Barelyharebooks: Science fiction and fantasy novels

Archen concocts a mixture to supplement Lough's weak body. As Lough exists in a coma-like state, Archen believes there is one way to reach his heart without using medicine at all.

Archen explains to Lady Darphina what he himself is uncertain of. For certain, time is Lough's only savior now.

 Lough makes his decision. With Archen, Lady Darhpina, and Horse standing by, all prepare to see for the first time the man behind the android. But unexpected complications threaten Lough's life. 

After the life-changing news Lough recieves, Archen invites Lough to stay with him in order to think over his final decision. Does he accept the risks that might come in order to change back into his human form and fulfil his lifelong goal? Or does he remain an android alongside the royal family he has grown to care for? After five days, Lough discovers something far more profound than the choices that now lay before him.

Archen speaks of the family history and his personal struggle to find his ancient ancestor. He explains the key to Lough's physical freedom, a rare mineral named Diamond Fracture Ore.

  Lady Darphina welcomes Lough to the tent, she herself being the guest of one very clandestine man in their midst. Lady Darphina welcomes Lough and Horse to the secure hide out. From there, Lady Darphina reveals some shocking truths to Lough about the past of one selfish king and one very poor craftsman. 

Lough is shocked by Lady Darphina's story. But, despite her offer to grant his freedom, Lough begins to realize where his goals lay and where his heart truly is: with the family he serves. Despite taking a firm stand for loyalty, Lady Darphina introduces one last shocking truth which will ultimately challenge his decision. 

Lough recalls his earlies memories. The question of who first bought him lingers as the image of a cloaked young individual at a cramped, open market comes to mind. Who is behind the mask and the large chunk of change willingly offered on Lough's behalf?

Lough is interested in Lady Darphina's safety as they flee from the castle walls, but Lady Darphina is interested only in the safety of her family, which includes Lough. Lady Darphina gives Lough a path to follow with Horse through the city streets as they break off. But the two have one common destination- one which Lady Darphina reveals to Lough's utter disbeleif. 

Lough waits patiently for Fenton's return. Meanwhile, deep-seeded fears start blooming in the depth's of Lough's mind. Dark memories of his past haunt him, taunting him to believe that his terrible past is destined to be his future. Only when Fenton awakens to whisper a few poinient words does Lough decide that hope lives as long as he stays to serve the family he cares for. That is, until Lady Darphina enters, beckoning him to leave.

Lady Darphina braves a second encounter with King Magnus after a tumultuous dinner evening. Aiming to attain peace and earn her son a more merciful perspective from his father, she instead faces a heartless, fierce reply. 

When the evening family dinner commences, all the servants prepare themselves for the worst. The worst presents itself almost immediately as Eloisa incites her father's rage and Fenton defies his father to his terrible demise. 

Lady Eloisa, the eldest child of the household finds starting rumors and spreading gossip to be the only way to maintain status as an elligable bachlorette. Vanity and petty games though are what Lough find to be mere masks hiding a shattered soul. As his heart starts to take control for him speaking virtuous words to instruct her though Lady Eloisa becomes suspicious of a change in her devoted servant. 

What greater joy does a cat have than to play with a helpless mouse between his claws? What greater joy does King Magnus Carthe have than abusing his power in a judicial hearing? Lough stands helplessly by as he witnesses the worst of the King's childish and unjust methods before two men at odds in his Judicial Court. One impoverished workman is accused of lying and beating his employers work beast while his wealthy employer is charged with violating their contract. But in a courtroom where pleasure outweighs the scales of justice, Lough's newly awakend heart is put to the ultimate test in this trial by fire. Will Lough make a stand for what is right? Or perhaps will the echoes of demise reach the ears of a vigilant Queen who happens to overhear the commitees foul play?

In Chapter five we meet the youngest child of the Carthe household little Miss Pythe, as she struggles through her privately tutored classes. When Lough finds an ideal oppurtunity to aid Miss Pythe in her outrageous requirements, the overly strict tutor Mrs. Lorette states a different opinion on the matter. Lough protests against Mrs. Lorette on the grounds of true educational standards and requirements, causing Mrs. Lorrette to find a real challenge in the lowly house slave. But while Lough outrightly protects Little Miss Pythe's stamina and good heart, does he himself start to feel within what is the beginnings of an ancient heart starting to finally awaken? 

Lough starts his daily duties waking first the only son and prince of the household, Fenton. Never without his best friend Horse the family dog, Fenton prepares for the day with the help of his servant Lough. As Fenton dons his father's heirloom hunting vest with rough carelessness and Horse makes a straight aim to ruin it, Lough tries his best to protect not just the vest but Fenton and Horse from seeing the wrath of his father's anger. 

Lough finds a rare oppurtunity to meditate on his past and question what went wrong. As he tries to create a picture with missing puzzle pieces, Lady Darphina interrupts him. Darphina and Lough discuss basic facets of life: love, family and wondering if one is really alone in the world- all questions Lough has long pined to find the answers to. Only one image continues to distract Lough while they speak: a letter dangling between The Queen's fingers that she refuses to bring into the conversation. 

Lough's age and use is becoming of less and less value in the eyes of the King; a man who already finds fault with all he sees. The Queen however believes otherwise and is careful to confront the King about her opinion in regards to Lough. When value over want is in debate, The Queen fights to save the android whose memory contains precious moments of her beloved children's childhood. Will she save Lough from being sold to the open markets by the hands of the tempermental king?

Lough experiences a bewildering revelation during an average days work. Is it enough to free him from the chains of his current existance?