The Courier's Conflict E-Book

T. S. Valmond

• Herausgeber: T.S. Valmond
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Serie: The Bolaji Kingdoms
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 236

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Beschreibung

Wolves, dragons, bears, and a courier collide in this epic battle for control of the Bolaji kingdoms.

The beasts of the North have declared war on the ten kingdoms of Bolaji. Rasha must assume the role of Princess Incumbent in order to unite the ten kingdoms against an invasion of wild beasts.

If she can’t defend their northern border they could lose every kingdom in the realm. How can she end a war when her closest companions are keeping secrets, and there’s a traitor within the palace walls? 

Buy The Courier’s Conflict today and find out if one courier can unite the kingdoms and defeat the beasts in this action-adventure series that proves even a princess can’t have it all.

Leseprobe

THE COURIER'S CONFLICT

THE BOLAJI KINGDOMS SERIES BOOK TWO

T. S. VALMOND

CONTENTS

Also by T. S. Valmond

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

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

The Courier’s Quest

One

Two

Three

Four

Acknowledgments

From the Author

THE COURIER’S CONFLICT

The Bolaji Kingdoms Book Two

T.S. Valmond

Copyright © 2017 by T.S. Valmond. All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events or locales is purely coincidental. Reproduction in whole or part of this publication without express written consent is strictly prohibited.

EBOOK ISBN: 9 7 8 1 7 7 5 3 6 1 0 4 6

PRINT ISBN: 9 7 8 1 9 9 9 5 0 1 2 2 8

Cover By: Goerz Designs

ALSO BY T. S. VALMOND

Books in the World of Bolaji:

The First Kingdom (Prequel)

The Courier’s Code

The Courier’s Conflict

The Courier’s Quest

The Guardian’s Code

Want more adventures in space?

The Starship Hope Series:

Ensign (Prequel)

Exodus

Marauders

Viral

Nexus

Arrival (coming soon)

Want more? Here’s where you can find me: https://TSValmond.com/links

BECOME A VIP

Want to see how it all began? The First Kingdom is a free gift when you sign up to get author updates from T.S. Valmond.

A Romeo and Juliet Story With a Fantasy Twist

Sanee and Adera became friends long before they understood what it meant to hate those who were different. They fell in love in secret against the wishes of their families. Determined to be together when ripped apart, they each embark on a journey to find a land only rumored to exist where they could be accepted and live in peace.

The feuding tribes of Bolaji have never had peace but this epic war comes to a head when border battles intensify over the disappearance of the two young lovers, forcing Sanee and Adera to make unimaginable choices. (MORE)

For Mom

"To tame a wild animal by education, art, control or by confinement is to strip them of everything that makes them what they are. But to live in harmony is the only freedom they desire.”

- Mat`ka of Poda (Tero-Joro goddess of nature)

1

THERE WILL BE BLOOD today. That was Rasha’s first thought when she woke up to the sound of the battle horn. The beasts of the north had been making her world a living nightmare. She hadn’t slept well since the beasts stormed the palace three months ago and slaughtered the princesses from eight of the ten Bolaji kingdoms. The fight at their front doors increased in frequency and intensity as the beasts grew impatient to conquer the ten kingdoms of Bolaji. Rasha threw off the covers and didn’t flinch when her feet hit the cold floor.

Temi paced at the door, growling and ready to join the fight. He’d never been allowed on the battlefield before. Her bedroom door was a scratched and defaced testament to the fact he’d been locked inside. She was dressed for battle in minutes, her swords in their sheaths before Jak knocked on the door. She left Temi tethered to the bed and slipped out the room to join Jak.

A servant raced to catch up with them, carrying a tray with hot bazil and biscuits. Rasha refused the offered food, but Jak grabbed a mug and shoved it into her hands before taking his own. The biscuits he slipped into a bag at his waist.

“Thank you, Fisa.” He drained his mug and handed it back. “Did you sleep well?”

“I did, Your Highness.” She flushed and smiled, delighted he’d noticed her. Rasha wondered how he remembered their names.

“How is your mother? Is she still fighting the cough?” he asked.

“She’s much better. The remedy you suggested worked quickly. She sends her regards.”

Rasha listened to the exchange with amazement. How did he know so much about everyone? She’d fought side by side with so many whose names she never learned.

She handed her mug off to Fisa, trying with all her might to memorize the girl’s name for next time.

“Thank you, Fisa,” she said. The girl dropped a curtsy and left with the tray.

“How do you do that?” Rasha asked Jak.

“What?”

“Remember everyone’s name and story?”

“I don’t know, people tell me about their lives, I remember it.”

Rasha huffed.

“What? Fisa and Margaret make your bed every morning. Are you telling me you’ve never spoken with them, princess?” He emphasized the title with a smirk on his face, teasing her.

Rasha rolled her eyes. They didn’t have time for their usual banter. The horns sounded again. The fighters had gathered, awaiting their orders. This duty fell to her as the princess incumbent. Jak, as prince incumbent, had no royal education, and they deferred to him only when Rasha was unavailable. Which didn’t bother him.

With one opened hand held high, Rasha signaled the soldiers on the northern cliffs to hold. She waited for the beasts to trigger the new electrified grid. With luck, many would fall after the charge was released. Her archers would pick them off as they could. They’d have to fight the rest hand to hand. Most of the beasts had the advantage of strength and size. Some were able to fly. The beasts with the ability to speak made no attempt at negotiations or discussions with the ten kingdoms. Their purpose was clear from the start. Take down the first kingdom of Bolaji, and the rest would fall to them.

Rasha scanned the forest’s northern edge, then double-checked the monitor for signs of movement. The fighters on the ridge, many of them raw recruits, would wait for her signal. The ranking officers, the generals and their captains, were another story.

They’d met with the council after the attack on the palace to discuss their military strategy in the official council chambers.

“Why should we take orders from a child?” The general from Karmir asked the council. “She’s never seen battle.”

“What does she know of military strategy?” The Vol captain asked.

“She’s your princess incumbent and future queen of Bolaji. You will follow her into the depths of Q should she demand it of you.” Tobi, the councilman from Chilali said.

“Tobi is right, though the theatrics aren’t necessary.” Keabasi spoke with the serenity her mermaid race was best known for. “She is our leader, and with this council behind her she will succeed. The same won’t be said of any who stand against her.”

It had silenced them for a time but remained a sore point for all, especially Rasha. She hadn’t been feeling very confident, though she pretended that she’d led hundreds of armies into battle. That was how she coped with their cynicism and doubt.

On the battlefield, Jak took his place on her right. A true friend and confidant, he never faltered when she needed him. He blew hot air on his gloved hands and rubbed them against his legs for warmth.

“They’re taking their time,” he said. “Guess they’re not in a hurry to become barbecue.”

The winter snow had arrived in the night and continued to fall. Fighters from the southern kingdoms suffered; most had never seen snow before. The people of Adalu rallied on their behalf, making jackets and winter coverings for any fighter lacking the winter essentials.

Jak was from Winaka, the seventh kingdom. His people had joined the battle early, once they learned the truth of Jak’s origins. Willing to fight alongside their newly found prince, they were the first in need of winter wear and snow preparation.

Jak wore the new title and took on his role with ease. He didn’t like playing incumbent any more than she did, but he seemed to handle it better. He was gracious and kind, putting doubts to rest when people saw how well he handled command. Rasha admired his easy manner and hoped that she could someday master both his confidence and his grace.

A group of startled small birds took to the sky from behind the line of trees and she knew it was time; she signaled again to the ridge.

A wave of roaring, screeching beasts emerged from the tree line. The ground in front of the beasts lit up in a grid of white lights and hit the beasts charging at full speed. Beasts coming behind them hopped out of the way and staggered back. Their leaders fell to the ground, twitching from the shock it delivered. The beasts backed away from the grid area with wary snorts and nervous growling. Bull-men drove the animals forward with whips and prods, but the animals resisted. Bird-men and dragons took to the air, flying over the grid. Rasha held up a fist, and the archers behind her shot down as many of the bird-men as they could. Most of them dodged the arrows and landed only a few feet in front of Rasha and the front line. The charge on the first grid was down already. It lasted only a few minutes. She whistled for the swordsmen to press the attack while they scrambled into formation.

“I need that second charge,” she yelled.

“I know, I know, I’m working on it,” Ladi said. She turned to the grid control system and began tapping furiously.

“No time. I’m going in.” Rasha drew her two short swords and charged the nearest beast, a bull-man. Jak drew his longsword, taking on a large wolf that tried to attack her from behind. Surprised by his attack, the wolf turned to face him. Jak’s longsword came down across the face of the wolf and it staggered toward him before falling flat to the ground.

Rasha slashed at the bull-man until he doubled over and she could deliver a blow to the base of the neck. The bull-man fell with a thud, and she used his back as a springboard to leap onto the back of a bear that was mauling a fallen fighter. Her swords made quick work of the beast, and it collapsed. She rolled it over to check on the soldier, but he was already dead, his sightless eyes fixed on the sky.

“Ladi!” Rasha yelled.

“One minute.” Ladi picked up the device with both hands and took position near the fighting. “Got it.” She said. She pulled out a wooden whistle and blew a signal, loud and long, that carried over the din.

The fighters dropped to the ground at her signal. Without missing a beat, Ladi sent a burst of energy that carried an electric shock out in front of her four feet above ground.

A soldier dressed in the military colors of the eighth kingdom of Vol was fighting on the back of one brown bear when it took an electric shock. It propelled him into the air and the bear across the field. They both landed hard on the ground and Ladi ran to help the soldier. She found him laying with his eyes wide and no heartbeat. The stun for the beasts was far too strong for humanoids, but Ladi came prepared. She administered a lighter secondary charge, which restarted his heart. His eyes blinked and he gasped for breath, clutching her arms.

“You’re going to be okay,” she said as he looked around. Two of his fellow soldiers had come up behind her and helped the man to his feet.

The rest of the beasts retreated back to the north with the dragons and flying bird-men.

The remaining fighters went to the fallen, searching for any survivors, before they assembled to leave. Rasha was helpless to do anything but watch as the dead were carried away. Jak patted her shoulder. “There’s nothing you can do. We should go.”

She turned away from the battlefield, her heart heavy with the losses. It was becoming harder and harder to put away the images of all their faces. They came back to visit her in her sleep.

“Anything on long sensors, Ebere?” She asked. Courier Central had automatically dispatched Ebere to be her new partner after Lu died. When she’d explained to him that she was in the middle of a war, he hadn’t returned to Central as she’d expected. He chose to stay and fight with them. Despite his shy manner, Rasha found herself liking him for his bravery and let him stay and fight. They needed the numbers anyway.

“No, nothing, we’re all clear,” Ebere said, then gathered his gear and followed them.

“What happened to my secondary charge?” Rasha asked him.

“I prepared it, but when I went to set it, the parameters had been changed. My guess is Ladi was experimenting again.”

Rasha and Jak stopped and waited for Ladi to catch up. Ebere went on ahead.

“What happened back there?” she asked when Ladi joined her.

“Did you see that? I mean the timing was a little off but the effect was out of this world.” She spoke in rapid bursts. “Exactly what I was looking for. Total carnage would be better but we don’t want to kill our own people, right? Next time bigger grid, better result. I’m on it.”

Jak shook his head, stifling his laughter. Rasha glared at him and turned back to Ladi.

“No, I mean, why did you tamper with the secondary charge Ebere set?”

“It wasn’t good enough.”

“We’ve been through this. I don’t want you practicing on the battlefield! We have to be able to rely on our methods. Put your feelings for Ebere aside and focus on what you’re supposed to do. Don’t risk any more lives,” Rasha said.

“I don’t have any feelings for Ebere. Uck! Are you serious? He’s such a snork.”

“He’s also within hearing distance,” Rasha said and stopped, forcing Ladi to turn to look her in the eye. “He’s a trained courier, something you aspire to become. You could learn from him.”

Ladi huffed and stormed off without looking back.

Rasha squeezed her eyes closed and pinched the bridge of her nose to fight off the headache she felt coming on. She hated having this conversation with Ladi. It was like pleading to the winter wind for more sun.

Ebere joined them. “I’m sorry, I try to stay out of her way.”

His smallish eyes darted in Ladi’s direction for a split second.

“No, you did your duty, she didn’t. Enough said.”

“Go get some rest,” Jak said with a pat on the young man’s back.

Ebere had been given a room in the palace, a luxury that none of them took for granted. Many of the fighters were forced to depend on the hospitality of people in Adalu who opened their homes to the fighters and their families if they brought any. Others had erected temporary dwellings sturdy enough to protect them against the wind, but no more than a place to sleep.

Rasha and Jak wouldn’t get either food or rest until they met with the council. Their first duty was to discuss the outcome of battle, prepare for the next, and then address the ten kingdoms of the week’s events. Food was the last thing on her mind as they climbed the marble stairs to the foyer. Jak took her hand and held it in his calloused one.

“You did well today.” He used a thumb to clear a smudge of blood from her face. He always seemed to find a reason to touch her these days. Rasha pulled back and out of his reach.

“Leave it. I want them to see what I’ve been doing all day.”

“I know. I didn’t get it all.” He pulled her back and brushed a light kiss on her forehead. “I’m with you.”

Something in her heart eased back towards him. When this was all over, she wondered what their days would be like. If she were being honest, she thought about it far more often then she should.

They entered the council chamber together. The council banged their staffs on the floor to herald their arrival.

“Where were my soldiers today? You promised me you would speak to the mermen and get me reinforcements,” Rasha said to mermaid councilwoman Keabasi.

The Karmirian councilman Gungbe was a stickler for procedure and banged his staff for order.

“Let the council convene,” he said with a pointed look at Rasha.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” Keabasi said, “I’ve sent word to the mermen but I haven’t heard how many fighters we can expect. It’s a difficult time of year to reach them; they don’t winter in the northern waters.”

“I need those men. We’re getting slaughtered out there.”

Falasad from the ninth kingdom of Buku said, “Perhaps we need to consider turning over the command to someone who can help us win this battle with the fighters we have,”

“Hold your tongue. You’re speaking with the incumbent, or did you forget?” Tobi glared.

Keabasi raised her hands. “Please, gentlemen, the princess can only do so much with the resources she has. We must do what’s necessary to help her.”

“Yes,” Rasha said, “and since none of you are on the front lines fighting, it’s up to us to get things done while you’re getting your daily massage.” She looked directly into Falasad’s eyes until he looked away. Then she turned to go.

“You need to rest, Princess. We’ll re-convene in the morning,” Gungbe said to her departing back.

2

AFTER THREE MONTHS OF living in the palace, Rasha still hadn’t learned how to get up with the sun like everyone else.

The morning after the battle she was awakened by a rapping on the door. She groaned. After a couple of half-hearted attempts, she managed to poke her head out from under the thick blankets. The knocking persisted, and Temi growled in annoyance. Once he’d growled at the sun on her behalf when she wasn’t ready to get up.

“Princess. The council has gathered. They’re waiting for you.” When the door opened a crack, Temi lunged, and it closed with a bang.

Rasha sighed. She yawned and looked at her communicator to check the time. The message light flashed frantically for attention. She ignored it as she had since taking on the role of princess incumbent. She was late—it was close to half past the hour. She figured she might as well skip the whole thing.

The next person who came to the door didn’t knock. Rasha’s hand went to the knife she kept between the bed and the frame. As the door swung open she threw the knife. It stuck in the door, quivering at head height. She pulled the blankets back up, and Jak strolled in with one eyebrow raised. He pulled out the knife and closed the door behind him. Temi, moved away from the door and did nothing more than rub his head against Jak’s leg as he passed. Jak gave him a pat and moved to sit on the edge of her bed.

“Sleeping late, are we?” He clucked his tongue at her and shook his head. “Lousy aim, but I trust you slept.” He put the gem-studded gold knife on the table beside her.

Rasha groaned.

“I’m tired.”

“I know.”

“I’m not even dressed yet.”

“You’ll want to be. They frown on that kind of thing in the council chambers,” Jak said, grinning as he leaned back across her legs, pinning her there.

“Isn’t one locked up princess enough?” she asked. She started inching away, keeping the blankets up to her chin.

Rasha slid out a tentative foot and touched the floor. “Oh!” She hurriedly pulled it back under the blanket.

“Come on now, you can’t have it both ways. Either you’re coming out or I’m coming in there after you.”

He pounced on her, trapping her under his weight.

“Get off!” Rasha said. “You need to lay off the dessert tray.”

“But the caramels are so good.” He nibbled her ear, making her squeal.

Another knock at the door, and Temi growled.

“Coming,” Jak singsonged in falsetto.

“That doesn’t even sound like me.” Rasha gave him a knee to the rib, and he got off of her.

“Thank you, Princess,” The voice behind the door replied.

Jak laughed as she rolled her eyes.

“Get out.”

“I’ll wait in the hall, but if you’re not out in five minutes, I’m coming back. And I’ll dress you myself if I have to.” Jak winked and moved to the door.

“You can try, but you’ll be pulling my knife out of a major organ.” Rasha flashed him a smile and wriggled her throwing fingers at him.

He closed the door behind him, and she leapt from the bed. Rasha was dressed and ready five minutes later. Jak was leaning against the wall, waiting.

“Oh.”

“What?”

“I like when you do that to your hair, it looks good pulled up.”

“Whatever that means.” She ignored his open appraisal and the flutter of her heart as she walked away.

He’d let his facial hair grow into a patchy beard, and it was strange to see him so changed. She couldn’t decide if it suited him. He looked a little wiser and older. She’d be eighteen herself in a couple of months, but she didn’t feel like it mattered. When they made her the princess incumbent and pinned their hopes of defeating the beasts and saving the kingdom on her shoulders, girlish pleasures seemed insignificant.

3

LADI BOUNCED UP TO meet them on their way to the council chambers.

“Good morning, all,” she said, giving Jak a long, slow look. “You’re looking handsome this morning.”

“Thank you,” Rasha said, misunderstanding on purpose. “We’re late. Can I help you with something?”

Jak choked back laughter.

“You can,” Ladi replied. “Listen, I’m sorry about yesterday. I overstepped.”

“Yes, you did. Ebere is a licensed courier, and you’re not.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Not that he doesn’t have room for growth.” Rasha stopped and turned to face her. “I’m tired of your jealousy. Put it away, Ladi, or I’ll force the issue, and you can go home to your very kind and loving parents.”

Ladi bit back whatever it was she was planning to say and crossed her arms. Rasha and Jak left her standing there and went on to the council chambers.

Jak put his hand on her lower back.

“You’ve got this,” he whispered in her ear.

“I know, but thanks for saying so.”

“They’re not going to like Temi coming in with us.”

Rasha looked down. She hadn’t even realized Temi was there. He looked up at her expectantly.

“He’s the only one who can detect the beasts. They’ll have to get used to him some time.” Rasha stormed in, Jak beside her and Temi behind her.

4

WHEN RASHA AND JAK arrived, the council was discussing the growing population and the need for more resources. Rasha interrupted and asked the only question that mattered to her.

“Where are my fighters?”

“The call was sent. We await the reply,” Keabasi reminded them.

“And in the south? The seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth?”

Xeku said, “Wanaka has sent more men. They should be there in a day or two.”

“How many?”

“Approximately two hundred.”

“I want to be informed the minute they arrive.”

“Your Highness.” Xeku gave her a slight bow.

“Sidoa and Vol promised reinforcements weeks ago. Where are they?”

“They were stranded by weather at the Chilali border, Your Highness.”

“How many?”

“Fifty, Your Highness.”

“Fifty each? What do they think this is, a schoolyard spat?” She looked pointedly at the councilman from Sidoa.

“No, that’s fifty in total. They’re small and don’t have as many men to call on,” Xeku said.

Ummo, the councilman from Sidoa, looked away, embarrassed. He recognized that for the weak excuse it was. Hard feelings and spite were the real reason.

“They are sending beasts by the thousands, and we are still scraping together a few hundred fighters at a time. Is it any wonder we’re losing this battle?” Rasha couldn’t understand their shortsightedness. They would rather wait for the fight to reach their homelands than to stand with Adalu now.

“What is the latest report from the scouts?” Rasha asked.

“The beasts have pulled back. We expect it will be several days, at least, before they strike again.”

From the corner of the room, Temi’s booming growl filled the chamber. The councilmen covered their ears.

“The council feels that for now, royals should return to the palace and duties of state that cannot be delegated, such as addressing the realm,” Gungbe called over the din.

“We have already discussed this. Jak and I cannot waste time attending balls and waving at crowds. We need to be at the front, defending the kingdom.” Rasha was furious.

“Our combined forces will break up into factions. They won’t take orders from other kingdoms. They are rallied behind our leadership,” Jak said. “And furthermore, we can’t make the necessary split-second decisions watching the battle on a screen.”

Keabasi banged her staff to get their attention again. “The palace and your realm need to be your priority.”

“I’m not staying up here and playing princess while the beasts take down our people.” Rasha said, her voice climbing an octave and several decibels.

“The role of incumbent princess is only temporary. You’ll be replaced soon enough. For now, you must keep up appearances.”

Rasha found the whole thing demeaning.

“Let’s be clear about something. This whole thing was your idea. I don’t want to be here any more than you want me here. However, since I am here and we all have a job to do, what I need is support from all of the Bolaji kingdoms. I refuse to be a figurehead and stand by watching the kingdom fall to its knees. I’m not going to smile and wave from behind the palace walls, I’m going to fight. Are the rest of you willing to do the same?”

Rasha didn’t wait for an answer. She called Temi and stormed out. Jak went after her.

“You handled yourself well in there. You didn’t hit anyone this time,” Jak said, giving her a poke in the ribs.

“Stop it.” She slapped his hand away. “That was an accident. Sort of like the one you’re about to have.” She shoved him hard in the shoulder but he barely moved, instead shifting his weight and pulling her in by the waist.

“Hey, come on now. Let’s go get in some practice time, put all that mad you’re carrying around to good use.”

“Princess Rasha, may I have a moment of your time?” Ebere was standing shyly behind her, holding something she didn’t recognize.

She was in no mood for another discussion. “Can it wait?”

“This will only take a minute,” Ebere said insistently.

“What is it?”

Ebere looked up at her, his brownish-green eyes serious. He was an excellent second. He didn’t talk too much, and his large ears were always alert. He could hear things that even Temi didn’t catch.

“Remember how you asked me to try and find a way to capture and trace messages between the beasts and our kingdom?”

“Yes, I remember. Have you found something?” Rasha’s eyes followed Xeku as he approached his son. They stepped to one side, and their voices were too low to be heard.

“I have, and you’re not going to like it.”

5

“I HOPE YOU’RE WELL,” Xeku said to his son.

“I’m fine, thanks. I’m actually on my way somewhere. Did you need something?” Jak rolled his shoulders back. He glanced over and saw Ebere leaning in and saying something to Rasha.

Xeku cleared his throat. “There is a problem in the palace.”

Jak looked at him quizzically.

“I hesitate to bring it up here, because there are so many ears,” Xeku said, watching a servant with a tray passing nearby.