Druan Episode 7: Trials

By Mark Robson

Darkness consumed the world for centuries, under thick black clouds that blocked the sun. Without light, the plants withered and died, and the animals starved. Few survived in this wasteland of night. With a final, desperate effort, the shamans gathered together to form a great chant. They gave their lives to open the clouds and let sunlight shine back on the world.

When the scattered remnants of humanity step from the dark, with nothing but their wits and the waning power of an old shaman to protect them, they are faced with a cracked, lifeless desert. Led by a child, guided by the spirits, their deeds will become myth.

To survive, they must train a new generation of shamans to face the coming dangers. Thirteen students to guide the people into a new age. And, of those students, two young sisters will grow to stand at the heart of a legend.

Each episode is written as a short story, to be read in a few hours, but together they tell the story of two sisters growing up in a new world and facing responsibilities and dangers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark Robson
• Release date: Nov 24, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370108923

Book preview

Druan Episode 7: Trials

By Mark Robson

Copyright 2016 Mark Robson

Smashwords Edition

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Cover Art by Alan Mence

Cover Text by James Eden

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Spring

The Age of the Sun, Year Seven

Wind gusted over the high tower of white brick and lifted a pair of white birds high into the blue sky. Their widespread wings fluttered as they balanced on the breeze, almost hovering. Pavandar rested his hands on the ramparts and stared out over the distant plain below.

There were always seagulls when I was alive, said Enkar Vardan from his seat atop the tower. Usually near the coast, where great ships used to bring goods from distant lands.

Was that Methresall? The city you built?

No. Methresall was built on a river that cut through a plain, much like the one down below. There were many cities in my time, full of people. It’s so different now.

There was a wistful note in his voice. Pavandar looked back at him. You miss it.

Of course I miss it, boy. I’d give a lot to have those days back. He shook his head. But they are long gone. Buried by time and dust.

We can bring them back, said Pavandar. With this chant, we can help the village grow. From there, we can expand, chant again, keep growing, until our village becomes a city.

The old man snorted. Do you have any idea of the time that would take? Your village contains a few hundred people. At its height, Methresall alone was home to thousands. It was one of dozens of cities in Serakine, and Serakine was just one of many nations. No, it will be a long, long time until humanity returns to the glories it celebrated during my life.

Pavandar fell silent, and turned his gaze back to the sky. The seagulls called to each other, diving, circling, and then riding the wind back up into the air. Enkar Vardan could teach him so much, he was sure of it, but all he ever spoke of was the past. How Methresall was the jewel of history, the most advanced city in all the kingdoms, and how he was involved it its construction.

Enkar sipped his ever-present beer. So, he said. How is your plan coming along?

I have five other students prepared to follow me. We are going to leave tomorrow. Pavandar sighed. I don’t know. This is a dangerous chant. Look what happened to Tanivednor. If the others are hurt, it will be my fault.

You can’t back out now, snapped Enkar Vardan.

Pavandar turned, surprised at the old man’s tone. What do you mean?

All I mean is that you’ve done so much. You planned this all winter, kept it secret, arranged everything. The time has come for all of that planning to come to fruition. You’re just nervous.

Maybe. Or maybe it is too much of a risk.

Nothing worthwhile is easy, boy. I have told you before about the war against the Frostland Kings and their reavers. Before each battle, I was convinced we would lose. This is the one, I would think, where they break through our defences and stream into our towns and cities, burning them to the ground. Yet each time, we walked out to face them, and each time we stood victorious on the field.

What is your point?

Courage, my boy. You have planned for this, in great detail. This is not some headlong rush into the unknown. You are simply thinking of the worst possible outcome and letting it affect your judgement. Don’t! Think of the benefits of this chant and hold to your nerve. You will see.

Pavandar nodded. You’re right. This will work. This will save the village.

That’s the spirit. Enkar refilled his glass. Now, I have the chant for you. It took some work, as you know, and I had to improvise a little, but it is ready.

Improvise? Pavandar’s fears returned.

Oh, nothing to worry about. A little addition of my own into the chant. The mood must be exactly so, you see. Too strong and you become like Tanivedor. Too weak, and you will probably manage to grow a tree, and that is a waste of everybody’s time.

Pavandar moved across the top of the tower and sat beside the old spirit. He was going to do this. This would