Murder on space (The Vessel )

The Vessel by Silvio Spotti is at the top of the list at the Wattpadd website listed as Distopy. Note that M.L Zimer is his pen name at the website. Maybe you would like to check it out.

" A technological ferry that makes the crossing of people between the colony on earth and the moon is the scenario of an intriguing story of suspense and terror and murder."

His face frowned in an instant, his bloody fingers rolled tight to a fist and he banged his hands against the table with all his might. Erick Mantle was awake, he couldn't believe that he was going to be arrested to his quarters; after all he was only doing a great service to society, when he killed the entire German crew that had arrived at the international space station last week. At least, his deranged mind was telling him that and there was no one on the rig, on this life or in the next, able to persuade him that he had committed the most heinous crime; an act of terror.

"Possessed all of 'em...Possessed, you hear me?" 

Read Read The Vessel

Silvio Spotti is hard at work on Sword of Justice Volume #2 for Top Secret Press. In the mean time here is another pin up by him. A little piece of erotica that he told me to post. Not for the puritans,really.  And also I will paste in here the prologue to "The Vessel" that is a short story. read all of it on WATTPAD:
Click Here

Have a nice day and Cheers.

Clara

Prologue

His face frowned in an instant, his bloody fingers rolled tight to a fist and he banged his hands against the table with all his might. Erick Mantle was awake, he couldn't believe that he was going to be arrested to his quarters; after all he was only doing a great service to society, when he killed the entire German crew that had arrived at the international space station last week. At least, his deranged mind was telling him that and there was no one on the rig, in this life or in the next, able to persuade him that he had committed the most heinous crime; an act of terror.

"Possessed all of 'em...Possessed, you hear me?"
Mantle couldn't tell anymore if that blood on the table was his blood or not; as a matter of fact most of his blood had quickly rushed to his head; he couldn't think clearly. The man was completely mad. Only that could explain him going into an rampant of extreme violence; something completely against his nature. Erick was very tall but not muscular, a slender man in his brown hair and goatee, he could be described as a geek, a brainiac or as the most peaceful creature on earth. known as the "frightened rabbit" of the crew, some would call him wimp; but not to his face. The stereotype of a coward others could argue and agree in the end. Not the most likable person so to speak, his competence and intelligence made him the best choice to lead the genetic engineering studies aboard the station. " I don't regret it, you know." Mantle banged his finger against the intercom button, trying to talk to anybody that would listen to his high pitched castrato voice. "Allison! Listen to me you damn trollop!" He looked around for a napkin or a towel, all that blood in his hands was only making him more angry. " Shut up Erick! You've lost your mind. If I ever had any idea that you were a psycho, I would never have invited you to join this crew." The cold soft voice replied to Erick as the intercom bleeped back to it's silence. All this situation didn't make any sense. How could Erick commit this act of violence? He had passed all the behavior tests. His records were all scrutinized for any pattern of violence or misconduct ; Erick was completely clean. Maybe this was her mistake after all. Allison Whitechapel couldn't help but think. In twenty five years commanding the station she never had committed a major fuck up like this. Not ever! This was historical; the first crime in the crossing from the moon to earth. She wondered if she would be able to keep her post after that. " I think I dislocated my shoulder when I hit him in the face." Allison released the intercom button to gently massage her left shoulder. It took seven strong officers to contain Erick and one punch in his chin to put him to sleep. Commander Allison had experience with bullies like that and that was not the first chin she had battered to silence.
" Put him to sleep, will you?" She smiled.
" I can still hear you!!!" I-can-still-hear-you!!! Shouting to the intercom seemed the only thing that could calm the throbbing in his head and the sound of his voice maybe could put the screeching noises in his ears to rest. Erick banged his hands against the table one last time, his loud voice seemed to fade away slowly when Mia pushed a button releasing the sleeping gas in Erick's quarters.
"He will give us some rest for 12 hours." Mia smiled back at Allison. Allison walked slowly to the sick bay, the pain on her shoulder indicating that in fact she needed assistance, yet a thought was prickling in the back of her head, it was annoying like a long fingernail scratching a chalkboard.

" Maybe you should report to the sick bay, sir." Lieutenant Mia kindly touched Allison in her wounded shoulder. They both arched their lips in a discreet smile, looking at each other. Though the intercom system Erick could be heard panting, grunting like mad.

" I can still hear you ! I can still hear both of you. filthy lesbians!" Commander Allison raised from the command chair with her lips still arched in a smile. Her hand touched Lieutenant Mia's face, with her thumb making a caress to her cheeks. Mia blushed, her face went pink, her eyes closed for one second to better feel the warm touch. It was uncommon for Allison to show such a public depiction of affection, anyway this day had been very unconventional after all. Allison spun on her heels heading to the sick bay but not without giving a last order.

How could he hear them with the intercom off?

Azeviche Dragon Huntress- Chapter 2 — a Novel by Silvio Spotti

 

 Standing in the center of the living room, Azeviche was still in ecstasy, her eyes had now adjusted to the dim light of the place,her body was no longer shaking frantically as when they where up in those hills. Everything seemed sumptuous and she could not believe her eyes. She passes her hands in the beautiful armchairs in front of the fireplace, enchanted with the ornaments on top of it . Little crystal dolls, a silver plate with inscriptions in it, a trophy or something like that; she could not tell. At the wall adorning it with its golden frame, a painting of an old man in an ancient uniform,with a long white beard,his face looking proudly, far away to the horizon.

 “Of course this must be pretty old and a very important commander”. She thinks. The walls are beautifully adorned with white wallpaper, decorated with little red flowers and green branches calls her attention. Azeviche notices a bookshelf ,her hand clasp  her mouth like it was about to fall from her face. She opens her arms to greet so many colorful books. Thin little fingers touch the spine of the books in a gentle caress. the bookshelf receives a long embrace like an old friend she hasn't seen in a long time. Closed eyes and lips with a smile,makes an expression of delight as everyone watches her incredible inspection of the room. At one of the walls, standing there like a cross in its wooden box with a protective glass door in it, is a shiny sword. Like a memory from old battles.  Finally, a delicious smell of food emanating from the next room makes her stomach growls and she realizes that everyone is looking at her. “ This place is beautiful. Is a palace, and you have books,lots of books. Shelves and shelves of colorful books” She spin in the room with arms open.

 “ I believe that we should have dinner before the food gets cold.” Ronna  leads them all to the table. This house really looked like it never had a child around,but the vivacity of Jet suddenly changed it all,  bringing new life to these cold and ancient walls.  Everyone sits at the table that has been set as if it were a beautiful Christmas Eve.  Marcus, Ronna, and Agnes felt the presence of a feeling that perhaps never graced them with its presence. Long dark and bloody battles fill the memories of all who resides in Muddy Peaks for all  adults have fought in the war.

   Each moment of joy must undoubtedly be savored as the rarest wine.The table was beautifully decorated with red cloth napkins. Silverware is made to use in special occasions like this one. But most important of all seem that the table was full of food. The smell of delicious food filled the air. At the center of the table a large turkey was sitting on a silver platter, surrounded by baked potatoes and adorned with broccoli branches. A huge platter of rice mixed with peas  was still smoking hot, yellow corn cobbles in a circle around mashed potatoes and a huge pitcher of pineapple juice promised to sweeten the mouths of the hungry residents of this house. Marcus takes the jug of juice and generously fills a glass and passes to  Jet, she handles the cup carefully with two hands taking care not to spill a single drop of it. Ronna takes Azechive´s plate and serves it with the turkey and potatoes. Azeviche rubs her hands, this time not get them warn but because the food looks so tasty.   Marcus raises his glass.

 "A toast to the new resident of Muddy Peaks." He says  amidst  a smile. A gentle voice interrupts Marcus saying quietly.

  “Can I say grace? Please? Azeviche asks.

 "Ah! but, of course, it seems the most appropriate thing to do.” Agnes agree. 

 “We all forgot to wash our hands today, young lady. Yeah, ha, ha. She laughs. But we will let it slide just for today. “ Go ahead,” says Ronna . 

 “ Here, let me have your hands”. Says Azeviche grabbing hold of Ronna and Agne ́s hands. Marcus sitting at the other side of the table do the same.She closes her eyes to concentrate and starts her prayer.

 ”May the spirit of the Mighty Oluf lay his eyes upon this house tonight. Bless this table and us with your holy presence. Amem. 

   “Oluf ?” Marcus asks. 

  “No!” she answers back to Marcus, finger pointing to the sky, her face frown in a serious expression. 

 “Mighty Oluf”. 

  “Protector of all orphans”. Azeviche explains to Marcus that looks at them all quite astonished.

 “Marcus, she thinks that Oluf is —” But Ronna is interrupted.

 “No!!!  Ronna, please. We will explain this to Azeviche in the proper time.”

  “ So Is Oluf protector of the orphans as in the books?” Agnes asks the little girl.

 With a potato still in her mouth and another in the tip of the fork, Azeviche points the fork with the potato to Agnes and tells Ronna.

   "But this ish the kind of girl to hafe around on danferous occafions.” She says chewing the potato.  “ I like you Agnes. I see you are one of us, aren't you?”

 “ What? One of us?” Agnes asks. “What do you mean?” Marcus asks her too.

  Azeviche makes a gesture that tells them all to wait, her mouth is now full of turkey.

  “ well. I ́m always ready to recognize a fellow orphan”. She says with startled eyes.”  Agnes looks to Azeviche thinking that she was in fact a very special, a very perceptive kind of child. “    

 “My dear, how can you tell that I'm one of the Orphans?”She asked with curiosity. They all really were delighted with the gentle and stripped-down way of the girl. 

 “From the looks of it, you know the Oluf Chronicles, and all of us orphans know this story by heart, because we've been told at the orphanage since we were very, ..very young.   Biting on another piece of turkey Azeviches is  pointing her pinky finger to Agnes..”My tummy says that the expert that made this Turkey deserves congratulations.'' she points out.

 “Oh!!! Wonderful. '' Ronna smiles so full of herself. “That would be me”. 

  Everyone dines in silence for a moment and Marcus avoid telling Ronna that about one hour ago Azeviche fainted from fatigue at the train station and was behaving in the most exquisite way. Why spoil such a happy moment, he thinks.” There will be time enough  to discuss such matters and all its details with Ronna tomorrow. Agnes suddenly finds herself  surrounded by ancient memories, she was indeed an orphan girl, just as this one, that now shares the dinner table with them. She did went through difficult times in the past”. She thinks. Days of struggle and hunger, but also of glory in the battles. Finding a friendly  friendly hand, as now they were extending to this young lad was very hard to find in those days.

    Images of  the past revolve in a whirlwind through the head of the 60-year-old woman. She has suffered the trauma of battles, is true, but  she wouldn't change a thing;this is what built her character. Somehow when she looks at Jet, she sees a reflection of herself, when she joined the battalions to fight against the Draconites years ago.The sensitivity of Jet has touched Agnes in her very soul,captivating her heart.  she tries to contain a rush of curiosity but can't hold it back. " 

 “It's very perceptive of you to notice  this. That I was an orphan.” She says.

 “ Even though, one that saw older battles, I believe we must have experienced similar difficulties, don't we, my dear?" Agnes touches her lips holding a tear.

 She them takes a sip of juice, trying  to swallow bitter memories. "Yeah, maybe we all have the same glow in our eyes."Complete Agnes. Putting the silverware to rest on the table and looking at everyone while still frantically chewing and trying to swallow everything quickly; To talk “more” of course. Azeviche cleans her lips with her red cloth napkin and with hands on her head and exclaims, " But this is incredible!!! Don't tell me that you also killed Dragons in your time of battles?"Agnes tries to talk, but Azeviche is too excited. It doesn't even look like  she had a weird episode hours ago. With her full energy restored by the hot delicious meal, she talks without a stop. "Of course,... it makes sense.” she says slowly.”

  “They sent me to live with heroes.”She talks. Interlaced fingers like in a prayer, hands near her chest.

 " Of course...is Clear now. She drinks a little bit of juice to get back some moisture in her throat. 

 “It makes perfect sense. They've chosen a home with people like me, who've killed Dragons before." She moves her hands  in the air now talking and talking frantically. 

  Ronna and Marcus with bulged eyes like sunflowers, staring at each other , ask at the same time. 

"...Who killed Dragons? "Agnes clean her chin from the dripping juice she had just spilled, trying not to choke after what she just heard.

 ” Good lord!” Ronna says touching Marcus arm. 

 “You killed a Dragon?” With eyes squashed and surprised with everybody ́s reaction, Azeviche holds the empty plate in front of Ronna expecting her to fill it with another slice of turkey, broccoli and wishing very hard for more potatoes. She loves potatoes.  While waiting  to be served, Jet tries to calm them down and explain. 

 "Yes!...Well not as you are thinking. It was accidental.”

 “ I know I misbehaved,like…” She coffs.

 “ Like I usually do. But after all, I was trying to save my colleagues.” she finishes the sentence in a somber tone.” Moving her hands like a child do when explaining important things to grown ups.

  “ You don't really want to hear this.” she says taking back a full plate. She smiles when she sees the potatoes e start to chew on one of them.

 “ We want to hear everything about it”. Ronna touches Azeviche ́s arm and she understood that she would not rebuke her. They would not scold her, they wanted to listen to what she had to say. It was their intent to know her better, to know more about her  past  so they could help her build a better future. If there was something that afflicted her in any way they would help in the best way possible ;after all that is what they were now the parents of Azeviche Jet. They look closely as she clears her mouth and takes another sip of juice and prepares to tell how she killed a Dragon.She clean her throat.

 “A cargo ship brought me and my colleagues to the main island at night. We were sent to the “central triage center” to be relocated to our new parents. We were all very happy to have found new homes. But at the same time sad, with the prospect of no longer meeting our dear colleagues again.”

 “We're all like brothers, you know.”she tries to make a point.  

 “Well, most of them are. We would spend the night in the triage center which is a big old building, which is like a big orphanage. The place is full  with children and staff people. We and our rucksacks would spend the night in this large room full of beds  and then during the morning, aboard other ships that would take us to the proper Island where we would then go by train to our new homes. I couldn't sleep. It was a lot of excitement. We were being moved back and forth. So while the others were sleeping I got up and went to find the library. Every triage center has a library. Yes, sir, they always have one. I love books ,they are my friends. I loveém just like I love potatoes. I can't live without them. I would do anything for them beautiful books. They tell beautiful stories of  beautiful places that no longer exist.” She takes some time to catch her breath. While I was looking for a book with an interesting story, I found one  that appealed to me and sat in the floor to read it using the lamp.. Right there ,sitting on the floor, I fell asleep. A loud bang woke me up; there was a siren sounding like the trumpet of the book of apocalypse; Desperate children were screaming, desperately running for their lives. Injured adults screaming- “. To the basement, run to the basement find some shelter.” With the book I was reading still in my hands, I ran back to the room to seem what was going on. But as I got in the middle of the hallway, I saw several children running towards me, blood all over them, they were injured. My friend Billy tried to pull me by the arm and take me to the bunker in the basement, but a strange curiosity took me. I had to go there and see what was going on. When I opened the bedroom door, half of it was gone. Like a  birthday cake that took a bite the wall of the room was no longer there, I could see the sky from where I was standing and far away  a dragon preparing to dive in our direction and perhaps destroy the building. I saw my rucksack and ran to get my stuff. Harriet and laura two dear friends of mine showed up at the bedroom door to pick me up, Billy came back too. But there was this loud bang and the floor scaped from our feets. we were all thrown to the ground.It was a huge red Dragon throwing itself toward the walls of the building to overthrow it. The whole room collapsed. almost nothing else in the building was standing. the Dragon used his mouth to throw a metallic cylinder in our direction to crush us. We hid behind a piece of wall that was still standing.

 That was what momentarily saved us, but a man who was hiding in the rubble ran out to escape the Dragon, shouting - " Run save your lives. My friend Laura was terrified and went after him. I tried to hold her but it was too late, the dragon filled its chest  and spit fire with all his might at them. They contrived to run with their bodys on fire for another five paces till they fell there lifeless. Harriet covered her ears desperate  with the roar of the animal. And Billy  was trying to calm her down, I didn't know what to do. I stood there curled up behind that piece of Wall. Harriet went crazy with that chaos, even though Billy tried to hold her tight, she left the barrier. The dragon caught her with his mouth. I saw what he did and trying to save my friend, I threw a large stone in his eye. That nasty yellow eye. He cried out in pain and flew away with Harriet in his mouth. The rock didn't helped at all only made him mad. So he went up to the heavens and snatched her up.  He went up higher and higher preparing to throw himself on me and Billy when on its way down. That's when Billy said-” We had to get out of there”.  I held him by the ear so he could come back to his senses and said. "If we get out of here, he'll kill us both.” Then we stood there waiting for the dragon to attack us. We braced ourselves shaking. I could tell that Billy was about to lose control too. I gave him a command. “When i jump you jump too." And The Dragon was coming at us.” Everybody was listening close as Azeviche wearing a potato stuck in her fork mimics the movement the Dragon made in the air and continues the story. The potato as if it were the head of the Dragon and the fork  the long body of the Beast."The flying reptile ascended to the sky he was going to crush us. There was nowhere else to hide. the block had been destroyed the creature in the night all was debris and flames, I could hear some shots, but it was useless. People were running, all injured and panicked.

“When I saw those yellow eyes close enough, I screamed to Billy- “JUMP!!!” We jumped about five feet to the right. The Dragon threw itself upon us and all I could hear was a loud, dry noise like the trunk of a tree being split in half. The Dragon hit his head on the ground and broke his neck; his enormous body fell to the other side of the street,we ́ve been lucky enough to survive that monstrous attack instead of being squished by its giant body. This is how I by accident, killed a Dragon and here I am. She sighs, relieved after telling  this traumatic adventure while  Marcus, Ronna and Agnes  still aghast looking at her. 

  “ And There was a Draconite riding the Dragon, could you see its face?”  Marcus feel compelled to ask.

 “ No he was alone. Like he was looking for something and he destroyed the entire building to find whatever he was looking for. 

 After eating so much, Azeviche was satisfied. Relieved to be able to share this torturous adventure she had. It's like she took a weight out of her chest. She felt light like a feather,protected and well-fed.

    "I've never heard of Dragons attacking on their own" Marcus looks to Ronna and Agnes. " -”Have you seen something like this in your days Agnes, I always thought the Dragons would function as sophisticated horses for the Draconites." 

  "No, but we heard about other attitudes of them, that shows that Dragons are animals with high intelligence and always remember rule number 1: Never underestimate your enemy. How the Draconistes have domesticated those creatures is a mystery to this day.-  "Ronna Darling, get that pudding. it seems that we have enough subject for dessert". Of course Agnes wants to rear more, they all want to hear all about it. A prominent attack like this should have been front page no doubt.” Marcus sees Azeviche ́s eyes almost pop out of her skull when she heard the word, puddin. 

  “I read a little note about a Dragon attacking a building at the main island, But little more than that. Nothing about victims and that kind of destruction. Why would an attack,with dozens of victims, have been covered up by the authorities?” “ That is a good question.” says Agnes.

Ronna returns to the table with the long-awaited pudin in hands. She may love potatoes, but she doesn't spare a sweet; especially puddin ;just like any other child.

In their minds, still ruminating the idea that something odd may be going in the Main islands. Never before important news like that have been suppressed. No. Each and every movement of the Draconites must be shared with the people settled close to the border, like the population of the city in Muddy Peaks. “ Tomorrow I should pay a visit to the Central office downtown and I will try to get some information about all this.” Marcus says as Ronna serves pudding. “ Yes you should. If something is going on, we must be prepared to fight and not be taken by surprise.” Ronna points out.

“ I hope I did not mess things up. I ́m sorry. Azeviche looks to them. “ No my dear to report a Dragon attack is a duty. You did the right thing. And besides you are a victim. Oh, poor child I can imagine the terror you been up to. Terrible...terrible way to lose your friends” Agnes says touching her shoulder trying to comfort her.

“Only you and your friend;What is his name?” She asks. “ His name is Billy. Billy Bob Luckyfeets. I think I saw him at the platform at the train station accompanied by a woman wearing a green uniform. They said we'd go to different places. But it wasn't up to us to ask questions.” Jet says.

“ Luckyfeets, what kind of nickname is this you said? Why Luckyfeets?” Ronna asks.

“No,... No this is not a nickname. It is his “real” name. He is Robert Luckyfeets. He ran away for his life and two times survived the Dragons. With the last , one. Three.  Now that is a boy that really have -”Lucky Feets”. She says with startled eyes. I guess I'm a lucky feet too.

“ You are all survivors. You are just children, and yet have been through a lot in your life. That's what you all are. Survivors.” Ronna extend her hand and touches Azeviche in her head in a beautiful gesture of affection. Ronna smiles as they all are delighted with the tasteful desert.

The adults look at each other, quite concerned about the report of Azeviche. The surprising story about the cowardly attack in the middle of the night , a Dragon operating it all by itself in fact drew attention. All this added to the fact that the news was arriving in a distorted way, made Marcus, Ronna and Agnes all experienced veterans, look at this situation with worried eyes.

The night was stretching too far for the little girl, with so many novelties, stories, revelations, Dragons destroying buildings, and Jet becomes sleepy. Ronna realizes that Azeviche may end up sleeping with her face in the slice of pudding, because her eyes were already half open. After going through all this stress and still traveling by ship and train, she deserved a proper rest.

“Let's take that suitcase of yours and I will show you your new room”. Ronna tells the girl. The potatoes did their job, a sleepy Azeviche follow Ronna upstairs to see the room. "She never really had a room," She thinks. This is all new and too surprising. But at the same time very, very good, to feel affection for the first time. Ronna takes the bag across the narrow corridor and reaching the end of it, opens a beautiful door painted in white, to show that sleepy-eyed girl, a lovely tidy little room, packed with a comfortable bed near the window, a dresser, so that she could store her clothes. A blue wallpaper with detailed white stripes adorning the walls .Delicate curtains seemed recently installed, they were still pressed. By the bed ,a nightstand with a lamp, perfect to read books at night. The long black haired girl really is delighted with what seems to her like a palace. Everything looked so neat to her, every situation always had to have a positive side,- “Maintain a positive mental attitude”. She lives by this motto. She learned this in old books and applies this in her life; orphans go through extensive training that is a fact. But nothing is a substitute for certain things like caring, careful attention...love. Having a room all by herself was a luxury to any orphan. She notices  the effort that was put to make that room a perfect place to a child.   She contemplates for the first time, one of the dreams of her life. It became true.

“Here we are, how do you like it”Ask Ronna? Azeviche holds Ronna by her hand.

“ I think this is the most wonderful thing that happened in my life.” As the tears cascade her eyes down rosy cheeks, the little girl embraces Ronna pressing her rips so hard that it almost hurts. She cries out of joy for the first time. Looks like this place will turn out to be the spot for many first things to happen in her life.  The heavy arms of destiny have already laid itself on the shoulders of  Azeviche so early in her life;the Abbe``  s house undoubtedly been a grateful surprise, to ease such suffering. Ronna still holding Jet in her arms, she affectionately kisses Azeviche in the forehead and closes the door as she leaves.

The comfortable room also seems to embrace the young lady,welcoming her. Jet takes the heavy bag and puts it to bed. She gently unlocks the little luggage lock to reveal her humble robes, all very well folded, a pot of jam full of little stones, and in the corner as if resting from the journey, a maroon notebook used as a diary sits beside a beat up old book. The damaged hardcover tells that it is a very aged book. The little that remains of the golden scraped ink, that would be the title of the book on the cover, still holds its beauty and allows anyone to read it. Azeviche takes the book in her hands and gives a smile as she checks that the book is undamaged by the trip.

 Embracing the book, Azeviche Jet fell her eyes heavy as anvils. She falls asleep in the bed. there was no time to jump in her pajamas or anything else. She falls asleep in the marvelous adorned blue bedroom. Resting on top or her tummy, the old book moves up and down with the quiet breathing of Azeviche: “The Chronicles of the Mighty Oluf.” It reads.  Already amidst her dreams she says:

 “ Good night old friend.”

 The down is cold, outside the window snowflakes slowly turn the green grass into a white carpet,in that silence a stag dares to jump the fence from the ranch,and curiosity makes it approach the house. Inside the house almost everybody sleeps. A sixty years old woman, looks to the fireplace. Silver hair tucked up in a pretty hairstyle, her body still maintains the strong muscular appearance; build in the army years, giving her a youthful appearance. Her posture is of a person of natural elegance. Wearing a white blouse and a black velvet trousers, Agnes  gets wrapped in her thoughts. She looks at the colored oil painting at length over the fireplace. In the picture staring at the horizon Azimude Quasifinger; general in the battle of the hundred days, is portrayed in all his glory. Agnes gives the painting a long look and her lips arch in a smile.  Her eyes depicting affection for that long bearded man, that was once the love of her life and her loving husband. Can you find love in the border of the end of the world in times of battle? Agnes and Azimude is the proof that you can. They meet during the hundred days battle and fell madly in love. Agnes was attracted to that man's bravery and leadership in the middle of that whole situation. In their intimacy Agnes found affection in Azimude's arms in the middle of all that adventure. Long ago in those old days she learned that in the quiet of the night ,staring at the fire, she could better focus and organize her thoughts. She looks at the yellow flames dancing in the fireplace, the memory of a past episode  with a lone Dragon comes to mind. Strong hands touch her chest like she was in pain with that memory .  In fact that lonely Dragon that Azeviche told them about,was a sign of bad omen. She looks to Azimude portrait searching for comfort and unable to find It; In the night only the stags footsteps can be heard.

The animal notices her presence in the window, the majestic creature looks at her for exact two second and in a heartbeat It flees. “ Should we run away from here like you?” Agnes asks,"Will we have to endure all those hardships all that pain again? She sits back in one of the arm chairs in front of the fireplace. Her eyes take another long glance into the bright hot  flames and it  gives her the answer, talking to her like a flaming tong. Yes...she says.All Dragons are a bad omen. With closed eyes she hears the wood, pops and make a hiss noise; like a serpent would, she can tell that blood shall be spilled once again. Under a quiet sob, a timid tear stroll down her face ,she prays and fall asleep.

  The sun was already high in the bright blue sky, no birds could be heard; the winter had just arrived, the emerald green rug that once covered the entire ranch, was hidden beneath a thin layer of snow.  Upstairs in the house, in a warm blue bedroom, Azeviche is still asleep in her dreams, by the living room, the fire in the fireplace was long extinguished. Marcus and Ronna take a moment to talk and have breakfast at the kitchen, up early in the morning and take care of what seen to be a matter or urgency. “ “You must go to town , try to find out what is going on.” Ronna touches Marcus in his arm adopting a serious tone. “ If the road is blocked by the snow and you can't get past with the wagon, follow the rest of the way by foot. But you better go there. I have a hunch that they are trying to cover something up from the colony.” She says.

 “ Don ́t worry. After what we heard, we need to get this story straight.- I will take a look at what is going on at the Daily Peaks too. A nice talk to Half  Joness the editor, won't hurt at all. After all has been a while since I been downton. I ́m going to feel the mood in Borderline city and we shall know more about it all.”Marcus says looking very preoccupied. “ You and Agnes educate her about the surroundings, soon the classes will be back and the children's training begins. I'm sure she'll excel easily. She's a lovely  and determined girls our daughter.- “ Ronna I think we've been blessed”. His open in a smile.

   “ I'm sure of it”. Ronna fix  Marcus ́s  shirt just as an excuse to kiss him affectionately. He opens the door and despite the sun, a cold wind cuts the air letting in small snowflakes that get inside the room . The walk to  Borderline City  would not be  an easy one.

                                               

Sword of Justice by Silvio Spotti and Top Secret Press

After three successful Kickstarter campaigns with Sword Of Justice published by Top Secret Press. We are pleased to announce the start of works on volume two of Sword Of Justice. I have many stories to tell about this universe and volume one already gives an idea of ​​this. This is an expanding universe. Yes, a universe.

Call it post apocalyptic, dystopian universe, call it what you will. Truth is that the story addresses much deeper elements about the nature of human beings. Of course, everything told in a very pleasant way and with a lot of adventure, because that's what I like and I'm sure that's what the public wants. Amid the boring comic books that nowadays address controversial topics and that actually have a bigger agenda behind it all, Sword Of Justice is pure adventure and entertainment. I want to give my backers the kind of book I would buy and want to read. As the creator, writer and artist of the book, I have been as severe and critical of myself as I can be. If  I don't like a page, it will be discarded without further ado. Of course I have help. And the embellishments on this book are the amazing colors of Veronica R. Lopez and Top Secret Press is responsible for making this book a reality. I have had the helpful hand
of my editor John Taylor IV with proofreading, the campaign, and the printing and delivery of the books. I am immensely grateful to Top Secret Press and also to all my backers for believing in this project and for helping to make it a tangible reality.

Prepare for volume two. The name of the book is Sword. SWORD OF JUSTICE.

Silvio Spotti

Azeviche Dragon Huntress a Novel by Silvio Spotti

 

 

                                                       

       Behind the mountains, a coal black smoke tinted the skies of Muddy Peaks announcing to anyone that could see that another eagerly awaited visit of the express train was about to take place again. Orders, workers, and even the most important news come through it.

 “The train is here. The train is here,”the station employees all rushed towards the platform to see the oncoming train.

" Everybody can see that! Now behind the yellow line all of you please,” Jonas Greenberg, the Inspector of the station screamed, twisting his whiskers and fixing his jacket. The oldest employee of the railroad should no longer be working due to his age, but it is him that maintains order in this place. "Newcomers arrive from time to time to work at the station, but they do not have the same discipline". Jonas always says. 

 Standing on the platform, looking to the mountains and listening to the roar of the train  Marcus Abbe can barely contain himself.

 "What a day. What a Great day," Marcus said.

He and his wife Ronna had received mail from the government informing them that their application for adoption had finally been accepted. Jonas looked at Marcus with a longing smile. He knew him since he was a little boy.

   " Well well. Don't tell me, Mr. Abbe. Is that what I'm thinking? Is this the great day? ” He asked.

  “ Yes, Mr. Jonas. It seems that our dream is about to be fulfilled. I'm so anxious that I can barely contain myself.”

 "Ha!!! Yes,... yes. Mr. Abbe,” Greenberg scoffed. This village needs fresh blood running through its veins. After all, we are all getting a little tiny bit...old aren't we?” Said Jonas pointing his long fingers toward Marcus.

  Marcus ran his fingers through his grey hair, he was embarrassed, “You got me there. We are close to retirement,” he laughed.

 The roar of the engine and the noise on the rails got louder and louder. As the train got into the station, the conductor hit the breaks,a moan and shrill scream could be heard, it took a while to stop the gigantic machine. The entire place got flooded with steam, clouding the vision. Shadowy figures were moving out of the freight cars. Anxious people searching for their relatives, disembarking, looking everywhere amazed with their final location.

 "Is this the place? What a dump!" a boy asked his mother in a loud voice. “Shut your mouth. Show some respect to the locals. You will live here now boy,” The woman in uniform dragged the boy by his hand.

“ Sorry,” The boy shrugged. 

Marcus looked at the nasty boy amazed and relieved that he was not the one he was expecting.

“Mr. Jonas, sir. Today we will have a young boy living in our house. Ronna is preparing a wonderful dinner; of course, this is a special occasion for us,”He smiled. Jonah rolled his eyes at him.

 “God give me patience,”new people coming to town every day was nothing new to Jonah.

"Of course... of course, Mr. Abbe and I, more than anyone else know about your wife's anxiety for this occasion," Jonas replied to Marcus, playing with his long white whiskers. The train finally came to a halt at the platform and the brakes stopped the huge mass of metal on the tracks.

"Mr. Abbe where's your nameplate?" Jonas asked, touching Marcus on his shoulder.

"How can you find the boy without the number plate?" Jonas was agitating his hand in the air.

“Well. In fact, I don’t have one yet." Marcus replied.

“Marcus... Good lord Marcus,” he smiled. “Always the same, since you were a little boy, aren't you? Always forgetting about things,”Jonas stared at him.

“Yeah...well. I'm sorry Jonas. Could you help me?” Marcus blushed and his lips curved in an awkward smile.

“By all means, Yes. I have the list here in my clipboard and ... "Voilá" The number plate for you,” he said, giving him a small placard.”Do you still think I should retire Marcus?” He laughed looking at him with narrow eyes.

“In fact, this place needs somebody to keep things working. I keep the mansion running," he cackled, moving back to his work.

" Yeah... I guess.! Said Marcus.

 The train was moving again on the tracks  leaving the station. Most of the people on the platform had already left. Some of them were very happy carrying packages and smiling, others hugging their relatives with tears strolling through their eyes. And curmudgeon people, not really glad to be in there at all, were mingling in the crowd. The Steam started to subside and the train left Muddy Peaks behind. Marcus was looking around for his boy. “Where could he be? Everybody had already left the train,” He felt desperate. A woman carrying a suitcase tapped Marcus in the back.

“There sir,” She said. “Standing down the platform. There is somebody waiting.” she points to a figure waiting in the distance.

“Thank you very much, lady,” Marcus thanked her. “There..there he is. My boy." he ran to the person standing there.

" Uh...Sir, no I mean..."the lady tried to talk to him, but it was too late, Marcus was running, he could not wait to give a warm welcome to the new member of the Abbe family.

“Finally,” he said. running, snorting and punching, trying to catch his breath.

 But there, looking at Marcus with large bright green eyes, there was a smile bigger than the used suitcase sitting on the floor. With long black hair running down the shoulders. Jet black as a  night without stars, wearing a white outfit and worn-out brown boots.

“A girl?” Marcus looked at her with startled eyes. “But...but what's going on here, where is the boy? Marcus asked her.

“What is the meaning of... OF THIS?” He said pointing his hand at the girl.

“My name is Azeviche Jet and if you are Mr. Marcus Abbe. I am your daughter, sir,” She stared back at him, smiling and pointing a finger to a small placard written: “ Abbe”.

 Marcus looked at Azeviche, head to toe. He had  sweat dripping down his forehead. It was unbelievable that after all this time, trying to adopt a child, the government made this terrible mistake and they sent the wrong person. 

“They never said anything about a boy. if I'm correct,” Marcus talked to himself, ignoring the girl. His hand lied under his chin as if he had a huge weight on his head to be supported.

  He spun on his heels thinking ,still in shock. “The government rarely makes mistakes,”Marcus thought. Not since the war. Since it all began and thousands of people died defending a country that no longer exists, orphan children got relocated in new foster homes to new parents, to work in the mines, extracting metal for weapons and vehicles,to work the fields, so that the very existence of the colonies was not compromised. Whoever comes to Muddy Peaks are not only residents of an inhospitable place, they are responsible for the maintenance, they were there to hold ground and prevent a new “Draconite” invasion. The terrible civilization that reduced the earth's population by half. They came from the lands of the south to destroy humanity.

 Marcus stood there thinking. Azeviche was disgusted with his rude attitude. Her face got flushed with anger. She turned to him and screamed at the top of her lungs looking for his attention.

 “Hey !!! This is no way to treat a lady. Do not think you ́re going to leave me here in the open with my heavy suitcase,” she said in a very serious tone.

 She reached for  a document with the official seal in hot wax and the coat of arms of the “State of the Northern Islands” that was inside the pocket of her white wrinkled dress. 

 “The government seal,” Marcus said. This was no mistake at all.

  “My name ends with “E”, but don't take me for an Anne of Green Gables,sir. I may be an Orphan but I know my rights. I know we are not sent to this end of the world,” she stuttered.

“This... this God-forsaken place, for a walk." She was very annoyed and was yelling at him.

 Astonished with the frightful scream of the little Banshee, Marcus finally seemed to shake himself out of the trance. The apparently fragile and short little girl of twelve years old, was very resolute in her attitude, she stared at Marcus ,with Eyes gleaming as if about to burst into tears.   She shook the paper in the air in her clenched fist. Her head spinning in a whirlwind, in a storm of thoughts and emotions.

  She went through a long,twenty five day trip to get to this place. At the farthest point in the country, at the frontier of what was left of the civilization of yore, with the unknown world of the destroyers of mankind. she's had enough for today.

 "Here! Here!!!...You,... you!” She was still shaking the paper in the air. “Take it and read it out loud. You won't leave here until you do it, sir,” she demanded.

 Poor man. Marcos never expected to come across such a determined soul in his life. The apparent fragile little girl was a brave soul, determined to fight for her rights. Azeviche reminded him of his colleagues in the army. An epoch of battles of the Hundred Days War. “Sagacious eye, strong in spirit,” he looked at her. “ No,there was no mistake here,” Now looking into Azeviche ́s eyes he realized; that the poor creature had already been through all kinds of difficult situations. He could tell by that  glow  in her eyes, he used to see that in the mirror years ago.   She is not the first Orphan to arrive in Muddy Peaks. No, far from it.

  They come here by the hundreds,and the number of children increased in the last year. The borders need reinforcement, they must be always vigiland. The orphans  are survivors of the catastrophe known as The hundred day war. Marcus thinks about the terrible situations that this child had to cope with to get to Muddy Peaks. He took the sealed document from her hands, broke the wax seal trying  not to ruin the paper. All that excitement and anxiety made his hand shake. Marcus was sweating copiously, he was embarrassed by his attitude towards the girl. In a raspy voice  he began to read the text out loud:

 The State of the Northern Islands,from this moment on bestow Mr. Marcus Abbe and his wife Mrs. Ronna Abbe, legal guardianship of the minor Azeviche Jet (12 years old at the moment). We appreciate your desire to serve the state.

Work, Family and country first.

Northern Islands, year 35.AD

 Thirty-five years after the first Draconite attack, the first dragon attack; the worst weapon that humanity ever faced. The devastation and the effect on the lives of all people continues. Dismantled families lived under the rule of one state.The nations as we knew it were gone a long time ago. For it had to be done like this in order to survive all this tragedy. 

  A cyclone of memories and emotions passed through Marcus’s head in a flashback of epic proportions, causing him to finally realize. “Things are the way they are meant to be. We just need to accept with good heart what  faith gives to us,” He gently folded the document and put it in the inside pocket of his jacket.

 “This is it.” he said with an unexpected gesture. He put his hand on her  head in a clumsy sign of affection. Marcus would have to learn very fast how to deal with children. His throat was dry, his hands shaking.

“Yes,” he gasped. “Azeviche Jet... Young lady. Looks like I am in fact your father !!!”

 An explosion of held feelings travels through both of their bodies. Azeviche bit her lower lip and tears were streaming down her rosy cheeks. She put her hands together, fingers interlaced as if in a last desperate prayer. Her mouth was ajar, her lips trembling. she only had time to say:

 “God...I'm so tired. I feel so tireeed...'' She was unable to finish it. She fainted.Marcus quickly held her avoiding her body from hitting the ground.

Here you are, little village of Muddy Peaks,

Stuck amidst the rocks of the mountains

That point its fingers to the sky.

Your red vegetation of permanent autumn,

Near the frontier of humanity and total bleakness,

Your rigid branches like spikes.

Let me pass my thick fingers, benumbed

By the fight. Through the hair of your desolation.

They will make me feel alive.

In your freezing dark rivers. My body wants to dive,

I will run, I will fight and I will cry.

If you work the dusty red soil,

the sustenance will arrive.       

( Oluf the Dragon slayer )

 The cold blistering wind of the afternoon was already falling over Muddy Peaks. Azeviche  was still lying on the ground unconscious and Marcus was crying out for help, without knowing what to do. He gently tapped her face  trying to bring her back to consciousness. Jonas Greenberg and his staff quickly ran to assist them in any way that they could possibly do.

 “What happened to her Mr. Marcus?” asked Jonas. There was no reason for a very young girl to pass out like this. Jonas had more than thirty years of service, he would never let anyone unassisted and this was not going to be the first time. “Jonas she was under a lot of stress and collapsed into my arms,”Marcus was almost crying, his voice trembling and Azeviche was sleeping like a baby in his arms.

“Come, oh my... come Mr. Marcus, let's take her inside, so we can take care of her. I'm pretty sure she's just exhausted from her long trip. “It  is indeed an exhausting journey, sir,” Jonas said trying to calm Marcus.

   Marcus took her in his arms and Jonas opened a green door to a private service room.

  "Please,take her inside,mr. Marcus. I have just what we need for situations like this,” Marcus took her to the little room. It was the place where they kept brooms, detergents, cleaning products of all sorts used in the maintenance of the station. Marcus gently laid Azeviche on a rustic table in the center of the room. Extremely careful, like someone who deals with an expensive crystal vase. She lied there quietly, like someone taking a wonderful nap. Finally the weight of responsibility began to weigh on his shoulders. Marcus was responsible for a child and this changed everything. His life won't be the same from now on and he can feel it in his bones. Suddenly a chill went down his spine, his mouth was dry, he felt a void dragging him down.

  “What if she never wake up anymore. I can't cope with that. Jonah. please do something,”Marcus said. Jonas could barely containing the laugh, clasping his hand to his mouth. Jonas reach for a large bottle. “ Ah! Bleach. Hre is what we need,”He opened the bottle and the smell was very strong. “What is her name again?” Jonas asked in a quiet soft voice, trying to calm Marcus. 

“Ahn...Jetviche, I mean Azejet… Oh come on now, let's bring her back, please,”Marcus was worried sick.

Jonas ‘s skillful long fingers opened the blue lid of the bottle and pour some of the liquid into its little cap. “What a terrible smell. What is it?” Asked Marcus holding Azeviche ́s head. 

 “Oh, try to calm down Marcus. Are where is the veteran who fought in the Hundred Days ' War? Get a grip of yourself,” Jonas lost his patience. “Just watch and see how it's done”. Jonas approached the lid with the fetid product from her little nostrils. “This amount should just—” Jonas  barely finished. Again in a hysterical scream as if all hell was about to break loose, Jet gave a shout that woke Muddy Peaks.

“They'll kill us all. Fight.”

 Jonas and Marcus froze and they were simply bestified by what just happened. Sitting there at that table Azeviche sat on the table staring  at the wall eyes like huge orbs her mind far away in another place. A place where something terrible, really horrid was taking place. After that loud scream she static, the right hand amid the air  in a frozen gesture. Now here is something that the experienced Mr. Jonas had never dealt with.

"Oh Mr. Abbe,Marcus This child have been through a lot I can tell that sir,” He touched Marcus in his shoulder.

“Look at her. She is staring to nowhere, poor child,” Jonas clasped a hand to his mouth. He shook his head feeling sorry for the girl.

“How come they send a traumatized child to a place like this,” Jonas felt pity.

“ Have you ever seen anything like this?” asked Marcus holding her hand. A continental island, Muddy Peaks is where the army was able to stop the attack of The Draconites. This place is now where people hold the ground,where they keep a watch on the border in order to keep the terrible alien race from taking over the rest of the world. This is not a place for the weak of the faint of heart.

“This may look like a boring place now,the capital keeps sending hundreds of children to live here,” Jonas said looking at Marcus. “ By the hundreds they are getting in here Marcus,”

“ We know this is still a battle ground Jonas,” Marcus replied looking to the poor little girl.

“ I know that.My eyes will never deceive me, sir. But something is going on,” Jonas shook his hands.”Marcus talk to her, maybe your voice... Your voice may wake her up sir,” Jonas was also taken by surprise with all this situation. he did what he could, he was not a doctor he was just  an experienced railroad employee.

 Marcus Abbe approached the table. He too was petrified with fear. Afraid to hurt or to make all this situation any worse than it already was. Gently touching her in the face he talked to her, whispering in her ear. “Azeviche, please, snap out of it child. will you?” his body and his voice shaking like bamboo in the wind, he felt desperate, he wanted to get her out of that trance,so he tried to raise his voice. “Talk to me!!!” he cried, holding Azeviche by her shoulders.

“Nothing. said Marcus,” Sadness took  his eyes. “Is she in some kind of coma? We tried almost everything,” said Jonas. “This call for extreme measures,”

“What do you mean?” asked Marcus, he felt lost.  “Well..if you allow me sir,” Jonas pushed Marcus aside  to get more space and raised his hand in the air. Marcus understood and nodded. 

Jonas slapped Azeviche in her face. “Azeviche AWAKE UP !!!” 

 The extreme measure,finally seemed to work. Like someone who was immersed in the waters of a dark River she woke. Her nostrils dragging air into her lungs and her mouth ajar in a silent cry for help. She felt like she had swam miles under the water and now was finally at the surface.

“Somebody... He... help I…” She did not finish it. 

  "She's back Marcus, Back!!!” Jonas was celebrating. “It worked... it work, Thank God.” Marcus was relieved to see the situation resolved.

“You gave us quite a fright Girl,” Said Jonas smiling at her, his hands touching her shoulders.  “Azeviche, talk to me. Are you OK?” Azeviche seemed to be unaffected by all this traumatic beginning in Muddy Peaks. Unaffected and unaware that she had passed out like that.

 “Oh, I ́m sorry. I guess I fell asleep. It was quite a journey you know. I am indeed tired,” She blinked scratched her eyes. “Are we going home now? She asked looking are Marcus.

“Yes, don't ́t worry about anything,” Marcus wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I have a nice room with a warm bed for you back at home.” he smiled at her amazed that she was OK. “Oh and a nice dinner will be waiting for us. Let's go home,” he touched her hair.

  “Ha!!! To Home you go, indeed,”Jonas rushed them out of the room wiping his sweaty forehead and checking his pocket watch. He had a station to run.

  Azeviche shook her head,trying to figure out what just happened. Her entire body ached and she  wonders if maybe she had a flu or something like that. After all Muddy Peaks is a cold place and the winter was close. She wondered if they would  have chocolate cake in this nice meal that Marcus was talking about. The only thing that she could think about was that she was still feeling very tired from the long travel and a really good night of sleep would not hurt at all.        

 Azeviche took a good look around at the platform, looking for her suitcase. Everything that she got was in that old suitcase. Taking a long yawn  and spreading her arms in the air, she made a long face.

  “Now, where is my suitcase?” Everything I have is in that. Where is it?” she said with her hands on her waist,looking more preoccupied than ever.

Miles a sixteen year old linesman, came in a hurry bringing the suitcase to her. “Here it is Miss. still untouched, rest assured of that,” he said.

  “Ah! finally a gentleman in this town. Thank you kindly mr? Mr…” she asked.

“Mi... Miles. The boy stuttered. Barely containing  the laughter because of the most peculiar way that she talks.

“Well, let me take that for you. It is about time we head home, Ronna is waiting for us,” Said Marcus taking the suitcase. “Goodbye and thank you for everything Mr. Jonas,” Marcus nodded.  “Oh, just another day in paradise Marcus... See you,” Jonas fixed his  silver whiskers  waving goodbye.

  Marcus embraced his daughter as they passed through the tall gates of the station.They both faded away in the cold mist that started to come from the mountains, announcing the arrival of the night. While a purple sun kissed the horizon, a black veil full of blue stars fell over their heads. They both climbed on a humble buckwagon and a brown old horse, slowly took them home.

 The small wagon with Marcus and Jet slowly traveled the dirt roads, passing between the pine trees, their branches now quite burnt out by the cold that was arriving.  Snowflakes slowly fell upon the branches of the trees, painting a beautiful portrait of the rustic place. When the  night falls in Muddy Peaks, people always seek shelter on their homes, tucking themselves in the heat of the tavern to drink some Brandy, trying to warm their throats. Work is even more intense in this season of the year, for pretty soon the snow must take the roads,the woods and the whole city will be immersed in the white cold winter. The sagacious eyes of Azeviche looked the landscape,while the humble cart lead them towards the top of a hill. Marcus stopped the carriage and the two of them sit the admiring the landscape for a moment. From up there  they could see the mountains and a river cutting through the whole valley like a blue serpent. Reflecting the moon that was shining up  above. The carcasses of ancient vehicles used in the hundred days war  looked like ancient sculptures all along the way. The nature engulfing it absorbing and transforming it back to what it was not so long ago. Just metal.

  Plants turn distorted tanks into large vases, twisted branches coming out of broken windows, intertwining in a continuous embrace of rust and green. Azeviche noticed a bright yellow light in  the window of a house, the smoke coming out the chimney indicates without a doubt  that they would finally be able to shelter from the blistering wind.

  Marcus  nodded pointing at the house. “ The Silver Sword Ranch. Your new house,” he said.

  Her eyes sparkled with happiness. Finally Azeviche’s heart seemed to calm down and the agony that took her throughout the journey seemed to dissolve, the destiny opened a new door, an opportunity for a new noble life. 

 They finally passed through  gates and from the top of the crooked trail that lead to the big house, they could see two women standing in there and waving at them. 

 “ look.Ronna and Agnes,” Marcus told her.   Anxious and half tormented by the enormous delay the two women came running to them. They were worried sick.

 “Here we are,” Marcus said. Ronna could see in his face that he was tired. “Ronna, I hope you have a warm meal for us, honey.”  he touched his tummy . “Off course we have, but won ́t you introduce us to this fine young lady?” Said Ronna in a beautiful smile. Always a very  nice and beautiful woman, Ronna extended her hand to Azeviche. “Here,Let me help you out of this wagon.” She smiled. 

 “Good evening.My name is Azeviche Jet. I ́m your new daughter.” she stated with a salute and  smiling.  “Oh my” You are pretty straight forward isn't you?” Ronna asked her.

 “Oh! You bet on that,” replied Marcus. “Azeviche Jet,” Ronna instantly felt a strong connection with the black-haired and spirited child. “Twice the name for the same black stone. Pretty interesting,” she touched Azeviche in her shoulders. “Oh, maybe it is because you have— But interrupting Ronna, Azeviche completed. “And yes, it is on account of my long, dark hair like the night,that they gave me such an interesting name. But they certainly do not compare in beauty to yours, red as fire,” She said to Ronna.  “ I believe that with the blizzard that is about to come,a warm fire is what I would like most now.” Ronna and Agnes laughed, she took Azeviche by her hands and shaking her arms she says: “Well I think you are the most adorable child. Welcome to our home. Your home now,”  The fire and the meal awaits you both,”

 “Well awaits us all, I shaw say. I'm starving too! You are late Marcus, off course you stopped to chat with that old fart Jonas,” Agnes scolded him. “The king of the station he thinks he is,” Agnes smiled. “Well, maybe he is,” Marcus  talked back to Agnes. Ronna disapproved her comment. “Mum!!! Old fart? We have a child in the house now,” Ronna said gently pushing everybody inside the house. “Off you go.The dinner is at the table,”  Azeviche looked to Marcus that was holding her old suitcase. 

“They both said fart,” she noticed. she chuckled and they all laughed, closing the door behind them. That was a warm reception even better than Jet could have ever expected. Finally a roof protected her head, fire slowly danced as a ballerina in the fireplace. Its yellow light spreading all over the cozy living room. And she felt protected as she never was in her entire life.