Escape: Legend of Taragondia Book 1

By L. G. Craft

In the midst of a war ravaged land, a fractured people, and the powers that be, Calla escapes her father’s house and tries to throw off the cast of the arranged marriage only to find tighter bonds than what she had just escaped from. In desperation, she sets out on the journey that promises to bring her closer to the answers she has sought throughout her tormented childhood. As the forbidden black mountains beckon and the powers that be guide, she is determined to do this one thing even at the cost of banishment from her father’s kingdom. Now she must find the inner strength she was born with and that which has eluded her all her young life to discover she isn’t the person of legend she was raised to believe – she is something all together different indeed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L. G. Craft
• Release date: Nov 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301712977

L. G. Craft

Christian, wife, mother, sister, friend, cook, artist, Torah student, fellow worker: jack of all trades - master of none and lover of creative words.

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Escape:

Legend of Taragondia

Book 1

L. G. Craft

Copyright © 2017 by L. G. Craft

Second Edition

All rights reserved.

Published at Smashwords

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.

ISBN: 9781301712977

You can look for other great books by

L. G. Craft, at smashwords and Createspace

DEDICATION

God – my reason

David – my courage and strength

Larry, Niktasha, Nacoma, Jonathon, William – my inspiration

Kathy – my motivation and encouragement

Dess – my personal fan club

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

PROLOGUE

1 IN THE MEADOW

2 FIRST IMPRESSIONS

3 LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

4 SILENTLY IGNORED

5 GIRL TALK

6 THE HUNT

7 THE PHILOSOHPY OF LOVE

8 INNER TREACHERIES

9 A THIRD ATTEMPT FOR A SECOND CHANCE

10 DINNER GUEST

11 FACING FEAR

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you Kathy, Patricia, Sue, the lunch ladies, Bobby, my GL team, Desiree, Dave, Jenn, Billy, and Nate, my beta team. David Craft for being my all. Larry, Niki, Nate, John, and Billy – without whom I would not be ‘mom’. Your life story is my greatest writing.

Thank you God for seeing the me that could be when I was still lost and confused. You loved me before I knew you and you took my brokenness and made me whole. Without you, none of this would be possible

PROLOGUE

In the star-studded darkness of the cosmos, the penetrating omniscience of the Creator was made known to the world. His passion reached towards Taragondia. This was more than a celestial ball dancing through space with the sun and the moon. It was the home of the descendants of the Nilor Learecee. The world of deep oceans, tall mountains, and dark forests had been created for His people with love. This, his footstool, resounded with longing as He turned His attention upon it. His presence was amplified by His desire. My guardians, come to me. His gentle voice enveloped the land as it sought out the caretakers of the place He so loved.

Du’at the Gold was the first to hear his Master’s call. This great and mighty creature known as the marue was humbled to be summoned. Though he was equal to his brothers, he willingly served as the leader for those who were created before the dawn of time. Seven parts of one whole, these powerful blue guardians heed the call and seek to carry out the will of their Creator.

Du’at stretch massive white wings that were tinted a soft blue as he begins his transformation. The new appendages were sprinkled with golden radiant spots as he shifted form from the scholarly old man to a winged beast. With his transformation complete, Du’at left his spire stacked high with books behind as he entered the place between worlds. Like him, his books were filled with knowledge and wisdom but his heart sought after the Master’s will. Du’at shimmered from the hidden tower of Taragondia to answer the summons, hurrying ahead of his brothers.

The other five marue also heard and obeyed. Each with great blue wings of varying hues and shimmering spots that testified to their identity. They left this land they loved to answer the Master’s call.

The marue raced to their Father’s throne. Ga’aer the Brown swooped down on his brothers and sped past. His iridescent patches of chocolate-tan shimmered across the back of his turtle shell as he overtook them. Ka’rus the Silver laughed with joy in the sport and ran to catch his brother. Ma’aer the Blue, Ka’hee the Green, and En’ah the Red followed close behind. Their hearts beating strong with desire to serve the Great One.

You have summoned us, Master. A single voice resonates from the six caretakers that stood at their Master’s footstool. With bowed heads and downcast eyes the marue surrounded the throne.

All but one of the brothers had come creating an incomplete circle. Ru’kai the Violet trembled from where he stood with immortal feet on the earth he corrupted. Though he no longer heard the Master’s voice, his heart felt the power envelop this place he was cast down upon. As a man forever more, he raised his blue fist and cursed the stars that betrayed him a millennia ago.

My creation seeks the promise. The throne shook at the sound of the Master’s gentle voice as the He spoke. They too felt it, but the prophecy had yet to be fulfilled. The opposition was strong as their fallen brother resisted the Master’s will at every turn. The damage continued to snaked its way through the world while its time drew ever closer. Still, harmony flowed sweetly above the bitter notes of envy that ragged within Ru’kai’s heart.

What is your bidding? Du’at asked. His golden eyes shimmered in the glow cast from the Master’s presence.

How can we serve you? Ga’aer bowed. He waited anxiously, shifting form again, this time into a bird with soft gleaming brown feathers. Command us, Father. He offered up supplication to his Master with outspread wings. Like his brothers’, Ga’aer’s form is that which he chooses at that moment.

En’ah’s passion was amplified as he stood in his Master’s presence causing fire to dance across his fingertips. He served as the heart of the brotherhood of stewards. Since the beginning of time, En’ah guided his brothers who sought after the restoration of man for it is the heart's desire of He Who Has No Name.

Has my daughter found her true calling? The Master’s question lingers as the marue fumble for an answer.

There were so many in this great world of Taragondia. From the villages near the Ma’noval Sea to the great Ir’bon Forest and the places in between; all filled with people. These descendants of the ancient ones are the Master’s people – His children. The confusion shadowed each face.

Their leader, Du’at lifted reverent hands to the Creator of all. Master, of whom do you speak? His need to answer rippled throughout the gathering although there was no answer among them.

Ka’hee felt the Master’s eyes questioning him. His mind swam with doubt. Before his courage could find speech for what his heart knew to be true, the Master turned.

The light slowly faded as He Who Has No Name left the gathering. I will summon you again soon, my guardians.

All was still and silence encompassed the six guardians as the light faded to its normal luminescence. Slowly, one by one they each shimmered back to the world they diligently cared for. There was no race back to Taragondia. The absence of the Father’s light felt lonely, but they dare not dwell on that now. There was work to be done. The groan of Taragondia under Ru’kai’s constant punishment echoed in the back of their mind. They returned knowing that the Master’s will was yet to be fulfilled.

Ka’hee walked through the folds of space as an old man dressed in a cloak and hood. As he drew near the world he was charged with, he made his way to the great lands of the north. He felt the weight of his Master’s question as he turned his attention back to the people within the great Ir’bon Forest. His heart was heavy with his own questions. He sought to discover his purpose there as he felt the pull of the Master’s plan drawing him closer. The seeking pushed him onward as answers promised to reveal themselves if only he was diligent enough.

The evening approached, prompting Ka’hee to changed form once more. He beat great shimmering blue-green wings against his sleek bird body. The movement sent him flying through the faint moonlight. He took perch atop a lofty Nilor tree and observed the world around. He relinquished his work to his instinct of bringing order to the world around him.

One of Ka’hee’s brothers passed by as he rode on the wind. Ka’rus’ silver eyes smiled from within the translucent cloud. Be on your guard, brother, for there is something wonderful stirring in the wind. With a lighthearted chuckle, Ka’rus slipped past and disappeared.

A light flickered in the window and Ka’hee’s attention was drawn to the princess where she sat at the foot of her bed reading from an ancient scroll. Could this be the one, Master? Is this the child you are seeking so diligently after? Ka’hee’s thoughts spiraled upward.

He watched Calla roll up the parchment that crackled with age. Ka’hee felt the confusion as Calla’s mind swirled around the thought of her great-grandmother’s sister. Luzon was the child of light whose fate remained a mystery to these people.

To be recorded in history as one who was no more is a terrible fate. Calla spoke to the parchment as she placed it back in its cloth-lined bed within the wooden trunk.

Ka’hee slipped into Calla’s thoughts as she walked to the window in her small room.

The chill of the night air caressed Calla's skin causing goose flesh to rise. She brushed her hands across her arms. I hope she had a good life in the end. She whispered to the passing wind.

Ka’hee could see her expression. It was painful to watch this child of potential greatness squander her days over ignorance. Who said it has ended? His inquiring shriek pierced the night as he took wing and flew off towards the other side of the stone meadow, east of the Erbonian Keep. His soft plumage of green glittered in the bashful moonlight.

1 IN THE MEADOW

The hot sun had not yet made its presence known while the world lay sleeping under the cover of the purple haze of darkness. Calla sat on the ancient stone throne in the sleeping meadow east of her father’s Keep and watched as the moon continued to veil itself with the night sky. The celestial orb reminded Calla of a maiden seeking to hold onto her modesty. The surrounding sentinels of twinkling lights enhanced the beauty of the exchange of power. With grace, the moon bowed to the sun’s approaching glow which was little more than a candle light behind the distant mountains.

Calla needed the peace to fill her soul and chase away the anguish that lingered from the nightmare that had driven her to seek solitude. The dream ensnared her like a bitter memory.

My beautiful queen of the night, how does someone escape that which has not happened yet? Calla questioned the moon and took a cleansing breath.

Calla continued to observe the greatness taking place all around her from her position on the stone perch while thoughts swirled within. The moss covered rock in the grassy meadow served her as it did all the woman in her family. Though she did not fully understand her role as priestess, it felt good to be connected as she tried to let her mind settle. The dream was but one outcome in a sea of possibilities. I need not toil with that which may never come to pass, Right? As though the moon had answered her, offering peace for her torment, Calla settled a little.

This meadow was the one place in all Erbonia where she would be left undisturbed no matter the time of day or night. She relished her time here under the beautiful eastern Erbonian sky. Her duties to family and position didn’t allow her much leisure. I am grateful for your gift, Mamma. If I had not inherited this position of priestess, I would be called to the kitchen instead of here in this place of peace. And right now, I need peace. Though peace alluded her due to the presence watching her from a great distance. Though she sought it out with the mind walk that was as simple as breathing for her; the inability to touch the mind of the being that kept vigil over her contributed to her unease. She knew not what or who it was. It had been with her since late evening and contributed to her inability to return to the dream walk she longed for.

The only thing she knew with certainty was that the being was ancient and powerful. It was the same presence she had felt before. No matter the probing or pleading, it had never made itself known. She wondered if her mother had ever dealt with such a presence or if this was the being that was suppose to accompany the priestess. If so, she somehow lacked the ability to communicate with it. So many unanswered questions lingered and at times like this, she felt completely inept without her mother to guide her.

It had been a long time since Calla thought about, D’nala, her mother. Though she knew little about the woman she was aware of their resemblance. They had the same dark earthen colored skin with full lips and large soft eyes. Calla’s eyes, on the other hand, were dark golden and always seemed to have a hint of mischief dancing in them instead of the sensible and rich green-brown of her people.

Her golden eyes as well as her translucent hair and towering height set her apart from her fellow Erbonians. These unique features identified her as one of the rare and legendary Du’ettens. The outward appearances were simple markings that boasted of the distinct abilities that lived within. She had the gift of mind walk in which she could alter another’s reality or read one’s thoughts as easily as a book as well as enter the dream world of the Du’ettens.

A great green hawk screeched from his perch atop a Nilor tree. His piercing cry split the silence; bringing Calla to her feet as she scanned the surroundings with her enhanced senses. I may have eyes like a hawk, but I do not see why you disturbed the peace, friend. She was aware of the watchful eye vanishing as the graceful bird took flight and vanished into the inky darkness.

Calla continued to stand in the peaceful meadow as the light grew. She tried to shrug off her need to be on defense; however, the lingering discomfort kept her on guard. Her statuesque appearance that gave her an edge in battle that not many could attest too, allowed her to see a great distance over the garden wall. No danger presented itself. Still the discomfort lingered.

In her own right, Calla was a lethal and cunning creature of poise and grace. She wondered if she would ever be allowed to test her ability in live battle. As princess, she was sentenced to a life of training those who were sent out to spill their blood for the sake of war. When she took her place as queen, she could choose to lead instead of send.

Me! Queen some day. I don’t think I will ever get use to the idea. Were you unwilling to be queen of the night, My Lady? Calla asked the fading moon as her heart whirled in different directions in which a multitude of unwanted ideas poured in. Did you ever have doubts?

Calla held her breath and watched, praying for an answer. The balance of power between day and night was perfect and she drank it in; filling her heart with the peace she so desperately needed. Brilliant and gentle fingers of the sun touched the scattered billows of sleepy gray clouds. Their shadowed faces still held the traces of purple as they looked after the moon’s departure. The embrace was sending shards of gold and orange exploding into each piece of morning sky.

It’s so beautiful! Her words came out in a whisper.

A perfect mix of dark and light. It was the most beautiful time of day; when the evil had not yet awoke and the kind touch of life was still evident. This day has the potential for anything, for everything.

Calla inhaled deeply as she released the last particles of a shudder while the distant memory of the dream crossed her heart. She sunk to the ground with the weightiness of the memory despite the peace now in her soul. It was hard to believe that anything could feel so real and still be nothing more than a dream. It was only a dream, Calla. It was just a dream. She reassured herself. Even the moon believes I lament for nothing.

The needed courage didn’t come and the reflection of the nightmare brought tears to her eyes. Calla attempted to push them down again as she let the early morning rays kiss her upturned face. I have never even met the man before. How could it be real? Calla demanded the early morning sun to answer.

It did not make sense. This unlived memory that existed between the world of flesh and the world of magic in which her thoughts walked could only be called a dream.

Calla’s frustration was two-fold at this point. Her world, the world of dream walkers was a place that she had total control. Especially with the truth of her new companion within the dream walk. However, this dream gave her a feeling of helplessness and utter despair. She could not shake the feelings that rose up in her and overshadowed her mind. It was not real. She repeated.

Calla turned her gaze from the sky that had now turned a blush-blue and looked at the meadow. It was dotted with flowers that swayed in the early breeze. They were a sober reminder of the memories that pulled her from her bed before the sun was up. She had a fresh stream of tears flowing from her dark, golden flecked eyes once again as the memory of the pain and torment saturated her anew. Her peace evaporated in its wake.

The dream presented her with a great and terrible dilemma of a man. Who are you, friend? Calla’s anguish washed fresh and hot as she rehearsed the words echoing from her dream. His pain! What did the voice mean by his pain and who is he and why would his future matter to me?

Calla lay back on the ground as she let feelings control her for a few moments. Mayhap I am just remembering something left behind by another. She told the grass reflecting on yesterday’s exercises and the minds she had entered; taking bits and leaving pieces but nothing even remotely familiar was there.

Or I could be going crazy. Calla’s sarcasm didn’t erase the fact of her abilities. It was the one drawback of what she did; who she was; what she was. The entering of another’s mind was tricky business. She always left them with a small piece of their memory recorded within herself, becoming part of her, becoming her own.

She angrily scrubbed away the tears with the back of her hand. A princess of Erbonia has no need for tears and a warrior would not shame herself to such a childish behavior! She scolded the early morning light as she spoke. I am Calla, daughter of Yadil, Princess and Priestess of all these lands. She tried to sound convincing but her heart lingered on the dream, refusing to partake from her bolstering.

The grass felt like silk in her fingers as she caressed the cool earth under her hand. Her thoughts were still a jumbled mess. Her senses were all failing her. The strength she needed was more and more difficult to hold on to with each passing day. As Princess she was summoned to watch over the daily needs and distribution of justice. As Priestess she was required to ease the hurts and suffering of the people though no one had offered her the training she felt herself lacking. As a Du’etten warrior, she was expected to set a fierce example of undefeatable cunning and prowess for all to follow. As Yadil’s daughter, she was expected to be merciless and powerful, the next ruler of these people.

These expectations spurred Calla on in her decision. Discovering that her dream companion was key to her plans allowed everything to fall in place. It was time to take action and set into motion the events that would ensure the peace and rest this land needed. Her people suffered every day with great strife; sadly most of it was inflicted through their own blood lust and ignorance. No matter the source, it caused such pain and torment.

The pain of my people is everywhere and seeps into my skin like a poison. Calla told the tiny passing bird who had made several trips across the meadow. My people know pain, poverty, and hardships well and it feels like the very air I breathe at times. This is why I seek to end the conflict that has encased my land since before my birth. The bird chirped a muted response making Calla feel unjustified.

It is my inheritance of responsibility. Calla offered as a final plea as she stretched out her stiff limbs and sat up once again. Calla blinked into the early morning light that began to grow brilliant with the promise of a new day.

It was at that moment she felt