The Sceptre of Power [The Peacekeeper Journals Book 3] Read online

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  Whiskey Creek Press

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright ©2008 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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  THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS III:

  THE SCEPTRE OF POWER

  by

  CJ England

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Published by

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  Whiskey Creek Press

  PO Box 51052

  Casper, WY 82605-1052

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright © 2007 by CJ England

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  The publisher has allowed the final version of this book to remain as the author intended. Any errors are not the responsibility of the publisher.

  ISBN 978-1-60313-326-5

  Credits

  Cover Artist: Molly Courtright

  Printed in the United States of America

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS III: THE SCEPTRE OF POWER

  "The Peacekeeper Journals only get better and better ... CJ England cranks up the heat in THE SCEPTRE OF POWER, as there are some steamy scenes guaranteed to warm you up on those cold winter nights! The attraction between Brianna and Danolas is sizzling hot as these two stubborn witches are destined for each other. Brianna's spunky t-shirts and sassy mouth throw a kink into Danolas’ generally calm and collected life, and it is just sheer fun to see the sparks fly between these two!

  "THE SCEPTRE OF POWER has it all: a super hot romance mixed with a fascinating quest in the midst of the battle between good and evil. Throw in the Alpha Males who make up the Chosen along with two headstrong women to keep them in line, and THE SCEPTRE OF POWER is nothing short of spectacular. CJ England proves yet again that she is one heck of a writer!"

  Anne

  Ck2s Kwips and Kritiques

  5 out of 5 Klovers

  Recommended Read

  "Ms. England has done it again! In the third book of the Peacekeeper series, she has brought together characters that tug on your heart strings; they leave you laughing and in tears at the same time. These characters make you cheer them on and hunger for the next installment in this great story. The stories this author spins always leave you wanting more, but that is the charm of Ms. England.

  "Ms. England is a woman with the gift of magic in the written word. She weaves a spell of her own with her words and draws you into the worlds of her making. Visit her on the web at www.cjengland.com and prepare to be enchanted."

  Melanie

  Enchanting Reviews

  5 out of 5 Enchantments

  "The stories by CJ England always include her unique magical touch, where the characters are so true-to-life and their lives are fascinatingly original. This gifted author has a way with words, as every scene had me feeling the deep emotions felt by her well-portrayed characters. The settings are visually stirring as well, as readers experience the sights, sounds and smells surrounding the characters. When it comes to love scenes, Ms. England is a master, as each beautifully depicted moment is touchingly sensual and intensely heartfelt, plus rousing in every aspect. The relationship between Danolas and Brianna is also profoundly insightful, as they slowly come to understand the inner thoughts and feelings of the other. As for the danger following this beloved group, there are repeated moments of death-defying action and terrifying peril. PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS III: THE SCEPTRE OF POWER draws readers thoroughly into the spellbinding romance and innovative storyline."

  Amelia

  Ecataromance Sensual

  5 out of 5 Stars

  "CJ England has written another awesome tale with lot's of action and adventure. The sex is hot and will have the reader wet with anticipation as to the next love scene. CJ England has written a book that has a story line that will keep you turning the pages so fast the book will light up in flames. The Peacekeeper Journals III: The Sceptre of Power is another in a long line of books that CJ England has written to perfection! This reviewer gives this AWESOME read a Five Devil rating."

  Alma

  Let's Talk About Books

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  SECOND CHANCES:

  WAITING IN THE WINGS

  "Only CJ England could write this story. She sensitively addresses an issue that is perhaps one of the most frightening to women—the issue of rape. SECOND CHANCES: WAITING IN THE WINGS is a story that all should read. CJ England has written her most powerful story to date. Keep your box of Kleenex handy, however, as the impact of this story is absolutely gut wrenching. SECOND CHANCES: WAITING IN THE WINGS isn't necessarily an easy story to read as it deals with difficult and tough issues, but the ending makes this story worth every tear jerking moment! Having personally known someone raped in a similar manner, I can say that CJ England not only does a beautiful job at portraying the pain and anguish of all affected, but she provides that much needed happily ever after to remind us all of just how important love truly is."

  Anne

  CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

  Recommended Read

  5 Klovers

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS:

  THE JOINING

  "What an amazing joyride of love, passion, adventure and above all hope for the future. THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS: THE JOINING has everything a reader could ever hope for. Each character maintains his or her own storyline while at the same time, combining for an engaging roller coaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the unbelievable end. I was heartbroken; I didn't want the story to end. CJ England is an outstanding storyteller who always manages to give her readers everything they want in her male characters; sexy, suave, sweet and strong. I cannot wait to read the next installment from Ms. England very soon."

  Amanda

  Fallen Angels Reviews

  Recommended Read

  5 Angels

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS II:

  THE GATES OF LIFE

  "Those who enjoyed the first installment of the fascinating Peacekeeper series by bestselling author CJ England will find The Peacekeeper Journals II: The Gates of Life a must read. The second book continues the story of Kira, a woman who has been sent to save the world from destruction but now must discover why the Gates of Life are not allowing anyone through. Kira is a strong character with a multi faceted personality. Each of the six men that she has joined wi
th has qualities that any woman would find attractive in a hero. Lucas Kane and Gallegar are the two most intriguing as they are the two who vie for Kira's attentions the most. Anyone looking for an intricately detailed story of the paranormal will absolutely love this book. CJ has written another page turning adventure with a capital A!!! If you have never read her yummy books run do not walk to the nearest computer to get your copy!!"

  Susan

  Let's Talk About Books

  An Awesome Read

  5 out of 5 Devils

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  CHANGES IN LATITUDE,

  CHANGES IN ATTITUDE

  "These books were smokin’ hot! All of the characters in the stories made me feel like I was a fly on the wall. It was so realistic. I could actually hear the ocean and see all the scenery. Every time I finish reading one of CJ's books, I'm sad because it's like I'm leaving my friends behind. This pair of Torrid Teasers are filled with just that; attitude, great plot, wonderful and heartfelt characters and to die for sex. If you're looking for a fast-paced and sometimes witty read with orgasmic sex, than these stories are must reads for you."

  Amanda Haffery

  Romance Junkies

  5 out of 5 Blue Ribbons

  Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Dedication

  To Nora Roberts, who gave me my first taste of Ireland and its magick.

  And to Emma and Jessaca, who helped me make sure my world was believable.

  Cead Mile Failte

  Prologue

  Magick is not accepted as part of philosophy, but stands with a false claim outside it; the mistress of every form of iniquity and malice, lying about the truth and truly infecting men's minds, it seduces them from divine religion, prompts them from the cult of demons, fosters corruption of morals, and impels the minds of its devotees to every wicked and criminal indulgence. Witches are those who, with demonic incantations or amulets or any other execrable types of remedies, by the cooperation of the devils or by evil instinct, perform wicked things.

  Canon Hugh of St. Victor's Abby in this writing to Didascalicon just before his death; 1141

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  Year of our Lord 1286

  Near the Estate of Don Carrach Maguire, First King of Fermanagh

  "Do you see him?"

  "No!"

  "God's teeth! Our heads will roll if we don't catch the man. He is a murderer!"

  "This, I know! We must find him! You ... go to the right. I will go left."

  The two separated and plunged head first into the dark forest. All that was heard for the next few minutes were the sounds of footsteps crashing through the thick underbrush. Then, muttered exclamations and muffled cursing floated in the air.

  "I see nothing!"

  "Impossible! How could he escape?"

  "Infernal creature! All witches should be put to death!"

  "He killed our master. I still cannot believe it has happened."

  "The witch shall pay for what he has done. Lord Enniskillen will not let his son's death go unpunished."

  "But our master was only his bastard."

  "Bastard or not, Labraic was his son."

  "And we are to bring the murderer to Lord Enniskillen?"

  "Unless,” the man grinned unpleasantly, showing several stained and broken teeth, “we accidentally kill him during capture."

  "And the weapon?"

  "It must be destroyed."

  "Hold.” The taller of the two men held up his hand as they came back together in the center of a glade. Dark and thin, with a smell that would make swine vomit, his gaze skittered around the wood. He clutched a large double-bladed axe in one hand, while he held the lead of a wolfish looking dog in the other. “The master showed us how to find a witch. Use the gift.” He closed his eyes and let his mind roam free.

  The second man—short and built like a bull, dropped into a crouch and surveyed the ground around him. He didn't care about gifts. That wasn't his style. Debris left over from last night's storm littered the forest floor. Broken branches, leaves and rotted wood made it easy to see if someone had traveled this way. The bull-like man tucked the short sword he carried into his belt and carefully sifted through the dead leaves. “He did not come this way, Loman. There are no tracks."

  Loman swore under his breath, and the cur whined at his feet. “I cannot feel him. With the master gone, the magick is gone as well. Can you track him, Hamish? We are running out of time."

  The shorter man nodded. “Let the dog take the scent."

  Jerking on the lead, Loman bent to the beast. “Ornin, find him!"

  * * * *

  Further up the trail, the hunted heard the baying of the hound. Cyric O'Maoilduan shuddered, his eyes narrowing as he fought his way through the thick forest. Part of his work was accomplished. He had destroyed the man who called himself, Labraic of Fermanagh.

  A bastard son of the great Don Carrack, Labraic built a life for himself as a prosperous landowner. His benevolent father granted him all but his name, and he used it to become wealthy and powerful. To all appearances, he was a normal man. Not so kind or generous as his father, and by many accounts, cruel to his people, he was not someone to be crossed. It was said he dealt harshly with those who did not follow his edicts. He had an uneasy truce with the Church, but hated those who believed there were other ways of worshiping God. So much so, he had taken to tracking those people down ... and killing them.

  But there was a reason Labraic destroyed those who did not follow the Church and all its teachings. The Church was narrow in its thinking, superstitious, yet slow to act, so it was not a threat. However, the same couldn't be said about the other beliefs. They saw things. They knew the truth. Those who looked deeper, those who knew how to look, could see the decay rotting the man's soul. He served a different God than his father did.

  Labraic had given his soul to a demon.

  Where the man ended and the demon began, was not known. The man's given name had been Domnall, after his grandfather, but when he'd been possessed by the ungodly one, he changed his name to that of the demon within him. As master of his land, he could do as he pleased and slowly began to seek out and annihilate the only ones who could ruin him.

  Witches, druids, and magick welders of all kinds were targeted by his assassins. Those, who could see his evil magick and fight it. Labraic called the persecution ... a cleansing of evil souls, and had the Church's backing for his horrible deeds. But now, at long last, it was over. After a long fight, Labraic had been sent back to Hell, where he belonged. And it was Cyric's doing.

  Cyric scrabbled up a steep slope, his breath harsh and painful. He'd run for miles, a full night and a day, his only thought to get away. The first part of his task was completed. Now, he had to finish the second. To return the weapon to safe harbor. He tucked it tighter into his belt. It must not fall into the hands of the enemy, or all would be lost.

  The baying of the hound sounded closer and he felt a surge of panic as he looked around the darkened forest. Dawn would soon arrive, and he would be easily seen. He stumbled forward through a thicket of brambles, praying for deliverance, when his foot came down into a stream. His eyes, the color of sea-spurrey, widened, and turning instinctively, he slogged his way through the knee-deep water, hoping for a miracle.

  He waded through the creek for over a thousand paces before dawn's vibrant finger painted the morning colors in the night sky. Slowly, the darkness that had hidden him, lifted. Fear was a greasy ball in the pit of his stomach. If he could see, so could those pursuing him.

  It was only his gifting that kept him from disaster. As he came around a flowering bush, the stream disappeared into a tall waterfall that exploded off the side of the mountain. He stumbled back; praising God his magick had warned him. Climbing out of the stream, he carefully made his way down the precipice, his hands grasping at the muddy bushes and roots as he climbed.

  Once at the bot
tom, he gazed quickly around him. He couldn't hear the dog anymore, but that didn't reassure him. In fact, it worried him more. Where were the assassins now? How close where they? Keeping a wary eye on the surrounding forest, he jogged along the widening stream. It wasn't until he was upon it, that he saw the mouth of the cave.

  It was huge, twice as tall as a man and several men's height wide. Its gray stone opening was covered in pale green lichen and gnarled roots from broken and rotted trees. The air was cool, and Cyric could hear the sound of rushing water deep within its depths. He took a step forward, smelling the earthy odor of decaying wood and the musty odor of the cave itself. His hand went to his belt and he grasped the weapon firmly. Could this be his miracle?

  He was never given a chance to decide. From out of the trees came the wolf-like hound, his snarling jaws agape. The two hunters broke from the forest right behind it.

  With a gasp, Cyric whirled and sending up a prayer, he plunged into the cave. After a few steps it became pitch black. Not a shred of daylight lingered here. Casting a quick look over his shoulder, he snapped his fingers.

  "Éadrom."

  From within the confines of his fist, a light began to shine. Opening his hand, palm up, the glow shone brighter. Using it, he made his way steadily down into the bowels of the cave. He could hear the men shouting angrily behind him, when the dog refused to enter the darkness. It gave Cyric's heart hope. Perhaps he would make it home to his lovely wife, Shannon, after all. They had just talked of having a child.

  The air was cooler now, the smell more musty and dead. In the illumination of his magick orb, he could see beautiful stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Colors shimmered over them as he made his way through waist deep water, and then back up on the path itself. He followed his instinct ... knowing he would have to go forward. They only thing behind him was imprisonment and death. Even though Labraic was banished back to the underworld, his followers still lived and they would avenge their master.

  "Come out, witch!” The shout sounded muffled in the closed-in quarters of the cave. “Give us the weapon and we will allow you to live."