Talonridge

By Heimdall Thunderhammer

Durbin the young mouse saved the forest of Verdancia from a horde of savage rodents. Then he helped Clove find the hidden Elemental's temple where she received the second spell in her quest to become a geomancer. But in the process, the group lost their trusted guide and ally. Durbin must now take the lead, knowing only that their next destination is the vast fields of Korel where the legendary rabbits who protect the critters of the land will help them find the third hidden temple.

But when they arrive in Korel it is not the rabbits who are there to greet them, but a giant hawk intent on killing the five forest critters. The group is rescued by a clan of hedge hogs who tell them of the curse that has befallen Korel, where the hawks have defeated the rabbits and enslaved every critter of the land.

Together they devise a plan to free the enslaved critters and defeat the hawks. But before them lies a mighty task, as they must climb to the palace at the peak of the giant mountain Talonridge. And many questions remain; Where is the hidden temple that contains the third spell? What secrets do the hawks of Talonridge protect? And what has happened to the brave rabbits who once ruled the land?

Talonridge is the second book of the Magefable Saga which follows Durbin and Clove as they journey around the world to gain the powers of a geomancer—a mage with the ability to control the elements. On their journey they must survive terrible tyrants, ferocious predators, and the harsh elements of nature.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heimdall Thunderhammer
• Release date: Sep 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301565436

Heimdall Thunderhammer

Heimdall Thunderhammer was born where the rocky tor meets the frigid shore. His home a rustic village sitting upon a cliff below an ever-stormy gray sky. And during the time of year when the frost clings to the roots of the trees, the northern lights can be seen glimmering off the far horizon. The small cottage in which Heimdall Thunderhammer was born sits on the far eastern edge of the village, mingled amongst the wharfs and jetties. From the time that he figured out how to set a hook and trawl a net, he voyaged out to sea on his father's boat. While on the bounty, Heimdall learned to draw maps and to navigate using only sun stones by day and the placement of the stars by night. During the downtimes between catching fish and rigging the sails, his father and the other fishermen told him the tales of his ancestors and their gods. The moment Heimdall heard these stories and learned to read he knew that he would grow up to be a writer himself and weave such tales as he had heard on the swaying tides of his youth. It was while out at sea that the inspiration for his writing struck. He spotted two mice on the bow of the ship, both seemingly oblivious to the existence of the human crew. The mice were perched on the gunwhale, their gaze focused on the far horizon, with a sparkle of adventure glimmering in their tiny eyes. Where had they come from? And what great journey awaited them? When he asked those questions out loud, his father proceeded to tell Heimdall about the great beasts of the world, not only of the mice and other such forest critters, but of lions and dragons and similar beasts that Heimdall had never seen. And his father and the other fisherman told Heimdall of geomancy, the magic of such critters. Magic based on the six elements of nature. And so it was while pondering the adventures of those two mice and the hidden magic that they surely held that Heimdall realized his life's ambition; Magefable. Heimdall Thunderhammer has spent the past ten years writing and illustrating Magefable. He enjoys crafting tales and sharing them with those who also love magic, treasure, and great adventures. He appreciates the opportunity to interact with his fans, so if you ever have any questions or comments, do not be afraid to contact him. Website: www.magefable.com Blog: http://eagershelm.blogspot.com/ Twitter: @h_thunderhammer Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Magefable/388273767889541 and www.facebook.com/heimdall.thunderhammer Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6536186.Heimdall_Thunderhammer

Book preview

Heimdall Thunderhammer presents

Book II of the Magefable Saga

An Eagershelm Publishing Adventure

Copyright 2013 by T A Strout

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,

electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,

without prior written permission from the publisher.

Smashwords edition

ISBN 978-1301565436

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

ONWARD

CHAPTER 2

ERG’AK

CHAPTER 3

THE DAILY TRIBUTE

CHAPTER 4

A FEAST AMONG FRIENDS

CHAPTER 5

ROTHLORN

CHAPTER 6

A CHANCE FOR FREEDOM

CHAPTER 7

A FIGHT FOR FREEDOM

CHAPTER 8

A PLAN GONE FOUL

CHAPTER 9

BEHIND THE WATERFALL

CHAPTER 10

IN THE DARKNESS

CHAPTER 11

PREPARING FOR THE NIGHT

CHAPTER 12

MARCUS THE BRIGAND

CHAPTER 13

ATOP THE WATERFALL

CHAPTER 14

ON THE HUNT

CHAPTER 15

OF FRIENDS AND FOES

CHAPTER 16

A DISTANT VOICE

CHAPTER 17

AMONGST THE AERIES

CHAPTER 18

ORETH PASS

CHAPTER 19

TO THE UNDERGROUND

CHAPTER 20

AN ALLIANCE FORMED

CHAPTER 21

THE WESTERN TOWER

CHAPTER 22

THE HIGH TEMPLE

CHAPTER 23

A LEAP OF FAITH

CHAPTER 24

REI’KA

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

lack was the night that Rei’Ka was born. The moon had faded away to nothing and not a single star dotted the sky. A thick mist crawled overhead, dimly lit by the two torches that lined Auf’Hura’s nest.

At midnight, the first cracks of the egg appeared.

Every hawk from Talonridge came to watch. Gathered in black robes, they stood silently on the marble ledge, listening for the first sounds of life.

The great king of Talonridge, Rei’Sha’Ra, stood beside the nest. His sleek silver crown sparkled with each flicker of the torches. His beak curled up into a smile, so proud was he.

The egg crackled some more.

The crowd gasped.

Then a tiny beak poked through the shell. It wriggled a small opening, just enough to stick out the curved nib.

Caw, chip-chip, caw!

Born is he! Rei’Ka! several nearby hens sang out.

Rei’Ka violently twisted his head, shattering the shell, until it broke away enough room for his shoulders to rise out. He shook his head, covered in black mucus.

With force he opened his eyes.

Caw, he-caw!Our mighty prince! Rei’Ka!

Rei’Ka’s brothers and sisters broke free from their eggs to no such fanfare. For it was Rei’Ka that would be king. Rei’Ka, the son of Rei’Sha’Ra and Auf’Hura, bred from the greatest seed and strongest womb of all Talonridge. Rei’Ka, the largest of the hawks ever born.

When his first brother opened his eyes Rei’Ka attacked, crushing the hawk’s skull with a single peck. The young eyas dropped dead to the side of the nest, never having seen a glimpse of the world, for Rei’Ka would have no competition, not in this life. He killed the strongest first as a warning to the other two. When they finally broke from their eggs they saw their brother’s corpse and slowly slank away, surrendering to Rei’Ka’s rule.

And Rei’Sha’Ra smiled proudly.

n time the eyas Rei’Ka grew. He remained larger than his brethren, with massive claws that could wrap around the trunk of a tree. His beak had such force that he could tear all of the flesh off a mouse with a single jerk of his head. His wing span stretched so wide that he could nearly touch two mountain peaks at once.

When Rei’Sha’Ra realized his son had outgrown even he, he took the eyas atop the tallest mountain.

See down there, son, all be Rei’Ka’s. From sea to forest, from mountains to swamp, all belong to us, to Rei’Ka! Reclaim, Rei’Ka must! For is land taken from hawks!

They stood on the edge of the mountain peak, looking down at the vast fields, all ripe and green with crops. To the south was a forest, to the west more mountains, and to the east, far off, sat the sea.

Once great kingdom us had, bountiful with food, Rei’Sha’Ra said. Mice, Squirrels. Hedge hogs, ground hogs, dirt hogs… Until rose up hares… Hawks be driven into mountains by hares of Korel, too powerful for us, yes! They have claws of metal, longer than us. Shells of metal protect their flesh. And one rabbit, king rabbit, he too fast. Too quick. But no longer, no. With you in lead, our people see new hope. Our people, they be… Rejuvenated… New life in them, in them all. The fighting that I could not win, oh, it will be won by Rei’Ka, yes son, it will be won by Rei’Ka…

What must I do, father? Rei’Ka asked.

Rei’Sha’Ra laughed. Rei’Ka kill rabbit leader. Rip flesh out of metal shell. Kill. Kill. Kill. Hawks will watch. And if rabbit die, others will too. And how quick Rei’Ka will take back our land! But first! Yes! Caw! First Rei’Ka make sister his queen. Then make brother his first kill! For Rei’Ka to rule, Rei’Suk must die!

ei’Ka flew immediately from the mountain, soared off over the land, and let out a loud caw. A cry of war. He soared back towards Talonridge and landed atop the high temple. His voice rang out over all the land.

Rei’Ka call Rei’Sut! Fight! Come out, Rei’Sut, and settle with Rei’Ka, decide who be king!

All of the hawks gathered around Rei’Ka and waited for a response.

Within moments Rei’Sut appeared. He flew out from a lower temple and zoomed upwards towards the high temple with great speed, for he too knew the importance of the coming battle. He knew it was time for the new king of Talonridge to be crowned. He landed before Rei’Ka and bowed low.

Rei’Sut know what fate be, Rei’Sut said. Rei’Sut no fight. Rei’Ka king.

Rei’Ka only had one answer. For Rei’Ka to be king, Rei’Sut must die.

And then with great speed, Rei’Ka attacked. He drove Rei’Sut off the high temple and into the air. Their battle took place over Korel, where all the critters of the land came out to watch.

With his life on the line, Rei’Sut fought back, but every attack was fruitless, every defense in vain. Rei’Ka tore away feathers and flesh, then with his massive claws he ripped out Rei’Sut’s eyes. Rei’Sut, weakened and blind, flew off to hide amongst the distant mountains. Rei’Ka began to give chase, but stopped in a rare moment of mercy.

ays later Rei’Sha’Ra grew and collapsed in his nest. All the hawks of Talonridge were called to witness. Rei’Ka stood on the edge of the nest, watching his father struggle with his last moments of life.

Rei’Ka no kill Rei’Sut, Rei’Sha’Ra mumbled.

When Rei’Ka find, Rei’Ka kill. Rei’Ka become king!

No time, Rei’Sha’Ra mumbled. For Rei’Sha’Ra now die. When gone, Rei’Ka take crown.

Yes, father, Rei’Ka said. Yes, king.

When Rei’Sha’Ra breath last, Rei’Sha’Ra said, Rei’Ka must lead hawks to take back land. No wait til Rei’Sha’Ra blood turn cold. Attack right away. That make hawks fear Rei’Ka, hawks know can trust Rei’Ka. Then when Rei’Ka take lands back, Rei’Ka kill Rei’Sut, and Rei’Ka be king unchallenged.

Rei’Sha’Ra hacked and cawed. For the rest of the night he struggled, fighting off death, but by morning the armies of Dark Meadow had come to take his soul away. Rei’Sha’Ra heaved his last breath and closed his eyes.

Immediately the hawks all gathered around. One took the silver crown from atop Rei’Sha’Ra’s head and placed it atop Rei’Ka’s brow. When the chanting and the ceremony was over, Rei’Ka turned to his hawks.

Now hawks live in retreat no more! Today Rei’Ka lead to war! Take back all land! Drive rabbits away… Or kill all! Rei’Ka leapt off the top of the temple and flew down towards the land. Come, fight with your king and reclaim what be ours!

Caw!

Cacaw!

Every hawk followed Rei’Ka, even the hens who warmed their nests and the eyases who had just learned to fly. They all soared down over the land towards the verdant fields where the mice, hedge hogs, and other small critters frolicked and played. And the mighty guards of Korel, the brave rabbit warriors, looked up to see the sky covered in darkness.

Those rabbits, with all their armor and their swords and their arrows and bows and years of training… They stood no match for the might of Rei’Ka.

Long wound the road out of the Swamp of Wrath, a twisting vein that bounced from ember to sod, from root to shallow dangling cliff. The trek bore heavy on the hearts of the five adventurers; Clove, the mouse mage; Durbin, the mouse scamp; Morro, the hedgehog slinger; Reverie, the sparrow bard; and Bailey, the dragonsquirrel; as they had recently lost their close friend Herod, a brave spear hog warrior who was also their guide on their epic sojourn around the world.

Durbin was quick to assume the lead, although his first instinct brought them back towards the swamp, where the thick muck and lack of decent food drew jeers of disgust from his fellow companions. Reverie turned things around for the group when he pulled out his map and led them back east towards their intended direction, the fields of Korel. But soon the map did them no good as they trekked out of range, relying on just their instincts to direct them back into the hard, solid ground of the forest.

It seemed oddly peculiar to all that they had not met another single critter on their journey, but none spoke of it at all for fear of what such desolation meant. Finally, after surviving on leaves and grain for several days, they entered a field abounding with humongous red fruit.

Strawberries! Bailey screamed. He sat upon his mighty steed, the lizard he called Riptail, and squeezed the harness so tight that his knuckles went numb. They’re as big as my head!

He snapped the reins and charged into the field, standing up on Riptails’s back.

Burr hurr, I’m gonna’r stuff meself sick! Morro cried as he skipped along behind Bailey. The two critters weaved around a wilted fern and leapt into a thick strawberry bush.

I’ve never been so happy to see food in all my life! Reverie cheered as he leapt over the heads of the other two and landed high atop a bush, where the plumpest and juiciest berries grew. He landed on a berry and the bush barely moved under his weight, as the stalk grew so thick and strong.

Durbin and Clove both stopped at the edge of the trail, where the forest opened up to the field, and looked around. Several thick, bright rays of sunshine shone in from the gap in the foliage above. There was a path to the north, and a trail leading over a hill and down into a thick bramble of bushes to the south.

It’s so strange, Clove said to Durbin. I feel so lost without Herod. I don’t remember a time when he was not in my life, guiding me. I feel adrift, as if I were once again stranded at sea…

I made a pledge to watch over you, Durbin said, turning to her and smiling. I intend to keep that pledge until the day I die.

Clove smiled and gripped his paw tight. I know.

Things will be better when we reach Korel, Durbin said. The rabbits will help us. I have faith in it.

I too, Clove said. Herod said so... It must be true...

Oh, hurr, look ‘er this! Morro shouted as he tumbled out of a bush, clinging tightly to a giant, plump strawberry.

Durbin stumbled back with shock. That’s enough to feed us all for three days!

Burr hurr! Morro giggled as he tried to carry the giant berry. I’m a gonna eat it alls by meself, too!

Bailey jammed his spear into a berry and twisted, splitting the berry into several pieces. He began gnawing on one section as Riptail chewed into another.

Watch out below! Reverie shouted as he kicked a berry free. The berry hit the ground and rolled tip-turn to the center of the field, tumbling past Morro and stopping right in a thick patch of grass.

Durbin pulled out his jade-handled sword and stabbed at the strawberry, splitting it up into several pieces. Clove and Reverie sat down on opposite sides of him, grabbed chunks of the strawberry, and began to eat.

Mmm! Clove said, smiling wide as the sweet and tart flavor tingled her taste buds. I’ve never eaten a berry so good!

Durbin shook his head. Almost as good as the berries that ol’ Elder Burkus and I would pick near Fallen Grove.

No, hurr, these are better! Morro said, grinning wide as strawberry juice drizzled down his chin. His smile slowly started to fade as he had a sudden realization.

What‘s wrong? Durbin asked as he noticed the sad look on his friend’s face.

I can’t believer we done gone this far... Morro mumbled, slowly chewing the bite of berry that was in his mouth. Hurr, what is me mum gonna think? She gonna suppose we gone and died somewhere, I feel just terrible—

No she won’t, Durbin said. When we reach Korel we’ll send word back to her, to let her know we’re safe.

How?

Birds, of course! Durbin said, waving his paws in the air dramatically. They can fly over the mountains in less than a day. And if these rabbits are as great as Herod said they’ll be, I’m sure they’re mighty good friends with plenty of birds.

Maybe yer right.

I am.

Oh, I’d do it if I could… Reverie said.

We know you would, Durbin said, nodding towards Reverie’s crippled wing. Someday you’ll be able to fly again.

Reverie smiled. Not that I don’t enjoy walking with you all, but the air is really where I feel at home. I truly miss it.

I can imagine you do, Clove said. Although I’ve never flown personally, I can imagine it to be quite an exhilarating experience.

There’s nothing like flying! Reverie said. Such freedom to move in every direction... You can change speeds, flying really fast, or just stop and hover...

Durbin’s eyes lit up as he quickly turned towards Clove. Are you going to be able to fly!?

Clove slowly smiled too as she thought about it. Maybe... I suppose so, huh, if I can control the wind... There’s so much that I’ll be able to do, I know Herod didn’t tell me all of it!

Just then they heard a voice in the distance, coming from the other side of the hill to the south. The critter spoke with a thick accent and kept talking, obviously not noticing the five friends sitting in the middle of the field.

Everyone looked at Durbin, silently questioning whether or not they should flee. Durbin simply shrugged his shoulders and turned towards the hill, listening to the oncoming critters’ banter.

…And when we return we’ll button down the burrow. Winter’ll be ‘pon us fast, don’t want ter be taken by surprise. Not this year. Ol’ grampa Burnks predictin’ a mighty cruel frost, one fer the ages.

Greater than the season you were born, papa? the voice of a little critter asked.

I believes so. May be the greatest one on record, ol’ grampa Burnks thinks. Is why we been pulling down so much timber. Usually the two piles out by North Den suffice, but not this year… No, we be bringin’ everythin’ inside for this season in case—

A dirt hog and his son rounded up over the southern trail, stopping at the peak of the hill as they finally noticed the five friends seated amongst the center of the field. Both the ground hogs had similar packs on their backs, with the son’s pack being much smaller than his father’s. The father also wore a large brimmed hat made out of straw with a brown puggaree with several flowers sticking out of the side. It was an awkward few moments as all seven critters stood quietly staring at each other, unsure of what to say.

It was Morro who finally spoke up first. Hurr, why, hello thur fine critters. Do yer live ‘round here?

The older dirt hog stood silent for a moment more, assessing the critters before him. When he deemed them safe he answered with a huff. We do, I suppose, well, not too far from here anyways. What of yourselves?

Durbin stood up to greet the dirt hog. We’ve come from Verdancia Forest. We travelled through the Swamp of Wrath to get here.

Swamp of Wrath, eh? the dirt hog said, nodding. Very dangerous place ter be. And Verdancia Forest, ya say? That’s a long ways fer a young lot like ya’ll to be travellin’. Ya didn’t come here just to pick berries, did ya?

No, Clove said. We’re travelling to Korel.

Korel? the dirt hog repeated, taking a step back. He pulled his son in tight, squeezing his shoulder nervously.

His son looked up at him and whispered nervously. What is it, papa?

The older dirt hog ignored his son’s plea and spoke directly to Clove. Whatever reason ya think yer have for headin’ to Korel, forget about it. Turn around, leave this here place at once, and return to Verdancia Forest. It’s the only safe option.

Durbin chuckled as he stood bravely, one paw on his hip, the other waving in the air with gusto. We know what we’re doing. We were instructed to go there, by somebody who would never have led us wrong. It was his dying command to us.

The dirt hog twitched nervously. Well then, whatever this critter said to ya ‘bout Korel, he knew not of what he spoke. I hate ter say this to ya... But there is nothin’ good there. No, I’m afraid... There is nothing there fer ya but pain and sufferin’ and death.

Death? Reverie said, gulping hard.

We ain’t afraid of no death! Bailey shouted.

Clove’s face grew very somber as she stared at the dirt hog. We have to go... We were sent on a quest to find the rabbits of Korel. They will help us.

Rabbits, huh? the dirt hog said. Well, good luck to ya then, but whoever them rabbits are, I am certain they will do you no good.

Durbin turned and looked north, towards a trail that led out of the strawberry patch and into a forest of scattered birch trees and thick bushes. He pointed. Is that the way to Korel?

It certainly is, the ground hog said.

Durbin turned back towards him. If Korel is so dangerous, then, why are you headed there?

The dirt hog chuckled nervously. Ha ho, no, we certainly aren’t headed there. We’ve come to pick strawberries is all, we’ll go no further than this here field. We’re not even supposed to come this far, it‘s considered forbidden land. But we come here on the rare occasion, we do. Haven’t been caught yet. Berries grow large here, mostly undisturbed, o’ course, bein’ that no other critter comes this far north, so we get the best of ‘em, bring ‘em home to the rest of our family—

You’re not supposed to come here because of Korel? Clove asked. That’s the reason for sure?

The dirt hog nodded. "That‘s right.

Oh, hurr, Morro said, struggling to smile. Yer jes jokin’ with us, huh mister? Ain’t nothin’ scary in Korel, not for reals?

I don’t know for sure, the dirt hog said. He pulled off his hat and scratched his scalp. No critter has ever gone there and returned to tell. We just know to avoid it, ya hear? We put ourselves at great risk comin’ even this close.

So you don’t actually know what’s north of here then? Durbin asked suspiciously. You could just be scared of nothing?

The dirt hog shrugged. Could be, sure, I suppose, but it won’t be me who’ll find out.

Oh, hurr… Morro said, slowly looking down at the ground. Don’t so much want it ter be me findin’ out either...

Well, come on son, we better hurry. The dirt hog led his son to the nearest bush. They quietly picked several strawberries and put them in their bags. When they were done they nodded to the other five and began to make their leave. Good luck to ya, if ya choose to go on. But whatever ya find, if ya survive, please let us know of what occurs in Korel. We’d like to know. Our village is just two larkscries to the south, ya won’t miss it.

We certainly will, Durbin said, bowing slightly.

We’ll be watchin’ for ya. The dirt hog turned and patted his son on the shoulder as they bounded back over the hill and down the path heading south. He whispered quietly, but Durbin still heard him say, I don’t expect we’ll be seein’ them again…

The five friends stared silently at each other for a moment, each not sure how to respond.

It was Bailey who finally spoke first. This is all a load of hogwash! I ain’t afraid of nothin’!

There can’t be anything bad in Korel, can there? Clove asked, looking to Durbin for an answer.

Durbin shook his head slowly and tried to hide the fear in his voice as he spoke. Of course not, that’s silly. Herod told us that Korel is protected by rabbits… Good, brave rabbits… I don’t know what the dirt hog was talking about…

Hurr, maybe he’s right, Morro said, perhaps it’s time fer us ter head back ter Verdancia—

We’ve come all this way, Clove said, we can’t just head back now. Plus we have a mission to accomplish, what about the Elementals? There’s one there, so we have to go eventually...

Sorry, but I’m siding with Morro on this one, said Reverie. Who knows what danger we’re walking into. What if those rabbits have turned bad? Or something worse... What if that lion there, Sinvicious, has taken over—

Sinvicious isn’t here, not yet, Clove said. But he will be here eventually if we don’t stop him! We have to go get the next spell, there is no choice!

I think I be choosin’ ter live, Morro muttered.

Don’t be a bunch of scaredy babes! Bailey shouted, stomping his foot on the ground. Ain’t nothin’ in Korel that we can’t handle! We took care of all them rats and the snake, right?

But we had Herod then, Reverie said. It’s just the five of us now. We’re hardly a match for any real flesh eaters.

Phooey! Bailey shouted.

Oh, hurr, phooey on you! Morro shouted back at Bailey. We just gonna die if we go thur, just as that thur dirt hog said!

Clove shouted louder than the rest. Let Durbin decide! He’s the one that Herod left in charge of this group!

Everyone turned to Durbin, staring at him for an answer. Durbin stood there silently, his mouth agape, as he tried to think. He could feel everyone’s impatient gaze on him. Then he glanced up at Clove. Her big eyes burned into him, warming his soul. He knew there was only one choice.

We go on, he said. We’re going to Korel.

Morro and Reverie both sighed nervously. Bailey hooted with excitement. Clove looked at Durbin and smiled.

Let’s go then, she said. We’ve wasted enough sunlight as it is.

They gathered a few chunks of berry and picked up their bags and weapons.

Durbin led the march north. Bailey hopped on top of Riptail and let out a shout, waving his spear high in the air. Morro and