Inheritance
Episode 1 of the Wizards of Seattle Series
Jason wonders if his luck has finally turned around when he discovers he will inherit a luxurious home infused with ancient magic and a sizable fortune from a relative he’d never known existed. Of course, there’s a catch. His younger brother and his cousin will inherit equal parts of the inheritance and it is stipulated in the will that they must live together first before they gain possession of the estate.
All three of them are potential White Knights with the rare ability to practice advanced white magic. They must learn to use their new power and defend themselves from a secret organization that is armed with potent, black magic. This novella is the first installment of the Wizards of Seattle series.
Caretaker
Episode 2 of the Wizards of Seattle Series
Jason has recently discovered his new category six wizardry was a result of a genetic experiment performed by a secret organization called the Ebullio. Now that he has broken free of their mind control enchantment, suppressed memories float to the surface and he remembers the terrifying abductions and genomic therapy that he and his younger brother, Benjamin, endured. Meanwhile, the Valituras have set their sights on Jason, unleashing powerful curses designed to kill him and his family. As Jason learns more about the Ebullio and the Valituras, he realizes that danger lurks behind every corner and the enemy could be hiding in plain sight. This novella is the second installment of the Wizards of Seattle series.
John O'Riley began writing at a very early age. In fact, he's been writing for as long as he can remember. He is an award winning writer of novels and screenplays in the category of urban fantasy, comedy, mystery, science fiction and young adult. His movie feature screenplay, Cursed, is an Honorable Mention Winner for the 2012 Screenplay Festival. His most recent accomplishments include the screenplays Cursed, Project Pandora, Pinky Swear, Incipio, and Bad Sister which have been listed as Quarter Finalists, Semi Finalists, and Top Finalists in the 2012 Screenplay Festival, 2012 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards, 2012 StoryPros International Awards, 2012 Pulsar Sci Fi Screenplay Contest, and the 2012 Reel Authors International Breakout.
He loves reading fantasy, science fiction, and humorous fiction. Some of his favorite authors include Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Kay Hooper (Bishop Files/ psychic detective thrillers), Kat Richardson, J.K. Rowling, Angie Sage, Jayne Krentz, and Janet Evanovich. He currently resides in Washington state and owns a very friendly parakeet named Amy who helps spark his imagination. Follow John:
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Excerpt:
“It’s hard to believe that tomorrow marks my
three month anniversary,” Jason said in a wry tone.
Michelle regarded him with puzzlement. “What
are you talking about?”
“It will be exactly three months since I
lost my job at Adventi Magics.” It embarrassed him that he couldn’t find work
while at the same time it also irked him, so naturally he brought attention to
the fact that he was currently unemployed to his friends during almost every
conversation.
Michelle leveled a commiserating look at
him. “I’m so sorry, Jason. The economy is really tough right now. It’s the
worst recession in recorded history.”
“All the signs point to a recovery in the
very near future,” Monte advised.
Monte kept up with current events by
constantly reading the news apps on his smartphone. In fact, he had his maroon
phone resting on the table in front of him and surreptitiously glanced at it
long enough to read bits and pieces as he conversed with his two friends.
“You’ve been saying that for weeks,” Jason
pointed out.
“No, I haven’t.” Monte’s tone was distracted
as he read over something on his cell.
Jason’s gaze was drawn to the front door as
a tall, slender, dark-haired woman stepped into the bar. She was dressed all in
black and her eyes were jet-black without a trace of white. As Jason focused on
her with his third eye chakra, he realized that she was comprised of a complex
pattern of dark energy. Apprehension slithered through his body when he
realized that this wasn’t even a person.
“I can’t believe it.” Jason stared at the
woman in shock.
She stood in front of the closed door and
slowly perused the crowded establishment, searching for someone. Michelle and
Monte craned their heads to peer in that direction as they sought out what had
garnered Jason’s attention. It didn’t take them long to notice the black eyes
of the newcomer.
“What is that? A vampire?” Michelle asked.
“No, it’s a curse,” Jason advised.
Michelle frowned with puzzlement. “But it’s
a woman. How is that possible?”
“I recognize it from what I’ve read about
black magic,” Jason said.
“Why are you reading about black magic?”
Michelle regarded him with surprise and a hint of disapproval.
“I like to be informed on all types of
magic,” Jason replied. “You can’t defend yourself against something you know
nothing about.”
“Why on earth would you think someone would
cast a curse on you?” Michelle asked.
Jason’s face reddened with chagrin. “I don’t
know. It just seemed like a good idea to be knowledgeable about that kind of
thing.”
“I wholeheartedly approve,” Monte chimed in.
“Knowledge is power.”
Jason stiffened with shock when the woman’s
gaze locked with his. For several seconds, she didn’t move a muscle and then
she strode towards him.
“Oh my God! She’s coming this way! She’s
staring right at me!” Jason exclaimed with horror.
“Surely not.” Michelle narrowed her eyes
with speculation as she eyed the occupied table directly behind Jason. “It’s
probably those guys.”
“I have to get out of here.” Jason jumped to
his feet and tried to remember if there was an exit in the back.
He stood near the entrance to a short
hallway leading to the restrooms but he couldn’t remember if there was a way
out. He silently chastised himself for not paying better attention. A few
others had noticed the woman’s eyes and steered clear of her as they obviously
assumed she was a vampire or succubus.
“What kind of curse is it?” Monte rose to
his feet and leveled a questioning look at his friend.
“It’s a construo letalis curse,” Jason said.
“Those things are impervious to magic. You can’t shield yourself from them or
fight them.”
“What
happens if you try?” Michelle stood up and shot a wary glance at the woman who
continued to stalk closer to them.
“You can slow them down with a spell or two
but they adapt,” Jason said.
The curse was only three tables away from
them.
“Is there an exit by the restrooms?” Jason
asked.
“No, there’s not,” Michelle said.
“I was afraid of that.” Jason swallowed and
his stomach knotted with terror.
He couldn’t think of any way out of this. He
was just an average category three wizard with a few minor defensive spells
he’d purchased at the store. He wore two silver-colored tungsten rings on his
right hand, which he activated. A flash of silver light in the shape of a
sphere materialized around him for just a split second before turning
invisible. It probably wouldn’t even slow her down for a second. The woman
reached their table and made a beeline for Jason. He jumped back just as her
hand rushed forward with inhuman speed and he avoided her touch by mere inches.
He scooted around the table to keep it between them. Michelle and Monte backed
away from them. Jason and the curse circled the table in one direction then the
other. Jason’s heart thudded wildly in his chest as the woman stopped and
stared at him with her soulless black eyes. She dove across the table and
tackled him. Jason’s breath was knocked out of him as his back hit the ground
with her on top. The meager protection of his enchantment had failed to even
slow her down.
The curse leaned
forward as she sat on him and wrapped her fingers around his neck in a viselike
grip that cut off all his air.
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