Sacrifice - A Short Story

Sacrifice - A Short Story

Kell Inkston

Fantasy / Science Fiction / Thriller

Luua of Toor is expecting a spectacular marriage with her one and only now that she's of age, until the Elder busts the news that she's actually the village's sacrifice.Luua of Toor is expecting a spectacular marriage with her one and only now that she's of age, until the Elder busts the news that she's actually the village's sacrifice. She's put on a boat with her two wayfarers, comprising of the village outcast and none other than her now ex-boyfriend, and the three sail off to the island of The Great Face, bearing the place of her sacrifice and the deity that demands it.It's not long on their trip that they're interrupted by a powerful obstacle. A mysterious clanless man pursues them, who has some very different words for Luua about how she should live her life. As her keepers attempt to fend off the clanless, Luua asks herself if dying for the people she loves, but doesn't love her back is really worth it. When it comes to blows and deadly force, will she have the persistence to make a choice that's her own, or will she be rolled by the tide of fate?A short story of thrills, thought, and destiny- join Luua on her journey in learning the value of duty as her life hangs on by a thread.Enjoy!
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Solution

Solution

Kell Inkston

Fantasy / Science Fiction / Thriller

Asegai, a star-faring mercenary of the more relaxed sort, discovers a massive, half-destroyed ship in the middle of deep space. Just before he goes in to scrounge for valuables, a mysterious com tag appears from inside the ship: a request for an assisted suicide. In only minutes, Asegai is thrust into an explosive warzone, the two combatants battling over more than just a single life.Deep space, an endless void, a darkened expanse of littered stars and limitless possibilities, ushers the mercenary Asegai to a derelict, drifting ship. His AI finds, evaluates, and links with the craft, promising vast wealth upon the ship’s recovery. As always, Asegai is cautious but perhaps blinded by the immensity of his discovery.Within the command center of the monstrous prize, the mercenary pilot encounters a ‘life-form’ like no other – Contrarian, an advanced AI with professed feelings and counterintuitive processing. Before long wits are tested and a battle rages, pitting the gifted warrior against an intelligence bent on the destruction of them all.In a stunning upheaval of rational thinking and the concept of artificial intelligence, writer Kell Inkston opens the door to possibilities that will make you rethink advanced evolution, life, and the true meaning of death. You won’t know until the very end who...or what, triumphs.
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Paper

Paper

Kell Inkston

Fantasy / Science Fiction / Thriller

Decades of deception rule a land built on mystic traditions, shrouded fables, and heroic legends. A village bent by the tyranny of an oppressive Overlord rallies behind the single, strong-willed man who can save them from complete destruction.Decades of deception rule a land built on mystic traditions, shrouded fables, and heroic legends. A village bent by the tyranny of an oppressive Overlord rallies behind the single, strong-willed man who can save them from absolute destruction. His name is Ralic, the son of Ralic the 11th and chosen liberator of his people. Armed with the Sword of Destiny, the only weapon powerful enough to destroy the evil Overlord, Ralic seeks the hidden, dark castle tucked away in the furthest recesses of a forbidden forest. A battle of brawn and wits ensues, quickly descending into chaos and madness for Ralic, his wife, Tenay, and the people of an imagined island. Nothing is as it appears, as years of treachery are set ablaze, destroying their world. Still, the people learn the value of holding fast to that which is true, honest, and sacred – the written word. In this fun, empowering short story discover the real meaning behind ‘The pen is mightier than the sword.’ Explore a blend of science fiction and fantasy, weaved through the illusionary words of writer Kell Inkston. Visit the website kellinkston.wordpress.com for free downloads and more magical tales of heroes, villains, and cherished lands.
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Nocturna League (Episode 3: The Sunken Breath)

Nocturna League (Episode 3: The Sunken Breath)

Kell Inkston

Fantasy / Science Fiction / Thriller

When Colette experiences strange dreams, her friend Grancis connects it to a recent incident of a disappearing sailor. Colette’s taken in her sleep to the vessel’s doctor Estradia, a half quack, half electric eel surgeon and shares a dream with Grancis, under the pretense that it will solve the problem.It doesn’t.Ahoy again! Batten down the hatches and make firm the ties, The Nocturna is under attack by something from below! When Colette experiences strange dreams, her friend Grancis connects it to a recent incident of a disappearing sailor. Colette’s taken in her sleep to the vessel’s doctor Estradia, a half quack, half electric eel surgeon and shares a dream with Grancis, under the pretense that it will solve the problem.It doesn’t. Colette wakes up in confusion to find an exact copy of herself aiming to hunt her down. With The Captain no where in sight and the crew asleep, it falls to her to turn Grancis around, make her see the light, and take down the eldritch assassin parasite... thing. If she fails, the parasite will take her place, and no one will no the secret danger surrounding the crew. The fate of The Nocturna and its dozens of lives are in Colette’s hands, and she’ll stop at nothing to clear herself of any suspicion and save the crew! Watch your shoulders and tread lightly, The Eversea awaits you! This is the third in the series. If you’re looking for the first one, (which is free, mind you,) search for “Nocturna League: The Witching Book”.
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Nocturna League (Episode 1: The Witching Book)

Nocturna League (Episode 1: The Witching Book)

Kell Inkston

Fantasy / Science Fiction / Thriller

Avast Matey, welcome aboard the M.S. Nocturna, a ship on the nether reaches of an exotic ocean in search of hidden treasure and witchy artifacts.Join the good-shippin’ crew of scallywags, strange sea-creatures, and a fearless captain who simply must have a magical book that lies in the hands of a great, treacherous witch – Vuuya.Colette, a fiery young jobber of The M.S. Nocturna is given her first assignment off ship. She is commissioned to take part in a search for a magic tome of ancient power: Vuuya’s wish-granting grimoire. Together with two more experienced sailors and The Captain himself, the four reach the island fabled to hold a book able to make dreams come true. Will Colette prove herself as a competent and capable member of the eldritch crew, worthy of The Captain’s respect and glory all her own? Will it be as simple as getting in, sneaking away with the book, and sailing off?Unfortunately for the crew, their expedition carries more teeth than they're expecting—and it’s prepared to bite back. The grimoire of the crew’s desire is a conscious being and a crafty one at that. The book will use every trick in the… book to ensure that this island is The Nocturna’s last stop. The island descends into chaos and Colette is given a choice. Will she fight on and see through the illusions, or will she embrace the darkness like every islander before her? She must act quickly, lest the book’s control turn her allies into enemies. The task is hard, and even harder once The Captain himself is swayed against her. The lives of all aboard The Nocturna are at stake in this introduction to this thrilling, fantasy-filled, action-packed series. So, what are you waiting for? Throw off your landlubber shoes and write your friends and family goodbye. Man your stations and hop aboard, The Eversea awaits you! This is the first of the series
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Ketairne

Ketairne

Kell Inkston

Fantasy / Science Fiction / Thriller

Step into the boots of Narrator: a fearless and wizened hunter-mercenary as he embarks on the hunt of his life.A 10ish page short story for free to you, forever.Violence is at a fever pitch in Ben's city. Angels are being hunted, and authorities kept at bay. Innocent people are caught up in what seems to be an endless onslaught, a panicked fray. These dark times bring together old allies in new bodies. Would you like to play a game? Heads will roll. Tails will turn. Call it in the air.
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Nocturna League (Episode 2: The Mist Hour)

Nocturna League (Episode 2: The Mist Hour)

Kell Inkston

Fantasy / Science Fiction / Thriller

Ahoy and welcome back! Set sail on The Eversea for the second time- hoist off on an uncompromising adventure with powerful relics, talking lobsters, and a dense web of lies and deception.Ahoy and welcome back! Set sail on The Eversea for the second time- hoist off on an uncompromising adventure with powerful relics, a talking lobster, and a dense web of lies and deception. Colette’s pissed this time. Some vagrant with command over the mist kidnaps Colette’s best friend, the also-just-human Grancis. With the “help” of The Captain himself and The Nocturna’s giant killer lobster/cook named Boris, Colette will stop at nothing to get her friend back from the kidnapper’s mysterious island, on which two great houses of sorcery engage in a tumultuous civil war. Sides are quickly chosen and lines are readily drawn when The Captain doubts Colette’s choice as to which house has the kidnappers. It falls to her to prove him wrong, save her friend and play part in a secret conspiracy years and years in planning. She won’t flinch, not even to The Captain- but will her youthful courage, skill and gall me enough to save her friend’s life? Man your stations and hop aboard- The Eversea awaits you! (This is the second of the series.)
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The Kingdom through the Swamp: The Courts Divided - Book 1

The Kingdom through the Swamp: The Courts Divided - Book 1

Kell Inkston

Fantasy / Science Fiction / Thriller

In a land of fabled kingdoms, once respected truces are at risk of descending into all-out war following a gruesome series of murders in Liefland, the last stronghold of mythical creatures.In a land of fabled kingdoms, once respected truces are at risk of descending into all-out war following a gruesome series of murders in Liefland, the last stronghold of mythical creatures. In an effort to keep the peace, the Western Kingdom summons three valiant knights of the Royal Order to investigate and capture the deadly culprits. Knights Law, Love, and Order, accompanied by three lesser protégés, uncover a sinister Necromancer plot to subvert the Fairy King and take a once-in-a-millennia opportunity to question an extra-dimensional being. Unlikely bonds of survival are forged between former foes to keep the entire region from descending into a Necromancer hell of magic and mania. However, such alliances are fragile and easily called into question, as greed for power makes old hatreds bubble to the surface, threatening everything the Western Kingdom and knights hold dear. A battle of good versus evil is at the heart of this twisted, whimsical, fantasy tale. True character and love of humanity will push three veteran knights to the very limits of their creed, cunning, and highly honed skills. For you, choose now where your lot is cast...among the undead or with those of the living, but be warned: night is coming and there can be no rest.
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Woodcastle

Woodcastle

Kell Inkston

Fantasy / Science Fiction / Thriller

Pulled from the front lines of the war, Knight Mage Meeo Letlind isn't expecting a difficult mission, but she’s been wrong before. Alongside a mythic swordsmaiden and a half-dragon who’s all bite and no bark, her team visits the hidden kingdom of the fae to investigate a gruesome string of unexplained murders. But when the search takes Meeo to the furthest reaches of the kingdom’s underground, she discovers an ancient threat. No sooner has she taken up her bow than she finds the very people she strives to protect calling for her head on a platter. Will she put this legend to rest, or will she and her team join the body count? **A sword and sorcery fantasy unlike any you've read, experience shock, whimsy and awe as the tightly wound enigma is slowly unraveled alongside a cast of knights, fairies, little cooks and a rather-dashing badass overlord. To sign up for updates and discover more books, make travel to https://kellinkston.com/ for goodies, free shorts, and more!** The Courts Divided Series: 1: Woodcastle 2: Gravetower (July 2018) 3: Bloodkeep (October 2018)
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