Fury's Daughter

By Duane Katene

Fury's Daughter tells the story of Athena, a beautiful and deadly user of dark magic, who returns to take revenge against the people of Astaria. They had defeated her in a previous war and upon her return struggle to rise up against her. This is due to the intrigue within their own ruling families that have weakened their unity. As a result, Athena is able to take her revenge swiftly, though soon later, intrigue within her own army weakens their unity. Athena is then forced to face her own inner suffering with unforeseen consequences. The first in the War of Vengeance series, Fury's Daughter is a look into a war that rages between armies and within the human soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Duane Katene
• Release date: Nov 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301985517

Duane Katene

My name is Duane Katene. I am 35 years old and was born in New Zealand. I now live in Australia. I am married with three daughters aged 7, 5 and 2. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Graduate Certificate in TESOL and a Graduate Certificate in Arts and Media. When I'm not writing I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and reading.

Book preview

FURY’S DAUGHTER

Book One in the War of Vengeance Chronicles

Duane Katene

******

Published by Duane Katene at Smashwords

Copywrite 2012 Duane Katene

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.

*****

Table of Contents

Chapter One―Evil Rises

Chapter Two―Lost Innocence

Chapter Three―Corruption in High Places

Chapter Four―Blood Betrayal

Chapter Five―Brothers Divided

Chapter Six―Old Friends Lost

Chapter Seven―Council of War

Chapter Eight―Athena Comes Home

Chapter Nine―Family Reunion

Chapter Ten―Tanari

Chapter Eleven―One Brothers Revenge

Chapter Twelve―A Mother’s Sacrifice

Chapter Thirteen―An Unexpected Encounter

Chapter Fourteen―The Long Awaited Battle

Chapter Fifteen―Remnant Strong

Chapter Sixteen―A Father’s Heartache

Chapter Seventeen―Enemy Within

Chapter Eighteen―A Plot Revealed

Chapter Nineteen―Invasion

Chapter Twenty―Resemblance

Chapter Twenty-One―The Division of Three

Chapter Twenty-Two―Another Lost Son

Chapter Twenty-Three―Hope Lit in Darkness

Chapter Twenty-Four―The Allies Gather

Chapter Twenty-Five―Revelations

Chapter Twenty-Six―A Visit

Chapter Twenty-Seven―A Battle Within a Battle

Chapter Twenty-Eight―Into the Furnace

Chapter Twenty-Nine―Fate

Chapter Thirty―A Bitter Victory

Epilogue

Glossary of Characters and Regions within Astaria

Chapter One

Evil Rises

On a dark night, a lone Theiran glided swiftly above the trees. His black robes fluttered around him as the silhouettes of twisted branches caught his attention. His heart beat faster. He was closer now. He could feel it. There was something unsettling in the air. A malicious presence clung to him as he descended from the sky to the place he had long sought. As his feet touched the ground, a thick shroud of darkness immediately enveloped him. Oh, Dark Gods, he cried out, bowing his head. Please help me bring back one, who long ago brought glory to your name, by conquering the land of Astaria.

He paused and waited for an answer. When none was forthcoming, he began again. Suddenly an unseen force seized him. It entered into his body and moved through his veins, knocking him to the ground as it coursed fiercely through him. Finally, the force subsided and he slowly sat back up and smiled.

Thank you, Dark Gods, he said, calling upon his own renewed powers.

Athena, ruler of the Theiran, awake and come forth, to seek revenge on those who caused your defeat.

He opened his eyes, and suddenly the trees whipped back and forth. Thunder and lightning erupted from the thick clouds that had overshadowed the moon while he laughed, knowing what it meant. All at once, the earth shook, and divided asunder, while Athena arose from the ground. It was widely believed that she had perished during the War of Power, thirty years earlier. Yet, here she was alive, more terrifying than ever.

My Empress, the Theiran cried out, prostrating himself before her as she released a shriek of rage, setting fire to the forest around them.

Far north, at that exact moment, Elloria, the leader of the Aleiran in Astaria, awoke in a fright. Clutching her chest, she arose from her bed and hurried out of her room onto her terrace. No! she cried out, her eyes growing wide in terror. She saw the lightning far to the south, and knew what had happened there.

Chapter Two

Lost Innocence

Early the next morning, thousands of miles away in the western region of Astaria, people’s voices could already be heard heckling in the market place of the busy trading city of Sirrion. Situated along the coastline, the vast ocean sparkled like blue diamonds under the sun’s morning rays, while numerous ships designed to look like graceful swans sailed towards the nearby harbor in a race to off load their goods. Other ships were already docked, their captains barking orders to their crews, lost in the noise coming from the market place, which rested by the yellow sands of the ocean. Hundreds of colorful stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to jewelry, weapons, and spices spread out in every direction, divided by several winding paths. Here sellers cried out their wares to would-be buyers. They came from all over the western region; men wearing pants and tunics, and women in flowing elaborate dresses, dark green in color on those from the plains, bright yellow on those from coastal villages nearby, and orange on those from inland towns. The winding paths continued towards the rest of Sirrion. Beautiful gold-plated domed temples dotted the city, however these were overshadowed by massive towers carved from milky quartz with cone-like roofs made from pink crystal. Shops and businesses of every kind lined the streets, next to homes of the citizenry while other buildings vaulted white spires, high into the skies above. It was out of one of these buildings that High General Cage, hurried down the streets and into the mass of people. He was the youngest son of Vice-Regent Amron and his wife Harna, elected leaders over the entire western region. Cage was dressed in his ceremonial armor, with a long red cape trailing from behind and a broadsword worn proudly by his side. It had an outer ring and a double-edged blade, a gift from his father. A sudden cold breeze whipped past him from behind carrying with it a strong salty smell. Shivering, he turned around, looking towards the ocean and imagined the mounting waves.

High General Cage, a voice called out, and he saw one of his sister’s soldiers approaching.

What is it, Garran? he asked, recognizing the soldier at once.

It’s General Anisa, he said. She needs your help.

Cage looked at him in some confusion. What does she need my help for? he asked, Isn’t she training her soldiers in the West Arena?

She was, until she received a message that your father and his council were discussing the Amendment Act in the North Commerce building, he replied.

Cage’s deep blue eyes flashed with anger. What! he cried out, his mood changing to match that of the rough ocean, Why would my father discuss that Act again, when it was dismissed months ago?

High General, I don’t know all of the details, Garran cried out defensively. I only know that General Anisa needs your help to control a crowd, which has gathered outside the North Commerce building in protest.

Calming down, Cage laid a hand on the young man’s shoulder. It’s all right, Garran, he said. My anger isn’t directed toward you. It is toward others. You have followed your orders well.

Thank you, High General, Garran replied with relief.

Cage hurried through the marketplace, passing families enjoying the sights and sounds, oblivious to the growing danger he felt around them.

Meanwhile, outside the North Commerce building, General Anisa and her soldiers were trying to control the hostile crowd in front of the building. Keep back! Keep back! she called out, as hundreds of people pushed against them.

Down with the Act! some of them shouted angrily. We don’t need the Act! It’s more power to the Senators! Others yelled insults as they continued to push against the soldiers.

Where is that brother of mine? Anisa wondered aloud, running her hand through her short brown hair nervously. Several people in the crowd broke through, running up the stairs toward the building. Ryan, you better. . . she began to shout to a nearby soldier. Just then, however, several other soldiers from the street pushed their way past the crowd and apprehended those who were running up the stairs. Anisa looked at them closely, suddenly realizing that these soldiers were not her own. Moments later, she let out a sigh of relief when she saw her brother walking toward her.

High General, she said. Your timing is perfect. I don’t know if. . .

Why wasn’t I informed that the council was discussing the Amendment Act this morning? he interrupted her angrily.

High General! she cried out, surprised by his anger. I, too, did not know about this until just a few hours ago.

Then why didn’t you inform me then? he asked.

I didn’t have the opportunity to, since I was trying to keep control of this hostile crowd, she replied.

He only nodded at first, before glancing over at the commerce building. I just don’t understand why the council is discussing the Amendment Act again, when it wasn’t supported last time, he said in frustration, and looked back at Anisa. However, she kept her brown eyes on the crowd.

Cage, saw that she was trying to avoid eye contact with him, so he drew closer to her. Sister, what do you know that you haven’t already told me? he asked her softly, so that the nearby soldiers couldn’t hear.

She looked back at him anxiously. High General, it was Rhan’s idea to discuss the Amendment Act again, she replied.

He shook his head in disgust. I should have known that he was behind something like this, he exclaimed. But if he thinks I’m going to let him pass that corrupt piece of legislation, he will have to contend with me and my whole army!

He stormed toward the stairs of the building. High General, wait! Anisa cried out, knowing the trouble that waited as she followed, leaving their soldiers to control the hostile crowd.

Meanwhile, in one of the rooms of the building, Rhan was practicing his speech. In conclusion, the Amendment Act should pass as law because it gives the opportunity for the Senators of this region to better represent the people.

Hearing a knock on the door, he stopped in annoyance. Starina, I told you I need ten more minutes. . . he began, when Harna, his mother walked in. She was the image of elegance, but she looked at him sadly.

He stood in silence for a moment. He had the same golden blond hair and deep blue eyes as his younger brother. However, while Cage was powerfully built, Rhan was tall and thin.

Oh, don’t give me that look when you know the Amendment Act will better the lives of our people, he snapped at her.

Better the lives of our people! she cried in sudden outrage while he looked away. Yours, my son, and other corrupt Senators are the only lives it will better.

Anger flashed in his eyes. That’s a lie! he shot back. The Amendment Act will give our people rights that your generation and those before could only dream of!

She looked at him a moment in disbelief, while he returned to memorizing his speech. What has happened to you? she asked, walking closer to him. What has happened to that young man who used to stand for integrity?

He is still here, Mother, he replied.

She shook her head at him. You can fool others, but you can’t fool me, she said. I know what you have become.

He looked at her coldly. And what is that? he asked.

The selfish person you see in the mirror every day, she replied.

How dare you! he shouted, slamming his fist on the desk in front of him.

No, my son, how dare you betray the values your father and I taught you, by allowing power to corrupt your heart! she cried out.

His eyes filled with rage, sending chills down her body. I don’t have time for this, he said, turning away. I have a speech to memorize.

Oh, my son! she exclaimed. Don’t you realize that your speech will never convince the council to present the Amendment Act again for a vote?

I wouldn’t be so sure about that, he replied with a grin.

At once, she stepped back from her firstborn, feeling for the first time an evil presence around him. Oh Rhan, what have you done? she asked him fearfully.

He looked down at his papers, realizing he had given too much away. That is none of your concern, he said without looking at her.

She walked up to him and took his hands in her own. My son, please tell me what you have done, she said, her brown eyes pleading with him. He could only look away guiltily.

The door opened and in walked his wife Starina, her long black hair falling in waves down her back. Rhan, the council is ready for you, she said. At once, Rhan moved away from his mother.

She turned to see Starina glaring at her hatefully. She returned that look, knowing Starina was partly responsible for the change in her son. However, ignoring her for the moment, Harna turned back to her son, Rhan, please think about what you are doing, she said in a final effort to urge him to reconsider his actions. You know the Amendment Act will only give more power to the Senators.

He hesitated a moment, looking at his mother. He could feel her love, and he began to wonder whether the Act was right. At that moment, however, Starina walked quickly past Harna toward her husband. She could see his resolve weakening, and she wished to bolster his commitment. Positioning herself in front of him, so that he couldn’t see his mother, she gently turned his face toward hers, her hazel eyes drawing him in. Rhan, this is the day that you have been waiting for. The day in which our people will have greater power than any other region through the Amendment Act, she said with a smile.

He smiled back, the love of his mother quickly forgotten.

You don’t actually believe that do you, Starina? Harna asked.

Starina turned and glared at her. You know nothing about the Amendment Act, she replied.

Harna raised her eyebrows at her. As the wife of the Vice-Regent, do you really think I know nothing about it, my dear? she asked. Starina looked away, and Harna continued. I also know that you are using my son to pass this corrupt piece of legislation through this charming little facade of yours.

Starina looked back at her coolly. I don’t know what you mean by that, she said.

Oh, yes, you do, you. . .

Enough! Rhan cried out in frustration, and looked at his mother. Starina has nothing to do with me wanting to pass the Amendment Act, he said. It was my idea.

Harna looked at him in despair, while he shoved his speech into his tunic, and Starina smiled triumphantly. My son, she pleaded again; pushing past Starina, she grabbed his hand.

He pulled quickly away. Mother, you can’t stop this, he said, No one can. With that, he turned his back and walked from the room. Starina followed, smirking at Harna, who could only watch her firstborn leave. She collapsed into a chair, and burst into tears.

In the council room, hundreds of Senators from all over the western region had gathered to hear Rhan’s speech. The Vice-Regent Amron sat in a prominent position, thinking about the Amendment Act.

He had disagreed with its introduction the first time, because he knew it was an attempt by some Senators to gain more power. As a result, when the people hadn’t supported it, he was glad. However, he could never have imagined that six months later, these same Senators, led by his own son, would force the council to discuss presenting the Act again to the people.

Vice-Regent, a Senator who was sitting nearby cried out.

What is it, Lord Caleb? he asked, shaking his thoughts away. Has. . . A sudden commotion in the foyer of the council room drowned out his voice. What is going on? Amron asked, standing up. Walking through the crowds of Senators, he saw the council guards refusing entry to his younger son and his daughter.

I apologize, High General, one of the guards was saying. But this area is strictly prohibited to the public.

I know this! Cage cried out in frustration. I only want you to tell my father that I need to speak with him at once, he said, when Amron arrived, gesturing for him along with Anisa to walk together outside the council room, away from the prying eyes of the Senators. Once they were a safe distance away, Cage glared at him angrily. Now, Father, why wasn’t I. . . he began.

Amron interrupted him, I know what you’re about to say my son, however you need to understand that I wasn’t informed about this meeting until earlier this morning.

How is that possible? Cage asked. You are the Vice-Regent of the entire western region of Astaria. Isn’t it your responsibility to know when one of your Senators is calling a meeting? Amron gave him a stern look, and Cage looked down toward the floor, suddenly feeling ashamed. Forgive me, Father, he said. I didn’t mean to say that.

I know you didn’t, my son, Amron said. But you need to understand that there are some within my council who are trying to overthrow my leadership.

Does that include Rhan? Anisa asked when she saw her brother and Starina, approaching.

Traitor! Cage blurted out at Rhan, without thinking.

Rhan stopped and glared at him. I didn’t know this meeting allowed the general public to attend, he commented.

I am not the general public, Cage replied angrily, I am the High General of our region’s army, as you well know, brother!

Rhan laughed at him derisively and began to answer when Amron moved quickly in between his sons. Rhan, I think it best that you keep moving, he said. The meeting will begin very soon.

Rhan shook his head. You always take his side against me, don’t you, Father? he asked.

Amron’s blue eyes filled with sadness. Oh, my firstborn, he replied. This has nothing to do with sides.

Don’t patronize me, old man! Rhan cried out, and Cage stepped out from behind his father to glare at him.

However, before he could reply Anisa pulled him aside. Cage, don’t say anything more, she entreated him. Just walk away.

He ignored her and turned back to his brother. You’re wasting your time, trying to pass this Act, because none of our people will ever support it, he said.

Rhan smirked at him. I wouldn’t be so sure about that, he replied.

At once, Cage felt the same evil presence around his brother that his mother had felt earlier. He took a step back while Rhan continued to smirk at him.

Feeling intimidated, are you? Rhan asked, laughing at him along with Starina, when Cage took out his broadsword. Not in the least, Cage replied as their laughter stopped.

Cage, no! Amron and Anisa cried out together, while Rhan glanced at his younger brother intently.

Well, well, well. We are not as different as you think we are, Rhan said.

Cage looked at him for only a moment, glanced down at his broadsword, then looked toward Amron and Anisa. Seeing the horror on their faces, he calmed down and put away his sword, in shame.

At that same moment, Harna ran up to them. What is going on here? she asked anxiously. Why was your sword out, Cage?

Why don’t you ask Rhan, he replied.

She turned to Rhan, and he shook his head at her in disgust. Please, don’t embarrass yourself again, because I am not going to change my mind, he said.

She looked at him despairingly when a number of soldiers rushed towards them. Vice-Regent! one of them called.

What is it, soldier? Amron asked uneasily.

It’s the ocean! the young man said urgently, trying to catch his breath.

What about the ocean? Amron asked, exchanging bewildered looks with his family.

The ocean has somehow flooded into the marketplace! he finally exclaimed.

Oh no! Harna and Anisa both cried out. Amron at first was speechless, feeling a sudden chill enter his heart.

Rhan, on other hand, looked at Starina skeptically, and then at the soldier. I don’t believe you, he said shaking his head. I think this is just a ploy by the army to stop the council meeting.

Amron looked at his son in disbelief. Have you lost your mind completely? he asked him. Why would the army do such a thing?

I don’t know, you should ask Cage! he responded curtly.

Cage quickly unsheathed his broadsword again, feeling such fury that he couldn’t think straight. All he wanted to do was stop him from passing that Act at any cost, when his mother’s gentle touch brought reason back to his mind and he calmed down. You’re not worth it, he finally said.

The soldier who had brought the news bowed to Amron again. Please Vice-Regent, it’s true, he said earnestly, as the other soldiers nodded. We saw it with our own eyes.

We believe you, Amron replied reassuringly.

He turned to Cage. Now my son, we need the army, he said, as the two rushed quickly away, before Rhan even had a chance to protest. Anisa and the other soldiers soon followed, while Harna stayed behind, feeling again an evil presence around her firstborn as he glared after them.

Chapter Three

Corruption in High Places

In one of the dark alleyways, in the city of Riven, situated in the eastern region of Astaria, a group of disgruntled Senators met in secret. How could Jasmine have been re-elected? Rion asked in astonishment.

I thought we had bribed enough people in the city to not vote for her! Emen exclaimed.

Well, obviously not, if she’s just been re-elected, Daniel replied sarcastically.

Then we must bribe more people, Emen said.

It’s too late now, Daniel replied.

Then what do we do? Emen asked anxiously.

We get rid of her, Daniel said, his voice dropping ominously.

Get rid of her? Emen and Rion asked in unison.

Yes, Daniel said, his eyes glittering dangerously. We can murder her and make it look like an accident.

Emen looked at him in disbelief. But Daniel, we can’t murder our Vice-Regent! he cried out.

I agree, Rion said.

And yet you have no problem bribing people to get what you want! Daniel snapped at them.

Emen glared at him angrily. I think there is a big difference between bribery and murder, he said.

I don’t think there is, Daniel replied.

Emen looked at him in amazement. You go too far, he said. I will never resort to murder to get what I want.

Nor will I, Rion said.

Then neither of you will be able to take Jasmine’s power, Daniel replied. They were quiet for a moment, when Daniel first turned to Rion. You do want Jasmine’s power, don’t you?

For a moment, Rion only looked at Daniel as he pondered this, and then slowly nodded.

Rion! Emen cried out.

Well, he’s right, Rion replied, We need to murder Jasmine in order to take her power. It’s the only sure way.

I. . . Emen began, but he stopped, not knowing what to say.

Daniel turned to him. Just think of what you could do with all that power, once we have murdered Jasmine! he said exultantly.

Emen thought further about this proposal, looking to Rion who nodded encouragingly. Okay. What do you want us to do? he finally asked, as Daniel smiled at him. All three were oblivious to the presence of another, hidden in the shadows.

Later that day, Vice-Regent Jasmine stood on the terrace of her apartment within a magnificent tower carved from jade. These were connected to other smaller towers by exterior crystal glass passageways that wove around gardens and elaborate three-tiered fountains with silver-plated basins. A river curved around these towers, branching out into several smaller rivers that wove around avenues lined with shops and businesses, opulent homes of the citizenry, crystal-domed temples made of rose-colored quartz, government buildings, embedded with sapphires and turrets spiraling high in the sky. The river emptied into a great lake, dotted with small fishing boats. A market place flourished near the lake, selling fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and boating supplies. The businesses along the waterways prospered as many people transported themselves around the city and on the lake by way of the small boats.

She let out a sigh, and with shaking hands, opened a letter just given to her by Eric, one of her personal guards. Blinking back tears, she slowly read the contents, each word making her feel ill until she couldn’t read anymore. She turned and looked again into the city. What she had read didn’t surprise her; after all, she had been re-elected for another term as Vice-Regent. Many of the Senators throughout the region expressed outraged over this because they had wanted another elected in her place Why wouldn’t they try to take her position as Vice-Regent away from her?

She shook her head, as she looked away from the city. Its beauty seemed superficial now. She felt her determination to continue to serve weaken, knowing the difficult times that loomed ahead. Then she thought about the people; how much they respected and trusted her. She couldn’t disappoint them. She had to accept their wishes, despite the growing danger she felt around her.

Jasmine, are you ready yet?

She heard her husband’s voice coming from inside their apartment. She quickly shoved the letter in her pocket. Remembering that she was supposed to be celebrating her re-election with her family, she hurried back inside.

Jasmine, what is it? her husband asked, sensing at once that something was wrong.

Nothing, she replied as she rushed into their bedroom. I just need to grab my shawl and we can go.

He shook his head sadly, following her. Jasmine, I know that something is wrong. Please talk to me, he said anxiously as she put on her shawl.

Nelan, there really is nothing to talk about, she said, turning around.

He gazed at her with his blue eyes and asked again, Are you sure?

Of course I. . . she began to say, when she suddenly realized the full implications of what the letter had revealed. She burst into tears and hurried out to the terrace.

Jasmine, he said in concern, and quickly followed her.

Oh, Nelan, she said, wiping away her tears as they embraced. I need to tell you something, she said hesitantly, gently moving away from him.

He looked at her fearfully when she took the letter out of her pocket. What is that? he asked.

A letter from Eric about a plot he uncovered just a short while ago, she replied.

He looked at her somewhat confused. What kind of plot? he asked.

A plot to murder me, she said as calmly she could.

All color drained from his face. No, he said in disbelief.

It’s true, she replied, about to pass him the letter when he quickly shook his head.

No, that’s fine, he said. I don’t want to read it. I believe you. I just can’t accept the fact that somebody in this city has plotted to murder you.

Actually the plot involves three Senators, all of them senior members on my council, she replied.

He shook his head at her in astonishment. What? he asked

She nodded, putting the letter back in her pocket.

And who are these cowards then? he asked angrily.

She couldn’t answer him at first while she looked into the city, at the yellow tide of lights that emerged with the eventide. Daniel, Emen, and Rion, she said heavily.

He looked at her in horror. Rion? he asked.

She nodded. Yes, our childhood friend, Rion, she replied, her eyes on the city as pain pierced her heart.

He looked at her sadly. Oh, Jasmine, I’m so sorry