City of Blood

By Coren Graves

"City of Blood" is the exciting second installment of the "Return of Darkness" series, a work of high fantasy fiction set in the world of the Legends RPG.

This story begins precisely where volume 1, "Well of the Elements", left off. After an invigorating meeting with their "new allies" and Damon's unexpected return, the party sets out for New Sevaysien, a port city on the eastern coast. From there, they will set sail across the Endless Sea towards the merciless Blood Isles. The journey will not be without its pitfalls, as the group comes face to face with death several times before setting foot on the Isles. Once there, the real nightmare begins as they fight their way through several isles long since abandoned by civilization. Deep in the jungle, they find the ancient Deeprock Keep. Once the proud stronghold of a mighty Dwarven bloodline, the keep now is home only to sorrow and remains.

As the second installment, 'Blood' takes the quest to the next level. With plenty of actions, twists, and unlikely companions, "City of Blood" will be the book you can't put down and will leave you anxiously awaiting Volume 3.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Coren Graves
• Release date: May 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310025501

Book preview

By Coren Graves

The Return of Darkness Series

Coren Graves

Book One

Well of the Elements

2014

Book Two

City of Blood

2014

Book Three

Edge of Fire

???

The rest to be revealed …

City of Blood ©2014 Coren Graves

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

Thank you for all the support.

May the story go on and on ...

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The New Alliance

Chapter 2: The Unexpected

Chapter 3: The Shadows

Chapter 4: The Meeting

Chapter 5: The Village

Chapter 6: The Magistrate

Chapter 7: The Fog of Night

Chapter 8: The Ocean Air

Chapter 9: The Thief in the Shadows

Chapter 10: The City by the Sea

Chapter 11: The Tail in the Wind

Chapter 12: The Blood Isles

Chapter 13: The Enemy of My Enemy Is ...

Chapter 14: The Man with the Knife

Chapter 15: The Fortress in the Earth

Chapter 16: The Reticent Crypt

Chapter 17: The Arena of Blood

Chapter 18: The Exodus

Chapter 1

The New Alliance

She said they were our allies?! Old Man asked again, unable to rationalize it. There shouldn’t have been anyone other than the Shadow Sanctum who would know about their mission. They had only just discovered it a few days prior. Now, however, here in Barniss, the city that had betrayed them from the start, a hidden companion had emerged who seemed to know of their quest.

I know, I thought it was strange too. Helenia looked to Old Man and James, trying to gauge their reactions.

I don’t trust it. James began. His long black hair hung loose. He gathered up his gear as he spoke. Even if they are on our side, how do they even know about us? How do they know that we know about the Sanctum? It’s all too convenient. He strapped his broad sword and scimitar onto his belt. The vicious magical scimitar had been taken from the warrior who had tried to kill them; the warrior had been sent by the Shadow Sanctum.

I don’t know that I trust it either, but can we afford to turn away help? Old Man looked to James with an expression of sincerity. We don’t have a clue what we’re doing. We’ve got a map. That’s it. We plan to go on an artifact hunt. Then what? What if we do get all the Arcanum relics, what then? We don’t know where the Sanctum is or what they’re doing. We don’t know what they’re capable of. James sat down, taking in Old Man’s words. Just one of their warriors almost killed us all. What do you think would happen if we tried to charge into their temple? We need information; and these strangers . . . He looked to Helenia and back. They might be our best chance at that. Helenia didn’t speak but it was clear she shared the old man’s opinion. James let out a heavy sigh.

What about the scroll? James asked. The one he used to send the urn back to the Shadow Sanctum. Do you think you can track its destination now? Old Man fumbled in his bag for the black and green parchment. Withdrawing it, he unrolled the scroll and held it out to examine it. There had been a thin layer of fine crystal dust that gave the scroll its power. The dust was gone, consumed by the teleportation of the urn. The runes that directed the magic were scorched but still legible. Old Man closed his eyes and drew forth energy from the Astral Plane. He focused the energy on the scroll, using it to supplement the missing crystal dust. He felt a soft pull from the center of the green circle on the parchment. His energy began swirling and twisting, vanishing through the scroll. He allowed his own essence to fracture away, drifting into the vortex. He felt the physical world rushing past him as his awareness was transported between planes. With a nauseating jolt, his conscious arrived at its destination. It was far north on the Physical Plane, deep within the borders of Fueria.

The old man opened his eyes, reeling back his consciousness. The room spun around him and his body felt wavy. The pulsing of his blood felt like thunder pounding through his veins. His limbs bobbed erratically from his disorientation. He felt massive iron vices seize his arms. He was bound and helpless. Fear claimed his heart and he panicked.

Let me go! Let me go! Old Man screamed out in desperation. He heard a deep voice roaring, its words incomprehensible. The ground shook and shuddered beneath his feet. He fell as if the ground had been yanked from under him. The iron clamps holding his arms caught his fall and left him dangling, leaning against whatever cliff remained of the ground. Rising up from the void behind him, he felt something wrap around his waist. It was several tree branches, bending and moving of their own will. They tightened around his waist and pulled, prying him from the cliff side. The iron vices, too, were pulling him away, into the emptiness behind him. Old Man struggled but was powerless against his captors.

As the darkness consumed him, the low rumbling voice clarified.

"Calm down. Be still." The words sounded distant and inhuman, but he was certain of what he heard. Old Man concentrated on his senses. He felt as though he was in two places at once. His mind was splitting. Studying his energy revealed the truth. When he recalled his awareness, something reached out and took hold. His essence was pulling back towards his body but it was snagged within the Shadow Sanctum’s lair.

"That’s good, relax." The voice continued. He was beginning to understand. Old Man focused his mind once more, transferring his full awareness to his energy. Following his energy back, he sensed a very dark, violent being. The entity he found had used some type of magic to grasp his energy. It would be impossible to break the spell in this state so Old Man did the only thing he could. With a burst of power, Old Man split his energy, severing the piece that had been captured.

He opened his eyes and his remaining essence immediately recoiled into his body. James’ hands were locked firmly around Old Man’s wrists holding him up. Helenia was supporting the old man’s waist, pulling up from behind.

I’m fine. I’m fine now. Old Man uttered, panting and out of breath from the ordeal. They carefully released him and he slowly slumped to the floor to rest.

What happened? Helenia crouched and placed a soothing hand on the old man’s back. She looked to James; his concern was clear on his paling face.

Damn it all, give me a moment. His voice was weak and his breathing shallow. He quivered on the floor as if on the edge of death. James touched the back of Old Man’s head and was aghast. His hair was drenched in sweat but his skin was cold as ice.

By the nines! You’re freezing! He grabbed his bag and quickly rifled through its contents. Pointing to the cot in the corner, he directed Helenia. Grab the blankets. She turned to see the two thread-bare woolen blankets the inn had provided. Clutching the ends near her, she pulled them to her and returned to James. He had found the thick winter blanket he sought from his bag. Wrapping the three blankets around Old Man, he tried to warm him.

I’m fine! I told you, just give me a moment. The Old Man struggled to fight back the blankets that were ensnaring him. When his stamina had given up, he surrendered to the insulating embrace of the blankets. For a moment, they all stayed silent. Old Man’s breathing had stabilized mostly. His temperature had also warmed to that of the living.

What happened to you? James was the one to break the silence. His regard for the old man had been bolstered through their recent journey. The trade council of Barniss had sent them on a mission to find an artifact in a nearby temple. While there, Old Man had confessed that he saw James as much more than a servant. The old man had viewed him as a son and was mortified when James nearly perished at the hands of the Shadow Sanctum. Had it not been for his intervention, James would be no more.

I found their temple. Old Man spoke hoarsely through a dry throat. He shrugged off the blankets and adjusted himself, reaching for his bag before taking a seat on the wooden floor. It’s deep inside of Fueria.

That’s nice, what happened to you? James had no concern for the Shadow Sanctum at the moment. He was worried for the old man.

Well… Old Man cleared his throat after taking a long draw from the tankard he had claimed within the temple. They found me too. Terror spread across James’ face.

What do you mean? Helenia tried to understand. How could they find you when you’re here? Do they know where you are? Where we are?

No. Old Man relaxed his thumb, causing the tankard top to close.At least I don’t think so. They had some kind of wards in place, spells that acted like watchmen. I guess my presence set off the alarm. They latched on… Old Man hesitated before continuing. And tried prying my soul out.

"What the hell does that mean?" James nearly shouted. His worry had turned to rage towards the Shadow Sanctum. Helenia looked to him. She tried to speak, to calm him, but she had no words.

Its fine, James. Doing this kind of thing has risks involved. I knew the risks when I did it and I did what I had to. Old Man tried to put an end to the topic but James was far from finished.

How could that happen? They have spells that can rip your soul out? What kind of… James had a sudden realization. Did what you had to? What did you do? His eyes narrowed at Old Man, who let out a heavy sigh. He hadn’t meant to let that slip.

I suppose it can’t be helped; I might as well come clean. Old Man paused, choosing his words delicately. The wards had locked onto my essence. I was in no state to dispel them or counter the magic. I didn’t have any options. He paused again, looking from James to Helenia and back. I severed a piece of my soul. It was the only way to break free. Horror washed over James. Helenia began to sob silently.

You lost part of your soul? James couldn’t fathom the idea. What does that mean? What will happen to you?

Nothing. Old Man replied in a somber tone. At least not now. There isn’t much documentation on the topic.

Not now? Helenia repeated his words. "When will it mean something?" She spoke through her tears. Old Man was clearly as troubled over this as the others.

When I die… If my soul is not intact, I won’t meet Karo in the realm of magic. Instead … Relios will claim me and I will remain in the world of the dead for eternity. James’ gaze lowered to the floor. Again they all sat in silence. Old Man slowly rolled the scroll, trying to make as little noise as possible. Each crack of the parchment resounded through the room, assailing the silence. He began to return the scroll to his bag.

What are you doing with that? James’ sudden eruption caught the others by surprise, nearly causing Old Man to go through another near death experience.

I’m putting it away in case we need it later. Old Man seemed confused by the question.

"Oh no. You’re not touching that thing again. Hand it over!" James held his beefy hand out towards the old man, who reluctantly surrendered the scroll. James tucked it into his own bag.

So what do we do now? Helenia dried her face with the end of her cape. Her eyes and cheeks were red. James looked to Old Man in his feeble state. The broken wizard’s body was wrecked and his soul in tatters, but his will was strong and honest. He had made his opinion clear earlier and now his eyes pleaded with James to trust him.

I guess we hear what Maridith has to say. James gave in with a heavy sigh. Old Man relaxed, exhaling with relief. Gathering his things, James stood. I’m starved. I’m going for food, anyone coming?

I can conjure something. Old Man stirred preparing to use his magic, but James touched his arm to stop him.

No, you rest. We don’t need you exerting yourself.

Oh don’t be a fool. Old Man insisted. It won’t even be a strain.

No. James’ face tightened. His words seemed to demand obedience. I could go for some real food. The fake stuff never really satisfies me. He would use any excuse to stop Old Man from overdoing it.

We should all go. Helenia said, rising to her feet. Better that we stick together just in case. I’m starting to feel cooped up anyways. The two helped Old Man to his feet and moved to the door.

When James opened the door, there stood Damon, who was in the midst of reaching for the doorknob.

Chapter 2

The Unexpected

Damon? The word had barely left James’ lips when Helenia shoved past him, nearly throwing the warrior to the ground. She launched herself into his arms, wrapping her own tightly around his neck.

You came back! I knew you would! Helenia said as she held him. James shook his head to tell Damon that Helenia was not certain of his return. With a widening of his eye as he continued to shake his head, he conveyed that she had been a wreck without him. Damon blushed at finding the depth of her attachment, though he didn’t speak.

Dear, you’re killing the boy. Old Man’s voice came from behind James. Damon wasn’t blushing, he was being asphyxiated.

Oh Gods! Helenia cried out, releasing her snake-like grasp on his throat. He fell to the ground coughing and gasping. Her face reddened again, this time due to embarrassment. James helped him stand and led him into the room.

Nice threads you’ve got there. Old Man said while sipping from his tankard, which never seemed to empty. Damon wore the official battle garb of the Order of the Black Hand. The silver hand emblem seated on the back of his black silken tunic was fastened with a black wrap. Unlike his undercover clothing, the belt featured a harness for his spear in addition to his usual pouches. The small collapsible spear rested securely with its tip pointed down.

Oh, yeah. I’m not on a covert mission so I’m allowed to wear my uniform. His eyes fell to the floor.

So they let you come back for the whole saving the world thing? James said in jest.

Not exactly… His words came out strained and his eyes didn’t leave the floor. Helenia stifled herself as a knot balled up in her throat.

What then? James looked to the others and back to Damon. He prepared himself for the bad news he awaited. They expected him to say he would