Right to Rule (Book 1 of the Rule Series)

By James Sybrant

While two kingdoms are at war, their heirs, Prince Tyrian from Stonehaven, and Prince Rylan from Seahold, are sent on out to prove their worth to rule. Prince Tyrian is able to stay within the borders of Stonehaven, but Prince Rylan is forced to leave Seahold on a voyage east. While Prince Rylan is on his quest, his friend, Selwyn, discovers his destiny lies beyond the farm, with a sword and not a hoe. Follow the princes as they fight for the right to rule as they battle mythical monsters and the perils of nature. And find out what lies in the future for the farm-boy. Royal intrigue and romance weave their way into this epic story as life in the kingdoms change while they are away.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Sybrant
• Release date: May 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301236336

James Sybrant

James R. Sybrant resides in Northwest Arkansas, where he was born and raised. He is the author of My Universe: A Collection of Short Stories: Volumes 1 & 2, Right to Rule (Book 1 of the Rule Series), Rise to Rule (Book 2 of the Rule Series), Return to Rule (Book 3 of the Rule Series), and Rebirth of Rule (Book 4 of the Rule Series). He has read science fiction and fantasy stories for decades, and has been writing for almost as long. He is also a photographer and has worked for the local paper for twenty years.

Book preview

Right to Rule

Book One of

The Rule Series

James R. Sybrant

Copyright 2013 James R. Sybrant

All rights reserved.

Cover art James R. Sybrant

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.

Dedicated to my father

Roy W. Sybrant

for giving me my love of reading,

and to all my family and friends

for believing in,

and encouraging me.

Chapter 1

Long ago in the land of Thuilkin there were two kingdoms, Seahold, and Stonehaven. When both kingdoms were young they relied on one another. Seahold needed iron ore from Stonehaven, and Stonehaven needed salt from Seahold. They worked out an agreeable trade settlement that served them well for many years, until one day a most valued life was lost.

Thank you for your hospitality King Fraden, but I must be getting back to Seahold. I believe there is a caravan of ore going my way. With your permission I’d like to accompany them. Prince Tristan had traveled to Stonehaven to keep up good relations between the two kingdoms. He was eager to reach home so he could quickly return.

You have my leave, and my permission to join the caravan. These days there are too many monsters roaming the lands to journey alone. Roving bands of orcs, ogres and trolls are usually scared off by large numbers.

Thank you your majesty. I’ve had an enjoyable visit and hope to return before summers end, with your permission of course. He had fallen for one of the king’s daughters and planned to ask for her hand in marriage upon his return.

We would love to have you in our home once again. I think my daughter more so than the queen and I. He put an arm around the younger man’s shoulder and pulled him closer. I also think it’s about time we became grandparents. It was his way of giving his blessing without Tristan having to ask for it. King Fraden might be an old man, but he was no fool. He could see the way Prince Tristan and his daughter looked at one another, and he genuinely liked this young man. He thought a marriage between the two kingdoms would bring them all closer and strengthen their alliance.

Oh. . . yes. . . well. . . thank you sir. Tristan was caught off guard by the king’s straightforwardness, and a little embarrassed.

Well if you’re going to join the caravan, you better get moving. He squeezed Tristan’s shoulder and slapped him lightly on the back. Keep your guard up, and come back to us.

I will sir. Thank you again. Tristan grabbed his things and met up with the caravan right as they were leaving.

Two weeks later and they were still on the trail. There were thirteen men in all and four wagons. They would take turns hunting for the day’s meals. It was on one of these hunts when that the caravan was attacked. When the hunters returned they found orcs, ogres and trolls fighting with the remaining men. They dropped their quarry and jumped in the fray. They all fought valiantly and many beasts died before they ran back to the dark woods from where they sprang. Tristan and another man had been battling a troll. The troll knocked the man out of the way. As Tristan drew his sword back for another swing, the troll grabbed him around the chest and squeezed the life out of him. It dropped his crushed and lifeless body to the ground and fled to the woods were its fellow monsters had retreated.

The caravan gathered Prince Tristan’s body, along with three others, and continued to Seahold. One man was sent back to Stonehaven to inform the king of what had happened. Since he was alone on a horse, it didn’t take him as long to reach the castle and King Fraden.

What a horrible tragedy. Before King Fraden could even think about consoling his daughter, his heart and mind were overwhelmed with grief for Prince Tristan’s father. I want you to take a message to King Ludwig for me, he told the captain of the guard. He needs to know how badly we feel about this horrible incident. He could hear his daughter screaming and sobbing and knew there was nothing he could do for her.

The captain was able to catch up to the caravan before it reached Seahold. He accompanied the body to the castle and handed the letter to King Ludwig.

What is this? What’s going on? And whose body do you dare bring in my home?

Sir, I bring to you, with much grief in my heart, the body of your son, Prince Tristan. The letter I’ve handed you is from King Fraden. The captain bowed low and backed away. The king didn’t believe what this man was telling him, so instead of going to his son’s body he read the letter.

Dear Ludwig,

I am truly sorry for your loss. I have been told that Tristan fought valiantly, but in the end he was killed by a troll. Your son was going to ask for my daughter’s hand in marriage, and I had given him my blessing. We all grieve with you and wish to be there for his funeral. We will be leaving from here the day after this message was written, so look for us the day after you have received it.

Sincerely,

Your friend and ally,

King Fraden.

King Ludwig knew this letter had to be authentic. He had read many letters written by Fraden in the past and knew his handwriting well. Tears started to fill his eyes as he stood up and walked over to the body. He removed the shroud from the head to make sure there was no mistake. He saw his son’s face, it was discolored and bloated but it was Tristan. His tears of grief turned to tears of rage.

What have you done to my son? The captain saw that rage and tried to explain the condition of the prince’s body to the king.

Sir, I am sorry. We have been on the road for almost two weeks since his death. We didn’t have anything with which to preserve him. We got here as fast as we could.

You need to leave my sight and my castle before I lose control and take it out on you.

Yes sir. What should I say to my king sir?

Tell him I know it was he who had my son murdered. And if I see him I will kill him. So he had better turn around and go home. He is not welcome at my son’s funeral. The rage had now turned to madness. He couldn’t believe that his son could have been killed in battle. His son had been trained from a young age and was very skilled.

Yes sir. He bowed and left to find King Fraden before he arrived at the castle. He rode fast and reached the king and his entourage at midday.

There was no need for you to meet up with us captain. We should be at the castle by nightfall, King Fraden said when the man pulled his horse beside his carriage.

I’m sorry to inform you, your majesty, but you’re not welcome in Seahold. King Ludwig has gone mad with grief. He claims you had Tristan murdered. He told me to tell you to turn around and go home. He said if he sees you, he will kill you.

How terrible! We must let him know we are blameless. Do you think you could safely return to him and give him a message for me?

Yes, I think so. Fraden wrote another letter to Ludwig and sent the captain back to the castle. When he reached the gates he was stopped by the guard.

I’m sorry, captain, but I can’t let you pass.

I have a letter from King Fraden for King Ludwig. If I can’t take it to him, will you?

I can’t leave my post, but I might be able to help. He whistled loudly, and another guard came out of the gate.

I need you to take a letter to the king. He nodded to the captain.

Can I trust him?

Yes. If I find out he did not deliver it to the king, I’ll kill him myself. The gate guard looked at the other guard with sincerity in his eyes.

Alright, I’ll wait here in case he has a reply. He handed the letter over to the guard and sat down by the gate and waited.

When the king was handed the letter he was going to rip it up, but he had calmed down a little and decided to read it after all.

Dear Ludwig,

I understand you have suffered a great loss, but please know I would never do anything to hurt you or your family. I’m told that your son saved many lives. The men from the caravan did all they could to fight off the attack by the monsters. In the end the monsters ran off, but your son had been killed as they fled. I have already formed a band of men to hunt down these beasts once and for all. I hope this will give you some comfort in your time of grief. Please reconsider letting me and my family attend the funeral. If you will not let me attend, at least let my daughter. She loved Tristan very much.

Sincerely,

Your friend,

King Fraden.

This didn’t help Ludwig’s mood in the least. In fact it made him madder. How could those caravan drivers have survived and his son didn’t? They had to have killed him, and they wouldn’t have dared kill him without the king’s permission. No, this was plain and simple murder. Fraden didn’t want his daughter marrying Tristan, so he had him killed. He wrote a reply and sent it to the captain to pass on to Fraden.

When the guard handed the reply to the captain, he sighed with relief knowing King Ludwig had gotten the letter from his king. Tell me, was he in a better mood or worse.

Worse I’m afraid. You’d better hurry along with that. He shut the gate as the captain mounted his horse and returned to King Fraden.

Sorry sir, I don’t think it’s good. Fraden took the letter and read it.

Dear murderer,

This is a declaration of war. You have killed my son to keep him from marrying your daughter. You have broken our treaty of non-aggression, and you and your people are no longer welcome in my kingdom. You should leave immediately. Troops will be on the way to secure the border in the morning. If you, or any of your people, are found within these borders after it is secured they will be executed.

King Ludwig of Seahold

That sealed their fate.

* * * * *

Now more than a hundred years later the war between the two kingdoms is about to end.

In the land of Stonehaven a new prince has arrived, not one born of the king and queen of Stonehaven but one from a distant land in the west.

Come in, come in. Welcome. It’s a rare occasion indeed when royalty from another land graces our home. Please let me give you lodging so you may rest from your long journey. Tonight we shall dine at a feast in your honor. The old king, named Fraden after his ancestor, longed to hear of life in the western kingdom.

Prince Ladon Uther is my name and I thank you for your kindness my lord. I am in much need of rest and a servant to look after my needs, and I look forward to a proper meal with proper company. He was road-ragged and in need of dinner attire and a long, hot bath.

That night they had a feast indeed; boar, deer, and pheasant, all manner of beast and foul, root and vegetable. Honey mead, wine and spirits were at hand to quench any thirst. Jesters and minstrels preformed to their delight, but it was the company that was most refreshing.

Please, you must tell us of your homeland. The king was enjoying himself more than he had in years. He was hoping the prince would extend this joy a little longer.

It would be my honor, your majesty. Even after his nap, Ladon was still tired but indulged his host. Well, where should I begin? Perhaps I should start with the view from the castle. Far to the south you can see just a sliver of the Ember Sea, and as the sun goes down it turns a wonderful shade of orange laid out across the land like a silk ribbon. Closer inland there are rock formations that stand hundreds of feet tall, thin as a church spire, and covered in thick, dark-green moss. To the west is an ancient forest with trees so big ten men can’t reach around and touch hands. The trees are so old it’s said they’ve learned to talk to each other. And the ferns that grow there are as big as an ox. To the north there are the Whistling Mountains: they reach so high into the sky that their peeks are always covered with snow. And they are so riddled with caves that in the spring, when the wind is blowing off the ocean, they whistle. The noise is so loud it can be heard in every corner of the kingdom. Then there is the Silver River that runs thru the whole of the country. From the mountains to the sea it winds its way back and forth, clear and cold. That river feeds water to the fields and farms dotted across the kingdom. On those farms grow many fruit and nut bearing trees, and that draws the fairies, sprites and pixies, which isn’t a bad thing on its own, but they in turn draw in the orcs, ogres and trolls, and that is what eventually brought about my flight from my homeland.

That brought about stares of curiosity and confusion. How could small magical beings bring about the downfall of a kingdom?

"You see, the fairies, sprites and pixies are a favorite snack of the monsters, but after they’ve scared off their prey and gotten their appetites up, they go for the sheep and cattle on the farms. So the farmers came to my father for help, which he gave them. He sent out guards to patrol the countryside and the farms to rid them of their problem.

"After killing many of the monsters I thought it would discourage them from returning. Instead it made them angry, and they returned in force. No longer content with fairies and cattle, they slaughtered men, women and children as well. That’s what drove the revolt against my father. Everyone turned on him, even his loyal bodyguards and closest advisors and friends.

They dragged him from his throne, through the streets to the city square where they burned him at the stake. He tried to tell them he was only doing as they asked, that he was trying to protect them, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. That’s when my friend pulled me out of the crowd and hid me in the castle. That night, with weapons and supplies, we made our way through the secret escape tunnel and out to the woods. In the distance you could hear the mod celebrating the death of my father and the end of my family’s rule. He sat in silence for a moment as they all took in what he had said. "But someday I will return to rid the land of those monsters and reclaim my birthright.

You see, I started my journey accompanied by my loyal servant and friend, but not long after we left our homeland we were attacked by a couple of trolls. We managed to kill one of them and wound the other, but the wounded troll latched its massive hand around my friend. As his life was being squeezed out, he told me to run, to save myself. I did as he asked and have regretted it since.

The lords and ladies, king and queen were all in stunned silence until they all realized he was done with his story. Then a roar of chatter rose to a high pitch with questions and comments, but none addressed at Prince Ladon. After a while he stood and bowed to the room and turned to the King. Your majesty, if you will excuse me. It’s been a long journey and I am still rather tired. Thank you for the wonderful evening, excellent food and entertainment.

Yes of course. I do hope you sleep well. He left the room to its conversation and wine.

After he departed, King Fraden turned to his queen and spoke to her in a low voice. He has more in common with us than he knows. I shall have a talk to him tomorrow and give him what support we can. The queen squeezed his hand and nodded. She knew they couldn’t offer much with the war against Seahold still ongoing, but she also knew the havoc and destruction that monsters can cause. They were responsible for the war that had raged for so long. She herself had lost all of her children, save one, to the awful tradition born of the war, the Right to Rule trial. Each heir must face the trial on their eighteenth birthday. She had given birth to five, four sons and a daughter, only to see them laid to rest after failing to pass that awful rite. All, that is, except Tyrian the youngest. He will be eighteen on his next birthday. She dreads that day more than anything. The night before his birthday they will have a big banquet in his honor, but the next day will see him on his way to take the trial. She feared for him as she had all her children. She feared he wouldn’t come back to her, dead or alive.

He must venture out into the woods on his own, except for his trainer, who would be there only to observe and confirm his victory or defeat. He must kill at least three orcs, two ogres and one troll before he can return home and claim the crown for his future, and he must do it before his next birthday. Her only consolation was the fact he didn’t have to go through what the heirs of Seahold had to endure. They had to hunt down and kill a dragon, and at only sixteen, though they had until their twenty-first birthday to complete their task. After all, dragons were hard to find these days. They’ve been hunted to near extinction over the last hundred years. Mainly they were hunted for their treasure: magical weapons, rings, cloaks, armor, anything to give an advantage in the war. Those magical items were given to the dragons by the elves to protect for them until their return from the lands across the sea, some day. And of course gold was something of which dragons had in abundance, gold to support the armies and pay for more troops.

The next day King Fraden told Prince Ladon of Prince Tristan’s death and the cause of the war. Prince Ladon had heard this all already. His servant had been more than happy to fill him in on the history of the realm, but he was glad the king came to him and told him in person. It showed trust in him and that the king had nothing to hide.

I am prepared to give you whatever help is in my power to give. I shall introduce you to the lords of the land and ask them to give you what they can. The king’s main reason for wanting to help the young prince was a selfish one. If he could help restore him to his throne, then he could ask for the prince’s help in defeating Seahold.

Thank you for the offer your majesty. But this is something I must do on my own. I will take you up on the offer of introductions, but I must be the one to talk them into helping me regain my kingdom. You need what resources you have for your own fight. I do hope you understand.

I do indeed understand. A man must make his own way in the world. I admire that very much. I do believe you and my son, Tyrian, will get along quite well. The more he got to know this young man, the more he liked him. Maybe his son and the prince would learn a thing or two from one another. Tyrian was good with fighting and military affairs, but was lacking in the courtly protocols and politics.

Thank you. I look forward to meeting Tyrian. When do you think he will return? Tyrian was out in the forest on a training trip.

He should be back in a week. In the meantime please make yourself at home. This castle is far too big and quiet these days. It will be good to have another around to chase away the silence.

I accept your offer, but I did meet some of your guests last night and was invited to visit Lord William for a couple of days. If you think it a good idea, I should like to take him up on his offer, and I’ll be back before your son returns.

That’s a good idea. Lord William is a good man with a kind heart. If you can sway him to help you, you’ll have no problem getting help from others. I shall arrange transportation for you. It will take you the better part of the day to get there, so you will need to leave right away.

Thank you, again, for your help. Someday I hope to be able to repay you. Bowing deeply the prince thanked the king and excused himself.

Chapter 2

The early morning sun glistens off the sweaty back of a young farmer in Seahold. Selwyn is his name, and he has been up before the sun. He wants to get his chores done as soon as he can so he can get to the docks. His friend Arden is the first-mate on the navy flag ship, Sea Talon, which came to port the day before. He hasn’t yet seen him and can’t wait to hear his tales of adventure and to learn more sword fighting techniques. He has trained with Arden for the last year and is becoming rather skilled. His real goal is to become good enough to accompany his other friend, Prince Rylan, on his test of rulership, but that decision is the kings to make, and he will have to prove himself to Master Osric, Prince Rylan’s trainer.

Selwyn, breakfast is ready, his father yelled from the farmhouse. His mother had died when he was little. She caught a fever and never recovered. His father, Edred, had raised him by himself and never ran around with women or spent much time in the pub. He spent all his time, and what little money he had, on Selwyn. Not that he spoiled him, but he never went without food or clothes. He even had a nice pair of boots to keep his feet dry, which was more than Edred had himself as a boy. The one thing Selwyn did want was a nice sword, but all Edred had been able to afford was one that was rusty, old, chipped and beat up. That was the only reason he agreed to let Selwyn work at the docks. It allowed the boy to earn his own money to use toward a new sword. Otherwise, he never would have let him near those ruffians. Of course he also had to keep up his chores at home.

Coming father! He was growing into a strong young man. He was already fifteen years old, and his father couldn’t believe how quickly the years had flown by. He would soon be thinking of girls and of owning a piece of land for himself, that is if he wasn’t conscripted into the army. But by being friends with the king, he should be able to keep him safe from that fate.

And why are you up so early this morning? Edred asked his son.

Arden is back from his voyage. I can’t wait to see what he’s brought back with him, Selwyn said between shoveling food in his mouth and swigging down milk.

And where is it he went this time? He had himself thought of being a sailor in his youth. All of those strange lands and exotic people, but a life of adventure was not to be for him. He had been conscripted into the army, and he had done his duty. When he had returned from his stint, he met Selwyn’s mother and settled down to raise a family.

The islands in the western sea, Selwyn answered with his mouth full.

Slow down, and don’t talk with your mouth full, you’ll choke on your food.

Yes father, he said before quickly cleaning his plate. May I go now? My chores are done.

Yes, of course. Say hello to Arden for me.

I will father, Selwyn said over his shoulder as he burst out the door.

Edred was always amazed at his son’s energy. After spending all morning working the farm he was still able to run to town and spar with Arden for hours. Then after all of that he was still be able to go running around with Prince Rylan before coming home to milk the cow.

When Selwyn reached the dock Arden was unloading cargo from the ship, so he decided to give him a hand. If he was lucky, they would pay him a little for his help. He was loading a crate into a wagon when someone tapped him on his shoulder. When he turned around he saw it was Prince Rylan.

What are you doing down here on the docks? Selwyn knew how much his friend hated being down there. Being a prince, he hated to get around the ‘dregs of the kingdom’, as him called them, they were beneath him.

My father told me to get out of the castle. He said me it was too nice a day to spend inside and told me to go to the farm and spend time with you. And you know I always do what he tells me, even if it’s something I don’t want to do. When I got to the farm, you weren’t there so your father sent me here. And why are you here? The prince said this all in one long breath.

I came to see Arden and maybe earn a little gold, Selwyn said to his royal friend.

And what are you planning on buying? the prince asked with contempt.

A sword. You know that.

I thought you were jesting. What does a farmer need with a sword? Are you going to use it to plow with? he asked with a small laugh.

I don’t plan on being a farmer all my life. The sea is where I long to be, perhaps a guard on a merchant ship. To see distant lands and taste exotic food is the life for me. Selwyn had a dreamy look on his face as if these things were right in front of him.

A pirate’s life more likely, spending time down here and around Arden, that’s what you’ll likely learn.

Arden is no pirate, and Sea Talon is no pirate ship. These are good men just trying to make a life for their families. If my word is not good enough, ask your father. He sent me down here to meet Arden himself. He told me that I could learn a lot from him and that he was a good man. He told me that he could teach me how to fight with a sword. He said that, other than Master Osric, there was no one better. And I always do as my king tells me, he added mockingly.

And why would my father tell you that? Why would he care who teaches you how to fight? Rylan was confused by this news.

I asked your father if I could go with you on your trial.

What! You went behind my back and talked to my father about that. How could you? I told you I would talk to him about it. Prince Rylan was so mad his face had gone as red as a tomato.

I know. I’m sorry, but he asked me what I wanted to do with my life and the conversation just went in that direction. Although he and the prince were considered friends, they didn’t really see eye to eye on a lot of things. The only reason they did hang out with each other was because of their fathers. The king thought it would be a good way for his son to learn how his subjects lived so he had a better understanding of their needs, and since his father had done the same for him with Edred, Selwyn was the natural choice. Prince Rylan resented having to be friends with a peasant, but he was a good son and did do as his father instructed. Despite the resentment he felt he did have a lot of fun with Selwyn and Selwyn felt the same way. They were separated by class, but that didn’t stop them from having fun together.

Well, I’m to ask you to dinner tonight, so you two can talk all you want. I’ve already told your father, and since you’re so busy, I’m going to explore the coast on my own. With that said, he stomped off in a huff.

Just then Arden came up behind Selwyn. Was that Prince Rylan? I was hoping he would tell his father hello for me.

I’ll tell him for you. I’m to have dinner with him tonight. That means I’ll have to leave early. I was hoping to spend more time with you. He sounded crushed.

Don’t worry. I’ll still be here tomorrow. I don’t know when we’ll be shipping out again, but it won’t be for a least a week. Arden tussled his hair trying to cheer him up. He reminded him of his little brother, but he had died in the war and would remain forever the same age. Eighteen is a terrible age to die. We can talk and work on your sword fighting all week. You’ll grow tired of having me around. You’ll see.

No. I don’t think I will. Well, we better get back at it so I can get home soon. I’ll have to get cleaned up if I’m going to the castle. He was feeling bad about Prince Rylan going off on his own, but the prince needed time to cool down, and he could apologize to him at dinner.

Chapter 3

It had been a long few days, but productive. Prince Ladon had charmed Lord William and had him ready and willing to talk to his fellow lords. He would tell them how much Prince Ladon needed their help and the benefits that would follow if he regained his kingdom. They would remake their investment and much more in trade alone. Everything they’d been fighting to get from Seahold they could get from Zarail, Prince Ladon’s rightful kingdom. True, it would take long to travel there and back, but in the end it would be worth their time.

For now, Prince Ladon had other business to take care of. Prince Tyrian would be back soon and he intended to spend time with King Fraden before he returned.

When he arrived back at the castle it was twilight. He had hoped to get there sooner but didn’t want to risk