The Gate Defenders

By Nadia AJ Alshatti

The Gate defenders is a genuine fantasy novel. Full of thrill and action. It tests the human correlation ability with the others and explores the shift of power symbolized by different abilities. It displays also the role of a leader in a devastated poor earth where Man struggled for survival but acquired unique powers through Sorcery, mind-power, and the ability to be invisible. One ambitious powerful man: Kadye, took the lead; in attempt to unite all for the main purpose to claim the throne of Borah: the last standing city in that world: a utopia and a haven. Its gates guarded by the awesome defenders. Will he be successful or not through the challenges is the question.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nadia AJ Alshatti
• Release date: Nov 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370523610

Book preview

The Gate Defenders

By Nadia AJ Alshatti

Chapter One

The Struggle

The never-ending task of surviving the wilderness is the daily nightmare now. The poor earth has rendered all wandering; facing challenges only great survivors can endure. They owned the privilege of passing the hardships by their secret means.

The endless wilderness urged the needs and the senses to find a way of life: escaping death by thirst, unleashed demons or ruling Men. The fear left the earth abandoned: everyone wary, the land escaped and people sheltered in hidden places. The obsession of staying alive until a half age is a dream. Grown men were as intimidating as walking monsters. Everybody is an enemy, wild, orphan, and a shadow; disappearing to gain time and power for the coming days; earning days to add up.

Men searched to win the pulp of bizarre science. The real thirst was to obtain an unrivalled power of the body, mind or even spirits. The fortunate men were in the lead: Men who had status are the ones with extraordinary abilities and who ruled the land. The science of introducing a body to invading abilities was exclusive. Building mind-power to unimaginable purposes was kept in secrecy. The art of negotiating with devilish spirits was a rare bliss; if you owned the weird offerings they demand.

How to control fate if it keeps unleashing the worst enemies? Though hope was obsolete, who survived there broke every rule of logic: The unimaginable ways Men used to stay on the edge of salvation was like a burst of a desperate scream on the dead silent earth. Men of great will have established their force and built their interpretation of power.

On any scale, there were no equal forces. Colliding was inevitable, but not in this man’s mind: it was attacking to embrace powers rather than destroying them. But does this odd aim worthy and achievable when most men have disregarded it and fell victim for the alluring desire of destructing others?

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On the edge of a fortified land: The birth of great dreams began with tensions and challenges: a hidden passage underneath the ground was occupied by a watch-force: the distant eye over the land of The Claimers. Visitors have waited in this underground place to resolve old matters.

A large wooden cage carried along the passage by two guards. Inside the cage sat an old man with a bony figure in a respectable cloak. He was calm and downcast. The guard behind carried the cage with his mind-power: an ability acquired by the most feared men: The Claimers: who seek their opponents’ secret powers to build a strong nation. They are known for their masks that covered the upper part of their faces, which they took pride in, and elaborated further its past simple use and significance. It is now the icon of exceedingly fearless warriors. The mask adorned with metal ornaments crowning their foreheads, which reflected each one’s persona.

In front of the cage walked a man wearing a ridged helmet, and a mask studded with raised metal ornaments to protect and embellish. He wore structured armour over his painted body. Leather bands rolled around his legs and arms in a lattice weave: he was one of the Illusionists: the men who lost recently under the overwhelming power of The Claimers and have joined them in this land. They have a masking ability to vanish from all sights but their own kind. He was a man with a sharp mind, and had great pride of his origin, however, has been a rebellious rival to The Claimers’ leader.

They stopped facing the end of the passage, yet there was nothing there but a bare wall. The cage lowered. The Illusionist spoke facing what seems to be an empty place.

The Illusionist raised his voice, Your greatness, though I can’t see you, I can see my brothers protecting you faithfully, and I shall too if you grant me the time. You don’t need to treat me anymore as a challenger: I bring you proof of my loyalty: the secrets bearer of the long-sought power of sorcery. And I from this moment present myself as a friend, not a foe; for I have seen your wisdom, and your strong will exceeding any other. I wish only for your forgiveness.

From what seemed nowhere, a deep calm voice answered back, Who is he?

The Illusionist explained with pride, He is the tutor of sorcerers. You can have through his spells what you desire, Master Kadye. I learned that he is a Master of sorcery.

Suddenly, the unseen row of Illusionists who protected their leader appeared: the wall was the background for four masked men. Their armours forged the same. Their shoulders crowned with crescents. Their bodies were painted with black ribbon lines that displayed optical illusions in some movements. They can be invisible together with whoever they protect: aided by the help of some rare spirits.

They stepped aside to reveal the ruler of this land, behind, stood a large man who was Kadye, the leader of The Claimers. The awesome aura around him framed a Warriors’ leader and a wise man due to the great hardships he faced to remain on the top of the force. His grey elaborately crafted armour displayed respect. The open-faced helmet had a ridge along the back resembling a protruding single wing: A fear of treachery from the growing number of rivals. His mask was elaborately and uniquely forged over the elegantly cut leather to impose submission. Kadye was not only a leader but also one of those who seeks the impossible dream: to acquire the throne of ‘Borah’ the last standing city.

Kadye’s eyes couldn’t believe the sight; he spent years keeping a constant eye on The Sorcerers just to find the right moment to capture one.

If that is true, then you’ve earned back your position as The Eye of The Force, and therefore, guards beside you. Two Illusionists will join you before dark… You are welcomed back, Turrye, Kadye declared calmly.

Turrye nodding, Thank you, your greatness.

Kadye added, You are a precious man to have.

Turrye lowered his masked face in respect. Turrye was the strongest rival to Kadye for he was highly admired by his fellows. However, only lately was convinced that Kadye truly deserves the leadership, after supporting the Illusionists with his generous offers. He willingly stood beside him believing that his impressive courage and abilities will surely grant them more progress to achieving their mutual goals. To gain his trust he has done the impossible: capturing one of The Sorcerers.

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Borah was the last city in this world. It withstood continuous savage attacks by deploying meticulous protection around itself until it formed the ultimate boundary over the years.

Coming closer to ‘Borah’ is deceiving; its great walls looked like it’s been lit beautifully by a rim of flames. The flames were hellish, however, what’s behind the borders was heaven. It’s Borah’s way to keep enemies from approaching the great wall, which stretched for great distances and claimed vast lands more than a city can acquire. Behind the walls spread the dense bushes of thorns as a barrier. Next, hungry lazy predators infested the plain; they thrived beside the canal that performed yet another barrier. The waters of Badry River: the great river of Borah, fed the canal. Then, stood the long jungle-belt infested with wild beings. Last but not the least, the webs of Sibral: a rigid fence weaved and secured with tree trunks and stretched along the forest’s side as a final boundary. Along the fence, stood the fierce guards of Sibral. And finally, resides the precious womb: Borah: a beehive of people who knew that it would fall once they stop the gears of work; all the demons and envious men could reach the land and attack. They are safe and fulfilled as long as they keep the wheel turning and their weapons honed.

The Gate of Borah resembles the gate of heaven, so why not die trying to pass it? Intrusions were weak enough to suppress; The Defenders stood their ground unscathed for years outside Gate. They have the power, the strength, and the intention to deter any approaching being. They stand both in front and behind the Gate like teeth in a jaw. The Gate Defenders are a tribe of fighters who live in the battlefield to destroy any claimer for the city. Forty Defenders cover the span of the Gate protecting the left and the right ribs of the Gate. Each dwells in his ground. Kings of the Gate: privileged and honoured by Borah and crowned as real kings.

The city was rich in all sources. The sources by the hands of its workers were transformed into the most rigid weapons, and the most delicate earth bounties: the envy of all beings. Commandments based on logic and good reasoning set the keys for prosperous civilisation only matured minds can keep.

They valued the hands that shared in the rise of Borah. The hand was a symbol of prosperity and invoking, picturing it in every aspect and tool. Goblets were made in the form of a fist. A plower took the shape of a huge hand scratching earth. A canopy of interlocked fingers of two hands shaded the place and carved wooden seats in the shape of an angled palm posed in around the tables. And above all, the defended great gate, which was made of multiple metals: the most precious in the core and the less outward to form huge two vertical hand palms that looked as if pushing away invaders. Nonetheless, The Defenders outside were able to deflect any attack like a mirror regardless of the weapons deployed: spells, an unseen assailant, or demons.

Breaching the wall of Borah is more challenging now since the sun rose from the west after the great inversion of the compass: the curse inhabited the sky not allowing a soul to soar. The incident crippled the people. With heavy bodies and minds walked by each other dazed with gazing eyes: distant, alone, and speechless: it resembled the day of resurrection, if not the beginning. It was the end of old great powers, but Borah was saved by the people’s wisdom and became unreachable since the event, and that maintained its pure identity. They rejected evil intentions and savage behaviours. They took the abundant land, rivers, mines, and minds to a level of pure honesty and great faith. No one with a hint of evil thinking or improper behaviour was allowed. And when it was realised that it was the last city, after the fall of great ones, it was sealed. They kept defending it with all they had. As the land prospered and elsewhere wasted, the assailants got fiercer. The Defenders raised their abilities to deter whatever abides them. More in order, and faithfully driven, they alienated every powerful tyrant and suppressed his men.

They believed another miracle would be revealed: a miracle far greater than the recent. They believed that the blessing hands would take their city and elevate their land high above the earth to another anticipated land in heaven. For them, the cursed sky will become blessed: for it will become the transparent wall that shall detain the greedy souls down on earth forever. There, the people of Borah will finally rest and live in peace away from hell and the killing beneath.

Elsewhere, slowly by time people realised it was safe with what was left. Quarrels begun, differences arose, which led to intolerance. Intolerance led to wars and what was left was chaos. Survival took another path and another meaning.

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In the fortified Land of Kadye:

The fighters’ superior Bolt was one of Kadye’s trusted men, though his naivety was sometimes annoying. However, he was well tolerated and loved by all. He went to inform Kadye about their last attack on Borah’s defences.

Bolt sprang to Kadye to deliver good news, Sensye was close to the Gate with the help of the archers, Master!

How close? Kadye immediately asked.

285 bars! Bolt replied with lifted eyebrows.

Kadye posed for a moment then he asked, What stopped him?

Bolt explained, One of Borah’s beasts has followed us to attack and had almost killed him if it wasn’t for The Illusionists who hid him in the last moment. Kadye searched around, Where is Sensye now? Bolt explained, The druggist is treating his wounds; however, they were merely slashes.

Kadye confidently declared, With the aid of the captured old man we might have them: we have what blocks them now. The science of Sorcery is at hand.

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In the sorcerers’ den in The Crow’s Hill cavern:

Scillease was the leader of the dark craft: Sorcery. His rage was as obvious as his dull black skin: covered by black soot. His bald head was slightly pointed at the back, his foxy eyes, and long nose gave him a bizarre image next to the others. His origin was questioned, but it was his temper that the sorcerers have mostly feared.

And you did nothing? exclaimed Scillease

There were Illusionists. We could not see them. We were blinded, Master, declared Breaker, the battle planner.

They have taken one of our best! He got our science! Our power! Yelled Scillease. He is ahead of us! Scillease grunted in an aggravated tone. After a brief thought, he ordered, Release the three spells!"

What about the attack plans on Borah, Master? asked Breaker.

Aim it at him! ordered Scillease with a shaken stretched arm pointing in a charging manner.

My Lord we can see Borah’s gate, but we cannot see Kadye’s land, explained Breaker and continued, He’s probably ahead of us to Borah while we’re there kicking rocks around. I suggest, my Lord, that we keep the precious spells for a precious chance, we can sneak behind Kadye’s forces when they reach Borah, and claim the lead by the three spells once we decide the matter worth it, said Breaker.

Once we decide the matter worth it, Scillease repeated sarcastically. You intend to carry three large wooden drums behind the invisible enemy every time you think the matter worth it, Breaker? yelled Scillease.

A silence suddenly nests.

Kadye is like the quicksand; always stays on top while anyone approaches slowly sink beneath, whispered Scillease.

The three drums were the work of sorcery; the drum treated as a vessel of collected objects bonded by a charm. Some of the objects can be a wrapped scribbles, a limb of an animal, someone’s belonging or beads and amulets. All gathered and put in a precise order. It performs in a way much like collected words: pronounced or written and completed in a whole sentence: the meaning of it is the afterwards effect. When the drum struck, the outcome is a controlling sinister order.

Take The Drum of Surrender, and scoop the earth for the old man Iglease, and Kadye’s men, ordered Scillease. The dim candlelight on the table washed his blackened skin with amber light as he reached for his seal.

My Lord, we might need it for the great charge, and you know the demons that Arkan releases every day in search of men. The drums are loud it will draw them, explained Breaker.

When it rains, Breaker, … said Scillease while sealing a folded order. When it rains, the pouring noise will protect you. So drum, breaker, drum as loud as the thunder, ordered Scillease and handed him the order. Breaker was not convinced, and he thought that the short raining season has already ended, but had to obey the given order.

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In Kadye’s Mainland:

Underground, in the druggist room, the sorcerer was taken to perform some skills to show his ability. Kadye went in to make sure he is performing the task that he was ordered to do.

The science of sorcery is dangerous. You can never admit it until you see it, mumbled the old man loudly as he poured a liquid into another carafe.

Kadye fixed his eyes on him, You speak like a druggist, not like a spell-binder.

Iglease cunningly, Aren’t they the same? They all change fate into what we desire.

You’re mistaken. Do the saviour and the cursor equalise? proved Kadye.

Iglease lifted his shoulders, Every man has a mind of his own: he lives it, sees through it, and believes in it.

Kadye added, Yet only fools see a treacherous sea as calm desert dunes.

Iglease raised the question,