End of Days

By C.S. Woolley

Mistrust runs like a fever through the city.

The end is here. Aksoth's forces roam unchecked across the plains of Celadmore; the people of Celadmore have been forced to retreat to the fallen city of Grashindorph.

Within the city there is trouble. Leaders of each of the countries of Celadmore seek to control the city.

Mistrust runs like a fever through the city. Scheming and corruption distract the people from preparing to stand against Aksoth in one final battle.

Revolution stirs amongst the poorest of the people; Venetia seeks to restore Gruagadon to his rightful place on the throne of Nesca and will sacrifice anything to get him there.

Harmony is so far from their grasp that the thought of victory fades as forces, beyond the control of any mortal, clash and the future of Celadmore is decided.

In this final bastion, they must find victory or Aksoth will purge the realm of light of all life.

The Chronicles of Celadmore (in chronological order)

The Rising Empire Trilogy
1. Rising Empire: Part 1
2. Rising Empire: Part 2
3. Rising Empire: Part 3

Shroud of Darkness Trilogy
4. Shroud of Darkness
5. Lady of Fire
6. End of Days

• Language: English
• Publisher: C.S. Woolley
• Release date: Nov 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310835995

C.S. Woolley

C.S. Woolley (Caroline Sarah Woolley) was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire and raised in the nearby town of Wilmslow. From an early age she discovered she had a flair and passion for writing. This was fuelled by winning local poetry and short story competitions during her years at Mottram St. Andrews Primary School. During high school, she continued to write and found her time split between acting, writing and her studies. At 14 she began writing novels. University did nothing to change her love of writing. C.S. spent a year reading Law at Manchester Metropolitan University before changing her mind and moving to read English at Hull University. After graduating she moved to Nottingham where she stayed for the cricket at Trent Bridge. She currently lives with her partner, Matt, and their two cats in Christchurch, New Zealand. In 2010, C.S published her first novel, Nicolette Mace – The Raven Siren: The Kevin Metis Saga. Since 2010 she has published books in five series – The Chronicles of Celadmore, The Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow, The Children of Ribe, The Children of Snotingas and Nicolette Mace: The Raven Siren - as well as a series of adapted classics for Foxton Books and a series of modernised Shakespeare and workbooks to help with GCSEs. Her upcoming series include Alpha Sigma, The Children of Danelaw, Dark Hearts,The Children of Ribe Story Books, The Children of Ribe: Tales from Ribe, The Children of Ribe: Ancestors, Yngvar and Reinholdt, Finestra, and The Children of Ribe: Legends. More recently C.S has taken part in charity projects that include producing content for charity books such as Standing by the Watchtower: Volume 1. C.S has also acted in several plays and films including Weekend (2011). Hobbies: horse riding, including show jumping and cross country, Formula 1, tennis, free climbing, singing, boxing, dancing, playing guitar, cricket and is also an avid PC and console gamer. Favourite movies: The Muppet Christmas Carol, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Chisum. Favourite books: Sharpe’s Prey, Silverthorn and the Three Musketeers. Favourite bands: Thin Lizzy, the Darkness and McBusted. For more information please visit: http://www.mightierthanthesworduk.com

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Characters

Queen Venetia Tutesk - Queen of the Order

Prince Gruagadon Tutesk - Fallen Prince of Grashindorph

Princess Dominia - Lady of Varent & Varenta, princess of the Order

Princess Gevana - Lady of Benadrocca, princess of the Order

Lord Camerno - Lord of Queteria

Lord Caslo - Lord of Queteria

Cryxander - Leader of the Allamonto Rebels, leader of Allamontia

Merchi - Farmer from the Shango Desert, formerly Lucas, brother of Gevana.

King Marlo - King of the Queterians, Lord of Zoestra

Prince Radow - Prince of the Queterians, Lord of Ziya

Cassandra - Pirate Queen of Port Hocuna, warrior, mercenary, priest and spy

The Abbott - Warrior, mercenary, priest and spy

Kania - Leader of Tulna

Nodarto - Leader of Tulna

Dyas las Deyan - Leader of the tribes of the deserts & wilds

Rhys - Captain of Venetia’s Royal Guard

Harlden - Knight-Marshall of Grashindorph

Aksoth - Ruler of Nether Roth

Bartoth - Exile of Nether Roth, a dark Seriph

Lavinia - Guardian of Celadmore

Muse - Guardian of Earth

Lacenta - Guardian of Water

Allamonto - Former King of Queterians

Kia - One of Venetia’s Generals

Morwenna - Sword Mistress of Anamoore

Princess Tatinia - Princess of the Order

Princess Ralenda - Princess of the Order, former RAVEN Queen

Princess Erala - Princess of the Order, former RAVEN Queen

Princess Nasholia - Princess of the Order, former RAVEN Queen

Princess Alacana - Princess of the Order, former RAVEN Queen

Prince Horatio - Husband of Erala

Prince Zephinel - Husband of Nasholia

Darnado - Tyrant of Hocuna, ruler of Allamonto

Captain Zeiga - Husband of Alacana, Captain in Queterian Navy

Keldrak - Captain in Queterian Navy

Lieutenant Collx - Zeiga’s second in command

Princess Keiha - Princess of the Order, daughter of Zeiga & Alacana

Princess Freya - Princess of the Order, daughter of Zeiga & Alacana

Prince Synia - Prince of the Order, daughter of Zeiga & Alacana

Princess Lucile - Princess of the Order, daughter of Nasholia & Zephinal

Princess Estema - Princess of the Order, daughter of Nasholia & Zephinal

Princess Rista - Princess of the Order, daughter of Ralenda & Maklar

Princess Estaria - Princess of the Order, daughter of Erala & Horatio

Prince Lukka - Prince of the Order, son of Gevana & Camerno

Candore - One of the myecorpe

Rymad - One of the myecorpe

Ralorp - One of the myecorpe

Maiedon - One of the myecorpe

Tribonte - One of the myecorpe

Hisanda - One of the Eight

Sindra - One of the Eight

Malachi - One of the Eight

Hestala - One of the Eight

Bandecai - One of the Eight

Tusala - Leader of the Eight

Desandi - One of the Eight

Lacanda - One of the Eight

Eleazar - One of Marlo’s Generals, former member of the Eight

Helez - One of Marlo’s Generals, former member of the Eight

Jashobeam - Former member of the Eight, one of Marlo Generals

Kaineth - A dark Seriph, Aksoth’s strongest warrior

Axe - Port Hocuna Pirate

Shanloa - Daughter of Lucna

Branwen - Leader of the Needwood Travelling Circus

Epoch - Leader of Benadrocca

Haras - Daughter of Epoch

Nasus - Daughter of Epoch

Teal - Alacana’s bodyguard, one of the Royal Guard

Bethmar Reins - Thief

Belmar Ses Sesmas - Thief and Conman

Hesmala - Head of the Guild of Priestess’ of Arala

Areleck Don Vasnan - Leader of Hespina

Daknan Gar Den - Leader of Roxlore

Isna Secra - Leader of Ausberg

Nentalan Cellamas - Leader of Delma

Haston Delin - Leader of the Free City of Wellow

Tellarna Imprina - Leader of the Free City of Curig

Ebizo - Leader of the Free City of Schendo

Doi Len Pan - Leader of the Free City of Appledore

Regina Besting - Leader of the Free City of Honeydon

Morna - Part of the Hocuna Council, leader of Donamecca

Kriston - Part of the Hocuna Council, leader of Zenix

Ilaria - Part of the Hocuna Council, leader of Hocula Plains

Disella Galen - Part of the Hocuna Council, leader of Mocandella

Amistana - Part of the Hocuna Council, leader of Lavinant

Sudanta - Part of the Hocuna Council, leader of Varent

Calno - Part of the Hocuna Council, leader of Eyam

Delmira - Leader of the Valians

Teldan - Husband of Delmira

The City of Grashindorph. The oldest of the great cities of Celadmore. The first city to be built. Built by the Anaguras and Queterians and given to the line of Tutesk to govern the land of Nosfa and then Nesca and stabilise the uniting lands of Celadmore. Built to be the seat of power for the line of Kings and Queens for the new nations and to hide the realm's greatest secret.

The site of the most bloody and vicious battles in the history of Celadmore. The city that suffered tyrants and revolution, the city that has seen the sun rise and fall over some of the greatest rulers that the land has ever known.

The city of hope that was destroyed and humbled by the monster that now seeks the destruction of the entire world. Blood ran through the streets, bones were left to turn to dust and no one came to its rescue.

The city where the war began is where it will end. There is much to rebuild and prepare as the destruction of the rest of Celadmore continues.

In the city where hope died so many years ago, it is now the only chance for victory; a forlorn hope, almost lost.

Chapter 1

2669 GL 35th Wentrus

The battlefield; a place where heroes are made, legends thrive, myths enthral and lives are broken.

Searing crimson eyes gazed out over the broken land. Ebony fingers that stretched out across the skyline spoke of the destruction that lay in every corner of the once peaceful land. Ash fell from the clouds like rain, a sooty cloak that smothered the buildings of the city of Grashindorph and spoke of the suffering that the fires of war had unleashed upon the people of Celadmore.

Terror seeped into every crevice of the world, a flood whose tide could not be stemmed by any hand. Corpses scattered the wilds, scavengers roamed unchecked across the plains of Celadmore, a cacophony of death and terror that caused even the most battle hardened to tremble as the night drew in.

All things belonged to Venetia, favourite daughter of Queen Annalia, Queen of Dark Fire, Sovereign ruler of the Anaguras, Lady of the Sword and Flame and scourge of the plains. She had watched the darkness approach and devour her homeland, seen desperation consume all around her and cloud the heads of all those that held power.

Her voice had warned of the danger that now threatened to end all that she held dear, but most had been deaf to her cries. Now the wisdom of her admonitions could be seen too late for most.

Aksoth, a being without pity, malevolent and cruel. He had come not to conquer or enslave, but to destroy. His warriors knew no fear, showed no weakness and grew in number with each passing day. No enemy she had ever faced had been his equal.

She shivered. The wind that moved through the early dawn still held the bitter edge of the night's cold within it, the withered light of the sun not strong enough to overcome the icy grip of the stygian hours.

Such needless destruction. The scourge of the plains had been driven back by the overwhelming force and the number of her enemy. This was a war she could not attack in; her enemy had no base, no camp, no city that she could assault. She had only the option to retreat and defend; to meet her enemy in battles of his choosing, but now she could retreat no further.

The city of Grashindorph was the last bastion upon the realm of Celadmore. The former capital of Nesca, the fallen kingdom, was a ruin. The city had been destroyed by Dragonious and had heralded the start of the Dragonian Wars that had raged for twenty years.

But it had been Aksoth's hand all those years ago that had brought death to the streets of the city, not Dragonious'. In destroying the city he had sent Celadmore to war and destroyed those that were keeping him from the realm.

The city where so much destruction had begun was also the city where all this devastation would end.

Your highness. Harlden, Knight-Marshall of Grashindorph bowed as he approached the queen. He was a giant man in his early forties, but his face and body were more like that of a man in his twenties still, clean shaven despite the daily work that kept him busier than most. His brown hair was hidden by the helm of steel that he wore, crowned with two feathers that marked him as the Knight-Marshall.

His armour shone in the weak light, polished to the highest sheen so that the etched symbol of the centaur blazed in the centre.

Harlden had been one of the few to survive the destruction of the city of Grashindorph in the Dragonian Wars, his father having sent him away from the city with a detachment of the guard two weeks before it had been destroyed.

Venetia was grateful that he and his men had been spared, not least because they were useful soldiers but because of her husband.

Gruagadon Tutesk, heir to the throne of Grashindorph, Fallen Prince and former pacifist had been her companion since the two had met in Roenca, a small village in the southern forests of Nesca. There they had fought and found a common enemy to unite them.

Harlden and his knights were the only soldiers in Venetia's army that were loyal to Gruagadon and his throne before any other. Harlden happily accepted orders from Venetia, not only as the wife of his master but also as the most fearsome warrior within the city.

Yes, Harlden? She turned her crimson eyes from the horizon and gazed at the Knight-Marshall. Her hair was caught in the wind, a scarlet banner that looked as though it was formed from pure fire in the early morning light. Her belly was becoming more swollen by the day, the child that she carried getting closer to entering the cold and frightening world that Celadmore had become.

Have you been out here all night? He asked with genuine concern. Venetia smiled at his tone. Unlike most of the fawning vassals, politicians and self-appointed dignitaries that Venetia had to deal with on a daily basis, the Knight-Marshall had only ever shown a selfless attitude towards her well-being.

I have. She admitted. I know, you would have me resting and looking after the heir to both the Order and Grashindorph, but I was restless last night. She sighed.

That is understandable. Harlden allowed, his deep voice rebounding off the stone around them as he offered his arm to the queen to escort her from the walls. She gladly accepted the arm and permitted him to lead her down to the city below. My liege could not sleep either.

The Knight-Marshall led her through the silent city streets. No one was stirring from their beds yet save for those who were on patrol in the city and those that were preparing to relieve the nightwatch.

He seems to have been becoming more and more restless since we entered the city. Venetia said only half masking the worry she felt for him.

He has many demons to face here and this is not made any easier by the audience he now has. Harlden shrugged. The audience he referred to were those who led the other nations of Celadmore. There were those amongst them that sought to use the Fallen Prince to their own ends and tried to manipulate him at every turn.

Venetia only nodded at Harlden's words. The two walked in silence until they reached the sword ring that the Anaguran Swordmaster had erected in the city. Venetia's cousins, Dominia and Gevana, had been given the task of turning the civilians into soldiers, but the improvement of existing soldiers and warriors had been left in the hands of Morwenna, Swordmaster of Anamoore.

Morwenna had built the sword ring and set a challenge for all those that could wield a sword; any that could complete a set list of tasks within the set time limit would earn the prize of a newly forged weapon of the victor’s choosing.

It was a time honoured practise on Anamoore and a challenge that only two in living memory had been able to accomplish; Venetia and her mother Annalia. The challenges were varied to match the skill of those that fought in the ring; however the time limit was always set at four hours.

Venetia's challenge had been to fight and disarm all those that stepped into the sword ring without taking a single strike or injury. The time limit of four hours had meant that she had to fight off all comers for a minimum of four hours. Annalia had been set the same challenge and had managed five hours of combat before her mother, Tallana, had grazed Annalia's arm with an arrow.

Venetia had been determined to do better and had managed nearly seven hours before her mother had stepped into the ring. Annalia had disarmed her exhausted daughter in two steps but the accomplishment the young princess held had elevated her to god-like status amongst her people.

Inside the sword ring, Cryxander, Lord of Allamontia, Tatinia, Venetia's youngest sister, Kia, Venetia's Horsemistress and Caslo, Lord of Queteria, were all launching attacks against the exhausted form of Gruagadon.

Sweat matted his white hair; and dirt was smeared across most of his features. The white furs that he always wore as a cloak were matted with mud and blood, his armour had lost its sheen and his Tigris Drakon's edge had been dulled.

How long has he been fighting? Venetia asked, restraining herself from stopping the fight. At the other side of the sword ring, Morwenna stood watching, her dark hair pulled back from her face and her crow like features narrowed in concentration as she watched the Fallen Prince battle.

He has not left the ring since midnight, though he has failed the challenges five times now. Harlden said quietly.

What challenge was he set? Venetia bit her lip as a blow from Caslo's blade narrowly missed Gruagadon's shoulder.

To disarm all of his opponents within the time limit whilst taking only three strikes. The Knight-Marshall was clearly unimpressed by the task. He had been trained to fight only when there was need and such challenges were a needless waste of energy and a reckless indulgence of pride. I know it is not quite as difficult as the challenge you faced. He added as an afterthought.

I was raised in war, trained to fight and fought my first enemy at the age of 6. Gruagadon was not raised like this; he is a prince of a diplomatic nation not a warrior people. Venetia defended her husband.

I know, your majesty, but my liege does not seem to see it that way. He asked for this challenge. Morwenna was only going to ask him to fight for the time limit and only take five strikes within that time against four opponents. Harlden said with a slight annoyance. Venetia sighed and shook her head.

The proud fool.

A strike from Kia to the Fallen Prince's back caused him to fall face first into the mud of the sword ring.

Enough! Venetia's voice rang out across the courtyard. Morwenna looked up and saluted her queen as she approached. Harlden was beside her as she climbed into the ring, taking care not to crush her belly against the fencing.

Kia had stepped back and also saluted Venetia. The queen returned their salutes. Cryxander was knelt beside Gruagadon, who had moved to sit, leaning against the fence of the sword ring, his breathing laboured.

Tatinia and Caslo had withdrawn fearing Venetia's anger at the activities of her husband and their helping to pander to his dangerous new pastime.

Water. Cryxander called for as he watched the Fallen Prince with a brow furrowed with concern.

Venetia was surprised to see such worry from her best friend. Cryxander and Venetia had been friends since childhood and none knew the queen as well as the Lord of Allamontia did. He had not trusted or liked the Fallen Prince since the two had met but as of late, Cryxander's distaste had lessen somewhat to something akin to friendship with the prince.

You fool. Venetia admonished him as she fell to her knees and embraced her husband. Gruagadon tenderly held his wife as Morwenna brought forward a moorin skin of water and handed it to Cryxander.

I did not want to disturb your rest with my listlessness. Gruagadon whispered to her.

Here. Cryxander interrupted and he offered the water to the exhausted prince. Venetia looked at her oldest friend. His was as tired as Gruagadon but trying not to let it show.

It occurred to Venetia that he too was under pressure from all the gathered leaders of nations and that this commonality was most likely responsible for his shift in attitude towards the prince.

Cryxander was the son of Darnado, one of the most powerful men in Celadmore. A politician, he had moved from leading the city of Allamonto to controlling most of Celadmore through the council of Hocuna.

He was also a villainous man, guilty of numerous crimes, chiefly the murder of Venetia's aunts, Morrigan and Gekendra. Morrigan was the wife of her uncle Marlo, the current King of Queteria and father to Dominia and Radow. Gekendra was the mother of Gevana, her twin brother Lucas; who was believed dead, and Cryxander.

It was for this reason that the Lord of Allamontia had rebelled against his father and formed the Allamonto rebels, a freedom fighting force that sought to destroy Darnado and rid Celadmore of his tyranny. The number of rebels had grown so great that their encampment had become known as the city of Allamontia.

Thank you. Gruagadon said accepting the skin and drinking only half, he handed it back to Cryxander so that he might finish it.

Why are you doing this? Venetia asked as she gently rubbed some of the dirt from Gruagadon's face.

Because someone needs to set an example for people to look to. Cryxander replied with a shrug. Venetia creased her brow in confusion.

There are hundreds of warriors within the city that can set an example to aspire to. Venetia half laughed.

But only four of them are not of your people. Gruagadon said lightly patting his wife's hand.

The free people of Celadmore, the people of the countries of council and those of the outlying countries respect and fear your people, Venetia, but do not see them as an example to aspire to or their skill as being obtainable. They would gladly stand beside you on a battlefield and appreciate your abilities, but nothing more. The Lord of Allamontia said in an equally kind voice.

So you would risk your own life in this ridiculous manner to be that example? Venetia was clearly surprised at her husband.

I am the Fallen Prince of the broken country that we have fled to, the place where the fate of Celadmore will be decided. Gruagadon said firmly as he struggled to his feet.

On the battlefield, it is you the people will look to Venetia, you hold the name that is feared and are the one that all here believe can bring victory, but Gruagadon, he's a symbol of hope to the people; that once this is finished that we will rise again. To see him fighting this hard has already inspired those that had given up. Cryxander explained with passion that he rarely displayed. In that, he alone can give the people the encouragement they need.

Venetia was silent for a moment as she knelt in the mud. It had been a long time since Cryxander had spoken in such a way and his sincerity was more convincing to her than the argument. Harlden offered her his hand to help her to her feet.

She looked up at the Knight-Marshall and considered what difference her husband could make to the moral of the people around her. She smiled as she accepted Harlden's hand and rose more gracefully than her current condition should allow.

I understand. I will have Muse or Branwen come down though, if any injuries were to occur I would rather that you were all treated sooner rather than later.

Gruagadon smiled at his wife and kissed her to express his thanks. Tatinia smiled broadly at her sister's decision and without waiting for the Fallen Prince to recover himself, she launched another attack against him, Kia not far behind.

Cryxander had staggered back to avoid Tatinia and Kia, Gruagadon rolling through the mud after he ducked away from their strikes to put some distance between himself and the Anaguran onslaught.

Caslo waited patiently as Harlden escorted Venetia from the ring. The Lord of Queteria still felt uncomfortable around the queen. He had not always done, Venetia and he had once been very close as he had acted as her bodyguard during the Dragonious War. But in the battle for Hocuna he had been charged with protecting Venetia's son, Dezandon, and he had failed.

The young prince had been killed in the battle and Caslo would not forgive himself for allowing it to happen. Venetia showed no ill will towards him and had told him that he was not to blame several times, but Caslo felt that he needed to redeem himself in her eyes.

The Lord of Queteria nodded to the queen as she passed. Venetia smiled, she knew that the death of Dezandon had greatly shocked him and he felt that he had failed her. She had been angry to begin with, the loss of her son had caused her untold pain; but she did not regret his death. He had died in battle, the most honourable death for any warrior; he had spilt blood in battle and been a credit to her line. No assassin had come to take his life whilst Caslo guarded him; the role of bodyguard had not been officially given to the Lord of Queteria. He had no reason to feel guilt over the death of her son.

Neither had spoken of this since it had happened except for Caslo offering profuse apologies. Venetia knew that there would come a time when they would have to speak of it but now was not that time. Her eyes moved from the slightly tense expression on Caslo’s face to that of her husband.

You should not be so reckless. She playfully scolded Caslo as she noted a cut that ran the length of his cheek. It had stopped bleeding, but was a very recent wound.

That sounds awfully familiar; I wonder where I have heard that before. He returned the jibe. In her youth, he had often warned the Anaguran royal that she took too many risks and needed to be more cautious in her actions. Venetia laughed and patted his arm.

When you are done here, meet me in the castle courtyard. I have something I need your assistance with. She said in a quiet voice. Caslo nodded in acknowledgement of the request.

Behind them Cryxander had re-engaged, the respite of Venetia's presence had given him the rest he needed in order to continue. Caslo saluted Venetia and in two steps had locked Gruagadon into a parry that left his back exposed.

Harlden escorted the queen back through the city until they were before the palace of Grashindorph.

It had been a few months now since they had come to the city. Restoration on the buildings had been swift; most of the refugees glad to work to give them purpose and keep their minds occupied.

Barriers of magic and mysticism were being erected around the city and its lands to prevent Aksoth from attacking. They would only stand for three years, but it was time that Venetia intended to use to forge an army that could stand against the forces that the ruler of Nether Roth marshalled.

The barriers were unique as they kept out those that intended harm or malice against those in the city. More than once there had been problems of grudges and feuds that had not been resolved preventing some of the refugees from entering the protective bubbles.

Venetia had left the solving of these problems in the hands of the Abbott, the head of the most ancient order of monks on Celadmore and one of the realm's immortals. He had wisdom and insight beyond most and was a man of unparalleled in Venetia’s estimation when it came to acquiring intelligence and diffusing conflict.

Equally the barriers prevented most from leaving the city and the surrounding area once they had entered. Many had no wish to leave and return to the dangerous plains, but there were some who the barriers did not seem to inhibit. One of these people was Cassandra, leader of the Port Hocuna pirates.

The pirate queen had visited twice already and returned to her port without being impeded. Venetia wondered what it was that allowed her to do so, but knew there were many secrets that Cassandra kept that she would never be privy to.

My lady, I may not be fluent in your language, I have only been learning for a short time and only when Lord Camerno has the opportunity to teach me. Harlden began as the two walked up the newly repaired steps that led to the courtyard of the palace.

Yes? Venetia said with a smile.

Why was Caslo become to meet you? Harlden asked, his tongue tripping over some of the words.

Why is Caslo coming to meet me? Venetia said slowly, her articulation of the words emphasising the lilts that gave each word their meaning. I have a task that I need his help with. Venetia replied loftily.

Very well, my lady. If you require my assistance, I am also yours to command. He said with a slight bow.

Is that the first sentence that Camerno taught you? Venetia asked with a half-smile. Harlden blushed slightly.

It may have been. He said sheepishly.

That man is so often more mischievous than any give him credit for. Venetia said shaking her head. As Gevana's husband, Camerno was known for having one of the most domineering wives of all the Queterians in the Order. Moreover as a princess, Camerno was bound in his Lordship to obey any orders that his wife gave. I would be careful not to use it in conversation with Gevana though. Venetia smiled.

Caslo and Venetia had both teased him relentlessly in the early days of his marriage and the phrase Very well, my lady had become the stock phrase that he used when replying to Gevana, especially when he was not paying attention to what she was saying.

It had gotten him into more trouble with his wife than he cared to recount, but it had become a long standing joke between him, the Anaguran Queen and the Lord of Queteria. Camerno had not explained any of this when he had taught the phrase to Harlden, though given the warning from Venetia, the Knight-Marshall doubted that he would ever use the phrase again.

If you wish to help, I would be glad to accept. Caslo should not be more than half an hour, so whilst we are waiting for him, I believe that now would be an excellent time for breakfast. Venetia smiled and led the Knight-Marshall off in search of food.

Chapter 2

Shadows crept across the land, almost undetected by those that watched for them. They were moving with a purpose, trying to remain hidden.

They were not the forces of Aksoth. The troops of the ruler of Nether Roth had no need to hide their presence on the plains of Celadmore now. Their dominance was undisputed by most, though there were small groups that the Nether Kin did avoid.

Eyes watched patiently as they tracked the barely noticeable movement of their quarry. They had been following them for three weeks, three weeks of remaining undetected by those who had taken such care to hide their presence. The eyes belonged to the Eight, the elite warriors of the Order, Venetia’s most deadly and feared company.

They were assassins, saboteurs, infiltrators, spies, bodyguards and the dispensers of swift justice. Riding as a pack, never far from one another, the Eight were known throughout the realm and had even forged a reputation amongst the Nether Kin as ones to be avoided.

They had left many pyres of corpses in their wake, their current prey being their main focus; they had still helped when they found those in danger. Despite Venetia’s call to all the cities, there were still thousands of people who had not gone to the safety of Grashindorph.

Of these, at least half were enemies of the Order and of them; at least half again were Valians. Valians; traitors to the royal line of Anagura who believed that those who currently ruled the Order were usurpers of the throne. Valia had once been queen, in eons past, granddaughter of Anagura and Queteria; she had turned on her family, murdering her two younger sisters out of paranoia and started the only civil war amongst the Order.

Valia had been defeated and those who refused to swear loyalty to the new queen were cast out. It was these outcasts that had begun the Valians and fought to place Valia’s descendants upon the throne that she had been stripped of. The line of Valia had ended though and now there were a handful who claimed a distant relation to her that led the rebellion.

Skyla had been the most recent of these leaders, but had found herself impaled upon the end of Gruagadon’s blade when she had attempted to manipulate him. So a new leader had to now step forward, rumours had reached the ears of the Eight that a woman named Delmira was now in charge but so far there was no evidence to substantiate it.

Darnado was also still unaccounted for. It had been the lack of his presence in Grashindorph that had prompted Venetia to send out the Eight. Their primary mission was to search for signs of Darnado and the Valians, their secondary mission was to track the movements and formations of Aksoth’s forces. Venetia had held a war council not long after her return from Queteria.

It had been held in secrecy; Cassandra, the Abbott, the Eight and Allamonto had been present. No one else had been told of its happening, least of all invited to be part of it.

The voices of all had run out during the council except for that of Bandecai, the axe-wielding man of the Eight. He had sat silently and listened. Allamonto had touched his arm several times and asked for his input, but the giant man had refused by shaking his head. He had waited until the end to speak