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    City of Light
    City of Light
    City of Light
    Ebook164 pages2 hours

    City of Light

    By Cheri Chesley

    ()

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    About this ebook

    “Never tease a warrior, Maiden,” he said, his voice hoarse with anticipation.

    She didn’t utter a word, but her eyes reflected a sense of alarm. So he waited, slowly suffocating the distance between their bodies into nonexistence—giving her plenty of opportunity to pull away.

    Her hands gripped the front of his armor and her eyelashes fluttered. Her breaths came in quick, short gasps of expectation—all the encouragement he needed.

    The Demon wants Aisilyn for his bride, and he’s sending his Dark Warrior to get her. Her sister, Gennavieve, isn’t about to let that happen.

     The malevolent Demon has claimed a bride—the maiden, Aisilyn—from the sacred City of Light. Five families wait with dread, uncertain if their Aisilyn is the one the Dark Warrior will take. Only Gennavieve remains convinced the Warrior will come for her sister. To protect Aisilyn, and her upcoming marriage, Gennavieve puts herself in her sister’s place—allowing the Dark Warrior to claim her as the Demon’s chosen bride. What Gennavieve never considered is what she would do if she fell in love with the servant of darkness.

    In a world driven by faith, no one knows which prophecy will be fulfilled—or whether Gennavieve’s choice will lead to the Demon’s destruction or her own.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherChesley Books
    Release dateDec 24, 2015
    ISBN9781519918437
    City of Light
    Author

    Cheri Chesley

    Cheri Chesley believes in miracles and the magic of books in everyday life. When not writing, she can be found reading the dictionary for fun or devouring any of the many books in her home library. She lives with her husband, children, and four-legged taskmasters in Waurika, OK. Look for updates on her latest works at www.cheri-chesley.com.

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      Book preview

      City of Light - Cheri Chesley

      Acknowledgements

      City of Light started as an idea, as most books do, that I wrote down and stashed somewhere then unearthed when we moved back to Oklahoma. Around that same time I met a woman whose name enchanted me, and before we were friends I swallowed hard, walked up to her, and asked if I could use her name in a book. I can’t even tell you what she must have thought about that! Just so you know, there really is an Aisilyn—the good, the kind, the one who tries with all her might to be patient and loving and do the right things. The one with the amazingly huge heart who treats all of her friends like special sisters. Who laughs when my boys do something—anything, really—because it’s usually funny.

      Though Aisilyn’s part in the story is brief, it’s essential. Without Aisilyn, Gennavieve could never have taken that essential first step to adventure. And without my Aisilyn I never would have known her amazing daughter, so that I could craft Gennavieve to be like her. I only hope I captured Emilie’s true strength, bravery, honesty, and love on the page. Don’t let anyone tell you they are just a mom because it’s the moms out there who are crafting warriors of Light.

      As ever, this book would still be an idea without the support and love of my husband and kids. I feel particularly blessed to have the love of a generous Father in Heaven, who gives me my talents, my sense, my everything.

      This book could have never happened without my amazing cover designer, Deirdra Eden, my clever interior designer, Karen E. Hoover, and my editors, Eileen Kannarr and Crystal Liechty. Without their support and encouragement, you wouldn’t be reading this right now.

      To Emilie, the stalwart daughter, the trusted friend.

      You. Are. Remarkable.

      Go change the world.

      CHAPTER 1

      Gennavieve lifted the smooth white silk up to her eyes for closer inspection. What about this one? she asked her sister. I don’t see a single flaw or snag.

      Aisilyn, her elder by three years, peered over Gennavieve’s shoulder. It is lovely, she said. But now I’m wondering if maybe I should choose lace instead.

      Gennavieve didn’t turn, letting her curtain of dark blond curls cover her smile.  With only weeks until her wedding, Aisilyn still hadn’t decided on her veil. She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. We’re patronizing the cart of the most well-respected merchant in the marketplace—in the whole city. If they don’t have what you want, then no one will.

      Aisilyn dropped her head to her sister’s shoulder, her sigh a little dramatic as her hands worried the skirt of her gown. I know, and I know I said silk last night for certain, but now looking at these lovely laces, I’m reconsidering. She raised her head and brushed her golden braid over a shoulder. Perhaps we could compromise and trim a satin veil with lace.

      For the fifth time, Genna almost laughed aloud. She didn’t mind shopping with her sister, didn’t mind Aisilyn’s indecision, and didn’t even mind that they were fast running out of time before the wedding. She loved being with Aisilyn, no matter the activity.

      Besides, it was a beautiful day. The bright morning sun shone overhead, glistening off the polished buildings of the City of Light. Their prosperous friends and neighbors crowded the marketplace, shopping for various needs and desires—men in their best robes, women in day gowns, servants darting to and fro in serviceable work clothes. Children laughed, old men smiled, and Genna’s heart filled with contentment. She’d never known anything but the City, but she had no desire to venture beyond the Barrier that protected them. Everything she could ever want was right here.

      A shadow fell across them and Genna looked up, frowning as thick clouds rolled in overhead. Her fingers tightened on the silk in her hands as cold tendrils of dread gripped her heart.

      Is it a storm? Aisilyn gazed at the sky with clear blue eyes.

      A voice—one so horrible and menacing it made Genna cringe and Aisilyn cry out and throw her hands over her ears—filled the air.  Everyone around them froze to listen. People of Light, in two days’ time, my servant shall walk among you. He will claim my bride, the maiden Aisilyn, and I will join her to me forever!

      Genna’s eyes sought her sister’s face—at the mention of her name, Aisilyn closed her eyes and swayed a little. Genna clutched her arm, the silk she’d been holding slid back to the merchant’s table. Certainty and dismay filled her. Aisilyn opened her eyes, and Genna saw.

      She knows it’s her, she thought. Just as I know.

      The terrible voice ended, and, as though bidden, the sun slid from behind the clouds. Genna became aware of the excited voices around them, fearful and urgent. The Demon had threatened the City of Light before, but never with such a dire promise.

      Let’s go home, she said. Mother will be worried.

      Aisilyn nodded, but didn’t pull away from Genna’s grasp. Genna inclined her head to Micha, the house boy who grew faster than his meals could sustain, and Sorai, their maid, who snatched up their purchases and followed.

      People packed the streets, as though they had all come from their homes or places of business to trace the source of the voice. Genna led Aisilyn through the throngs, anxious until she spotted the high walls of their home.  She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her mother standing at the doorway, her hands tugging the sleeves of her favorite satin gown. Her mother would have a solution.

      Deirdra wrapped both daughters in her embrace. Come inside.

      Genna stepped into the house, her childhood home. Never before had she appreciated how safe she felt there. As they entered the main living area, her father, who’d been sitting on a well padded chair, rose to his feet. He took Aisilyn by the arm and led her to the gilded chair by the fireplace. Her mother sat on the thick cushion at the foot of the chair.  She put a hand on Aisilyn’s knee.

      You look pale, child, she said. I’ll have Sorai bring you water.

      No, thank you. Aisilyn put a hand on their mother’s arm.

      Genna looked at her father. His deep frown was at odds with his trembling hands. He was nervous, she knew, but he would approach the problem with logic.

      He didn’t disappoint. The Council will check the birth records. I expect they will summon Aisilyn soon, along with any other maidens named Aisilyn.

      How many can there be? Deirdra asked.

      In a city this size? He stroked his beard. A dozen, perhaps, but I can’t be certain.

      Genna’s mother breathed a sigh of relief. "Then it may not be our Aisilyn."

      Aisilyn’s eyes found Genna’s. They didn’t realize, Genna thought. They don’t know.

      Her father continued, his thumbs hooked into the belt of his tunic. Exactly. I propose we not panic until we are given a reason.

      What if it is her?

      Both her parents looked at Genna as though she’d grown a spare head. She regretted the words, but couldn’t keep them inside. She knew with a certainty that shook her that the chosen bride was her sister. She also knew Aisilyn felt that, too. How could she make them understand?

      Genna, child, you mustn’t worry your sister, her mother said. Your father is right. We don’t know yet who is the chosen Aisilyn. Besides, this isn’t the first time the City of Light has been threatened. We don’t know what is going to happen.

      The Barrier of Light has protected our people from the demon’s agents for centuries, said her father. Even if he has a servant who can breach the Barrier, our soldiers could easily stop one, lone enemy.

      Genna thought of the soldiers, the peacekeepers of the City, who patrol in their shining armor but have not fought for generations. They have no trouble apprehending the odd cutpurse, but how would they fare against an enemy who could fight back?

      She held her tongue; it did no good to argue with her parents, and she didn’t want to say anything that might further worry her sister. Aisilyn and I made some purchases this afternoon. I’ll go help Sorai put them away.

      Deirdra nodded, and Genna wasted no time leaving the room. Sorai followed her to the bedroom she and Aisilyn shared. It was a spacious room with two large beds against opposing walls, and a great window on the wall between them. Genna motioned for her serving maid to put the purchases on the brightly colored blanket that covered Aisilyn’s bed, the same blanket Genna and her mother had hand-stitched for her last birthday.

      Genna moved to the trunk at the foot of her sister’s bed and opened it. Most of her sister’s trousseau had been purchased, but they did find a few more scarves and other odds and ends. Genna unwrapped these items, folded them and placed them gently on top of the wrapped wedding dress and other items in the trunk. She did not turn when she heard the door open.

      Thank you, Sorai, Aisilyn said. You may go now.

      Sorai bowed her head in reply and left the room.

      Aisilyn crossed the room to her bed and sat down. Genna looked up at her as she closed the trunk.

      I’m going to miss all this shopping when you marry Jacob, she said. We’ve had a lot of fun gathering and sewing.

      Aisilyn reached out her hand. Genna grasped it without hesitation. Thirty-nine days, Aisilyn said. Jacob and I were to be married in just thirty-nine days. Then I would have been safe.

      Genna sat facing her. You will still marry Jacob at the end of the fast. Nothing has changed that.

      Aisilyn’s sky blue eyes sought hers. I love him so much, Gen. How can I leave him? I’ll die.

      You won’t, Genna said, surprising herself with the conviction in her tone. Nothing is going to come between you and your destiny.

      What is my destiny? Aisilyn pulled away and rose to pace the floor. Will I become Jacob’s bride, or the Demon’s? What is my path? She stopped in front of the window. I can’t explain it, but when I heard the Demon’s voice I knew he was talking about me. I still feel it, a certainty deep in my soul. Father and Mother won’t listen. They are blinded by the fear I may be right.

      But they are right about the Demon never before being able to penetrate the Barrier, said Genna. This could be but another of his idle threats.

      Does it feel that way to you? Aisilyn turned to look at her.

      Genna watched the sunlight through the window play with the gold in her sister’s hair. She looked so much like an angel, framed by the light outside, that Genna couldn’t imagine pairing Aisilyn with a demon. In that moment, Genna vowed it would never happen. No matter what she had to do, no matter the cost, the Demon would not have her sister.

      It doesn’t matter what I think, Genna said, her tone intentionally positive. I’ve known since Father brought Jacob home that you were meant for each other. Your union will be blessed by God, and will be eternal. Nothing the Demon does can stop that.

      Aisilyn sighed. I wish I had your faith.

      Genna crossed the room and put her arm around her sister’s shoulders. You do, but right now it’s clouded by fear. Let’s pray together, and then you can rest a bit before dinner.

      Aisilyn nodded. They went back to the side of her bed and knelt together, facing one another. Genna offered the prayer, asking for God to help soothe her sister’s worries, and also to help them know what they should do. When she finished, she kissed Aisilyn’s forehead and left the room.

      Her father had sent a runner to the Council building for information. Genna smiled at the thought. He didn’t hesitate to use his influence with certain officials to learn what was

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