Land Of The Awoken

By Ben Fielder

How would you handle it when your faithful dog started to speak to you after a nasty blow to the head? You'd probably not want to take the event too seriously...
However, when that dog is joined by countless others, from hog people to bird warriors, all who claim you are the reincarnation of their greatest wizard, you might find life a little harder to handle...
A boy, Callum, discovers he is one of the Awoken. Mortals who can see the magical world beyond our own and more importantly, can cross over. But he is not just another normal Awoken, is he a wizard who must embark on a quest to travel to the Land of Fading Light to defeat Dark Lord Dalmar, a powerful wizard who threatens the existence of both worlds.
He and those who travel with him, fight many terrible enemies and when they face the final great battle, everyone must find the courage they need to save themselves and each other. Will Callum succeed in his quest and fulfil his destiny? Or will Dalmar and the mighty dragons, the scourge of the sky, destroy their world and ours?

Land of the Awoken is the first novel of Ben Fielder, the next big name in the world of young adult fantasy. This is The Hobbit, Narnia and The Amber Spyglass all in one.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mirador Publishing
• Release date: Jan 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781908200631

Book preview

LAND OF THE AWOKEN

BY

BEN FIELDER

Mirador Publishing

First Published by Mirador Publishing at Smashwords

Copyright 2011 by Ben Fielder

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without permission of the publishers or author. Excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

First edition: 2011

Any reference to real names and places are purely fictional and are constructs of the author. Any offence the references produce is unintentional and in no way reflect the reality of any locations involved.

A copy of this work is available though the British Library.

IBSN : 978-1-908200-63-1

AUTHOR’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank my wife Ana Paula, firstly for taking me to Brazil, where whilst lounging in a wonderfully comfortable hammock, Land of the Awoken first sparked life. And secondly for putting up with all my crazy talk of dragons, wizards and magical quests.

I must also say a big thank you to my mum. Without her knowledgeable support I truly never would have gotten this far. And a special thank you for pointing out a main character I had apparently forgotten to include in the final third of the story! Great proofreading.

Thanks to the lady who made the announcement for Shiprat to report to customer services in my local supermarket.

To my publisher, Sarah Luddington and her team at Mirador who has been an invaluable aid and produced such a fantastic cover.

Lastly, thanks to Chloe and Daniel for not banging on the door too loudly whilst I was writing. You’re my inspiration.

Prologue

Outside Castle Varr, the meeting place for the great wizards of old, a wild wind whistles around the grounds pelting rain against the walls stripping it of the moss and vegetation that has been inching its way through the masonry cracks year after year.

Within the mighty walls of stone rests the magnificent ‘Chamber of Time’, a place for contemplation and debate, now empty and quiet. Its overwhelming size dwarfs any who enter. At the centre sits a very large, round, oak table, sturdy and strong enough to support the weight of a bull elephant. The chamber’s walls are curtained with beautiful vines that clamber up the stone striving to reach the glass-topped roof, which floods the room with rays of golden sun during daylight hours and is illuminated with shards of silver moonbeams at night. Huggable stone pillars stand proud having withstood the test of time and circle the centre table, which rises up to support a roof dripping with heavy gold and ruby jewels that glisten in the light entering through large arched windows. These look out over the land like a sentinel’s watchtower.

Panoramic views stretch far and wide. Rich green plains, lush forests and a diverse range of life bring freshness to the air and an aroma unrivalled by any other. In the corner of the chamber is a shallow but crystal clear pool sparkling with bright dancing beads of light from the heavenly glass roof above. The water plays with the intensity of the dazzling reflected sunbeams sending them flashing and effervescing around the walls releasing all the colours of the rainbow. The pool is the heart of the chamber offering healing and good health to all who drink from it.

Opposite a large balcony is the chamber’s only, albeit, very impressive entrance. A magnificent huge pair of heavy, ornate wooden doors, which sit on the far wall engraved with intricately carved patterns encircling a palm and star centrepiece.

Dull footsteps from behind the mighty doors thud louder on the hard stone floor as they approach. The weighty doors reluctantly swing inwards creaking and complaining, as they move slowly on their hinges, but seeming to magically open as if of their own accord.

Dalmar, one of the four sons of Tolkaro, enters the chamber. His commanding presence dominates the room. His deep-set eyes focus with cold intent and lead him to the oak table. He brings with him a shadow that looks darker than it should. His three brothers, Simin, Antaeus and Gefen, follow closely.

Dalmar strides into position on the far side of the table and turns to face his brothers. His thick well-groomed black hair seamlessly joins an equally dark beard that is short and neat. He is dressed like a warlock with heavy bone lined armour covering his legs, upper torso, and shoulders, although he carries no visible weapon. The shoulder armour runs down his arm meeting a metal glove that has dark blue lapis lazuli stones embedded on every knuckle. His boots are also lined with bone but contain the addition of a canine tooth between each toe. Dalmar raises his head to address the others and gestures them to sit.

My brothers, I thank you for gathering once again. Our father would be pleased to see us together in this sacred place. Wouldn’t you agree? He speaks concisely at a measured pace giving importance to every word, his voice gravely firm.

The eldest of the four brothers Simin, now fifty-four, intuitively senses his brother Dalmar’s mood. Simin’s short white hair and matching neat beard lend an impression of precision. He wears metallic silver undergarments complete with cape. A platinum ring adorns each finger complementing his clothes.

Simin is the last to pull up a chair. He sits comfortably, but proceeds to tap the armrest impatiently. His narrowing eyes reveal his discontent as he proclaims, Our father created this place for the purposes of meditation and harmony; a place for us to meet, discuss and ensure a bright future for our world. Simin speaks with a sense of exasperation as though he has repeated these words on more than one occasion.

And that is precisely why I asked you here! Dalmar replies.

Antaeus, forty-two, well built and stocky with thick curly brown hair and a bushy moustache purses his lips. He’s wearing an earth coloured robe and on one of his hairy arms sits a brass bracelet with a polished brown agate stone in the centre. You asked us here again to talk of genocide? he demands angrily.

Gefen, twenty-nine, the youngest of the brothers rises. He carries a woven wooden staff; his olive green hessian garment is wrapped around his waist and over his shoulders by root vines. His face is fresh and rounded with youthful looks; he sports a short black ponytail and the beginnings of a goatee. Four cannot decide the futures of the many, brother. We know they have caused you pain and we...

You know nothing! Dalmar retorts, raising his voice, which echoes around the four walls. You would sit and await your own destruction! I will not allow them to blindly end their world and ours with it! We are not perfect! But we do not threaten their existence as they do ours.

Your judgement is clouded! Simin rejoins, rising, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again! I will not allow such an act to take place! And we will not discuss this further!

Sharply and in anger Dalmar turns his back on his brothers and draws himself up to his full height. His fingers flex as his wrath devours him. His shadow grows more menacing, looking greasy and venomous.

You waste our time bringing us here to listen to this madness, adds Antaeus.

Simin turns to leave. Antaeus and Gefen follow suit.

I feared that would be your response, utters Dalmar, his threatening voice now as cold as ice. His blue eyes become eclipsed by darkness, a deep black flooding them like running ink. His clothes transform from a tranquil blue to a stormy purple. The blue lapis stones in his metal glove lose their gold flecks and turn pitch black seemingly swallowing the light around them. His skin becomes bereft of colour leaving it a lifeless grey. His thick veins pulse pumping his polluted blood like gushing oil.

Antaeus and Simin stop walking as Dalmar’s shadow spreads further filling the room. They step back cautiously whilst a surprised Gefen appears glued to the spot, What’s this, brother? Gefen’s disbelief is apparent for all to see.

I’m afraid this is goodbye... brother, Dalmar replies turning to face them, his voice and face now devoid of emotion. He glares at them coldly. The chamber walls start to rumble and growl as the dark energy in the room envelops them.

The brothers look anxiously around them, but are careful not to take their focus away from their demented brother.

Don’t do this, calls Antaeus.

I am doing this! Dalmar quietly chants Gar rac, gar rac, combustarum.

Dalmar holds out his hands, which ignite with a blue flame that roars away under his control. He clasps his hands together and the flame intensifies swirling between his fingers aggressively. He flicks his grey fingers outward launching three separate streams of ferocious blue fire from his black nails directly at his brothers.

Simin stands strong, thrusting his hands out flat in front of him. Oopala, he yells, generating a silvery energy field, which stems from his palms that surrounds and shields him from the hot glowing body of burning energy that blazes around him.

Antaeus crouches down and suddenly slaps the ground. He rises quickly, lifting up his arms. A barrier of rock erupts from the floor protecting him and blocks Dalmar’s intense fire that flies like a missile but impacts harmlessly on the stone wall.

Gefen raises his staff to try and avert the furnace but he’s standing too close. Unable to defend himself in time, Dalmar’s burst of fire knocks him off his feet and sends him crashing into one of the huge pillars behind him. Gefen bounces off the column and slumps to the ground.

With Gefen down and Antaeus out of sight Dalmar concentrates his blue inferno on Simin. The burning jet thickens as more power surges through Dalmar’s body and blasts through his fingertips. Simin tries to maintain his protective field. He strains against the force of the attack with his arms outstretched; his feet slide backwards as he struggles to remain standing but his feet lose their grip and Simin is pushed back by the sheer strength of the flame. Dalmar’s eyes widen with devilish delight at seeing his brother struggling to resist his power.

Antaeus looks out from behind his protective stone wall desperately wanting to help. Simin drops to his knees almost ready to submit under the power of the napalm like spray engulfing him.

Antaeus places the palm of his hand flat on the floor and closes his eyes summoning the forces of the earth, Impla! Vascarlow!

The ground beneath Antaeus’ hands starts to tremble. The tremor grows in strength shaking the entire chamber. A crack opens under his hand and spreads, splitting the ground, heading in Dalmar’s direction, who upon seeing the earth-opening ready to swallow him withdraws one hand from the stream engulfing Simin and raises it above his head whilst chanting dark incantations under his breath. The fissure reaches Dalmar ripping open the rock floor, but he doesn’t fall. He levitates and floats up into the air.

Gefen picks himself up. His chest is badly singed from the searing prolonged spurt of fire energy, but with staff in hand he rushes to stand beside Antaeus. Gefen extends his staff toward the gaping hole under Dalmar and cries, Drawlem agora!

Thick, writhing roots emerge from the crevice. Their twisting, grasping shoots reach for Dalmar. They coil around his legs like tentacles dragging him downward and into the earth.

Dalmar releases Simin from the blue spouting heat as he tries to combat the vines. Simin crumples exhausted to the floor. He gasps for air in an attempt to regain his strength.

Dalmar grabs the roots; his hands are afire with this ungodly cobalt flame. The roots begin to char and burn causing them to snap.

Gefen continues his chants, sending more coils of greenery to stretch up and grip Dalmar who fights furiously as he is relentlessly drawn down toward the ruptured earth. For every root Dalmar destroys another takes its place. He tries to scorch as many as he can with his underworld weapon of hellfire.

Simin joins Antaeus and Gefen. He breathes deeply closing his eyes and concentrates intently. His silvery force field appears around Dalmar’s hands suppressing the blue flame, thus preventing him from igniting the roots, which freely wrap themselves around him.

Moments later Dalmar stops struggling. His eyes turn a deep blood red as he gazes at the wall on the far side of the chamber. The wall begins to shake. Dust tumbles then, the stone itself starts to crumble and fall into a heap of rubble revealing a large, craggy opening. The brothers stare at the gaping portal unsure of what Dalmar is attempting. The low growling they heard before resumes, but this time crescendos. The walls echo with the sound of heavy footsteps.

Vibrating grunts and scratching thunder bounce around the room as if a large creature is rubbing itself along the outside of the chamber. The unearthly noises approach the newly made aperture. A large snort of air at the edge of the opening propels rock fragments into the room. Dalmar breaks out into maniacal laughter. The distraction has allowed him to free himself from the roots that trapped him. He emerges from the crevice and strides to one of the sturdy wooden chairs at the oak table and sits as if he were at the theatre about to watch a play.

This has been fun! But I’m afraid now.... the fun stops... for you! He looks to the newly formed gateway and commands, Edredon.

The silhouette of an enormous dragon fills the gap. Two malevolent yellow eyes pierce the darkness and glare at the brothers. Edredon’s terrifyingly huge body enters the chamber; his thick, scaled skin glistens a deep purple and green. His glowering yellow eyes hover above enormous crushing jaws and teeth that even the largest shark would envy. His claws tap the ground like pickaxes on rock as his feet slam down. His vast body carries wings, which if outstretched would fill the chamber wall to wall.

The brothers back away from the beast and edge closer to the stout wooden doors behind them. The dragon further enters the room stalking the brothers as prey. He grins at them displaying his lethal white incisors before inhaling a shuddering breath, which when released with a spark ignites the air sending an inferno of fire at the men.

Simin raises his arms. His hands once again emit a silver glow and create a protective sheath around him and his siblings, shielding them from the incinerating blaze. The brothers inch backward toward the doors to attempt escape.

Edredon moves closer still and relinquishes another burst of fire. Simin’s hands again glow silver protecting them all from Edredon’s fury. Gefen turns and races toward the doors, his staff outstretched in front of him. The doors begin to creak open. He turns to call his brothers. Antaeus is still standing behind the safety of Simin’s silvery force field.

Quickly! shouts Gefen.

Antaeus glances around. His mouth gapes as he sees Edredon’s dragon brother, Kain forcing his way through the doors, which splinter open crashing against the wall. Kain looks straight at the first person he sees, which is Gefen, who as he spins around is greeted by Kain’s vice-like jaws that clamp on his head down to the waist killing him instantly. Kain shakes his muzzle like a rabid dog and tosses Gefen’s lifeless body as if it were a broken twig across the room.

No! cries Antaeus in anguish at seeing his little brother slain.

Dalmar looks on in delight as Kain then moves in to challenge Antaeus whose face suffuses with rage as his eyes well up with tears.

Antaeus runs to a nearby pillar. He places his hands on it. It vibrates violently. The stone roof it supports begins to crumble. Large chunks of rock crash down forcing Kain back toward the doors from whence he came. The pillar collapses like a felled tree filling the air with dust and debris. Antaeus looks back to Simin but the roof is now so unstable that it causes another massive piece of masonry to give way overhead.

Antaeus sees it beginning to tumble. He leaps backwards but is not quick enough. The slab lands on his calves snapping his bones like twigs. Arrrrrrr! Antaeus screams in pain as his body begins to convulse.

Simin still occupied in defending himself from fiery attacks, and seeing his fallen brothers emits a wave of shining metallic energy that momentarily stuns Edredon leaving the dragon dazed and disorientated. Simin’s face is eclipsed with white cold anger. As Edredon regains focus Simin hits him with another pulse, then another, and another, causing the gargantuan dragon to stagger back roaring in his discomfort with every explosive current that strikes him.

Simin draws his hands into his vortex summoning all his powers for one almighty blast. He swivels his eyes blatantly concentrating on Edredon, who is now on his back trying to steady himself and stand. With his eyes focused on Edredon, Simin suddenly spins and releases the mammoth pulse at Dalmar, who is sitting watching arrogantly. The burst of energy smashes into Dalmar with such force that the chair splinters sending Dalmar sprawling to the floor.

Simin slowly but purposefully strides to Dalmar, who’s trying to find his feet. They were worth a million of you! Simin says raising his hand, which glows white hot with energy. He stands ready to obliterate his brother’s body with one final pulse. There will be no after life for you!

But, as Simin is about to unleash his final devastating blow Dalmar snaps back into control. He glowers at Simin with demonic eyes that glow red as if this dazzling hue was merely a ruse to draw his brother closer.

Wouldn’t want one! Dalmar spits with venom whilst reaching out and grabbing Simin’s arm, Ich barrr, he rasps.

Simin’s soul and energy is rapidly sapped from his body. Dalmar sucks out his brother’s life force like a leech, thus reenergising himself by feeding on his sibling, Tired, brother?

Simin is now drained and weak. Dalmar lets go of his arm and retreats as a large shadow engulfs Simin, who slowly turns to look and his legs are now no longer able to sustain him. His last sight is the open mouth and throat of the angry Edredon who stoops down and devours him whole, raising his head and extending his neck to help Simin’s body slide down his throat to his gullet.

A cough and splutter is heard behind the reptilian, scaly monster. Edredon turns to see Antaeus still trapped by the enormous slab. He is wheezing and slowly choking on his own blood. Edredon bellows in triumph and strives to finish him off but Dalmar stops him, Wait!

Dalmar crosses to his brother and leans over him but says nothing. Dalmar simply glares penetratingly watching his brother’s life slowly fade away like water trickling down a drain.

Antaeus spews up yet more blood. He struggles to speak, ... I ... knew... it would be you. He strives to breathe, Our... father...

Dalmar cuts in, Our father spoke nothing but riddles and rubbish! He crouches and bends closer and whispering, This world is mine now.

Antaeus splutters violently. Dalmar places his hand on Antaeus’ forehead, and gently caresses him before clasping his cranium tightly, squeezing and pressing savagely till the tips of his fingers show white. Antaeus squirms; the colour evaporates from his skin becoming a lifeless grey as all movement ceases. His empty eyes stare from a face where the spark of humanity has been extinguished.

Dalmar removes his hand, rises and moves away. He is now the only living member of his bloodline. He examines the scene of devastation with a smirk of satisfaction.

A beautiful young woman with chestnut brown eyes and lustrous long ebony hair stands at the doorway for a moment. Their eyes meet fleetingly before she turns and walks away. Dalmar watches her leave and then looks back over his brothers’ broken bodies savouring the moment. He breathes in the bloody air relishing his victory and is ready to begin his war with the world.

Chapter One

First Sight

Callum, an open faced boy of twelve years, with light brown hair and athletic frame, is exchanging rugby ball passes in the school playground with his friends Luke and Joe who are also twelve. Joe passes over-arm to Callum, who catches it comfortably and flips the ball on to Luke.

We’re going to the cinema this weekend, Cal, says Luke nodding at Joe, Wanna come?

What’re you watching? Callum asks knowing Luke always tries to get in to fifteen certificate films. He normally manages it, but Callum hates the nervous feeling he gets in his stomach when they dare to try it.

That new science fiction movie, Full Circle. The boys continue to toss the ball between them. The trailer looks amazing! People all over the world start remembering their past lives.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! I’m not gonna go if you’ve told me the story! Callum stops Luke quickly; You’ve ruined enough movies already.

Relax! It’s only what’s in the trailer.

That’s why I try to avoid the trailers, because they tell you the whole bloody movie! Anyway, it sounds a bit silly to me.

Don’t talk crap! It’s got a wicked cast and the special effects look great!

Luke chucks the ball to Joe but Lidbury, a rough lad two years older, intercepts it. Lidbury is one of those guys who believes that everyone younger needs to be put in his or her place. What place is that? Only he knows.

Oh, Oh, Oh! he calls in pleasure, You see that girls? Just think, if you were born with talent like me, you could have been this good!

The boys exchange a knowing look, rolling their eyes.

Yeah, that was really great, Lidbury! Joe says sarcastically, You should carry a little rosette and certificate. This is to certify that Lidbury can catch.

Lidbury grows irritated. His type is prone to lashing out.

Yeah, and we could organize a little presentation ceremony! adds Luke, We can call your mummy and daddy... He lays heavy emphasis on the words mummy and daddy. Luke and Joe begin to laugh. Callum isn’t quite so bold but manages a smile.

Red-faced Lidbury marches up to his combatants, Luke and Joe, You won’t be making jokes when I’m smacking your heads against the wall in front of all your little girly friends!

Just give us the ball back, Lidbury, says Callum, trying to deflect Lidbury’s aggression.

You want it back? he asks. Catch it! Lidbury takes a step back and hurls the ball hard! It flies over Callum’s head, clearing the hedge at the end of the playground that separates the schoolyard from the gardens. Lidbury laughs, Ha, ha, have fun finding your ball, girls! He walks off chuckling to himself.

What a prick! Joe mutters quietly so as not to be heard. Callum has already set off toward the gardens to retrieve the ball.

Hey, Cal, leave it. We can get it later, Luke promises, too lazy to go with him, now.

No, my dad gave it to me. I won’t be a minute. Callum only hopes it wasn’t punctured. He takes good care of his things, especially presents from his father. He sees his father working hard every day for his money and appreciates the gifts he gives.

Callum walks right to the far end of the playground and peers through a gap in the hedge normally used by kids who want to have a sneaky smoke, or for anything else they want to do away from the watchful eyes of the teachers. In fact, boys often sneak girls through ‘the love hedge’, as the students affectionately call it.

On the other side of the bushes the garden’s not as pretty as it should be. The school had begun landscaping this area a long time ago but for some reason, work stopped, and the whole place had turned into a wild, rambling mess.

Callum scrambles through the bushes dislodging a pile of earth. Loose rocks litter the ground with weeds and wild shrubs running riot. Callum hunts for his ball, rummaging through the grass beating at it with his hands, before finally spotting it lodged in a tree, not too high up, but high enough to make him sigh wearily. He ambles over to the tree and reaches up with his fingers but can’t quite touch it. Shaking his head in frustration, he searches for something to stand on. Guys like Lidbury, he thinks, really rile him; deliberately throwing their weight around, trying to make themselves look tough.

Callum always feels a desire to protect his friends from bullies like Lidbury, but his slight build doesn’t always allow it. He wishes he could just click his fingers and make things happen but he can’t. Just like he wishes he could magic the ball out of the tree but knows instead that he’ll have to struggle. He puts one foot on a large knot at the bottom of the trunk and pushes off it to try and grab the ball. But it’s just tantalisingly out of reach and he only brushes it with his fingers. He adjusts his position on the knot to get a better push off and tries again. This time he’s able to beat the ball free with his hand. But the extra push has shifted his supporting foot, which slips off the knot. He falls backwards, cracking his head on one of the large rocks on the ground behind him. An initial piercing pain shoots round his head before a fierce burning sensation takes over. The trees begin to blur as he feels the veins in his head throb and he slowly drifts into unconsciousness.

Callum’s eyes open stubbornly as they strive to deal with a bright light blazing above him. Sitting up with a groan he realises he’s in the School Matron’s Office. His brain feels like it’s knocking against his skull in time to a drumbeat. He struggles to stand, walks to the mirror above the sink next to the window, and angles himself to get a good view of the back