The Fall of a King

By T.M. Nielsen

Kyrin’s loyalty to Sithias is challenged when Erianah makes a bid to rid the dimension of the Valharan King and his noble family. Kyrin’s drive to create a portal potion backfires, and Sithias’ patience with her is thinly stretched.

When the plague and drought intensify, Kyrin faces new dangers. The gods of the dimensions target her and try to re-create the magic filled worlds that they have destroyed.

Alric’s faith is pushed to the limits as his patience is tested by the Qualsax and by things out of his control. He struggles to keep his family safe when the entire dimension seems to turn on them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.M. Nielsen
• Release date: Dec 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301068364

T.M. Nielsen

T.M. Nielsen doesn't necessarily consider herself an author. She's an every-day woman who had a story to tell. Never intending to let anyone else read it, she decided to put it all down on paper. What she ended up with is a fascinating tale filling books full of drama, adventure, action, romance, and excitement.When asked why she decided to publish, she stated, "I want for others to be able to forget about problems in life and to lose themselves in my world... the world of the heku. While I write, I laugh, cry, grin, gasp, and my heart races. I want others to experience that too."T.M. Nielsen is a computer tech by trade and lives with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She's the author of Amazon.com's bestselling series The Heku Series and the Dimensions Saga, along with a Heku Series spin-off book called Return of the Encala. She's been listed numerous times on Apple's Breakout Books and on Amazon.com's top 20 in Fantasy.**** From TM ****I updated my books all the time! Check back often for new, cleaner versions. I can't afford an editor, but any time I hear of an error, I fix it immediately.

Book preview

The Fall of a King

Dimensions Saga Book 5

By T.M. Nielsen

Published by T.M. Nielsen at Smashwords

Find us at

http://www.dimensionssaga.com

Copyright © 2012 by T.M. Nielsen

Digital Edition, License Notes

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Chapter 1

Kyrin looked up at the clouds. They were moving quickly across the sky, which meant a storm was coming. She lifted her hand, so she could see the cross of Sithias dangling from her wrist. Even the small amount of sunlight hitting it made it almost glow.

She liked the bracelet a lot better than the necklace. Necklaces were dangerous and could be used against you in combat. She’d tried to find a way that her bracelet could be used against her, but she couldn’t find one and had finally relented to wearing it all the time.

She was lying on the grassy ground outside of Daemionis’ burnt out temple. Even though the demon hadn’t been in Paragoy for years, most Valharans still avoided going near the temple. Kyrin liked to go out there to be alone. Emerisa was the only one that freely came to the temple, so she mostly had time to herself.

In the two years she’d been a follower of Sithias, nothing had really changed. He no longer asked to see her constantly, and she figured he was keeping a low profile so not to scare her off. Things returned to normal with Alric too, and she no longer felt she was always under Sithias’ scrutinizing gaze.

She sighed and looked toward the west, where dark clouds were rolling in. The boys were due in from their schools in the morning, and she hated when they traveled in the rain. Each of them had a carriage now, so they would at least travel dry.

Kyrin finally stood up and straightened her tunic. She put her hand on her flail and then hesitated and started for the castle.

Kyrin? The voice made Kyrin freeze, and her heart threatened to stop.

She turned slowly and faced Creteloc, who was standing on the steps to Daemionis’ former temple. Kyrin could partially see through her. Even as a spirit, Creteloc’s gaze made Kyrin fill with terror, and she took a step back.

You messed up, Kyrin, Creteloc said, seething.

How are you here? Kyrin whispered, stepping back again.

Creteloc’s glowing red eyes met hers, and Kyrin dropped to her knees, her head suddenly filling with pain. She screamed and grabbed the sides of her head. It felt like it was about to explode, and bright lights flashed before her eyes.

When the pain stopped, Kyrin looked up at the foreign sky and then glanced over at Creteloc.

Creteloc smiled at her. You’ve been asleep.

Kyrin nodded and stood up shakily. She then checked on her flail and looked around the trees. What dimension is this?

I don’t really know.

Why can I see through you? Kyrin asked her friend.

Daemionis is projecting me here. I am still in Paramide.

Am I in trouble?

No, but Daemionis has a mission for you.

What mission?

First, come to me in Paramide. I will tell you when you get there.

Kyrin nodded and then frowned and touched her hair. My hair… it’s short.

It is still down to the middle of your back.

She looked up at the assassin, terrified. If the Consortiums see me in Kyrstalis with short hair, they will sell me.

It’s still long enough to signify that you are not for sale.

Who cut it? Kyrin asked angrily.

I’m not sure. You must have been attacked in your sleep. Come to me in Paramide, Creteloc said, and then she disappeared.

Kyrin nodded and saw a pile of shadow elf gear at her feet, along with her backpack. She quickly slipped into the black leather armor and put her backpack over her back. She saw a black cloak also and debated putting it on, but it hindered her fighting so she shoved it into her backpack. After checking her flask to make sure it had water, she started out to find a portal.

When the rain hit, she ducked under a tree and looked up at the sky curiously. She’d never seen this heavy of a rain before. She knew she was in a dimension with water, because the trees weren’t dead and the grass was still green. Using leaves off of the tree, Kyrin managed to capture the rainwater and fill her flask as full as it would get.

The rain didn’t stop, so Kyrin resigned herself to wearing the cloak for a while. She slipped it on and then started walking again to find a portal. She found the door not even an hour later. It looked strange to her, but she sat down beside it to wait for a key.

Night fell, so she started a fire and killed a small rabbit to eat. The rabbit was fat, which seemed odd to her. Normally, when she killed small animals, they were so thin that the meat barely stopped her stomach from growling angrily. This rabbit filled her, and she set out some of the meat to dry so she could take it with her.

Late into the night she sat by the fire and watched the portal for a key. Several times she got up to look at the portal. It somehow seemed surreal, like it wasn’t fully in the dimension. She’d never seen a portal like that and wondered why this dimension’s portals were different than the rest.

She was at the portal again when she heard footsteps coming toward her. She slipped her cloak off, letting it fall to the forest floor, and drew her flail.

Finn walked out of the trees and sighed at Kyrin. Why are you out here in the rain?

Stay back, she said, readying her flail.

Finn instinctively drew his sword, and he was joined by six Valharan knights, who also drew their weapons when they saw Kyrin.

Kyrin? Finn asked her. He wasn’t sure why she was mad enough to draw her flail.

I’m not Kyrin, she told him. It was too dangerous to let anyone know her name. The Shadowmere and Clemency Consortiums had high bounties out for her.

You’re not? Finn asked, studying her.

No, so I suggest you get on your way. As soon as the key appears, I’ll be out of your dimension.

You’re waiting to shift?

Kyrin nodded and then moved back into an attack stance.

Do you know me? Finn asked her.

No

Who do you think I am?

She looked over the pristinely armored group of knights and shook her head. I don’t know who you are. Your armor is too nice to be Shadowmere or Clemency, unless you stole it off of someone.

Kyrin, look at me.

She glared at him. Do not come near me.

I won’t, Finn said. He turned to the closest knight. Get the king out here immediately.

Kyrin smiled menacingly. You’re going to let me kill your king? How very nice of you.

Who is your god? Finn asked her.

Daemionis, so I suggest you get the hell away from me before you feel his wrath.

Look at your wrist though.

She glanced down and saw the delicate gold chain and the cross hanging from it. She tore it off of her wrist and threw it on the ground. She then held her wrist out to show the men the ‘D’ burned into the soft side of it.

Finn looked at her wrist. What are you showing me?

Are you blind? There’s a ‘D’ brand. That’s from my god. I don’t know where that bracelet came from.

Look again, Kyrin. There’s no brand there anymore.

Kyrin looked down and saw the brand clearly. What do you mean? It’s right there.

We might need the High Priest too, Finn whispered. Another knight ran off to get Saith.

That’s a start. Now the rest of you can go. As I said, I’ll be out of your dimension as soon as a key appears.

Finn nodded. He wasn’t sure what was going on but wanted to wait for Alric before he told Kyrin too much information.

When Alric arrived, Finn and Kyrin were still facing each other with weapons drawn.

What’s going on here? Alric asked, walking up to Finn. When he saw the rage in Kyrin’s eyes, he drew his sword also.

You’re the king here? Kyrin asked him.

He wasn’t sure what to say, so he simply nodded.

I get extra for sacrificing a king.

You cannot threaten him! one of the knights yelled.

Stand down, Alric said to him. He then looked over at Kyrin again. Where are you?

Right here! Are you all crazy? she asked him.

No, which dimension?

I don’t know the name of this one. As I told the buffoon beside you, I’ll be out of your dimension as soon as the key appears.

Is there a portal here?

Yes

Alric nodded. He knew the portals were sealed but that Kyrin could still see them. He wasn’t sure if he should mention that they were sealed by the gods though.

How old are you? Alric asked her finally.

She narrowed her eyes. Why do you care?

I just want to know.

She shook her head. I won’t marry you.

I’m not asking you to. I just want to know your age.

I’m 17-years-old.

He nodded and his heart sunk. He saw the gold chain sitting on the ground at her feet as he debated what to do. She was bound to notice eventually that she couldn’t get out of Paragoy, and he wasn’t sure how she would take that. His main goal was to return her memory before someone died.

I need you to listen to me, he said, sheathing his sword.

No, I don’t need to do anything.

Please, listen to me for just a minute.

We’ll give you water, Finn told her. He was thinking back to when they first encountered Kyrin, and he remembered that water was her most prized possession.

You’ll give me water to listen? Kyrin asked him. She knew it had to be important if they were offering water.

Go bring me five flasks full of water, Alric said to a knight at his side.

Right away, sire, the knight said, and disappeared. When he returned, he had five flasks full of clean, cool water.

Alric held them out to her. You can have these if you’ll holster your flail and listen to me.

Kyrin dropped one foot back, ready to attack. You want me to disarm?

Yes

An evil grin crossed her lips. I won’t do it.

Okay then. Listen to me, and I’ll give you the water.

I bet it’s poisoned.

Alric opened one of the flasks and took a drink. He returned the lid and looked over at her.

Fine, she said, snarling slightly. Start talking.

Alric picked his words carefully. I don’t know what happened out here, but you’ve lost your memory. You’re much older than 17-years-old. You live here in Paragoy with me, as my wife, and you have three children.

Kyrin started to laugh. I wasn’t aware I was going to hear a humorous story.

Alric just continued, You now follow a god named Sithias. Daemionis has released his hold on you.

Kyrin held out her wrist. If he released his hold on me, why do I still bear his brand?

Alric glanced at her wrist and saw no brand. You aren’t branded anymore.

I don’t know what you’re getting at, but I’m done talking to you.

Please

Ozehshiesh, Kyrin whispered, and then smiled when the Valharans froze.

Alric inwardly called for Sithias when he found that he couldn’t move. Kyrin walked forward and took the flasks of water from his unmoving hands. She dug through his pockets before slipping his long-sword out of the sheath. When his amulet caught her eye, she tore it from his neck and shoved it into her pocket. She did the same to Finn and the four knights in the clearing before she grabbed the bracelet from the ground and took off running toward the east.

It was minutes later that they began to unfreeze. Alric flexed his hands and then looked around, wondering what to do.

She did not just freeze me! Finn roared angrily.

She did, and she took our weapons, Alric told him. Let’s get out of here and re-arm before she comes back.

Finn growled angrily and started back for the castle.

Alric caught up with him. So we have no idea what happened?

None. She was standing beside a fire when I found her. She immediately drew her flail.

We now have an active evil running around Paragoy.

Maybe it’ll all come back to her, and she’ll come to her senses.

Until it does, she’s a menace. She once sacrificed one of Valhara’s hermits.

If she’s returned to her pre-Paragoy ways, she’s barbaric and unpredictable. We need to get the word out to the kingdom.

We have to tell Qualsax too.

Finn cringed. Do we have to?

We can’t let her terrorize them either.

They looked up when they saw Saith walking toward them. I’m sorry I’m late. I was trying to save Effy, but she didn’t make it.

I’m sorry to hear that. Send condolences to her family from the king.

Saith nodded. So what’s the problem?

Well…

Where are your weapons? Saith asked, frowning.

They’re with our amulets, Alric said with a sheepish grin. We have a huge problem.

Someone took your amulets?!

Kyrin did. She’s regressed.

What do you mean?

She doesn’t remember us, doesn’t know Paragoy. She thinks she’s 17-years-old and actively shifting. She froze us, took our amulets and weapons, and then ran off.

Saith’s eyes grew wide. She’s feral again?

Feral and on the loose.

We need to talk to Sithias.

That’s where we’re headed. Bring in five amulets. We all need another, Alric told the High Priest. Saith nodded and then ran off to grab amulets for them before meeting with Sithias.

When they approached the castle, Finn turned to the other captain of the knights. Put everyone on high alert. Kyrin is not allowed near the king or in the city. If she’s found, try to apprehend her but keep her hands far apart. Tell them she’s in battle mode and to be alert and ready.

The captain frowned. What happened?

I’ll explain more after we talk to Sithias. For now, watch out for her. She will attack and kill a knight if she can.

He nodded and then moved off to give orders.

Alric stopped at Trox. Send messengers to Philair and Afteses and get the boys back here immediately. I want six armed knights with them while they travel. Tell them to watch out for Kyrin and treat her as an enemy.

Trox frowned. What happened?

She’s reverted to when we first met her.

How?

We don’t know. Just get my sons back here.

Trox nodded and moved off to make the arrangements.

Dad? Rodrick asked, running up to him with his arms up.

Alric picked up his 4-year-old and turned to a servant. Please ask Emerisa if she can come to the castle and watch Rodrick.

Yes, sire, the servant said, and then bowed before leaving.

I wait for Mom, okay? Rodrick said, trying to get out of his dad’s arms.

Mom’s gone away for a while.

Where she go?

Just away. Can you stay with Emerisa?

He shrugged. I not want Emerisa.

Alric handed the boy off to a knight. Make sure Emerisa stays in the castle. I don’t want my son out of the protection of these walls.

The knight nodded and put Rodrick on the ground, and then took his tiny hand.

Saith came up to them and handed each of them another amulet. They slipped them on and headed up to the temple in the castle. They all stepped into the temple and fell to one knee. Sithias was already there and waiting for them.

What’s going on? Sithias asked them. Something has changed, and I can’t find what it is. You were without your amulets, and I feel that Kyrin isn’t wearing her bracelet.

Alric stood with permission and explained to Sithias everything that happened. Sithias became angrier when he heard how Kyrin took their amulets and weapons, and then ran off.

I’ve felt no breach of the safety of Paragoy, Sithias said, deep in thought. That means no outside influence affected Kyrin’s memory. You are right though. The entire dimension is in danger, as long as she runs free.

Can’t you find her?

I cannot feel her right now.

So, it’s like she’s no longer your follower?

Sithias nodded. In her mind and in her heart, she isn’t a follower of mine. She believes that she still belongs to Daemionis.

Doesn’t that mean he can get in here?

No, it does not. Her loyalty to the demon is invalid, so he cannot enter. She’s sworn her allegiance to me, so no matter what she thinks, she belongs to me.

I am going to send out search parties to find her. If she freezes them though, she will injure them.

I fear she won’t freeze them.

Alric nodded. She won’t think twice about killing innocent people here. I’m afraid that when she can’t find a portal key, she will panic and go on a rampage.

Maybe, for the safety of the dimension, you need to find her and take her out of Paragoy, Saith interrupted.

No, Alric told him.

You yourself said that the entire dimension is in danger.

She can’t help it. Whatever happened to her isn’t her fault. The second she’s out of Paragoy, Daemionis will kill her.

It’s her or risk thousands of lives here.

It’s out of the question, Sithias told his Holy Knight. You must deal with this on your own.

Alric nodded. We’ll get her.

I will talk to Erianah and make sure she has nothing to do with this.

She hasn’t contacted Kyrin in two years though.

I still don’t trust her. Find Kyrin, imprison her, and make sure she doesn’t kill my innocent followers, Sithias ordered. He sighed before shimmering away.

Gather the knights, Alric told Finn.

Finn bowed and then ran off.

Trox finally stood also. Do your knights know how dangerous Kyrin is?

I think so, Alric said. Most of our knights are seasoned and were around when we first found her.

She’s calmed so much, I’m afraid that they don’t know what they’re up against.

I’ll talk to them.

I’m going to see if I can make a potion to return her memory.

Can you do that?

Trox smiled slightly. It would be easier if Kyrin could help me, but I’ll see what I can do.

Try. I’m fairly positive that we can imprison her eventually. It would be nice if we simply give her the potion and her memory returns.

You catch her, and I’ll see what I can do to return her to the present.

Alric nodded and started down the stairs to talk to the knights. They were lined up on the lawn and watched him when he walked up. Finn met him and handed him another long-sword.

It’s not the Holy Sword of Sithias, Finn said.

Alric nodded. I’ll get it back. I’m sure.

He sheathed the replacement and turned to the knights.

Valhara is in grave danger. Somehow, Lady Kyrin has forgotten about us and has reverted to her ways from before she became civilized.

Alric waited while the knights talked among themselves briefly.

If you don’t remember or weren’t here, Kyrin is dangerous. She has no qualms about killing innocents, and she still believes that she follows a demon. She’s an extremely powerful magician, but most times she will attack with her flail first. A lot of you haven’t seen her fight, and I don’t want you attacking her, feeling that you can out fight her.

Finn looked over the knights. That woman will pummel you to death with her three-headed flail before you can even dodge her attack. Never take her for granted. Don’t ever let your guard down and don’t ever think that you can best her. I’m telling you right now that you can’t.

We don’t need you trying to prove that you’re better than her, Alric said. If you want to try that, talk to Lukas. He once tried to prove he could fight her, and he ended up in the infirmary for almost a month.

Lukas lowered his eyes and secretly fumed.

Here’s what we’re going to do, Finn said, addressing them. We’re breaking into groups of six. We feel that six knights should be able to handle the Lady if they find her. Your main goal is to get her hands apart. If she casts on you, she will kill you. Watch for that flail and avoid any type of melee.

We need her unharmed and returned to the castle, Alric added. Do what you can to restrain her and get her here alive.

What if it’s between her getting away and having to kill her? one of the knights asked.

When Alric didn’t answer, Finn stepped forward. For right now, you are to let her go if it’s those two options. If she begins killing innocents, we won’t have a choice.

I won’t kill her, one of the dimension knights said. The knights Kyrin once saved from the dimensions were fiercely loyal to her. I’ve been out there. She’s fighting for her life right now.

I was there too, Finn reminded him. I know what she’s doing is instinctual, and she thinks it’s necessary. However, we can’t have her killing innocent people.

I can’t kill her. I owe her my life.

Alric thought for a moment and then nodded. I want the dimension knights on my sons then. Keep the three of them together and in the castle.

Sir? one of them asked, frowning.

You heard me.

He nodded, although he didn’t look happy.

***

This damned dimension has the most stubborn portals, Kyrin said to Creteloc’s image. I’ve seen two doors, and not one has given up a key.

Creteloc floated a bit above the ground. Keep trying. For now though, head to the nearest shadow elf city. They will welcome you there, and you can stay safe.

Kyrin shifted her back pack. Which way is it? I’ll feel more comfortable with the shadow elves.

Head north. It’s many days from here, but you will find it.

Kyrin nodded and then started toward the north. Beneath her backpack were five Valharan long-swords strapped to her back. She couldn’t fight well with a sword, but it was a prize to have them, and she hoped to give them to Daemionis to gain favor.

Creteloc walked with her for a bit but eventually faded and disappeared. Kyrin began to run. She was looking forward to getting to the shadow elf city. Even though human, she fit in better with the evil elves.

Kyrin cursed under her breath when she heard footsteps behind her. She was getting irritated at the knights of this dimension. She’d already killed one of them and sent a message to their king that if he didn’t back off, he would be next. Her threat didn’t seem to sway their knights from searching for her.

She stopped and drew her flail to wait for them. When they appeared, the six knights drew their long-swords and stood in front of her.

It’s time to stop running, the closest knight said.

Oh yeah? Why’s that?

We’ve made it our mission to bring you before the king for the death of Bronson.

I’m not going to go before your king, unless I have a dagger at his throat.

When hands grabbed her from behind, Kyrin screamed a shadow elf curse and fought against them.

***

Finn knelt down beside one of the dead knights and felt his neck. He shook his head and looked up at Alric. They’re all gone.

That’s five, Alric whispered, looking around at the carnage.

We need to stop trying to capture her, Finn said. It’s not working, and she’s killing our knights.

It’s not her fault.

Does it matter?

Alric didn’t answer. He walked over and knelt down beside one of the bodies. We have to stop her.

These knights tried to fight her. We have to tell them to stop. Maybe get the archers out so they can attack her from far away.

Alric stood and brushed his pants off. What if we use a sleeping potion on the tips of the arrows? Tell the archers to aim for her arms and legs?

That’s not a bad idea actually. We’d be best to call in some elves to do it. Their archers are faster runners, better hiders, and better shots.

Notify Minathim, and get me twenty archers. Get with Trox and poison their arrows. If we can knock her out, we can capture her safely.

Finn nodded, looked around at the dead knights again, and then mounted his horse and rode off.

Where do you want us? the other knight’s captain asked the king.

I still think we need to set up camp in Aloria. If she gets word that that used to be a shadow elf town, she may try to go there.

Have you spoken to Sithias about that?

Yes, and he agreed. Take four teams and head to Aloria. Take the boat, it’ll be faster. Set up camp around the town and try to stay out of view.

Yes, my king. The captain turned his horse and headed his knights out.

Take them, Sithias, Alric whispered as he looked at the dead knights.

***

Kyrin ran through the day and rested at night, hidden in dense brush or shallow caves. Any time she got lost, Creteloc would come and head her in the direction of Aloria. Kyrin arrived a week later and stood behind a rock outcropping to survey the town. She saw the shadow elves come out at night and walk around the town. Nothing looked suspicious.

When Kyrin was sure the town wasn’t in the custody of the humans, she holstered her flail and pulled her cloak on. She covered her face with the hood and walked toward the sentries walking around the front gates.

Stop! one of them said, putting his hand up to her.

Kyrin thought it was odd that they spoke human, so she tried in their own language, Ua’thi ser vanTeth.

We speak human here, the sentry said. Who are you?

Why do you not speak in shadow elf? Kyrin asked. Most shadow elves she knew refused to speak in any language but their native one.

He snarled at her and studied her before answering. Our god ordered us to speak like the humans. The language you know is all but forgotten now.

Her suspicions grew. Are you now good aligned?

He yelled at her, No! Do not insult me.

I’m hiding from the knights to the south of here.

Valharans, pesky bunch.

Can I stay here until I can find a portal out?

He walked around her and looked closely at her shadow elf made armor. Where are you from?

I come from Kyrstalis.

Who is your god?

I follow Daemionis.

He nodded. I’ve heard of him. You may enter.

Kyrin shifted her backpack and walked into the town. Shadow elves were everywhere she looked. They were more comfortable in the dark of night, and she knew that by morning, none of them would be seen in the streets.

Finding the closest inn, Kyrin walked inside and everyone stopped talking and looked over at her. She was glad that her face was still hidden. A hidden face let her look around and not be seen.

You, what are you doing in here? the barkeep asked her.

It still seemed weird that the shadow elves spoke human, but Kyrin realized that each dimension was different. I seek shelter for a while. I’m trying to get away from the knights to the south.

The Valharans?

Yes

We have a room available. Can you pay?

Of course.

He eyed her carefully. The room’s two gold a night.

I’ll take it.

Don’t bring no other humans in here.

She smiled evilly. I won’t. I try to avoid them.

He nodded and motioned for someone to take Kyrin to her room. Once inside, she locked the door and cast on it to protect it. She then slipped off the cloak and sat down to rest.

***

You have a report? Alric asked. He was on his throne while Finn and Trox stood beside him on the platform.

The knight’s captain nodded. "Lady Kyrin arrived in Aloria eight