The Guardians of Valinon

By J. Christopher Cortez

Leuco the Hawk is a former Guardian-turned-outlaw still trying to escape form his dark, mysterious past. He is driven by his quest for redemption and the burden of protecting his people. When the old fellowship of heroes threatens the realm with civil war, he finds himself thrust into a violent struggle against his former allies who now want him, and those he cares for, dead.

Also caught between the opposing forces are Leuco's idealistic protégé Bo, a young reformed pickpocket aspiring to follow in his mentor's footsteps; Ruse, the brooding prince of Veredon burdened by the sins of his tyrannical father; Nephia, the exiled princess of Valinon turned devil-may-care adventurer determined to reclaim her father's throne from a death-worshiping cult; and Maria, the forest's outcast half-elf guardian and reluctant protector of her human kin.

The Guardians of Valinon is a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy filled with dark magic, wicked monsters, and high adventure. This full-length novel is ideal for fans of Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain and Luo Guanzhong's Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. Christopher Cortez
• Release date: Aug 17, 2011
• ISBN: 9781301071142

Book preview

Chapter I

The Outlaw

In the open doorway stood two large men. Their long shadows stretched across the dimly lit tavern. Their green-sleeved shirts and thick leather coats of armor branded them as Brigandines—the royal guards of Keeptown and elite warriors of Veredon.

We’re looking for the outlaw who goes by the name of ‘Leuco’, one of the soldiers announced, scanning the room for his quarry.

The tavern's rowdy patrons drew quiet and still from the sudden appearance of the king's officials.

Is he here? The soldier asked, patiently awaiting a response.

Leuco sat in the corner of the tavern at a dark, wooden table with a gray-bearded merchant. The two had been negotiating the price for an escort to the Towering Titans mountain range on the rolled-up scrap of parchment resting in Leuco’s gloves.

Leuco took his eyes off the numbers to examine the pair of unwelcome soldiers. He wasn’t expecting to have been spotted so soon.

The Brigandine in the doorway doing all the talking signaled to his partner, who then pulled in a dirty, distressed, shaggy-haired boy by his over-sized shirt.

This young thieving child told us we could find him here, the soldier began. Perhaps this little delinquent was speaking in jest?

He pulled the boy closer to him by his now ripped shirt and shook him violently.

Boy, he said with a threatening tone, do you know the punishment for lying to officials? Perhaps you need to be taught a lesson!

Leuco didn’t recognize this new bullying soldier, but it was clear that the young Brigandine took far too much pleasure in abusing the small boy. Leuco considered him far too hostile to be an honest defender of Keeptown—another sign of the bitter changes spreading throughout his war-torn homeland.

Leuco would have preferred avoiding involvement, but his conscience weighed heavy upon him like a mountain of guilt. He had developed a certain reputation for challenging the Brigandines—and that was exactly why they were looking for him.

Leuco decided it was best to get on with the soldiers' game and spare the poor child in their custody any more trouble. Raising his palms as if he were refusing an offer of drink, he smiled and stood from his table.

He noticed there were only two Brigandines this time. They were either very cocky, he thought to himself, or simply not very bright.

I hear you are looking for Leuco the Hawk.

The leading Brigandine eyed the mysterious speaker. He was dressed as an ordinary trader with a burgundy chaperon hood, and yet it was clear that he was far too big, and far too built, to be merely a man of simple business.

I suggest you leave, Leuco added, before you find him.

At this, the real merchant sitting next to him stood and slowly backed away from the table. Leuco offered the old man a nod of approval.

The Brigandine standing at the door was surprised by the stranger’s blatant threat. He was expecting the boy in his arms to be lying. He did not expect to actually find the former Guardian of Valinon in a place like Raco’s.

The Brigandine studied the stranger’s shadowed face, obscured in the dim flickering glow of firelight. Though he had never seen Leuco before, he somehow recognize the steely gaze from his piercing hazel eyes.

Leuco…? He whispered to himself. He felt his heart race and a hesitant gulp drop down his throat. He finally drew his sword and, as if well-rehearsed, unflinchingly declared, Under order of Lord Ursidor, ruler of Veredon, we have come to see you pay for your treacherous crimes! Dead or alive, you have been ordered to appear before the king and it is our duty to see that justice for the people is faithfully served!

Is it? Leuco asked sarcastically. And I suppose that would include abusing poor children and locking them up in cages? Leuco pointed to the small boy and shook his head. Let the boy go, and be on your way.

The young soldier was fuming. He found Leuco’s impudence insulting. We aren’t leaving until you have paid for your crimes in full!

The second soldier was surprised by his partner’s fearlessness. Did he not know about Leuco the Hawk? Had he not heard the stories? He stood, just like the rest of the tavern's captivated audience, watching the scene unfold in suspense. Only now did the soldier realize he was expected to draw his blade as well.

Leuco responded to the bold Brigandine’s accusation with an irritated sigh. I will fight you if I must, but I warn you, you have spoiled a very good contract for me and you may not find mercy so easily forthcoming.

The officials looked at each other, then to Leuco who began removing his disguise.

He was easily taller than average, and his bronze body was both thick and strong. His worn face was formed by sharp lines and deep penetrating eyes. Underneath his chin was a very fine arrow-headed beard that ran up to his sideburns. His hair was short and sprinkled with gray all throughout. His appearance suggested the wisdom of experience, but his eyes portrayed the free spirit of an idealistic youth.

After his last encounter with officials, Leuco was compelled to prepare himself for another. From underneath his robe he revealed a fitted cuirass of scarred segmented steel plates. Then, with his massive arms, he pulled from his back a pair of curved hand axes.

The pair of soldiers immediately realized they had gotten themselves into a great deal of trouble, and now they had no idea how to get themselves out.

The first soldier took a moment to think of a plan and then called to the tavern’s patrons.

Listen all you adventurers and rogues! There is a bounty on this man’s head! If you aid us, not only will you earn the favor of our sovereign, but you will share in the very generous reward granted for his death!

Leuco looked around, guarding his sides and rear in case there were any takers. He had no intention of battling any soldiers, let alone an entire tavern full of wily rogues and mercenaries. He wasn't expecting such cowardly guile from a soldier wearing the uniform of a Brigandine.

Everyone knew well the name of Leuco the Hawk. His reputation as a skilled fighter was only outweighed by his reputation of virtue and honor. He was, after all, Veredon’s most famous son and champion; one of the greatest heroes of the realm’s three kingdoms—and one of the last of the legendary Guardians of Valinon. They knew it was because of his actions, not the king's, that peace to Veredon had been restored.

The patrons were still and quiet. No one made a move. No one made a sound. No one seemed to breathe.

You waste your breath, Leuco finally proclaimed. You don't have the people's respect. You need to earn it. But if you still want to dance to your death, I'm sure everyone here will enjoy the free entertainment.

The Brigandines had called Leuco’s bluff, but now they were forced to play their own hand. Defeat in battle would surely result in the loss of deference from the seediest sort of rogues in town. Even if they survived, they would never live that down. And as for winning—well that was hardly a possibility against a warrior of Leuco's strength and skill.

Grudgingly, the soldiers slid their swords back into their scabbards. They had no other choice but to fold before disgrace.

We will let you go this time, Leuco, the first announced, but when we meet again, we will show no mercy. Mark my words: you will pay for your crimes and your insolence. I suggest you leave Keeptown immediately before we return with more soldiers.

With that they headed out the door—violently dragging the thieving young boy along with them.

Hold, gentlemen, Leuco called, pointing with one of his axes. The boy stays with me.

The two soldiers stopped and looked at one another in confusion. Then, once again, the leader of the pair spoke.

This thieving boy has yet to learn his lesson, the soldier replied. Have no fear; we Brigandines shall see to his punishment.

What is this boy’s crime? Leuco asked.

This rat has been accused of stealing from numerous locals. We’re taking him to the cages.

The boy’s eyes widened in fear.

He’s not going to the cages, Leuco declared. He stays here, with me.

You lost your privileges as an official long ago, Leuco! If you harm this boy…

I won’t harm him, and neither will you. This child’s only crime is hunger. He stays with me.

The soldier was now frustrated with Leuco’s demands. This dirty thief ratted you out! Now you mean to feed him?

Leuco grabbed the boy from the official and replied, I’m sure he’s learned his lesson. He patted the boy on the head, and smiled. There was no harm done. After all, I was never really in any danger, was I?

A chuckle came from the spectators. They were well aware of what was happening. They applauded the warrior’s bold act of defiance.

The leading official was enraged.

You’ve gone too far this time, Leuco! I’ll be back, and I guarantee you won’t be laughing then! He motioned to his partner, Let’s go!

Leuco watched them leave. When the door closed, he knelt down before the small boy.

What’s your name, young man? he asked.

The boy was quiet. In his mind, he was only trying to avoid the kennel yard. He was grateful for the hero's intervention, but was still quite afraid. He had brought unwanted trouble to the mighty warrior, and now he prepared himself to face his impending punishment. Finally, he whispered his name, almost as ashamed of its sound as he was of his actions.

‘Bo-vee,’ huh? Alright, Bovi. I am Leuco. I can tell you’re hungry, and obviously a bit scared. What say we get out of here and get a bite to eat? How does that sound?

The boy was quiet. He had no words, only doubt. He couldn’t tell if the warrior was being sincere.

I suppose you can stay if you’d prefer to be locked in the cages. I’ve heard the rats in the kennels are quite fond of playing with small children.

The boy shook his head repeatedly.

Well, then. Let’s get out of here and get you something to eat.

Chapter II

The Inn of the Dancing Moons

The prospect of real food filled Bovi with great delight.

When the people on the street scolded and chased him, he never thought twice about his desire to steal; nor did he ever question the wretched need to rummage through their trash. In his mind, it was all very much like picking fruit from a tree. Now, he was going to buy his food just like the decent folk from which he stole.

For poor Bovi, a chance to be like everyone else was a delectable treat all in itself.

The pair stopped at a street vendor selling skewers of cooked meat. The sweet scent of roasted pork warmed Bovi’s stomach and the beautiful, golden-brown flesh cooking in the flickering fire had him licking his lips in anticipation. Leuco ordered him a single skewer and as the man handed it to the boy, the vendor hesitated for a brief second. He eyed him suspiciously as he finally gave it away. The filthy boy looked terribly familiar to him, and he watched as the boy quickly tore himself a bite from the stick of meat.

Before we leave, I need to collect some things. We need to make it quick to best avoid another confrontation with the officials.

Bovi didn’t understand why Leuco was bringing him along. He didn’t understand why Leuco had even bought him food. Bovi decided it best not to question his good fortune. Instead, he simply took another bite of his savory treat.

Leuco paid the vendor and as the man collected and sorted his copper, he finally recognized the departing boy as the young thief who had stolen from him days before. The man's eyes narrowed as he watched the young boy proudly turn and stick his tongue out in jest.

*

Resting on the outskirts of Keeptown was the Inn of the Dancing Moons—the first stop for weary settlers fleeing from the the neighboring kingdom of Valinon.

Cimmie’s late father ran the inn for years, and now the whole building belonged to her—at least until the day King Ursidor would decide to claim it for the people.

This, however, didn't worry Cimmie too much. She did her best to avoid trouble, and with Leuco's help, she always paid her dues on time.

The Inn of the Dancing Moons was one of the most remarkable structures in town. It was, after all, the only other two-story building in all of Veredon—the other, of course, being Ursidor's keep.

The first floor of the inn was constructed from rock and mud; the second was composed of wooden planks and had a roof of dry grass. There was a small adjacent barn for the pigs and horses that Cimmie's assistant Sal casually looked after.

The large door to the inn was made of strong Veredonian timber reinforced with iron. It was always kept locked from the inside with a thick wooden beam.

Leuco knocked as the young boy stood behind him, licking his fingers for every last hint of flavor. The viewing window on the door slid open, revealing a pair of curious, irritated eyes. From behind the door came a heated jabbering.

I told you! We’re not interested!

Then, almost instantly, the tone suddenly changed. Oh! Leuco! It’s you!

The door quickly opened, and the man standing at the entrance greeted his friend cordially.

Welcome back! I thought you were another one of those Followers of Xenos. They come by all the time, you know, asking for donations, spewing threatening words of death. It's deplorable! If you’re looking for Cimmie, she’s in the kitchen.

Thank you Sal. I need to get my things first, then I’ll be downstairs to say good-bye.

Leaving already? the thin man asked, as he locked the door behind him. Usually they give you a couple of days before they start looking for trouble.

There was an incident at Raco's. I thought it best to leave now rather than bring trouble here.

You must be getting sloppy, Leu, Sal remarked, taking note of the strange boy standing at his side.

The inside of the inn was modestly lit by an old and humble chandelier of candles hanging from the ceiling. Leuco led Bovi upstairs to a small dark hallway with four doors. Leuco's room was even darker. He asked Bovi to open the window to give them some light. The stars were bright tonight and the waning moons in the night sky gave the chamber a soft, lavender glow.

The room wasn’t very big, but it had enough space for a cot and a chest, which Leuco opened to reveal a pair of large packs. Bovi watched as Leuco removed his trader’s cap and robe and put them into one of the bags. He then removed his pair of axes and pointed them out to Bovi.

These blades, he said, have saved my life more times than I can count.

Bovi marveled at the sight. He could feel the power emanating from the mighty weapons. He realized that he was in the presence of a great warrior. He had never considered it before, but at that moment, he realized he wanted to be one too.

Bovi thought of the townspeople who mocked him. He thought of the terrifying monsters who slaughtered his family. If only he were like Leuco, he thought to himself. Then he would be able to stand up for himself and earn some respect.

As he led Bovi out of the room and to the stairway, Leuco tried to learn more about his young friend.

Bovi, do you have any parents? he asked.

Bovi shook his head.

Do you have a home?

Again, he shook his head.

Leuco knew the boy could speak. After all, he had informed the guards of his presence at Raco’s Tavern. He tried once more.

Where are you from, Bo?

The boy hesitated for a moment and then finally replied in a soft whisper.

Valinon.

He still couldn’t look the old warrior in the eye. My family was poor. We moved here to the Northern Hills after the floods. We were attacked by trolls and...

Bovi stopped. He sniffed and rubbed the tears from his eyes. He missed his parents. He missed the warmth of having a home. He felt shame for how he was forced to live.

Leuco knew the rest of the boy’s story. It was all too common. More and more farmers were fleeing the famine in the southern kingdom of Valinon, only to be greeted here in the north with abusive Brigandines and the fierce howling cries of ravenous monsters. He had fought trolls almost all his life: as a soldier in Ursidor’s defense brigade and, before that, in the service of the late King Cervusian, former ruler of the unified realm. Now it seemed the hordes had returned yet again to terrorize the countryside.

Leuco had lost many friends to the trolls of the mountains. He shared the boy's grief. He stopped in the middle of the stairs and looked back to the young boy. He put his hand on Bovi’s shoulder.

I'm sorry for your loss, Bovi. It must be hard living on your own. But it doesn't have to be that way. I have a small homestead in the valley with wide open fields and a small barn for animals. If you wish to live a decent life of hard work and learning, I can offer you a home and a trade that will help you take care of yourself. What do you think? Do you want to run in the streets with the stray dogs, or would you care to live an honest life and join the rest of the good world?

Bo looked at his tattered sandals and thought of the mighty weapons in the warrior's pack.

Will you teach me to be a warrior, like you? he asked.

Yes, Bovi, but it’s not all just hack and slash, Leuco replied as he twirled a small hatchet in his hand and quickly put it back in its place at his side. I can teach you how to wield a weapon, amongst many things, but you must learn first how to wield a conscience. From now on, there will be no more stealing or pickpocketing. Do you understand?

The young boy nodded his head in agreement.

The doors from the kitchen opened, and a young woman appeared. She wore a modest gray dress with a white apron. Her long curly brown hair was pulled up and back to accentuate the fairness of her countenance, as well as the gentle glow of her matching eyes.

Heavens! Is that a baby hawk? she cried out, acknowledging Leuco’s young new friend.

Leuco recognized the tender tone of her familiar, honey-coated voice. He smiled and turned to greet her with a hug.

I know I was just here earlier, Cimmie, but I have to get going.

I saw a band of officials talking to a vendor outside. I saw him point in this direction. She offered a sly smile. I should have known they were talking about you.

Don’t worry; we’re on our way out. I just... wanted to say good-bye.

Cimmie studied the brown-eyed boy beside him with a wave of jealousy. Before she was merely joking, but now she realized the two had indeed shared one stark similarity: though of different colors, both had the same piercing eyes very much like those of a bird of prey. Where exactly, and more importantly she thought, whom exactly had this young boy come from?

Who is this, Leu?

Leuco looked down at the boy, unsure of how best to explain.

At that moment, Sal returned in a fuss, pointing frantically to the door.

What’s wrong Sal? Leuco asked.

It’s the Brigandines! They’re here!

BANG-BANG-BANG!

Sal began to panic. What do I do, Cimmie?! What should I tell them?!

Though Cimmie never committed any sort of crime, she had quite enough experience dealing with the law. The best way to do that, she learned, was to stay out of their way. Leuco, however, was more than a friend and even though she had no intention of turning him in, she preferred not to suffer the justice, or rather injustice, of a Brigandine’s persecution.

BANG-BANG-BANG!

Let us in! shouted a voice from behind the door. Let us in or we’ll tear this door down!

Leuco turned to Cimmie, I never meant to get you involved. Watch the boy. I’ll take care of this. He turned to Sal, just as he had done years before, and gave him a nod. Let them in, Sal.

BANG-BANG-BANG!

Sal took a gulp and shook his head. He knew things were going to get ugly. He took a deep breath as he opened the door. A group of four officials barged through, nearly knocking Sal to the ground.

It’s about time! they shouted. "We’ve come for Leuco!