Death World's Divide Book 2 Read online

  DEATH

  World’s Divide

  Book 2

  Ryan Hartung

  All people in this book are a work of fiction that were birthed within the author’s mind. Places, names, and everything in between are a complete work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual people, places and events is purely coincidental.

  Published 2014 By Molecularly Primed Publishing at Smashwords

  Death: World’s Divide Book 2

  Copyright © 2014 Ryan Hartung

  ISBN 978-1-942123-01-9 Electronic

  www.ryanhartung.com

  All rights reserved, No part of this book may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission, except in brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews. For more information, contact Molecularly Primed Publishing.

  Cover illustration and interior design by Raven Tree Design

  www.raventreedesign.com

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes:

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Table of Contents

  Title

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Sample

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  This book is dedicated to my beautiful wife Elizabeth.

  I hope you enjoy this book. Reviews are always appreciated, and help both authors and readers.

  Chapter

  1

  Russian President Boris Aleksandrov watched the final clip of his state ran news version of CNN, which was currently detailing ad nauseam the Americans’ miraculous find of the ancient Peruvian artifact. The piece he noticed, however, was devoid of any mention of England first having the remarkable artifact and then allowing it to slip through their hands. In actuality, it mattered little to Boris who currently possessed the Lightning Staff, as the reporters had dubbed the artifact. What mattered to Boris was the possibility that more relics like it might actually exist.

  “Have we taken to napping this early in the morning?” Anatoly Lipov, his aging mentor, questioned from the open door at seeing the Russian President silently staring out his large office window. Anatoly roughly pushed his unkempt greying hair to one side of his head, which meshed well with his rather drab communist styled clothing of dark blues and grey. Only his bright blue ever-watching eyes led credence to the brilliant and calculating mind hidden under the unimpressive exterior.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I was only pondering this morning’s world news report,” Boris replied. Anatoly had taught him much over the years, but his mentor’s judgmental character at times was a difficult pill to swallow, such as today where a simple good morning would have sufficed.

  “Ahh, I see you’ve heard about the American’s discovery then. Have you any thoughts on the matter?”

  Boris studied the aging communist legend, knowing he believed there was only one correct answer to the question. “I was thinking Russia would benefit greatly from a device such as that. To control the lightning, what a weapon,” Boris thoughtfully said, while at the same time eyeing his mentor and seeking his approval.

  “Yes, powerful indeed, Boris. However, that staff would not necessarily have to serve as just a weapon though. Perhaps as a source of electricity or even more than that,” Anatoly returned. “But we shouldn’t waste our time deliberating the would haves and could haves. What we should be discussing is that there are potentially five remaining artifacts.”

  “If they even exist,” Boris blurted out, unconvinced.

  “Are you really that naïve to believe they don’t? The whole world has seen what the Lightning Staff can do. Do you really believe the passage of time has destroyed the other artifacts? Humans used to think the world was flat and that the earth was the center of the universe. Is it really that ridiculous that we might have been wrong about this too?”

  “What do you want me to do old man?” Boris demanded, sick of Anatoly’s game of questions. “Tell me!”

  “You are the Russian president. You must decide for yourself what you must do. I can only offer advice. But, in a situation such as this, as the Americans are fond of saying, it’s the early bird that gets the worm. I do not believe it would be wise to wait in the shadows while the rest of the world is hunting for these magnificent treasures.”

  “You would hunt for the relics then?”

  “I would,” Anatoly replied matter-of-factly.

  “Well, I know you have a plan so spit it out. I’m not a mind reader.”

  “If I were Russia’s president I would send a small reconnaissance team to search for the only artifact whose location was explicitly defined. I’d send them to Mount Vesuvius in Naples, Italy.”

  “What type of team, military or scientific?”

  “That would be up you to decide, but I believe a team comprised of both trades would be most advantageous. My daughter Natalya has made quite a name for herself in Russian archeological circles. Plus, her views are staunchly in line with The Communist Party. There would be no lingering concerns that she’d use the artifact for personal gain or citizenship to another country. To her Russia comes first.”

  “Yes, I have watched her grow quite strong in many circles of influence lately, much like her older father,” Boris replied to his mentor and saw a brief burst of pride in the old man’s eyes. “I believe one scientific mind should be sufficient however for a mission such as this. The other members should all come from our military elite.”

  “Agreed. And there is one commander above all else who is perfectly suited for the task at hand.”

  “Vladimir Pavlov?” Boris Aleksandrov asked, certain he already knew the answer.

  “Exactly,” Anatoly confirmed. “Let him pick his team. Two or three more soldiers along with Natalya will form a small group that can quickly enter and exit Italy without drawing very much attention. They should be able to ascertain if there is any validity to the treasure’s existence or if it’s a ruse.”

  “Yes, that is a good plan. I’ll send Vladimir his orders. I’ll inform him we want him and his team ready to go and out of the country within a day’s time. His efficiency is well known. I wouldn’t be surprised if within another forty-eight hours after their departure, we will know if the purported treasure of Hades actually exists.”

  “And with it, whether Russia will once again be able to control its own destiny,” Anatoly added with optimism.

  ***

  “Get a move on Dmitry, President Aleksandrov wanted us in the air two hours ago!” Vladimir Pavlov gruffly ordered his subordinate. Two hours earlier their first plane, on attempting to leave the Smolensk North Airport just outside of Moscow, had blown one of its engines. As Vladimir and his crew of three had been boarding the plane, the two pilots were dutifully following their normal checklists before takeoff. Out of nowhere, while the pilots were lastly checking each engine in turn, one of the engines caught fire, where the airport’s ground crew quickly extinguished it. The fire had scrapped their flight.

  Although an inconvenience, the situation was not out of the ordinary for Russia’s aging fleet of military vehicles and ai
rcraft. Vladimir had then quickly radioed his superiors requesting another plane, which was finally ready.

  “Alright, on the plane everyone,” Vladimir ordered his small team. Natalya and Pavel dutifully boarded the waiting aircraft, but their third companion was nowhere to be seen. Now, two hours later and behind schedule, Dmitry had somehow found a way to unready himself from the boarding process.

  “So help me Dmitry, if you don’t get your white Russian butt on that plane in the next five minutes I’ll shoot you myself!” Vladimir growled, getting no response from Dmitry concerning his previous order. Vladimir’s second threat, being much harsher than the first, finally found Dmitry’s attention. Within well under five minutes, Dmitry was on the plane strapped in his seat with his military gear stowed underneath.

  Having worked for Vladimir in the past, Dmitry was quite aware of his leader’s ability to make good on his threats. As Vladimir himself boarded the plane, Dmitry along with Pavel and Natalya Lipov stared back at him with expressionless faces, waiting their orders.

  Before addressing his small commando unit, Vladimir stuck his head into the pilot’s cockpit and ordered, “Take off now.” He didn’t elaborate because he didn’t need to. As he spoke his words, the tone in his voice let the pilots know he meant now.

  Immediately, the pilots hurried the last part of their checklist. Before Vladimir had his seat belt buckled, the plane was already beginning to hurl itself down the cracked runway. He did not smile nor did he feel pleased that they were following his orders with such speed and veracity; he expected them to be.

  In his seat with his lap belt secured, he turned in his chair to the three other Russians on the plane. Vladimir had worked with both Dmitry and Pavel on numerous military campaigns. When picking his team of three for this most curious of quests, he had required each person to be as different from the rest as possible to maximize their combined talents.

  Dmitry was tall, but not overly muscular. Vladimir had chosen him to serve as the brains of their outfit. Most of the military units he’d previously worked with knew his computer skills and problem solving tactics were virtually unparalleled. For Vladimir however, the most important aspect of Dmitry’s character, regardless of how smart he was, was that foremost Dmitry was a soldier first.

  Pavel was not so much unlike Dmitry, also quite smart himself, but his talents lied elsewhere than modern electronic machinery. Pavel was a soldier’s soldier to the core. There had yet to be an aircraft or military vehicle he couldn’t operate or figure out. Radios, explosives, weaponry, Pavel was a master of each. If their small team encountered any resistance on their quest for Hades’ treasure Vladimir felt as comfortable counting on Pavel as he did himself.

  The only member of their quartet that Vladimir had not encountered before was Nataly Lipov. He knew she was the daughter of the Russian hero Anatoly Lipov, was considered a rising star in the communist party and was the only member of his squad he was not allowed to choose; besides those few facts he knew very little else. Looking her over, Vladimir noticed she was quite attractive, with solid Russian facial features and dark hair. Indeed, she was perfectly proportioned in almost every way. Her build was feminine, yet he could tell her core was fully muscled. Her soft brown eyes were alluring, but underneath he sensed an unyielding resolve and nerves of steel that any woman in Russian politics had to have.

  “Listen up, I’m only going to say this once,” Vladimir began. “Dmitry, Pavel, we know each other well, and we’ve worked well together in the past. Natalya, I have yet to work with you, but your reputation speaks volumes. Our task, we’ve been chosen to undertake, is interesting and not without ambiguity.

  “We’re flying directly into Naples, Italy. We’ll then grab a car and drive to the base of Mount Vesuvius. From there we’ll backpack with our gear to the top of the volcano, don our heat resistant suits if needed, and make our way inside the cone. As of now, the volcano is dormant, so we’ll have to find a way inside the temple if there is one. Pavel, that’s where we’re counting on you. At the bottom of the cone, the heat should be bearable, maybe not even noticeable, but we’ll need to get through the top layer. Personally, I think we’re on a wild goose chase concerning this treasure, but this order has come directly from the president himself.

  Natalya, why don’t you tell us a little more about what we’re after,” Vladimir finished and turned his attention to the attractive woman.

  “Sure. About twenty-four hours ago, news broke on what an American team of archeologists uncovered in the Amazon. They found a staff that can control lightning and is purportedly to be from or is the Greek god Zeus himself. There were five other treasures mentioned at the base of where they had discovered the Lightning Staff, and Mount Vesuvius was the only location out of the five that had been definitively named.

  “Boris Aleksandrov has given permission to proceed to check the validity of this second treasure. I can’t tell you if it exists or not. Even if the treasure was buried at the mouth of Vesuvius, the volcano has erupted so many times since then, the treasure and its chamber might have been completely destroyed some time ago. Our mission is to find out if anything is down there and if there is, to retrieve it for Mother Russia.”

  Vladimir looked at Natalya and nodded in complete agreement. She only enhanced her attractiveness by her military-like directness and description of their task. “Any questions?” he asked. He expected none and no one asked.

  He often wondered what his position would be like in the American army. Did they debate every order or were the higher official’s orders followed to the letter like his in Russia? Regardless of the Americans’ popular democratic style of leadership, Vladimir was completely content in giving orders and knowing no one, if they knew what was good for them, would ever think to disobey.

  Vladimir had his doubts about finding anything of value in the volcano’s dormant crater, let alone some magical artifact thousands of years old. He shifted his body forward and stared through the cockpit’s open door. Miles and miles of clear blue sky dotted with an occasional white wispy cloud formed the horizon. Vladimir didn’t know why, but he felt it was an unusually optimistic sky.

  Chapter

  2

  A pair of robins chirping outside Colt Andrews’s window was making just enough noise to cause him to stir. His eyes fluttered open and shut, while his body tried to wake. Letting out a long yawn, he stretched out his left arm and felt Hillary lying by his side. Rolling over to his side, he faced her. She was still peacefully sleeping; gathering her strength for maybe their most daring adventure yet.

  Her long dark-brown hair flowed along the white pillow. Even now, without wearing any makeup, Colt felt a strong physical attraction to her. He felt he was lucky to be dating a woman as beautiful as her. One who, in reality, didn’t even need makeup and some days never even bothered to put it on. Her lips were full and red, and her cheeks still carried a light pinkish hue in the early morning light.

  She took in a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes. “Are you watching me sleep again?” she asked with a caring smile.

  “Who me?” Colt feigned, knowing she had busted him as usual.

  “Yes you,” she replied and scooted closer to him. He bent over to kiss her just as a pounding sounded on their bedroom door.

  THUMP, THUMP, THUMP

  “Hey, are you guys awake in there?” Dominic yelled through the closed door. “I can hear you breathing. General Radcliff’s outside, and he says it’s time to get going.”

  “No rest for the weary, I guess,” Colt sighed as he reluctantly released Hillary from his grasp and got out of bed. “Five minutes, Dom,” he yelled and started pulling on his clothes he’d laid over one of their hotel room chairs the night before.

  Hillary sighed and rolled herself off the other side of the bed. Out of the corner of his eye, Colt drank in her luxurious curves and well-toned female body. He was lucky indeed.

  Hillary could sense Colt was eyeing her and sent him a seductive smile
before disappearing into the bathroom for a quick shower. Six minutes later, with both Dominic and General Radcliff looking annoyed, Colt and Hillary appeared in the adjoining area between their and Dominic’s rooms dressed and ready to go.

  Waiting behind Dominic and the General was a man neither of them had ever met.

  “Colt, Hilary, this is Colonel Cliff Barns. He’ll be your military advisor while in Italy. We have reason to believe the Russians and the Chinese are also sending teams to search for the Hades artifact, so his expertise might be needed.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Colt said, shaking the Colonel’s hand. He studied the highly decorated Marine and disliked him almost immediately. Cliff’s good looks and somewhat arrogant mannerisms bothered him. Still shaking hands, the men tightened their squeezes, each attempting to assert their dominance over the other.

  “Alright boys, that’s enough,” Hillary protested as the testosterone hand-shaking match dragged on. “I’m Hillary, nice to meet you,” she added.

  “A pleasure mam,” Cliff said with a twinkle in his eye. Colt was positive he hated him.

  “Colt, you’re in charge for any part of the operation that doesn’t need the Colonel’s assistance. However, if a situation where Colonel Barns’ military expertise is required, he is to take control.” General Radcliff paused for a moment looking each of the alpha males in the eye. “Is that understood?”

  “Yes sir,” the Colonel dutifully replied without hesitation.

  “Yes, General Radcliff, I understand,” Colt followed.

  “Good. Now let’s get the four of you to the airport and on your way to Italy.”

  On their way back to Joint Base Andrews, while eating a rushed breakfast since they were already slightly behind schedule, General Radcliff fully briefed the team of four on Colonel Barns’ service record and his main areas of expertise.