The Tale of Haven's Brave

By Gil Keough

Not "just another adventure story." The Tale of Haven's Brave is the story of a young girl's voyage on the road to redemption.

Bullied in school, lost at home, and tortured by a dark secret, young Aubrey lived in a world full of sadness, depression, and loss. When an unexpected gift from a not-so-well intentioned relative lands in her possession it is, at first, unwanted & unappreciated. But, unbeknownst to her, the gift may hold the key to her salvation. Soon Aubrey is drawn into a fantasy adventure world filled with real world villains, monsters, and heroes as she reads the tale of poor, lost, Samara.

Samara has been snatched from the realm of Haven by the Bruid (Broo-id), grotesque and frightening creatures, and becomes lost in a forest peopled by giant wolves, knights, and scary things. With her memory gone, Samara happens on a roving band of warriors, called Blue Ronin and their leader, the mighty Sir Bruce. The Ronin are locked in a battle with the terrifying Moukin (Mow-Kin), a race of beings who live to enslave children for their amusement and evil designs. Everyone knows something is different about Samara, they can sense that she has been touched by unspeakable tragedy. With her new-found friends, the girl learns "the way of the warrior" but, just when she becomes comfortable with her new family, the unthinkable happens — she is captured by the Bruid, servants of the evil Moukin King!

Now, it is a race against time as the Blue Ronin try to save one of their own by allying with the Knights of Haven who are also seeking the lost girl. Why is the girl so important? Will they reach Samara before the Moukin discover her true identity? Can the two forces put their differences aside and work together? Or will the secrets hidden by everyone threaten to destroy the Blue Ronin and Samara?

If it is for adventure that you crave...come hear the tale of Haven's Brave!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gil Keough
• Release date: Mar 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310113895

Gil Keough

Gil Keough is known by many names. In the Philadelphia area he is known as "The Dancing DJ!" and one of the highest rated, most dynamic and interactive mobile entertainers anyone has ever seen. He is also an artist, writer, poet, dance instructor and singer.Gil has been the Director of Corporate Training and the seminar instructor / designer for a team-building and leadership training company in Wayne, PA. He was trained by the FranklinCovey Company to teach Principle Centered Leadership skills to children of Middle and High School age.Gil has, for over fifteen years, worked with children of all ages to better their self image through expressions in art and dancing. He is also a personal defense trainer of women and children.

Book preview

The Tale

of

Haven’s Brave

Gil Keough

Copyright © 2012 Gil Keough

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever including Internet usage, without written permission of the author.

Ebook formatting by Maureen Cutajar

www.gopublished.com

This book is dedicated to:

To the true Dove Queen & King of Stars, Michelle and Christian Staas—two of the most noble and heroic people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. And to my grand-parents, who are no longer with us but, without whom I would not have learned the valuable lessons of love, sacrifice, and generosity.

To all those who have suffered abuse of any kind and did not let it break you. And to all who are still struggling—don’t give up, you’re almost there! Believe in yourself, see inside and find the strength I know is there, to be the hero I know you are, and share the beauty and wonder of the real you with the world.

To all of the real world Blue Ronin—the heroes and heroines that work hard every day and do their best protect the innocent, stop the monsters and bad guys, and make the world a better place. Thank you for your loyalty, commitment and dedication.

Most of all, this book is dedicated:

To the real Samaras and of the world and to all the vanished children of the world who feel lost and unheard—Know that you are never alone, you are loved!—may you all find your way back, safely home, to those that love you so dearly, and may you find your Haven…

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 01 – Haven

Chapter 02 – Abduction

Chapter 03 – Escape

Chapter 04 – Enter The Wolf King

Chapter 05 – The Blue Ronin

Chapter 06 – Fear

Chapter 07 – The Moukin

Chapter 08 – The Search

Chapter 09 – Found and Lost

Chapter 10 – Allegiances

Chapter 11 – The Bruid

Chapter 12 – Descent Into Darkness

Chapter 13 – What Lurks Beneath

Chapter 14 – Warriors of Light

Chapter 15 – Best Kept Secrets

Chapter 16 – Choices

Chapter 17 – Home To Roost

Chapter 18 – Conscripted!

Chapter 19 – Ascensions & Awakenings

Chapter 20 – Come The Battle!

Chapter 21 – Revelations

Epilogue

Afterword

Cast of Characters

Author’s Note

In Closing

Back Cover

PROLOGUE

Aubrey had always been a beautiful little girl, but Aubrey’s life was far from blessed. She did not think of the things the average ten year old thought about. It had been only two months since her dad had died of loo-key-mia. It was an odd word that she didn’t understand, just like she did not understand why her dad had left her and her mom all alone. Aubrey was always sad now and did not feel like playing with other kids. Of course, with that, came a whole other set of problems. Other kids didn’t seem to understand, and some of them made fun of her. They called her little orphan Aubrey. She didn’t like that, but she couldn’t stop them. When she showed them that it upset her they only did it more. Aubrey couldn’t stop Molly Yanek from pulling on her hair either and none of the other kids ever tried to help Aubrey. Molly was twelve and she was much bigger than Aubrey—Molly always pushed the smaller kids around in the schoolyard.

One day, when Aubrey was coming home from school, three kids got off the school bus at the same time as she did. She was really missing her dad and remembering how happy he always was when she’d get home from school—He was a writer who worked at home and was always ready with a glass of milk and a snack waiting for her. But ever since her dad went away, mom didn’t seem happy when she came home and that made her sad too. Aubrey was thinking about all of this and did not notice she was being followed by the three other girls who were making fun of her, when suddenly he appeared out of nowhere, like a knight in plastic armor. His name was Tim and he was on his way home from football practice. Tim lived three doors down from Aubrey—he was fifteen and very nice. When he started yelling the bullies ran away.

You okay kid? asked Tim. Aubrey shrugged. You know, you shouldn’t let bullies push you around, said the jock "Haven’t you ever told on them? he asked.

Aubrey shrugged, I can’t do anything. I’m just a kid, and besides, no one ever listens to me – and I’m too little.

It’s not your actual size that matters, kid; it’s the size of your heart. You’d be surprised how much power you’ve got inside if you just learn how to let it out. Just take a deep breath and give a good yell. And if that doesn’t work then you get some help. I’ll always be around if you need me. Tim said as he ruffled her hair. Aubrey managed a little smile. The older boy smiled back. C’mon, kid, he said, I’ll walk you home.

Why do they do it? Why are they mean to other kids? asked Aubrey as they walked.

Dad says it’s because they’re cowards–that’s why they travel in packs like wolves. Dad thinks that they probably get bullied by someone bigger than them. The only way they can feel good about themselves is to push others around, replied the older boy. but it’s still wrong.

Thanks for helping me today, Aubrey said.

Tim smiled down at her. He bowed and taking her hand in his, said in his most knightly voice, Always at your service, my fair lady! Then he kissed her hand. Aubrey giggled. Then her face lit up when she saw Tim’s German Shepherd, King, trotting over to them. A few minutes later they were in front of Aubrey’s door and her sadness had returned. As she walked through the door she could hear her mom talking to someone. She walked in through the kitchen and saw that her mom was talking to Uncle George. When she caught sight of Aubrey, her mom called her into the living room.

Hello dear, how was school? asked her mom. Aubrey didn’t reply. She only looked down and shrugged her shoulders.

George smiled. Hey there little Princess! How ya’ doing? he asked. Aubrey looked at Uncle George then back at the floor. She didn’t answer him.

Her mom frowned. Darling, Uncle George asked you a question, she said.

It’s okay, said George walking over to her and getting down on one knee so that he was eye level to her. I brought you a gift, princess. The lady at the book store said this is the most popular children’s book on the market. It’s a fairy-tale of some sort. You like fairy-tales, don’t you, doll? George queried as he pulled the book out of the plastic bag and handed it to her. How’s about a hug for your Uncle George? he asked with arms outstretched. Then, lowering his voice to just above a whisper, he smiled and winked at her –You know how much I love your hugs, right princess?

Aubrey stared down at the floor and began to back away. I don’t want a gift…I want my dad! she cried.

Honey…please, don’t be rude! her mom scolded.

But, Mom! Aubrey objected.

Honey…just take the book and go to your room, now! Mom replied.

Mom wasn’t listening, she never did. Aubrey took the book from Uncle George and left the living room. She ran into her bedroom, slammed the door, and threw the book against the wall then climbed into bed and cried into her pillow. She could hear her mom talking to Uncle Charlie in the other room through her door.

I honestly don’t know what to do with her, George. Ever since Dan… Mom was saying.

It’s okay, Ellen. There’s no need to explain. After all, you’ve both been through a lot these past few weeks. She’ll get over it. It’ll just take some time…and, of course, I’ll always be here to help, George replied.

Their voices trailed off and Aubrey fell asleep as a gentle breeze came through the window. She did not know how long she had slept but the fluttering of pages awakened her. The book lay open against the wall to an illustration. She tried to ignore it but it seemed to call to her. She was curious. Turning her head she tried to make out what the illustration was without actually touching the book, but she couldn’t help herself.

Aubrey got out of bed, walked over to the wall, and picked up the book. She opened it up to the illustration. It was a picture of a tall and powerful knight with a big gray dog – or was it a wolf wearing armor, next to him? She flipped the pages and then saw a beautiful winged woman, a fairy Queen, perhaps? No. The caption read The Dove Queen & the King of Stars. She turned a few more pages and saw another drawing of something ugly and sinister looking. The word beneath it read A Moukin. The drawing reminded her of those nasty stink bugs that always seemed to find their way into her room. Finally, Aubrey turned to the first page and began to read…

This story begins like most stories do, well; with this one exception…YOU are here to join the adventure! Are you ready? Good! Then let us begin…

This is the tale of Haven’s Brave

A tale of knights, and kings, and knaves

This is the story of a once great land

Now covered in shadow by a dark lord’s hand

Of a beautiful maiden who vanished from sight

Of children that are frightened and lost in the night

This is a tale of a beautiful Queen

Of the warriors of light and those of darkness unseen

If it is for adventure that your heart does yearn

Know this—as you enter you shall not return

Come now on the quest for the escape that you crave

Come…hear the tale of Haven’s Brave…

CHAPTER 1

Haven

The Land of Haven was a beautiful place where the children laughed and played, and the sun shined almost every day. The Land of Haven was ruled by the great King of Stars whose name was Khristen. He was kind and brave, and his wife, was the Dove Queen. The Dove Queen was as beautiful as the morning sunrise, in fact, being a Healer, she made sure that the kingdom was always warm and bright. Her golden hair was fine as silk and glistened in the sunlight and her eyes shone like blue stars, but what was most remarkable about her were her wondrous wings! Like her namesake her wings were white as snow and with them she was able to fly throughout the kingdom to survey the land and help heal her people whenever she was needed. Now, King Khristen and his Dove Queen had two children, the lovely Princess Jesselyn, and her dear brother, Yóshua. Princess Jesselyn didn’t have wings like her mother, but she was very much loved by the Dove Queen just the same.

Every day the village folk would go about the happy business of farming, and of tending their sheep and cows, and selling at the market. The children loved the market because they would come with their parents from all over the kingdom to sell their cheeses and vegetables, breads and pastries, oh, the wonderful pastries! Life in Haven was simple and it left much time for play and friends.

For many years there was peace throughout the realm. King Khristen and his armies had always made sure to keep the Moukin away from his subjects. The Moukin were sad, evil, and ugly creatures with red eyes and scaly skin who tried to steal the most precious treasures of realm. They came from a faraway frozen mountain to raid the Land of Haven and were led by the foul smelling Moukin King called Carrion. The Dove Queen would shine in the sky at night to guide the armies and give them light while they battled the dark Moukin and their Bruid army. Their evil was eventually driven out of the Land of Haven and, after many years, the inhabitants of the realm began to forget those dark days and the ugly things that had tried to steal their treasures.

One day a traveling circus came to the realm. There were troubadours, who were musicians, and jesters too. And along with them were elephants and lions, monkeys and acrobats, and strong men who performed great feats of, well, strength! Everyone in the realm was overjoyed that they had come to visit. As the circus settled into an enormous field the leader of the merry band, Caine, came to the Castle with his son, Rudolf, to invite all in the realm to sample their show. Everyone was excited, everyone that is, except the children for they could sense what no one else seemed to notice. If one looked closely at the circus folk one could see the holes in their garments and through those holes, that were only about child-eye high, one could have seen that beneath the brightly colored costumes they wore was the sinister armor of none other than the Bruid, the servants of the Moukin!

At the castle, Caine, who was himself a magician of sorts, using all kinds of tricks and stunts to dazzle his royal audience, worked his charming nature into the hearts of the King and Queen so that they trusted him. Caine even introduced his son Rudolf, who was very handsome, and was immediately all Princess Jesselyn could focus on. It didn’t take too long for Caine’s smile to win them over. On that eve all in the realm would come to the field to see the show and what fun they would have! As Caine and Rudolf, left the castle they tossed candy and toys to the children and promised a special show just for them.

Meanwhile, in the town square, some of the children spoke to each other and pointed at the odd things they noticed in the circus folk. They decided to warn the town, but no one would listen to them. Everyone was so happy that the circus had come that they could not see through the Moukin disguises. Their parents scolded them for making trouble and told them to get ready for the great party that the King and Queen would be throwing in honor of the circus. It would be great fun! The children listened to their parents and got ready. Perhaps later there would be a chance to tell their parents what they had seen.

That night everyone gathered together in the field beneath the huge tent that had been erected. There was candy and cake, colored streamers, and wonderful music at the circus. All the villagers saw many amazing performances and at the end there were fireworks, outside, of course! All the lights of the circus were extinguished as the fireworks began. Many colored flashes and great booms filled the sky and everyone’s gaze was toward the heavens. They were so intent on looking at the blues, and greens, and reds, and yellows, that no one noticed that the Bruid had removed their costumes and were grabbing the children. As soon as they would touch the throat of a child, he or she could no longer speak. The children tried to scream for help, but they just couldn’t, even though they were right there with their parents.

If you try to warn your parentsss we will turn them into treesss and you will never sssee them again! the Bruid would say with a hiss. Look at the foressst…do you sssee? It is filled with the familiesss of the children who have tried to resssissst us! If you come quietly then we will let them live and your parentsss will be sssafe. But if not…treeeeeessss isss what they wiiiiiiiill beeeecooommmmeee! And so, the children did not try to fight, instead, they were dragged away in silence. Rudolf, who had been with Princess Jesselyn during the show, now used a poison dart to make her sleepy and then he carried her off to the edge of the forest and vanished with her into the night. Then the fireworks reached their finale and the sky lit up as hundreds of explosions went off all at once. The booms, and cracks, and bangs were so loud and the colors so bright that when it was over the crowd just starred up in amazement and they began to cheer and clap for they had never in the history of the Land of Haven seen such a wonderful performance!

Now, as the crowd’s eyes became accustomed to the dark and their ears stopped ringing they began to realize that something was amiss. Why, the entire circus had just disappeared! The tents and streamers and the animals were all gone! At first they began to think it was all part of the show, but then someone called out for their son. William! came the cry. Then another name was called. And another. Even King Khristen began to worry for his beautiful daughter was missing as well. Jesselyn had been with Rudolf. Everyone searched the field for their children, but they were nowhere to be found. It was only then that the villagers began to discover the tattered remains of the clothing once worn by the circus folk. And a great dread came over the land as they searched through the town and the neighboring forest. Despite their efforts they could not find any of the children. The King called his army and they got ready to march in the direction of the Moukin Kingdom.

The forces of Haven pursued the Moukin raiders back to their dark mountain through the forest of Anguish and over the River of Despair. They battled long and hard and, after many months, King Khristen returned to Haven having wrested Jesselyn from the clutches of Rudolf and King Carrion. The knights of Haven were also able to rescue many of the children who had been taken by the Moukin. Not all of them, but many. When the armies returned to Haven, many rejoiced, but there was sadness as well, because not all the children had returned. Even the King was a bit sad and disheartened. While captive, Princess Jesselyn had married Rudolf and by the time she had been rescued she was about to give birth to a child. The Dove Queen accepted her with open arms and a mother’s love. And for a time all was well again, or, as well as they could be.

But time passed, as time has its way of doing and, after a while, the villagers began to notice that the children had changed. They would not play outside anymore; they very rarely spoke for the Moukin had promised if the children ever spoke, ever told what had been done to them, the monsters would come from the forest and destroy their families. Even the wonderful pastries from the market didn’t cheer them up anymore. And they were always afraid of the dark and the forest—none ever went near the forest. Even the lovely Princess Jesselyn had changed. Her eyes no longer sparkled and she did not speak much either. She spent most of her time staring out of the castle windows. Jesselyn was always staring toward the forest, always toward the Moukin Kingdom.

Winter had come and the snow began to fall. As a blanket of white covered the realm, all was peaceful and quiet. Everyone stayed indoors. In the castle the King of Stars and Dove Queen welcomed their new granddaughter into the kingdom of Haven. Then, one cold and snowy morning, they notice footprints in the garden. The Dove Queen called for Princess Jesselyn, but, there was no answer. Soon the entire castle was awake as everyone searched for the missing girl. The footprints led to the edge of the forest. All they found was a tattered piece of black cloth in the bushes near the forest. Though they searched for days they found no trace of the princess—Jesselyn had simply vanished. Then a snow storm began that lasted for many days. So much snow fell that the King could not mobilize his army. It took weeks for them to move enough of the snow to get out of the castle.

King Khristen sent out troops for months after the Princess’ disappearance. The good King wanted to go himself but the Dove Queen convinced him to stay. They had, once again, lost a daughter. However, she had left a piece of herself, perhaps the best of herself, in their care. The Dove Queen convinced her husband that realm needed both a King and a Queen to protect it—They could not afford to go to war again with the Moukin. But the King was determined and he continued to send out patrols in the hopes of finding some small bit of hope that they would recover their beloved Jesselyn.

Time passed, as time has a way of doing. Weeks turned into months and months into years. Eventually, the realm tried to put the incident behind them. The people tried to forget their lost princess. It was just too sad. In time the village grew again. Children once again filled the market, but parents were more careful. No strangers were allowed to approach the town or castle and Haven’s brave knights patrolled the forest regularly in case the Moukin should ever return. But, their mortal enemies did not return and Princess Jesselyn was never seen nor heard from again….

CHAPTER 2

Abduction

Ten Years Later…

The morning sun came up over the horizon and filled the sky with splashes of red and orange. The air smelled of dew and fresh grass. Samara rushed to put on her clothing. Today was a special day and she was excited. She was always excited on Tuesdays. Today her dad, Herbert, would take her and Snootchie to the castle and she would see the King and Queen, and, of course, Princess Briel. Snootchie was her pet stuffed wolf. Every Tuesday was her day to help polish the silver at the castle. She was always amazed when she entered the grand hall with all its beautiful woodwork and tapestries. Sometimes she tried to imagine that she lived there all the time. It was always warm and smelled of freshly baked bread and wonderful stews! From time to time Samara would even see the King walking through the hallways. He always seemed to find a moment to greet her with a smile. He had such a kind face, even if it seemed a little sad at times.

Samara also loved Tuesdays because after she would finish her chores she was allowed to play with the Princess. They would play hide and seek in the garden mazes and the princess would always share her toys and pastries with Samara. Once, the Princess even let her try on one of her dresses. And, every now and then, the Princess’ uncle, Yóshua, would do magic tricks with pretty colored smoke for them. Whenever Samara was feeling lonely or down on rainy days she would remember that Tuesday would soon come again and it would always make her smile. She would count the days till Tuesday and always get up early to look her best for when her dad would take her to the castle.

Princess Briel was very pretty and was always nice to her. Briel and Samara were about the same age and she taught Samara how to address the King and Queen and how to courtesy when in their presence. Briel had been instructed to teach Samara from the many illustrated books in the castle library. Often, the Queen would read a story to the girls and even allow Samara to join Briel in a horse drawn carriage as they toured the Castle grounds accompanied by armored knights with colorful plumes in their helmets. Samara and Briel had become the best of friends over the years and they both looked forward to spending the day together. One of Samara’s favorite knights was Sir Anthony. He always made funny faces and chatted with the two of them as he rode alongside the carriage on his spotted mare.

One day, while Samara and Briel were out in the maze, a sudden rainstorm turned the sky nearly as dark as night. The downpour was so intense that even though the girls knew the maze well, they became quite lost. They could hear Sir Anthony calling out to them to come toward his voice, but the girls were so very frightened because of the thunder and lightning. Suddenly the sky flashed bright white and Samara could see a dark figure standing just down one of the leafy corridors of the maze. At first they thought it was Sir Anthony, but then the girls froze as they noticed the black cloak worn by the stranger. The girls immediately knew what they were looking at. Every child in Haven knew the stories of the darkly clad Bruid raiders, servants of the Moukin. They screamed for Sir Anthony as they turned and ran back through the maze.

Sir Anthony blew his horn and the garden became all a commotion as knights and soldiers crowded into the maze to rescue the princess and her playmate. The Bruid seemed to float on the ground as it reached out with its inky black cloak. Samara pushed Princess Briel ahead of her making sure to keep herself between the Bruid and her friend.

The princess kept screaming for help. Samara didn’t want to look back for fear she would be frozen with terror, but she couldn’t resist. She had to see how close the Bruid was. She promised herself that she would look back only for a second. After all, if it was only a second, she couldn’t be too afraid. She drew a breath and looked back. Through the rain she saw…nothing!

With a sigh of relief she thought that perhaps the noise and commotion made by the knights had frightened the Bruid raider away—or perhaps it hadn’t been a Bruid at all. Perhaps they had just imagined it. Samara almost giggled to herself for being silly and scared by the rain and thunder when she heard Princess Briel scream. She looked forward now to see that the Princess had turned a corner and run straight into the waiting arms of the Bruid!

Without a moment’s hesitation, Samara picked up a rock and hurled it at the Bruid’s head. The knights had taught her and Briel to throw. Briel would never admit it, but Samara, never missed. Her projectile found its mark striking the Bruid Raider right between the eyes. The creature hissed and released Princess Briel leaving dark greasy stains on the arm of her dress. Briel froze not knowing what to do.

Run! Samara yelled at her. Then she picked up another rock. To the dark creature she screamed Leave her alone! You can’t have her! as she drew her arm back for a second throw. But this time, the Bruid was prepared. As the rock left Samara’s hand the Bruid reached out with its cloak and, much to Samara’s amazement, plucked the rock right out of air! Samara gasped. The sound of the knights was getting closer. They would be there to rescue her any moment. The creature’s eyes glowed red and it smiled a gruesome, snaggle toothed, smile as it glared at her. Samara knew she should be afraid of it, but strangely, she was not. Go away! she screamed at the horrible thing. At first the Bruid hesitated as if it did not know what to do. But then, instead of leaving, it drew back its cloak and launched the very stone that Samara had thrown right back at her.

Suddenly, everything seemed to move in slow motion. The rock struck Samara on her temple. She did not lose consciousness right away, but she felt as if she were falling. She saw Sir Anthony turn the corner and begin running toward the Moukin servant with his sword drawn, Samara thought he looked a little funny running sideways, but before he could reach her attacker, the foul creature had slapped the knight with its cloak and sent him reeling into the bushes then it leaped away and straight over Samara. As it did so, it wrapped its grimy cloak around the fallen girl then hurtled over the bushes and the garden wall dragging Samara behind it. The little girl now felt like she was floating. She could see everything getting farther and farther away. The flashes of lightening were dimming…the boom of thunder faded and then the inky darkness engulfed her and all was silent.

At the castle King Khristen gave orders and prepared to send knights into the forest in search of the stolen girl. They all wondered how this could have happened. They had been so careful! How could one Bruid raider get past all the patrols and within the walls of the castle?

Sir Anthony offered a suggestion. Perhaps, my Lord, that is precisely how. Our patrols comb the forest and surrounding countryside searching for Moukin groups. It is so much more difficult to spot one lone traveler. And, he did wait until the storm to make his move, explained the knight.

I don’t care how it got through! yelled the King. It has stolen a child of the realm and we must recover her! said the Monarch with such great anger and sadness that his voice trembled.

Aye, my Lord! And a brave little one she is! answered the knight.

How do you mean? asked the Dove Queen hesitantly.

Well, my Lady, began Sir Anthony. Princess Briel has told us of how Samara defended them against the creature by throwing rocks and yelling at it. She saved the Princess from the clutches of the vile Bruid. Were it not for Samara it would have been Princess Briel that was taken.

Upon hearing