Birth by Flame

By Matthew Pinkney

Garus, the crown prince of the fantastic kingdom of Deralan, has everything a young man could possibly want: money, power, beautiful girls, and zero responsibilities. All that changes when a terrible tragedy rips Garus out of his pampered lifestyle, forcing him to leave behind the world of the rich and famous for that of the poor and unknown. It is in this world that Garus meets Shiro, a stoic farmer with a distrust for this stranger, and Mulayan, a bubbly and beautiful dancing girl from a foreign land. The three band together when they uncover a devious plot that would plunge Deralan into chaos and civil war. Garus must face both his enemies and his own failures to reclaim his throne and save his people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matthew Pinkney
• Release date: Sep 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310180385

Matthew Pinkney

Matthew Pinkney is a writer originally from San Jose, California. He is primarily a writer of young adult fantasy, with an eye for creating entertaining and socially conscious media in all formats and genres. He is a graduate of Chapman University with a degree in television writing and production and Spanish.

Book preview

It was early on a pale morning, but the forest was wide awake. All around me I could hear the sounds of hidden creatures. A patter of feet here, a flutter of wings there, a soft crunch of leaves underfoot. The air was crisp and still, as if the goddess of wind herself was holding her breath and watching.

I crept forward, bow in my right hand, arrow nocked and bowstring gripped with my left. I scanned the trees, looking for her. She couldn’t have gotten far.

The leaves beneath my feet crunched lightly with each step. The ground was mottled by fallen leaves and the shadows cast by those leaves which had yet to fall. The forest looked as though it were ablaze with the red and orange light from the trees filtering down. With shabby brown hunting leathers and bright red hair, I was able to blend into the forest without much work for once.

Movement through the trees off to my right pulled my attention. I turned my head and she stared back at me, less than a hundred yards away. She was beautiful, with soft tawny fur speckled with mossy green and big liquid brown eyes. She looked at me peacefully, barely moving save for the rise and fall of her chest. She had an air of magic about her as she watched me, her eyes and body glowing with a soft green light.

I slowly lifted the bow and took a deep breath in. I pulled the bowstring back to my cheek and took aim. The doe still stared at me, motionless and silent.

I let my breath out slowly and -

CAW!

A harsh screech sent a flock of birds flying from a nearby tree. I startled and let the arrow loose. It stuck in the trunk of a tree about ten yards to the right of where the doe was before she had bounded off into the forest. I sighed and turned around to see who had interrupted my hunt.

I came face-to-face with a large bird, easily twice my height, with a large head on top of a long neck, powerful legs, and a body covered in dowdy, ash gray feathers. Jeshu, my manservant and a young man barely older than myself, swung off its back. He was an average-sized man with tawny beige skin and dark brown hair. His brown eyes were awash with relief as he approached.

There you are, Garus, he said as he dismounted. I’ve been looking for you all morning.

If I’d wanted to be found quickly, I would’ve stayed closer to home, I said as I went off to retrieve my arrow.

Of all days, you decide to practice the day you set off to visit your uncle? he asked.

I need to get used to the bow. I’m nowhere near as good as I should be. I said, yanking the arrowhead free from the bark. And I would’ve had that doe if your bird hadn’t ruined the whole thing.

My apologies, Garus, Jeshu said, bowing slightly, but my orders come from your father. The lords are almost ready to leave and are merely waiting for you.

I clapped Jeshu on the shoulder. Then let’s not keep my father waiting any longer.

Jeshu gestured to the bird. After you.

I swung onto the bird behind Jeshu. He wore a brown jacket and I could clearly see the gold sun with six rays on his back, the emblem of my family that marked him as one of our servants. He snapped the reins once. The bird cawed in response then took off back out of the forest.

In a few minutes, we emerged from the forest onto a grassy field. The walls of my home city arose some ways off in the distance. My own bird, an exquisite male with shining scarlet plumage, trotted up to us and nuzzled at Jeshu’s mount.

I swung off and began to mount my bird. Race you into the city?

Jeshu nodded and snapped the reins, sending his bird speeding off towards the walls.

Hey! No fair! I said, quickly gaining my seating and chasing after him.

We sped off into the tall grass and onto the eastern road leading back home. After the stillness of the forest, the sun and wind on my face were a welcome change.

Jeshu skidded onto the road and kept ahead at a steady pace. I dashed after him, kicking up clouds of dust as we ran. We weaved around any farmers or peasants who didn’t jump out of the way in time.

Soon we arrived at the walls of Deralan City, the capital of Deralan. Back before the lands were united under one king, it had been an inconsequential port on the largest island in the Encircled Sea. That all changed when the Tupazhun invaded and set up their governor here to incorporate these lands into their empire. My grandfather, Uhueyan the Liberator, chose this island to be his capital for the newly unified Deralan and built his castle on the foundations of the old governor’s mansion.

The eastern road led us through the walls and into the newer, more residential parts of the city. It was a small town inside of the city walls. Shops and bars lined the main street, with the owner’s residence usually on the second floor above. People walked back and forth casually, looking at the goods in the windows and talking with friends. It was still too early for even the most ardent drunk to start drinking, so the bars were mostly empty, save a barkeep or two cleaning up from the previous night.

I rode forward to meet Jeshu as we turned left toward the castle. I was right behind you, you know, I said.

Sure you were, Garus, he smirked.

I leaned over and tried to punch him, but he danced away on his bird, leaving me flailing at nothing.

Jeshu laughed. You’ll need to be faster than that.

What was Father doing when he sent you to come find me? I asked.

To the temple to make an offering for your safety on the trip.

Thanks, I said, kicking my bird into motion.

I sped away down the road towards the towering royal palace that dominated the skyline. The buildings along the road became larger and more impressive. At first, they were houses of rich families with land beyond the city walls. Before long, they turned into government buildings, filled with the scholars and administrators tasked with keeping Deralan running. I rode up to the treasury and hopped off my bird.

Take this to the palace, I told a guard as I handed him the reins.

Yes, Your Grace, he said, walking off along the walls.

I walked behind the treasury and found a wooden door built into the stonework. These were the doors merchants used when they brought in food and other deliveries for the castle. My brother and I often used these doors to sneak in and out of the keep as little kids, usually resulting in a stern lecture from Mother or Father.

I emerged from the wall at the back of the keep, near the royal quarters where my family lived. I walked around the building, past the granary, and entered the main building through the kitchens.

There was such a bustle in there that I was barely noticed. Everyone was sending out the last few crates and baskets of food for our trip out the doors or finishing the cooking and packing of that food. I moved with the flow of people from the kitchen to the main hall.

By contrast, there were very few people in the hall itself, save for servants rushing out into the courtyard. The high ceiling was supported by sturdy gold columns and decorated with colorful paintings of gods and animals frolicking in a sylvan paradise. The sound of footsteps on the polished wood floors echoed through the space. I stepped out of the hall and into the bright courtyard.

There were dozens of nobles milling about around their birds and carriages. They were dressed in every hue and material imaginable, they wore their hair in a hundred different ways, and their laughter and conversations filled the air so that you thought you might choke on an ill-placed word. Servants loaded supplies on the backs of carriages and onto wagons pulled by birds out of the royal stables.

All around them were the sturdy white walls of the castle buildings. Gold tiled roofs curved up and over the walls, shimmering for all the city to see. The buildings themselves were nothing spectacular, but they were just as strong as they had been sixty years ago when my grandfather built them. In the center of the courtyard was our family temple, a small, hexagonal building with a curved roof tiled in gold. I washed my hands and face in a small basin next to the door and then entered.

A priest in long yellow robes stood before a large stone statue of a rabbit-headed god, reciting from a book. Two other priests stood beside him. One clapped two wooden sticks together to punctuate the priest’s sentences. The other held a small bronze bell. Three familiar figures, a man, woman, and a young boy, kneeled before him, their eyes closed in prayer. Smoke from incense sticks filled the air with a grey haze and the scent of old flowers. I quietly took my spot behind my family and shut my eyes.

O great guardian of roads and travelers, hear our prayers. Watch over our noble king and his family. May their journey be swift and may they return home safely. the priest chanted. I heard the book close and a bowl being picked up off a table.

Let this mark show that you are under the protection of the gods, to ward off any who would harm you in this world or the next. the priest continued. As he passed, I caught a strong whiff of a fragrant mixture, then felt his thumb press a line of cool paste onto my forehead. The bell was rung and the reverberations echoed through the small room.

Gods, hear our prayers. You may go in peace.

I bowed low before standing. My mother started when she saw me standing behind her.

Garus! You made it, she said.

Just in time, Father added in a low voice. We were about to leave without you.

Odiran, hush. Mother scolded.

Yay! exclaimed Heran, my little brother, as he wrapped his arms around me. I smiled and ruffled his chestnut hair.

You’re still in your hunting clothes? Father asked, looking me up and down. I thought I had Jeshu bring you a change when I sent him to find you.

He didn’t have anything for me, I replied.

Well, he’ll just have to go as is. Mother said, smoothing out my leather vest.

We’ll make time for him, Father said. Now go.

I burst out of the temple and rushed back into the main hall, taking the steps two at a time. I passed Jeshu on the way up and pulled him along with me.

A set of elegant riding clothes were laid out on the bed: a pair of thick woolen pants, a cream shirt, and a coat, vest, and waistband in matching spring green with gold embroidery.

I threw my jacket and shirt on the bed. Grab me a towel, I told Jeshu as I stripped down to my shorts.

Jeshu walked into the adjoining bathroom and tossed a towel to me. I quickly wiped away the sweat and dirt of the forest. I tossed it back to Jeshu and picked up the shirt.

Are you ready to see your cousins again? And all the nobles who decide to show up? he asked.

Cousins, yes, I said, pulling the shirt over my head. It’s been, what, three or four years since I last saw them? It’ll be great.

Jeshu smiled and helped me wrap the waistband around my body. I’m sure they’ll be excited to see you as well. And those nobles will be sizing you up, seeing if you’ll be a good match for one of their daughters.

I paused, my hands hovering above the silk. I hope not. I don’t think I’m ready.

You wouldn’t actually marry for a few more years, Jeshu assured me as he pinned the waistband in place.

Still, I don’t want my parents picking someone out for me. I don’t think they’d pick the right kind of person.

Jeshu helped me into my coat and patted me on the back. I’m sure they’ll do fine.

I nodded and turned my attention to the two of us in the mirror. The green clothes paired well with my copper hair, amber eyes and skin glowing like gold on a sandy beach.

How do I look? I asked.

Perfect, Jeshu responded.

I smiled and grabbed his arm. Come on, we need to get going.

The two of us ran down the stairs and out into the courtyard. The whole entourage was mounted on their birds and ready to go. I ran to the front of the line, grabbed the reins from the groom, and hopped onto my bird.

Father glanced at me, then snapped the reins and headed for the main gates. The rest of the family followed, and within minutes, the whole party began to make its way through the city.

The western side of the city was more urban and crowded than the east by far. Ahead of us, the old city walls enclosed the financial district where rich merchants had their homes and offices. To our right rose the Great Temple, a six-sided red tower piercing the heavens. Locals crowded alongside the road as we passed to wave and cheer. Shopkeepers left their stores, innkeepers waved their towels like flags, and little kids were lifted onto their parents’ shoulders to get a better view. I waved at both young and old, grinning from ear to ear and taking in the sounds of adoration.

The financial district was both more opulent and more subdued. Workers and patrons flooded out from their elegantly designed businesses in their uniforms to line the streets and applaud. Soon the smell of water caught the air, and we were at the docks. A fleet of elegant sailing ships sat in the water, bobbing up and down in the river tides. A small army of dock workers loaded up the birds, crates, and wagons onto the boats, while the nobles continued their conversations as they boarded.

After an hour of loading and waiting, Father gave the signal to the captain. The ropes were hauled in, the sails unfurled, and the ship lurched into the water. The crowds both onboard and ashore cheered as the ships cut through the waves and set out on our journey.

Chapter 2

We sailed for five days and nights, across the cool indigo waves of the great inland sea. We spent a day docked at Aguizhun, the great merchant city that connected Deralan City with her people and kept her safe from invaders. We then continued down the main artery of the nation, the mighty Deralan River. We passed barges laden with goods for sale in riverside towns, farmers bringing in the last bits of the fall harvest, and lush forests in every hue from ruby to gold. It rained for most of our trip, turning the river a muddy brown and causing the sailors to work twice as hard to battle the winds. I stayed inside with my family for the most part, sitting under blankets and playing games with my brother as the storm raged outside.

On our sixth day of sailing, the skies cleared and the sun shone brilliantly. I spent the whole day outside, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the cool spray from the river. Just before sunset, a lookout shouted down to the deck below. My heart leaped and I shouted below deck to relay the news. Word quickly spread throughout the whole party on our ship and on others: Jiehidem was on the horizon.

Long ago, Jiehidem had been a seat of power for important families in one of the many long dead kingdoms that quarreled over this land. It was a prominent trading city, best known for its delicate textiles and fields of yellow-flowered flax that gave the city its name. It was from here that my grandfather began the rebellion against imperial rule, and it was from here that my uncle still held control over the heartland of Deralan.

We arrived to find the docks overflowing with people cheering and waving both the tricolor banner of Deralan and my uncle’s personal green and gold banner. A small band had been assembled to celebrate our arrival with flutes, guitars, and horns. Standing above this crowd were my beaming aunt and uncle.

The crowds parted as we disembarked. My father, who normally wore a mask of consternation, smiled at the sight of his brother and sister. With that smile, he and his brother looked like twins. Both had the same chestnut brown hair, bronze complexion, and laughing smile. Uncle Kasta, the Duke of Heyoderalan, was two years younger than Father and a tad shorter, with a thick mustache and kind brown eyes. Aunt Suhodem, six years younger than her eldest brother, had dark brown hair and a serene rosy smile.

It’s good to see you, brother! Kasta exclaimed as he embraced his brother.

You as well. It’s been far too long. Father replied.

You made excellent time, Suhodem said.

Father stepped forward to hug his little sister. How is the blushing bride today?

Wonderful, now that the whole family is together again.

And how are my nephews? Kasta asked, stepping past his brother to sweep Heran and me into a bear hug. You must have grown a foot each since I saw you last.

Yet you haven’t changed at all, Kasta. Mother chuckled.

Uncle smiled. "Well, what are we waiting for? You must be starving, and we just so happen to have a feast