Gray Skies Above

By Marcus D Barnes

The Wayfarers are summoned back to their homeland. Lord Sardil has another adventure for them. Will they accept? and will the 'lady' find them worthy of the challenge.

Come join the Wayfarers as they embark on a perilous journey to the long-abandoned shores of Amosh to battle an undead lord and his minions.

This is book 2 of the Wayfarers Trilogy. The first being Red Sands Below

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcus D Barnes
• Release date: Aug 23, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476190129

Marcus D Barnes

Fantasy, and to a lesser extent Science-Fiction, have inspired me from an early age. From the late seventies to the late nineties I became heavily involved in Fantasy Role Playing and created and ran several extensive, gripping and enjoyable campaigns - some of this can be seen reflected in my novels. Me? I am a mature male, born and raised in the south of England before migrating to New Zealand in 2001. In 2020, I returned to England, after 18 years in New Zealand and Australia. My wife and sons provide a lot of inspiration and support. I write when I have time and when the inspiration takes me. I have many unfinished works, which I hope to make available in time.

Book preview

Grey Skies Above

by Marcus D Barnes

Book 2 of the Wayfarers Trilogy

Copyright 2012-2017 Marcus D Barnes

Smashwords Edition

Index

1] After the War

2] An Inn, of sorts

3] Smooth Sailing

4] Landfall

5] Dark Hosts

6] Dark Paths

7] Through the portal

8] The Hunt

9] Orthuun

10] A daring rescue

11] A fond meeting

12] Once a saint

13] Among the divine

14] A Dark Finale

15] Epilogue

Appendices

Recap on Book 1

Chapter One

After the War

Time passed quickly after the battle of Red-Moon, although many wounds were slow to heal.

The Wayfarers had been in Torel-Ma for almost six months now, helping Senib – their friend and newly ordained Sand King - to rebuild the capital and establish his kingship. He was already proving to be popular, benevolent and wise – ably advised and assisted by Shrivak, his old master.

Embassies from Tir had arrived two weeks after Red-Moon. This allowed Lord Sardil and his aides to return to Corillis, after a brief handover, to focus on other matters of state.

One of Senib’s first actions, in power, was to use Shalbazza’s ring to summon a new elemental lord. He then tasked it with bringing the contents of the old Sand King’s treasury back to the capital, to augment the royal coffers and to pay for the repairs.

§

On this day, the Wayfarers were summoned to the Hall of Ayung. Upon entering they were greeted by Senib, in all his regal finery, and Shrivak. Courtiers and servants stood nearby.

Sensing the occasion, they bowed before their friend, who then spoke Rise my friends. I have asked for you to come because Misha – my saviour and mentor on Corillis – has contacted master Shrivak through magical means. I will ask him to convey the message.

Shrivak said Thank you my lord, and welcome my friends. Your Lord Sardil has asked Misha, a member of my inner circle, to contact us. He, along with a mysterious third party, have another adventure for you. Let me know if you are, at all, interested and I will reply to Misha.

Before any of the Wayfarers could answer, Senib spoke Of course, I will miss your friendship, your company and your assistance, but I cannot, selfishly, delay you here forever. Especially when there is adventure to be had. He had a huge beaming smile.

They too would be sad to leave their friend and companion behind, but knew that he was in safe hands, and the lure of a new adventure was too strong to refuse. Shrivak promised to convey their acceptance to Misha and Sardil.

Senib then asked one of his courtiers to organise their return to Corillis.

§

Two days later, they were on a southern war galley, setting sail for Gulasis – Flint’s sea legs were still not quite there. The voyage was fast and passed without incident. A mere six days after leaving Torel-Ma, they were pulling up alongside the royal docks in Gulasis.

Two carriages stood waiting for them on the dockside and, as they drew near, they could see that these were in the royal livery. Standing on the cobbles next to them were Sardil, Mero and Ladrin.

After greeting the Wayfarers and welcoming them back to Corillis, Sardil said Come – we have an important guest awaiting us at Councillor Ormond’s residence.

On their journey up the hill, Flint gave a silent prayer to his deity, grateful for the safe return to dry land.

Once inside the Councillor’s palatial home, Sardil said Our honoured guest will be joining us for dinner tonight – you will be summoned to the dining hall at the appropriate time. Please try and look your best. The Wayfarers were then shown to their own, individual and finely appointed, rooms – thoughtfully provisioned with a selection of fine evening wear.

Many of the Wayfarers, including Flint, were unused to formal occasions such as this, and needed advice – luckily, Galdda proved to be very knowledgeable in this area.

§

A few hours later, they all stood, smarter than most of them could remember, in the formal lounge – usually reserved for visiting dignitaries - sipping fortified wine from filigreed silver goblets. They were reminiscing with Sardil and his aides, when a very attractive lady joined them. She was of average height, with blond hair, green eyes, freckled and dimpled cheeks and a beautiful smile. She wore a long, flowing gown of deepest green along with a few modest items of jewellery.

Sardil took her by the hand and said My friends; allow me to introduce our honoured guest – the Lady Miscela. She is an integral part of the adventure I promised.

Greetings, introductions and pleasantries were exchanged and then Sardil said Well, my lady, will they do?

Do? thought the Wayfarers Do for what? What does he mean? He knows our capabilities.

The lady gave a disarming smile and looked them over individually. She then gave her considered response. They appear a little green around the gills, but I can sense their eagerness and they have your recommendation – so yes, I think they will ‘do’.

The Wayfarers weren’t overly pleased at being judged in this manner, by a stranger, but kept their thoughts to themselves. Seeing their sullen faces, Sardil laughed and said My friends, you look so serious, apologies for the direction of this conversation, but once you have heard my lady’s tale you will understand more. My lady – if you will...

At that point, the servants called them to dinner and conversation continued over the table.

§

The Lady Miscela spoke Your Lord Sardil, has asked me to establish an outpost on Amosh – ah, good, I see you have heard of it. My research leads me to believe that there are still civilisations to the far west, but our aim will be to establish a permanent foothold on the eastern shoreline.

Old maps show a fortification overlooking the walled town of Triess (‘tree-ess’), approximately halfway up the East coast. It would appear that the town has been long abandoned, by humans at least. Being something of an adventurer myself, Sardil interjected Come now Marion, this no place for modesty! – we have time, tell them the whole story

Very well. I am Marion Miscela, please feel free to call me Marion. I have had a few adventures

A few?

Hush Sardil. Yes, a fair few, and, with my sister and other companions, have explored much of Corillis. Sardil accompanied us on some of our earlier exploits and has recently asked if I would be prepared to lead this expedition onto the barren and hostile continent. I, of course, jumped at the chance.

Sardil mentioned your exploits on Moonsa and suggested that you might like to join me on this quest. It will be a perilous journey and your previous experience may count for little in that dusty, grey land. There is, however, potential for great reward – personally, I am looking to locate a linked set of ancient relics – but also great danger. Are you willing to join me?

The Wayfarers had left Moonsa specifically for this quest, so they readily accepted the opportunity.

§

Excellent. We will depart three days from now, on the morning tide. Councillor Ormond has graciously allowed you to use his house until then and I have a boat which will convey us to the shores of Amosh.

Lord Sardil has authorised an advance of two thousand gold pieces for each of you.

This was an impressive sum of money and the Wayfarers looked forward to spending it.

I suggest you use that money wisely, in readiness for the journey. In the morning, I will escort you to a few, hard to find, speciality stores here in town.

Shortly afterwards, Marion bid them goodnight and set off back to her own home on the outskirts of town – politely refusing any and all offers of escort. After she had left, Sardil turned to the others and said you do not yet know the Lady Miscela – she needs no escort, especially around here.

Sardil asked so, what do you think of your new adventuring companion? Flint said she is a very confident lady, Tala added yes, and she oozes power, Galdda and Semuan both inferred that there was an immense amount of magic about her. Eron said she has a fluid and stealthy movement, Darik concurred and Kai added I think she could hold her own in a fight.

Sardil said "your perceptions are correct. She is indeed mighty – as is her sister, who, I’m sure, will be mentioned on your travels. Now what of the task ahead? Once you have replenished your supplies and stocked