The Leviathan Master: Swords of Men and Angels, #3

By Arturo Miriello

Alliances and friendships are strained as Ernum's evil influences appear in unexpected places. His might is further revealed as he unleashes another unforeseen advantage.
Dunen continues his efforts to overcome the enemy but with wavering support.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arturo Miriello
• Release date: Aug 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9781492286813

Book preview

Swords of Men and Angels

The Awakened City

Roads of Strife

The Leviathan Master

Beauty and the Blade

Prequel in the near future

Dedicated to my father

and poet

Rosario.

And in loving memory

of my mother

Yolanda.

Never forgotten.

teranda.jpg

Region of Elnoren

sousenden.jpg

Region of Sousenden

sandinor.jpg

Region of Southern Elnoren

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 THE WINGED ASSAILANT

Chapter 2 TRAILS IN THE BALANCE

Chapter 3 THE HAND OF GOD

Chapter 4 PARTING FRIENDS

Chapter 5 TERANDA'S DELIVERANCE

Chapter 6 TIDES OF WAR

Chapter 7 SANDINOR'S DEFENCE

Chapter 8 DERNAK'S CAGE

Chapter 9 THE QUEEN’S CHOICE

Chapter 1

THE WINGED ASSAILANT

Guided by Esel, the small band of riders, Dunen, Tharan, Geerob, Tunob and Dorrut, rode along the narrow passage atop the Torit Mountains. All were grim faced from the recent events. Targots from Dernak had discovered Zuruk's hideaway and almost penetrated into the secret caverns with a small army of soldiers.

Dunen felt very troubled by what Ernum had unleashed against his enemies. One large part of his army under the leadership of Duridon, presently besieged Teranda. Another division would soon cross into Elnoren by means of a tunnel through the Magdin Mountains, on its way to attack the seaport city of Sandinor.

All looked bleak as the welfare of all Elnoren hinged on the time it would take Dunen and his friends to reach Teranda and free it from Duridon's siege. Moreover, even if they were able to succeed, Dunen feared Sandinor would fall before they could come to its aid.

Dunen prayed frequently to God for guidance, not knowing how they could overcome Ernum's devious plans.

Above all, the safety of his wife, children and his mother constantly came to his mind and greatly feared for their safety.

Forcing himself to change his thoughts, he wondered how Zuruk would safely escape his mountain dwelling. How could he avoid meeting Ernum's soldiers and the deadly Targots? He also worried for the lives of his dear friends Bilob, Danar and Loyan.

After riding for an hour along the mountain, they passed through a crevice and exited into the western side of the Torit Mountains. The Ardra valley lay before them and the mountains by the same name.

To the north, they could see the high mountain chain of Magdin. To the west and at the foot of these mountains lay the city of Dernak, barely visible.

The companions hatefully stared in its direction as they contemplated the menace it had unleashed.

Esel gave a quick check, verifying that all was well with the riders, and then moved on down the steep mountain path.

The path swerved down the mountain with occasional stretches that levelled off. The going was slow and difficult for the horses, their hooves sliding often on loose rock and ground.

As they came midway down the mountain and drawing closer to the forest line, Geerob's horse, which rode last, began to neigh and toss its head nervously. Geerob tried to calm it, not knowing what troubled the beast. As the riders looked back wondering what was wrong, their own horses became agitated.

What is wrong? cried out Dunen to Esel.

I do not know, answered Esel with a perplexed look.

Gradually, the horses became even more frantic, stamping their feet and some wishing to run but hindered by the narrow path or the other horses that blocked their way.

The riders found it hard to control their frenzied horses while they looked around the hillside for what troubled them.

What is going on with these beasts? shouted Tharan over the cries of the horses.

At that moment, a loud shriek filled the air and echoed around them. The horses bolted wildly, some raising themselves on their hind legs and kicking the air at an unseen enemy.

Esel, Tharan and Dunen were pitched off their horses in the upheaval. Without their masters, the horses sped off down the path.

The shriek came again from above them and louder. They all looked up towards the mountain peaks and to their horror, saw an enormous black bird flying towards them. Instantly they all recognized what it was, a Pelok, one of the great birds and largest in God's creation.

All were surprised to see it in the land, since they rarely came east from the great plains where they enjoyed abundant food and safety from man's hunting.

As it quickly drew closer with its wings spread out, the horses tried to escape the terrifying creature. Tunob's horse, scared and out of control, slammed its body against the rocky banks of the path crushing his leg in between. With great pain, he forced the horse away from the wall.

Leave your horses! Let them go! cried out Dunen to the villagers.

Quickly Geerob and Tunob jumped off their horses and averted the horse’s rampant stamping. The horses immediately raced off, leaving their riders behind.

Dorrut, unwilling to lose the horses, decided to stay on his and let it run free as it followed the others.

As his companions’ watched Dorrut race away down the path with his terrified horse, the bird shrieked again snatching their attention back to the coming menace.

As it slowed its descent and hovered far above them, they all saw to their even greater amazement that it had a rider.

The rider was dressed in black and sat on a saddle on the lower end of the beast's neck. He wore a small dark breastplate and a helmet. He controlled the bird with reins, tied to its beak. His calm posture as he rode the great beast made it seem no harder than riding a horse.

After hovering for a moment, the rider urged his beast to strike. As it drew closer, its great flapping wings blew down gusts of wind that made dust and rocks fly all around the company.

Geerob, your bow, shouted Dunen, realizing that the creature could easily kill them with its powerful beak if it got close enough.

Geerob immediately reached for an arrow, fit it to his bow and let loose. The arrow pierced the bird in its wing and remained there. Seeing no affect, he fitted another and aimed for the body. As the arrow struck the bird, it simply bounced off.

Surprised for a moment, Geerob looked for a more vulnerable part of the beast and then thought of the rider. Letting loose another, the arrow struck the exposed leg of the rider. The rider flinched and then pulled on the birds reins. Immediately it obeyed its master’s command and veered off its course.

As the bird gained speed and distance, Geerob sent forth another arrow but missed. Before he could send another, its powerful wings quickly moved the great bird and its rider out of reach.

They all watched it go, stunned and shocked by the new wonder. As it climbed higher, it took its course towards Dernak and slowly dwindled in the distance. The men looked at each other with utter amazement.

He has mastered the Pelok! exclaimed Tunob.

Ernum commands the great beasts like dogs, Dunen said with awe as he and his friends brushed away the dirt from their clothes.

I heard the rumors, but I did not believe them, said Tharan.

What did you hear? Dunen asked his brother.

While I was in the dungeons of Dernak, other prisoners spoke of the great beasts, and that Ernum had captured some for his purposes, Tharan answered.

This is true. We have heard the same, but could not be certain, added Esel.

How can we fight Ernum if he sends these beasts upon us? wondered Tunob with fear.

They have their weaknesses, like all animals, Tharan answered.

True, but it is one more advantage that Ernum has against us, Dunen made them consider.

Are you well, Tunob? asked Geerob as he saw Tunob limp on his leg.

My leg was bruised, but not broken, he answered as he massaged his right leg.

Let us now hope Dorrut was able to get our horses or else -, Dunen ended his sentence not willing to imagine the terrible consequences if they could not continue their mission or even lose too much time.

They quickly ran down the path towards the forest.

Geerob put his bow on his back and helped Tunob limp along the steep path.

After a short run, the company entered the sparse outer edge of the forest. Geerob traced the tracks left by the fleeing horses and the company trudged on into the thickening forest.

After examining the tracks, Geerob informed them that the horses remained together in their flight. The others were glad to hear this knowing that it would have been a great waste of precious time to go searching for the horses if they fled in different directions.

After following the horse tracks for a while, they began to wonder how far the horses had traveled and what had happened to Dorrut.

Not long after, the neighing of a horse in the woods ahead of them caught their attention. With hope, they began to walk faster.

Amidst the trees in the distance, they spotted Dorrut on his horse leading the other horses towards them. All were glad to see him and to regain their steeds.

Dorrut! Blessed be God, you have saved us a long walk, shouted Dunen happily.

I also was not willing to walk all the way, my lord, he agreed.

Your decision may have saved many lives, Tharan added and Dorrut was glad that he had helped.

They quickly went to their horses, welcoming them joyfully with gentle patting and strokes.

What has happened to the flying beast and the rider? Dorrut asked with concern.

You saw the rider? Dunen asked.

Yes.

Geerob gave him a welcome he did not appreciate, Tunob told him with a satisfied grin.

They flew away. Back to its master, Dunen answered.

He is mighty this Ernum, Dorrut asserted grimly.

He has surprised us many times and I fear it’s not the last, Dunen said gravely as he mounted his horse.

He now knows where we are, Tunob made them consider.

Then, we must be careful and move quickly, Dunen suggested.

Let us be of good courage. Our God is the maker of all. He has given us the dominion over these beasts, and He will certainly help us overcome Ernum as well, Tharan said confidently.

Indeed, we shall, added Geerob with assurance.

And by which way do we go now? asked Esel with some pessimism.

I am not sure. To circle Dernak will take a day and a half more than we can afford, Dunen replied.

And the pass of Dernak is well guarded, Esel informed him.

Dunen nodded to the unpleasant fact.

Then which will it be? asked Dorrut.

If you circle the city, it will be safer for us, but many will suffer for it. To cross the pass, our faith will be tried, but many will be saved, Tharan said.

How will our faith be tried? Dunen asked his brother, wondering at the strange prediction.

I cannot be sure how I know this but it is what I sense will happen. The decision is still yours to make brother, he answered.

The Creator has given you a vision! Geerob exclaimed with wide-eyed awe.

They all stared at Tharan with bewilderment.

Dunen believed that God called his brother to be a prophet and if this were true, he would also expect God to give him visions or discernments in the affairs of men.

How many guards are at the pass? Dunen asked Esel.

I do not know, Esel answered but hoped it was not his plan.

Dunen looked away from the anxious faces of his friends as he considered his choice. To go through the pass would certainly endanger his friends he thought, but to circle the city would endanger the lives of others. After considering his dilemma and having little choice, he decided and hoped that God would protect them.

We go through the pass, he finally decided.

Esel’s eyes widened with fear. This will be very dangerous, he protested.

I know. I know it very well, Dunen nodded reluctantly.

I will pray the Lord be with us and to help us overcome this trial, Tharan said solemnly, which further increased Esel’s fears.

Let us be on our way; much lies in our hands, Dunen exhorted, Lead the way. Dunen ordered Esel.

Esel unhappily nodded and then kicked his steed to a gallop as he led the company west into the woods.

The others gathered their courage and put their fears aside as they faced the unknown road ahead.

Although uneasy with the struggles ahead, Dunen was glad to see that God began to use his brother. He hoped that together they would serve Him well, each in his own way.

Chapter 2

TRAILS IN THE BALANCE

It was night as Zuruk and his people traveling by horse and wagon, journeyed east in the valley of Noktan towards the wall of Sandinor.

Hours ago, they escaped their cavernous home through many concealed exits as the Dernak army sought in vain to find them.

Together, they now moved along at a quick pace, hoping their enemies would not discover their tracks or at the least be too late to follow.

In one of the covered wagons, Bilob lay asleep on a bed while Loyan sat on a wooden box, holding herself against the sides as the wagon bounced along on the rough road.

A moan broke out from Bilob's lips, which caught Loyan's attention. Slowly, Bilob’s eyes blinked open.

Where am I? he asked aloud unable to clearly see where he was.

Turning his head, he looked up to see Loyan's concerned gaze.

Loyan! Where are we? Where are we going? he asked, as he perceived that he was in a moving wagon.

We travel towards the wall of Sandinor, she replied.

The wall of Sandinor! What has happened? Where is Dunen? he asked, confused by her answer and trying to remember his last conscious moment.

Dunen travels to Teranda with his brother. You do not remember. Dernak soldiers discovered the caverns of Zuruk. We had to flee, she replied.

Hmm-. My head hurts, he said, raising his hand to rub his temples.

You are much better. The pain will go away soon. You have survived the poison, she explained calmly.

Bilob, deciding to get off his bed, lifted himself with his arms.

No! You must lie down a little longer, Loyan said forcefully as she held him by the shoulder.

I am better. I need to rise.

In due time, she said sternly.

You need not care for me -, he began to say but she interrupted him.

Dunen has given me charge to care for you and I will obey his will. You are still weak, she scolded Bilob as she held him from getting up.

They stared at each other with glaring eyes. As Bilob wondered how to convince her, her stern character and beautiful features captured his attention. Mesmerized for a moment, he found her fascinating, which softened his attitude.

On her part, she saw his anger fade away, and saw his eyes behold her with interest. Her anger fled away also and she now felt uncomfortable by his unrelenting gaze.

Slowly, Bilob yielded and lay down. She withdrew herself to her box and avoided his eyes.

Noticing that his stare made her uncomfortable, he looked elsewhere and wondered what to say.

Who is with us? he finally asked.

Only Danar remains with us, she answered.

I would like to see him.

I will summon him, she said and moved to the rear of the carriage.

Moving away the drapes, she peered out. Daouk soldiers rode along beside the wagon.

Soldier! Have my lord Danar come. Bilob wishes to see him, Loyan asked one of the soldiers.

The soldier nodded and immediately urged his horse towards the head of the caravan where Zuruk, Danar and Daouk leaders led the way.

My lord Danar, Bilob calls for you, the soldier gave him the message.

Very well, Danar replied, and led his horse away from the others.

The others watched him go and were happy to hear that Bilob was awake.

Dropping back along the caravan, Danar drew close to Bilob's wagon. Moving close to the wagon, he took hold of it and boarded as it bounced along its way. Pushing the drapes, he entered the wagon.

"Well, my good friend! How goes it? You look