Hello, and welcome to another Sublime Sunday Reading.
This morning, we continue traveling through space and time, as we go along the journey with Derrick Laya and all the rest of the Order.
This morning, finds Derrick on the way to a secret meeting, while knowing his superiors are displeased.
Fasten your seatbelt it’s going to be a bit bumpy today!
The Blended Lives Chronicles Sides of the Order book I.
Words for alt text:
The cover is a deep, candy apple red, with the title, The Blended Lives Chronicles: Sides of the Order at the top in white text. At the bottom is the author’s name, Patty L. Fletcher, also typed in white. Above the author’s name and below the title of the book is a white skeleton key, taking up about 3/4 of the cover space.
About the Book
Lady Laya MoonWalker is a well respected author and magazine owner and a high priestess in the magickal community. After a drawn-out battle with the forces of dark magik, she has come into her own. She lives and works on Planet Korponious, where she is the owner and creator of an Interplanetary Magazine called “Blended Lives Chronicles.” Her mission is to blend the lines of race, creed, and disability that separate so many and to elevate the recognition of the training and ability of Service Animals of all kinds to a new level. She has just been accepted into the Blended Lives Federation and now hopes to continue her work in a way like nothing known to her before.
Laya has created allot of wreckage along the way through her dark journey into the light, and now she wishes to set this to right. She has just received her best break ever. Frank Prince, the CEO of The Blended Lives Learning Center, has invited her to the Celtic New Year Convention and Witches Ball as a reporter to write a story on the progress of The Blended Lives Planetary Federation. She will be their guest speaker at the opening ceremonies.
When Laya arrives at the Celtic Convention, she finds herself face to face with an old and dear friend, Blended Lives Learning Center Instructor and member of the Order of the Night, Derrick Gibbous. As they begin to connect, causing old sparks to reignite, they are tossed into a nasty battle from which not everyone will escape. People are not as they seem, and not everyone supports the side for which they appear to work.
As their love for one another grows, so does the battle. Despite everything, Laya and Derrick are determined to see their work to unite beings of all kinds succeed.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Patty-L.-Fletcher/author/B00Q9I7RWG?
If you’ve not read the first two installments you’ll want to visit the URLS below before continuing.
https://pattysworlds.com/happy-samhain-traveling-through-space-and-time/
And: https://pattysworlds.com/all-saints-day-saints-or-sinners-you-decide/
And now, enjoy the ride and let’s see if Derrick can save his hide.
Chapter Three
The Decision
Derrick’s foot falls echoed off the old stone walls as he slipped through the portal and made his way down the cold, long, dimly lit corridor.
He was quickly reminded of why it had been given the name of “The Corridor of Concerns.”
As he walked, he thought of the night ahead, and all it entailed. He knew there was no room for mistakes. He found himself worried about what the Order would think of his going to her as he had without first consulting them. It was well known the trouble she’d caused, and he wanted them to be willing to forgive it. He hoped they would listen when he explained how she’d been enchanted and terrorized by her mate. Jack had been relentless in his control, and with his abuse. She’d not only been forced to support him when he’d been found guilty of his crimes but had been enchanted into believing he was innocent as well.
Jack had been controlling, manipulative, and in the end, violent toward her. He used her own powers against her, combining them with the darkest of magicks. He allowed her to learn from incorrect sources and made certain she had destroyed what had been a healthy, loving friendship between the two of them by her own hand.
Jack had managed to break her spirit, and the effects of that were not completely resolved.
In the end, she’d gone to the other side and answered the Judge’s questions in a private interrogation which had helped the prosecution’s case. He’d been imprisoned for months before she’d even begun to realize the truth. When she’d finally broken free, the damage Jack Richards had done to her had been complete. Not to mention how he, Derrick Gibbous, second in command of the Order of the Night, who ironically, was supposed to protect those in need when under threat of another, had treated her; it was a wonder she’d been able to heal at all.
It had taken years for her to become as well as she could currently be, and that was a delicate thing at times. Now, he hoped they would listen, because he loved her and wanted to be with her.
For years he’d had to remain silent. No matter how hard she’d tried to reach him, no matter how horrible he’d been toward her, she’d never once wavered in her love for him.
He thought, For the love of the Gods, she begged him to forgive her when it was he who should be on bended knee, begging her.
When he’d been with Angelina, he could only wonder what it would be like to have someone love him that way.
Being with Laya in that way so quickly, without time for either to prepare had, in his mind, gone fairly well. However, now that he’d seen, touched, and held her again, he knew he could not walk away. He knew in his heart, no matter the decisions made here in this secret meeting, he would choose the love of High Priestess Lady Laya MoonWalker, above all. He knew well the dangers of going against the Order, but what other choice was there? To be separated from her again wasn’t an option. He no longer wanted to send her away hurt and alone. He knew doing that would destroy both of them this time.
He remembered the deliciousness of those fine lingering drops of blood on her lips, the fiery hurt-filled tears, the feel of her body shaking as sob after sob of pent-up pain came pouring out. He relished the tenderness of her cheek, hot with the blood and tears of her emotion, and the amazing warmth of love when he’d finally been allowed to hold her in his arms.
He cursed himself. Why, Derrick?
He raged at himself. Why? You should’ve just left her alone!
Derrick stood in the doorway for a moment, letting the cold and worry slip away. He took in what lay before him. The room was lit with softly burning lamps, and the beautifully polished round oak table in the center was already surrounded by the other members of the Council. The scene was both inviting and foreboding.
When Derrick took his place among them, settling himself into the comfortable leather chair, the soft chatter that had filled the room as he’d entered ceased. All eyes turned his way.
“Nice of you to join us,” Head Councilman Randall Jennings said as he refilled his glass from the jug of dark blood wine in the center of the table.
“I was seeing an old friend.”
“Yes.” Randall growled in a low guttural voice, setting down the jug with a resounding thud of displeasure. “I know about your visit with Miss MoonWalker. It appears one of your first acts as second in command was to go completely against a direct order.”
Derrick emptied his face of emotion, and thought, Not going to waste any time, is he?
“Head councilman—”
“Quiet!” Jennings ordered. “Save your excuses. I instructed you to stay away from her. She isn’t stable, and she threatens the very existence of all we’ve worked for.”
Derrick took another deep breath. His heart was slowly thumping and echoing like a kettledrum in his chest, seeming sufficiently loud enough to be heard round the worlds.
“No! Sir! That is not so. It was at one time, to be sure, but no longer.”
“And what makes you so sure?” The Head Councilman rumbled.
“Randall—” Derrick stammered, clenching and unclenching his fists under the table. “Please listen.” He hated himself for not being more in control.
Reading his discomfort, Randall scolded, “Speak, son. Or must I punish you like the underling your behavior currently shows you to be?”
Pushing back his chair in readiness for Derrick’s answer, he continued in the full role of headmaster, “If it was worthy of going against a direct order from me, your bondsman and head councilman, then it should be worthy of your argument. If I find out you disobeyed me simply for the fun of sex, today’s scheduled topics will be tabled. Instead, we will reconsider your current position and I’ll also see you after for further council.”
As he spoke, Randall looked steadily into Derrick’s eyes. He unfolded his arms, relaxed his shoulders, and dropped his hands lightly into his lap spreading his black and red robe around him, revealing the recently oiled black leather belt he wore at his waist.
Holding Randall’s gaze, Derrick answered obediently, “Yes sir, Randall, sir. Here is my official report of contact. According to everything I’ve learned from talking with High Priestess Lady Laya MoonWalker and various others, Miss Laya MoonWalker has been in intensive therapy for the last six and a half years. Her psychiatric representative signed a sworn statement that stated, ‘High Priestess Lady Laya MoonWalker is progressing in her healing in a brilliant way. She’s become more capable of controlling and using her powers.’ This, sir, comes straight from her Blended Lives Learning Center records.”
Suddenly, Derrick felt slightly out of breath. He realized Randall was cataloging everything in his mind, body and soul.
There were a few moments of excruciating discomfort, then nothing.
Derrick sat quietly for a moment, regaining control. Then he continued, “The ideas she has go right along with ours. If you will only allow me to hone her skill, we can use it to our advantage. She is quite eloquent in her words. People enjoy reading her magazine. Why not strive to develop her writing in ways which please and support us? If I can be permitted to work directly with her, I should have no problem showing her the incredible plans we have in such a manner, she will be unable to walk away.
The room fell silent as Randall Jennings thought that over. Looking steadily across the table at Derrick and seeing that he wouldn’t drop his eyes, encouraged Randall in a huge way. He knew Derrick loved the girl. That had always been written all over him. He admitted to himself he was proud of the young man for going to visit her, even under the threat of a public strapping. He had guts. This was good to know because the road he was choosing would be full of some very dark and disturbing rough spots. Derrick would have no choice but to handle them if he stepped upon this path.
Finally, Randall asked, “You really think she is healed enough for you to manage?”
“Yes I do. I’ve been observing her from a distance for quite some time. Her magickal workings are sign enough that she has come fully into her power. Now that the government is firmly in place, even with the small bands of resistance still afoot, there’s no longer a need to keep us separate. Besides, I can be available to her now in ways I never could before. On top of this, she’s been living under the strain of the latest pandemic, financial constraints and other burdens. I believe a light touch is also in order. I’m not stating she’s for sale. In fact, nothing could be further from who she is. I’m stating, if I can place her in the right circumstances, she can be a shining star. So why not have her shine for us?”
Just then, a man on the other side of the table spoke, causing all heads to swivel round as if on a ghoulish carousel.
“I’d have to agree with Gibbous, sir. Honestly, I think it would be safer to have them together than apart. Whether he turns her or she continues as she is, mating to him as a bonded witch, I believe if nothing else, he makes a good agent for her. If he makes the right offers, she’s not going to walk away without consideration. To be blunt, she loves him, but she also loves what he can offer her. It’s been mentioned in several interviews lately that she’d like to have someone manage her, like an agent.”
As he spoke, Terrence Clevenger began passing out copies of an article written in last quarter’s Blended Lives Newsletter. “As you can see here, she talks about how on one hand the independence and capability of all she can do thanks to her rank is amazing and awe-inspiring. While on the other she’s exhausted, and I imagine at times it makes dealing with her disAbilities harder. She also says having someone carry a portion of the burden as things were when she was but a novice was, in its own way, quite liberating.”
Suddenly the room erupted with questions.
“What does she know of your work? How much is she truly aware of? Does she know just exactly what you are now?”
Derrick took a slow breath, trying desperately not to allow the nervousness he felt to show any more than it already had. “I haven’t gotten that far with her. I haven’t had a chance to speak to her about the changes that have taken place in my life. But she is allowing me to escort her to the opening ceremonies tonight. After that, I believe I can discuss some further steps. She’s hesitant to trust me, which is to be expected. However, things have already gone more quickly than I’d anticipated they would. So I think if circumstances can proceed with no more interference, I can easily and quickly bring her around without trouble. There are two things she wants, and I can give them both to her if allowed.”
Again, the room fell silent as the Head Councilman considered Derrick’s words. Derrick prayed to all the Gods and Goddesses that existed for the decision to fall his way. He didn’t like the thought of being forced to accept punishment like a wayward child. He knew Randall would go out of his way to make it memorable, mainly because had circumstances been reversed, he’d have had no choice but to do the same. He also did not enjoy the thought of needing to “manage” Laya so soon after their reunion, but if that was what it took to make this happen, he would do it. If he wasn’t careful, he’d be required to do to Laya what Randall threatened him with instead of taking the punishment himself. He didn’t think Randall was angry enough for that, but with Randall, well, one could never be sure.
Did he dare to hope he might be able to continue his work and have her, too? Could he truly manage her, and would she really agree? Did she want his love and commitment enough to be alright with what he was, and now represented? Would she listen? What would happen if he were wrong?
He knew without a doubt that was the Council’s biggest worry. They all knew how very headstrong she could be, and that at times, she could be a bit unstable. Whether that was her fault or not made no real difference. The consequences of her spinning out of control again were the same. If she didn’t accept the changes that had taken place in his life, and wasn’t okay with what he’d become, it could go very wrong. Whether he liked it or not, allowing himself to be genetically altered meant he must follow an exact protocol without exception. Until he was able to see to certain changes, there was no other way.
As he sat in the silence waiting for the final decision, he poured himself a glass of wine and drank deeply. At first, he’d been bothered by the fact that this wine was made from the blood of elves and halflings. Then he’d met with some of them when they’d begun asking for pay increases and had been impressed with what he’d learned. He had to admit, it was damned good wine. The ones who provided blood took pride in their care. They enjoyed the fortune having known their blood was used to make the Order of the Night’s special wines.
The warmth of the liquid’s calming effect was immediate. As his heart began to slow further, his senses sharpened, his mind settled, and his thoughts cleared.
Finally, Jennings spoke. “Keeping in mind that I’m aware of the fact that today’s popup thunderstorm was a direct result of Miss MoonWalker’s power going slightly awry, and the fact that you didn’t immediately call rank and take her in hand, I ask you to give your word in front of the assembled council that if she becomes out of control again, you will do whatever is necessary to stabilize her. You understand what that could mean?”
“I wouldn’t say she was out of control this afternoon. Just a bit caught off guard.”
“Mister Gibbous!” Randall thundered.
Derrick could no longer hesitate. He knew he must not allow them to see the uncertainty he still felt. Shoving his emotions down deep, he answered, “Yes, you have my word.”
“You’re prepared to swear an oath?”
Derrick stood, his glass remaining in his hand, the dark blood swirling slightly round. A triangle of light surrounded them as he rose.
I, Derrick Gibbous, member and second in command of the Order of the Night, swear on my honor to you, my bondsman and all my fellow men of the Order, that I will be one hundred percent responsible for Laya MoonWalker, no matter what that entails.”
Randall Jennings stood to face him and said, “As your Bondsman and Head Council of the Order, I decree it is so.”
Then, placing a firm but caring hand on Derrick’s shoulder, he added more softly, “I sure as all Hells hope you know what you’re doing. The consequences of my making a wrong decision are huge. I don’t like to think what that could mean for you.”
Settling himself back into his chair with a sigh, Randall said, “Okay, let’s move on with other business. We’ve a grand opportunity opening in front of us, and if what Derrick claims is so, we must work harder than ever to solidify our position and think about how to use his potential relationship to our advantage.”
When the meeting ended and Derrick exited the chamber, his inner voice kept questioning him. That had been too easy, even with Randall’s threats of punishment, which he had to admit had caught him slightly off guard. Knowing that had Randall wanted to press the issue, he’d have had no choice but to allow it or risk blowing everything he and others had worked toward all to hell had he refused. It had been a little too easy.
What did they really want of him?
To be Continued
Coming soon!
Sides have been chosen, choices made. The war of the Purified is underway.
Derrick Gibbous, Second in Command of The Order’s double life finally has him on the run. His wife, High Priestess Laya MoonWalker Gibbous draws closer to her delivery date, which is said will produce the most powerful duel ever known.
With Derrick gone, Randall Jennings knows Laya must have a handler, and the only man for the job is one not seen in many moons.
Does Randall dare to delve into the past? Will the chosen soldier accept his mission?
Follow The Order through the portal into the chambers between the minds where you’ll discover a world where past, present, and future collide. A world in which only the strongest will survive, and outcomes are inspected, rejected, and finally accepted.
Sneak Peek
From A Look Within a Look Without – My Book of Shadows Manifesting My Lover My Friend My Life.
Greetings and Poems from Laya’s Lair.
Freya’s Day – Accomplished. Today’s Freya’s Day and am I ever glad. I can’t believe I am caught up. I’m excited because I’ve done everything on my to-do list this week just as instructed and wouldn’t you know? Things are getting better. I hate to put it into writing, but it appears Master Marcas is right. He reminded me about active listening. He reminded me about action rather than reaction. He has a strong firm no nonsense and don’t behave that way attitude that I need mightily. It was nice to have the direction. I do love him so. Everyone thinks I’m confused and messed up like before, but it’s not that way. My reputation always precedes me and even Marcas has preconceived notions. It’s so damned painful. Will I ever be allowed to have feelings without everyone thinking I’m in an episode?
Can I help my feelings? Can I help my love? My love which comes unbidden, unlike anything my heart has ever provided. Frightening in its beauty, unleashed could be a terrifyingly incredible sexual experience, including afterglow, companionship, kindness, caring, love from both, if he allows. A touch, a kiss, trace my face with long gentle fingertips. A hug, a touch, a spank, a flicker of fire. OWW, I want you Love, want you so much. I can make that come to be. I love you so much, oh my darling please. Mother Goddess, give this gift unto me, this man of beauty, strength, power, and love. This man whose name I’ve told to you, somehow, I beg you Mother Crone, I beg you allow it to be. I can continue loving without reciprocation, I will do it if that is what you’ve for me to do. I will continue praying for his protections, protection for my weary traveler. If only for a moment in time, oh, my weary traveler, I know you’re truly not mine, it is unfair of me to ask it, I know this is true. So, I say, allow my love to go with you as you do the work you do. Go in safety my weary traveler, go in safety, go in love. Oh, my wondrous weary traveler, you know not that you fit my heart like a glove. We’re bonded my weary traveler, bonded you and I, bonded from now and ever forward, bonded throughout space and time. There is a silver cord which exists with which the pattern of life is formed. It is here where it will be decided, are we lovers, are we friends, are we everything with me? Here there is no beginning or end. Oh, my weary traveler, fear me not but hear me well. I’m always here for you my weary traveler, my welcome, my warmth, my love, it will never fail. Come to me my weary traveler, come to me feel my open arms. It’s alright my weary traveler, allow my loving charms. I want to heal your heart, I want to heal your soul, I want to be allowed to love you, I want to make you whole, for my love will never fail. Here I am my weary traveler, offering myself unconditionally to you. Thank you, my weary traveler, I know we’ll be together again soon. Love to you, My Weary Traveler
The Pattern’s Thread Trembled. Openness a Terrifying Perspective. Outspoken, that’s how I’m described, yet there’s so much I hide. To ask another to assist in some way is for me one of the most terrifying things I’ve to say. Blabber, you can depend on it from me for sure, but to talk of what’s deep inside, never, no more. Speak your truth, it’s said regularly to me, oh, but my sweet, can’t you see how I still bleed. Miscommunication happens so often for me, conversation hard hiding behind the keys. My poetry is chaotic too, but this is me, what can I do?
A headshot of Patty standing in front of a mirror. The light on the wall sits above the wooden framed square mirror. Patty is in the reflection, wearing a brown t-shirt and a black lanyard. Her arms are crossed in front of her and she wears sunglasses. Her hair is short.
*Note*
This photo was taken by the author by using the Metta Ray Ban Glasses, you see her wearing in the photo.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Updated November 2024
Patty L. Fletcher is a woman of passion and exploration.
She studies the art of manifestation and is a seeker of knowledge and the wisdom to know what to do with it when it’s learned.
From April 2011 through September 2020, she owned and handled a black Labrador from The Seeing Eye® named King Campbell Lee Fletcher A.K.A. Bubba. Sadly, after a long battle with illness on September 24, 2020, King Campbell went to the Rainbow Bridge where all is peace and love. In July 2021, she returned to The Seeing Eye® and was paired with a Black Labrador Golden Retriever cross named Blue.
PATTY’S BLINDNESS…
Patty was born one and a half months premature. Her blindness was caused by her being given too much oxygen in the incubator. She was partially sighted until 1991, at which time she lost her sight due to an infection after cataract surgery and high eye pressure. She used a cane for 31 years before making the change to a guide dog.
WHERE SHE LIVES AND WORKS…
Currently, Patty lives and works in Bristol Virginia
Patty is quite involved with The American Council of the Blind – ACB and its community.
She’s a member of Guide Dog Users Incorporated where she serves on the GDUI board of directors, the Election Candidacy Task Force, and is now the chair of the membership Committee.
She works with the Audio Description Project by serving on the ADP Performing Arts Committee.
Patty’s the creator and owner of Tell-It-To-The-World Marketing (Author, Blogger, Business Assist), The Writer’s Grapevine Online Magazine and the creator and host of the Talk to Tell-It-To-The-World Marketing Podcast, which have recently been reconstructed and can all be found in Patty’s Worlds.
WRITING GOAL…
Patty writes with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disabled from the non-disabled.
Patty is also a published author. Learn more at the links below.
LINKS…
All full length published works
Anthologies
Social Media
From NLS:
Pathway to freedom: how a seeing eye dog retrieved my life DB106095
Author: Fletcher, Patty L.
Reading Time: 9 hours, 47 minutes
Read by: Madelyn Buzzard
Subjects: Biography of Persons with Disabilities, Biography, Disability
Series: Broken and healed
Order in Series: 01
The author reflects on how her decision to gain independence by getting a guide dog helped her build a new life she had never imagined possible. She also discusses how she realized soon after that not all was right in her world. Strong language. 2020.
From the back text…
In this, the first book in her memoir trilogy, Pathway to Freedom Broken and Healed: Book One, How a Seeing Eye Dog Retrieved My Life, Second Edition, Patty shares how her decision to gain complete independence with the help of The Seeing Eye Guide Dog school in Morris Town New Jersey reveals to her a glimpse into worlds she had never before known existed.
Once home from The Seeing Eye, she soon realizes all is not right in her world.
Watch your step as you journey down the pathway with Patty and Campbell. For there are many obstacles along the way.
There are triumphs and tribulations, tears, and fears. But through it all that forever guide by her side, King Campbell works tirelessly to keep her safe from harm.