The Sword and the Flame (Book4): The Dragonmaster

By CP Bialois

When the Gods call, mortals answer. Reaching Solava Proper seemed like the end of their journey, but fate and the Gods have other plans for Gilliam and his friends. Old friendships are rekindled and strained as the friends are forced to find a way to prevent an upcoming war and protect an innocent princess tied to the heart of it all. Through their adventures, the Phoenix watches as he prepares for a possible conflict between the Gods. When a single move could mean failure, will his efforts succeed or be for naught?

• Language: English
• Publisher: CP Bialois
• Release date: Aug 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370020249

CP Bialois

Where do I begin? Well first I guess it's only fair to say that CP Bialois isn't my real name. It's a collaboration I made out of the three greatest pets anyone could ever want. My real name is Ed and I'm just an average person that has found a way to do what he loves. For as long back as I can remember I loved to pretend. Whether it was with my Transformers, GI Joe, or He-Man toys I loved to create intricate plots and have them fight it out. As a fan of horror, science fiction, action, and comedy I dare say my taste in movies are well rounded. Some of my favorites were Star Wars, Star Trek, martial arts, and anything with Swarzenegger in them. I'd write my own stories about the characters I saw in the theaters or TV or I'd just daydream about what I'd see myself as the hero of course. You can't have a daydream without beating the bad guys, getting the girl, etc. It's just not right to envision yourself as a flunky or sidekick. As far as books I loved Sherlock Holmes, Treasure Island, Dracula, and the normal assortment. My early love was the Star Trek novels, I'd read them or the Hardy Boys relentlessly. For a time I could tell you the plot of over a hundred books not to mention comics. I have to come clean and say that I learned to read because of comic books. I was bored, make that extremely bored when we started to read in school. Reading "the cat fell down" really didn't interest me. My dad, who continues to astound me with his insight to this day, figured comics would work. With that in mind he went to the newstand in town and bought issues of Donald Duck, Scrooge McDuck, Tales From the Crypt, and Spider-man. He patiently read through them with me until I picked it up. Whether it was him or the comics I learned to read in about two weeks and for a while few were as good as I was. For years after that whenever we'd go out he'd always spring for a couple of comic books for me. While it wasn't exactly the perfect beginning everything I've ever read or have seen has influenced me in some way and now is the time I'd like to share some of the ideas I've had over the years with all of you. I hope you enjoy my stories, they're always fun to write and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.

Book preview

Prologue

Janessa’s hair whirled about her head. Each strand lashed at her face like a thousand possessed whips. The sudden gust of wind stopped as she reached up cover her head, leaving her on a hill overlooking a valley with homes scattered around the base of the trees. The sight seemed odd to her, especially given there wasn’t anyone else with her.

Galin? Fleir? Janessa turned in a circle as she called out their names, but no one answered. She forced away the tears welling in her eyes. It wasn’t the time to break down. She had promised Galin that she’d look after Fleir and Nyanna. The memory gave her pause as she realized what had happened.

With the Darkness about to attack, Fleir had magiked them to safety. That meant she shouldn’t be alone. Despite her and Fleir not being the best of friends, Janessa didn’t think the Air Nymph would cast her off like she was rubbish.

Shaking her head, Janessa plopped onto the ground to think. Something must’ve gone wrong. Fleir would never… Her eyes widened at a sudden realization. That spoiled little… A frustrated scream burst from Janessa. Now I’m lost! Who’s going to take care of them now?

The more she thought about it, the more her anger turned to sorrow. All Janessa could think of was Galin. Though he hadn’t told her directly to watch over Fleir and Nyanna, she felt confident in assuming it was her task. Besides, she doubted anyone but Galin could do a better job than her. So why am I alone?

Jenny?

At hearing the familiar voice, Janessa jumped to her feet and turned. Standing a few feet away was Viola. Viola! By the Gods! What are you doing here? She didn’t give her friend a chance to say anything as she ran to the mage and wrapped her arms around her.

After a moment, Janessa let go of Viola and stepped back. But… what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in Berek’s Harbor? The confusion lifted from Janessa’s face. I came to you, didn’t I? I didn’t think Fleir could send me this far. I don’t remember Berek’s Harbor looking like this, though. Is it another city?

Viola wiped a tear away and swallowed. You’re right. You did come to me.

Janessa turned to her friend. What’s wrong? Why are you so sad?

You can’t stay here. Not yet, anyway.

I don’t…

Listen, please, Jenny. Transportation spells take you where you want to go, that’s why you came here. You have to focus on Fleir and Nyanna.

Viola, I…

Viola stepped forward and kissed Janessa on the forehead. I know. I love you, too.

Janessa tried to say something, but she couldn’t talk as someone was lightly slapping her face.

Janessa? Janessa, are you all right?

It took a few more slaps before Janessa opened her eyes. When she did, Fleir smiled at her.

Thank the Gods. For a minute there, I thought we lost you.

Despite her best attempts to speak or sit up, Janessa could only watch the clouds pass by above Fleir and wonder if she’d been dreaming.

Chapter 1

Gilliam paused forty feet from the nearest market stall and breathed in, letting the scents of the throng of people and various food fill his senses. While not entirely unpleasant, the smell of people in various stages of wash combined with the scents of bread, vegetables, and dung. It was something familiar he could take comfort in. It was as welcome a sight as the walls of the castle standing in the distance. Maybe it was him, or their recent ordeal, but he thought the usual luster of the white walls looked dull and gray. Shaking the thoughts from his mind, he turned to the remaining members of his party. Welcome to Solava Proper.

His smile was hollow, but such a fact was lost on the two Dark Clerics, Morgan and Omara. Both had recovered better than Gilliam expected following their confrontation with the Darkness, but even so, their eyes remained locked on the castle and the gleaming sunlight off of the towers.

Nathan and Jargen stood flanking the group. The former’s excitement threatened to break loose as he kept shifting his weight from one foot to the other. The sight helped to lighten Gilliam’s mood somewhat, but then he turned his attention to Galin. As much as he wished to take away the Dwarf’s pain, Gilliam knew such a thing was beyond a mortal being, whether they were a cleric or the prophesized Lightwalker.

Gilliam reached out and rested a comforting hand on Galin’s shoulder. They’ll be fine. The Gods walk with them.

Galin had spent the last few seconds letting his gaze move across the buildings and streets before them without seeing them. It took him a moment, but he looked at Gilliam and nodded. Aye, lad, there’s little doubt in that. I just… hope Janessa knows what she’s gotten herself into.

Gilliam’s smile grew with the infusion of humor from his friend. It wasn’t every day a Dwarf, or anyone else, showed such concern for a Halfling. Come. We have a ways to travel yet. He turned to lead them through the outskirts of the marketplace.

The people and stalls were few at first, but after a couple of minutes the companions found themselves entangled in a river of peasants and merchants. Like a seasoned captain guiding his boat, Gilliam led the group for another block before the sound of yelling and pottery breaking caught his attention.

Stopping their progression, Gilliam turned toward the disturbance, but by then the other shoppers had closed in a half circle so all he could see were the backs of the people.

Where are the guards when you need them? Omara huffed as she lifted a handkerchief to her nose. It was a habit she developed following her and Morgan’s experience in Berek’s Harbor. She may have become kinder and gentler without the Fallen God Solaria pushing her emotions anymore, but that didn’t mean she had to appreciate the rabble around her.

Morgan glanced at her, but decided to leave her be. He wasn’t as concerned about her emotional state since their victory over Solaria. Perhaps M’Lady is correct. Where are the guards? Should we not fetch them?

Had they not been in Solava Proper, Gilliam would have agreed. Instead, he let his concern simmer as he attempted to push through the crowd. Nathan and Jargen exchanged a look before Nathan followed Gilliam.

Where are they going? Omara lowered the handkerchief in surprise at the sight.

Galin shook his head. The misty, far-off look had vanished from his eyes. He’s fixing to get us in trouble. Out of the way, lad. Galin nudged past Jargen as he followed Gilliam. Though the contact was light, it was enough to push the six-foot-four guard aside a step.

Gilliam had made little headway when the group parted. Confused, he stopped and looked around for any sight of what caused the pause. His search took little more than a couple of seconds before he spotted the silver armor of the city guard and white cape of an officer.

The six guards came to a stop a few yards to Gilliam’s right and the officer stepped forward. What is the reason for this disturbance? The officer’s gray eyes went from one face to another, settling on Gilliam for a moment before moving to the offending parties at the center of the gathering as he stepped toward them. The people hurried out of his way, some tripping over themselves to clear a path.

Gilliam watched the man with a heightened sense of curiosity following the momentary recognition he saw in the officer’s eyes. More interesting still was the fear the people showed once the guards arrived. The numerous rumors of King Vernaco ruling with an iron hand in an effort to hold the kingdom together surfaced in Gilliam’s thoughts. As mayor of a large coastal trading port, he was privy to news few others were, and being so far south ensured Berek’s Harbor was a city-state unto itself. Still, despite the reports, Gilliam had never believed such things until that moment. The voices of two men shook him from his thoughts.

He tried to steal from me!

I did no such thing! I just looked at a jar and he knocked it out of my hand!

Gilliam couldn’t see the men through the mass of people, but seeing two of the guards step forward told him they’d be visible in a minute.

Both men pleaded for mercy and the edge in their voices forced Gilliam to speak. Sir Knight, if I may? The people around Gilliam turned to eye him with unspoken threats for calling attention to the area where they stood.

Galin leaned toward Gilliam and lowered his voice. Now I see where Berek got it from.

Gilliam moistened his lips as the people in front of him parted for the officer.

Who spoke? Come now, one with the courage to speak on behalf of the accused shouldn’t now fall silent. The officer’s head turned from side to side, seemingly daring someone to step forward.

It was I, Sir Knight. Gilliam held his back straight as he spoke. I have only just arrived and didn’t witness what occurred, but don’t these men deserve to be questioned first?

The officer stared at Gilliam for a moment before a corner of his mouth turned upwards into a slight smile. They will be questioned. I assume you’d like to accompany us? The officer’s question sent a low murmur through the crowd as some of the people exchanged knowing looks.

None of that was lost on Gilliam as he took a deep breath before answering. That I would. I have business with King Vernaco.

A gasp escaped from the crowd at hearing his words. That, and Gilliam’s look, brought a smile to the officer’s face. It is a pleasure to have you as a guest, Mayor Glossum. He paused to allow his words to sink in. We have been expecting you. If you would please follow us. With a motion to the guards, the two men were pulled from the market stall. One looked to be in his twenties while the other was middle-aged. But first, you shall see how we handle transgressions here.

The officer turned to face the two men. Under the laws of Solava Proper, by the direction of the King, I hereby arrest you for questioning and subsequent punishment if needed. Are there any who wish to speak on either man’s behalf?

The crowd remained silent for a moment until a young woman with black hair raised her hand. Seeing her, the officer nodded. Tell us what happened.

The young woman wrung her hands as she started to speak. The sight made her look like a child attempting to avoid punishment. Well, Sir, it… he didn’t try to steal anything.

Quiet, girl! The middle-aged man leaned forward as far as he could against the grip of the iron manacles he now wore.

The officer glanced at the man before motioning for the young woman to continue. Go on.

The young woman fidgeted some more, but she stilled when she looked at the young man. We wish to be wed, but my father threatened to kill Terke. Terke only wanted to talk to him, to appease my father. By the time she finished, tears flowed down her face in twin rivers.

The officer turned toward the crowd. Is that the way of it? A few heads nodded as their eyes turned toward the ground in subjugation and shame. The officer then nodded. Very well. Release him, he motioned to the young man, then the middle-aged man, and prepare him to be taken to the dungeons.

No! No, you can’t! Vera, tell him you were mistaken! Please!

One of the guards tied a cloth around the middle aged man’s mouth before putting a hood over his head.

Gilliam took a step forward intending to intervene, but he was stopped by a firm grip on his arm.

Easy, lad. Now’s not the time. Galin’s voice was low but commanding.

Yes, Sir Cleric, you would do well to listen to your friend. You are, after all, our guests. The officer had approached them while Gilliam and Galin were preoccupied.

Gilliam stared at the officer for a moment as recognition danced just out of reach of his grasping mind. May I ask your name, Sir Knight?

The officer nodded and removed his silver helm, shaking his long black hair loose with a flourish. Where are my manners? I am Captain Vash. Nicola Vash, if you prefer.

Gilliam’s eyes narrowed. Have we met before?

Nicola chuckled under Gilliam’s confused scrutiny. Yes, we have, but I doubt you’d remember me, Sir. I was a boy at the time.

Gilliam tried to think back but the officer’s angry eyes betrayed nothing. After a moment, Gilliam conceded the struggle and cleared his throat. I do not remember, but I apparently made an impression. He paused at noticing a smirk on Nicola’s face. We appreciate your coming to guide us, but I’m confused as to how you knew we were coming.

Nicola barked out a laugh. My apologies. I never thought one traveling with Dark Clerics expected to go unnoticed. Come, His Highness is waiting for you.

Without another word, Gilliam nodded his understanding and followed the officer with Galin within arm’s reach. A quick look back told him his entire party followed. Nathan and Jargen appeared on edge while Omara and Morgan seemed at ease. If he didn’t know better, Gilliam would’ve sworn Omara was trying to hide a smile. Shaking his head, he turned back around and sent a prayer to Fallor. If there was ever a time when he needed guidance, it was then.

Chapter 2

The sky had started turning dark a short time earlier, but Reh was more concerned about her captors. She had spent the last three days being led by a leather leash that had been turned on her more than once. The Goblins were careful, though. They never struck her face, but her sides, back, and arms took their share of abuse. Any part of her that was covered with clothing was fair game.

In her twenty years in the court of her father, King Harwood Venata of the Kingdom of Angor, she had only heard stories of the viciousness of Goblins and those like them. Had it not been for her carriage being attacked and her handmaiden and guards slaughtered, she would’ve continued thinking of them as tall tales. Now, she found it difficult to believe any being walking on Pyrain could be so cruel.

The only reason for her remaining alive, at least as far as she could understand, was for ransom. The truth was, she didn’t know why she’d been attacked and spared. After they used the leather leash on her when she couldn’t keep up, she found herself wondering if the effort was worth it. Those thoughts grew in strength until the previous day when the group that held her sought shelter. Something had terrified the Goblins nearly beyond rational thought. It wasn’t until she heard the hoof beats and the sound of armor clanking that her hopes rose.

Since then, the Goblins had remained hidden among the thick brush alongside the road as they waited for darkness to fall. The day’s rest gave her time to regain some of her strength and plan her escape. Her father had called her his piece of flint for her resilient and combative nature. That inner strength took hold of her as the Goblins were about to move.

She would take the one in charge of her by surprise and run toward the city she noticed the day before. Reh had little doubt the Goblins could recapture her, but she didn’t think they’d come after her and risk coming across a knight. The fact the Goblins thought it best to hide during the day told her the patrol was close. They had to be, or… Reh shook the thought from her mind. Her father was looking for her, so they were close.

She watched as the Goblins hurried about as quietly as they could, preparing to leave. The one holding her leash sat a half dozen feet from her with his back turned. Any thought of sneaking up on him left her when he turned and locked his eyes on her. The Goblin’s normal red-colored eyes seemed to glow as they caught the failing light of day. His lip quivered as he sneered at her, as though he could read her mind.

Her plan and any thought of escape froze within her as the Goblin held her gaze. After three days of them forcing her to run and then beating her if she couldn’t, her resolve flared within her. She straightened her back as much as she could and matched his glare.

The Goblin rose to his feet and took a step toward her, but was stopped by another. Though she didn’t understand their language, the intent was clear. Someone was coming up the road and that had just saved her a beating or worse.

Reh closed her eyes and prayed to Rowan, the God responsible for creating humans. He was the lone deity she had ever felt a connection to, thus she paid his siblings and lesser Gods little mind. Instead of asking for help, she surprised herself by requesting a chance.

*****

The outline of a small city was highlighted against the narrow ribbon of light remaining before nightfall. To Mern, the bright red coloring of the sun against the clouds appeared more like spilled blood on a battlefield. As he and Fauna approached the city, his mind continued working on why Fauna was brought back into his life. Of all the blood that had stained his hands over the centuries, hers was the one that refused to wash away.

The loneliness he had felt at losing her to Fyrelynx had helped drive him to find a way to throw off the red dragon’s yoke. Now that she had returned, what was he to expect? Not for the first time since their two-day journey began, he tried to piece together what he knew with what he suspected.

The idea of the Gods coming to aid him in any way was laughable. After centuries of ridiculing and challenging them, did they truly expect me to accept such a claim?

His eyes focused on Fauna’s back as her horse began its trek down the road and into the valley below the city. Fauna claimed to have been sent there by the Gods to help him. She even went so far as to say they deserved a second chance. Though he couldn’t be certain what she really meant, he knew what such a thing meant to him.

During their previous time together, he had feared the sorceress for her lack of control over her magic, but never her ability to rule his heart. It’d been his experience that women desired power above all else, just like him. If they couldn’t have it, they would take it. Such had been his plan: to grow in power. As had the magical essence of his previous apprentices, her power would have added to his and would have been significant in standing victorious against all his foes, including the Gods themselves. That was when his heart betrayed him.

Foregoing the pleasures of his physical body was easy enough while he sought power. His magic gave him all the pleasure he ever wanted, but she inflicted him with a greater obstacle than any he previously faced. Not since he was a young man had the prickly, disease-ridden dagger of love threatened him.

As he worked with her to control her magical ability, he found himself looking forward to seeing her. His growing affection undermined his thirst for her power to the point that he stopped contemplating absorbing her magical essence. Now, with her return, he struggled to find himself among his rampaging emotions.

We’ll camp at the base of the valley. Fauna only half-turned as she spoke. The pair hadn’t looked at one another for over a day.

Hearing her words, he merely nodded. Mern couldn’t help but notice how they avoided any settlements. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand why, but the probing of his mind had ceased days earlier and hadn’t returned. The idea of mentioning that to Fauna had occurred to him, but as long as she thought they were being pursued, she would continue with whatever ruse she had in mind. He couldn’t think of a better way to find her out aside from combat, and that was the last thing he wanted at the moment.

The pair continued for several minutes in silence, aside from the sound of the horses’ hooves striking the loosely packed earthen road. Even in the failing light, he could make out the small bits of dirt Fauna’s horse flung with each step. Tracking them wouldn’t be difficult, but then it wasn’t a being of the physical realm that concerned him.

Thoughts of the coming Darkness entered his mind, along with the image of the Fey child’s face framed with fire. He banished those images in the event Fauna had infiltrated his mind without him knowing. He focused on the memory of watching her being consumed by her magic when she stood against Fyrelynx. Though the thought caused a sharp pain in his heart, he concentrated on it while watching his companion for any indication that she read his thoughts. He allowed the images to fade when she didn’t react, but the pain they had caused remained. A solitary tear ran through the creases on his face before being lost in his beard.

Mern cleared his throat without thinking, which caused Fauna to turn and look at him. Her eyebrows rose out of curiosity as she asked, Yes?

For one of the few times in his centuries’ long life, Mern’s mind hadn’t been fast enough to stop himself. Instead of dismissing her, he shook his head and tapped his chest before coughing. The corner of Fauna’s mouth twitched before she nodded and turned back to face the road.

Chastising himself, Mern almost missed the shadow moving off to their right. Hidden by the trees and brush, the figure blended into its surroundings so well it was difficult to pick it out. Never one to rely on chance, Mern summoned a handful of spells for the possible fight.

Due to their robes being easily recognizable, mages were rarely set upon by rogues. Even being desperate and starving wasn’t enough motivation to chance being magiked or worse. That knowledge nearly caused a chuckle to escape from Mern, especially considering he and Fauna looked like average travelers. Only his strength of will allowed him to choke down the laughter under the guise of another cough. Why not appear sickly? If it entices the shadow into action, so much the better.

Mern glanced at Fauna and wondered if she noticed the figure as well. Shrugging off his concern, he focused on what they would face when a thought occurred to him. If his pretense at still being chased was to work, he couldn’t use his magic.

Frustrated that he allowed himself to forget something so important, he reached into the sleeve of his travel robe and removed a small packet wrapped in tissue paper from the leather harness on his forearm. Had he been wearing his usual robes, retrieving the component would’ve been easier and subtler.

As he questioned his reasoning for acting like easy prey, the shadow darted through the trees to their right before it and others leaped from the tree cover at Mern and Fauna. The sudden squeal from the figures brought a curse from Mern as he squeezed the packet and threw it toward the nearest shape.

The packet exploded in a flash of light. The sudden brightness in the evening caused the Goblin to scream in pain and drop its sword as it clutched at its eyes.

Treacherous vermin! Fauna’s curse echoed as she summoned a spell.

Mern’s heart seized at hearing her incantation. NO!

He was too late, as a magic pulse surged from Fauna in all directions. Like a tidal wave, the magic struck the Goblins and hurled them backwards. Screaming and the snapping sound of wood and bone filled the night air as the Goblins struck the trees.

Mern managed to raise a magical barrier in time before the magical surge struck him. The result was having an electrified breeze blow over him and his horse with a hum. The protection wasn’t enough for the horse, and though born from magic itself, the vibration of Fauna’s spell nearly caused it to panic. Had Mern not been holding the reins tight with one hand he would have been thrown.

As he struggled with his horse, Mern saw the familiar rabid expression on Fauna’s face. He tried to summon another spell of protection, but the words caught in his throat as his horse bucked and tried to run off.

Lowly creatures! You dare attack us? Fauna raised a hand and started motioning before pausing. Her face cleared and she clenched her hand into a fist, canceling the spell. She looked toward Mern and with her voice shaking said, We have to get moving before they regroup and return. With that, she turned her horse and hurried along the