The Path of Light: The Chronicles of Vlandamyuir Book One

By Bridget Bowers

While an ancient evil stirs, a nearly forgotten prophecy heralds the coming of the Chosen One. Kallum Syer Theras must embrace his birthright and embark on an epic journey across Vlandamyuir with only the clues hidden by the secret Accenderes Order to guide him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bridget Bowers
• Release date: Nov 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466058026

Bridget Bowers

Bridget Bowers lives in Northern California and has loved to read her whole life. She first wanted to be a writer after reading James Herriot and set her sights on becoming an author and veterinarian. It wasn’t until college that she settled into writing and studied journalism. She first started covering sports which allowed her to combine her passion for both sports and writing. In October of 2011, she released her first book The Path of Light: The Chronicles of Vlandamyuir Book One.

Book preview

Chapter One

The sun just peeked over the horizon spilling its light across the plains and sparkled off the blue waters of the lake as the ring of swords echoed through the courtyard. A fine mist still hung in the shadows of the palace walls not yet chased away by the sun’s rays.

Do not allow yer guard to drop! A voice cut across the clash and clang of metal in the practice yard. Dozens of boys were paired off and scattered about the yard worn to dirt from the hundreds of feet over the decades. Watch yer shields! If ye let the enemy that close and drop yer guard yer’ll be skewered.

A man moved among the youths with a lazy stride, but his eyes sized up each pair as he passed, pausing only to shout instructions and point out weaknesses. Kallum Syer Theras watched the man’s approach with a wary eye and ignored the drag on his arm from another blow to his shield. His sword arm was numb from the hours of sparring, and yet still he circled with his partner. Sweat matted his hair across his forehead, turning it an even darker shade of brown, and he spared a brief moment to swipe the bangs from his eyes.

Watch yer shield, Prince. Keep holding it there and ye’ll take a blade to yer neck! The man bellowed before moving on to the next set of sparring boys. Kallum ignored his instructor as he moved away and side stepped to keep his sparring partner in front of him and turned his body to present as small a target as possible.

As another blow hurtled toward his head, Kallum raised his shield and staggered off balance as the force radiated through his already tired, aching body. His opponent’s dark eyes lit up as he noted the opening, and he pressed forward with another thrust Kallum managed to catch on his shield.

Yield to me! The boy hissed through gritted teeth as the two stood toe-to-toe. They were equally matched in height despite the two-year age difference. Their wide shoulders strained and their feet dug into the earth beneath them as they each tried to force the other to back down. You cannot best me!

This was nothing new for Kallum, since his arrival in Livingston, Vlandamyuirian’s capital city; he had learned to hone his defenses. Parrying the next blow with his sword, he circled to the left again and watched his opponent for a clue to his next move, his own icy blue eyes sparkling with anticipation as he set his feet and kept his mind clear to plan his next move.

"Come, Prince, surely you know defeat when you see it. I have beaten you. I am better than you!" The boy sneered and his face twisted into a grimace. A broad forehead tapered to a long, narrow nose and his lips were a thin, grim line. It was not a handsome face at the best of times, full of anger, frustration and hate, he looked harsh and cruel. Backing away slightly, Derric Sedgwick rotated his right shoulder attempting to loosen the cramping muscles.

Blocking out Derric’s voice, Kallum had learned his lessons well and would not let the taunts goad him into an attack as they had in the past. He kept his features smooth, allowed none of the emotions running through him show on his face to give him away. His eyes tracked his opponent, his firm jaw remained set and he jutted out his chiseled chin with determination. The young noble’s insults meant little, and Kallum knew if he responded it only evoked more aggression from his tormentor. He understood his very existence had been a shock to all those within Livingston. King’s Guard Captain Bedwin’s arrival with Kallum and the former King’s Guard Captain Lores Theras had brought a dead prince back to life.

A crown prince thought to have been killed at birth; Kallum’s arrival had quashed a squabble over the rights of succession, but unleashed a whole new upheaval within the Vlandamyuirian Kingdom. There were nobles who had arranged marriages and bought titles for years to gather the necessary power for a chance to gain the high king’s throne. These nobles were not convinced a resurrected crown prince settled those rights of succession, no matter what the king decreed.

Kallum was raised in the countryside far from the intrigue and politics of the royal court. He was still looked upon as a peasant, no matter what blood flowed in his veins; or how many people proclaimed him the spitting image of the young Haram Syer, who had claimed the throne so many years before. Thrust among the peers of the realm, the king expected Kallum would be treated as the future ruler, but few did. The slights, slurs and insults hurled his way often cut more brutally than any blow from a practice weapon. His only recourse was to learn to shut out such taunts and speak with his sword.

But while Kallum was more adept at handling the insults, his boyhood companions, who traveled with him from Evansfield, were not yet ready to overlook insults to their friend. Nearby, Chance Lering heard the taunts and decided to come to his friend’s aid. He dispatched his opponent with a maneuver learned from a barroom brawl and slammed into Kallum’s opponent. He then took up a support position to Kallum’s left.

Chance, Keep away! I can deal with this! Kallum shouted and threw his friend an angry glance before he turned back to prepare for Derric’s renewed attack. "I know you only seek to help, but this is my fight."

Sera, Kal. I heard what that pile of dung said. I’ll not stand by and have ye insulted! I promised to fight by yer side and that’s just what I’ll do! Chance tossed his head to clear the black, sweat soaked hair from eyes that sparkled with pleasure and mischief.

They stood shoulder to shoulder and watched their sparring partners move toward them. Kallum and Chance attacked together and pushed beyond their opponents. They stumbled in amongst the other pairs and brought the practice to a halt.

"I knew you were a coward, peasant. Cannot fight your own battles, you need your peasant companions to come to your aid in a simple sparring match. How do you think to rule a kingdom? He taunted. As the Earl of Plontimyuir’s son and the ring leader of the young nobles, Derric Sedgwick developed an instant dislike for the newcomers. Can you not fight alone?"

A few boys giggled, and most already chose sides in the familiar practice yard brawl. Three shadows slipped out of the crowd and took up positions at Kallum’s side as the other young nobles spread out to surround the crown prince and his supporters.

I see today will be no exception. Talon Nedar called over his shoulder to Kallum from his position on the right as he parried blows from the first noble leading the charge. Beside him a newcomer to the group, Jason Militis said nothing but threw himself into the fray his sword flashed in the morning sunlight.

Aye, Talon. It is the usual trouble. Chance tossed back with a smile. He quickly learned to enjoy a good brawl from his constant forays into brothels and taverns in the city. Of all the boys, Chance dreamed of escaping the dull life of a farmer and exploring the big cities in the legend and stories.

Only Chance could be so happy in the midst of a brawl, Walis Ater, Kallum’s squire muttered as he fought off another set of blows from several of the boys who danced in the circle around them.

It is his element, Kallum grunted. He hooked his right leg around the left of one boy he faced and dropped him to the ground in time to avoid the attack from a second boy who jumped in from the left.

Instructor Jarrel knew there was little he could do to stop the brawl. It was a daily occurrence and the instructor was tired of it. While the noble houses continued to battle with the king over Kallum’s right to succeed him on the throne, the practice yards continued to dissolve into political squabbles.

Leaving the mob behind, Jarrel hurried into the office of Knight Captain Karl Perrin, They are at it again, Captain.

With a sigh, Karl rose from his desk and revealed a body honed on the battlefield, not yet softened by his newly acquired desk assignment. Long legs carried him around the desk where he grabbed his sword. Jarrel trailed behind him out the door. It is time these boys learned a lesson. Call the Guard and tell them Prince Kallum needs assistance. He strode down the hall toward the noise of the brawl. These lads shall see what it means to draw steel on royalty.

As Karl arrived at the practice field, Kallum and his companions chased back most of the boys. They ringed the crown prince and cheered on Derric and a few of the older boys that continued to press the fight. None of them noticed the arrival of Karl or the Kings Guard.

What goes here, Captain? Bedwin Rothal demanded as his keen gaze surveyed the melee on the practice yard.

It is becoming too much of a habit for practice to end up like this, Karl said as he motioned to the swirling ring of fighters. Derric and the other nobles continue to gang up on Prince Kallum and his friends. Jarrel has been unable to finish a single lesson.

In the midst of the brawl, Derric noticed the dwindling support and attempted to rally more to his cause, "Are you all going to allow a weak prince to beat you? Shall you simply bow down to his rule? Will you not seek to find a true leader?"

Derric’s words encouraged a few back into the battle, and Bedwin decided he had seen and heard enough. He pushed through the boys cutting a path straight toward Kallum. As the other noble youths recognized the King’s Guard captain, they fell back and dropped their weapons to their sides. Derric thought he had finally won them over the crowd until his next blow directed at Kallum fell on a new sword.

Whirling to see who had dared to interfere, Derric was shocked to look up into the hard, battle-worn face of King’s Guard Captain Bedwin. Wh-what are you doing here, Sir Guard? Derric stammered out and staggered back a step.

Bedwin sheathed his sword and looked out over the group taking note of the faces that stood with Derric and those with Kallum, I was summoned to protect the crown prince. What goes here? he asked with hands splayed on his narrow hips.

Was simply a sparring session, Sir Guard. The Prince and I were paired today and I was suddenly attacked by one of those lowly peasant boys. I sought only to defend myself, Derric answered, but kept his eyes lowered to keep Bedwin from seeing his anger and contempt.

Looked more like an armed revolt against the prince lead by you, Derric, Karl said as he tapped the sword Derric still gripped tightly in his hand. Is that not so?

Nay, t'was only sparring, Derric raised his eyes and glared at Captain Karl. It is no fault of mine if my friends came to my aid as I was overwhelmed by them.

Is that how it happened? Did one of you join in with Prince Kallum against Derric? Bedwin looked over Kallum and the boys spread out at his side.

Chance stepped forward, Aye, I did join Kal to protect him from Derric. Methinks he’s turned one cheek already. He should not have to turn yet another, Chance pointed out the slowly fading line that ran from Kallum’s left ear along his jaw disappearing under his chin.

Early in the boys training, Derric got a shot at Kallum when Jarrel was distracted by another group of boys. Kallum had sworn the group to secrecy as to how he had been injured; he now stepped forward himself grabbing Chance’s arm, Hold your tongue, Chance, he pushed him back into line with the others.

Wait! Bedwin looked between the boys standing before him. His eyes met each boy’s in turn assessing their reactions. Did Derric give you that wound? he asked.

Kallum gave Chance a dark look. Chance shrugged his narrow shoulders in return as he casually caressed the hilt of his practice sword. He never thought it a good idea for Kallum to keep quiet about Derric’s actions, and he knew his friend would forgive him for spilling the secret. Knowing Bedwin awaited an answer, Kallum turned back to face the King’s Guard captain.

Aye, Sir Guard, Derric marked me on our first day as a reminder to never best him at practice again. I disarmed him and he pulled a dagger from his boot. He slashed my face. So I would see it every day and remember. Kallum folded his arms across his chest. It is why Captain Karl disallowed all weapons but practice swords in the yard.

You knew of this incident, Captain? Bedwin looked back at Karl in surprise. This was much more than boys who squabbled for dominance in the practice yard, and was something that should have been brought to the attention of the king, the Guard and the King’s Councilor Zeyer Radorm.

Aye, of a dagger being used on the practice yard, Captain Karl looked just as startled with Kallum’s revelation. Not who had held it or why. He looked at Derric where he stood seething in anger.

Nay, sir Guard! He lies. It was not— Derric stammered out a rebuttal, but Bedwin cut him off with a sharp gesture.

Enough! Without another word, Bedwin sent them off to their tutors calling an end to the morning’s practice.

When the last of the boys had left the yard, he sent the Guard back to their duties and motioned to Captain Karl to follow him to the palace. It appeared time to inform King Haram, Lores and Zeyer of the happenings amongst the young nobles.

In the king’s study, Bedwin and Karl explained what had been going on in the practice sessions since Kallum’s return to Livingston. King Haram sat quietly behind the large oak desk arranged before two large leaded windows that gave a view of the main courtyard of Ahzyr Palace, the main gate and Regillius Lake in the distance. Around the room, Lores Theras leaned against a wall covered floor to ceiling with bookcases. Opposite Lores sat the King’s Councilor Zeyer at a table covered in messages and other correspondence for the king.

You are saying this has been going on daily at arms practice? King Haram hauled himself out of his chair too agitated to remain seated despite the illness that sapped more of his strength every day. Why was I not informed immediately? It has been months!

Majesty, in the beginning we had hoped it would sort itself out, Karl said as he stood at attention in front of the king’s desk. Prince Kallum has attempted to deal with this on his own. He wishes to win them over without an order from the king.

Yet we cannot allow them to be constantly at one another’s throats like a pack of wolves. The dissension must stop. Kallum should not have to win over anyone. Lores paced around the room. His lanky frame first hardened in battle and later with the back breaking work of a farmer radiated his irritation. He has to concentrate on all he has missed over the last sixteen years. He felt the burden of not being able to give Kallum all he had needed while he had watched over the young prince and raised him as his own.

It appears as if the anger and aggression continues to build as Kallum and his friends outpace the other nobles. The lack of organized training for the last sixteen years has not held him back Lores, Bedwin stated. He explained to them how the five boys had held off a larger number of attackers.

Think you he has the right of it? Zeyer looked between Bedwin and Karl. These two men had a better grasp on the minds of the fighting men. He will one day have to rule over these boys. Will interference from the king make that any easier? Should not the boy find his own path?

It is why I have not brought this to you before. I had hoped the King’s Guard would be a reminder to them of who Kallum is. Some of the boys are unsure who to follow. A reminder that Kallum does fight his own battles despite having the Guard at his command might help sway them, Karl said.

So we shall allow the boys to attack one another in the yard until Derric relents? Haram demanded slamming his fist onto his desk and then leaning heavily onto it in order to keep his balance. My son should not have to deal with this. It is too complicated. We should never have done this.

Zeyer moved to the king’s side and laid a hand on his shoulder. It is too late to look back with regrets. All that was done is the past, now is the time to look to the problems of the future, he said gently and helped the king back into his chair.

Each man nodded or grunted in agreement, but all were thinking back to that time sixteen years in the past and wondering had there been a better way to deal with the threat against the heir.

I knew we should never have lied about yer wound, Talon muttered to Kallum as he walked behind him with Chance on their way to their rooms following the afternoon lessons.

At a glance, the three young men looked like any other nobles that walked the palace halls. They were three tall boys. Talon and Chance both had long, lanky frames of nearly seventeen hands, while Kallum had the wide, heavily muscled frame of his father standing nearer to nineteen hands. Fine clothes had replaced the plain homespun that they had worn in Evansfield. Shiny leather boots replaced the plain shoes upon their feet. But fine trappings did not change that these three had a much different upbringing from the rest of the young nobles they were now forced to deal with.

What matters now, Talon? Bedwin knows, Chance said as he strolled into Kallum’s room and dropped into one of the chairs before the fire. A casual flick tossed his jacket over the chair opposite him. Derric will finally get what he deserves. He stacked his hands behind his head and tipped the chair back on two legs feeling smug imaging Derric’s punishment.

Nay, he will not, Kallum said flatly as he sat down on the edge of his bed. He leaned forward resting his elbows on his thighs and ran his hands through his short, dark brown hair. I sent Walis to Zeyer and Captain Karl to make sure my father, Bedwin and the king stay out of this. Derric may never follow me, but I still may be able to sway a few of his supporters.

Sera Kal, why not just have him sent away or thrown in the dungeon! Chance threw up his hands in exasperation. You are a prince after all!

Kallum stared into his friend’s deep brown eyes filled with confusion, That is exactly why they should stay out of it, Chance. My being a prince means nothing to them. He left his bed and moved to the table where he poured himself a glass of mead. It is time we started winning more support.

But at what cost, Kal? Sera’s Blessing, must ye be crossing swords with Derric daily until the mutton-headed fool comes to his senses? Talon asked from where he leaned back beside the door, one booted foot propped against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. Methinks it grows old to fight for our very lives in practice.

Kallum understood his friends’ frustration, but deep within he knew that while it was not an easy path he chose; it was the proper one to earn him the respect he would need one day to rule these same men. He remained silent and stared down into his cup as if the words he needed to make himself understand might be hidden in its depths.

Those nobles need not ever like me, but they will learn to respect me, Kallum stated softly and his jaw firmed making the still healing scar stand out upon his face. We gain new friends as well. He glanced up to meet both Chance and Talon’s eyes.

Smiles split both their faces as they remembered the whirling, hacking devil that had leapt to their side in the form of a common soldier’s son. He surely can swing a sword, Chance chuckled. A commoner or not, I’d not want him angry at me.

Talon launched himself away from the wall and stalked to the middle of the floor to lean over the table where Kallum stood. He too had sworn to support his friend and guard his back in this adventure, but he was not enjoying the odds on the practice field.

One commoner will not get Derric Sedgwick off yer back. Methinks it will set him off even more. There must be a way for ye to take down that oaf a peg or two and learn him his place, Talon hung his sandy blonde head and sighed. He sank into one of the chairs surrounding the table and resigned himself to a daily battle to the death at arms practice.

The three boys sat around in silence all lost in their own thoughts with only the sounds of the crackling fire to measure the passage of time. Deep within the private rooms of the crown prince, even the constant bustle of the busy Ahzyr Palace was muted. Kallum was determined to figure out the best way to handle Derric and yet gain the respect, if not the friendship, of some of the other nobles. When the idea began to form in his mind, he wasn’t sure that it would actually work, but regardless he knew that it would continue to enhance his training.

He swung his booted feet off the table and dropped the front legs of the chair he rested in back onto the floor. His sudden movement brought the other two back from their own musings, as they watched Kallum pace across the room. Despite the curiosity that was sizzling in the air from both Chance and Talon, they remained quiet and simply followed Kallum’s pacing knowing that once he had worked out whatever was on his mind that he would share it with them.

Methinks it might be time for a little extra practice. Sword work is fine but there are many weapons for us to explore and master. The more knowledge, the more power we gain, Kallum stopped in the middle of the room and made his announcement.

Think ye could get us some knife work? Chance sat on the edge of his seat bristling with excitement. Ye know I have a fondness for them.

Aye and methinks I would enjoy honing my skills with a bow, Talon agreed. The idea of additional skills sounded more like the kind of challenge that Talon had expected when coming to Livingston.

The rest of the planning was interrupted when Walis arrived leading the servants with the evening meal. Kallum’s squire oversaw the setting of the table and the serving of the food to the three until the final servant had departed. When Kallum had first returned to the palace, King Haram had insisted he eat in the main hall with the rest of the nobles. Kallum eventually convinced the king that he was not comfortable eating with an audience had been allowed to take his meals in his rooms. Once they were all alone, Walis joined them at the table. Kallum had insisted from the beginning that in private Walis was to treat him as a friend and not the crown prince. He had wanted at least this sanctuary from the outside world.

Did you speak to Zeyer and Captain Karl? Kallum asked as he poured more water into his cup.

Aye, they were not pleased to hear ye wished nothing at all done to Derric, but they said it would be as ye wished, Walis nodded and looked up at Kallum his hazel eyes filled with worry. Think ye it really wise to just let Derric get away with his actions?

Kallum explained his reasoning to his squire and then outlined the plan to increase their arms lessons. I wish you and Jason Militis to join us, he added while tearing off a piece of bread to dip into his stew.

Walis nearly choked on his mouthful of food, Join ye? Me and Jason, we are not noble born. It would not be right, he stammered.

We are not of noble birth either, Talon said with a nod of his head at Chance. We are allowed to train with Kallum. I think his squire and anyone of his choosing should be allowed to train with him as well.

Sera, ye do not think it would only make more trouble with Derric? Walis looked concerned.

Fear not, Walis, soon Derric will be put in his place. One way or another, Kallum said firmly before turning back to his meal.

Chapter Two

The churning waters of the pool settled back into a serene surface as the robed figure awoke from the trance. The events unfolding around him were happening much faster than he had anticipated. When Kallum had first been secreted away from the Ahzyr Palace, there had been a calming of the visions from the pool. However, the unexpected illness of the king and the crown prince’s return had suddenly escalated events. He was no longer sure how much time they had left to prepare. The conjuring drained him more and more these days as the darkness continued to strengthen.

These stirrings were pointing more and more to the events foretold in the Prophecy of Light. It was during the Moon Festival, recorded on 45 Spring of 425 that a prophet spoke of a hero who would pass eight tests, release Sera’s Light and drive the darkness from the land. The Accenderes made note of the prophecy, but as time continued its march and no great hero or threat emerged, it too faded from history.

Then an inquisitive youth, under consideration for acceptance into the Accenderes, stumbled upon a book about the void and all the darkness and evil it contained. Curious, he sought to locate this void and in doing so, he awoke the Dark God. The Dark One reached through the barrier and lured the young man deeper into the depths of darkness with promises of knowledge and power for releasing him from his prison. The Accenderes began to sense the Dark One’s awakening, and signs of his reach into the lands began to appear.

It was Mallen Ormore who first learned of who had stirred the Dark One. Mallen had been a member of the Accenderes for many years, and he had successfully watched and recruited many new members for the order. He had been keeping an eye on the youth, Belad Pravus, reporting Belad’s growing powers to the Accenderes, but Mallen was too late to stop Belad from being seduced by the dark forces.

Mallen and other Accenderes set to work to counteract Belad’s actions, doing everything within their power to stall the Dark One’s return until the one named in the prophecy could be found. While part of the order focused on Belad, another faction began to scour the lands looking for the prophecy’s hero.

A young man, Haram Syer came to the attention of the searching Accenderes. He was a commoner, but had fought his way through the ranks and was leading an army seeking to gain control of the high kingship of Vlandamyuir. Needing someone close to Haram if the time of the Dark One’s return was truly upon them, the Accenderes selected Zeyer Radorm, a newly ordained member of the order to guide him in the ways of Sera.

As the Accenderes continued to block Belad’s attempts to free the Dark God, Haram Syer battled closer to attaining the high king’s mantel. The Accenderes were certain he was the one the prophecy described, and that he would defeat Belad and the dark minions that had already escaped the void.

But when Haram assumed the crown, the battle between the Light and the Dark in the prophecy never happened. High King Haram and his army captured Belad, but only banished him to the Unknown Lands. Zeyer tried to council the king on the dangers that Belad presented to Vlandamyuir, but the newly crowned king had too many other troubles to deal with, and he would not heed his councilor’s warnings.

The Accenderes did not believe the prophecy had been fulfilled and encouraged Zeyer Radorm to remain at the high king’s side, maintaining a link in the event Belad and the Dark One returned. Zeyer provided the Accenderes with the King’s ear and was their eyes in the palace to keep tabs on the new ruler of Vlandamyuir. Ever watchful, the Accenderes also sent members into the Unknown Lands to keep track of Belad.

A score of years passed as High King Haram Syer brought peace to the lands. He was not a strong ruler, but he was fair and just, and the people loved him. Haram brought a new balance to the realm. As peace settled over Vlandamyuir, the Accenderes kept one eye on the Unknown Lands, but all remained silent.

High King Haram’s rule became uncertain as the years passed without an heir. The people mourned with their King when child after child failed to survive. Then word came from the Unknown Lands that Belad schemed anew to bring about the Dark One’s return. With Haram as still the only possible fit to the prophecy, the Accenderes rallied to prepare him for the coming trails.

But again Haram was resistant to Zeyer’s warnings as the queen was with child. Haram’s priority was focused on his heir and securing the succession of the High Kingship for his bloodline. Vlandamyuir had been growing stronger under Haram’s rule, but the Accenderes knew that a battle for succession would hinder the King’s ability to stand against the Dark One. In order for Haram to be the instrument of Belad’s defeat, his issue must survive to ascend to the throne and keep Vlandamyuir united.

The Accenderes pooled all their knowledge of healing to assure the king that his child would live, but Belad arose as a new threat to the unborn child. Belad knew as well as the Accenderes that an heir would only strengthen High King Haram and Vlandamyuir, and a plan was set into motion to destroy the baby.

With the new threat to his heir, Haram and Zeyer worked together to ensure the child’s safety. Using the powers of the Accenderes, Zeyer plotted to hide the heir from Belad.

A small village in the Draconia Mountains, deep within the Alacer forest was chosen. Evansfield, located leagues from the Vladamyuirian Capital, would allow the child to grow up under the watchful eye of King’s Guard Captain Lores Theras, the only man Haram trusted to raise his child, without any outside interference.

After the birth, Lores and his wife Morgan disappeared from the palace taking High King Haram’s son with them. Another child was put in the heir’s place and after Belad’s plan was put into action, the Accenderes realized they had unwittingly played right into the Dark One’s hands.

A horde of shadowy minions attacked the palace and killed the child, throwing the kingdom into a panic. Belad heralded the death of the heir as proof of the Dark One’s power and returned to Blackspire Keep on Ragnorroc Island in triumph.

Realizing that they had unknowingly guided Haram into setting up his son as the hero of the prophecy of Light, the Accenderes attempted to sway the high king into going after Lores. But Haram feared the dangers would only increase to his child and rather than risk his life again, he forbid Zeyer from revealing that his son lived.

Zeyer and the Accenderes were forced to accept High King Haram’s decision and live with the mistakes they had made in attempting to manipulate the prophecy. While the Accenderes and Zeyer were not able to announce to the kingdom that the heir lived, within their order they passed on the knowledge that the prophecy’s chosen hero existed.

The Goddess Sera did not sit by and let the Dark One shape events to his will, she helped the Accenderes in ways they did not even realize. Lores Theras, as the boy’s foster father, took it upon himself to see that he was instructed beyond the ways of a mere peasant. Even though Haram refused to even send warning or word on how to raise the prince, Lores saw to it that he knew how to handle a sword, taught him to read and write, and told him stories of the grand Capital City Livingston and life within the palace.

Seeing that Lores was doing better than any Accenderes could do, the order remained watchful but focused their attentions to thwarting Belad for as long as possible. Years passed and as the chosen grew older, the Dark One grew stronger, but still High King Haram would not summon his son. Zeyer continued to update the king on Belad’s progress and more dark minions began to escape the void, but still Haram refused to bring his son home.

Then Haram was struck with a mysterious illness that quickly drained him of strength and energy. The combination of his declining health and constant pressure from the nobles for him to name a successor forced Haram to act. He realized he was running out of time and sent King’s Guard Captain Bedwin Rothal to bring his son back to Ahzyr Palace. Kallum Syer Theras, son of High King Haram Syer, was all that stood between the Darkness and the Light.

Therin Arcanus shuffled away from the edge of the conjuring pool and took his seat at the head of the Accenderes Council table. The chamber was empty, but Therin did not feel alone. The souls of the Accenderes that had filled this room throughout the ages seemed to hover around him in the flickering shadows cast by the torches on the surrounding walls. He knew they too sensed the Dark One’s stirrings from within the void.

Closing his eyes, Therin let his mind wander back through history and all that had went on before these latest rumblings from the Dark One. The signs of his arising had become more and more obvious in the last score of years, but Therin had hoped it would not come to pass as the prophecy had set out. The Rendering had nearly ripped Vlandamyuir apart when the Accenderes had managed to contain the evil in the void. The Dark God’s murdering rampage had nearly succeeded in wiping Sera’s influence from the land destroying the delicate balance of wisdom and strength that had brought prosperity to the land. It had also set in motion the beginning of the end for the reign of the Ahzyrs.

The Dark One’s stirrings when High King Haram had ascended to the throne had made his return seem eminent, but that turmoil had subsided. Therin knew it had been wishful thinking to hope that this too was another false warning. Whether he wanted to face the truth or not, the prophecy was nearly complete and the hope of Vlandamyuir rested not in Haram Syer as the Accenderes Order had once thought, but in his son, Kallum Syer Theras.

Therin’s latest vision in the viewing pool comforted him. Kallum’s return to Livingston and his transition into a warrior was going well. The political strife had been expected, but the Accenderes were not truly concerned if the Vlandamyuirian nobles wished to accept Kallum or not. In the year and a half since Kallum had returned to Ahzyr Palace, he had learned a great deal. Therin had been more than pleased with his progress. The darker visions in the pool promised more dire worries were swiftly approaching.

With a sigh, Therin gathered his silvery robes around himself and left the council chambers. His shadow cast out behind him as he moved down the torch-lit hall. He had to enter the latest visions into his journal. The time was drawing ever closer and he only hoped he had the strength to meet the demands that would be asked of him in the near future.

The walk through the Accenderes Halls to his private chambers was not long and he passed no one else. The temple on Misty Isles had long been the center of Sera’s power, and during the Dark One’s last rampage it had proven to be the sole stronghold his darkness had not been able to snuff. Sera’s Light shone more true and bright here than it did anywhere else in all of Vlandamyuir and it had been gaining strength as another sign of the coming confrontation. Therin only hoped that Light would continue to shine here for many generations into the future.

Master Therin, did your viewings go well? his personal servant hurried to his side as he entered his outer sitting room.

Aye, Allen. The viewings of the young prince were very promising. He nodded his gray haired head solemnly, shrugging out of his ceremonial viewing robes. Allen hurried to take the Master’s robe and return it to its hook along the far wall to await Therin’s next trip to the viewing pool.

Will he really be the Chosen, Master? Allen asked with his young eyes wide at the possibilities of such a time spoken of in the prophecy unfolding in his lifetime.

Therin remained quiet as he allowed Allen to help him into the chair behind his desk. He stroked his long gray beard that matched his hair before whispering the truth that was in his heart, I truly wish I could say it was not so, Allen.

So this will not be another false stirring? his voice dropped to nearly a whisper as if he was afraid the Dark One himself would hear him and his innocent brown eyes stared back at him as if pleading for some comforting answer.

This is not a false stirring, Allen. Nostrum reaches through the void even now. There is no stopping him it seems. We can only pray to Sera that Kallum will be able to fulfill his tasks before the Dark One is able to break free of his prison.

But even from his prison, the evil one will bring great havoc to Vlandamyuir? Allen asked as his eyes darted up to a mural painted on the far wall across from the Master’s desk that depicted battles in the ancient times of The Rendering and the Ahzyrs fall.

Aye, Allen. Therin nodded and settled back in his chair folding his hands in his lap, allowing his eyes to study the mural as well. We don’t have much time before Kallum must be set on his journey, but neither I nor Sera seems to know how much longer we have before the Dark One will be able to break free.

Allen allowed Therin to sit quietly and contemplate the future. He brought the journal to the desk and then went to order Therin’s evening meal to be brought up from the kitchens. He too dwelled on the storm hovering on the horizon.

If this stirring means the Dark God will awake, I pray to Sera this Prince Kallum can be ready. For if the Dark One should break from his void, Sera help Vlandamyuir, Allen muttered to himself.

At his desk, Therin sighed softly. He hated to keep so much from the other Accenderes, but the viewings in the pool were meant only for the Master. Those viewings were filled with dark shadows and obscure images. Only one bright point of light cut through all the gloom.

Taking up his quill, Therin set to recording his latest viewings, he too prayed to Sera that Kallum’s light would remain bright and continue to strengthen in order to oppose the coming darkness. Once he was finished with his journal, Therin reached out to Zeyer Radorm on the Solis-Lun with a simple message:

The Dark stirs. It is time.

In Ahzyr Palace, Zeyer felt his master and received the message. He left his bed and went to his desk. Lighting a candle, Zeyer pulled open several desk drawers and began sorting through his papers. There was much that still had to be set into motion.

Chapter Three

As dawn greeted Livingston and the people began to stir in Ahzyr Palace, Kallum and his friends were already gathered in a small bailey near the crafters cottages taking instruction from Varnel Swift, the best knife fighter in the capital. When the crown prince had tracked him down before dawn and outlined his plan for additional arms lessons, Varnel could not refuse.

Now, he stood back and surveyed their practice watching them run through the forms he had shown them. Knife fighting was much different than battling with a sword and the proper approach, attack, and footwork were important to get within striking distance of an opponent and back out again unscathed. Varnel was impressed with how eager his new pupils were and how quickly they were progressing. Chance Lering was particularly gifted with a set of knives and seemed to absorb all the knowledge Varnel was able to impart.

That is all for today, boys. I have other duties and Instructor Jarrel will be expecting ye before long, Varnel said as he gave the five boys a wide smile. Ye are all doing very well, although I believe young Chance has the potential to develop a real mastery of the dagger.

Thank you for your time, Varnel. We are grateful you have been willing to help teach us your fine skill. We shall see you again before dawn, Kallum said as he slipped the dagger Varnel had given him into his right boot. It was the first lesson the master knife fighter had taught them. A dagger worked best when its existence was kept secret for as long as possible. If no one knew you carried one, they did not know to be prepared to defend against it.

No need to thank me, Prince. It has been my honor to instruct ye as best I can. May the Goddess’ Light shine upon you, until next we meet. He gave Kallum a brief bow before swirling a cloak around his narrow shoulders and disappearing among the crafters huts.

Twirling a dagger absently, Chance gave Kallum a smile. That was a good lesson. I know I am going to enjoy learning more of this, he said as he whirled and hurled his dagger at a wooden target some ten paces away.

Watching Chance retrieve his dagger, Talon fiddled and fussed with the knife sheath in his boot. I fear I will not be nearly as comfortable with a dagger as ye, Chance. Methinks ye shall outpace us all with this skill.

Mayhap it will come to ye in time, Chance leaned casually against a wagon full of trade goods waiting to be unloaded.

And mayhap you are just much more devious than we are and prefer an easily concealed dagger over a more obvious sword, Kallum suggested as buckled the belt around his waist from which hung his sword.

Chance rolled his eyes and tucked a dagger into each boot before picking up his own sword as they prepared for practice with Instructor Jarrel. We shall see. Methinks ye are just not clever enough.

We shall see, Kallum said in return and nodded his head. Without another word, he turned and clapped Jason on the shoulder on his way by. Ready for the real battle? he asked.

Jason Militis nodded silently and gripped his sword hilt tightly as he followed after his prince. When Kallum had first told him he wished to have Jason join him in his training, the boy could hardly believe it wasn’t a dream. He had been secretly worshipping the new prince since he had first seen him on the practice yard. While Jason’s father had been a common soldier, he had fought his way up in the ranks and the honors he had won allowed Jason to train in the palace. Now, he would be protecting Kallum’s back and it was a duty he shouldered with pride.

Aye, my Prince. He said falling into step behind him.

My name is Kallum. Those who stand beside me need not call me by my title. You shall call me Kallum, he said leading the way to the practice yard.

The rest of the boys had already gathered for practice as usual. Many of the nobles had expected to be reprimanded by the king, the King’s Guard or at least from Captain Karl after the incident the day before, but no one but Instructor Jarrel was in the yard. When it was nearly time for practice to begin and Kallum and his companions still had not arrived, Derric strutted around taking credit for finally chasing off the peasant prince.

Did I not tell you all he was nothing more than a coward? Derric gloated to Farrin Trent who happened to stand beside him. "The peasant has finally showed his true mettle. He has probably demanded private lessons so that he would not continue to be overwhelmed by someone with superior breeding and skill."

I doubt the prince has done any such thing. He has not appeared much of a coward when faced with your mob attacks in all this time. What makes you think today he has suddenly had a change of heart? a boy spoke up from near the front of the crowd.

"Do you see him here? Derric gestured around the yard before sending the minor Noble youth a hard glare. From your words, I wonder why you do not go find your precious little prince and join his private lessons. Someone with your talk need not train here."

Since when did you get to decide who was or was not worthy to train here? Another boy spoke up. Methinks Prince Kallum is far from the coward you call him. I have seen him stand up to you day after day and not back down.

Aye, with his baseborn friends to guard his back, Derric growled uncertain when so many of the noble born youths had taken to supporting Kallum. This change in the crowd made him nervous and he vowed that Kallum would pay for this insult as well. And yet friends or no friends, still the peasant prince is no where to be seen.

Jarrel too wondered where the crown prince and his companions were this morning, but decided he would go on with the lesson with or without them. He could hear some rumblings within the crowd and knew he could not hold off any longer. Heading over to a stack of swords leaning against the palace wall, he picked up a blade and turned to call the practice to order when he caught sight of a group approaching. Jarrel had never seen any hesitation in Kallum or that of his friends even from the first day they arrived here to train with the nobles, but there was something different about the boys that marched into the practice yard on this day.

Prince Kallum lead the way with his head held high, his back sword straight and his bearing announcing to all he was master over everything and everyone around him. The morning sun rose at his back and he was surrounded by a rosy glow as if Sera herself was reminding them all that he was her Chosen. Behind him several paces were Chance and Talon as well as Jason and Walis. The five moved into the practice yard didn’t stop until they stood directly in front of Jarrel with their backs to the assembled boys in