Kayne: Crown of Dominion

By Adrian Juhl

Crown of Dominion is Adrian L. Juhl’s story of the adventures of the eponymous hero, Prince Kayne, son of King Jim and Queen Shannon. Kayne lives in a world where religion is controlled by powerful Apothecaries, magic and necromancy are rife, and monsters patrol the dark places. Even Kayne himself is secretly a Subjugator with his own set of special powers. His planet is one of a group that previously orbited a star, but which were thrown apart by ‘magic gone wrong.’ In order to qualify as a future king, Kayne needs to go on a quest, so he sets out on the good ship Oleander, accompanied by 180 men-at-arms and his mentor and friend, Jack. He also has the services of an Elemental – a powerful magician able to control the natural environment – and a Ranger – a magical hunter. Soon he is encountering hallucinogenic fog, silver wolves and flying snake gods, all in an environment of volcanoes and giant waves. Of course, his quest involves maps on ancient scrolls, magic crowns, and a sword that miraculously turns into a war hammer. -Reviewed by John A G Smith for Readers' Favorite. 4 Stars.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adrian Juhl
• Release date: Nov 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311058744

Adrian Juhl

Adrian Juhl is a writer of fantasy fiction based in Coomera, Australia. He is currently working on a series of free, short stories in the lead up to the release of his novels.Adrian started writing in 2013. He keeps the reader's attention with continual action, and ever-evolving plot twists that can be discussed and debated within the family.His Drift World's free short stories will conclude with the final short story, 'Marcus' that delves further into the Aazronian leader. This prequel answers many fan letters and questions about the Drift Worlds universe.

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Kayne – Crown of Dominion

Copyright © 2014 by Adrian L Juhl

All rights reserved

Adrian L Juhl

Cover art by Kristina Juhl

Special cover art resources (free to download)

from http://www.obsidiandawn.com

Published by Adrian Juhl at Smashwords

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Table of Contents

Glossary of Names

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Other books by Adrian Juhl

Connect with Adrian Juhl

Glossary of Names (Uncommon)

Aazronia (Az-row-nee-ah)

Dalynia (Dal-lin-nee-ah

Ketu (Keh-too)

Methuselah (Meth-ooh-sell-ah)

Namorn (Nah-morn)

Ophidia (Oh-fid-ee-ah)

Reesus (Ree-sus)

Whetu (Feh-too)

Chapter One

That’s forty-six by my count! Kayne’s voice echoed in the valley, filled with a lighthearted humor that spurred his men on.

Jack swung his two-handed sword in a wide arc, cleaving his enemy in half. Dammit, boy, this is not a game. Act like a prince.

Animated by Necromancer magic, rotting corpses ran along the walls of the mud hut with incredible speed. Kayne’s blade sliced through an undead creature’s cheek. It howled in surprise, clutching its face, but still advanced. Kayne lifted his sword once more, his blade flashing in the full moon’s light. The creature hissed, twisting and grabbing at the young prince, as it leapt from the wall. Kayne moved faster, clutching the creature by the throat.

Hey, Jack, this thing was going for my neck. Let’s see how he likes it!

The undead creature jerked its head from side to side, trying to find weakness in Kayne’s grip. It kicked with a ferocity born of desperation. As Kayne’s hold failed, it grabbed him around the back of the neck, digging claws into his flesh. Kayne grabbed the creature’s hair, its gnashing teeth just out of reach. He struck its head with the silver pommel of his sword. Guttural screams of agony poured out of the creature as it thrashed its arms and tried to escape. In the distance, three figures raised their arms, and horns signaled the undead to retreat.

Kayne raised his sword in triumph, joining the cheers of the surrounding men. See, Jack? An easy victory. Who needs Apothecaries?

Jack placed his hand on Kayne’s shoulder. Careful. You may be the prince, but you are also the son of a Subjugator. Those comments have a way of biting back when you least expect it.

Nonsense. My mother’s nothing to fear. She just sits on her throne all day and nags my father about the importance of prayer and tithes.

The rest of us don’t have the luxury of blood ties. Your men admire and love you. They will repeat what you say.

I suppose you’re right. Sorry, Jack. The moment caught me. It’s a good thing I have you, my friend.

You leave on your pilgrimage in a few days. I won’t be around to advise you.

Yes, yes, I know. And my every move will be observed, assessed, and reported upon by some Apothecary loser. Annoyed, Kayne kicked at the dirt.

Silence that tongue, boy. You’re no longer a child. Many a king has been put to the sword for words far less offensive.

My father says the time’s coming when the state and church will separate. Just like the old days, Kayne replied.

In the old days, the church was very different.

Kayne looked at Jack in surprise. Jack changed the subject, appraising the funeral pyre that lit up the hillside. The bonfire grew as more undead corpses fueled the flames.

Took them long enough. Your men are getting slack. That’s what happens when we stand and chit chat.

Wait. We can’t go yet. Tell me more about the old church.

Now is not the time or place. Besides, that was a lifetime ago. We’ll discuss it when you get back from your trip.

Jack studied the eager prince. At six feet and five inches, he was a spitting image of his