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Victoria Black
Victoria Black
Victoria Black
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Victoria Black

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Lost at sea and raised by pirates, VICTORIA is bent on finding a sorceress’ diamond and using its powers to unite all pirates of the world, but her quest lands her love-struck with the enemy and trapped in an agonizing choice upon discovery of her true identity.
“Victoria Black and the Heart of Stone” is the first book of the trilogy “Victoria and the Immortals”. It follows the story of the young brave Victoria, who's fate turns her from a child princess into a pirate’s daughter. Victoria’s passion for discovering the powerful Diamond of the Sorceress leads her to discover the world of magic and to become the Chosen One who is predestined to unite the brotherhood of the magicians and to stop the advance of the forces of darkness, in their attempt to enslave mankind under the yoke of tyranny.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherRobin Jay
Release dateMar 27, 2014
ISBN9781311332547
Victoria Black

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    Victoria Black - Robin Jay

    Prologue:

    Lost at sea and raised by pirates, VICTORIA is bent on finding a sorceress’ diamond and using its powers to unite all pirates of the world, but her quest lands her love-struck with the enemy and trapped in an agonizing choice upon discovery of her true identity.

    Victoria Black and the Heart of Stone is the first book of the trilogy Victoria and the Immortals. It follows the story of the young brave Victoria, who's fate turns her from a child princess into a pirate’s daughter. Victoria’s passion for discovering the powerful Diamond of the Sorceress leads her to discover the world of magic and to become the Chosen One who is predestined to unite the brotherhood of the magicians and to stop the advance of the forces of darkness, in their attempt to enslave mankind under the yoke of tyranny.

    The Great Sorceress

    It was 1657 AD. The sun's rays danced and sparkled on the brilliant waters of the Bay of Biscay. It was lovely summer’s day and everything would be perfect if had not been that there were three warships at close quarters preparing to engage in a battle. An English frigate surrounded by two heavily armed Spanish galleons, who were preparing to destroy her, their cannons ready to fire, contrary to the English frigate, which sat on the water indifferent and ill prepared for her defense.

    Cannon fire roared across the seascape and smoke filled the air, as a barrage of cannonballs poured over the English frigate, which was taking a hit after hit, but still was not showing any sign of interest to strike back.

    It was no wonder that the English frigate was not firing back as her Captain Livingston, a noble man in his fifties instead of giving orders to his crew was staring at a huge colorless diamond, which he was clinching in his hands. The images of the raging sea battle around him reflected of the facets of the diamond.

    The distorted face of the Navy Captain revealed that he was gripped by fear and horror, oblivious to the carnage around, choosing only to shout at the diamond:

    Obey me Heart of Stone, I command you! Why don’t you listen to me…. a foolish stone? What have I done so wrong, for you to remain silent?

    The captain screamed in anger and frustration, but an ominous rumbling noise of the cannon fire muffled his voice and a huge black shadow eclipsed the light, filling the air with black smoke.

    The British frigate was under heavy fire. Another shot broke, sending decking, barrels and bodies flying. There was panic and mayhem, the noise an unbearable mixture of the screaming wounded and dying, the thunder of enemy artillery, and the roar of cannon balls tearing the hull apart.

    Destruction and panic reigned as Captain Livingstone still stood motionless among the wounded sailors and incoming cannon fire with his face twisted in impotent rage and horror. The Vice Captain, rugged man in his forties, ran to him sweaty and resentful, shouting:

    Captain, for God's sake, give the order! We will sink without firing a single shot!

    Heart of Stone, obey me! I command you! Captain Livingstone said, without taking his gaze off the diamond.

    I beg you, sir, give the command! The crew, are in a panic, we are all awaiting your orders! The Vice Captain imploringly insisted, but got no reply.

    At the same time on the command ship of the Spanish galleons. The Spanish Captain was observing the damage of the English frigate through his telescope, wondering at the easy of his victory he was about to achieve, as their enemy had not even retaliated with even a single cannon shot. He was enjoying the fire blazing on the decks of English frigate and the impending sight of her floundering.

    They squeal like pigs, let us see if they swim like pigs. One more volley, Master Gunner, then let us then sail home victorious. Fire!" The Spanish captain commanded loudly in Spanish.

    The silence was broken again by an earth-shattering sound as the Howitzer cannon spewed out its 30lb cannonball, hurtling towards the crippled English frigate... Two batteries of cannons simultaneously fired their destructive projectiles which flew onto the defenseless English frigate.

    Back on the English frigate, the doomed crew looked numb with horror at the barrage of cannonballs flying towards them. The cannon balls slammed into the ship's deck. Deck boards exploded, wounded and dying crewmen littered the ship and small fires erupted. Captain Livingstone looked on helpless...

    Lethal shards of wood burst around. Wooden barrels ignited through the smoke. A terrible mayhem and desecration reigned on board. Crewmen were bleeding, corpses were piling up. Chunks of debris cascaded. It was brutal, loud and deadly.

    Another cannon ball slammed into the deck, hurling crewmen into a mast; canvas sails fell; revealing the Spanish Galleon to port: An unbelievable roar followed, the air filled with black smoke, the hull took the full force of the barrage, it was torn apart, and the frigate tilted dangerously. A Cannon ball hit the foremast; it creaked ominously and began to fall…

    At the Spanish galleons jubilation filled the air, the crew rejoiced at the impending sinking of the English frigate. The captain signaled and the guns were recharged and ready to shoot again, for the final death blow, as the English frigate was on the verge of sinking.

    Back on the English frigate as the broken foremast began to fall above Captain Livingstone head, he did not summon up any effort to evade it, but just roared in rage, waiting for his impending death:

    Damn you Kaniarin! Damn you and damn your worthless Heart of Stone!

    Suddenly from nowhere a strong storm appeared and a huge column of water rose from the sea, which headed rapidly towards the English frigate, reaching it in an instance. Everyone watched helpless and terrified, fearing that the column would swallow the ship. But as the water column reached the ship, it poured onto the deck, taking human form - it was the sorceress Kaniarin, a young striking woman with long brown hair and burning ferocious black eyes.

    Kaniarin stretched her right hand imperiously towards the falling mast, which promptly stopped and hung suspended in the air.

    Exclamations of astonishment resounded onboard; Captain Livingstone fell to his knees, gazing with guilt as if hypnotized by Kaniarin. Ignoring him, the mighty sorceress reached out to the next barrage of cannonballs, flying towards them. As if by an order, a wall of water rose from the sea, deflecting the cannonballs which flew back towards the Spanish galleon.

    The Spanish captain and his crew watched terrified the huge wall of water, separating them from the British frigate, and their own cannonballs flying towards them, panic engulfed them.

    Back on the English frigate, Kaniarin made her way through the debris to the kneeling Captain Livingstone and fixed her eyes on him with blame.

    Kaniarin! Thank God you have come! The Captain exclaimed and bowed his head down as he couldn’t bear the heaviness of her blameful look.

    Kaniarin looked at him contemptuously, and then turned her attention to the second Spanish galleon as it had just launched another volley at the English frigate. Kaniarin gestures imperatively with both hands as if pushing something invisible.

    A powerful tornado appeared by magic, swirling towards the approaching volleys and swallowing them. The magical tornado lifted them high into the sky, pouring them down upon the second Spanish galleon.

    Satisfied, Kaniarin turned back to the captain, staring silently at him.

    Kaniarin, I'm sorry, I did everything exactly as you said, but your diamond would not obey me!

    I gave you a power, which no other man has ever possessed! I believed in you, but you have failed!

    Kaniarin, I swear, I really tried! Livingstone cried out in frustration.

    Ha! You've shown you are but a shell of a man, Livingstone! You have no true self! You've exchanged your spiritual freedom for the king's approval. You've forgotten your soul, only serving your vanity. My diamond - the Heart of Stone will be forever useless in your possession. The sorceress said with growing vexation

    Captain Livingstone, hurt and frustrated, got on his feet, moved towards the sorceress. At the same moment thunder shook the air, as the Spanish galleons fired again at the frigate, this time simultaneously. The crew of the English frigate froze in horror, their eyes fixed on the sorceress.

    Kaniarin sighed, and slowly raised her hands. A magic veil of smoke enveloped the ship and swept it upon the waves with unimaginable speed far away from the Spanish galleons. The entire crew exclaimed in surprise, as some crossed themselves, others trembled with fear and some kneeled before the sorceress. Kaniarin paid no attention to them, as she suddenly noticed the foremast, still hanging in the air. She made a slight, imperious gesture and the foremast erected itself and becomes whole again. With few more gestures and with the full power of her magical force, she repaired the damages, taken by the frigate to the great amazement of the crew.

    Fired with hope, Captain Livingstone pleaded with Kaniarin:

    I'm sorry, Kaniarin. I beg you, give me another chance to prove myself! I swear, this time I'll –

    Your time has gone, Captain Livingstone! You did not find and stand by who you really are. But, you are not the chosen one. We are patient, we must wait... The sorceress interrupted him with a cold stern voice.

    Patient? How long can you wait? Livingstone uttered, as his hope was fading.

    Kaniarin laughed, the sound was eerie as it echoed.

    We are as eternal as the fight. A mortal's life is nothing but a speck in eternity. We will wait as long as it takes.

    Suddenly the sorceress disappeared. The crew whispered in amazement, as Captain Livingstone looked devastated, still clutching the diamond, hanging around his neck…

    Far away from them, the terrified Spanish captain and crew stared at the huge ball of smoke, where the English frigate had been. Suddenly, the smoke dissipated and to their shock now there was no trace of her.

    She's gone! It's the work of the devil! Or worse still Kaniarin... The Spanish Captain uttered in fear and crossed himself a dozen times, as his crew promptly followed his example.

    Then the captain barked out orders, as the Spanish sailors and gunners began to draw in their cannons. The crew rapidly climbed the rigging to unfurl the large mainsails. The massive battle ship and its companion vessel almost simultaneously swept away from the scene of the battle.

    ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

    Night was falling over the impressive snow-covered peaks of the Andes. High up under the steep peaks, which as if were reaching the dark skies, a cold vast lake was spreading its dark and mysterious water, as only its black surface was glimmering by the reflections of the stars. Hanging above its black surface, the sorceress Kaniarin was sitting thoughtful in the air. Her beautiful and inscrutable face was still like stone; her long black hair was mixed by the sinisterly whirling wind and in her dark deep eyes was burning a threatening fire of anger.

    Suddenly a transparent silhouette of a young tall man appeared in a distance. He was walking fast towards her upon the lake, and as nearer as he got to her he started to transform himself into flesh and bones.

    Why are you hiding from me, Kaniarin? Don’t make me wait, sister! Is your friend, the Captain the one we are waiting for?

    Kaniarin smiled in a sinister way, and then she slowly arose to her feet and fixed her burning eyes in his.

    Patient! You never learned to be patient! She said disdainfully to her brother. No. His soul is lost for us, Evidian. We must wait.

    Evidian’s face became distorted by frustration. He couldn’t hold his disappointment and shouted.

    It can not be! You are wrong, Kaniarin! You never helped him enough! You must give him another chance; he is honest, brave… You are too hard with him!

    My Diamond, the Heart of Stone will choose the One, I don’t need to help anyone!

    Please, my sister, let me try to make him fit… Evidian begged her in despair.

    I said he is not the one! The Heart of Stone has doomed him…

    Bursting in anger Evidian’s body flamed into fire. She seemed to him so bold and stubborn, she had never shown any sympathy to his tormented broken heart which was bleeding helplessly for two thousand years!

    Again your DAMN DIAMOND! And what about my heart! What about the endless anguish I suffer?

    I’ve always said – it’s all your fault! Kaniarin marked with a cold voice.

    I swear, your silly Stone is wrong this time!

    Kaniarin looked with pity at him and smiled. Evidian felt devastated at her look, the flames died and his eyes dropped down in despair.

    I can’t live without her anymore… He whispered with a dying strength.

    Ha-ha! Haven’t been 2000 years enough time to forget this useless love of yours? Kaniarin exclaimed and walked off.

    Being hurt too much by her words, Evidian rushed after her and grabbed her by her shoulders, turning her around.

    You are heartless! You know nothing about love! I shall not let you create the rules anymore! We must find another way! He declared firmly.

    Kaniarin freed herself from his grasp.

    As long as I’m stronger then you, I’ll make the rules. We shall wait! You better drop these silly thoughts of love, as she has forgotten your name long ago for sure! Actually I think I can help you. She gave him a contemptuous smile and stretched her hand towards him.

    Unable to fight her will, the heartbroken Evidian slowly sank into the lake, disappearing into its dark deep water.

    That will give you a time to think! Kaniarin laughed loud and then melted without trace into the air as the echo of her laughter lingered in the air.

    The Fate of a Little Princess

    A cold misty autumn night of 1757 had fallen over the English Channel. A fierce storm was raging, wind and rain beat down on the sea. An English Galleon loomed on the horizon battling the storm. Sailors were rushing about, securing the ship against the raging storm. Lord John Smythe, a stout man in his 30s, looked nervously around, clutching in his arms a curly blonde haired girl – his niece the two year old Henrietta, wrapped in a blanket. Henrietta’s eyes were full of tears, as she looked scared. The waves were fearsomely crashing on the sides of the hull while the sailors were running around in a panic as the captain shouted orders on the deck.

    Surreptitiously Lord Smythe made for a long boat and placed Henrietta inside secretly from the others. He stared at the child - there was an evil in his eyes, and then he whispered:

    Sorry, sweetheart, you were never in my plans.

    He unleashed the tie ropes. Henrietta screamed in escalating fear, but her weak child voice was muffled by the roar of the waves. The boat slammed onto the surface of the water and was carried away in the storm.

    Plots in the Royal Court

    The great hall of the of the grand and luxurious Royal Palace, proudly situated in the heart of London, bustled with noise and excitement of the Royal Court gathered before King George III. The King like every young ruler, full of pride, was looking imperative upon his loyal subjects from the height of his throne. The King was in the first year of his reign and had just survived from a deadly plot to have him be replaced by his elder brother, his late father’s bastard son. Now the young ruler was hungry to taste his victory and to demonstrate his supreme power. The king’s eyes was burning with a fearsome look, even thou he was doing his best to follow the advice of his mother, Queen Augusta to present himself as a wise and gracious sovereign of his loyal subjects. As an experienced politician Queen Augusta was strictly watching her elder son, which made him feel nervous. He knew whole heartedly he was yearning to rule the kingdom as he wished, but he still couldn’t dare to dismiss his mother’s advice.

    Rays of sunlight streamed through the magnificent stained glass windows and reflected on the splendid jewelers of the young and beautiful Queen Charlotte, who being fully devoted to her vanity, was ignorant of the emotions of her royal husband. So she was simply enjoying herself to explore her irresistible influence over the young noblemen, who couldn’t take their eyes off her.

    Next to the Dowager Queen Augusta the young Prince Edward was standing, held by his nanny. The Prince had just turned two so he really showed no interest in the life of the court and was giving his nanny a hard time, fighting with all his strength to leave this annoying place.

    Prince Charles was standing not too far from the royal family. He was a tall man in his 40s with sharp features and small devilish eyes, staring at the king with a hidden hatred. He was very nervous and there was a good reason for that as he had just evaded being implicated in the latest plot. To keep his name clean, he had to sacrifice some of his most loyal men. He didn’t care much about them, the only problem he had now was that he was completely alone and too weak to plot again.

    The doors of the great hall opened and Duke Livingstone, tall and distinguished, stepped proudly in. Prince Charles bit his lips with anger, as the Duke approached and bowed in front of the King and the Queens. Charles simply hated him and he had a reason too. After all, the duke was the one who had toppled his plot.

    Duke of Livingstone, in recognition of your loyalty and courage in foiling a plot against the crown, we proclaim today the engagement of our own prince Edward to your daughter, Lady Henrietta.

    Queen Augusta gave the Duke a kindness smile and handed him the engagement contract. The Duke fell on his knee and kissed her hand in gratitude. Among the royal court, some smiled with joy others murmured discontent. Duke Livingstone stood up and bowed again, then said:

    You are too kind, your majesty. I only did my duty...

    King George interrupted him, pleased by his humble manners:

    ...If only others thought the same as you, be not so humble, your grace.

    Thank you, your majesty, my family will always endeavour to be in your honour and grace.

    Bored queen Augusta intervened in the conversation:

    We know your love for us, Duke. I am surprised we do not see your daughter here? Where is the child?

    Alas there is some delay, your majesty; she arrives soon with my noble brother, Lord Smythe.

    So bring her to us as soon as she arrives.

    Queen Augusta gave a sign to the Duke, he bowed and left.

    ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

    Moonlight streamed through the open French windows of prince Charles chambers. Lord Smythe stood before Prince Charles, who was behind his desk. Lord Smythe placed a purse of gold sovereigns on the desk and opened the ties for Prince Charles to see the coins.

    Well, well, Lord Smythe. You know how to provide the most persuasive reasons for your cause…

    Lord Smythe stared impatient and nervous at the Prince.

    It means your highness can provide me with his support for my daughter’s engagement to the young Prince?

    Prince Charles looked greedy at the purse, and then pulled it towards himself.

    You know I love to keep you happy, Smythe, but my position has grown weak after my closest men have been executed for a plot against the king…

    Lord Smythe fought to hold his growing frustration, as the prince put his purse into his drawer.

    So my dear Lord, you’ll have my support for the future…

    I want it done now, your highness, or I want my gold back!

    Apparently you’ve been missing recently from the court, Lord Smythe; otherwise you would know that the young Prince is already engaged to Lady Henrietta the daughter of your so noble brother! The prince spoke with a visible hatred.

    I know, your highness, but believe me, this is not a problem for my case. I’ve taken care of it.

    Prince Charles stared again at him, this time with a rising interest, sensing that something very mean and cruel has been done and the people capable of such deeds, were the people he mostly admired. That lifted Charles’s mood, he thought for a moment about Lord Smythe, as it seamed to him he had probably underestimated him.

    In that case, Lord Smythe, I don’t see any more problems for me to support your daughter’s engagement to the young Prince.

    Thank you, your highness!

    Prince Charles gave a sign for the Lord to leave, but he didn’t move and said:

    Our deal includes the position of the Governor of Port Royal; I deeply pray your highness to remember this.

    Oh, yes, how could I forget…?

    Prince Charles looked at him with scorn and smiled, then he took out from a drawer a rolled up paper baton with a royal seal dangling from it and offered it to Lord Smythe. Lord Smythe pretended to be surprised with joy and took it, bowed and exited the chambers.

    From a Princess to a Pirate’s Daughter

    A calm sunny day, sunlight shimmered on the beautiful flat surface of the English Channel. A long boat was drifting aimlessly, as the young Henrietta laid on its deck, half under a blanket. She was whimpering, her lips were parched, as she looked weak and scared. Her tears had dried out, her face, arms and legs were blistered, and she looked like a rag doll.

    ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

    Suddenly a ship, a two masted Schooner appeared on the horizon. Her sails billowing in the wind. She was a magnificent and fast, sailing at a full speed. But the Schooner was not a merchant one, which could be revealed by her two additional rows of cannons and by her black flag with a scull and bones – yes, she was a pirate ship.

    The pirate look-out noticed the long boat and shouted load:

    Captain! Long boat adrift on the port bow.

    Jim O’Connor, pirate captain in his early forties, a man to be feared and respected, heard and looked out, searching for the boat, as the crew rushed to join in the search.

    Helmsman, do you see it? Bring us alongside.

    The schooner promptly changed her course and in short time it reached next to the boat. Using grappling and boat hooks the crew rushed to secure the boat.

    Jim O’Connor pointed impatiently at the boat to his crew.

    Well, men, let’s see what the next gift of the sea is. Our hold is full and we are getting richer than the king, but I'll not deny another boat full of booty.

    Stone, young pirate, a giant of a man, but surprisingly for a pirate calm and soft hearted, stepped onto the boat and lifted the blanket, revealing to everyone surprise the lone huddled figure of the scared Henrietta.

    Damn! What's this? Stone stepped back not less shocked then the crying baby girl.

    Stone hesitated for a moment then he grabbed Henrietta, as she gazed at him with tearful eyes. He carried her on board the ship, clutching her in one arm.

    All pirates surrounded Stone, looking with a silly faces at the little blond Henrietta, not knowing what to say.

    Storm, young man, a small nervous guy, peered at her and shouted sarcastically:

    Captain, nothing, but a stinking little mouse.

    The

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