Legends of Aldara: Birthright

By Matthew Burkey and Taryn Gilliland

Kaidan Lionheart thought he knew what his destiny was, turns out he was wrong. After facing down a traitor to the crown, Kaidan and his friends find themselves searching across Aldara for clues to his past and allies to stop a pretender from rising to the throne of Geweth. When the agents of the Blackguard catch up with them, they are rescued by a most unlikely ally: the Dragon Riders. As Octavius Valarian’s plan edges ever closer to reality, Kaidan must decide if he will claim his birthright as a Dragon Rider, or turn his back on his true heritage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matthew Burkey
• Release date: Aug 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370620500

Book preview

Legends of Aldara:

BIRTHRIGHT

By:

Matthew Burkey

And

Taryn Gilliland

Copyright 2016

Matthew Burkey and Taryn Gilliland

This work is the property of the authors. Do not redistribute or resell this ebook. Please respect the hard work of those that went into the creation of this story.

Check Out Other Titles By Matthew Burkey:

The Guardian Chronicles: Dark Horizon (ebook)

The Guardian Chronicles: Rise of the Phoenix (ebook)

The Guardian Chronicles: Edge of the Abyss (ebook)

Legends of Aldara: Omens (ebook and print)

Table of Contents:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

CHAPTER ONE

Fire. The world was consumed by fire. Kaidan Lionheart stood on the balcony of the castle, watching Tamora burning around him. Fire swept through the Noble Quarter, tearing through everyone and everything in its path. Dark shapes swooped through the night sky, diving and twisting toward the ground below. Everything around Kaidan was caught up in a vortex of flame and destruction.

He felt the heat on his skin. He could smell the smoke rising from the ruins of what was once the greatest city in all of Geweth. Kaidan wanted to run, to get away, but for some reason he was unable to move. He stood there, transfixed by the carnage that was exploding all around him. The screams of people being burned alive assaulted his ears.

Can you hear them?

Kaidan spun around, searching for the source of the voice.

What’s happening? Kaidan shouted. Who are you?

A maniacal laugh echoed through the night air. The castle disappeared in a shower of sparks and smoke, obscuring Kaidan’s vision. He blinked his eyes several times, finally managing to clear his vision enough that he could see where he was standing.

He was overlooking Titan’s Hammer, or more accurately, what was left of Titan’s Hammer. The once mighty dwarven city stretched out before him as a burning wreck. Buildings lay smashed and toppled, screams echoed through the confined space and the air was thick with smoke. Kaidan finally got a good look at the shapes diving from the sky.

Dragons.

What is this? What’s happening? Kaidan shouted.

This is the future, a voice rumbled. This is what is to become of Aldara.

Kaidan dropped to his knees, the thickening smoke making it hard for him to breathe. His eyes stung with tears and he gasped for breath.

Who are you? Kaidan wheezed. Each breath sent pain lancing through his body. He felt lightheaded and could see blackness seeping into the corner of his vision. He collapsed, the world spinning out of control again. There was a flash of light that he barely registered seeing… and then he was upright again, standing on the deck of a large airship.

He didn’t recognize the configuration or the uniform of the men that bustled around him. He sniffed the air and smelled smoke again. Seconds later, several cannons on the side of the vessel thundered to life, sending a barrage of shells down at the ground below. Kaidan looked down and watched as the shells tore into the city below him. He recognized it as Sanctuary, the capital of Cierien, which was now burning as well. More shells tore from the cannons, blasting through magical shields and sending people and debris flying everywhere.

No one can stop me, the voice spoke again. It was a deep rumbling growl that sent vibrations through Kaidan’s entire body. This shall be the fate of all of Aldara. I will return to claim what is rightfully mine.

Dragons darted by, unloading barrages of fireballs and streams of flame on the city below. Kaidan wanted to look away, but found himself oddly transfixed by the destruction that he was seeing. The airship shifted, the deck tilting wildly underneath him before the world exploded in sparks and light. Kaidan felt the deck drop away from him and then had a brief sensation of falling before slamming hard into the ground. The breath rushed out of his lungs and pain exploded through his spine. When he finally recovered, he stood up.

He was on a cliff overlooking a vast forest. The same forest that the New Dawn, Geweth’s royal airship, had gone down in all those weeks ago. This time, however, the whole forest was ablaze. Flames hundreds of feet high leapt into the air, smoke was so thick that it blotted out the sun. Dragons and airships flew through the rising curtain of smoke, raining down death and destruction.

I will take my revenge for what Aldara did to me. I shall rise from the ashes of this world and build it anew. I will return to rule. This is my right and my legacy, the legacy of all Dragon Riders.

The world around Kaidan exploded into fire.

Kaidan bolted upright, covered in sweat.

Easy, easy! Kaidan heard a voice urging him. Strong hands were on his shoulders, holding him firmly in place.

He shook his head in an attempt to shake off the sleep haze and hopefully the lingering effects of his nightmare. When he opened his eyes again he saw three concerned faces staring back at him, belonging to three of his traveling companions: Daylynn, Max, and Selena. All of them were wide-eyed and looking at him with a mix of curiosity and worry. The hands that were holding him belonged to Daylynn, his best friend and former bodyguard.

What happened? Max asked in a worried tone. The teen’s voice broke slightly and he coughed nervously, running his hand through the shaggy mess of blonde hair that always covered his brown eyes.

Kaidan shook his head and gently pushed Daylynn’s hands away. It was a nightmare.

A nightmare? Selena repeated. That must have been one hell of a nightmare. You were yelling in your sleep and woke us up. Look at you, you’re soaked.

Yeah, Kaidan agreed. He could feel his clothes sticking to his skin and silently thanked the Maker that his black hair was cut short, even if it had grown a bit since he had left Tamora. I’ve had one like it before.

You have? Max questioned.

Yes, Kaidan replied, through clenched teeth.

He really didn’t feel like discussing the nightmare at moment, let alone in front of two people that he didn’t know all that well.

Daylynn gave him a pointed look. Dragons again?

Dragons again, Kaidan confirmed. It was worse this time. Quickly he recounted the dream and the one he had before, since neither Selena nor Max had heard about it. While his first dream had been full of death and destruction, there hadn’t been an ominous voice like there was in this newest dream. This time, however, Kaidan was sure that it was connected to the fact that he was a Dragon Rider. For seventeen years he had been the son of Nathaniel and Anora Lionheart, rulers of the kingdom of Geweth, but that was a lie. Everyone kept urging him to wait until they had more proof, since the information had come from one of their adversaries, Eric Targeel, captain of the Geweth Royal Guards and traitor to the crown, but something inside Kaidan kept nudging him, telling him it was true.

Selena sighed heavily and tucked her hair behind her ears. Usually she had the long, brown tresses pulled back in some way, but right now it was loose, probably because she had been sleeping. And you’re just telling us this now? Why would you keep that other dream to yourself? What if it’s important?

It wasn’t at the time! Kaidan snapped. Not to mention it’s none of your business.

When he had first met Selena and Max, plus their former companions, Talon and Hathgar, the four had been mercenaries assigned to hunt down and kill Kaidan, Gideon, Daylynn, and King Nathaniel, if they had still been alive. To the mercenaries’ credit, they did abandoned the job once they found out exactly who they were hunting, but Kaidan didn’t trust them completely.

The corner of Selena’s mouth twitched and she stood up. Fine, have it your way. Come on, Max, his highness obviously has no need of us.

Being called ‘his highness’ in a condescending way made Kaidan’s stomach clench. He always ignored it before, but now with that fact that he may not be royalty looming over him, it put him on edge.

Don’t call me that, he muttered, although he was sure Selena hadn’t heard it.

Max shot him a sympathetic look, indicating that he had. I’ll talk to her. He stood up and followed after his friend.

Once the pair were gone, Daylynn sat beside Kaidan and stretched his legs out. Are you sure you’re okay?

I’m fine, Kaidan insisted irritably. It was a stupid dream. Last time he shared his dream with Daylynn, the half-elf hadn’t seemed interested and shrugged it off, so Kaidan was going to do the same, for now.

If you’re sure.

Kaidan didn’t answer and made a displeased noise. Where are Gideon and Aressa?

Gideon’s asleep or meditating, I’m not sure which, Daylynn replied, lying down next to his friend. Aressa is off keeping watch, like she always does. I swear that woman doesn’t sleep. Ever.

When Kaidan thought about it, he wasn’t sure he’d seen Aressa sleep either. The blonde haired, blue eyed elven woman had been with them since the elves had pulled Kaidan, Daylynn, and Gideon from the airship’s lifepod and taken them to the Kingdom of the Running Stream, an elven country. Kaidan still wasn’t sure exactly what her mission was, but she was still with them, no matter how much she complained. She was especially venomous towards Daylynn since he was born of shadow magic, which the elves condemned. Selena seemed to take a liking to her and in turn Aressa was more pleasant when Selena was around.

Did Gideon say how much longer until we reach this village we’re heading for? Kaidan asked with a yawn. The dream had drained him, even if it wasn’t real. Or why we’re going there?

Tomorrow we should be there, Daylynn replied, and no, he didn’t say why.

Just great, Kaidan mumbled. He fell back down on his bedroll and draped an arm over his eyes. I really miss having transportation.

Dawn will be in a few hours, Daylynn said. You should try and get some more sleep.

Silently agreeing, Kaidan closed his eyes.

When Kaidan awoke a few hours later, a slight chill had worked its way into the air. Although he hadn’t really had much use of the dark green leather jacket that the elves had made for him after the New Dawn crashed, he was grateful for it now. He pulled it on, stood up, and stretched. He had managed to get some sleep and thankfully, the nightmares hadn’t returned.

We best get moving, Gideon said. The village is a mere half day’s walk from here… assuming I am remembering things correctly.

Aressa tilted her head and looked in the direction Gideon was indicating. Your sense of direction serves you well… for a human.

Just one of these days I would love her to pay someone a real compliment, Kaidan muttered.

Actually, she did, Max told him.

When?

While you were passed out trying to die, Selena said. Right about the time yours truly was working on saving your arrogant ass.

Kaidan ducked his head and looked away.

Right, we should be going, Gideon said. We need to make the village by nightfall.

Kaidan didn’t want to argue with that. He took off after Gideon, the rest of his companions falling him behind him. They trekked through the dense woods, made up mostly of pine trees and evergreens, back toward the main road. The air was crisp and clean, but despite that fact, the sounds, images, and smells of Kaidan’s dream kept coming back to him. He was sure that Targeel hadn’t been lying about his heritage.

Kaidan spoke little as they trudged along. Aressa and Selena appeared to be engaged in a conversation about something or other and behind him he could hear Daylynn and Max giggling up a storm. Gideon marched them forward, humming a tune to himself and completely oblivious to increasingly cold air.

How much longer? Kaidan asked, catching up to the older man.

It’s just over that rise, Gideon pointed. Why? Are you tiring already?

I’m fine, Kaidan responded. Although I’ve never heard of this village that you are talking about.

I doubt that you would have, Aressa commented from behind him.

And you know where we are going? Kaidan shot back.

Gideon is talking about the village of Gambit’s Hold, am I not correct?

Gambit’s Hold? Max asked. Um, that sounds kind of… bad.

It is only a name, my dear boy, Gideon assured him. And yes, Aressa is right, that is the very village that I am speaking of.

Hear my words, young warrior, the village is home to all manner of filth. Honorless men and women that will fight for money and nothing more, Aressa said. She turned toward Gideon. I hope you are certain that you can find the help you seek.

If she is here, she will help us, Gideon said.

And who is she exactly? Selena asked as they crested the small hill. Another member of the royal family?

Not in the least, Gideon said as the village came into view. But she will help us.

They started down the other side of the rise toward the small village below. There was a large domed stone building in the center of the village, smoke rising from a hole cut in the center. Huts, made of wood and with thatch roofs, spread out from the domed building in three concentric rings. Fields and gardens were scattered near the edge of the outer ring, although there looked to be scarcely anything growing in them.

There were a few people, residents of the village, presumably, that looked up from their work when the group walked by, but most put their heads down and returned to their tasks, paying the strangers no mind. Contrary to what Aressa had warned, the villagers looked like farmers and scouts, not ruthless bandits. Of course, even bandits needed to till fields and hunt if they wanted to eat. Kaidan kept his guard up as they continued through the village, resisting the urge to clutch his coin purse to prevent it from being stolen.

They came to a hut that was smaller than most of the other domiciles that was covered in winding ivy and other foliage. Kaidan could see an herb garden in a fenced off space behind the building and wondered exactly who this person was that Gideon thought could help them.

A few moments after Gideon knocked on the door, it opened and an older woman peered out suspiciously. Her blonde hair was streaked with grey and hung to her shoulders in a loose, scraggly mess, but her green eyes shone brightly and looked sharper than any Kaidan had ever seen. What do you want? she demanded irritably.

Hello Simone, Gideon smiled, gently easing Kaidan aside.

You! Simone snapped, jabbing a bony finger at the older gentleman. What in the name of the Maker are you doing here?

Kaidan looked at Daylynn and quirked an eyebrow. Generally speaking, no one reacted to Gideon in such a manner. He was always met with respect, at least he had been as long as Kaidan had been around him.

I am not here on any official business, Gideon assured her. Won’t you invite us inside?

Green eyes darted to each member of the group before settling on Gideon again. Fine, but get inside quickly before someone sees you. Don’t touch anything.

The group quickly piled inside the small hut. Simone slammed the door shut behind them and locked it. She gave the group a once over again before pushing her way through small crowd and toward the other side of the hut.

Once inside, Kaidan was sure that he wouldn’t get through this without touching something. There were tables covered in bottles and pouches, books stacked on the floor, and parchment strewed everywhere. A few chairs were thankfully cleared off and he immediately moved to sit down. Daylynn took the chair beside him and Max sat on the other side of Daylynn. Selena perched on an open space of the windowsill where Aressa stood.

What is it that you want? Simone demanded. Again, she shot Gideon an annoyed look.

I know of your ability to see the true lineage of someone, Gideon explained. Do that for my friend here and I will consider your debt to me repaid.

And what sort of lineage are you looking for? Simone asked. She stood up and started bustling about, moving small bottles in seemingly random patterns. Speak your request quickly. I am a busy woman.

Clearly, Kaidan thought sarcastically, but he kept his mouth shut.

We have suspicions that one of our traveling companions is descended from a Dragon Rider, but we have no solid proof, Gideon told Simone.

Interest sparkled in Simone’s eyes. Dragon Rider, you say? No dragons here for hundreds of years. Very curious, indeed.

Can you help us or not? Kaidan snapped impatiently. The old woman could hum and haw all she wanted once they were gone, but he wanted to find out the answer as soon as possible. Though, if he was honest with himself, he was pretty sure he knew what that answer was.

Instead of being offended, Simone cackled. Is it that one? It must be. She waved a hand. The spell used to determine blood is simple, but unfortunately, I am out of the key ingredient.

Max’s eyes widened. Blood of a virgin? he asked nervously.

Scoffing, Simone shook her head. Not for this spell, young boy. Keep your blood. Really, why do all virgins assume I need their blood for everything?

A muffled squeak escaped Max’s lips and Kaidan just gave the young archer a smirk.

There is an herb called Dawn’s Tears. It grows in the Slumbering Woods, among the moss around the evergreens, but I am too old to go gathering anymore. If you wish to know his true lineage, then you will have to go and retrieve it. Simone looked at each of them. You seem well equipped for the task. And I know that you are more than capable of securing the herb.

And that’s all we have to do? Kaidan asked, narrowing his eyes at the old woman. He didn’t like the tone of her voice, nor how she kept looking over them all like they were fresh pieces of meat.

Hmm, Simone mused. She walked over to Daylynn and cupped his face in her hands. Such a pretty face. Gold eyes, you don’t see that much anymore. White hair, yet no lingering effects of shadow magic.

You can’t have him, Kaidan declared. He’s my best friend and not for sale.

Max looked utterly relieved that Kaidan had spoken up.

Simone dropped her hands. A pity, she muttered. She padded over to one of the tables and plucked a loose piece of parchment from between the pages of a book. Since you’ll be out and about, you can gather these other herbs for me. My stock is getting quite low, as you can see.

Sounds easy enough, Kaidan shrugged. He took the list of herbs and tucked it in his jacket.

I hate it when he says that, Daylynn mumbled. Every time he says that things go horribly wrong.

Perhaps we should not be so eager to replenish a witch’s supplies, Aressa commented, her face set in a scowl that she typically reserved for Daylynn.

The old woman bristled. I prefer woman of the wilds. You’d do your best to remember that, elf.

I do not care what you prefer, witch. Aressa spat out the last word.

The two women stared at each for several seconds and for the briefest moment, Kaidan thought they would start fighting right there in the cramped hut.

Enough, Gideon commanded. We will find the herbs needed for your spell.

And then we are even? Simone asked warily.

Yes, then we are even, Gideon answered.

Good. Now, be on your way. Don’t come back without my herbs. Simone shooed them out of her house and closed the door behind them.

Selena shook her head. What a strange woman.

A dangerous woman, Aressa corrected. Old she may be, but do not let that fool you. Who knows what sort of dangerous things she will do when she gathers all the herbs that she seeks.

Would you rather she have Day instead? Kaidan asked bitterly. Given the way that you treat him, I’m surprised you didn’t throw him at her yourself.

No, Aressa replied shortly. I do not want to even imagine what she could do with the blood of an N’vaivel at her constant disposal.

Simone might be bit eccentric, but she is hardly a serious threat, Gideon said. She cares more for knowledge and understanding than worldly power.

You seem very familiar with this women, Aressa said warily. How is that you are acquainted with her?

A story for another time perhaps, Gideon told her as they started walking again.

Wait, what? You aren’t going to tell us anything about her? Kaidan practically shouted. You two clearly know each other from somewhere.

Like I said before, perhaps it is a story for another time, Gideon said firmly, although this time the tone in which he spoke left no room for further discussion on the matter. It was tone that Kaidan had heard both his father and Gideon use a lot.

Max shuffled to Daylynn’s side and carefully touched his arm. I wouldn’t let her take you.

I know you wouldn’t, Daylynn said affectionately. He ruffled Max’s hair and the teen turned red.

We should get moving, Kaidan suggested. I mean, if you two are done fawning all over each other now.

Jealous? Daylynn smiled.

Kaidan rolled his eyes. I’ve already had the pleasure, remember?

That is enough, Gideon snapped. If you two would kindly act your age so that we can get on about our business, I think everyone here would appreciate it.

Gideon’s right, Kaidan nodded. We should get this over with.

It’s already dusk, Selena pointed out. We should find refuge for the night and set out first thing in the morning.

Kaidan wasn’t too keen on wasting any more time than they already had, however, Selena had a point. It would be near impossible to see what they were looking for in the dark and the Slumbering Woods, although not as dangerous as some of the other wilderness of Aldara, was not a place that they should be wandering around in the middle of the night.

Tomorrow, then, Kaidan relented. But at first light. I’d like to hurry up and get this over with.

Are you sure you want to do this? Daylynn whispered, appearing next to Kaidan. They slowed their pace slightly, allowing the rest of the group to get several feet away from them before Kaidan sighed heavily.

I don’t think that I have a choice.

There is always a choice, Daylynn said. You of all people know that.

Kaidan stopped for a moment and looked up at the evening sky.

I really don’t think I have a choice, Kaidan finally replied. I need to know who I am, where I came from, and who my real parents are. I need to know what I am supposed to do with my life.

Daylynn shook his head. You know that you aren’t defined by your bloodline. And as for what you want to do with your life, well, it’s your life. You can do whatever it is you want with it. I just want you to be prepared for whatever it is that we find.

I will be, Kaidan said. Come on, let’s catch up with the others.

Octavius Valarian strode down the corridor, his footsteps echoing off the expansive space. He walked briskly, eager to hear Targeel’s report about the death of the former prince of Geweth, his meddlesome tutor, and the mongrel bodyguard. The prince had been a thorn in his side for far too long. Octavius would have thought the Blackguard, the elite of Thoreric’s forces, would have been able to end him, despite the fact he had some rather skilled traveling companions.

He strolled into his office, stopping only to momentarily acknowledge the guards standing at attention outside. They responded in their customary salute, but did not speak to him. That was one of the first things that Octavius had hammered into those that were assigned to his office. He had no desire to talk to a mere guard and would only have them speak to him when they had been spoken too.

The morning sunlight poured in through a large window that sat behind his desk, lighting the large stone chamber. He caught a glimpse of himself in the large mirror that hung on the wall opposite his desk. Octavius Valarian was a tall man, standing at 6’5 with an imposing physique. He had a chiseled jaw and mane of jet back hair that was barely tinged with gray around his temples. His eyes were an intense shade of green and his gaze was often described as hawk-like. He wore a black shirt and black pants to go along with his black calf high boots.

He glanced out the window, which looked down into the royal gardens below. They were already a hub of activity at this early hour of the morning. Servants and attendants bustled all around, working diligently on getting the space ready for a private banquet that he would be hosting in the evening.

The doors opened and Eric Targeel entered. The former guard captain to the late King Nathaniel Lionheart looked haggard and more than a little worse for wear.

Is it done? Octavius asked.

Targeel stood up a little straighter. No, they escaped.

What do you mean they escaped? Octavius snapped.

I mean they got away, Targeel replied. They managed to outmaneuver us at the docks.

You mean you were beaten by a teenage boy? Octavius asked. Kaidan and his companions seem to have a rather annoying capacity to avoid death. It is most irksome.

I told you that he wouldn’t go down without a fight, Targeel said. He crossed to a shelf at the right side of the office. Pulling open a cabinet, he grabbed a glass and poured himself some brandy. I doubt that he’s a real threat. You should have seen his face when I told him the truth.

Ah, yes, how did that go? Octavius asked.

He was surprised and distracted, Targeel replied, sitting in one of the chairs across from Octavius’s desk.

Clearly not distracted enough for you to actually kill him.

Targeel ignored that remark and fixed Octavius with an annoyed stare. We both know that you wouldn’t have been able to pull any of this off without my help. Besides, I hardly think that he’s a threat.

Octavius pressed his lips together tightly. Although Targeel was probably correct, there was still the outside chance that Kaidan and his companions could cause enough problems to derail his carefully laid plans.

You already have what you want, Targeel said, leaning back in the chair. You’re going to be crowned king of Geweth.

That much is not certain, Octavius reminded him. He turned toward the window, clasping his hands behind his back. I have the backing of most of the royal houses, but there is always the chance that the courts could decide that we need to wait for proof of the king and prince’s demise.

Doubtful, Targeel replied. I’ve already paid off the most powerful court officials. I have it on good authority that you will be receiving word tomorrow that the courts plan to allow a vote to create a new line of succession.

Which I will win, of course, Octavius added confidently. He gave a small smile and turned around to face Targeel again. Geweth will need a strong leader after such a terrible tragedy.

Of course we will.

And the Inquisitors? Octavius asked.

Only those loyal to you remain, Targeel assured him. The rest have been dealt with.

Octavius nodded. Good, though the question remains of what are we going to do with Kaidan and his friends?

The Blackguard, Targeel said. King Darrian is eager to prove himself and get back into your good graces.

Not an unintelligent man, Octavius mused. Dispatch a message to Darrian and give him the last known position of Kaidan and his companions. Offer him whatever help he needs.

Very well, Targeel nodded, standing up. I’ll get him the message as soon as possible.

Good, Octavius said. Keep me appraised of the situation with the former prince.

By all means.

Octavius watched Targeel go and then turned back to the rising sun. A new dawn was coming, one that would finally put him on the throne of Geweth and ensure peace in Aldara for the foreseeable future. He tore his lingering gaze away from the window and slipped in his chair. He had a lot of work to do.

CHAPTER TWO

Finding a spot to rest in the small village was not easy. They tried the inn first, but they were quickly turned away when the owner saw that they had not only a half-breed but also a full-blooded elf in their party. Gideon tried to reason with the man by means of handing over easily twice what the room was worth, but was rebuffed each time. Finally, they gave up and headed to the edge of town, where they found a safe spot to camp. The locals gave them a wide berth, although one or two stopped to leer at both Aressa and Selena.

At least until the female elf brandished her sword.

Aressa had started a small fire and at the moment their cooking pot sat above it. After a brief lecture about minding one’s surroundings, the elf had taken Selena and disappeared to