isobel stellar

isobel stellar

Discotheque Royalty™

To all those who rock

Isobel Stellar salutes you

and wishes divas & dancegods alike

A derriere-shakin’ time

Holler!

Published by Isobel Stellar Publishing (A division of Isobel Stellar Omnimedia)

c/o Gavelkind Management, Wale Street Chambers, Wale Street, Cape Town 8001 South Africa

www.isobelstellar.com

The electronic version of this novel published by On the Dot (A division of Media24)

www.onthedot.co.zaSacks Circle, Bellville South, Cape Town 7530

This ePDF version first edition 2012

ISBN 978-0-620-51257-2

Copyright © Iwan Jooste 2012

�� author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with

the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, �� any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, �� publisher. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil

claim for damages.

�� www.designwave.co.za

Printed in South Africa by Megadigital Printing House www.megadigital.co.za

Character illustrations by renowned artist, Shamekh Al-Bluwi (Amman, Jordan)��

Isobel Stellar & the Ubuntu Song edited by Maire Fisherwww.livewriting.co.za

Thanks again, magical Lady M! Here’s to the sequels!

Back cover photography by Marethe Grobler Photography www.marethe.com

��!��"�� #�$��%�h��www.blacdesigns.net

Cover embossing and Spot UV varnishing by Trade Coaters, Cape Townwww.tradecoaterscc.co.za

www.isobelstellar.com

www.onthedot.co.za

www.designwave.co.za

http://shame5.deviantart.com

www.livewriting.co.za

www.marethe.com

www.blacdesigns.net

www.megadigital.co.za

www.tradecoaterscc.co.za

For my mother, whose strength and unconditional love lit my way through the years. And for my father, whose support and belief lay

the path for me to follow.Hands outstretched reach across the rushing water –

You steady me, I steady you

On the slippery rocks of time.

Hands reaching, giving … and giving in return.

I’m so grateful to you for being there –

I could never have managed alone.

Jessica Macbeth

!��'��#� ��'��*+�6��who divide your life – between the time before them, and the time after them. This second shot at my dream is thanks to you. I remain forever grateful that you divided my life and multiplied my chances.

Isobel loves you.

CE PRODUIT NE PEUT ÊTRE VENDU QUE PAR LES DISTRIBUTEURS AGREÉS ISOBEL STELLAR


Soundtrack

CONTENTS

Track 1 Rolling In The Deep Adele 2 Telephone Lady Gaga ft. Beyoncé

:��;��;�� Rihanna

4 The One That Got Away Katy Perry 5 Where The Streets Have No Name U2

6 The Fear Lily Allen

7 Behind The Wheel Depeche Mode

8 National Anthem 9 Robot Tamara Dey & Flash Republic

10 Obsessed Mariah Carey

11 Flawless (Go To The City) George Michael

12 Satin Chic Alison Goldfrapp

13 Revolver Madonna

14 Black Velveteen Lenny Kravitz

15 Kush Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg & Akon

16 Ramalama (Bang Bang) Roisin Murphy

17 Stylo Gorillaz

18 Stay On These Roads A-ha

19 Work Kelly Rowland

=>��?�� Kylie Minogue

21 My African Dream Vicky Sampson

22 Lovesong For A Vampire Annie Lennox

23 Sun In My Pocket Locnville

24 All Of The Lights Kanye West, Elton John, Drake

COMING SOON!isobel stellar & the cradle of music

Lana Del Rey

S H A M E K H A L - B L U W I O R I G I N A L A R T W O R K

Cast of Main Characters

�� Character Ensembles page at the rear of the book.And to maximize your enjoyment while meeting the main characters, please listen to Summertime Sadness

by the singularly phenomenal Lana Del Rey "Think I'll love you forever..." - Oh yes, Lana, I certainly will

http://www.lanadelrey.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhHZRigZCb8

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Prologue

�� @��'�� '�� QX��. As they moved above the surface, a thin layer of ice formed where their faint shadows fell and the air around them crackled like a freshly ��+�X��'��insects and night creatures fell silent, feelers and antennae alert, a million assortments of eyes watching the mysterious procession.

Z�� '�� @�� +� ?�� Q�� swam in circular motions illuminating their journey across the dark waters of the river. Further downstream, the mighty Thyne-Occo tumbled past an island at the very edge of the plateau and then cascaded over, disappearing into the darkness.

From the centre of the rocky island a circular tower stretched to ��'��[�� around it. It had no visible windows or doors and stood black against the twilight.

\�� Q�� +� �� Q�� +� ]�� @�� $$�� Q��'�� QX��+�

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xviii

Moments later the party vanished into the base of the Tower of Truths.

§

In a nearby city on the other side of the river, in a vast series of chambers deep within the earth, a printing press was hard at work, �� "��+�?��'�� stood at the ready, and as each batch of posters was bundled it was ��^�� down the main central passage.

Hundreds of surveillance holocameras scanned the numerous ��$�� +�� through concealed speakers; the repetitive rythym complementing the methodical work. With every click-click of the conveyor-belt, followed by the swish-swish of brush against paper, a woman’s voice echoed through the subterranean workhouse against a plethora of ��`

“�� Who does it like I does it, yeah!

From here on out I’ll be your commanderNo fear, no doubt I’ll provide the answer –

Right now I command you to dance!”1

q��x��moved forward, each bent at the waist to collect a bucket of glue and a brush. Then they stood silently, waiting for the order to move out into the city streets and begin their work.

�� " #��$��% �&��'��(�" #��$��% )�& ��*��+��.��+ ��/��)� 0��)�12�2�3��(�" #��$��% ��4�-��(�5��6�4�� (�7��#�� 8��

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwfKZ-1jyiw

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1 – Rolling in the Deep

9$�� +� �� 4��6�� +�� :��4��

Sunday June 14th

Thyne-Occo Escarpment, Cathanian Empire��

Two glowing lights moved slowly, suspended in the black treacle of night. Every so often they disappeared behind a clump of gnarled trees, only to reappear closer to the riverbank opposite a small island. The summer evening was curiously void of any sound except a gentle mechanical rumbling from the direction of the approaching lights and the rustling of foliage beneath whatever it was that approached.

\� �� Q�� river, shedding an eerie light over the riverbank. Illuminated in the @�� @�'��Rolls Royce hovercar. The two beams vanished as the driver turned �� x��{�� from the body to support it as it landed gently on the riverbank. The ��|��passenger door. He was a stocky, distinguished looking gentleman dressed in a dark suit with a long, thick coat to protect him from the chill in the air. His back ached from the long journey from Bouldia City��x��+

\�� '�� @ ��+��"��}��]��`��

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw

http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/

isobel stellar

2

on thick navy velvet detailing a depiction of the sacred Spheera Songbird with outstretched wings.

~��{� �� '�� x�� gloved hand to the gaping darkness. The whites of his eyes were �� '��@�� '�+

‘Thank you, beloved Gobling,’ replied a soft, melodic voice. Its owner stepped gracefully from the Rolls Royce. She was extremely tall and wrapped in purple and violet silk robes, her blonde hair woven in an elaborate style above her perfectly shaped head. Her skin was smooth and glowed with youth; each feature on her face sublimely sculpted and in harmony with every other.

‘Milady, I –’ Emotion strangled Sir Gobling Galileo’s voice as he bent on one thick knee and bowed his head.

~�� {� �� x��'�� $$�� +� ~�� be rewarded and your support praised in time to come. But now, let us be done with this fearful task before my heart is taken by the darkness that weighs inside me.’

!��"� ��'��!�� {�� Q��+�They stepped onto the water and a gentle humming accompanied them as they glided serenely above the waters of the Thyne-Occo.

�� Q��transporting Sir Gobling and his mistress across the wide river to the rocky island that loomed ominously in the distance. Once they reached the shore they stepped from thin air onto an elaborate ��+�?��Q��darkness of the river, fading beneath the churning water.

A smartly dressed Klatchin with a long pointed nose and elaborately styled wig waited at the other end of the pier intently �� @�� '�� +� #�� plucked eyebrow and nodded grandly as Sir Gobling approached,


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�� @��+�#��his side, slipped the pocket mirror into his coat and headed in the direction of the tower.

The small party followed a narrow path snaking its way between �$��Q�� '�� +� �� x��and his pointed nose raised. He was only as tall as Sir Gobling’s knee and had rather disproportionate delusions of grandeur.

~��'��'��'��{��breath, nodding his impish head from side to side. ‘Your business ��'��{�

��{��[��'��x��!�� '��'��^ ��'��@�'�� +�� tongue and concentrated on guiding her toward the tower. Its shaft soared before them; the intricate masonry becoming visible as the �� @� �� carved into the bedrock. In the light of the lantern Gobling saw that �� $��+�� @�� danced across the surface. Upon closer inspection, he realised that ��

~?�� '� ��{� �� Klatchin, turning on his heel at the foot of the steps. ‘Once again I ��{

Sir Gobling lost his patience and gripped the Klatchin around �� ~!��{

He shook the startled Klatchin and threw him to the ground, �� x�� +�� in a jarring cacophony.

%�� '�� +�#��+�~�Q��X��

isobel stellar

4

��Q�� $��{�#�� @��+�

~Z��{��!�� +The robed woman hadn’t moved from the foot of the short

staircase, her head turned up towards the foreboding tower. She didn’t respond to the snivelling imp and barely seemed to notice his frantic apologies.

��$�� wickedly at the elegant twists of her hair. The Klatchin retreated ��'��$�� to apologise.

Though no visible door appeared at the summit of the steps, an octagonal block of stone suddenly dissolved into the shimmering �� +�!�� and his mistress stepped into the yawning entrance and behind �� +

All that occupied the cavernous interior was a great, circular staircase spiralling upwards and vanishing in the darkness above ��+�\�� `

/�� +��;Sir Gobling glanced behind him. His mistress followed; her head

�� $��+<��+ ��=��'��;

Her sapphire eyes sparkled in the semi-darkness.&��>��+�� ;

The lady lifted the folds of her violet robes with one hand as she climbed, and with the other she caressed the swell of her belly. The circular stairway opened onto a long, glass passage on either side of which were assembled enormous marble statues. Seven �� [��astonishing. Each statue held a raised sword in the air forming

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an imposing tunnel-like structure through which Sir Gobling and the lady passed. Between each of the mammoth statues, large oval windows opened to the night sky beyond.

’Our Beloved Elohim,’ the lady whispered, ’I greet you in love and gratitude, Mighty Hercules��\�$��; Beloved Cassiopeia and Minerva; Orion and Angelica �{�!�� was momentarily distracted by the view; below them, the Thyne-Occo spilled over the plateau in a deafening implosion of water and ��+�?��$��cowered behind a stroke of lonely clouds.

Sir Gobling and the robed woman entered an enormous circular chamber through towering golden doors. Large torches were suspended in mid-air high above them, burning crisp green. The air ��[��inch of the chamber.

~X��{�� +�The thick doors boomed shut behind them and they found

themselves in a most unusual place, only ever speculated about in ancient historical texts believed to have survived from the formation of the Empire.

\��@�� x��`�� !�� @��@��+��with hundreds of people though only the two of them were in it. ]�� $$�� x�� for fear of making the slightest movement at all.

What was even more curious about the chamber was the presence �� +��@��and sat, neither speaking nor moving.

‘The Guardians�{� ��

isobel stellar

6

lady, deep awe an instant intimidation. He had only ever heard myths about the Guardians – they were the highest power in Cathania and only under extreme circumstances did they involve ��+��@�� between cosmic realms. Sir Gobling was sure they would never believe the accusations made against his mistress and that her impending trial would be a short one.

The Guardians were beautiful beyond words; they had long, @�� '��'��'�� '��+�

A rasping voice broke the unnerving silence and Gobling ^��+�#�� [��beautiful voice and found it rather disturbing that it was instead harsh and jarring. The speaker was their leader, the Central Guardian seated in the middle of the other four. His simple crown of black jade shimmered in the eerie green light. Behind the Guardian Sir Gobling noticed another massive marble statue. He instantly recognised the being depicted – Pallas Athena, the Goddess of Truth. Shockingly, a black velvet shroud had been placed over the head of the statue, a most sacrilegious act by Cathanian standards.

~}��^�� {��}��Guardian, shocking Sir Gobling even further. What unkind words were these? Why the harsh tone? And – most importantly – why did an aura of evil surround the Central Guardian? Guardians should �� What’s going on here? Why is he treating her like this? Sir Gobling glanced at his mistress, confusion and fear pumping through his mind.

The robed woman left his side at the instruction of the Central Guardian and stood in the centre of the chamber, poised and regal. As she walked slowly forward, hundreds of identical women copied her movements, watching her silently with the same unblinking, crystal blue eyes.

‘State your full name for the record.’

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Gobling felt a renewed surge of anger at the way she was being spoken to.

~!�� {q�� @��

the robed woman stared directly at the Central Guardian and spoke in a clear, calm voice. ‘I am Empress Sophea Exulte-Ytheron Amthynbora, ruler of Cathania, wife of the sovereign Emperor.’

The silence that followed crawled into the deepest marrow of Sir Gobling’s body, bringing a cold sweat to his already shivering skin.

‘Empress Amthynbora,’ the Central Guardian whispered, his words rustling on the cold air. He rose from his marble throne and @�� ^�� chest, a look of death etched on his perfect face. ‘The Cathanian Empire’s divine ruler,’ he said sarcastically, his left eyebrow raised like a python at the strike. ‘How ironic to '��{

A foul smirk contorted the lips of the seated Guardians. Their cold eyes bore down on Empress Sophea, raking her from head to ��+��}��@�� +�#��[��uncompromising and Sir Gobling could feel their unseen powers surging like crackling electricity in the air between them.

��!�� +��}�� +�~]��{�he suddenly snarled, bringing his face closer to hers, ‘tell us why you are here in the Tower of Truths. For what crime do we judge you?’

He turned his back on her and glided snake-like towards his fellow Council and sat between them once again.

~��{�� ]�� @��

�� [�� +�!��'�� and lowered her head. Tears brimmed in her eyes and Sir Gobling moved to comfort her.

isobel stellar

8

‘Do not touch the accused!’ barked the Guardian. In a sly, sickly-sweet voice he added, ‘We are certain that your mistress is at least �� !�� act, so we suggest that she stops wasting the Council’s timThe ��!�� {�� x��+�

‘I a-am accused of –’‘Proceed now, Empress!’Empress Sophea choked on her words and the tears began to

�� @�� '��+� �� $�� @��+�

� ~�� Q�� ]�� husband.’

She said the words and each of them seemed to deaden a part of her. Her voice was broken and the strength she had displayed earlier vanished with the reality of her lot.

After a weighty silence the Central Guardian spoke again.‘How do you plead?’‘I would never harm anyone,’ she said in a solid, unwavering

��~��{�~#��^��'��]��{�!��

stopped, realising his folly.‘SILENCE!’ boomed the Central Guardian. He rose from his

throne and advanced like a hurtling dagger. He raised an open �� !�� $�� motionless.

� ~]�� by the blood��{�#�� ~��{��'�� [�� ^�� ]�� '�� q��

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centuries moulding the Empire and gaining the trust and respect of ��$�� over them and now, at the very prime of our creation, you have ��{

The seated Guardians slowly clapped their hands and the sound was chilling as it echoed in the cavernous chamber.

‘Empress, the death of your husband would have brought you great individual power and immeasurable wealth. You would have ��@��'��and creature that dwells. You have already won the Cathanian Vivre Award�� The people will eventually survive this despicable betrayal, but they ��$��{

The Central Guardian’s long, dark hair danced snake-like on his head as he shouted at the Empress. She stared back at him with a �� '��[��and true.

‘The happiness and wellbeing of my people is what my life is ��{�� +�~��]��always guarded our subjects with love and respect, and every decision we have ever made will ensure the future continuance of our beloved Empire. I won the Vivre Award because I was chosen to do so. Because I love, cherish and respect music and the power it ��^��{�

She caught her breath, and leant against Gobling. ‘Above all, Emperor Marcus and I have always held the musical aspirations of }��{

��$�� ~�� @�� +� ��]��\��Winner of the Vivre Award or not, your victory will forever be tainted with blood!’

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10

?��@�� their eyes.

~]�� !��{

The Central Guardian turned his back on Empress Sophea and Sir Gobling. He glided back to his throne and lowered himself ��Q��}��+�\��their right arms across their wide chests and stared malevolently at her.

‘We, the Divine Council of the Empire of Cathania��Empress Sophea Exulte-Ytheron Amthynbora, guilty of treason in �� q��the Sovereign Emperor, His Grace Emperor Marcus Amthynbora, ��{

Empress Sophea shivered and bowed her head. She gently stroked the swell of her stomach, then looked at Gobling, her face ��Q��'��+�#��'��[��+

‘Let it be known that you have cast the gravest shame on the nation and your heritage,’ the Central Guardian continued remorselessly. ‘Future generations of the Amthynbora legacy will curse the day �� +��]��Love��

‘Our new chosen ruler will address the nation of Cathania in a holographic broadcast before midnight tomorrow evening and announce your abdication.’

Sir Gobling drew his breath in disbelief. 4��@�/��+�@‘We as Divine Council have disregarded the lineage entitling the

child in your womb to ascend the Cathanian Throne, as we feel this will not be in the best interests of the Empire. How could the nation ever trust the child of a murderess to rule them? Your pregnancy has ��$��q��}��forever mistrust the child; it does, after all, have your murderous blood running through its veins.’

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White with terror, Empress Sophea clutched protectively at her stomach. The harsh voice of the Guardian echoed in the mirrored chamber as he proceeded to outline the Council’s plan. ‘The Empire ��}��feel, under the circumstances, that it is the most suitable solution.’

��@�� ]��+�� {�� x��vapour as he stood motionless beside her.

‘The Ruling Sceptre of Cathania will be passed, with our divine blessing –’

\� �� !�� {�� +� Surely the Guardians couldn’t be serious? But one glance at his mistress’s ashen face revealed the truth like a murderer confessing his crime.

9<+�� '��+� ��;:

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12

2 – Telephone

“Stop telephoning me – I’m k-kinda busy, k-kinda busy��”�� $ ' ��/��A

Monday June 15th, Scavador CastleLacroix Riviera, the Principality of Rock��

Baroness Famika deLauer didn’t usually like mornings. She neither liked the smiling, podgy face of her chambermaid nor the incessant chirping of the birds outside her window. Nothing irritated her more ��x�� jarring the silence she found essential for her post-slumber chanting.

�� x��+�#�� she pulled herself up onto an elbow and glanced at her head chambermaid, Isobel, rather pleased* at her presence. *As far as ‘pleased’ didn’t incorporate the impulsive desire to reprimand

her about something altogether trivial

Isobel Stellar had recently celebrated, via a be-candled cupcake, �� +� !�� @� ��+��'��mostly under the highly manicured thumb of a narcissistic tyrant �� Q��@�� +� ��proverbial swan Isobel would one day turn into eluded her, and so she remained a shy, self-conscious girl who believed she existed on the outskirts of life, forever looking in.

‘Girl, did you get one of the gardeners to sprinkle that bird ��[��{�?��%��'��Q�� Monday wig.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVBsypHzF3U

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Isobel, mid-way to retrieving a pair of the Baroness’s Christian Louboutin snakeskin slingbacks from the carpet, shot up guiltily.

Baroness Famika inspected her as she would something trodden on near a pond – something green and very sticky.

‘I-I did, Milady,’ Isobel lied, dropping one of the shoes. ‘I was told Hedgeworth would be here this morning to, um, sprinkle.’

‘Good. Oh, do be careful with those, dahling��^��delivered from Bouldia City��Z�� Q�� ^��{��Baroness snatched a shoe from Isobel’s hands and held it to her ��'+�~��'�� {��dahling�{

She sauntered to her vast dressing table, securing her wig with ��+�%��?��Z�� in the morning and those who did had been sworn to secrecy about her beauty regime. Before being assigned her current position Isobel had been made to sign a contract forbidding her from divulging any details. Vanity was Famika’s primary driving force – alongside greed and contempt for anything she deemed unpleasant*. *Which

was mostly everything – except herself, of course. Constructive self-criticism was an alien concept to a woman who literally

believed the universe revolved around her

Isobel gingerly set the shoes on their designated shelf alongside the rest of the Baroness’s vast collection. Small colonies of ankle-high, fur-covered creatures had been obliterated for the sole purpose of stocking her cavernous wardrobes.

~��{�?��%��'��+�~��am to be taken seriously as the new Empress of Cathania, I need to ��'�� {

��{�� +� \�� x�of Scavador Castle she had woken earlier that morning to the outrageous news that a three-day-long empire-wide curfew had ��x�� }��]��+�+�the previous day. Certain shockingly unsavoury events were

http://www.christianlouboutin.com


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14

taking place at the Royal Palace in Bouldia City, the residence of Marcus and Sophea, Emperor and Empress of Cathania. A scandal as appalling as this had never surfaced in the Empire before and by the time Isobel stumbled through to heat her mistress’s organic �� '�� $$� �� whispered theories. *Care of Starbucks, naturally

Isobel could hardly believe the news. Whatever had caused such stringent measures, it had to be monumentally diabolical. The real shock came when the Baroness’s right-hand man and ��Q�� troops, Captain Sertida Stoliknaya, �� ^�� x� �� "�� Baroness Famika would ascend the throne because of the emergency in Cathania.

q��[��]��]��`

~X�� Everyone� �� {

Isobel had made her way to the Baroness’s chambers with a troubled heart. She just couldn’t fathom the idea of Famika becoming ruler of Cathania. She already ruled the Principality of ;��'��'�� x��an empire as large as Cathania made Isobel’s blood turn to ice. Worse still, in the deepest part of her, she knew that Baroness Famika had some part to play in the crisis gripping Cathania. Her hatred for Empress Sophea, the much-adored Empress of Love, was so intense that she had forbidden any mention of Sophea’s name in conversation. Empress Sophea and her husband couldn’t have just vanished – something must have happened to them. It wouldn’t surprise Isobel in the least if Famika were involved, but to what extent and, of course, how, was beyond her. There was �� knew that time alone* would eventually reveal if this was the case or not. *Time and a lot of snooping on her part

http://www.starbucks.com/

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It had sickened Isobel to have to stir the Baroness from her slumber and congratulate her. Even more sickening was the fact �� %��'��newly appointed monarch of Cathania. ‘Take it from me, dahling,’ Baroness Famika sighed, interrupting Isobel’s thoughts. ‘A smack of dolphin-friendly face scrub, the temporary air-whipped perfection of Maybelline Dream �� and a pair of slimming knickers won’t get you very far in the new Empire. Looking right’s what it’s going to be all about – ’ She paused, then added, ‘And being thin too.’

Isobel’s cheeks reddened as she adjusted the constrictive elastic around her jiggling belly. She hated it when the Baroness made reference to her weight, which happened as often as the opportunity ��+� ?�� %��'� �� '�� Isobel the previous night, a particularly strong series this time, and she could already feel her uniform tightening uncomfortably.

Baroness Famika’s mouth became a gaping O as she applied a layer of plum Mac��Q�� @�� in unison. She threw the matching lipstick onto the mirrored surface �� @�� smugly in her peripheral vision. ‘If one is to move forward and explore one’s full potential, one needs to be dressed damned well �� {�� {� !�� x�� Q�� +�~��Chopard jewellery �� $��

‘It’s the only way that vacuous, blonde waste-of-skin-of-a-�� {� �� Empress Sophea of Cathania. Famika pouted, staring at herself lovingly in the mirror. ‘Though she’s in for it now, dahling��#��'�� +��@ ��'�� {

http://www.maybelline.com/

http://www.maccosmetics.com/index.tmpl

http://www.chopard.com/

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16

Isobel glared resentfully at the cackling Baroness, not understanding at all what she meant. She had never really understood Famika’s intense contempt for the beautiful and highly talented Empress Sophea. Of course the fact that the Empress had won a previous Cathanian Vivre Award*, the highest music accolade awarded in the Empire to any singer or musician, certainly was part of the reason. *More about the Vivre awards ��

certainly never going to help her become a contender, much

as the Baroness liked to think otherwise So enamoured was Famika of her voice that she subjected all

of Rock to her screeching, via the Principality’s one holographic-radio station, Famika FM, which played only electronic pop and ��'� �� '�� Baroness deLauer. However, Isobel knew there was something more eating at the Baroness, something that ran deeper than Famika’s jealousy of Sophea’s voice. Of course Famika was also jealous of the Empress’s beauty; but then she had even been jealous �� ^�� +�*The fattening spells had certainly remedied that, and Isobel

��

intended

‘Isn’t this a fabulous day, dahling?’‘Yes, Highness,’ Isobel lied again, and began making the

gargantuan Hästens bed. She dreaded what life would be like with the Baroness as Empress of Cathania.

~%�� {�%��'�� ^�� '� ��x+�~��{

From beneath the black silk sheets, a gentle snore could be heard. Its owner, a miniature daschund sporting a 40-carat ��x��}� diamond collar, was sprawled out in comfort.

~Z��{��'��%��#��{��'��'��^�� $��{

http://www.hastens.com/en-za/

http://www.tiffany.com/International.aspx

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Isobel mentally cursed the day daschunds were created. All they meant, in addition to an over-demanding boss, was that �� @�Q�� ate lobster for lunch and believed your ankles were there for its ��+��x��'�� because of nibble marks from the blasted creature, nibbles that had ��@��+

~�� +��'��{

‘Yes, Milady.’~]�� {��'��{‘Yes, Milady.’ Isobel was losing track of all the orders and times,

so reverted to auto-drive.‘Yes, Milady.’��?��

��[��+‘Ming�{�� +‘How many times do I have to ask that blasted girl to make sure

this drawer is fully stocked? I mean it’s hardly rocket science, is it dahling?’

~�� {\��

a few seconds before timidly approaching the Baroness. Ming was another of the chambermaids who assisted Isobel in her arduous task of waiting on Baroness Famika.

‘Yes, ma’am?’ ~��

��^�� ’s �� {

�� '��+�~�Q��{�� [��'�+��{

‘“Ma’am” is a word used by illiterate peasants and women of ill ��}�� {

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18

Ming clamped her mouth shut. She dashed out of the room, her bony legs carrying her as fast as they could.

~�� >�+�+�� step in making it crystal clear to the Cathanian Royal Parliament ��{�� X��dahling, I can’t wait to see their faces – they ��{��'�� {�� {�%��'��'�� ^��+

~�� #�� '�� ]�� hologram network in the world will want the exclusive rights to my story –’ she paused suddenly, overcome by excitement, ‘I’ll be on the harpO !��{

harpO Winfree was the world’s leading talk-show hostess – a beautiful, dynamic woman who championed the information superhighways and also tirelessly devoted herself to humanitarian works. Once the exuberant holovision mogul had interviewed a person, their fame and celebrity was forever cemented in the pathways of stardom.

That’s if she’ll want to have someone like you on her show! Isobel thought, staring at the back of the Baroness’s jubilant head.

!��?��{��$��'�� +�

‘If anything should go wrong – and hear this as a severe warning, ��The time for me��{

��?�� '��@��+�!��'��+

‘Pick these up at once – they’re Chanel�� X�� '� �� {�� {� %��'� �� +� !�� towards the bathroom in a comet tail of silk. ‘Once you’re done, get ��{�

~��^��+{��'��at the shuddering bathroom door. /� �� BD she thought

http://www.oprah.com/index.html

http://www.chanel.com/

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privately. ��!�� boa constrictors and vipers: best kept under lock and key

She slumped on the edge of the bed, her heart pounding. A �� +��|��'��exposing a wet snout.

~��{��'�� @�� +

‘Where she?’ Ming whispered breathlessly, placing the box on the dressing table. ‘Me lun all the way to spensry. Have to talk to � ��+�?��'��'��[��+��'�{

‘It’s dispensary,’ Isobel corrected sulkily, then bent down to collect the makeup brushes from the carpet. ‘She’s in the bathroom, in a ��x��+�#��'��{

‘She in bad mood again? Like seesaw that woman. Up down, up ��{

~��{��'�+�~#��]��{

§

A labyrinth of tunnels wove its way through the ancient bedrock beneath Scavador Castle, hundreds of meters below the surface. Later that day, the Baroness walked haughtily through the darkness, �� Q�� @��scampering behind her. *Carrying Pipette and the Baroness’s Louis Vuitton makeup case

Candles lit automatically, illuminating their way along the endless passages. It was possibly the hundredth time that Isobel had accompanied the Baroness in the past year, but she dreaded ��'��+�� `��'�� '��+�!�� as if the Castle above was breathing through the stone capillaries of its bedrock lungs.

��

http://www.louisvuitton.com/front/#/dispatch

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20

accompanying the Baroness on yet another mysterious expedition to the laboratory. In return, she heard a soft growl and felt a sharp nip on her hand.

~6��{��on the snout.��[�� $��Q��teeth dangerously near Isobel’s other hand.

The Baroness’s voice was a dagger slicing the air behind her. ‘Isobel, should I hear one more sound from your direction, I shall leave you down here to wander these passages for the rest of your ��{

‘Yes, Majesty.’~\�� Q��+��'��q��{��

dahling��'�{ What frightened Isobel more about the Baroness Famika than well, everything, was the fact that she sounded at her most evil �� +�\�� '��that the Baroness would possibly forsake her own life for that of ��@�Q��herself as ‘Mumsy Wumsy’.

8�� *�� %�� 'J� �� # �� #��'�their father, more like it!

The passage they followed unfolded into a spiral stairway that corkscrewed deeper into the bedrock below the Castle. It unwound itself and led them to a large wooden door bulging slightly at the centre.

Isobel watched as the Baroness placed her hand on a metallic panel next to the keyhole. Instantly the door creaked open, revealing the darkened laboratory antechamber which Isobel had always been prevented* from entering. *Via one of the Baroness’s embalming spells involving yards of spider web. It took Isobel absolute

ages to pick the gooey mess off her dress and out of her hair

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~q�� {� ��?��snatching her makeup bag from Isobel. ‘Dr Ghore is expecting me.’

Isobel braced herself for another sticky entanglement, but today the Baroness seemed particularly distracted. She was wearing one of her best Oscar de la Renta dresses and had spent the entire morning agonising over her appearance.

q��'��?��and disappeared into Dr Ghore’s laboratory.

What’s going on?�� +�What has �+�� +��+�)��'��+��@�4��+��+��>�extra tarty today?

��`:>��+�+�� +� �� herself to her haunches, frowning in the darkness as she tried to piece together the day’s events. There was a mystery to unravel, �� +

So much about Famika was a mystery, and had been since �� +� \�� her mind unearthed a series of memories, in particular those �� %��'�� on her. She would never forget that Wednesday morning. It was three months after her eighth birthday, and a particularly hot summer’s day. Isobel had been summoned to Famika’s private �� @��+�\�� +� �� ?�� @�� '��a polka-dot apron, bright red lipstick and her hair was set in housewife-like curls. She thrived on the dramatic, needed it like oxygen. Famika’s thin spider arms formed an inverted V over a tray of fat, brightly-coloured cupcakes. ‘" +��',’ she grinned, ‘do come in.’

Isobel had hesitated, fear of being alone in a room with Famika, especially dressed as she was, induced immobility. She approached the table reluctantly.

http://www.oscardelarenta.com/

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22

‘You will need to get accustomed to these, Isobel.’ The Baroness lifted the tray of cupcakes.

‘Highness?’ Isobel responded in confusion.~�� [�� dahling. Just eat one – and there’ll be no tears,

��{Distracted by the idea of receiving something so wonderful

�� '�� %��'{��command. She gingerly lifted a delicious looking cupcake from the tray, feeling the Baroness’s eyes bore into her. The creamy, yellow �� '� �� @�x�� on her tongue. It was scrumptuous, made even more delightful by the misguided belief that Famika was acting towards her in a ��'��+�\��her throat followed by a burning in her stomach. Repulsed, she dropped the cupcake.

~%��{�%��'��'��+�‘But, Your Majesty,’ Isobel whimpered, ‘it doesn’t taste good.’~�� +� �� q��

one episode of the Marta Steward show – so same thing. Pick up the ��'��{�

Despite her young age, Isobel knew that to defy the Baroness ��+�� forced the rest of the cupcake down her throat. Her eyes blurred with tears, she had run from the dining room, nauseated and confused. �� had truly believed that Famika was being kind to her.

The worst shock came an hour later as she prepared for bed. Her pyjamas were inexplicably tight. Peering down Isobel saw the �� thighs. She lifted her arm and looked in the small scrap of mirror on the wall. Her skin was stretched over a layer of jiggling fat and her face was round as a moon.

http://www.marthastewart.com/

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!��'��+�%��+��+��rested her pudgy arms on her podgy knees and cried as though her heart would break.

�� swept over her in that small room. It had grown over the years and, in moments like this, when she was alone in the subterranean ��'�� }�� '��'��+��|�� his awakening.

Isobel lifted her foot and looked at it critically. Her ankles lapped over her shoes and her calves looked like miniature tree trunks. Famika’s culinary delights had done their job only too well.

The laboratory door burst open, interrupting her thoughts. Famika swept into the passage on a waft of YSL Opium.

‘Get started on the new strain of elixir immediately. Test it with ��!��{

Dr Clarins Ghore scrambled after her scratching his chin. ‘Y-your Majesty, I have not yet fully deciphered the spells. I anticipate that this will b-be done very soon, but as discussed it could take m-months. We must be patient –‘

~�� work around the clock until you master the contents of that !��{

Famika spun around and stared at him, the promise of death in �� $�+�~��%�� Until then, continue sending reports to Captain Stoliknaya.’

Without waiting to hear the good doctor’s response or farewell, ?��%��'��'�� from the laboratory compound clutching her Z�� 6�� makeup bag beneath her arm. She swept past Isobel and shot a

http://www.ysl.com/en_US

isobel stellar

24

�� '��+�~}�� '��}��!��'��{

Filled with a deepening sense of foreboding Isobel followed the Baroness back along the dark and winding passages.

9��#�� '��D�4�#��)�#�� )�� '��$ ' �;:

25

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3 – Russian Roulette

“I’m wondering - will I ever see another sunrise?” Rihanna

Sir Gobling shook his head and concentrated on the road in front of him, his mind a kaleidoscope of images. The Castle, Sophea, the �� +�#��happened, or was he living his very worst nightmare?

‘The Ruling Sceptre of Cathania will be passed, with our divine �� ?��%��'��Z��;��'+{�As if he were seated right next to him Sir Gobling heard the Central Guardian’s voice once again and knew, with a sickening crunch of reality, that it was all too true.

Sir Gobling would never forget the absolute helplessness that besieged him at the comprehension of those words. The Empress had stumbled back in disbelief glancing beseechingly at him, and �� $��'��$��'�� at her side.

~�Q��{��{��+�~%��'��!��{��]��!��{�� ]��'��{�

Sir Gobling’s mind choked at the prospect of Baroness Famika ruling the Empire. He groaned now and banged the steering wheel in impotent fury as he remembered the rest of what had ensued in the Council chambers. The Empress had stepped forward, pleading to the stony-faced Council, ‘We have long entertained the suspicion that Famika has been embracing dark magic. She will bring only �� [�� }��

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ2nCGawrSY

isobel stellar

26

She’s already succeeded in turning the Principality of Rock into a perpetual stage for her sickening electronic rock music. Please, ��{�

The Guardians remained detached, examining the Empress like a trapped creature in a glass cage. The Central Guardian smiled �� throne.

‘Empress,’ he whispered, ‘it is you who would have brought mayhem and you ��'�� [��{�

The other Guardians had nodded in unison at their spokesman’s statement.

‘As stated, Baroness Famika will take to the Cathanian Throne at a ceremony in her honour. She will address the nation in a holographic broadcast that will feed the furthest corners of the Empire and the rest of the world, of course. We predict that she will ��]��[��+{

Empress Sophea blanched. The spell that had immobilised Sir �� x� �� '�� trying to orientate himself.

~�^��{��'��[��+�!��fell gently against him and wept.

~�� ]��{� �� +� ~q�� }�� \��much deliberation regarding this situation – that is the assassination of the Emperor by his spouse –’

‘But I did not '��{�]��!��+‘&6�KO�KD� "P� OP<� 6O<K��73<� *6<5� �P7�� 3P6O<�K&&�

/K$$6O$D� !�� '�� consideration your pregnancy, we the Council have made the �� `� ��

27

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the Empire and must live out the duration of your pregnancy on Hydersteel Island. Once you have given birth to the dead Emperor’s child, you will be brought back to the Tower of Truths and imprisoned here for the rest of your natural life. The child will be collected by Baroness deLauer and put into her care. It is not the practice of the Council to punish the crime of murder by death – but knowing that your child will never ever see you or speak to you, and that you will never hold him or her in your arms, will, we know, be a punishment worse than death.’

Empress Sophea shivered uncontrollably, clutching Sir Gobling’s arm as hard as she could. ‘My only child. Raised by Baroness Famika deLauer, the most dangerous woman in the world. I beg you, Your ��!��+{��

It was as if she hadn’t spoken. The Central Guardian continued remorselessly, ‘Your punishment will be the isolation of your thoughts and the monotonous years spent in contemplation of your ��+� �� everything �� {

The other Guardians had then risen from their thrones. They @�� @�� ]��!�� [��!�� {��+

‘The manservant must leave the Tower and report to the new ]��{��}��'��+

Gobling looked at him in dismay and then glanced down at the ]��+�~��{��

The Central Guardian then thrust his arms towards the doors through which Sir Gobling and Empress Sophea had entered. ‘Leave now, old man!’��+��@�� of magic had stung Gobling’s eyes and nasal passages once again.

‘Go,’ the Empress whispered. ‘Do everything you can to save �� !�� {��'��!��}��{

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28

Sir Gobling stared at her mutely. There was nothing he could do to save his Empress while the Guardians were watching his every move. He needed to get away, regroup, gather support. Sophea grasped his ��+�~��{��[��+�!��'��'��[��'��+

~?�� {��{�� +Sir Gobling ran from the chamber, tears blinding him, clutching

something in his hand.

He’d been transported alone across the river Thyne-Occo by the ��Q��;��;��+�� '�� $�� at the Tower of Truths, his eyes bloodshot and grainy.

The Empress would stay in the tower overnight and be transported to Hydersteel Island in the morning. There she would spend the remainder of her pregnancy. In that last minute together, Empress Sophea had slipped Gobling her engagement ring, and �� ~��'�� way. The Violet Fire brings freedom’s day.’

He studied the multi-faceted depths of the beautiful ring and repeated her words, trying to understand what she had meant. The ring, to his knowledge, was one of Cathania’s most precious treasures. A large 90-carat violet diamond encircled by seven �� ^�� warmth.

Far too much had happened in the previous two days and Sir Gobling’s mind was thought-logged, his emotions dismembered. Disbelief rode the fragile network of his emotions, mutating remorselessly into a crippling sensation of despair. Freeing a gold chain from around his neck, he gently slipped the Empress’s ring onto it, slipped it back over his neck and then tucked it behind his cravat.

~%��'� �� {� �� +� ~�� Empress Sophea.’

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Wearily, Gobling had turned the key in the ignition and headed back towards Bouldia City, the Tower of Truths disappearing in a veil of dust behind him.

It had taken just under an hour to reach the end of the winding track that led out onto a narrow paved road. Beyond it, the hoverway to Bouldia City divided the countryside, a river of motionless tarmag*.*Tarmag: a tar-like substance that enabled hovervehicles to glide approximately 2 meters above the surface of the ground

As Sir Gobling had driven towards the capital city, he’d noticed that his was the only vehicle on the InterEmpire22. The multi-lane hoverway stretched deserted before him, and when he glanced in the rear-view mirror he saw nothing but the ebony night and its starry emptiness. Although it was late, it was highly unusual for the InterEmpire22 to ��"�� the Empire. Gobling had expected to see the odd hovertruck convoy transporting goods into or out of Bouldia City.

An onslaught of dread tip-toed slowly up Sir Gobling’s spine. #�� '��+��;��;��lurched forward regally and Gobling held his breath as it shot along the deserted hoverway; the hoverengines growled throatily as his foot became heavy on the accelerator pad. He was desperate to return to the capital and establish where Emperor Marcus’s body had been taken and to rally help for the rescue of the Empress. %�� ]��+

�� $�� Bouldia City had become visible beneath the retiring moon. Bouldia }�� and, of course, the music capital of the world, housing the best concert stadiums, dance clubs, discos, recording studios and theatres.

The metropolis pulsed like an electric leviathan, resting on the shores of the mighty Poseidonis Ocean.

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30

!�� ?�� x�the accelerator as the hoverway narrowed into fewer lanes. The �� x� �� +� ]�� '�� and underground tunnels. The InterEmpire22 lead straight onto the Pont d’Diann�� city island, the Islet of Michael.

�� "�� nothing except the vast expanse of deserted lanes feeding in and out of the Pont d’Diann Tunnel. He’d felt like the last person left in ��?��}��'�� +

The Pont d’Diann was one of the architectural wonders of the capital. Instead of being built on steel beams from beneath, the entire �� @�� +��`�� @�� +��@��and at night, with each orb lit from the inside, it appeared as though �� +

It had started raining, which only added to Sir Gobling’s intense feelings of unease. He stared at the blinking lights of the city, the buildings and houses becoming more visible as the Rolls Royce approached. Above him the Orbs of the Great Sacred Fire, which ordinarily gleamed majestically in the night sky, were dull and every ��@��'��[��'�out. Dread swirled in the pit of Sir Gobling’s stomach; he had never seen the orbs at anything but their brightest in his entire life.

�� ;�� ;�� water shooting from beneath it as it swept over pools of collecting rainwater. Sir Gobling was convinced he would see at least a few hovercars as he entered Bouldia City, but the streets on the Islet of Michael were completely deserted, as had been the InterEmpire22�


31

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#�� ^�� +�\��this time of the evening the streets were usually alive with locals, tourists, travellers, sightseers and thousands of night vendors �x�� '�� +�Z�}��, the main road which wound its way across each Outer Island, forming a ring around the centre of Bouldia City, was deserted. As a youngster, Gobling had often wandered along La Circla with his �� $��x��+��turn sprouted hundreds of twisting lanes and alleys along which the most unusual and interesting shops and vendors could be found.

\�� !�� }�� , one �� `� Fear. The Amthynbora Royal Palace stood in complete darkness; not a single light shone in any of its fourteen towers. As Cathanian Royal ��@ �� @��Q��+�� '��'��@�� +�

Sir Gobling had come to a halt at the gateway to the drawbridge. �� ;�� ;�� [�� ground, exhaling plumes of vapour from its levitation outlets. The gargantuan iron gates of the Palace had been swung shut and for the �� '�� +�\�� +��`

WARNING!EMPIRE-WIDE CURFEW EFFECTIVE

��th��th June

By Royal Order CITIZENS DISOBEYING THIS ORDER WILL BE ARRESTED IMMEDIATELY

FdL

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32

Before the last word could leave his lips, a wailing siren had pierced the still night air. Sir Gobling glanced up at the rear-view mirror and saw four lights approaching. He watched carefully. The lights became hovercycles ridden by four soldiers of the Principality ��;��'+�� '�� awkwardly, suspended by invisible strings. Their wooden feet scraped lifelessly across the uneven cobblestones and Sir Gobling ��@��+

!�� [��'��'��;��;��{��alarm system bleeping in response. He kept the hoverengines running, trying not to panic.

/ �� Q ��> @� *+ � �� +�� + #�� +� +��@ he thought. &+�� + �� #�� U�� K�� D� 5�� +�� + #��mobilised so quickly?

He leapt in his seat as a sharp knocking resounded at the window.~!��]��Q��

��{��'�+Sir Gobling remained motionless, a light sweat pricking his

upper lip.‘Under whose instructions?’ he shouted back, placing his foot

just above the accelerator pad, revving the engine slightly.~#�� #� �� ?�� %��'� ��Z��{� ��

barked, again knocking violently at the window of the hovering ;��;��~��%��?��{

!�� ?��already placed a curfew on the entire Empire. "��+�� >�� +��$� �� @�/��+��+��+ #��so soon?

!�� @�+� �� limousine and tried to smash the passenger windows.

‘Step out of the vehicle!’

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~?�� {� !�� @�� thrusting his foot as hard as he could onto the accelerator pad. His only thought was of escape. Something felt horribly wrong; how could Baroness Famika and the Government of the Principality of Rock be involved in the administration of Cathania so soon after Empress Sophea’s trial?

The Rolls Royce shot backwards and swung sideways as Sir Gobling jerked the steering wheel with every morsel of strength ��+��^��'��narrowly dodging the bulk of the massive hovercar as Sir Gobling ��+��rest obeyed, leaping onto their hovercycles.

A dramatic cat-and-mouse chase had ensued. The Rolls Royce was pursued through the empty streets of Bouldia City, the throaty roar of its engines echoing powerfully against the walls of buildings �� +�\�� @�� Sir Gobling saw curtains being drawn aside, confused Bouldarians peeping through their windows to see what was happening outside. #�� sudden and unexpected Empire-wide curfew under the instruction �� %�� ?�� $$�� Baroness Famika deLauer’s insignia made it all the more sinister. The sight of the royal limousine being chased recklessly through the city could only have deepened their dread.

!�� '��@�� Z�}��soldiers close on his heels. Slowly and menacingly, the head �� ;�� ;��+� #�� {�� +�� @��'�� Q�� +� �� pulled a revolver from his coat pocket and with one hand steering



isobel stellar

34

��!�� +�� '��@��the bullet rebounding with an explosive twang��x��glass. The noise was deafening and he felt his ears ache as a high-pitched ringing pinballed in his skull. Looking frantically over his ��!�� +� �� '�� to the left, the Rolls Royce lurching sideways in response. The �� @�'� �� joint in a spray of wooden splinters. Sir Gobling, clenching his teeth viciously, had yanked again and this time the Rolls Royce pushed the hovercycle and its driver against the marble wall of a towering department store.

��'�� '�� +�� steady the limousine, his teeth clenching as the body of the car scraped �� @�'�� +��'��{��behind the Rolls Royce, skidding to a halt in a spray of sparks.

�� the last Gobling had seen of them was in his rear-view mirror, ^�� x�� of their leader.

§§§

��6��!��*, a stocky bulldog of a man, scratched the �� "��overlooked the sprawling vista of Rio de Grande, and beyond it, the Principality of Rock.

He stood up from his immaculately polished desk and strode the �� "��+




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~}��!��'��{�� +�~\��that once we’ve captured Sir Gobling we shouldn’t eradicate him?’

Captain Sertida Stoliknaya, resplendent in the rich blue uniform of the Royal Cathanian Air Force, sat in a large leather armchair �� $��+� ~�� 6�� {� �� x��@��'�� +� ~��Q�� [�� +� �� '�� Her Majesty told us to deliver him without a scratch. Once he’s in her employ we can watch his every move.’

~��{�� '��{��waiting for my, er, I mean, our��{

Moments later a voice announced itself over the crackling speaker ��{��'+�~��!��*�{�� +�~��!�� [�� +{

The General waddled to his desk, breathing heavily through his nostrils. ‘Where in damnation is Troop Commander 34? He was ��{

!��`�~��!��*+��!��"�� }��:��{

}�� !��'�� '�� $�� darkly. Shooting a glance at him the General replied, ‘Well go on, Mildred��!��

~q�� {� �� x�� +� ~��something has gone wrong with this mission, we –’

~�� !��*�{� !��'�� General with dark, malevolent eyes. ‘If something goes wrong with this mission, the one you insisted on entrusting that fool of a commander with, Her Majesty will have your head and your head ��{�

!��*� ��'�� "�� open just as Mildred van Tonder, his secretary, was about to open it. The truth of what Stoliknaya said accosted every nerve-ending in his body. What he needed least at this moment was a problem.

isobel stellar

36

Correction, he thought, what I need least right now is that bloody, daft �� B� �� U��D �� !��

�� !�� "��

statement: Mildred was more the concept of a secretary than an

actual functional employee. General Spvitz, a man religiously

committed to his social standing, enjoyed bragging at dinner

parties that Mildred was a piece of modern art. This ego boost,

however, did not ensure things being successfully faxed or

��#��$��!��

~��!��{�� "��@�� }��!��'��+�#��nodded at her and in response she turned a violent shade of crimson.

~�� !��{� ��'�� !��*+� ~q�� Troop Commander – and where is Sir Gobling Galileo?’

#�� '��+��!��before the irate general, his wooden limbs clunking noisily.

‘Erm, General,’ Mildred interrupted mindlessly, straightening ��'�� ~��'��x�� {

�� +�~}�x��q��{~\��{�!��'�� |��~I could do with a cup

of tea. Oh, and a tart would be nice.’Mildred gasped and then giggled uncontrollably. Her bright

blue eyes sparkled beneath the thickest lashes imaginable. She ��'��~;� ��tarts��{�!�� at the incredibly handsome captain then peeped, ‘Oh, I do love ��^��{�q��"��ponytail bobbing on her head. Bewilderment stunned General !��*��'�� '��+�~��{��+�#��over to where Troop Soldier 476X huddled against the wall.

~��{�#��

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towards him. ‘Where is Sir Gobling Galileo?’After a brief and stammered explanation of the mission’s failure,

� �� {�� |�� "�� +��!��*�� +�#��$��+

}��!��'�� $��slowly rose from his chair. ‘I tried to warn you Troop Commander 34 wasn’t capable of this mission –’

~��{�!��*��+�~��{‘You seem to forget he works for the Cathanian Royal Family –

or what’s left of it, General. Empress Sophea is still one of the most powerful women in the world. That Violet Fire ring of hers – you know what power it has. She will do everything she can to ensure we fail this mission. She may not know the exact intricacies of what �� '�� If she could plot the murder of her own husband, she can very easily ��{

��!��*��'+�~��{��[��?��~

��x�� with cream-tarts and a large pot of tea. Her expression was a perfect �� "��. *An art perfected by every

government employee in any world - resulting in instantaneous

rage for the beholder

‘Tea?’‘Mildred, can’t you see I’m in the middle of a crucial bloody –’‘Oh General, you big bully,’ she teased, rounding the table to

�x��}��+�~�{�� {�� {

She giggled shrilly and held the plate out towards Captain !��'�� Q�� +� ��

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38

!��*�� like a beached whale.

~��{��x��}�� +‘This will do for now.’ He winked and removed one from the plate.~X��{��

him and held it out towards the General.~��

��{~;� ��Q��{� ��

��+�~!�� {��

‘MILDRED��{!�� +�\��

Mildred looked over her shoulder at the Captain one last time. He winked at her and took another bite out of his tart.

They heard her screech excitedly down the passage and several moments later a door slammed.

~�{��{��!��*�� '�� +

4�� +�� ''�� )� V� ��D Stoliknaya thought, turning his back on the General and smiling broadly.

9��+ �6�� +��X��=��+��''��;:

443

COMING SOON!

isobel stellar & the cradle of music


444

Acknowledgements

��`Antoinette – “Het jy dalk my hart deur die oë van die hemel

raakgesien? ...” Engel van my Hart by 0� �� 3��is your song. Sometimes I think your heart is too big for this world. But this world and

I need you, my beautiful sister.Chantal – “All that I am, all that I ever was, is here in your perfect eyes – they’re all I can see ...” Chasing Cars by &��3 �� is my song to you. Your

love is a garden continually bursting into light. I love you, Aglet.

\��`Bryson, Wian, Jondré and Dylan-John��$��

nephews, forever comets of streaking gold in the endless sky. I love you all without limit.

And to my Higher Self` no ��[��+��

______________________________________________________________________________

Deirdre – ��'��{��+�Your friendship is a lighthouse. This song’s for you, Boeb.

Jennifer – “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there ��+��{��+�q�� world is too full to talk about.”�� I’ll always meet you there, Jen.

445

Nicole – Mamma, you helped me believe I can be anything. Isobel ��+�#��

�� my UK family. My rock on foreign shores.

Karl – your friendship is like oxygen. And has been through all the ages. Love you, man.

Gil & Lucy – my two fairy godmothers. Your magic remains with me forever.

Marethe –��+�?��+��'��^��

Cara – Nunu, my heart is your heart. Love you.

Mark – Would I have started writing if not for you?

Bernie – That red cherry shirt was my muse in the early hours. P.S. I’m ��+�+!+�q��

Kate – �� `��'��take my hand.

Geoff – I wonder who inspired the character of Famika? Though she’d never ��@��

The Etiket Team – ��'�� '��#��'��\�� '��6��]��'��+��'��+��+$

446

The Three-Fold Flame

For more information on the Three-Fold Flame and other subjects of ��`

www.ascendedmaster.org

*�+�'� ��+��6�48��"�� '��#��

http://www.ascendedmaster.org

447

The

Isobel Stellar

StoryTeller® Charity

Proceeds from the sale of each Isobel Stellar product will be donated to the Isobel Stellar StoryTeller® Charity which aims to promote literacy and creative writing in South Africa and globally. Our future plans are to build Isobel Stellar Community Centres in underprivileged areas where people

can learn to read and write for free.

The Isobel Stellar StoryTeller® Charity will publish a monthly digest ��

society, like prisoners, terminally ill patients, the homeless, rape victims, �� Q ��+

To express our individuality begins with the spoken word and expands �� +��living these lives of such diverse contrast. Isobel Stellar desires to give a voice to these people, reassuring them that the pain and hardship they

endure is for a very valid reason.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the years is that people want ��+�]�� '��

�� `��\��anything to you?” P�� +�*��

��"��#��$��%�� &��

[email protected]

448

Character Ensembles

'��#&�(��)�&��%��"�� #$�*��+�� /�� Dress by H&M, Sleeveless shirt & tie by Woolworths,

Stockings by Walmart, Custom leather trim leopard-print apron by Christian Lacroix&+��8��3��

��+��(�� Dress by Lanvin 2011, Bvlgari earrings, Custom diamond shoulder arches by Maximillian Khan, de Grisogono leopard bracelet,

X��$��#��#�� Z��6��6�� Cartier diamond ring

Shoes by Christian Louboutin

:�#&��)�(�� Suit by Tom Ford, Shirt by Ralph Lauren, Tie by ?��%��=![��;��Z��

by Maximillian Khan&+��V�#��*��

;��(�� Evening gown by Atelier Versace, Van Cleef & Arpels earrings, Cartier necklace, Clutch purse by Chanel, Harry Winston

diamond ring&+��0��+��

/�� $�(��x��}�+�� }�x��rings, Cartier bangles, Stephen Webster necklace

&+��8 ��/+� ��>

449

<��)�(��)�&��%��"�� #$�*��+�� /�� Dress by H&M, Sleeveless shirt & tie by Woolworths,

Stockings by Walmart, Custom leather trim leopard-print apron by Christian Lacroix&+��8��3��

*�� (�� Cardigan by Zara, Shorts by Zara, Striped T-Shirt by Guess, Apple iPod

&+��4��

Sertida wears regulation Royal Cathanian Air Force uniform �� #$�*��+�� /��Jacket and trousers by

Maximillian Khan, Breitling wristwatch/��$��

450

For more information about, or to purchase any of the featured items, �&��&��#�� (#��

Adidas www.adidas.comApple iPod www.apple.com/ipodAtelier Versace www.versace.comBreitling www.breitling.com?�� `��'+��+��Bvlgari www.bulgari.comCartier www.cartier.comChanel www.chanel.comChristian Lacroix www.christian-lacroix.frChristian Louboutin www.christianlouboutin.com�=![�� +��[��=��+��David Tlale www.davidtlale.comde Grisogono www.degrisogono.comGucci www.gucci.comGuess www.guess.comH&M www.hm.comHarry Winston www.harrywinston.comHermès www.hermes.com��}�x�� +^��x��+��Jimmy Choo www.jimmychoo.comLanvin www.lanvin.comZ��6�� +��+��Manolo Blahnik www.manoloblahnik.comMaximillian Khan www.maximilliankhan.ct (Cathania only)��+�� +��+��+$Rolex www.rolex.comStephen Webster www.stephenwebster.com��x��}�+� � ��+��x��+��Tom Ford www.tomford.comVan Cleef & Arpels www.vancleef-arpels.com

http://uk.burberry.com/store

http://www.jennaclifford.com

http://www.louisvuitton.com

http://www.tiffany.com

www.adidas.com

www.apple.com/ipod

www.versace.com

www.bulgari.com

www.cartier.com

www.chanel.com

www.davidtlale.com

www.degrisogono.com

www.gucci.com

www.guess.com

http://www.hm.com

www.harrywinston.com

www.hermes.com

www.jimmychoo.com

www.lanvin.com

www.maximilliankhan.ct

http://mrprice.co.za

www.rolex.com

www.stephenwebster.com

www.tomford.com

http://www.breitling.com

http://www.christian-lacroix.fr

http://www.dsquared2.com


http://www.manoloblahnik.com

www.vancleef-arpels.com

451

Vivienne Westwood www.viviennewestwood.co.ukWalmart www.walmart.comq�� +��+��+$�� +$�+��

The Isobel Stellar series invites you to shop for fabulous fashion and keep up-to-date with the latest trends and designer brands while you

read!www.isobelstellar.com / www.isobelstellar.co.za

You Are What You Wear, dahlings™

http://www.woolworths.co.za

http://www.zara.com

www.viviennewestwood.co.uk

www.walmart.com

http://www.isobelstellar.com/

http://www.isobelstellar.com/

452

Discography

The following information was sourced from Wikipedia and insleeve �� +� �� [��+� ��`

1 Telephone performed by Lady Gaga ft. Beyoncé.�=>�>+�q��`�Z!��Z$��%��'��!��;��'�� ?�� +� ��`� ��'��+� \��`� %��+�Z��`�!��Z��}��+

2 Rolling in the Deep performed by Adele.�=>�>+�q��`�\��\�'�� ]��+� ��`� �� ]��+� \��`� =�+�Z��`��Z+

=� >��>��&��"�� #$�>��=>>¡+�q��`��Q��}��'�#��+��`�}��!��}��'�#��+�\��`�;��;+�Z��`��+

4 The One That Got Away performed by Katy Perry+�=>��+�q��`��Z�'�$��+��`��+�Z�'��+�\��`�� +�Z��`�}��+

5 Where the Streets Have No Name performed by U2. 1987. q��¢��`�£=+��`��Z��?��]��+�\��`��+�Z��`��+

6 The Fear performed by Lily Allen.� =>>�+� q��`� Z�� \�� +��`�� +�\��`� ��{�� {��+�Z��`�;� +

7 Behind the Wheel performed by Depeche Mode.��¡��+�q��`�� +� ��`� �� ?��+�\��`��+�Z��`��;��+

8 National Anthem performed by Lana Del Rey. 2012. Writers: Lana Del Rey, Justin Parker, David Sneddon, James Bauer-Mein. Producers: Emile Haynie, Jeff Bhasker. Album: Born To Die. Labels: Interscope, Polydor and Stranger.9 Robot performed by Tamara Dey & The Flash Republic. 2005.

453

q��`��+��`��;��}�� +�\��`��+�Z��`��+

10 Obsessed performed by Mariah Carey.� =>>¡+� q��`� ��}�� }�� !�� +� ��`� ��}�� Q�� '�� !��+� \��`� �� \� �+�Z��`��+

11 Flawless (Go to the City) performed by George Michael. 2004. q��`� �� \�� q�� ]�� X�� !��+� ��`� �� +�\��`��+�Z��`�!��?��+

12 Satin Chic performed by Goldfrapp.� =>>¤+� q��`� \�� q�� +� ��`� \�� q�� +�\��`�!��+�Z��`��;��+

13 Revolver performed by Madonna.� =>>¡+� q��`� ��}�� ?�� !�� ?�� }��%��'��?��+��`��%��'�]��\��^�'+�\��`�}��+�Z��`�q��?��+

�� X&��+�Z&��"�� #$�/��$�[��\��¡¡¡+�q��`�Z��*+��`�Z��*+�\��`�¤+�Z��`�6�� \��+

15 Kush performed by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg & Akon.�=>�>+�q��`�K. Rahman, A. Young, A. Thiam, A .Johnson, D. Tannenbaum, A. ;�� +� �� ?+� #��+� ��`� �� +� ��+�\��`��+�Z��`�\��+

16 Ramalama (Bang Bang) performed by Roisin Murphy. 2005. q��`� ;�� +� ��`� ;�� #��+�\��`�;��?��+�Z��`�]��Z��+

17 Stylo performed by Gorillaz.�=>�>+�q��`��$��?��q��'+��`��$+�\��`��?��+�Z��`��+

18 Stay on these Roads performed by A-ha.� �¡��+� q��`� ��q'��Q!�� %��#�'��+��`�\��+�\��`�!��;��+�Z��`�q��?��+

19 Work performed by Kelly Rowland.�=>>�+�q��`��?��!��!��;��+��`�!��!��?��+�

454

\��`��+��+�Z��`�}��+�� X��]��]� �$��"�� #$�[$&��<��)��=>�>+�q��`�

��\��}��+��`��\��}��!��+�\��`�\��+�Z��`��+�

21 My African Dream performed by Vicky Sampson.�=>>�+�q��`�6��'�� !��+� ��`� 6��'�� !��+�\��`� ��+� Z��`�Gallo.

22 Lovesong for a Vampire performed by Annie Lennox. 1992/3. q��`� \�� Z��+� ��`� !�� Z��+� \��`�!��'� �� ?�� !��'��{�� +� Z��`� ?�� }��Records & Arista Records U.S.

23 Sun in my Pocket performed by Locnville.� =>�>+� q��`�\�� }�� ?�� }��+� \��`� !�� '��+�Z��`�}��+

24 All of the Lights performed by Kanye West ft. Rihanna, John Legend, The-Dream, Ryan Leslie, Tony Williams, Charlie Wilson, Alicia Keys, Fergie, Kid Cudi and Elton John. 2011. q��`��q�� x�?��'��'��q��+��`� �� q��+� \��`� �� ?�� '� ��%��+�Z��`�;��Q\Q%��+

Isobel Stellar remains in awe of the artists

above. Thank You. Ubuntu unites us all ... “I am

because you are”

Ever Imagined a World Without Music?™

455

Poetry by Iwan Jooste

C y c l o p s

Crossed the line, caught my breath

NOW NOTHING FEELS THE SAME

I am Polyphemus, Dark Lord of Regret

This karmic transaction

BLOOD BORNE IN SOME OTHER AGE

Acis, you were my Love!

The tide leaves me

Haunted whisperings of shells remain

Be mine in retrospect

Her passion for you long dead

©Copyright 2003

456

Let Them Eat Cake

��

��

� ��

��

� !��

SYNTHESIZED LUSTOUR LOINS IN PRIMORDIAL BLAZE

(UNFOUNDED PRESUMPTION)

Marie Antionette spun the same track

"��#

$�%�� %��

DO YOU HAVE MY NUMBER?

THE GUILLOTINE THRILL OF ELECTRIC LOVE

©Copyright 2003

457

Contemplating Victoria

Beckham

Music the immaculateMy nouveau-riche dream beneath a sinful sun

Pleasure seeker – timid rebelMy fantastic weaknesses come together

(I SURE LIKE THIS!)Fame the intoxicant

Expend my inhibitions & discount my innocenceMusic, music, music

The beat apon a powdery beach

(I SURE WANT THAT!)Money the temptress

Christian Dior, baby, watch my catwalk shadowCommited dancer – joy addict

The cool liquid of Fabergé sweat

(BLACK AMERICAN EXPRESS)LIKE

WANT NEED

CRAVEMORE, MORE, MOREThere I go again – rocket in the sky

KABOOOM!!!Music the immaculate

My skin forbidden goldDance with me again – touch me there

(sigh)

©Copyright 2002

http://www.victoriabeckham.com/

http://www.victoriabeckham.com/

458

About the Author

iwan jooste, 33,

lives in cape town, south

africa

I began writing the Isobel !�� =>>>� �� the story was going to be about underwater vampires, so I’m thankful that Isobel came through to me insisting that her story was much more interesting. Many people have asked whether Isobel is a character based on my life. In some respects this is true – however, it must be remembered that Isobel Stellar is very much a real person and that Cathania is very much a real place. Isobel is the dreamer within us all; she is that part

of us that craves becoming more than what we believe we can be. She embodies the transcendent – she reaches beyond herself and achieves what can not even yet be conceived of.��'��`�¥#��¦Whatever the human mind can conceive of exists as a reality – be it physically manifested or not. I won’t delve into this idea too much; instead I invite you to read the entire Isobel Stellar series to understand what I mean.

459

��+��[�� by a pillow and the only instrument I can play is the remote control for my stereo system. And so I thought, “Why not write a fantastical, slick and very very cool STORY about music?”. Writing I can do. And so, Isobel �� $�� fabulous places. (Yes, yes, they are real too).Music is our universal language. It is what holds the planets aligned, keeps comets in their perfect trajectories, brings the waves to shore – and is that which beats your heart. Each of us has a story to be told. Each of us has a song to sing. And all of ��[��+��[�� ... that will transform us into who we really are. Beyond the illusion, deep within the beat, is the truth. If you read very carefully, and listen to the silence in the spaces between the words, perhaps you will uncover a key to unlock what it is you know you need to unlock. You’ve been searching for it through all of your lives ... I hope you love Isobel as much as she loves you. She doesn’t mind either way – as long as you never turn your back on music.


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