Iron Clash

By Billy Wong

Action-packed fantasy adventure with a powerhouse female epic warrior in the spirit of Achilles or Beowulf.

The continuing saga of a warrior whose army-slaying sword belies her kind heart.

With the ultimate weapon in hand, treacherous prince Victor gathers allies from around the world to join him in his bid for Kayland. As civil war looms, Rose races against time to stop his power from growing out of hand and save her country. Foes old and new gather under his banner, forming the fearful coalition of the Tri-Principality. But when Victor using another guise calls forth the last survivors of an ancient civilization, will his deception force Rose and friends to exterminate an entire race?

A full length novel. Seventh in the Iron Flower series. Includes a bonus short story, "King of Heroes."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Billy Wong
• Release date: Feb 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310698583

Billy Wong

Billy Wong is an avid fan of heroic fantasy, with a special love for strong female warriors. He draws inspiration from the epic legends of old, and is on a quest to bring over the top deeds and larger than life heroes back to prominence in today's literary world.Billy lives in Coney Island, Brooklyn and as one can see from the picture, works as a ninja.A Chinese ninja.

Book preview

Iron Clash

by Billy Wong

Smashwords edition

Iron Clash Copyright © 2014 Billy Wong

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission of the Author. Your support of author’s rights is appreciated.

All characters in this compilation are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

If you would like to be notified of my next release, please sign up for my mailing list!

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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

Bonus short story

Credits and author page

Sample of Iron Seeds

Chapter 1

This is fun, Derrick said as he walked with the warrior couple up the steep brown slope. The valley they sought lay beyond it. A gust of wind blew raindrops falling from the gray sky sideways, making him half close his eyes.

Not sure if he was being serious or not, Rose replied, Walking through freezing rain in gale winds is fun? I can't see a thing, and you—you can barely walk! Indeed, the big woman held onto her friend's hand to steady him against the heavy wind.

An old fashioned adventure like this is still a welcome break from the type of stuff we've been going through for the last year or so before this, no?

Rose and her husband Finn had been through rough times. Their battles to save their twin children and avert the dread prophecy involving them had taken an emotional toll, especially since Rose had lost an unborn child after being stabbed through her womb. Their struggles also put much of the responsibility for running their Center for Magical Study on Derrick's shoulders, a hefty burden for any one person. It was a good thing for all of them that some of the junior researchers had progressed enough for them to leave the center in their hands and take a break.

This weather's even worse than you'd expect here, Finn observed with a frown on his wide face. I mean, the Finger is supposed to be cold all year, but this is some storm.

Rose winked. Well, maybe whatever ancient magic is in that ruin is acting up.

The God's Finger was a thin westward-pointing peninsula off the coast of northern Coblan, and a harsh place indeed. Barely any vegetation grew on its hilly terrain, nearly devoid of inhabitants human or otherwise. The trio had been visiting their friend Loreen, and while staying with the one-armed soldier learned of a great ruin in the Valley of Ghosts nestled deep within the mountains. Despite the tough trip and rumor of grave dangers they'd have to brave to get there, they could not resist the allure of new knowledge that might await. So just like old times, they set out on an adventure together once more.

We're almost there, Finn said as they neared the summit, wrapping a tree trunk of an arm around his hulking yet voluptuous wife's not-so-thin waist.

They exchanged warm, contented gazes, and Rose felt a surge of adoration for him. She gave his mat of red hair a playful rub, and he put her in a gentle headlock in response. Finally they reached the top of the hill, and the challenge they saw before them hardly diminished their cheer. That's a nice tall mountain we'll have to climb, said Rose.

Finn smiled. Looks easy enough. The titanic tooth of the earth which stood before them must have been five miles high if not more, and looked about as steep and unforgiving as a sheer cliff face. You brought climbing gear, right?

She shook her head. Not like we need it.

Oh, gods, Derrick groaned, am I even going to be able to breathe up there?

Grinning, Rose took a fuzzy green leaf out of her belt pouch and handed it to the scholar. Here, I brought this just for you. It'll help you adjust to the higher altitude. Eat one and strap yourself to Finn's back.

Why always my back? her giant husband asked with a curious look. You're just as strong.

But you're the one who's always trying to prove his strength to everyone. So you carry him, and you'll get a better feat than me today. Besides, Rose's back pains were likely worse than his, even if she was not far shy of a decade younger. She had taken a lot more damage to her body, and would be dead a hundred times over if not for her unearthly resilience. Even if she was nigh indestructible, her countless scars and constant pain reminded her daily of a lifetime of battle.

Derrick gave a flustered sigh. You guys make me feel so useless sometimes.

You're not useless, Finn said. Who else is going to read Old Script for us?

He laughed. That's a point. Though it wouldn't be if either of you took the time to learn more of it.

We've been busy. Anyway, better get ready to help battle any monsters that attack us while we're climbing. Having you on my back is going to make it a little cumbersome for me to fight.

Derrick looked at Rose and asked softly, We're not going to get attacked by monsters, right? What could live up there?

We probably could, though I'd hate being in the cold for so long. But there's no small likelihood we run into something else living, if not on the mountain then in the ruins themselves. These things never go that easily. Not with her luck, at least.

Heh, I'm not scared, I have you two big brutes to protect me. So let's go and find ourselves some knowledge. Derrick began to tie himself to Finn's back and Rose aided him, making as sure as she could that the scholar wouldn't fall to his doom during their long ascent.

They started climbing barehanded up the mountainside, and got the first sign of trouble when a large amount of brown goo splattered atop Rose's fluffy dark mane. Shit, she hissed.

What happened? Derrick asked, unable to see as he was strapped to Finn's back facing in the opposite direction. This way, he would readily be able to shoot his crossbow or slash his sword at anything that came at them from behind.

Literally shit, Finn said, that fell on Rose's head. Looks like a hefty dump, too—whoever took it can't be too small.

Releasing one of her handholds to brush some of the feces off, Rose heard the sound of flapping wings coming closer. She turned her head to spot what looked to be two scaly, winged great cats flying at the group's backs. Their claws were out, and their mouths opened and closed as if to snap prematurely at them. Of course, she said wearily, who didn't expect this to happen? Drawing her sword Thorn with her free hand, she spun still clinging to the face of the mountain and slashed. Gutted instantly by her massive blade, a creature went plummeting towards the ground with its entrails following close behind.

She glanced at the other monster, which now thrashed in its death throes with a crossbow bolt through its chest, and nodded. Good job, Derrick. That wasn't so bad.

Rose... he muttered with a look up, and following his gaze she saw that half a dozen more creatures swooped down from above towards them. She chanted magic words and with a flick of her wrist threw a fireball into their ranks. It exploded between them, setting the feathers of several aflame. The pack dispersed whimpering in fear, and a couple dropped out of the sky as their wings became too damaged. You're getting good with magic, huh? Derrick said.

Not too good. But better. Finn would still be far superior to her in terms of spellcasting, if only he could use magic without risking his humanity.

Not giving up so easily, the cat-things were coming back around to dive at them from the sides. Rose slashed through one's visage, punched the next aside with her hilt so it went careening into the mountainside. Derrick shot one in the eye, then cried out as another flew up in his face. Rose, Finn, help!

Rose looked to assess her companions' plight. Derrick flailed uselessly with his arms and bow, trying to hold off a monster clawing away. For now, the scholar's chain shirt saved him real harm, but at any moment those talons could reach his throat or face. Not trusting her accuracy with a spell enough to risk saving Derrick that way, Rose thought to draw a dagger and hurl it into the cat's neck. But before she could, Finn turned, bumping his passenger into the mountain, and swung his mace. Its whole left side caved in, the creature pawed at the air while it gurgled its last. The strength soon left its wings, and it tumbled down into oblivion.

Derrick panted for breath, wiping at a shallow cut on his cheek the cat had managed to give. That was pretty scary. Thanks, Finn.

He grunted as he turned back to grip the mountainside again with both hands. Think I might've pulled my arm a bit with that stunt. Wish you were man enough to climb.

I might be if you'd bothered to bring climbing gear.

Rose shrugged. Too late now. Besides, I think this slope might be a little tough for you even with gear. Just hope those cats will be all we have to deal with. Righting her facing like her husband had, she continued on up.

#

They finally reached the peak of the great mountain, and peering down into the canyon on the other side Rose said, Damn, that's going to be a long climb down. Can you believe the size of that fortress?

Don't tell me you're not up to this, Finn joked.

I'm good. Just hoping there are no unfriendly inhabitants left to welcome us inside. The rectangular building within the Valley of Ghosts almost filled it entirely, standing over three hundred feet yet far wider than it was tall. Wonder what kind of gargantuan race might have built that.

Extravagant archmages?

Derrick looked down at the massive structure. They could have, but I doubt even they would have felt the need for a thirty foot door. I'm thinking real giants.

Rose groaned. Finn met her worried eyes and kissed her, relishing the touch of her soft pink lips. Hey, they're probably all dead by now.

Are we ever that lucky?

Not often...

Derrick smiled. If any ancient or undead giants attack, me and Finn will send them on their way to the next world, alright Rose? You just sit back and enjoy the ride. Starting to climb down into the valley, Finn laughed. If anyone would be protecting somebody down there, it would probably be Rose saving her male companions! He saw Rose's smile at the quip and was struck again by how lovely she looked, even with the countless scars on her face... what a wife.

#

Having finally made it to the entrance, Derrick stared at the immense stone double doors which barred the way inside. How the hell are we supposed to get through those?

With a meaningful look up, Rose said, Climb? I see plenty of nice big windows.

Or, Finn suggested cheerily, how about we push? Leaning against the huge slab on the right, he pitted his mighty muscles against its weight. With a loud grinding sound, it began to move, and the portal was soon open the crack needed for a human to enter. See? It wasn't even locked.

Rose punched his arm. Show off. You could've at least asked for my help.

I didn't need it.

As if to prove she could, Rose pushed the door a bit further ajar with a grunt. There. Now you can actually fit your fat ass through.

Though he'd been friends with the couple more than half a decade now, Derrick remained amazed not only at their physical prowess, but emotional resilience also. Through lives of constant hardship, the warriors had retained a bright outlook and optimism for the future. He supposed perhaps that was the strength love gave them, which he'd been denied by the death of his own sweet Julie. Derrick had never felt any attraction towards another woman since the day of that tragic battle, as if his capacity for love had died with her. Too, his attitude towards life in general had grown drearier, and he was aware Rose and Finn's decision to bring him along had partly been motivated by their hopes that carefree adventure would loosen his spirit up again.

So far, though, the only pleasure he had enjoyed was during occasional humorous moments with his friends; he felt hardly as enthusiastic for new experiences and discoveries as he'd once been. Years ago he would have been awed and thrilled by the sight of this giants' fortress, but wasn't now. Looking around the vast front hall with its immense smooth pillars and arched ceiling high above, he felt only disinterest and a sense of resignation at the fact even a civilization that could build such wondrous things need fall and disappear amidst the sands of time.

Still, he found himself asking, You think this place was built by gods?

Rose shrugged. Not the gods I've fought.

Derrick couldn't help a laugh, and clarified, Real gods, Rose!

Who says they weren't real gods? They had religions, didn't they?

Finn hugged her shoulders. Giving her ample cheek a light pinch, he agreed, They were powerful enough to be gods. But not to beat my little Rose.

She grinned. Seriously, I don't know if gods made this. But it doesn't seem like any live here now.

It's real quiet, Derrick said. But I guess we'll find out for sure soon enough.

The group walked deeper into the enormous ruin, Rose and Finn pushing open more great doors together. It seemed indeed this had been a home of giants; they passed by and under chairs nearly twice the height of a man, tables which towered over those, and closets looming like small towers, all notably made of strong stone.

Whoever used these must have been thirty feet tall, Rose concluded, even her voice somewhat meek.

Derrick nodded. Maybe more, even. But where did such a race all go?

No idea. Let's keep looking.

The structure seemed equivalent in complexity and number of rooms to a large castle for humans, and Rose soon began complaining about how many heavy doors they had to push open. Though much furniture and eating utensils remained intact due to their stony composition, any paper or parchment the inhabitants might have used had decayed into dust long ago, taking any clues about the people who had lived here with them. Eventually, they came across what seemed to be a throne in the middle of the ruin—and underneath it, Derrick detected the outline of a floor panel that he suspected might be a trapdoor. Think you guys could move that chair out of the way?

If it's not attached, maybe, Finn said. But he and Rose struggled to budge the immense seat. See any switches that could make this thing move? It seems like it might be stuck to the floor after all.

I don't see any... And it shouldn't have been so hard to spot, if it was made for giants to push.

Finn grunted. Harder this time? he asked Rose.

Fine. The two went back to pushing, and Derrick heard a terrible grinding and screeching noise from beneath the throne as it moved inches from its original position. His friends, who were closer to the source, heard it all the clearer. My ears! Rose cried. Are you sure there's no switch? I don't think this thing is meant to be pushed.

Maybe on top of it? Derrick replied.

Rose climbed onto the seat with quickness belying her armored bulk and began to inspect the armrests. This might be it, I think. She slammed her fist down on something, and the sound of ancient gears rumbling to life under the chair filled the friends' ears. It began to slide forward off the trapdoor. Ha, we got it! Rose beamed. Basement, here we- There was a thunderous crack, and the throne stopped moving. She looked exasperatedly at Derrick, who shrugged.

It was really old, he said.

Rose hopped off the seat and returned to Finn's side to resume their hard work. A few minutes later, enough of the trapdoor could be seen to expose an unfamiliar symbol like a half filled in circle on its center. The least knowledgeable of them with regard to ancient languages, Finn asked, You know what that is?

No, Derrick answered at the same time Rose did. None of them had encountered this image in their past experience with ancient civilizations. If this is a word or letter, it certainly isn't Old Script. The language of ancient humans, which had been used in the golden age of magic.

But it could just be a symbol, Rose pointed out, and not a word. Though I'm not sure what it might represent.

Too many things, Derrick thought. A half-closed eye, a rising sun, balance, good and evil, dividedness, secrecy, half-eaten meat pie... Maybe we'll see when we get down there.

Yeah, but that means we'll have to push the rest of this thing out of the way first.

Well, get to it! You're a big strong girl, this shouldn't be a problem, right?

I do have some little pains. But then again, maybe a workout will help loosen up my old muscles.

By the time the throne was fully off the huge trapdoor, which nonetheless looked like it would be a tight fit for whoever sat on the seat, Rose and Finn stood panting with sweat running down their faces. Though he had barely helped, with his insubstantial strength, Derrick too felt his soaked clothes clinging to his skin while he gasped for breath. Now, how are we going to open the door?

Finn slapped his head and groaned. I don't see how we're going to open this by hand. There's nothing to grab hold of, nor are the gaps big enough to stick anything in.

How would the giants who lived here have opened it? Rose asked.

Maybe gears that you ruined, Derrick suggested glumly. Can we use magic to break it?

I don't know about 'breaking'... but we should be able to open a hole in it. Can you help me? Rose wasn't very skilled with magic, and Finn shouldn't risk helping given the curse that would endanger his humanity if he used magic might still be active.

Derrick joined Rose in warping the surface to create a hole with an earth manipulation spell, the effort of commanding the stone making his extended arms shake before they finished. This revealed a huge staircase into the depths below. So before you had magic, how would you have opened it? he asked.

Bashed a hole, probably, though it would have taken ages. You know, we should be thankful our fortune's been good so far. Would've expected more difficulties by now.

Don't jinx our luck, Finn said while they hopped their way down the stairs, each step a good three-foot drop. Besides, we haven't even gotten underground yet—the main event's likely about to begin.

And to think you nag me sometimes for being too much of a pessimist.

There's a difference between that and being a realist.

She sighed. Fair enough. I can't say I'd be too surprised if we have to fight some fifty foot long monster soon enough.

As they approached the bottom of the staircase, a vast room came into view whose ceiling tapered upwards toward the middle. Derrick spotted a gold rectangular box lying at its center, looking tiny at a distance but at least seven feet long by his estimation. Built thick and squat, it managed to convey a sense of solidity and stability even from far away. Great unlit torches circled the perimeter of the otherwise empty round chamber, and innumerable images covered the walls which Derrick figured could provide insight into the giants' society. For now, though, the golden container seemed to take priority in Rose and Finn's eyes, and Derrick followed them to inspect it.

Already Finn started trying to pry the lid open. Careful, Rose warned, it could be trapped.

Then you do it.

Why?

Because you can take being hit by whatever trap it is. He laughed. Just kidding, I got it. Okay, here we go, it's opening-

He jumped back, and she asked worriedly, What's wrong?

Look inside! It's not too bad, but I'd kind of been hoping it was a giant treasure chest.

Derrick peeked with her, and they saw what had surprised Finn. A desiccated human-sized corpse lay within. A sarcophagus? He would've expected an apparently revered person to rest in a more ornate coffin—even if it was colored like gold, this one didn't sport much decoration. He supposed it wasn't so strange, considering different cultures exhibited widely varying customs. A different matter confused him more. That body sure is small, relative to everything else we've seen here.

Rose nodded. Looks like a human, though a pretty big one. I wonder if he was a warrior?

I doubt his armor's purely ceremonial, Finn replied, considering there's a hole over his heart.

Derrick just now noticed that, and realized the edges of that hole looked to be partially melted. Magical fire ray?

Don't know, but it probably wasn't the first hit he took before going down. Had a nice helm, too. Its skull-faced visor was open, revealing the shriveled face.

Derrick now looked over the rest of its black armor, still sleek after centuries of disuse. He saw as Finn had that it was full of rents and imagined the warrior's last stand covered in wounds, much as Rose had been many times though she'd survived them.

They gave him a beautiful tomb, but didn't even bother closing his eyes, the big woman commented. She reached her hand down towards them.

Maybe you shouldn't, Derrick said. It must have been their people's way, and the way he wanted.

She nodded and pulled back her hand. Derrick noticed her shiver slightly, but did not ask what was wrong. One bad memory or another must have been stirred up by the wide-eyed corpse, and he had no wish to upset her further by making her discuss it. Instead, he began to examine the jewelry the deceased warrior wore. His necklace bore not a gem for the pendant, but a clear glass lens, and Derrick wondered what symbolism might be attached to it.

Rose, who had walked away from the coffin with Finn to inspect the wall paintings, called, Hey Derrick, come take a look at this! He joined them, and indicating one of the astonishingly detailed panels—it must have been hard painting such with giant hands—she continued, Looks like our human friend. In the picture, a tiny trident-wielding figure wearing black armor led much larger allies against a diverse legion of monsters that looked to be drawn from every corner of hell. At the heart of that fiendish host, dominating the entire wall with a glow which seemed to reach even onto other unrelated scenes, was a man-shaped red flame.

He must have been quite the warrior, Finn said, for them to follow him while being so small.

Size isn't everything, you know, Rose pointed out.

You're one to say that, being twice as big as most women your age.

I'm still a lot smaller than you!

More somberly, Derrick wondered, Think they were all wiped out in the end by the monsters?

Rose shook her head. If they were, would these paintings be here?

Probably not, I guess... unless they were drawn during the war and it was lost later. Derrick's eyes wandered across the walls and took in a variety of marvels, including flying castles, underwater buildings, and bridges made apparently of air. One particular scene caught his eye, that of a female figure sitting on a far oversized, familiar throne while a hundred enormous warriors knelt around her, paying her homage. They had a human queen, too.

Rose looked at the image Derrick studied, then back at the battle scene, then the gold coffin. No, not 'too.' Look closely at the scepter in her hand.

It's a trident, Derrick realized. The queen was the warrior, too. So she's the one in the coffin?

I think so. I assumed it to be a man because she's taller than me, and the armor hid her hips, but... And I think I have a good idea of who she is, too.

Who? he asked, though the look on Finn's face told him both his friends had already figured it out.

Kayla—the woman whose name our kingdom bears.

#

So you wish my aid in this foolish endeavor? Prince Wilner asked his visitor, who leaned lazily on his great trident's haft as if on casual terms with the ruler of

Reviews for Iron Clash

[shirley55-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a very good book about gods ,giants,frogmen , and cat flying things and the strident that had a mind.

[sportzmomof5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.If you have read the other books in this series you are already a huge fan of the authors. This book cements your love for the author. He has created another action packed story revolving around Finn and Rose. Rose has become one of my favorite heroines. I loved this book as much, if not more, than the other books in this series.

[sheriawilkinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Iron Clash (Legend of the Iron Flower #7) by Billy WongIn the 7th installment of the iron Flower series Rose and Finn are back. She and friends are on a mission to save their country. They face many enemies and battles are brewing everywhere. The evil Prince Victor is determined to win, but Rose will stop at nothing to save it all.I truly love Rose, she is my favorite heroine. Very powerful, strong willed, and has absolutely no problem "keeping up with the boys". As a matter of fact she is stronger and more powerful than most. A fantastic action filled story. I am a huge fan of Billy Wong and I highly recommend to those who love a great action/thriller, with a strong female lead.

[caroltilson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rose is at her Finest! 5 Stars!"She (Rose) still believed in acting for the greatest good but it was getting harder and harder to bear." Once again, the author does a great job creating a mission for Rose, a great heroine warrior who cheats death constantly. She carries many visible scars, and hides the deeper emotional scars from all but her dutiful and loving husband, Finn. Finn sees only her beauty and dedication to all that is good. It is not only the sword that Rose wields so well here, but her ability to cast spells at lightning speed helping to save her from her enemies blow.This book tells the story of other races, including "frogmen " and giants that are awakened by what they believe to be the voice of their beloved Kalya of 800 years past. The true spirit of Kayla comes to Rose in her dreams, warning her of the dangers ahead, pleading with her to make sure the others know what is true, and what is not. Rose is faced over and over on the ethical solutions to rid the land of Kayla's evil spawn and all those who are brainwashed in believing Kayla herself has called them to destroy what has taken centuries to build.This is my favorite tale of Rose yet. With over 6 books written for Rose, each one is still fresh and exciting. I had high hopes for this book and was not disappointed all!