Gathering of the Storm: The Realms of War, #16

By Jenna Powers

Aewyn and Robyn are within the safety of the Valley of the Gods.  However, they are kept apart as the Druids try to learn more about them.  The trust that once banded the group together has now been broken with Aewyn's actions and Robyn can no longer see eye to eye with her.  As they are brought back together, the Druids slowly reveal the powerful force that has been protecting the Valley of the Gods.

Far off in the ruins of Erun, the Horde slowly begins to regain its power under the cold, undead grip of Lord Lazarus.  While he tries to find the secret to freeing the Lich King, he tries to unite the Horde.  He sends the corrupted Queen of Erun, Arwen to seduce the Orcs and Leila, along with Kara to do the same with the Trolls.

As the Horde slowly grows stronger, Aewyn tries to enlist in the help of the Druids.  The uneasy calm before the storm leads to a gathering of power for all forces.  The Horde, Aewyn, and the reformed Human Alliance all wish to lay claim to the broken lands...  but who will ultimately lay claim to whatever remains?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jenna Powers
• Release date: Jun 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533704719

Jenna Powers

Jenna Powers is a sultry executive assistant by day who lets her fantasies come true through erotica writing by night.

Book preview

Aewyn looked around in wonderment.  She, along with Robyn were amazed by the intricate details of the marbled walls they walked by.  The castle they had been invited into was the very definition of luxury.

Amazing, Aewyn whispered.

Robyn nodded in agreement as she took in the incredible view.  The trip into the Valley of the Gods was long and hazardous, though she could not remember much of it.  When they had made it through the mountains and arrived within the Valley, one of the Druids had placed their hand on her forehead, practically wiping her memory of the entire ordeal.  All she could recall was that it was rather difficult.

They had been separated immediately thereafter, Tirador and Rick being taken away.  Robyn and Aewyn were told that it was so that they could be healed.  Soon thereafter, the two were also broken apart, each being led to separate huts near the outskirts of the castle.  There, they were both questioned, though not necessarily interrogated.  Robyn felt as though they were trying to get to know more about them; they were genuinely concerned about their health and well-being.

The two had no idea how much time had passed but they were both allowed to meet and enter into the castle.  Both were surprised by how well they had been treated during their stay in the huts.

Did... did they question you as well?  Aewyn asked.

Yes, they wanted to know where I was from and to see if I had been hurt, Robyn answered.

The same.  Do you know how long they had us in the huts?

I'm unsure.  It feels as though time moves differently here somehow, Robyn replied.

Aewyn nodded in agreement as she ran her fingers against the smooth, shiny marble.  Indeed, while day and night existed, it seemed to come and go.  The light didn't slowly fade as nightfall came, nor did the darkness gradually disperse as the day began.  At any given moment, the sun would be shining down upon them, or the moon would be peeking through the night skies.

Can magic be used to manipulate time itself?  Robyn inquired.

That shouldn't be possible... Or at least, I've never heard of such power, Aewyn answered honestly.

What do you think happened to Tirador and Rick?  Robyn asked.

Before Aewyn could answer, two large doors opened before them and a group of Druids made their way out.  Among them was the one that had saved them from the forest, Uluk.  He still carried his staff, the large clear orb atop it shining and glowing as he made his way towards them.  Dharazim,. the female Druid that had first found them was right beside him, wearing a long flowing gown that was practically transparent.  Aewyn had to glance away in a bit of embarrassment as she saw her dark red nipples poke through the sheer white gown.

Welcome to Highgard, Uluk said as he spread his arms out.

Thank you for having us, Aewyn replied.

A bit excessive with the marble, isn't it?  Robyn quipped.

Aewyn glared at her.  She was about to apologize on behalf of her but the other Druids laughed.  Dharazim smiled and tapped Robyn on the shoulder, her soft fingers causing a small shiver to run up Robyn's spine.

It does seem that way, doesn't it?  She replied.

Robyn still did not trust the Druids that had brought them to the Valley of the Gods.  Something about them felt off to her.  It also didn't help that their weapons had been confiscated when they reached the Valley.

Uluk ran his fingers through his thick, shaggy beard and looked down at Robyn.  He was surprisingly tall, the twisted horns atop his head only adding to his height. 

It is a bit luxurious, isn't it?  We Druids are usually not known for such lavish lives, Uluk agreed.

You're mainly foragers are you not?  I had read that Druids lived off the land, Aewyn inquired.

You are correct.  We Druids are merely Forest Elves, and at one point, we did live in the very forests that you walked through.  Long ago, our ancestors managed to traverse through the treacherous path that we went through to find this, Uluk informed as he spread his arms.

You're saying this castle was already here?  Robyn questioned suspiciously.

Yes.  Of course, as old as I may be, I was not one of the original settlers so I cannot say with absolute certainty, Uluk replied.

Were there any people who were already here?  The ones who built this place?  Robyn asked.

No, this place was completely empty.  Uluk answered.

Robyn shook her head and bit her thumb as she looked up at the Druid. 

And no one found that suspicious?  This giant, luxurious castle in the middle of a circle of mountains?  Are you certain your ancestors didn't wipe out the inhabitants who lived here previously?  Robyn asked, her voice laced with accusations.

Aewyn reached out towards Robyn, hoping to try to stop her from saying anything else.  Uluk seemed to take it in stride, smiling and nodding as he continued to stroke his beard.  Dharazim pursed her lips as if she were holding back her words.  Aewyn could tell that the female Druid wasn't taking the accusations as calmly as Uluk.

A valid question, and unfortunately, I do not have an answer.  We do not believe in violence.  If our ancestors caused such an atrocity and hid it from their descendants, then...  Then I hope they pay for their sins in the afterlife, Uluk responded solemnly.

Robyn paused, biting her lower lip as she tried to get a read on him.  She couldn't tell if he was trying to hide some sort of awful truth or if he was being completely honest with his response.  His beard covered the majority of his lower face and his long, now braided hair was covering much of the rest.  Other than the small smile on his lips, he was rather emotionless.

Robyn, your tone, Aewyn whispered into her ear.

Don't think that I trust you either, Robyn replied coolly.

Aewyn was taken aback by the comment.  The guilt still lingered and it surprised her that Robyn would be so blunt.  She stepped away from Robyn, trying to hold back her tears.  Robyn didn't seem to care as she boldly stared up at Uluk.

Come, please, your friends await, Uluk said as he turned.

You mean Tirador and Rick?  Are they okay?  Robyn asked.

They are healed as much as we could heal for the time being.  They will have to continue to meet with our Priests, Dharazim answered as she followed behind Uluk.

The other Druids moved aside, heading in separate directions.  Robyn remained hesitant while Aewyn glided behind Dharazim.  As they passed the double doors, she paused and looked back at Robyn.  Their eyes met and Robyn sighed before following her.

Robyn, I understand if you cannot trust me, but again, I am sorry for what I-

Robyn shook her head, cutting off Aewyn midway through her apology.  She continued past her while lightly tapping her on the side.  Aewyn sucked in her lips and calmed herself as she continued forward.  Their eyes were immediately flooded with