Ahnak: Edelin's Revelation: The Land of Betrovia, #3

By Dave King

Ahnak, the ancient city of the Dark Lords ...

Great Desert Muads and Haarigoian plainsmen have long savaged Betrovian forests, being controlled from that gray stone fortress. Now, General Demirain of Lycentia intends to make Ahnak his platform for imperial incursions into the Plains of Dreut and the Great Desert.

Patrik and his daughter Galena survived the brutal late-night attack in Lycentia but the priest Teophelus was not so fortunate. He implores Patrik to deliver Harrak's scrolls to the Netherene High Priest.

Galena, enraged about losing Teophelus, knows she cannot bring him back but wishes there was something she could do to prevent her father from suffering a similar fate. How might a trip back to Noran solve her problem?

Edelin approaches the Dark Lords' former bastion. Fates still smiles on him, the stolen priestly medallion assures him. As Edelin nears Ahnak’s gates, tainted with deception, intrigue and thievery, he anticipates a profitable future if, once more, people fall for his false charms. It worked with that old fool Patrik, back when he kept The Lonely Fox Inn.

Ahnak: Edelin's Revelation – book three of The Land of Betrovia trilogy
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dave King
• Release date: May 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781482505290

Book preview

Chapter One

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Teophelus was dead. The neophyte Netherene priest who proposed marriage to Galena less than an hour before passing from this world into the next was gone. The Lycentian authorities in charge of the investigation into his death concluded that the head wound was the result of being violently knocked to the street by a runaway horse.

No, that's not possible! Galena retorted. Falling to the street could not have caused it! The street was covered with snow ... even though it was not fresh snow. But there was definitely enough to keep his head from hitting the cobblestone surface! Father! You have to agree with me! Say something!

Patrik was the first to greet the Lycentian constable and the bleary-eyed physician when they arrived that cold and cloudy day. He was the one who had to explain to them what happened to Teophelus. And he was also the one to then explain to his younger daughter their judicious assessment. As he tried to communicate his concern to Galena, he couldn't keep from shaking his head in disbelief.

Galena dearest, while you were upstairs in your room, I did my best to tell that doctor that the jagged gash on the back of Teophelus' head could not be the result of coming into contact with the street ... snow-covered or otherwise, he said. No matter how I explained it, they simply did not want to believe the obvious.

But Father! They must believe you! They have to believe us! The person on that horse ... he wanted to kill Teophelus! He smacked him on ... on the back of the head! It was obvious! Before I was pushed backwards onto the street, I am certain I saw something in that evil man's hand! Galena appeared to struggle to keep her composure, even though more tears would have been perfectly acceptable.

Sweet daughter, we must remember what the constable kept saying, Patrik replied, You are the only witness to the accident. And ... and you are only a –

A girl? Did he say that I am only a girl? Is that what he said, Father? The former innkeeper wanted to look into her dark, brown eyes to show that he was sympathetic but could not bring himself to do it.

Galena, you do know that I believe you. I have no reason to not believe you, he said quietly. Even without that nasty wound pointing to something more insidious than falling backwards onto a snowy –

And ... and ... this is just like when Uncle Franck died, isn't it? Galena interrupted.Didn't they say that he died in his sleep? Didn't they wrongly conclude that his death was simply the result of poor eating habits and ... and lack of exercise? Patrik held out his arms in an attempt to console his strawberry-blond younger daughter. But instead of taking comfort in her father's embrace, she turned away from him and cradled her face in her hands.

Maybe ... maybe if we were not new to Lycentia, Patrik said carefully, wanting each word to relate some sort of timely wisdom. Maybe if we had some ... reputation here ... some authority ... if they could only trust our judgment as being upstanding members of Lycentian society, then maybe those investigating both Franck's and Teophelus' death would –

What are you implying?! she blurted out, turning back around and pointing a finger at him. Are you not the father of the queen of Betrovia? And am I not her only sister? What more authority do they need? Does anyone need?! At this point, she ran up to Patrik and threw her arms around his waist and squeezed tightly.

Oh, Father, none of this ... Uncle Franck's sudden death ... Teophelus being murdered ... none of this would have happened if you would have allowed us to move into the palace! She whimpered as she looked up with tear-drenched eyes into the man's white-bearded face. Don't you now understand ... because of what happened to Teophelus ... that we simply must get out of this part of the city? That we need to move into some place safe? Like into the palace with Tamara? Patrik smiled and caressed Galena's long hair with his right hand.

My emotional, wonderful, thoughtful Galena, he whispered into her ear. Can't you see that nothing will change if we go to the palace? That whoever killed Teophelus did so to keep me from delivering the scrolls to the high priest? Agreeing to take up residence in the palace would not only endanger my mission but would also put Tamara as well as the king at greater risk. Galena drew in a deep breath as she continued to stare at her father's face.

Those scrolls, she whispered. For nearly a year it has constantly been about the scrolls. Harrak's scrolls are going to get you killed, Father. And then what? What about me? What do you suppose will happen to me?

Nothing but the best that the Creator has ordained will ever happen to you, Galena, Patrik replied as he gently cupped her chin in the palm of his right hand. You can trust me about that.

I want to believe you ... but ... but I can't, Galena replied as she stepped back from Patrik. I want ... I want to be able to protect us ... to protect myself. That is what I want! But I do not know how! She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath.

You know how to fight, Father! she suddenly exclaimed. Yes! Of course you do! You and Uncle Pieter! You were both great warriors! Teach me, Father! Teach me how to defend myself! Teach me how to fight! Patrik shook his head and then cleared his throat.

Young lady, what has gotten into you? Your uncle and I? Warriors? Whatever gave you that idea?

All those stories, Galena replied spontaneously. Those hunting stories that both of you would tell Tamara and I over and over again. How you were so proud of the wild and ferocious beasts that you killed with your bows and arrows ... that even as teenagers you had earned the reputations as the best hunters in all of Noran! Patrik scratched his chin and and then managed to pull in a resuscitating breath.

Being proficient hunters does not qualify either your uncle or I as warriors, Galena, the former innkeeper replied. Our prey were merely deer, fox, raccoon and – when the Creator presented the opportunity – a bear. But we never hunted the most-difficult prey of all.

That's not true and you know it! she retorted. Uncle Pieter was a member of the Noran militia! He was a warrior trained to protect and defend the people of Noran!

Yes, of course that goes without saying, Patrik said softly as his eyes focused on a speck of lint on the floor. And if he were here today, I am certain that your uncle would say the same thing that I am saying now: it's simply a man's job to protect his family.

But what if the man is too much of a coward to do so? Galena asked with her hands planted firmly on her hips.

What? A coward? The only reason I choose to not be offended by that remark is that you are obviously too-controlled by your emotions at the moment to think and behave rationally, Patrik replied.

I am talking ... quietly and slowly ... thinking about each word before allowing them to leave my mouth. I am in complete control of my emotions as well as my words, Galena said with a much-slower rate. Father, if you are choosing to not teach me how to fight ... then ... then I most-certainly am determined to find someone who will! Patrik sighed as he watched Galena scamper up the stairs and then cringed at the sound of the door to her room slamming shut.

It was nearly noon the next day when Patrik mustered enough courage bring up the topic of about what should be done with Teophelus' body. He stressed it would be best to take him back to Noran instead of laying him to rest in the capital city. Galena sat through his entire argument without uttering a solitary word. And Patrik was pleasantly surprised to find her in a more-mature state of mind. She replied that the young priest had no family to speak of except for an uncle who had worked sporadically in the iron ore mine north of Noran. So it was agreed that once they made it back to the village where he and Dalneia, Galena's mother, had grown up, they would attempt to locate this estranged uncle.

Even though it seemed that another dose of wintry weather was imminent, the two-day trip from Lycentia to Noran was not hindered by anything that could have fallen out of the sky. When they were only a few hours away from their destination, the wagon rolled past a grayish and seemingly deserted two-story structure tucked not far off the highway amongst a cluster of weary oaks and gnarled cedars. This was their former home and place of business, none other than The Lonely Fox Inn.

Father, shouldn't we stop and see if everything is alright? I mean ... maybe some drifters have taken up residence inside? Galena asked as she pointed at the roadside hotel.

It looks to be vacant to me, Patrik replied as he waved away her request. But if for some reason someone has taken the liberty to break into the inn and is now attempting to live there, I can only hope that they will respect it and not inflict too much damage upon it. He then glanced for a moment at the place where both of his daughters were born. The look on Galena's face as her father encouraged the horses to pick up their pace communicated that she was not pleased that the horses were not going to stop. We really do need to get to Noran as soon as possible, he insisted.

Once in the mining village, the first place Patrik thought to ask about the young priest's uncle fortuitously happened to be the best place to ask. And within an hour of pulling the wagon into Noran, Teophelus and his distant uncle were reunited one final time. Even though the elderly gentleman said that he was sad to learn of his nephew's untimely death, Patrik was surprised that the man could not muster a single tear of grief. When their discussion finally focused on an appropriate place to bury the body, the old miner commented that the small cemetery located on the grounds of the Netherene temple might suffice.

It was a little past noon when the Noran Netherene priests agreed to perform what they said was the traditional ceremony for a fellow man of faith. Galena, however, had hoped for something a bit more elaborate than a few cold, religious words spoken over a cedar casket before it was to be covered with black, moist dirt. But Patrik, not wanting to keep the Noran priests from diverging from their routine, convinced her to allow them to proceed. But after Teophelus' peers had taken their turns throwing a handful of the fecund soil into the thin, dark hole, Galena suddenly ran forward and added to the mix a small bouquet of evergreens tied together with a thin piece of red ribbon that she had extracted from her hair. The elder priest glared at the strawberry-blond woman but then quickly looked away as her blue-green eyes met his.

As Patrik peered with a respectful melancholic expression into the dark hole where Teophelus' body had been placed, he was suddenly challenged to look up. He then gasped as his eyes met those of someone he had never expected to see again.

Chapter Two

Markus! the former innkeeper exclaimed. How could ... I ... I am surprised to see you here. The man standing in front of him was Patrik's brother-in-law, the sole sibling of his dead wife Dalneia.

Surprised? Really? Excuse me while I find that to be quite ironic, the man replied. The last time Patrik and Markus had talked was a hot and sunny day the previous summer in Lycentia. It was the day Patrik's elder daughter Tamara and Captain Ilead Tetrokeu of the Lycentian militia promised to love, honor and obey until death due them part.

Uncle Markus! It is so nice to see you again! But how did you know we would be here? Galena asked. Patrik quickly looked over at his younger daughter and then scratched his head. It was the first time since they had returned to Noran that Galena had taken the initiative to strike up a conversation with anyone.

I was in Commander Leitser's office this morning when a Netherene burst in to say that a priest who had recently died in Lycentia was about to be buried here today. When I found out that the deceased was this Teophelus fellow, I surmised that I might find you here as well.

He did not just die, Galena blurted out. He was murdered. Markus' eyebrows perked up.

Murdered, you say? And what makes you conclude that his death was the result of such a malicious, premeditated act? Markus asked.

Why, I ... I was right there with him ... right there next to him when the assailant rode directly up to us and ... and smacked Teophelus over the head! Galena replied.

What happened to you then? Markus asked as he put his hands behind his back and glared at his former brother-in-law.

I too fell backwards onto the icy street. Thankfully I was basically unhurt! But not Teophelus! He suffered a tremendous blow to the head! And he died from that head-wound later that night! Galena's slightly-freckled face had turned red and her eyes seemed to be full of anger.

Galena, now is not the time to go into all of that, Patrik said as he put his left arm around her shoulders. Markus has taken time out of his busy schedule today to pay his respects to Teophelus, and he certainly has things to do besides listen to us talk about –

Galena, your father is correct, Markus interrupted as he stepped closer to his niece. However, the death of this young priest certainly does interest me. Things need to be done, and even though there is no one to take care of them besides me, I can still offer a few minutes to learn more about the details surrounding this young man's death. He glared again at Patrik. Innkeeper, your daughter is just as feisty and full of energy as I remember her to be.

Markus, I still cannot understand why you came to the cemetery, Patrik said in an attempt to coerce the conversation back to its original path. Because of what you said to me at Tamara's wedding, I was under the impression that ... that ... you never wanted to see me ... to have anything to do with me ever again, Patrik replied.

A favor, the stocky, fully-uniformed and clean-shaved Noran militiaman announced as he stole a quick glance at Galena and then stared back with furrowed brow at the former innkeeper.

A favor? You agreed to talk to Father because of a favor? Galena asked as she stepped in between the two men who were both more than a foot taller than her. A favor for who?

It was a request by Leuran, Markus said as he put his right hand on Galena's shoulder. Don't be alarmed, young lady, your father knows who I am talking about. He stressed that he was an old friend of yours, he then added as he looked again at Patrik. He asked that, if need be, I might even go to Lycentia to find you.

Leuran! Of course I know who you are talking about! Patrik exclaimed. And how is that old scalawag?

Sorry, but I have neither the time ... nor the stomach ... for any casual small-talk with you, innkeeper, Markus replied softly but sternly. So please be quiet and try to pay attention. Markus glared again at the former innkeeper, looked down at the ground and then kicked a stone that sacrilegiously ricocheted off a nearby crumbling headstone. Forgive me for not telling you until now my main reason for being here. The Lonely Fox Inn ... it ... it has been sold.

Sold? The inn? Our inn? It has been sold? But ... but how?! Galena exclaimed as she threw her hands up in the air and then scowled at Patrik. See, Father? I knew something about the inn didn't look right! We should have stopped to investigate! I just knew –

Leuran posted a leaflet in the market a few days after you left advertising that it was for sale, Markus smiled at Galena as he interrupted her. And not many days later, a buyer came forward. I saw Leuran in the market about the same time and it was there where he explained the entire situation to me. He clarified that you wanted to have nothing more to do with The Lonely Fox Inn.

But ... but the promise, Patrik whispered as he turned to face his younger daughter. Yes, now I remember. Tis true that I told that old tinker that Othleis had laid on my heart to turn the inn over to him. But I surely do not remember telling Leuran to ever put it up for sale! He gently set his right hand on Galena's left shoulder and continued. I made a promise to my Uncle Graedien ... a promise in which the inn would always remain with us ... that it would always be ... be a part of the Vellein family. Galena angrily spun around, turning her back to her father. Patrik shook his head and then placed both hands on his daughter's shoulders. It was supposed ... it was my strongest intention that it stay in the family. Dearest Galena, I never thought –

Innkeeper, I have no interest in any promises you made to that sentimental old scavenger, Markus interrupted again. And my time this evening is already gone. But there is still one more thing I must communicate: Leuran entrusted me with the proceeds of the sale. Now, if you would like that money, would you kindly accompany me back to my house?

Who is the new owner? Galena blurted out as Markus opened the rusty cemetery gate. And how much did he pay for it?

My word, young lady! You definitely have not lost any of that penchant for boldness, Markus replied after following Patrik and Galena out of the cemetery. Fifty gold coins, Markus then said with little emotion as he walked quickly past them. I am sorry, but I do not know who purchased the inn, he said, turning around momentarily to glance at his niece. If you want to find out anything else, maybe you should –

Upstairs! In the attic, Father! There are still so many things! Mother's things! Father! We simply must go – Galena exclaimed as she suddenly stopped and latched onto Patrik's sheepskin overcoat.

Like I have already disclosed, Markus interrupted as he reached out and pulled Galena away from her father. I am very short on time. If you two would quickly – and quietly – follow me, I will gladly turn over to you the coins. My house is only a few blocks this way. As they walked there, Galena continued to pelt her uncle with questions, but the militiaman methodically shook his head and replied to none of them.

Here, Markus announced once they were inside. The house was a simple one-story structure and, because of the shiny nails that reflected the late-afternoon sun, Patrik noted that it had to be fairly new. As he handed Patrik a cedar wood box about the size of a small loaf of bread, Markus then said: Fifty gold coins. Count them if you like. I will not be offended. I assure you they are all in there. The former innkeeper nodded his head then handed the box to Galena. She stared at it momentarily then, as she grasped it tightly with both hands, looked up at the burly militiaman.

But why, Uncle Markus, did Leuran entrust you to find us? To deliver the gold to us? Didn't he know that you were still angry with Father? Patrik quickly glared at her. I mean ... does he not know that you hold Father accountable for Mother's death?

Galena! Patrik scolded. Now is definitely not a good time to bring up that topic. He then adroitly put his right hand over his daughter's mouth as she appeared to want to say something else. Now, about Leuran, he said as he looked back at Markus. I gave up years ago trying to figure out how that –

It would behoove you to not underestimate him, innkeeper. Leuran is a fine man ... a hard-working man, Markus interrupted. He has generous in his financial support of the Noran militia. Unlike someone else I know, he then added, glaring at his former brother-in-law. That is why I agreed to help him. Now if you would allow me, I must return to the commander's office. There really is so much that must be done. Forgive me for not being a very gracious host.

No apologies necessary, Markus, I understand completely, Patrik replied. And ... and thank you for agreeing to help with the details of the selling of our home. Patrik stuck out his right hand. Markus glared at it as if it was a piece of brittle ox-jerky. Patrik quickly pulled it back and in its place offered a sheepish grin.

There is one more thing I would like to say, Markus announced. Whatever remains in the inn that belonged to my sister, I would like to have, he asked as he escorted Patrik and Galena to front door. That is ... as long as you do not care to part with it.

Dalneia's things? Now what exactly might you have an interest in? Patrik asked.

I could not help but overhear what Galena said, Markus replied. Anything of my departed sister that you have no interest in ... anything at all. And please do not just throw them out onto a burn pile. I would like to have them. Even if they are clothes ... I would like to have all of them.

Allow me some time to think about this, Patrik replied. I now face some decisions that I should have made long before locking up the place.

Take as much time as you need, innkeeper, Markus replied as he pulled the door behind him. And if you would like, I will go to the inn myself and talk with the new owner about when it would be appropriate to collect Dalneia's things.

What a wonderful idea! Galena suddenly chimed in. Uncle Markus, could I go to the inn with you? she then asked as she latched onto Markus' left arm. Father! Would this not be a perfect thing for me to be involved in? To accompany Uncle Markus as he talks with the inn's new owners? And while we are there, we can clear away all of Mother's things!

What exactly do you want me to help you do? Markus asked as he gently pulled his niece's right hand off his forearm.

This is such a very perfect plan, Father! Galena said as she put her arms around Patrik's waist. And yet it is so very simple, Uncle Markus! she added as she peered with glee at her mother's brother. Then after we have put all of Mother's things into a much-better place, you can then teach me how to defend myself!

Teach you to ... to do what? the militiaman stammered.

I want ... no, that is ... that is not correct, Galena replied slowly but deliberately. I need to learn to fight! I was nearly killed but a few days ago! If only I had known how to defend myself ... if only I had known what to do, Uncle Markus, Teophelus ... he ... he might still be alive!

Innkeeper, what exactly have you allowed your daughter to involve herself with? This priest, the one that was buried today, what was he doing that would entice someone to kill him? Patrik scowled at Galena who was now standing at the right side of her uncle, putting the militiaman between herself and her father.

As you already must know, Markus, we relocated to Lycentia last month in order for me to deliver the scrolls that I found in that cave – Harrak's scrolls to be specific – to Oliver III, the Netherene high priest. At first it was planned that I would go directly to the temple and turn the scrolls over to him. But Teophelus convinced me that it would be wiser for me to learn what was in those scrolls before I simply turn them over to the Netherenes.

And Teophelus was nearly finished with helping translate them before ... before he was murdered! Galena offered. Markus turned toward the girl who continued to look up at him. He then offered a polite but insincere smile.

But I still have not been informed of the connection between you and this priest, he whispered.

If you must know ... Teophelus was my fiancée', Galena replied as she glared back at her father. We were to be married! Very soon! Right after Father was to give the scrolls to the high priest!

Quite intriguing, Markus quipped as he grinned at Patrik. Tell me, innkeeper, were you aware of this relationship? Patrik looked at the ground.

For the last few years, Teophelus was a regular visitor to The Lonely Fox Inn. I believe Galena understood quite well what his intentions were. Patrik replied, And I made it a point to let both of them know that I was supportive of it.

Now isn't this simply amazing, Father? It's the first time you have said anything about my and Teophelus' relationship! Galena exclaimed as she stepped closer to her father.

Dear one, you know that is not true, Patrik said. Even before the Creator allowed me to discover the scrolls, I encouraged the both of you to strengthen your friendship. Markus nodded his head and again put his hands behind his back.

Patrik, it is fairly obvious – even to a confirmed bachelor as myself – that Galena's interest in that young priest was centered on more than just friendship, he offered.

And it most-certainly was, Uncle Markus! Galena interrupted as she tugged on his right arm. Now can we please return to what I asked you a moment ago? Will you or will you not teach me how to fight?

Galena, have you heard a thing your uncle has –

If your father would allow it, I would be honored to train you in the defensive arts, young lady! Markus interrupted to declare.

What? Patrik exclaimed. But ... but she ... Galena ... she is only –

Must you continue to be so irritatingly predictable, Father? Galena interrupted. My being a girl should have nothing to do with wanting ... needing ... to know how to defend myself! Look here! Even Uncle Markus knows what I am talking about!

Have you any idea what you are getting yourself into? Patrik asked as he glared at the militiaman.

Innkeeper, even though it goes against my better judgment, training my niece is the least I can do, the militiaman replied. That is, unless you have already decided to take the initiative instead? Patrik shook his head.

But how will this be accomplished? he then asked. You have your duties ... your responsibilities to the Noran militia?

I also have been granted certain privileges that I can choose to exercise when I see fit, Markus replied as he playfully mussed Galena's hair. And it would be an honor to assist my youngest niece to become the newest female member of the Noran militia!

The militia?! Galena coughed. But ... but that is not how –

The only way Leitser could justify your training is if you joined the militia, Markus interrupted.

Then, of course, there is no possible way that she could agree to submit to your tutelage. Is that not correct, Galena? Patrik asked as he abruptly put his hands on his daughter's shoulders and pulled her closer to him. Of course you have no desire to become part of the Noran militia?

But of course you are totally incorrect, Father! Galena exclaimed sarcastically. The more I think about this ... the more the idea makes perfect sense to me! Members of the militia ... they are paid for their service, are they not, Uncle Markus?

Yes, those who protect the people of Noran by serving in the militia are sufficiently remunerated for their efforts, Markus replied.

Perfect! Galena exclaimed. So when do we start?

My my! Such boisterousness! How does first thing in the morning sound? Markus replied. Patrik shook his head and moved within a few feet of the militiaman.

Now I must protest – Patrik started to say.

Father, I have made up my mind about this, Galena interrupted. Why would I want to wait any longer? Tomorrow would be a perfect time to begin my training, Uncle Markus. She then glanced at her father who did nothing but sigh deeply and scratch his hoary chin.

Then that settles it, Commander Lietser's lieutenant proclaimed. I look forward to seeing you at the commander's office at sunrise, young lady! And with that, Markus trotted down the street, turning around briefly to wave back at his newest recruit.

As Patrik and the soon-to-be newest member of the Noran militia walked back to their wagon, Patrik thought about visiting his friend Leuran and even broached the topic with his younger daughter.

I have no desire to go to Leuran's house, Galena said. You could go over there after dropping me off at the commander office first thing in the morning, could you not?

I am sure he would be excited to offer us dinner and maybe even a room for the night? Patrik asked.

No, she quickly responded.