Shadow Of The Traitor E-Book

A.E. Stanfill

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Aurelius, Gawain and Leon are on their way to the tomb of carnage to learn the truth of Leon’s powers... But there will be those that stand in their way.

Joined by allies both old and new, they set forth into the unknown. Meanwhile, the new King Alistair wages war against the world, hoping to bring everyone under a new banner: a new world order, where he will rule not only as a King, but as a God.

But can Leon walk the path destined for him, and save the world - or will darkness take over the land?

Leseprobe

SHADOW OF THE TRAITOR

CHILDREN OF THE CURSED SERIES BOOK 2

A.E. STANFILL

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

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About the Author

Copyright (C) 2020 A.E. Stanfill

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2022 by Next Chapter

Published 2022 by Next Chapter

Cover art by CoverMint

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author’s permission.

CHAPTERONE

A SHIP AT SEA

Storm clouds were rolling in, a once blue and calm sky now darkened by those very clouds. Huge waves of ocean water crashed hard into the only ship that was brave enough to battle the storm itself. Lightning filled the sky in all different patterns. The wind picked up and the waves grew larger, damn near causing the ship to steer off course. If the storm gets any worse it will threaten to capsize the vessel.

“Lower the mass!” A voice shouted.

“Not sure if that is possible in such a storm such as this!”

“Where is the Captain?” Another shouted.

“He’s below deck dealing with the prisoners.”

“The Captain has had them alive for over a year and still nothing. It would be better if we just collected the reward.”

“It would be unwise to question him at this point.”

“Then I guess we better make sure the ship doesn’t sink.”

Down below the Captain of the vessel was with the thieves executioner. Wishing to inquire some information from his new found guests. “Tell me, Aurelius. Why does the new King Drasal have such a high bounty on your friends' heads?” The Captain asked.

“I wouldn’t tell you a damn thing!” Aurelius spate. “Even if you threatened to cut out my tongue.”

“Why would I do that to an old friend?”

“You are no friend of mine.”

The man laughed, “That hurts. How long have we known one another?”

“Many years. Perhaps not long enough though, Bosch.”

Bosch walked closer to the cell door, he was safe as long as he kept his distance. “All I want out of you is information, then you will be free to do as you please,” he said.

“And what of my friends?”

“Like it or not. They are the property of Kole now.”

“If I refuse?”

“I will be forced to let my new acquaintance here have some alone time with you.”

“Do you think that scares me?”

“I would assume it wouldn’t,” Bosch said. “That’s why I brought a friend along with me. Executioner, bring me the boy.” A moment later the overly large man returned with a young man that had shoulder length blonde hair. He was somewhat muscular and was dressed in ragged clothing the same as Aurelius. “I see by the look in your eyes that you thought this boy would be elsewhere,” he smirked.

“Leave him alone he has nothing to do with this!” Aurelius demanded.

“He has everything to do with this!” Bosch shouted back. “Tell me why King Alistair wants this child so badly and no harm shall come to him.”

“Don’t tell this scum anything,” said the young man.

Captain Bosch backhanded him across the face, “I did not give you permission to speak. Still your tongue if you wish it to stay in your mouth.” He turned his attention back to Aurelius, “What do you say old friend? Do you wish to talk with me now?”

“Damn you, Bosch.” He turned his back towards him refusing to say another word.

“I don’t think you believe me. Let’s see if you will speak after this. Cut off the boys thumb, then throw it in the cell with my old friend here. Teach him a lesson about respecting the captain of the ship.”

“Leave him be! You have no idea the consequences if you persist!”

The executioner grabbed hold of the young man's wrist slamming his hand against the wall. He removed his knife from the sheath of leather attached to his belt. Pressing the blade against the flesh of the boys thumb readying to cut it right off.

“One last chance. What do you say, Aurelius?”

“Leave the boy alone and I will tell you whatever you want to know.” But it was too late, the young man was already losing control of his senses. Which allowed whatever power that dwells deep within him to escape. Blue flames erupted from his hand, his strength increased enough that the executioner could barely keep hold of the boy.

“What kind of sorcery is this?” Bosch gasped.

“I warned you,” Aurelius said. “Whatever comes next is of your own doing.”

The executioner went to stab the young man but quickly realized he no longer had the knife in hand. Instead the young man had the weapon, before he could react the blade cut through his wrist. He watched in disbelief as his hand dropped to the floor. The man fell to the ground crying out in pain, grasping at what was no longer there. Bosch went for his blade but the boy was already upon him with the knife at his throat.

“Leon stop!” Aurelius shouted. Though his words were not getting through to him as Leon pressed the knife into his flesh. “If you kill him we will never know where he took Gawain and the others!”

“How can you trust he will tell us the truth?” Leon questioned.

“Throw me the keys he carries and I will show you how.”

“If you move an inch you die,” Leon warned, reaching out to take the keys from the man's belt. He turned ever so slightly tossing the set of keys over to Aurelius. The elven man reached down and picked them up, going through each key until he found the one that unlocked the cell door.

“You okay, Leon?” Aurelius asked as he rejoined one of his companions.

“Hungry and thirsty, other than that I’m alright,” Leon answered. “You?”

“Same.”

“You will never get away with this, my men will kill you before you get topside,” Bosch interrupted.

“If you don’t help us you will lose the one thing you love the most,” Aurelius said.

“Do you think I care that much for my own life?” Bosch laughed.

“Shut up!” Leon snapped.

“Bosch is right, his life matters not to him,” Aurelius said. “But there is one thing that he does care for and is afraid of losing.”

“Do tell. Let’s find out if you know me as well as you think you do.”

Aurelius muttered a few elven words under his breath. Seconds later a silver sphere appeared in the palm of his left hand. “You see this old friend?” He asked with a slight grin. “This sphere allows me to control the weather when out at sea. And while you’ve been down here with us, I’ve been controlling the weather up there.”

“What’s your point?”

“My point is that I have been building a storm that not even your ship can survive.”

“You would sink the, Dauntless?”

“If you sink the ship you will kill us all,” Leon gasped.

“Don’t worry about that,” said Aurelius. “The Good Captain will announce to his crew that he had a change of heart. That we would be a better use to him as an alliance than an enemy.”

“Why would I do that?”

Aurelius shrugged, “If you don’t then Leon will slit your throat and I will be forced to sink your ship. I will leave that choice to you, Captain.”

Captain Bosch thought about his choices, die and lose his ship in the process. Or let his prisoners that he was being paid handsomely to transport to King Alistair himself go. Though the thought of his ship being sunk along with him on it wasn’t something he was willing to allow so easily. That and if his ship was gone so would be all of his riches. Along with what he loved the most, adventure and plundering other pirate ships.

“Looks like the shoe is on the other foot.” Bosch laughed, “Call off the boy and stop the storm and you have a deal.”

Aurelius took the knife from Leon and held it up to Bosch’s throat himself, reconsidering the deal that was made. “I should kill you for selling me and my friends out.”

“Then you will never know where I’ve taken the rest of your mates.” Bosch smiled. Aurelius lowered the blade afterwards punching him in the face. Bosch wiped the blood from his lips, “Still got that elven temper I see.”

“Shut up,” Aurelius hissed. “Leon, go get our gear.”

About thirty minutes later the Captain emerged from below deck, his second in command was happy to see his return. “Captain Bosch! Thank the gods you are safe, these waters be cursed. We fought a mighty storm, then it disappeared as quickly as it started,” he stated.

“Steady your nerve mate,” Bosch said. “We have been in cursed waters before and shall again. If my second in command can not handle this job anymore. Maybe walking the plank is more suitable for thee.”

“No need for that Captain,” he nervously swallowed. That’s when he spotted the prisoners walking up topside. “Why have the prisoners been set free?”

“I have decided they will be more valuable to me as allies rather than enemies.”

“Surely delivering them to King Alistair would garner us loyalty. Would it not?”

“Do you question my decision?!” Bosch belted.

“Not at all sir.”

“Then stay your tongue before I cut it out.”

“As you wish Captain.” The man bowed before quickly walking away.

“About our destination, Captain,” Aurelius began.

“Just call me, Bosch.” He sighed.

“Can’t take that chance,” said Aurelius. “If we don’t pretend to show you respect your crew could decide to mutiny. And neither one of us can afford for that to happen.”

“True, and knowing my crew they would surely throw us overboard,” he said. “Where to then?”

“Take us to where Master Gawain and the rest of my friends are,” Leon insisted.

“That will not be so easy,” Bosch replied.

“Why?” Aurelius asked.

“I bought them from Kole then sold your friends off to slave traders at Wintervale.”

“Even though you were supposed to take them all back to Drasal,” said Aurelius. “How did you get away with trying such a scheme?”

“I sent a messenger to Drasal, informing King Alistair the prisoners tried to escape and there had been casualties. Only the boy with the blonde hair was left alive.”

“Smart, even for you.”

“More silver in it for me that way.”

Aurelius shook his head, “If you don’t mind Captain we would like to go to Wintervale.”

“Listen up!” Bosch shouted. “Hoist the mainsail we head for the great frozen city of Wintervale!”

Five days of rough waters and battling storms that for some reason the sphere Aurelius carried couldn’t control. Almost as if the gods themselves were against them. Finally made landfall or had gotten as close as they possibly could before having to take out a dinghy. Though Bosch tried to give his word he wouldn’t leave. He still couldn’t be trusted and was forced by Aurelius and Leon to come with to ensure they had a way off this dreadful place.

It was cold, colder than most places Leon had visited before. Aurelius was used to such changes in temperatures as he had traveled far and wide. All three of them were dressed in heavy coats made from the fur of the Wintervale wolf. Which holds special abilities to protect man from such frigid weather. That and the little food that was with them was enough to keep them alive. This was all new to Leon, never had he seen land such as this. Nothing but a frozen tundra, not much in the way of wildlife and trees that were iced over.

After a long and dangerous hike through snow and below freezing temperatures that took three days. They had finally made it to their destination. Walking into the city for Leon was strange and made his stomach crawl. Yes he was a stranger in a strange and foreign land. Though seeing houses made from ice and vendors selling their wares near small contained fires was not something he was used to seeing. First thought that came to mind was the simple fact of how people could survive in this manor?

“Take us to where you sold Gawain and the others,” Aurelius demanded.

“It won’t be that easy,” replied Bosch.

“What are you not telling us?”

“I sold them to a group of mercenaries that have a base in this city.”

“Mercenaries?” Leon interrupted. “How in the hell are we going to get them back from a group of scum such as that?”

“Everyone has a price,” Aurelius reassured him. “Isn’t that right, Bosch?”

“I don’t like that look in your eyes.”

“You’re going to offer to buy Gawain and the others back, even if you have to offer double the coin.”

“Are you mad?”

“Do you wish to keep your life intact?”

Bosch sighed, “These men may wish for something more.”

“Whatever it takes,” Aurelius proclaimed.

“Remember you said that.”

“Let me worry about that. Lead the way towards their base.”

The Captain did as he was told, knowing if he didn’t his life and his precious ship would be done for. The mercenary camp was on the far side of town. There was at least five medium size tents surrounding one large tent dead in the center. As they approached, there were groups of men on both sides practicing combat techniques. One man in particular caught the attention of Aurelius and Leon. The way he moved, the combat techniques he used, his defensive stance seemed all too familiar.

“It’s, Master Gawain,” Leon said out of the blue.

Aurelius was thinking the same but had second thoughts after seeing the man's scruffy looks. “How can you be sure?” He asked. “Yes he fights the same as, Gawain. But let’s be honest, he would never allow himself to look like that.”

“Not sure if you’ve noticed but neither one of us is looking great either.” Leon retorted.

“Why would he teach a bunch of swords for hire the knowledge he learned from the Academy?” Aurelius asked. “Do you not question that?”

“That does bother me,” Leon answered. “Though Gawain has trained me since I was a mere child. So don’t question me when I say that man is none other than Master Gawain.”

Aurelius only knew of one way to get Gawain’s attention if it was truly him. It was a game of one-upmanship that the two played every time they would meet in a different location. He focused his concentration on directing a spell of ice towards the palm of his hand. When done he reared back and threw a large ice crystal at the man Leon believed to be Master Gawain.

The man turned and released a spell of fire to melt the ice crystal before it could hit him. “Only one man would try a stunt like that!” He bellowed.

“Gawain, that is you!” Aurelius shouted in return.

“Aurelius, Leon! Thank the gods you two are safe,” Gawain proclaimed. He walked over to happily greet them both. “I worried the worst for you both.” Gawain was ecstatic until he had seen the monster that sold him and Lady Catherine. Along with the two other boys to the mercenaries. “Scum!” He said with rage filling his voice. “You sold us out to Kole, this man will die by my hand!”

Gawain went to reach for his blade but Aurelius was quick to stop him. “Steady yourself, we need him alive if we are to leave this land.”

“I would rather gut him like a pig for what he has done!”

“Believe me, I would like nothing more than to see that happen. But at this moment in time we need him alive.”

“Because you wish to spare his life so be it.” Gawain glanced over at Bosch, “When there is no further use for you, then you shall answer for your crimes.”

“I look forward to our one on one time,” Bosch replied with a slight smile on his face.

“Master Gawain, why are you training a band of mercenaries?” Leon questioned.

“That is a long story,” Gawain replied. “And please do not refer to me as Master. That is a title that is no longer mine to claim.”

“Either way we are here to get you and the others out of here.” Aurelius proclaimed.

“What if I refuse?” Gawain asked.

“Why would you do such a thing?”

“Walk with me as we talk.” Gawain turned and slowly walked ahead with the others following suit. “Not that you two could understand what has transpired over the past two years. But I have found myself in a fortunate position.” A man came running up to him wearing clad armor. He handed over a piece of parchment and they exchanged a few words before the man took his leave.

“What is going on here?” Aurelius questioned.

Gawain proceeded to walk, “As I was saying, I found myself in a fortunate position. When myself and the others were sold to this band of mercenaries. I thought for sure we would be nothing more than slaves, lucky for us that wasn’t the case.

The leader of this band of mercenaries was a kind man that refused to let us be sold to slave traders. He led that traitorous scum to believe he had cruel intentions in mind for us. It was in fact the only way he would allow us to be sold in the first place-”

“Couldn’t have cared less what would have happened to the lot of you,” Bosch interrupted. “Coin was the thing that I wanted out of you. Hell, I would have sold you to Hades himself if the price was right.”

“Filthy swine,” Gawain muttered.

“You still have yet to answer my question,” said Aurelius.

“After Mace Smith, whom I learned a lot from over the past couple of years, had passed away. I stepped in as their new leader, these are my men now, my family, this is my home,” Gawain explained.

“Have you lost your mind?”

“Far from it. Ask the others when you see them, I assure you they feel the same way.”

Leon sighed, “What of our quest?”

Gawain stopped to face the young man, “What chance would we have against King Alistair and that damned blade?” He lowered his head almost as if he felt shameful, “I let Ulrich and you down, Leon. Most of all, I let the Academy down, for that people paid with their lives. Because of me Alistair became King and now controls the most powerful blade in all the lands.”

“Though the tide will turn in our favor once we go to The Tomb Of Carnage!” Leon proclaimed.

“You know this from a dream!” Gawain shouted. “This means nothing! He who holds the Reaper Blade controls the Dark Knights. How do we stand a chance against such power? And you talk about some amulet and tomb that will lead us to victory. It is a waste of time, we need to get as far away as we can and start anew.”

“You would allow more innocent to die?”

“I refuse to let more people that I care about die!”

Leon glared at Gawain, “When did you become a coward?” He muttered under his breath.

“What did you say to me child?” Gawain hissed.

The young man clenched his fists together tight, his eyes opened wide and his upper lip snarled as he spoke, “I said, when does the Master Trainer of the Academy of Drasel act as though a coward.”

Gawain took a step forward, “I am no coward. Remember who you speak too,” he warned. Leon held back his anger out of respect for the man he still considered a brother. If his words did come forth a fight would break out and that was not what was needed at this time. The young man stormed past Gawain and quickly disappeared out of sight.

“What has happened to you, Gawain?” Aurelius asked.

“I’ve opened my eyes to the truth,” Gawain replied. “Follow me, I have matters to attend too. After that we can talk further.”

“What of, Leon?”

“Leave him be,” said Gawain. “He has to grow up sooner or later.”

CHAPTERTWO

OLD FRIENDS AND OLD PROBLEMS

Leon was looking the city over if that is what one would like to call it. There were many huts all around, nothing like what he was used to seeing. Not much in the way of coin around these parts of the lands, hunting for fur and meat was the only means to survival. Yes there were traders selling their wares but they were few and far between. Though there was no castle to be seen. Which meant no one person had power or control over the city of ice.

“Leon!” A voice called out.

When he turned to look, he saw an old friend waving at him, “Henry!” Leon shouted back.

“It’s damn good to see you, Leon,” Henry said as he approached. “Thought for sure you would be dead or worse in prison being torchered by King Alistair's lackeys, Cain and Ulrich.”

Leon laughed at the notion, “No such luck,” he said. “Though I would like another chance to speak with Ulrich.”

It looked as though Henry’s chin was about to hit the ground, “Why in the hell would you want to talk with that scum for?” He spate.

“His mind is being poisoned by, Caine. You know what Ulrich was like well before I came to the Academy. He would never raise a hand towards anyone.”

“Maybe he was once kind, but not anymore. Or perhaps he never was in the first place.”

“How can you talk that way about our friend?”

“That coward is no friend of mine!”

Leon was quick to change the subject, it had been over two years since he had seen them last. Having an argument was the last thing he wanted, “Where’s Jeffrey and Lady Catherine?”

“Jeffrey, is out hunting,” he said. “Lady Catherine, is teaching healing techniques at the hut up ahead on your right.”

“Has everyone lost their minds?”

“We found a home, Leon,” Henry answered. “A home away from the troubles that plague the world. Nobody cares about a town that is made from ice. We can live here in peace with no worries, help the ones that need and deserve it.”

“And what of the ones that can’t escape that tyrant?” Leon shouted. “Do we just leave the rest of the world suffer?”

“What do you suggest?”

“We fight!”

Henry laughed, “I think you’re the one that is mad,” he said. “You can’t fight someone that powerful.”

Leon raised his head high, “I can,” he said with pride.

“Last time you went up against Alistair he almost killed you.”

“This time will be different!”

“How can you be so sure?”

“You will just have to trust me.”

Henry sighed, “Don’t look for my help. You might be able to get aid from the others, but I’m done fighting. My home is here,” he said. The young man slapped Leon on the shoulder, “Go talk with Lady Catherine, I’m sure she will be happy to see you well.” Henry smiled before turning to walk away.

Leon couldn’t believe what he was hearing, first Gawain refusing to hear him out, then Henry after that. Perhaps Lady Catherine still had a level head on her shoulders. He could only hope that would be the case, she may be the only one left to help talk sense into Gawain and Henry. When he walked into the hut Lady Catherine was in the middle of teaching a class on healing herbs and remedies.

Though she stopped everything when she caught a glimpse of Leon standing off in the distance. “Class is dismissed for the day,” she announced. When the small hut was cleared out Lady Catherine approached. “Leon,” she gasped before hugging him. “By the Gods I thought the worst had happened.”

“Likewise,” Leon replied.

“How did you escape?”

“Long story.”

She hugged him again, “Doesn’t matter, you’re here, you’re safe.”

Leon took a step back, “I don’t think I can handle another hug.” He smiled, “But I’m glad to see you again, Lady Catherine.”

“The Academy no longer exists,” Catherine responded. “That title no longer belongs to me.”

“Gawain said the same. Then what shall I call you?”

“Hmm.” She tapped the tip of her finger on her lips, “I give you permission to call me, Catherine.”

“It will take some getting used to,” he said. “Though I will try.”

Catherine noticed that something else was bothering the young man, “You seemed troubled, Leon. Just as before, feel free to speak about whatever is on your mind,” she reassured him.

“It’s about Master Gawain.”

“What about him?”

“He’s changed.”

“Gawain seems the same to me.”

“Then why is he afraid to finish what we started?”

“He’s not afraid.”

“If it’s not fear what is it?” Leon questioned.

She placed her hands on Leon’s shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes, “He’s lost himself,” she answered. “Everything he has known, loved and protected was taken from him in a blink of an eye. Deep down he feels like he let everyone down, including you.”

“What can I do to help him snap out of it?”

“I’m afraid I can’t help you with that.”

“Why not?”

“That is something he will have to deal with in time.”

“I need the old Gawain back now!” Leon shouted.

“Do not speak to me in such a manner,” she demanded.

“I didn’t mean it.” He frowned, “I need his help and Gawain has refused. He has said that this is his home now and has no plans on leaving. Aurelius and myself can’t do this alone and we desperately need to get to the Tomb Of Carnage.”

“Gawain wishes not to go there,” Catherine replied. “He expressed his concerns long ago.”

“What did he say?”

She crossed her arms and gave a stern look, “The place is dangerous, it is filled with undead creatures. And if not careful the Tomb itself can come to life and swallow your soul,” she explained.

“Nothing we haven’t faced before,” Leon said with arrogance.

“Yes that is true,” Catherine responded. “Though there is one creature that dwells deep within the Tomb that you have yet to face. This creature is the protector of what lies deep within, The Tomb Of Carnage. No man has ever stepped foot inside and lived to tell the tale. Gawain knows this and feels as though if you enter he will not have the strength to protect you.”

“It doesn’t matter what awaits me inside that place, I have no choice but to go. It is the only way to unlock the power of this amulet I carry with me, and thus will aid us in stopping, Alistair.”

“How would a child know such things?” Catherine questioned.

“I am no longer a child and refuse to be treated as such!” Leon belted.