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- Herausgeber: Dragonfire Press
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Serie: The Fallen King Chronicles
- Sprache: Englisch
Darkness is at the door.
Aramis's quest to clear his name and save his homeland have almost killed him. He returns to his kingdom to find that his brother has slaughtered their people and burned their villages. Driven by anger and the dark power of Mordum's Mark, he begins to lose his way - and his mind.
Garrick returns to the frontlines of the elvish war to find his soldiers close to losing the battle. With the help of Zevea's warrior priests, he tries to turn the tides and save his people.
Will they be able to stop Mordum's plot, or will all be lost?
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Seitenzahl: 250
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019
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The Restored King
The Fallen King Chronicles Book 4
Richard Fierce
Copyright © 2017 by Richard Fierce
All rights reserved.
This is a work of fiction. All events portrayed in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form without the express permission of the publisher.
Contents
“I feel it. I feel the power leaving me, like an arrow from a bowstring. The power wells within me, lifting me like a feather in the wind.” - Jovanna
Garrick opened his eyes.
His head was pounding with a powerful headache and the front of his face felt swollen. He blinked a few times and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling above him. Where am I? he wondered.
Hearing movement to the left, he turned his head to see an old man in robes. The man was standing beside a closed door that looked like it was made of gold, his arms crossed over his chest. His robes were white and trimmed in silver. Garrick squinted and thought the man was looking at him, but he wasn’t sure.
With great effort, he pushed himself up to a sitting position and looked around the room. It was fairly large and had beds that were spaced evenly throughout. Garrick counted six in total, including his. The other beds were empty, their sheets pulled tightly in place and tucked under the edges. The walls appeared to be white marble striated with blue and black lines. Alternating triangular tiles of teal and blue created an interesting pattern on the floor.
Garrick reached up and began rubbing his temples with his index fingers, hoping it might help relieve his headache. It didn’t. The old man at the door hadn’t moved the entire time, though Garrick suspected the man was watching him like a hawk.
“Where am I?” Garrick finally asked. His voice sounded odd and nasally. Was his nose broken?
“The Temple of Zevea.” The old man’s response was so quiet, Garrick almost didn’t hear him.
“How… how did I get here?” he asked. Fear clenched his stomach. He tried to remember what might have happened, but it was a dark blur in the back of his mind. The old man didn’t answer. A few moments later, the door swung open and a familiar face greeted him. It was Kelvin. He was dressed like the old man in the same flowing robes.
“Come with me,” he said.
“Why am I here?” Garrick asked.
“I’ll explain on the way. Follow me.”
Garrick stood up on shaky legs. He hesitated, fearing his legs might give out on him. When they didn’t, he took a few steps. Satisfied, he walked out of the room and followed Kelvin. The man’s robes billowed around him as he walked at a brisk pace. Garrick kept up as best as he could. The hall they walked through was identical to the room he had just left. Every door they passed was gold and glinted in the strange light that came from spheres hanging at various intervals.
“How did we get here?” Garrick asked as they walked.
“You don’t remember?”
“No.”
“Well… it’s probably best that you don’t. I knocked you out.”
Garrick’s face scrunched in confusion. “Why?”
Kelvin cleared his throat. “I apologized before I did it, if that means anything to you. I didn’t mean to hit you as hard as I did, but I managed to break your nose.” They continued walking in silence before Kelvin spoke again. “There was an army of elves coming toward us. We had nowhere to go and you were ready to die fighting. I’m blessed by Zevea with a unique talent. I can… travel… far distances in mere moments.”
“What does that have to do with hitting me?”
“The power only works with one conscious person. It’s a blessing for those called to hunt down agents of Mordum. We can travel with someone, but they can’t be conscious.”
“Why not?” Garrick asked.
“It would kill them. We are not invincible with our armor, and I did not feel like dying. So, I took the only other option I could think of. And I brought us here.”
“Where is here, exactly?”
“The location of this temple is a closely guarded secret. I’m afraid I cannot tell you… my Lord.”
“I see.”
They stopped at the end of the hall in front of two tall golden doors. Garrick wondered if they were really made of gold. Kelvin easily pushed them open.
“Not real gold,” Garrick muttered to himself.
“It’s real gold,” Kelvin replied. “The gold is only a coating over the wood beneath. If they were full gold, I doubt I’d be able to budge them. Even with my armor.”
Garrick nodded in silent agreement and they stepped into the doorway. The room they entered was no differently designed than the hall or the previous room. Several robed priests stood guard along the walls that led toward a raised floor. In the center of the rise sat an unadorned throne. As they approached, Garrick could tell the chair was old. The wood was smooth from wear. It had a tall back and two armrests. It was lacquered and seemed to shine when the light hit it just right.
Sitting on the throne was a woman. As soon as Garrick noticed, his entire focus rested on her. She was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, and he had seen many. Her hair was brown and spilled down over her shoulders, the ends reaching her waist. She sat straight with perfect posture, reminding Garrick of many of the nobles in his court.
Kelvin stopped right before the raised floor and bowed low. Not wanting to be rude, Garrick did the same. The faint smell of lavender reached his nose. His eyes met hers for long moments. Neither said anything. Garrick felt as though he could stare into her eyes forever and never grow weary of their green depths.
“King Garrick,” she finally greeted. “It is good to finally meet you face to face.”
“My Lady,” Garrick replied. “I would honor your name, but I do not know it.”
“You may call me Laracova,” she paused, “Prophet of Zevea.”
Garrick’s fear returned. Why would the rival Prophet of Mordum summon him? He glanced uneasily between Laracova and Kelvin. Nothing about their attitude or posture seemed hostile. Still, he had a bad feeling.
“How can I be of assistance to you?” he asked.
“Please, calm your emotions,” Laracova said. “I can sense your chaotic feelings and they are disturbing my calm. You have nothing to fear from me or anyone else here.”
Her tone did calm him somewhat. “My apologies,” he said. “I’m sure it is obvious whose mark I bear, though I do not follow his ways. I am curious to know why I am here.”
Laracova smiled at him disarmingly. “Kelvin did what he thought was the best course of action, given the situation. While I may disagree with him, the point is moot since you are already here within our walls. I did not ask him to bring you here,” she said. Leaning forward, she motioned him closer.
He took a few steps closer, but did not step onto the stairs that led up the platform.
“I want to be of service to you,” she said. “I know the peril your kingdom faces. The elves are a formidable enemy. I offer you the strength of our warrior priests.”
Garrick considered her words. “Why?” he finally asked.
“I have heard tale of your honor,” she answered, glancing briefly to Kelvin. “You care for your people as a good king should. I had my doubts about your intentions, especially when I learned you were one of Mordum’s servants.” She held up a hand to still his argument. “Yet Zevea has commanded me to assist you regarding this matter. While we may only see the outside of men, the gods see the inside.”
That truth resonated within him. “Indeed they do,” he said.
“Once the elves have been dealt with, my priests are to report to Oakhaven.”
“The capital of Oakvalor?” Garrick asked. “What’s in Oakhaven?”
Laracova stood from her throne and descended the steps. “Come, walk with me in the garden.”
She led the way out of the chamber, and Garrick fell into step beside her. Kelvin followed behind them, though he kept a respectful distance.
“What do you know of Mordum’s intent? Does that mark give you insight into his mind?”
“No,” Garrick said. “I have not received anything other than the armor and the blade.”
“A pity,” she said. “While the gods know the thoughts of men, they do not know the thoughts of gods. Zevea has told me that something is coming. Darkness. War.” The hall they walked through split to either side and she turned them to the right. A door, plain and unadorned, led them outside. Walking down a few flagstone steps, they entered the garden.
It was a large area built in terraces along the sloping face of a mountain. Garrick tried to guess their location by the landscape, but quickly gave up. The scenery was as foreign as the elves at his gates. Ornamental shrubs and ponds surrounded small tinkling fountains. Orchids and roses and trailing vines covered stone archways. Paths led between carefully carved hedges and into shady grottos. The garden, exceedingly beautiful, served several functional purposes as well. In the center of the top level, where they were standing, was a large ornamental pond. The aura of tranquility struck Garrick immediately. It was quiet except for the occasional chirping of a few multi-colored birds.
“This place is breathtaking,” Garrick said softly, fearing that his words might somehow impact the peace of the garden.
“Thank you,” Laracova said. “Its beauty is deceptive. This garden is a fortification. Tunnels run the length of each terrace, with grated openings in strategic locations. It allows us the advantage of being in all places at once.”
Garrick nodded, admiring the beauty of the garden as well as the hidden function of it. She must trust me, he thought. Why else would she share that secret?
She led them to the pond in the center. A few large coy fish swam lazily. A short pillar held a silver bowl atop it. Reaching into the bowl, Laracova grabbed a handful of bread crumbs and tossed them into pond. The fish fought each other for the pieces, disrupting the calm surface of the water.
“The pond reminds me of the world,” she said. “The surface is calm from the outside, but underneath there is turbulence. And every so often, that turbulence affects the surface. I think it is evident to all of us in faith, but the gods are at war. Mankind is about to be brought into the conflict, with or without our consent. Mordum seeks a mortal body to wage his war here among us.”
“I’ve heard the rumors,” Garrick acknowledged. “How much truth there is to them, I don’t know.”
“In every rumor, there is a seed of truth. Yet they are more than rumors, Lord Garrick. Even now, Mordum’s servants seek out the remains of his previous body. War is on the horizon. Where do you stand, I wonder?”
Garrick wondered that himself. He would do whatever he had to in order to protect his people. If Mordum’s plans included keeping Talvaard safe, then his lot was with the dark god. And if Mordum’s warpath were to consume his kingdom… Garrick paused the thought in his mind. Would he—could he—stand against Mordum? He bore the god’s mark, after all. And he has seen the Prophet take control of men with the mark, watched as men with no inhibitions killed and destroyed their own loved ones. He rubbed at the thin material that hid the mark.
“I will do what is right,” he finally answered.
Laracova stared at him with a piercing gaze. “I’m sure that you will. I have heard that you allied yourself with the prince of Oakvalor.”
“I have,” Garrick said. “His support was pivotal for my claim to the throne. As such, I am in debt to him.”
“Then you shall march to Oakhaven as well?”
Garrick looked at her, confused.
“One of Mordum’s servants currently sits on the throne in Oakhaven. From what my priests tell me, he has made it an all-important mission to bring Mordum into our plane of existence. He must be stopped. I hear that the prince you call your ally is on the path, ready to stand in the way of Mordum’s goals. He walks a dangerous road and there are few strong enough to offer him aide. So, I ask again. You shall march to Oakhaven?”
“I will do what I can to help,” Garrick answered evasively. “Right now, my sole concern is for the safety of my people. Once we drive the elves back, I can focus on helping others.”
“I understand,” Laracova said. “As I said, you have the support of my warriors. They are ready to travel when you are.”
“Thank you.” Garrick watched the fish cease their fighting. They resumed swimming, moving about the pond slowly.
Laracova gasped and clutched at her chest. Garrick reached for her as she collapsed, saving her from hitting her head on the ground.
“What’s wrong?” he asked worriedly.
Her face blanched in terror, then softened into sadness. “Something has happened,” she whispered.
“What? What is it?”
“Death, so much death.” Her eyes roamed back and forth, as though seeing something other than his face. Her eyes widened.
“Your people,” she gasped. “They are in danger!”
“No one loves a warrior until the enemy is at the gate.” - Melchiades
Keswick loomed before Aramis and Melchiades like a mountain.
Gray stone walls, taller than anything Aramis had ever seen, stood vigilant guard around the port city. It was supposedly second in size only to the capital of his kingdom. Judging by the massive stretch of coastal land that the city covered, Aramis wouldn’t be surprised if the city of Keswick was larger. Spaced every few yards a guard tower rose from the wall. Aramis wasn’t sure, but he thought he could see shrouded figures atop them. A massive portcullis, wide enough to comfortably allow four carriages through side by side, was halfway down.
“That’s odd,” Aramis said. “Why would the gate be closing so soon?”
Mel shrugged. Exchanging glances, they both urged their mounts to pick up the pace. As they approached the gates, Aramis noticed several heavily armed guards moving to intercept them. Slowing his horse down to a smooth trot, he raised his hand and hailed them.
“What’s your business in Keswick?” one of the guards asked when they stopped.
“We’re looking to book passage on a ship.”
“Where are you headed?”
Aramis raised his brow, but answered anyway. “Down the coast. Near the Five Islands.”
“Oakhaven?” the guard asked.
“Does it matter?” Aramis replied. His patience was beginning to fail and he made it evident in his tone. The guard didn’t appear to be bothered by it.
“I’m sorry, sir. Standard procedure. I’m sure you understand?”
“Interrogating people is standard procedure? Since when? Keswick has always been an open city. Has something changed that I’m not aware of?”
The guard pulled his helmet off. Aramis saw the man was young; possibly no older than sixteen winters. A scar ran the length of his face on the left side. The path of mottled flesh barely missed his eye. His hair was black and he had bright blue eyes. Aramis wondered when the boy had been conscripted into the military.
“A lot has changed, I’m afraid. The city has experienced a lot of tragedy recently. The Lady of the city has taken extra precautions to ensure that tragedy stays minimal. I apologize if you feel like I am interrogating you. Unfortunately, the Lady isn’t allowing just anyone into the city these days.”
Aramis looked past the guard and into the city. It seemed normal. He could see traders in the market offering their wares. People walked about freely. He frowned.
“My friend and I are only looking to book passage on a ship headed for Oakhaven, or anywhere close to it. I’ve got urgent business there and I cannot delay. Is the harbor still open?”
“Yes, but not for much longer. No ships are permitted to leave port after sundown. If you don’t make it onto a ship before then, you can find lodging at one of the inns near the docks. They’re older buildings, but fairly priced considering recent events.”
“Thank you,” Aramis said. “I appreciate the information. You mentioned the Lady of the city. What of her husband? Lord Abriel?”
The young man’s face betrayed his emotions long enough for Aramis to deduct that something ill must have happened.
“News doesn’t travel well lately,” the guard answered solemnly. “Lord Abriel is no longer among the living. Did you know him?”
“Not personally, no. I met him once and we spoke briefly. I’m sorry to hear of his loss. He was a good man.”
The guard didn’t say anything. Aramis suspected the young man was trying not to cry. The people of the city must have loved him, he thought.
“You may want to hurry if you expect to leave the port tonight,” the guard finally said.
“Thank you again,” Aramis said. The guards moved out of his path. He urged his horse forward and Mel followed him.
They dismounted after entering the city and began looking for a place to leave their horses. Mel spotted a stable to the left and they headed toward it.
“Something bad has happened here,” Aramis said quietly. He glanced over at Mel. His friend nodded, but didn’t respond. He quickly realized why. The people they passed were eyeing them suspiciously. Some of them even stopped to stare.
“Do you think they recognize me?”
“Let’s discuss things somewhere more… private,” Mel answered.
“Good idea.”
They sold their horses at the stable for a poor price. The owner told them he had an overabundance of horses and no buyers. He apologized, but didn’t seem to care if they were pleased with his offer or not. Aramis accepted the offer, mostly because they didn’t need to bring the horses on their journey. It’d cost them a small fortune to ship the animals and their funds were limited.
By the time Aramis and Mel reached the docks, sundown had come and gone. They’d gotten turned around and lost their general sense of direction. Hundreds of people packed the streets and by the time they found someone willing to point them to where they should go, the sky had already darkened. There were a few ships in port, but the area was devoid of any life.
They chose the closest inn to stay at. The sign above the door read The Compass. Inside, the place was crowded, hot and loud. Everyone in the place appeared to be a sailor. All the tables were taken so the two squeezed through the mob and made their way to the bar.
“What’ll ya have?” the barkeep asked.
“A room for the night would be great,” Aramis answered.
“You’re in luck. I’ve got one left. Mostly lads from the sea renting tonight. Two gold for the room. You want anything else?”
“Food,” Mel chimed in. “Can you have it delivered to our room?”
The doubtful look on the barkeep’s face changed when Mel laid another gold coin on the counter.
“I’ll have it up shortly,” he said with a toothless grin.
“I appreciate it,” Mel answered.
“Room’s the last door on the right, second floor.”
“Thank you,” Aramis said. He led the way through the crowded inn to the stairs and up to their room. Mel paused in the hallway and made sure no one was following them, then stepped into the room and shut the door. It was dark except the moonlight coming from the sole window. Using matches that were on one of the side tables, Mel lit a few candles. The room brightened considerably.
“What do you suppose happened here?” Aramis asked.
“I haven’t the faintest idea, my Lord,” Mel answered. “It’s obvious it was something bad. Particularly so to close a fortified city down at night. Keswick has the largest standing army outside of the capital.”
“I know.” Aramis walked over to stare out of the window. He could see men lighting the lanterns that lined the cobbled streets below. Other than the distrust of the guards at the gate and some of the people in the streets, the city seemed normal.
“Well, we are stuck here until morning regardless. I say we eat and get some rest. We have plenty to do once we get back to Oakhaven.”
Mel nodded in agreement. He could hear footsteps in the hall. A loud knock echoed throughout the room. “That must be the food,” Mel said. He opened the door to find a half dozen guards, all armed and armored. They pushed their way into the room. Mel stepped to the side to get out of their way.
“What is the meaning of this?” Aramis demanded.
”Is this them?” one of the guards, the apparent leader, asked.
The guards parted to let a young man come through. Aramis realized it was the scarred young man from the gate. He glanced at Aramis and Mel quickly and then lowered his head. He mumbled something Aramis couldn’t hear.
“Speak up,” the leader said.
“Yes,” the young man answered.
“You’re dismissed.”
The young man turned to leave and cast a glance back at Aramis. The look on his face was apologetic. Aramis kept his face as impassive as he could despite his annoyance. There was no telling what sort of trouble was about to ensue.
“I will ask again,” Aramis said calmly. “What is the meaning of this?”
“Your presence is requested,” the leader finally answered. “If you will.” He motioned toward the door.
Aramis looked to Mel. His friend nodded ever so slightly.
“Very well,” he said.
The guards escorted them down the stairs, through the crowd, and out of the front door. The streets were mostly empty now; only the occasional drunk passed them. Although there wasn’t much light, it was obvious that they were being led toward the direction of the castle. As they turned down various roads, Aramis noticed that some of the buildings were damaged. He had a suspicion that a battle had happened recently.
Roughly a quarter of an hour later, they entered the courtyard of the castle. It was large and open, with gray statues of armored men in various places. As they approached two large doors that led to the inside of the castle, he noticed a large group of guards. They were lined up on either side of the doors and looked uneasy. Several of them kept looking back toward the gatehouse Aramis had just entered through.
Their escort led them into the castle and left them in a small unfurnished room.
“Wait here,” the leader said.
Once they were alone, Aramis informed Mel of his observations.
“I noticed the same things,” Mel replied. “Perhaps there has been a rebellion?”
“Perhaps,” Aramis acknowledged. He ran his hand through his hair and scratched the back of his head. “I can’t think of anything else that might have the city on edge, but even that doesn’t make sense. Why lock the city down only at night? If there was a rebellion, guards would be walking the streets continuously. I didn’t notice additional patrols. The common people are still going about their business as usual.”
Before Mel could respond, the door opened and a nicely dressed young man stepped into the room. His clothes were made of expensive materials and by the way he held himself, Aramis figured he was of noble birth.
“Please follow me,” the man instructed.
Turning on his heel, he walked out at a quick pace. Aramis and Mel followed him, surprised at the man’s stride. They traveled down a long hall and entered a massive dining room. A table, roughly twenty feet long, was covered with dishes of exotic foods. The smells made Aramis’s mouth water.
“Smells heavenly,” Mel said quietly.
“Mm.” Aramis grunted. He expected the man to seat them at the table, but they continued past the table and out of the room into another hall. This one was much shorter and only had one door. The man knocked on the door twice, paused, and then knocked again three times. The door swung open on silent hinges and the young man waved them in.
The first thing Aramis noticed was the bed. It was enormous, with four large posts at each corner that supported a canvas that draped over the entire bed. Incense filled the air, but there was no smoke. The young man bowed, then turned and left the room.
Aramis glanced around. Everything in the room led him to believe this was a bedroom for a noble. Large sturdy pieces of furniture were positioned throughout the room. Expensive combs, bejeweled mirrors and other garish things decorated every available surface. They appeared to be alone in the room. Aramis walked over to a desk that sat in front of a large window. Papers, piled in neat stacks, sat atop the surface.
Perusing them led him to believe they were reports. He saw the word “Warlock” scrawled on many of them. He was about to read one of the reports when a noise drew his attention away. A hidden panel in the wall slid to the side and a woman with two armored guards entered the room.
Aramis had only ever seen Lord Abriel’s wife once, but he recognized her immediately. Her beauty was a thing of legend. Despite being in her later years, her beauty still captivated men of all ages. Aramis tore his gaze away from her long enough to see that Mel’s mouth was hanging open. Aramis laughed and stepped toward her. One of the guards quickly drew his sword and went into a defensive stance.
“Peace,” the woman said.
Gods, thought Aramis, even her voice is perfect.
The guard hesitated for a moment, but finally sheathed his weapon.
“My Lady,” Aramis greeted. His voice faltered and he had to cough to clear his throat. “My Lady,” he said again, bowing.
“Good evening,” she replied. “Please, call me Lynessa. I am sorry to have brought you here the way I did, but I didn’t see any other option.”
“No need to apologize,” Aramis managed to say. Words seemed to have fled from his vocabulary. “I must mention that we would have come if you had called upon us.”
“I’m sure you would have. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to be proper. You are a wanted criminal. Word of your deeds has reached far. You are fortunate that some of my men recognized you. There are others who would have turned you in already.”
“Let me guess,” Aramis said as he folded his arms defiantly, “you want me to do something for you or you’ll turn me in yourself?”
