions are roving everywhere.

Out of this vortex hole. She raised the side of the thick mat, revealing a swirling circular rift. One day, you will need it. It leads directly to Owl Creek, where Monda lives with Fandor.

How is she doing? The man asked. I've been feeling a deep sense of loss without her.

They have built a modest cottage near Uncle Victor’s.

What about you and your brother? He inquired.

FBI agents provided us with a security house in Dorset, Vermont. They safeguard the place day and night. She informed him, showing a tiny needle biopsy.

What is this for? Lampar wondered.

I need to take a sample of my parents’ blood. Anya stepped towards the translucent drum, arranging the injection. The medical teams are studying the case and will prepare a vaccine against the virus.

Better to fix it as soon as possible. The ancient guard suggested. Their health is degrading day after day.

The liquor within the stasis chamber was glowing in dark blue. Silence prevailed, except for the faint hum of the gurgling fluid that kept the patients inside alive. The empathetic daughter approached the boardroom with a long inject in hand.

The doctors need more time. She explained, They believe that the virus has come from another dimension. It is genetically unique and is an entirely new strain on earth.

She carefully inserted the needle into the port on the side of the case and drew back on the plunger. As a small amount of blood appeared in the nozzle, she quickly withdrew the spike and capped the syringe.

That’s all. It is the perfect extent. The young female declared.

The profound, faint sound of distant shouts and the rhythmic pounding of hammers on the thick stonewalls echoed through the dungeon, stirring Lampar and Anya's attention. Both held their breath as the blows became louder and the hums clearer. The old guard could recognize Vorno's metallic accent, which resonated across the heavy, rocky blocks.

I hate this nasty cybernetic robot. They are inspecting the walls. Lampar whispered, extending his head.

Would they locate the covert keystone? The female teen speculated.

They need the charm that Monda enchanted to fortify the place. But they are powerful sorcerers with numerous abilities, which they develop every day.  He assured.

We need to move quickly! The girl sighed, Dad and Mom must stay for a long time before they can breed the serum. The officials have decided to keep them here since it may cause a great damage over the earth.

Lampar put his finger to his lips, signaling Anya to be silent. He then crept to the door of the cell and peered out. He could see many guards and some Cladions through a tiny fracture, but they were not looking in his direction.

He took a deep breath and turned to Arlands’ daughter. We need to get out of here, he hissed. The sentries are seeking for us.

Anya nodded, her eyes wide with panic. What do we do? she asked.

I have a plan, Lampar said. But it's going to be dangerous.

Anya swallowed hard. I'm ready, she uttered.

Can you mirror yourself like Laila and Monda? He inquired.

I can show one weak image of myself ten or twenty meters away. The adolescent confirmed. Fandor taught me a little about cloning and illusions. Not enough time.

Never mind. It is too dark outside and for a brief moment. He mumbled. Only a phantom to grasp their interest and give me a second to get out. Then you depart at once. Don’t worry! I’ll take care of your parents. I’ll protect them whatever it would cost me.

There she is! A Crannion soldier shouted in the courtyard of the castle. In white dress behind the fence.

Most of the troops disbanded in all directions except Vorno, who paused in the middle of the lawn having his ears to the floor.

You can leave now, Lampar told the girl. I will sneak out now.

Take care. See you soon. Anya flipped the carpet corner and plunged deep under the ground.

Lampar found no time to utter the next sentence, standing alone in the middle of the darkness, gazing into the ground under his feet.

As the night guardian slinked out of the wall like a shadow, as Vorno had already turned his head towards the fortress.

Would he see me stepping out, Lampar asked himself. Has he located the hidden entrance?

Where have you been? The mechatronic wizard investigated, Where were you veiling yourself?

I was taking a rest. The old, huge man talked in a sharp, loud voice, and it is none of your business."

Am sure you are hiding something! The droid vocalized. I will arrest you. By the virtues, the council has granted me, hand over your weapon immediately.

Nobody would touch my club. Nothing can chop it off my handclap, even death. The bulky guard roared.

A group of warriors and some Cladions surrounded the old giant.

Lampar raised his magical mace and prepared to fight. The Cladions began to emit a draining energy field, which the sentry could feel coursing through his body. In an attempt to resist the exhausting forces, he shuddered his club to rebound some of the rays and the blazing arrows, but the stream of rays and darts was too dense. The ancient guard felt his strength sapping away, and he knew that he would not be able to hold out for much longer.

Vorno stepped forward, his eyes glowing with power. Hovering his hand up, he fired a magical beam at Lampar who blocked it with his scepter, but it was too powerful. The ray smacked him in the chest, flinging him back to the ground. The wounded sentry struggled to get up, but he felt too weak, realizing that they were about to defeat him.

Just then, as he lost the last hope, Laila appeared. She unleashed a robust boom of energy that struck Vorno and the Cladions near him. The blast knocked them all to the ground.

Lampar raised his torso and shouted in anger pitch, Your men are attacking me! What is going on?

It’s a mistake. Even though they own extensive authority, but they never to assault a high-ranked personality like you. I will punish them later. Laila took the injured protector's hand, helping him to raise up.

He’s hiding something dangerous behind those walls. Vorno muffled in objection.

Prove it! The aged bleeding man protested, This skynet rusty machine is misleading.

Stop it, Vorno. The female leader insisted. We have more crucial tasks to do now. We need to reinstall and modify Helen’s memories. Lampar has the original edition of them and he would contribute unlimited support in deploying her without any mistakes.

Sure. Am always ready. At your service. Lampar declared.

This is a matter of great priority to the council, and we cannot afford to have any delays. She declared, turning her head around. Where have you backed up the data?

I’ve saved it in my personal notebook. The guard said.

But you should have preserved the file on the mainframe. Laila pondered.

You have told me to keep it confidential. He answered.

No problem. The woman in a white raincoat affirmed. Let us move now. We must reinstall those retentions into her brain as soon as possible.

Follow me all, she instructed, glancing back over her shoulder. She led the group out of the backyard, glimpsing at the thick wall covered in vines.

Lampar knew that they had noticed the ciphered data and their suspicions grew deeper. I should have planted a warning message inside her brain. She would become aware of the reality of the devastating virus she holds in her body. He considered walking behind the feminine chief.

He vowed to find out what it was and to stop it before it was too late.

Vorno stayed back, examining the thick, prominent walls of the immense castle.

Come, Vorno. Later, you can contemplate in front of the lumpy dump stones. Laila called in a loud voice.

The robotic sorcerer trotted behind them toward the laboratory caves. 

Helen Memories

At the bottom of the looming hill, the research center laboratory bristled like a lofty, dark citadel. Its tall walls and turrets pierced the night sky. The artificial lights that illuminated the site and the alleys around, cast strange and eerie shadows, making the cavern look even more foreboding. The guards’ presence added a sense of menace. They were patrolling the doubled fences and towers, grasping spears and torches.

A troop of Cladions was floating around in complete silence, their covered heads and serpentine bodies blending in with the dusks. The murky evening overemphasized their pale skin and glowing red eyes. Lampar watched them with great caution and awareness. They seemed to be in control of the entire area. Their presence at the laboratory was a clear sign that something dangerous was going on.

Laila marched along the narrow enclosed lane leading to a huge arched entrance, flanked by Vorno and Lampar.  Akio was walking behind in silence. The Empress stepped through the marble portico. A group of