The New Master:The Legend of Tscon Lightbringer Book Three

By J S Eaton

Tscon Lightbringer returns to his roots after more than a decade of self-imposed exile. His beloved Temple of Truth and Light is in utter turmoil. The Grand Masters who should have presided over his trial are stricken with a kind of strange magic. Worse, Tscon has learned that his fellow monks around the world are in terrible danger from an unknown threat. Together with his new friends, Tscon must race across the entire continent of Bordelon to discover the source of this threat before it overwhelms his brotherhood, and starts a war that could destroy all of Aeonith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J S Eaton
• Release date: Feb 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301900923

J S Eaton

J S Eaton is a lover and writer of fantasy fiction. His exciting new world of Aeonith is full of fantastic creatures, exciting places and exotic cultures. Look for his science fiction, thrillers, and other fiction coming soon!

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The New Master

Written by J. S. Eaton

The Legend of Tscon Lightbringer

Book Three

© J. S. Eaton 2011.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form, without the express written consent of the copyright holder. All names, places and characters in this book are fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons(living or dead),events, or places is purely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Table of Contents

Chapter One Tscon's Staff

Chapter Two Mylkaria

Chapter Three The Plan

Chapter Four The Black Knives

Chapter Five Naeid's Choice

Chapter Six To Breystill

Chapter Seven The Forest

Chapter Eight Kivcie's Daughter

Chapter Nine Joy and Sadness

Chapter Ten Kivcie's Dream

Chapter Eleven A Struggle of Conscience

Chapter Twelve Of Wizards

Chapter Thirteen The White Fortress

Chapter Fourteen The Wizard's Gambit

Chapter Fifteen The Nature of Death

Chapter Sixteen Showdown!

Chapter Seventeen Facing the Future

Chapter Eighteen Confrontation

Chapter Nineteen Sheng Tsu

Chapter Twenty Tscon's Destiny

Epilogue

Appendix

Chapter One

Tscon's Staff

Extraordinary things sometimes happen to ordinary people. And it often happens without warning. One day, everything is normal, and the next you find yourself in circumstances you could never have even imagined. That's how Daenna felt as she walked along with her two companions, Tscon the master monk, and Naeid, the fierce warrior woman. Two extraordinary people who could do extraordinary things. They both embodied everything she hoped to be one day. Naeid was a strong woman, in both body and mind. Tscon was courageous, and loyal to his friends. Daenna had seen both of them perform incredible acts of courage and skill. And even though they'd been nice to her, for the most part, Daenna felt strangely out of place between them. She felt ordinary, and useless. Leng had at least been able to cook for the group, but Daenna had no such skill, or anything that made her feel helpful. She sighed at the thought of Leng. His easy manner and contagious smile leapt into her mind. She wished he were here now.

They'd been traveling on the road to Mylkaria for almost three days, and all Tscon wanted to talk about was what was happening to Leng, their friend that had betrayed them to the Mytarian Militia. To Naeid, it seemed fairly clear, Leng had given them up to save himself. Tscon, however, was not so sure. He was certain there had to be more to it than that, and he could only hope that one day he would get the chance to find out. Naeid mostly talked about a chance to get even when the subject of Leng came up. Daenna was hoping that Tscon was right, and there was more to Leng's actions than just self preservation. It was a point they were arguing as the sun set that evening. They picked a spot far enough off the road not to be seen, and made a small camp.

Still say it's wishful thinking, Naeid began as she opened her backpack, he'd have come back with us after we got loose if there was more to it than that.

Not necessarily. Tscon replied, There could be any number of reasons he was unable to get away after Ashila's attack on the caravan. I still want to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Tscon knelt down and opened his own pack, retrieving a small bread loaf, half of which he broke off and offered to Little D. She smiled weakly at him, taking the small piece and sitting down near him. Tscon noticed she didn't seem right, but Naeid recaptured his attention.

I know you do, so would I, but my instincts tell me there isn't any more to it than simple self-preservation.

Are you sure it's your, instincts...

Tscon's voice slowly trailed off. He stood up, carefully searching the area as if looking for something small, or hidden. Naeid recognized that look all too well, and walked over to stand next to him, her hand on Krenhavnar's hilt.

I don't see anything. Naeid whispered, after a moment of scouring the countryside, and not seeing any movement.

Nor I, Tscon replied quietly, but someone's here.

He turned toward Daenna, who was looking around, frightened. He made a falling motion with an outstretched hand, and Daenna complied by immediately lying down on the ground. They all waited, perfectly still, for what seemed like an eternity.

Suddenly Tscon moved in a flash, and his staff flew from his hand like a spear, straight toward Daenna. Right above her, the staff seemed to stop in midair, as if striking something unseen, and a loud yelp emitted from the place where his staff had struck.

A man suddenly came into view, holding the right side of his face. He turned his head and looked toward Tscon with his left eye, a grimace of pain on his face. He held a sword in his other hand, which was facing downward, right above Daenna. Naeid leapt into action, Krenhavnar pointed straight at the intruder. The formerly invisible assassin barely had enough time to bring his sword up to deflect Naeid's blow, so fast was her reaction. The man finally got both hands on his sword, and was demonstrating a decent knowledge of swordplay, but he was no match for Naeid. After a few minutes of fevered fighting, Naeid executed a move that relieved the stranger of his weapon, sending it flying. He then tried to run, but Tscon saw to it that his staff found it's way between the man's legs, tripping him. In a second, both Tscon and Naeid were standing over the man, their looks telling him he was in alot of trouble. He looked up at them both, fear in his eyes. He'd obviously not been prepared to get caught.

Please don't kill me, he began, I'm sorry for attacking you. I needed the money, and this was the only way I could get it. I'm real sorry.

Sorry you got caught. Naeid yelled, Krenhavnar held over her head, ready for a killing stroke.

Wait, Naeid, Tscon held his hand up, tell us exactly what you needed the money for.

The man hesitated for a moment, then answered.

My sister's in jail, in the capital, for something she didn't even do. The lord who had her arrested came to me a few days later, and offered to buy her out of jail if I'd take this mission for him. He gave me an invisibility potion and said I had to kill you and everyone with you. I, I didn't want to do it, but I had no choice. I don't have the kind of money it takes to buy people out of jail. But now that I've failed, she's sure to be executed. Please believe me, I'm no assassin, I just did this for her. She's the only family I have left. I'm so sorry.

Naeid continued to give the man a hard stare.

What are they saying she did? Naeid asked.

They're saying, she conspired to have this prince murdered, that she lured him to her house, and then had someone try to kill him. It's not true though, I swear.

The man had almost broken down into tears. Naeid was obviously unmoved at his story, not believing a word of it. To Tscon, however, the story had the ring of truth, plus a strange sort of familiarity. As he thought about what they'd just been told, a question came to his mind.

Who was this baron?

Lord Bran Havenon, of the first house.

That name was very familiar to Tscon. He was the lascivious drunken prince who'd tried to take advantage of a poor young barmaid, until Tscon had stepped in. It seemed this young lord held a grudge.

Does your sister work at the Blue Mermaid, by chance? Tscon asked.

She did. the man replied swiftly. Suddenly a look of despair came over him, as he realized who the monk standing over him was.

O no, you're the man that saved her from Lord Havenon in the first place, aren't you ? And he had me try to kill you. O how cruel can one person be?

The man did start to weep now. Naeid looked down at the sobbing man, then up at Tscon.

You sure he's tellin' the truth?

I am. Tscon replied.

Well, what do we do now? Marching into the capital to save this guy's sister, again, doesn't seem like the smartest thing to do. And besides, we do have larger problems on the horizon, like who's trying to kill all you monks, besides pathetic agents of petulant lords? She looked down at the weeping would-be assassin.

Tscon considered what to do for just a moment. Then he knelt down, and helped the man to his feet.

What's your name, friend?

Dane, Muldont.

And what's your sister's name, I never heard it.

Sheela. Dane had ceased crying, his face taking a puzzled look.

Tell me Dane, what proof of my demise were you instructed to bring back? I assume the great lord would have demanded some sort of token as evidence I was really dead.

Dane started shaking, as if saying the answer might get him killed. Eventually, he forced it out.

Your staff. He said monks never parted with their weapons unless they were dead, and yours had your name on it. I was supposed to bring back your staff as proof I'd killed you.

And that's all, Tscon asked, nothing else?

That's all he said.

Tscon considered what to do next, but he already knew what that was, he was simply loathe to do it. He'd had that staff for most of his life.

Very well then. Tscon reached out both hands, offering his staff to their former assassin.

Take it back, and inform the mighty Lord Havenon that his enemy is slain. I do not like depending on the word of this lord to let your sister go, but it seems we have no choice. Return to the city with your prize, and go with the knowledge you were forgiven for trying to kill us, as you were placed in an untenable position. Go in peace.

Dane stood there, speechless and unmoving for quite some time. He slowly took the staff from Tscon's hand, looking it up and down as if he'd never seen a staff before. Then he looked up, the same confused look on his face. He stood there for a few minutes, simply looking from one of them to the other. Naeid urged him on his way.

Well don't just do something, stand there, why don't ya? He said you can go. Take his stick and get back to the city, and gods help you if you turn out to be lying to us. I'll find out, and gut you good, understand?

Dane gave no immediate reaction to Naeid's statement, although he did finally work up the courage to ask one more question.

You're helping me?

I am.

Why?

Helping is what I do, it is who I am and it is what all the Order is dedicated to. If we fail to help wherever we can, then we've failed our lives, our masters, our Order. I cannot and will not let that happen. Now go, my friend. Your sister awaits her freedom.

Dane stood for a moment longer, the confused look still on his face. He turned to go, then turned back to Tscon, as if to ask one more question. But nothing came out of his mouth, and he turned to leave again. He did this two more times before he actually made it away from the group, and started back toward the road. As he faded from view, Naeid looked over at Tscon, her own disbelieving look in her eyes.

I can't believe you just did that. I mean, wow. Your staff. And what if he's lying? You gave up your weapon for nothing.

The monk's smile widened as he turned to answer her.

I know he wasn't lying, know it for a fact. And my staff, well, it's just a stick. I can always make another one.

Naeid was herself somewhat dumbfounded by Tscon's answer. As was Daenna, who was gaining an even greater respect for this Order that Tscon belonged too. They had to be great people indeed to show the kind of mercy Tscon had just shown this stranger, especially after he'd tried to kill them.

How do you know he wasn't lying? Daenna asked.

Now that I'm in touch with the Chyr again, I have a sense of when people are lying or telling the truth. All monks have this ability. It is the main reason we were sought after as judges in local village disputes, in ages past. Few nations accept our presence now though, perhaps there are secrets people do not want to be uncovered.

Daenna thought on this as they settled down again for the night. She realized she knew very little about the Order, only having heard vague rumors about it's mysterious members. Those rumors were being proven wrong right before her eyes too, by this quiet man with the kind heart and strong arm. She spent most of the evening peppering Tscon with questions about the Order, where they came from, how they lived, what their rules were. After the moon rose, Tscon wanted to get some sleep, but Daenna didn't seem to notice and kept asking him questions. Naeid saw it however, and stepped in to let Tscon get some much needed rest. She diverted Daenna's attention by asking a few questions about magic, which Little D was happy to answer. The two young women talked about magic, and swordplay on into the night.

Tscon thought about the Order as he tried to rest his body. What could be happening? He thought about everything Shagon had told them before he flew away. Why were his brothers and sisters being targeted? And were the rumors about the Arcanian Empire true? If they rose again, they could pose a serious threat to the northern kingdoms. The Shadow War had ended centuries ago, but the scars of it still wounded the land in the Black Plains, and the many legends of it's fierce battles were still told all over Bordelon. He could only hope that they might uncover those answers as they investigated the mystery of who was trying to destroy the Order, and why.

They rose at dawn the next day, and set off toward Mylkaria, capital city of the nation of Mylkar. It was said to be a bright, shining city, with towers of gleaming white marble that rose high into a sky that was always blue. Mylkaria was said to be the birthplace of magic, although no one had actually found anything in that nation to prove it. The legend had most likely grown from the fact that the Mylkarians were the first people to use magic in the New Age. Mylkar was also one of the few places left in northern Bordelon that magic was practiced openly. The Mytarian Empire's ban on magic had stopped it's practice in most of the northern lands, but here it was safe to study the magical arts. This city had been Daenna's destination all along, a fact she continued to remind them of, until Naeid 'asked' her not to mention it again.

It was almost noon when the first spires of that magnificent city made their appearance over a hill. The city was indeed magnificent, it's rumored appearance not doing the real thing any justice at all. A huge city spread out before them in the distance. White marble towers reached toward the heavens. Large buildings made of the same white stone were seen between these towers. To their surprise, the city was walled. The wall was high, and made of the same white stone as the towers and buildings, or so it seemed. The three companions found it odd that a city with a reputation for openness would have high walls surrounding it. Perhaps it was only for protection.

They began to slow down as they walked, Shagon's warning that no one was being let in or out suddenly sprang into their minds. As they crested a hill, they noticed a small building near the road. A sign hung over the door to the small shack, but it was so worn with age it was unreadable. Someone emerged from the door as they approached, looking first at the companions, then down the road toward the city, then back at them again. It was an elderly man, bent over with age. He held a long battleaxe with both hands, but it seemed to be using it more as a walking stick than a weapon.

Halt. Who goes there? The old man asked them as they approached him.

Greetings, kind sir. Tscon began. My name is Tscon Lightbringer, of the Order of Truth and Light. These are my companions, Daenna Whiteswan, and, Naeid.

The old guard looked them over carefully.

And where might you be heading?

We have urgent business in the city this day. Tscon replied. May we go in?

Can't get in the city, nowadays, the old man began, not without the queen's permission.

Tscon was not put off at this.

Shagon sent us.

The old man's eyes narrowed at the mention of Shagon's name. He took a step back, and carefully considered all three of them. He then walked up close to Tscon, and spoke in a hushed tone.

Go to the southern edge of the city, stay far away from the walls though, you don't want the city watch catching sight of you, if they do you'll never get in. When the last light of the setting sun falls, you'll have a short period of time to run to the wall. Go as quickly as you can. When you get to the wall, stay as near it as you can, out of sight, until someone comes out to get you. There is a secret door in that part of the wall, and someone is supposed to be expecting you.

What happens when the sun sets? Daenna asked.

The white stone of the great buildings in the city are magicked to give off a glow as the sun sets. It's really quite exquisite. As it begins, the light from the spell is quite blinding. That blinding glow is the only window of opportunity you'll have to get in unseen. The guards on the walls and towers will be unable to see, but only for a moment. O, and once you're in, try to remain unseen. Take back alleys, move about at night, whatever you have to do to stay unnoticed. The guards know everyone in the city, and have standing orders to arrest anyone they find whom they don't recognize.

Daenna looked puzzled.

Why is that ? And why is the city locked up so tight ? I thought this was a city of enlightenment, open to all.

So it was, until recently. the old man replied. It's been over a month now since the queen gave the order to close the gates permanently, or at least until further notice. No one knows why, or if they do they aren't saying. And the queen stays locked in her palace now. In fact no one's seen her since the gates were shut. She seems to still be giving orders, but everything she decrees is being relayed through her Captain of the Guards.

The companions found all this most disturbing. Of all the cities in the realm, Mylkaria should have been the most stable, the most free from whatever was happening. Shagon's warning about a grave threat to all Aeonith came to mind.

They thanked the guard for his information, and headed towards the southern part of the city, giving it a wide berth. They found a huge boulder, a few hundred yards from the southern wall and hid behind it, waiting for dusk. When the sun finally reached the horizon, they looked up and saw what the old guard had been talking about. The city did indeed light up, the buildings shining as if they'd suddenly lit a thousand lanterns on each rooftop. The three friends bolted from their hiding places, running for the wall as fast as they could, hoping the glow would last long enough for them to reach it, and hide them at the same time. The wall suddenly seemed miles away as they began their run. Although it took only a minute to reach the wall, it seemed to take an hour. They listened carefully, but could hear no sounds of guards ringing alarms, or any other noise that might tell them they'd been detected. They clung to the wall, their backs to it. After a few minutes, Naeid broke the tense silence.

Well, now what? she whispered.

We wait for someone, according to our contact. He knew Shagon, that must be who we were supposed to ask. Shagon probably flew ahead. Perhaps this man owed our flying friend a favor or two.

Naeid was about to answer him, to tell him he was too trusting, even with his powers back. Suddenly they heard a distant sound, of stone scraping together. When the sound stopped, a man poked his head out of the wall, far down from where the group was. They slowly made their way down to him. A short man in his late forties perhaps with a gray beard and shabby clothes greeted them.

You must be the manticore's friends. This way.

He disappeared into a small passageway leading straight into the wall. As the older man left, the secret door in the city wall began to slowly close again. Tscon and the others jumped inside. They followed the man through the long, winding passageway, until they finally emerged into a seemingly deserted alley. After they emerged, the old man pushed some huge barrels in front of the opening, completely obscuring it. After getting the last one in place, the man turned to face them.

Okay, the monk's temple is over in the west section of town. That's the merchant's section. You'll know it because it'll be the only building with no sign over it. Heh, drives 'em no end of crazy that the old monk won't charge anything for his services. Anyway, this concludes our business, and if anyone asks, I'm going to deny ever having laid eyes on you.

Wait, Daenna said, pleading, can't you take us there ? We don't know this city at all, and we've heard strangers aren't welcome here.

You've heard right, the old man shot back, looking around nervously, "and that’s the reason I'm not going to be seen anywhere near you. I agreed to get you in undetected, and that's all. As for the