Rift of Askrah Book 3: Gather

By Benjamin Andrews

Gather, Book 3 in the Rift of Askrah series, continues the adventures of Nihlen Draven and his companions. After the confrontation in Falshia, devastating new facts have been revealed. For anyone to claim the title of King of Askrah will come with a price too great to be paid.

With this revelation, the relationship between members of the group becomes strained, and each has their own ideas of how their new problems should be handled. For the first time, troubles within their friendships are just as dangerous as threats from outside.

To make matters worse, a time-limit has been imposed, giving them only one year before they return to Askrah and determine who will claim the land, and all that goes with it.

It will take every bit of strength Nihen and his friends can muster to see the coming storm through to the other side.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Benjamin Andrews
• Release date: Feb 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310570018

Benjamin Andrews

To create that which I see and share that which should be shown. I hope you enjoy the ride, and good day to you.

Book preview

Rift of Askrah

Book 3: Gather

By Benjamin Andrews

Published by Magic Jar Publishing at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Benjamin Andrews

This ebook has been licensed for your personal enjoyment. If you wish to give this book to another person, please return to the website at which it was purchased, and purchase another copy. Please respect the hard work of this author. Events and characters in this work are fictional.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Thanks for Reading!

Index

Chapter 1

The Next Step on the Path

Being separated from his body was a very strange feeling. Nihlen was floating through the darkness, unable to tell where he was. The twilight was heavy, pushing on him as if invisible hands wanted to smother him. He was not breathing though, so there was no chance of suffocation. There was no sound, and yet he felt no alarm. There was a strange peace inside him, like he understood somewhere inside what was going on, even if he wasn't conscious of it.

Not long before he'd been in a struggle for his life. He'd been fighting in the nation of Leoradan, against one of his mortal enemies. Zandis Rinh, Prince of the nation of Rinh, had played a large part in Nihlen's struggle. Zandis' father had marched into Nihlen's own nation of Draven, his childhood home, and taken over. Nihlen himself had been kidnapped at the command of Zandis, though he still couldn't fathom why. Their fight had been cut short by the Will of Askrah, the ability which works in the name of the King of Askrah, allowing whoever holds the title unimaginable power. The Will of Askrah is housed inside one of Nihlen's closest companions, Marina Elderol.

However, he'd learned she would disappear once Nihlen, or his enemies, ascended the throne as the King of Askrah.

As that thought rolled across Nihlen's mind, he cringed. Those words had nearly shattered his soul when they had been uttered to him by the Will of Askrah itself. Those words may have also played a part in Nihlen's current situation, which he still could not understand.

Unsure of what to do, he simply waited in the darkness. He closed his eyes, and allowed his body to drift through the black sea of nothing. The gears of his mind slowed, and he was at peace. There was no sign of Irvic, the disembodied King of Askrah who had been imprisoned long in the past, and now resided within his mind. He could no longer feel his Eye of Kings either. In this darkness, there was only Nihlen at his core.

It seemed an eternity had passed while he simply waited. It didn't cause impatience within him though. It was difficult for Nihlen to feel much of anything. When something finally appeared within the darkness, Nihlen began to understand.

Before his eyes, he could see a forest. As if looking through the eyes of another, almost as if he was there himself, Nihlen could see a large tree. The tree had something white sticking out of it, and as the view moved closer, it seemed to be a small fountain. The fountain was empty, but as a hand reached out and touched the trunk, water began to flow.

This is it. Nihlen heard his own voice say. There is something down there, I can feel it.

The vision abruptly cut off, leaving Nihlen with a sense of urgency to know more.

Was that me in the future? Nihlen wondered, trying to peer through the darkness as if he could still see the vision. Jilovia's eye... Urian said I may get some of her ability too. Could it have been when the Will of Askrah took the Eye of Kings away? Is that what finally brought out the sleeping remnants of her power? That landscape though... There was something strange about those trees.

Any further thoughts were cut short as another vision opened itself up to him.

The vision showed a sweeping view of the city of Draven, one Nihlen recognized. He'd seen it countless times from the palace. He felt a painful twinge of homesickness, wishing he could see that view with his own eyes once more.

Nihlen, let's go! Karishian demanded, from somewhere behind what Nihlen could currently see.

All right. Nihlen answered, turning to face the castle.

His companions came into view, and Nihlen felt a warmth in his stomach. Marina, Cal, Galen, Shaila and Mytika had given him so much strength. Even Karishian and Pheora were there. Nihlen was sure Urian and Shaya were also hiding somewhere using Shaya's teleportation power. Using his massive strength, Cal began prying open the front doors of the Draven castle. Iron groaned against his efforts, before finally breaking under the strain. The way now open, and they began running inside.

As the vision crossed the threshold though, a splitting pain suddenly erupted in Nihlen's head. The vision began cutting out, and then disappeared.

No, I need to know! Nihlen screamed into the darkness. Bring it back!

Suddenly the vision reappeared, but it had shifted. Nihlen was looking at the throne room inside the castle of Draven. Sitting in the throne that should be seating his father was a tyrant. Erian Rinh scowled at them across the room. Nihlen almost became ill as he gazed upon the face of his enemy. His eyes were piercing, and a strange shadow was warping his form. As Nihlen made eye contact through the vision with Rinh, it felt like it was real for a split second, and in that moment Nihlen feared he was going to die. He tried to pull away, but it was only a vision and he couldn't move in the nothingness that held him.

There was another pain in his head, and the vision cut out. When it returned, time seemed to have jumped forward. The room was destroyed, and it was hard to tell what was going on.

He felt pain, and the vision began cutting out once more. Then there was a flash. When the flash disappeared, Nihlen could no longer see. The vision was being blocked by Karishian's body.

They're gone! Cal roared, and the vision shifted to show an empty room. I can't believe he did that!

The vision shifted once more, but not from any pain in his head. It was now looking down toward the floor, and hands came into view. Nihlen recognized them as his own, and they were covered in blood. As his body came into view, Nihlen was able to see a blade sticking out of his chest.

Wha- He heard himself say, before the blackness took away what he could see.

The vision was not finished though. There were sounds of shuffling, and someone running.

Why? Nihlen heard himself whisper. Why would this happen?

They've got Calgara's Amulet, stop them! Karishian roared.

Then there was nothing more, and the vision ended.

Someone got me from behind... Did I die after that? Nihlen asked the darkness, unable to believe it. Behind me were only my friends. The only one who could have stabbed me was one of my comrades...

A pain like none he'd ever known began to flood his heart. Could that really be what happened? Surely there must be some other explanation... What happened there though? Rinh was there, then everything was destroyed and he was gone... What should I be expecting when I return to Draven? Nihlen wondered, trying his best not to panic at the enormity of it all.

When a light split the darkness, and Nihlen knew he was returning to his body, he couldn't help but cringe. In moments, he'd be reliving all of this over again as he explained it to the others. Then countless times after that as it haunted him in his nightmares.

***

It was like being shocked awake as his consciousness returned. He rolled sideways out of the bed his body had been resting on, slamming hard onto the floor. Before he'd even began pushing himself up off the floor, the door to the room opened, and quick footsteps were approaching him.

Nihlen! Marina cried, running into the room. She threw herself onto the ground, enveloping him in a hug that sent them both crashing to the floor once again. There's so much I've wanted to talk to you about...

Nihlen could feel her tears leaking onto his shoulder, and he realized they were flowing from his own eyes as well. The events of the battle came back to him, and he remembered the words the Will of Askrah had left him with.

In one year, the ascension of the King of Askrah would be decided, and then the Will of Askrah would activate. When that happened, Marina would cease to be, her body taken by the Will of Askrah.

So he held her, crying right along with her.

When they finally began to settle down, Marina pushed herself off him. Nihlen, I-

Marina. Nihlen interrupted. I won't let this happen. If that means I can't become the King of Askrah, then so be it. We will find a way to settle everything without sacrificing anyone.

Tears welled up in her eyes once more, and she threw herself at him again, crying even harder. Nihlen let her, trying to hold his own tears back.

Nihlen. Someone called from the door, grabbing his attention.

Standing there was Karishian, and behind him the rest of his comrades. They filed into the room, and Marina stifled her tears. She smiled at him gratefully as she moved away, sitting on the floor next to him.

Are you all right? Galen asked, stepping up next to Karishian.

Yeah, I had a vision. It seems the interaction with the Will of Askrah awakened Jilovia's powers within my eye. I was in some kind of void, separated from everything but my core being. After a while, the visions finally came, and then I was brought back to my body. Nihlen explained.

What did you see? Shaila asked.

A forest. We were there, and we came across a tree with a white fountain set into it. I then said something about finding what we were looking for there, and touched the tree. Water began flowing, but the vision cut out. Time jumped ahead, and we were standing at the castle in Draven. We entered, and time skipped again. We were standing before Erian Rinh. Time skipped again, and...

Nihlen hesitated. He wasn't sure what to say about being killed. Thoughts of betrayal surfaced again, but something told him to hold it back. He didn't like lying to his friends though.

Time skipped forward once again, and the room was in ruins. I'm not sure what happened to Erian. Then there was a scuffle, and the vision ended.

Seems like all the important parts are missing... Still, we know things are going to get pretty heavy in Draven. Karishian said.

The forest before that though, what was there? Marina asked.

I have no idea. Something that can help us though. I said so myself in the vision.

Do you have any idea where it was? She pressed.

No, I can't say for sure. Somewhere I've never been, but that doesn't really narrow things down too much.

Can you remember anything about the forest? Did you see any animals? Or anything else that may hint to what region it was? Pheora asked.

The only thing that seemed abnormal was the tree with the fountain. It was enormous, and looked quite old. Come to think of it, all the trees looked quite old. Many of them were quite large too.

We'll have to do some referencing to figure it out. In the mean time, we need to discuss what happened during the last battle, and where we'll go from here. Urian said.

There was an awkward pause as the subject was finally breached. Aside from Nihlen, everyone else had not been out of touch with reality since the battle. They had already had arguments and formed opinions about what they wanted to do next. Rifts that had never existed amongst the group were being strained.

I will not be sacrificing Marina, so you can put that part to rest. Nihlen said, cutting right through all that tension.

Nihlen- Karishian began, but Nihlen turned to give him a hard stare.

I do not approve of that idea in the least. Marina is a valuable comrade, and no amount of power is worth sacrificing her.

We figured you would say something like that. Pheora said, a tone of fondness in her voice. Karishian only scowled though.

Nihlen, you know you cannot make decisions of this level from a personal standpoint. We need-

We need to remember why we are fighting this battle. Nihlen declared.

Karishian looked like he wanted to strike Nihlen, but he kept his gaze firm. Do not mistake this with thinking I am abandoning our causes. I still plan to deal with everything.

How will you do that, Nihlen? Shaila asked. Just push forward? What if that's not enough?

Then I'll push until it is enough. Nihlen said.

That is a childish answer, and one that we both know is not fit for a king of any kind. Shaila said, her voice stinging with a cold-edge.

Nihlen frowned. He was now beginning to sense the cracks that had formed within the group. His mind whispered thoughts of betrayal again.

Perhaps everyone else should share their views, so I can see where we stand exactly. Nihlen said, struggling to believe this conversation was taking place.

No one wants to sacrifice Marina. Mytika said. However, you know the threat the Garosha pose is significant. It's not just powers, it's an entire civilization. It's not a war between two nations. It is a war between two cultures. Without the King of Askrah, and the powers gained through the lands, they may be successful at a second attempt. I don't think we can rule out any course of action at this point.

Cal looked like he was going to burst, so Nihlen turned his attention to him. Cal, what do you think?

I think this is insanity! Nihlen, I warned you back when we traveled to Leoradan, if you harm Marina in any way I will make you pay. That stands to this day. If you betray her, I will never forgive you...

Cal... Mytika said, but he shook his head, turning away.

Shaila, can you look at Marina and tell her you are willing to sacrifice her? Nihlen asked. He knew it was a low blow, but he wasn't pulling any punches in this fight.

Shaila regarded him, her eyes flashing both rage and sadness. I can only say that in this world, there are times when hard sacrifices must be made.

Marina turned away as if she'd been slapped, and that filled Nihlen with rage.

I can't believe this... How can you all say these things after everything we've been through together?

It is not simple Nihlen. Karishian said. We did not make these rules, we can only cope with them.

Well, let me be clear about how I will be coping with this situation. Nihlen said, standing up. I will search the world for a way to circumvent this problem. If I cannot find one before I return to Draven, then I will destroy Rinh, and reclaim my home. After that I will continue searching for an answer. If the Garosha come, I will battle them with everything I have. If I fall in that attempt, then that is the end of my Path. I will not claim the title of King of Askrah until I can save Marina.

Nihlen-

No, Karishian. This is not up for discussion. If the Path I choose to walk no longer runs with yours, then I will terminate our relationship. The same goes for everyone here. If you cannot accept my resolve, then our time together has come to an end.

Nihlen's ultimatum hung in the air, putting an even greater stress on the cracks forming between them.

Marina, what do you think of all this? Pheora asked.

I... I... Marina stammered, staring at the floor.

No, that doesn't matter. Nihlen said, shaking his head. Even if she had the idea that she wants to sacrifice herself for the good of everyone, this is my decision. I will not allow that to happen.

Another awkward silence broke out as each considered the current situation.

So, what will we do now? Urian asked.

I honestly don't know. I'm not sure how to overcome this. Karishian said.

Karishian, you need to listen to the boy. Urian said, looking over at Nihlen. It is true this group carries a heavy burden. You seem to have forgotten the dreams of another boy though. One who grew up in Elharlia. That boy wanted to unite the land as one, even though the task seemed impossible. Karishian, the burden you carry has made you forget you must also care about those around you. Safety gained through sacrificing a comrade is hollow.

I just don't see how we can lose the power of the King of Askrah. Isn't that a large part of what we've been working toward since the events in Irazul?

Yes, but during that time, we were searching for ideals. We've come to know Nihlen and Marina. They are no longer just parts of our plan. They are members of our team. Do you really think you could let her disappear? I don't believe it Karishian. I don't believe any of you think that. Let's take saving everyone off the table for a minute. Do any of you really think you could go through with our original plan? Urian asked.

Everyone looked uncomfortable as they considered it. After several tense moments, Karishian began shaking his head. Life is full of tough choices. We aren't the first or the last to have to make such a difficult decision.

Then he stalked out of the room, and disappeared from sight.

The others also withdrew without another word. No one was really sure what to say in the face of this situation. Would they be able to make it through this?

Nihlen... Marina began, the only who had stayed behind. I can't stand this! Everyone has always been so close, and now I'm causing an enormous strain on everyone! What do I do!?

It's not you causing it, it's me. Nihlen said. The me that has been groomed to become king understands their side. When leaders take personal feelings into their decisions, other people pay the price. Even knowing that, I can't do it... The me I've come to know through this adventure is too weak to sacrifice something so important to him. Marina, you are too important to me to lose. The results may be disastrous, but I will not become the King of Askrah if it means losing you.

As he looked into Marina's eyes, his stomach began to flutter. This situation was drawing something out of him. He thought back to his days in Draven, before all of this began. When he'd been engaged to Laurel Illenwood to answer for the indiscretions of his grandfather's past. He'd wanted nothing more than to find his own love, and it had been here with him all along.

He couldn't lose Marina because he loved her, no matter how selfish that was.

Those feelings inside him were bubbling to the surface, and Nihlen realized he was going to confess those feelings to her. A lump formed in his throat, and he began searching for the words he wanted.

The truth is Marina, I-

She interrupted his words as she pressed her lips to his. Nihlen's world exploded as feelings he'd never known began to flood through him. When their kiss ended, and he looked into her eyes, he saw the feelings he'd been trying to express reflected in her eyes.

Neither of them said anything, but maybe there was nothing that needed to be said. Marina settled against him, and he held her close. They sat there in silence as their relationship began to evolve into something much greater than it had ever been before.

After some time, Nihlen realized Marina was sleeping, and he smiled fondly at her. He gently lifted her off him, and placed her in the bed he had been resting in. He wondered what would be awaiting them now that they had crossed this threshold. He felt good about it though, and realized it was what he had been feeling all along. Things would work out somehow.

Leaving Marina to rest, Nihlen made his way out of the room. He wandered the halls of the palace of Leoradan, not quite sure what he should be doing. Maybe I should go find Karishian and try to straighten everything out...

Just as he was about to do that though, Galen came into sight. He turned, and came toward Nihlen.

Nihlen, about all this. You will have my support regardless of what you decide to do. Queen Raylia would also like to speak with you when you have the time. I have other things I must attend to at the moment, so I must take my leave.

Thank you Galen, your support means a lot to me. Is she in the throne room? Nihlen asked.

Galen nodded, and moved off to take care of his current work. As the personal aid to the Queen, his life was probably hectic while he helped with the efforts to rebuild. Nihlen changed his course for the throne room, and was soon standing outside the massive double doors that lead within. There were two guards standing outside, and he approached them.

May I see Queen Villemoore? I was told by Galen she wished to see me.

She is currently meeting with someone from the city about the damages. You may wait until then if you would like. One of the guards said.

Thank you. Nihlen said, stepping off to the side of the hallway. He waited patiently as time went by, until the doors finally opened and a man quickly exited.

Thank you Your Majesty, I will see this begins immediately. The man said, bowing to the Queen before he disappeared down the hallway.

Prince Nihlen, it seems Galen delivered my message. Please, come in. Queen Raylia said, leading Nihlen into the room. The guards pulled the door closed, and the two were left in private.

Galen has informed me about what happened while you were unconscious. Things do not seem to be going well for you at the moment Nihlen. Your face is quite strained.

No, since we discovered the truth about the Will of Askrah, my comrades are now divided in two. Karishian is furious with me because I won't sacrifice Marina, but even he is not comfortable with it. I told him I wouldn't do it, and that it wasn't up for discussion. Am I failing everyone Raylia? Nihlen asked, his voice desperate. He needed someone like her to take his side.

There is no right answer Nihlen. People have sacrificed themselves for the good of others and disaster was averted for it. Yet sometimes there is sacrifice, and nothing changes. Asking anyone to relinquish the most important thing to them is never easy, just as it is not easy for that person to do.

"I know, I understand what Karishian is thinking about. The tragedy he's trying to avert is on the global scale. While we fight all these battles