Demons' Return

By OJ Whittaker

The world of Keria has been mostly peaceful since the death of the mad God Birith, and the disappearance of the Book of Ages. Created by Jacob Jacobson, the most powerful sorcerer from the north, it holds the accumulated knowledge of every spell and the teachings from the wizards of Ly’Sad. Responsible for the death of Birith, the god of He’Ros, Jacob' descendants have been in hiding ever since. But a new danger awaits, as the barrier that has kept all but the power-fullest demons at bay is weakening. A young and untrained girl most journey across many lands and brave many perils to find the book that was lost before the demons get their hands on one of the three relics that have the power to destroy a god and make the world of Keria their own.
So, begins the fight to save a world and the bring together of those that have the power to save it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: OJ Whittaker
• Release date: Dec 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370400201

OJ Whittaker

Hi, thanks for coming to my page. I'm originally from London, where i grew up with four of my brothers. I began writing at an early age at school, most of the time this got me in trouble but it did eventually give me the seeds for the idea to begin the Kerian Saga. I started my first to be published novel in my early twenties, and after many set backs that prevented me from finishing it, including starting a family, moving to Australia and loosing my wife to cancer.Books have always been a large part of my life, to which I have a fairly decent collection of around 300+ books, from self help to non-fiction. But fantasy is where my heart belongs.I currently reside in rural Victoria, in Australia with two of my three children and their menagerie of pets, where I work part time in a medical practice, and as a full time single parent.Demons' Return, is the first in a series of books that I've produced from a world that took me years to create, from each of the countries style of dress to how they socially react with each other. So if you like the first one please tune in to the next one.Thanks OJ

Book preview

O.J WHITTAKER

DEMONS RETURN

A Kerian Saga Novel

Copyright 2016 OJ Whittaker

Published by OJ Whittaker at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favourite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author

Contents

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Epilogue

About the Author

Connect with the Author

Acknowledgements

In memory of Earl

Friend and brother, your memory will be

With us always.

To my beautiful wife, thank you for coming into my life, you've moulded and enriched me. Guided and cajoled me to finally finish and publish this work of mine. Your input and insight was invaluable. Thank you for the first read, even if you did find the language and turn of phrase hard going at first. I'm truly glad you got to read the first draft and the near completed manuscript before your passing beyond the Vale. You will be continuously missed by all those that you touched. It's finally done and you can rest easy knowing that it's finally out there in the world.

And not forgetting all those that helped in some small way

to get me to finally finish this book.

This for you, thank you Karen.

Back to the top

PROLOGUE

From the darkness came six young gods hell-bent on mischief. They came across the void towards a single star surrounded by a multitude of barren rocks, and began gathering in their Wills, pulling the rocks together to form a large orb with a smaller orb travelling through the void around it. They then set the two orbs moving around the star, they then set their godly feet on the world and each in turn starting with the eldest, the Goddess Li’Sa took to the rocky unformed land began to shape it to their Will, and there they dwelt, and still would had it not been for their father Alious whom had felt their combined Wills creating something in the cosmos. So, he journeyed throughout the void, until he came across them. There he sat on the small orb and watched them until a deep sleep came over him which lasted for some four millennia.

During this time his children were not idle, their world was yet unfinished and lacked something. Had they forgotten something? No they thought, then it was Birith who came up with the idea that they had not created anything to dwell with them on the world, and so they began to create all manner of creatures. But it was Birith who created the most hideous of creatures. Vile creatures of the night, such as Fimir's and goblins. Creatures that fly through the air, such as Wyverns and Dragons. Then they once again gathered in their Wills and created Man. Thus, was the Time Dawning. They watched as their people grew numerous and began to populate the small amount of land were man was created. Seeing this the six gods gathered some of the people together and took them to the other lands on the world, and began to teach them to worship and love them calling themselves The High Ones. During this time their father the god Alious began to wake up from his aeon’s long slumber, and when he finally woke he saw what had become of the world and was filled with wrath at seeing his children worshipped as the High Ones. Angered Alious came down upon the world and immediately set upon his children. Now by chance the elder brother of Alious, the Wandering god Moordus heard his brothers screams and came to investigate, and arrived just in time to stop his brother from gathering in his Will and destroying the world.

Frightened for his brothers’ existence he stopped him reminding him That nothing that has come into existence may be unmade. Still vexed with his children he ordered them to leave their world and their people to their fate and to reside on the orb that circled the world. After much disagreement, they agreed to their father’s demand but before they left they asked their father if he would allow them to leave their people with a gift, this their father agreed to. This however was a ploy and their parting gift was for the people to call on them at their place of worship and they would come to them in spirit form, this however did not sit well with their father and be began to visit the world with all manner of disasters, until he came across his brother Moordus who was sitting on a mountain watching the people of Melrist, and said just two words Grow Up!. He stopped suddenly in his destructive roam and looked down on the people and said onto them, Worship me and you will know peace".

At first the people cowered in their mountain caves scared by his booming voice, then one by one they began to come out and paid homage to their new god and father of the High Ones. Thus, his rage was quelled, he plunged his hand into the ground and made it fertile for his new people to dwell on, and renamed it Aludin. After many centuries, he let his children back onto the world to teach their children things that they would need to survive. Thus, came the Time of Enlightenment. With Knowledge comes Power, and it was Birith who did go mad with power he was instilling in his chosen people. Gathering the many tribes of He'Ros, into one people. Thus, came the Time of War. The savage and warlike people of He'Ros under Birith's command began pouring into the lands of the Nara’Dian’s, it was the first signs of his madness.

It was at this time during all the chaos that the Demon Lord Ba'al Zarc saw Birith's power crazed madness and set to scheming on the gods to gain possession of this new world in the name of the King of Hell. He opened a portal in the lower part of the world and came into the light, but he had not anticipated the presence of his most hated foe, for there standing at the gate way of the portal was the god Moordus cradling his great battle hammer Nordis like a baby. A battle ensued in which Ba'al Zarc was finally forced back through the portal, fearing for his life he closed the portal to prevent Moordus following him in swearing vengeance on Moordus and the world that had caused him such pain. Thus, came the Time of Pestilence, for the world was visited by all manner of diseases. It was at this time that lord Alious gained his second race of followers, for the people of Sal'Nak began praying to him to protect them. But ever a hard god to get attention from, the people of Sal'Nak waited hard and long before he finally relented and came to their aid, renaming them Aldanaks. This however did not sit well with his children and they began going around the world reasserting their authority on their people, which was until they came to the land of Melrist. A heavily wooded land populated by dark skinned people who spent most of their time honing their battle skills, where they found their uncle who still sat upon the mountains watching this very proud people who had taken to lord Moordus and had begun to worship him as their chief and only deity. Fearing what their uncle might do to them they decide to leave the people of Melrist who were now calling themselves the Children of Moordus, or just Mooridis.

But Birith wanted the lands of Mooridis and its people, and did send his forces to try and gain entry through the mountain passes, but they were beaten back by the formidable forces of the Lords of the great citadels that guarded the passes notably the Lord of Mordil. Thus, came about the First Golden Age of Man, where mankind reached new heights and began trying to live with each other in peace. It was during this time that the King of Chez'Idek proposed that the rest of the northern countries form an alliance to protect themselves from the threat of He'Ros that had now pacified the Nara’Dian’s and the fierce tribes of the Heral Dessert and the lands that laid below it, and where now looking for fresh conquest. So, the kingdoms of Telok, Aldanak, Kalos, Aludin, and Thir'Sha joined Chez’Idek in an alliance, and since no-one had seen the people of Mooridis for the past two centuries they weren’t included, thus fuelling speculation that they actually didn't exist. Thus, came the Time of Joining, calling the alliance countries Elst’Shar meaning family in the language of the Chez'Idekians, with the people of Aludin becoming the strongest of the northern countries and the centre of the alliance.

After many centuries of healing from the wounds he suffered, Ba'al Zarc felt that the time was right for him to make his return and exact his revenge on the world. Thus, came the Time of Scheming, as the dark lord began his terrible plans. This time he chose the lands of Ly'Sad to open a portal since the goddess Li'Sa normally slept in winter. The dark lord came upon the people savaging the land and destroying everything in his path, until he came to the city of Ly'Sol, a vast city that rested on a plateau in the mountains, where he was confronted by a single man dressed in a blue hooded gown.

"I am Jacob, Lord of the house of Linarial, I abjure thee, return to the foul pits that from whence thou came from. The dark-haired man said to the dark lord. Ba'al Zarc looked at him for a second wondering what mortal would dare stand against him, then raising his hand he sent out a searing bolt of light at Jacob. The light coalesced around Jacob before it was sent hurtling back at Ba'al Zarc thrice as powerful as when he sent it at Jacob, howling in pain Ba'al Zarc began throwing all his power at Jacob, who countered with his own powerful spells. But where Ba'al Zarc was a demon of great and near limitless power, Jacob was a mortal and was beginning to weaken, even as Ba'al Zarc began to get the upper hand he was joined by the now awakened presence of Kail the god of the Kalos. Ba'al Zarc paused in his attack and laughed at seeing the lone form of Kail, but his laughter was short lived for he was then joined by the forms of his brothers and the now awakened form of Li'Sa. With the High Ones lending their strength to Jacob he could at last open a portal and send Ba'al Zarc back to hell where he belonged. Thus, came the Curse of Ba'al Zarc, for even as he was sent back to the bosom of hell he let out a demon enchanted curse upon Jacob, his descendants and the House of Linarial.

Thus, came about the Second Golden Age of Man. many years had passed since that day when Jacob stood at the side of the High Ones, he was now married and had become a father and had forgotten the last words of Ba'al Zarc. His wife had given birth to a beautiful girl child, but alas she did not survive the birth leaving him to bring up the child, whom he tried to teach the secret arts, but she did not take well to it and did not become a sorcerer like her father, instead she married the younger son from the House of Aladril, but even this alliance did not last long for soon after his daughter had given birth to a child when she and the young lord were involved in a hunting accident and both of them were killed. Thus Jacob once again took up the rearing of his granddaughter, whom once she had reached a suitable age, he married off to a wealthy merchant, but once again the curse of Ba'al Zarc struck and the merchant was killed in a dispute, and his granddaughter distraught at losing her husband took her own life, Jacob arrived just too late to stop the deadly poison from running its course, but not late enough to save her unborn child, using all his power he nursed the young child to health. During all this time, he had compiled a book filled with all kinds’ secret arts such as Necromancy, Elemental, Illusionist, Battle Magic, Witchcraft and Demonology.

But soon it was that very book which had attained such power that did trouble the Demon Lord Ba'al Zarc, and it came to him that one day the Book of Ages could one day banish him and all his ilk from the world of man for ever, but it also came to him that this self-same book could also get rid him of the High Ones and his accursed enemy Moordus, and began thinking of ways that he could get his hands on the book. Eventually the High Ones did also hear of the Book of Ages and also saw the dangers that the book could pose, and did seek to destroy the book. But Lord Alious did come to them reminding them that nothing that had come into existence could be destroyed least they in turn be destroyed. Thus, the Book of Ages was saved, but that did sorely vex Ba'al Zarc for he had spent much power in trying to persuade Birith to get his family to destroy the book. Knowing that he had almost destroyed his brothers and sister did drive Birith insane. Thus, Birith was Doomed, and he did confront Jacob and the Book of Ages.

On one side stood Jacob with the great tome resting in his arms, and on the other side stood the demented god Birith. Now many did say that the High One Birith did toy with Jacob since he was a mortal and Birith was a god, a mad god, but none the less a god and all know that no mortal can stand up to the Will of a god. But the evil Ba'al Zarc had cast an enchantment on Birith draining his power. Thus, Birith's fate had been truly sealed. Even as the mighty Birith fought Jacob, Ba'al Zarc was growing ever powerful, but before he could steal all of Birith's power, Birith did seek to open a gate way to hell and its foul minions, sensing this the other five High Ones came upon the combatants and using their combined wills and closed the gate way. Taken aback by this Birith paused in his attack, and seeing her opening the Book of Ages, Seiliya did send out a bolt of searing light un-commanded by Jacob straight at Birith. Thus, was the Slaying of a High One. Thus, was the Curse of Ba'al Zarc had come into full bloom. The world shuddered at the passing of one of its creators, and thus were the High Ones enraged and did set upon Jacob, taking up the Book of Ages and throwing it to the dark corners of the world casting it in slumber so that no one could hear its enticing voice. Thus, did come about the, The Loosing of the Book of Ages.

To Jacob he knew no rest as the High Ones created twelve hounds of hellish proportions to hunt him down, taking his great granddaughter he left his ancient home and fled. For two summers, he hid from the High Ones and their hounds until they finally caught up with him and his great granddaughter. Cornered he did seek to stand against the High Ones, which he knew was futile but he had the child to protect. Now the father of the High Ones did take pity in the child and did come upon Jacob as a large dove and did carry the child off to safety, on his return he found that his children had had their revenge on Jacob. Rage filled Lord Alious and he did order his children to spend the next ten years living in human form working for their subjects. Of the child, it is said that Lord Alious cast a cloud of forgetfulness over the mind of the child and did place her amongst his people.

Of Seiliya, none was ever heard of her again, but of Ba'al Zarc with his new found strength did forge a demon wrought axe to aid him in smashing the chains that the High Ones and Moordus had placed on the gates of Hell that lead to their world, but alas this too was futile for Lord Alious had cast a barrier in front of the gate that would stop him from gaining entry, but this did not stop all demon-kind from gaining entry for some of the lesser demons could come into the world of man. But they did not create havoc for they had another agenda on hand. Thus, the Second Age of Man ended and the beginning of the Dark Times.

Extracts taken from the

Book of Times.

Being an account from

the Aldanak Histories.

Back to the top

Chapter 1

It was a bright spring morning, after many weeks of near continuous rain that Saroh could finally get out of her uncles large but stuffy castle and run through the long grasslands. For as long as she could remember she had lived in this sprawling land with its varied culture and warm light hearted people. She lay in the cool damp grass letting the dew that still lay on the ground seep into her clothes, as she lay there she watched as a white dove circled overhead, she watched as it dipped and dived and marvelled at its splendour in the air. She closed her eyes and let her mind dwindle and drift, even as she began to drift off into slumber she began to hum an unknown tune which she could not quite place but she remembered hearing as a child, she stopped suddenly as she saw the dove that circled overhead let out a piercing scream and wheeled away, she propped herself up and watched as it disappeared into the horizon.

She laid back down and let her hair soak in the rain soaked grass, intoxicated by the aroma of the grass, she fell into a deep sleep. Her dreams filled with the beauty of spring, birds vying with one another for the chance to find a mate, the joy of new life being brought into the world. Spring, the time when young men begin acting like young bucks, trying to impress the young ladies of the land. Spring a time when love blossoms and making the weak strong and the strong weak. Even half asleep she could feel the eyes of something watching her, she opened her eyes as a shadow passed over her face, she looked up to see the tanned face of Kes’Trel the Captain of her uncle’s guard. His hair blew lightly in the morning breeze, a deep scowl etched on his face as he stretched his hand down to her to aid her ascent.

Milady you know that you mustn't leave the safety of the castle without an escort, thy uncle will be sorely vexed at you and your disappearance, and at me for neglecting my duty. he said as he effortlessly lifted her to her feet.

Forgive me Captain, I’ll not forget to inform you when I’m leaving again, she replied sarcastically.

I .... er ... see you haven’t brought your horse with you this day, and I suggest that we get you back to the castle before you get a chill. eyeing her voluptuous body he lifted her easily onto the rear of his horse and made his way back to the castle.

As they rode she noticed that he was I’ll at ease being at such close proximity to her, she giggled at this and noticed as he stiffened in the saddle that they shared. He carried on in silence despite this, after a while she began to hum that strange tune that she was humming earlier. Her mind roved as she tried to remember where she had heard this tune, she would have to seek out Master Jubi and see if he could fathom out the strange melody. As they came close to the small hamlet outside the castle she could see in the distance standing on the walls a figure in a blue gown, strange she thought since no-one in the castle guard wore blue capes or gowns, she also noticed that the figure was quite tall, taller than any guard she knew, lightly she placed her hand on Captain Kes’Trel’s shoulder and noticed as he stiffened once again.

Who might that be on the battlements? she asked.

Milady you’re mistaken for I see no-one on the battlements... he said looking at up at the spot that she had pointed at, where the person had now disappeared.

She looked at the where the figure was and noticed that it had gone, this she thought she would have to investigate. They made their way across the draw bridge and under the heavy portcullis that was raised and they entered the walled town of Elric with its well-ordered houses and streets that lead up to her uncle’s castle with its large training field, its stables and constant stream of servants going about their business. Captain Kes’Trel halted his horse and got down and lifted Saroh to the ground, her loose hair dangling in the captain’s face, its sweet scent bringing on arousal, blushing he tried to control himself. She thanked him and made her way to the Keep were her apartments where. As she walked down the hall way she could hear voices coming from her uncle’s study and went to see who it was, she easily noticed the voice of her uncle Duke Arn, an easy going hulking form of a man who always tried to see the good in everybody. The other voice she could not recognise and decided to see who this person was, she stood at the door listening trying to get some insight in who he might be, inside she could just make out the conversation, it was about King Del’Dril whom her uncle referred to as the ‘Mad King of the South’. She placed her head closer to the door to try to hear better but she still could not hear properly, and then she heard her uncle’s familiar booming voice.

Now young lady you know you shouldn’t eavesdrop on other people’s conversations he said to her. Frowning she entered the study and walked up to her uncle and gave him a sound kiss on his cheek.

Uncle, you always do that, you always know when I’m around, I never get to hear anything anymore. she retorted sweetly.

Well dear that’s my secret, isn’t it?

He sat in his massive chair with a rather large tankard of ale in his hand, his short beard neatly trimmed had droplets of ale on it, his lustrous black hair neatly combed and held in a ponytail with a crest pin shaped in his family crest holding it in place at the nape of his neck, he was dressed in his customary green hose and doublet which had its usual chain mail shoulder guard, waistband, and cuffs. She had always wondered about that unusual trait in her uncle’s style of dress. Sitting next to him was a man dressed similarly in doublet and hose of functional grey and black riding boots, over this he wore a black surcoat, his face was clean shaven and his mousy coloured hair hanging loosely.

This my friend is my niece Saroh, the rose of my life, and the orchid in my garden he said returning her kiss.

A pleasure to meet such beautiful and charming young women in the House of Elric, I milady, am Viscount Arlone of Staylar. he said rising from his chair and bowing.

An honour to meet you too Viscount Arlone... she replied inclining her head.

I see that you’ve been running through the fields again? Duke Arn asked.

Uncle you know how I love spring time, she said fluttering her eyelids at him.

Don’t do that, you always try to get your way with that little manoeuvre

She smiled and kissed his cheek again. You were talking about the Mad King of the South, again weren’t you?

Don’t call him that dear, it’s not nice.

But you do! she countered.

Yes, dear but I’m more than his better! he said smiling.

So, I’m not! she said hurtful.

Of course, you are my dear, many times his better, but your obviously not a warrior and I am. he said tapping her back.

My lord we do have business to discuss. Viscount Arlone butted in.

Saroh narrowed her eyes at the hapless Viscount, ‘This one was going to take some work ‘she thought, taking her cue she rose and left the room leaving Viscount Arlone who hadn’t risen when she had left. She wondered down the immense hallway and found that she had taken the path that led to the battlement stairway and decided that this was the best time for her to investigate about the strange occurrence of earlier. She slowly made her way up the battlement stairs and after a few minutes she was walking along the top, she looked out over the view of the surrounding land and smiled at the view she had seen for most of her life, the people going about their daily business of living, she sighed and made her way over to the guard that was stationed on the wall.

Sorry to bother you, but have you been on the wall long? she asked.

Yes milady, since before your person entered the castle milady.

So, you saw me enter, did you? she replied playfully twisting her hair between her fingers.

.... I did watch your every movement upon seeing you and marvelled at you’re.... please forgive me milady I go too far.... he said coming to attention.

Think nothing of it.... dear she said smiling. .... did you er happen to see a person standing here up on the walls in a blue gown.?

None save yourself and me and maybe the other guards have been up here, and definitely not in blue milady.... why do you ask such a question?

Oh, it’s nothing soldier, thank you for your help.

Your welcome milady he said coming to attention once again and continued pacing the wall.

She made her way back to the stairwell and paused to look back at the sentry and noticed that he was staring at her, she smiled and filed the young soldiers face in her memory for future events. Then she remembered that she was still wearing wet clothes and decided that she had better get out of them fast, and made her way to her apartments. The rest of the day was turned out to be quiet and uneventful, even dinner didn’t seem to be very entertaining since Viscount Arlone spent most of the time trying to talk business with Duke Arn who quite adamantly refused to be drawn into it, he even refused to acknowledge that she was there which was extremely infuriating for her, and she began thinking of a thousand different ways that she could slight him without being noticeably insulting. Bored she excused herself and went to her room to relax in a hot cleansing bath and a good book, finally she dosed off into slumber. Her night was not a pleasant one for her dreams were filled with strange sights, she constantly saw herself as a child in the arms of a man whose face she could barely see, running through strange darkened streets, all the while she could hear the howl of dogs in the air. She woke startled and sweating, she shakily reached over to her table at the side of her bed and poured herself a glass of water and tried to go back to sleep. The next few days where taken up with the normal day to day routines of morning class with Master Jubi, and riding and tapestry work in the afternoon and evening, while Viscount Arlone spent every waking minute ensconced with Duke Arn.

More than two weeks had passed since Viscount Arlone had arrived and there seemed like no hint of him leaving and since it was getting close to the holidays Duke Arn asked him to stay longer and spend it in the hospitality of his home. The next few days seemed to pass her by like a summer day with all the bustle of people coming and going and making preparations for Elkstar, the Time of Dawn, and the single most important date in the calendar of the world. Everyone in and around the castle was busy, and Saroh spent the time shopping for new dresses to wear at the merchants that where arriving. When not shopping, she spent her time in the surrounding field followed constantly by either Captain Kes’Trel or the guards assigned to guard her, she didn’t mind so much since it gave her time to paint and think.

She sat in the grassy fields, with the wind playing lightly with her flaxen hair with her easel in hand trying to put what she saw down on canvas. She had been there for some time and had only managed to put down the grassy plains and the surrounding forest but the sky still eluded her, this had upset her since she tended to excel at most of the things she put her hand to. As the sun began to set she resigned herself to trying to finish off the painting tomorrow. As one of the guards helped her pack her things onto the other horse she noticed a figure at the edge of her vision, but when she turned to look where the figure was it had suddenly disappeared. She dismissed it and mounted her horse and headed back to the small hamlet of Elric. The next day she rose early and returned to the spot that she had occupied the day before and tried to take up where she had left off, she had had a fitful night and was feeling rather peevish and felt rather irked at her uncle’s insistence on her taking a guard. This time in her dream she had seen the man who had been carrying her was killed horribly by five stern looking people whose faces she recognised but couldn’t remember from where, and had awoke crying and sobbing without knowing why. After a few hours, she had gotten down most of the sky when a few drops of rain settled on her canvas making the paint run, she screamed at this startling the two guards that where lounging on the grass, but when she looked at painting she noticed that the rain hadn’t ruined her work but had in fact made it better. Smiling she began to pack her things back on the spare horse and followed the guards back home. When she arrived back at the castle she noticed that there were a few more people in the castle, some she knew, some she didn’t, and since she didn’t feel like pleasantries she decided to head straight to her apartments.

She opened her door and walked in, as she made her way to her bed room she caught the familiar scent of roses, ‘No ‘she thought ‘It couldn’t be.‘ and opened her door and there sitting in one of her chairs was her cousin De’Lia, she was Saroh’s complete opposite, where Saroh was flaxen haired and pale of skin, De’Lia had a long mane of jet black hair, and dark tanned skin, she was also even more beautiful than Saroh. It was even rumoured at court that a number of young suitors had been killed or injured in duels for the right to court her, to which De’Lia did nothing to dis-affirm. Turning Saroh was once again as she usually was struck by De’Lia’s warm smile which always seemed to take her cares away. She rose and came other to her younger cousin and embraced her soundly, the sweet smell of roses wafting gently in her nose.

What are you doing here? she asked delightedly

Why I’m here for the celebrations aren’t I little one De’Lia replied warmly, Saroh smile and winced at her cousin using the pet name she always used with her, even though she was as tall as De’Lia and only four years her junior.

Uncle didn’t tell me that you were coming, I’d have been here to greet you.

Well he would have told you if that stuffy Viscount Arlone hadn’t been taking up all his time and if you hadn’t been spending all your time in the fields little one.

Oh, ....er.... so, do you have any special reasons for coming here this year. she asked absently.

Now what brings this up little one?

Well you know that during the celebrations they’ll be lots of young men vying for .... for our company.

You’re a wicked girl little one, and your of course right, we’ll talk later now I must leave you, I’ll see you at dinner, little one. she said smoothing out her dress and leaving her cousin to get ready for dinner.

A few hours later she walked into the dining hall with its huge table and assorted trays of meats, vegetables and wines, since no ales where allowed at the Dukes table since Duke Arn generally liked his guest slightly soberer for meals. Dressed in a light blue dress with lace neck and cuffs with her hair held back by a contrasting grey headband. Her uncle rose and came around the table and linked his arm with his niece.

Chin up dear.... he said in a whisper barely moving his lips. That pasty looking fellow over there is Duke Delvorn, and his wife El’Levar, the bloated looking fool next to him is Baron Neral of Vi’She, the cousin of the King, and that baboon faced man with the beard is Lord Gel’Gathos the Kings champion, but I suspect he couldn’t champion his way out of a puddle.... he said without even breaking into laughter, like she would have if she hadn’t been pinched by him soundly just then. .... and THAT is his wife the Lady Del’Thia the queen’s favourite, he finished inclining his head to the stunningly attractive brunette headed women.

She smiled and greeted the other guest at the table, and took her seat next to her cousin. Dinner was a tense affair with her uncle spending most of the time trying to dodge either Lord Gel’Gathos or Duke Delvorn backed up by Viscount Arlone, who were talking about something that they clearly wouldn’t say out aloud or even directly. So, they kept up a myriad of assorted conversations that edged around the real problem, but her uncle simple danced around the subjects that they brought up. By the end of the dinner they had finally given up and decided to retire to their rooms or other entertainment’s. As she was leaving for her own room she noticed that her uncle was motioning for her to follow him, and followed him to his study. He set his huge frame down in his chair and motioned her to take a seat. She sat there for what seemed like hours and waited for her uncle to speak, finally he did.

You’re growing my dear, I’m amazed how fast time is passing us by. You’ll soon be a grown woman who will have to find herself a .... husband .... and leave here. He said idly toying with the Telokian crystal goblet between his fingers.

Choose a husband.... but I thought you’d always choose a suitable husband for me.

No dear, you know I’ve never been taken with the idea of choosing a husband, like most ..... fathers do for their daughters.... He said looking up at her. ...... huh you know I’ve never married, you're the closest thing I have next to a daughter and my closest descendant I have since your parents died, so you’re technically the heir to my lands, title and all the power that it contains.

Er.... uncle why are you telling me these things, I mean you’ve got a long time left. Does this have something to do with what the Duke and the Lord where trying to goad you into talking about at dinner?

My dear things are afoot in the world, the King is unwell and they were trying to get my support for his senile son Prince Jha’Son, but his a complete ass and those others would use him as a puppet in their aims for power. Because I support Prince Kel, who’s more stable, a little erratic at times but nonetheless he would still make a better king than his brother, and since I support him most of the other nobles will follow my lead and back his ascension to the throne. he returned his gaze to his goblet and took a sip, his eyes turning serious. Watch yourself my dear, there are many who would try to get me to turn from the course that I’ve set, and there are many that would use .... those close to me, be careful my dear, very careful!. They looked at each other for a while then Duke Arn returned his gaze to his goblet. Taking her queue, she rose and walked over to her uncle and kissed him gentle on his bearded cheek.

I will uncle.... I promise.... She replied then she left her uncle to his thoughts.

As she walked to her room she thought about what her uncle was saying to her, ‘Be careful‘ the words kept going over in her head, as she opened the door to her apartments she thought she caught the sight of a shadow, but dismissed it as the flickering light from her candles. She made her way to the wardrobe and undressed into her night gown and went over to her dresser. She leant over and let long flaxen hair hang down and began to brush her hair, after a few minutes of brushing she tossed her head back. As she did so she caught the reflection of a shadow standing behind her, she turned and saw the figure flash by her, she screamed and then everything went black and she fell to the ground.

When she awoke, she was lying in her bed, a dream she thought at first then she noticed that her cousin De’Lia was sitting at the foot of her bed and Duke Arn was pacing up and down her room, it was the first time she had seen her uncle armed in years. He was carrying a broad sword in his baldric on his back, that was almost half his size, and he had a heavy looking battle axe at his waist. She looked around and saw that they were the only ones in the room, just then Captain Kes’Trel came into the room he too was wearing armour and fully armed, he walked over to Duke Arn and mumbled something she couldn’t hear, then he stormed out, where she could hear him screaming out orders to his men. As she sat up her uncle came over to her and placed his hands in hers.

Are you all right my dear? Were you hurt? Did you see the assailant? he asked concern written all over his face

See who uncle?

By Birith’s scaly face, the intruder girl! Her uncle stormed. It was the first time that she had ever heard her uncle swear.

Uncle! I ... I ...didn’t see anybody .... a figure passed by me and I .... I fainted.

Anyway, whomever you saw left three men unconscious and could have very well killed you, well I’ve closed the castle and nobody gets in or out of the castle till I know what’s going on

Uncle surely you wouldn’t think of cancelling the celebrations for the castle? De’Lia asked jumping in.

Yes De’Lia, I know you girls like it, but it's too dangerous at the moment, whoever it was might try again, and Saroh’s safety takes precedence over everything else at the moment.

Please uncle, don’t do that it's only two days away and I’ve got De’Lia to keep me safe she said fluttering her eyelids.

He started to say something but before he could say anything she began to pour all the charms that she could to try and change her uncles mind, finally he gave up and consented to allow her to be able to join in the festivities despite Captain Kes’Trel’s strong disagreement to the idea. The next day her cousin De’Lia arrived to her quarters and quite pointedly refused to let her get out of her room and ordered her to stay in bed, which she didn’t mind too much since this gave them time to go over all the young men that might be coming to the castle that they might even consider to be marriageable. It was at around lunch that Viscount Arlone decided to pay her a call. As he walked in she noticed that he looked slightly paler than when she last saw him, he was dressed as usual in what she assumed was his customary attire of grey hose and doublet and black boots. He waited till she bade him to sit where he sat staring at her for a minute or so before speaking.

Milady... He began .... I have had a somewhat troubled night, one was worried about the intruder that you had.

Thank you for your kindness Viscount Arlone.

The day after will see the beginning of the celebrations and it would give me great pleasure in being your escort.

Er.... well .... Viscount I ....er she faltered not knowing how to say ‘No‘ nicely.

My dear in all the confusion you must have forgotten that Duke Delmar’s son Delar had asked prior to escort you through the first day of the celebrations.

Then perhaps the following day milady. he asked clearly annoyed at De’Lia’s interruption.

I’m sorry my dear Viscount but my dear cousin is sometimes forgetful and has consented to allow a number of younger men to escort her throughout the proceedings of the week. she replied putting much emphasis on the word ‘Younger ‘.

He looked somewhat aggrieved at that and making his farewells to the ladies he rose and left them to the rest of their day. They looked at each other for a while then the both fell into each other’s arms and laughed till they thought their sides would split.

Oh, dear .... Saroh said when she finally stopped herself. .... what am I going to do now?

Well little one it seems like we’ll just have to make sure that you have enough escorts that Viscount Arlone won’t be even to get a look in. De’Lia replied still filled with mirth, then she began to laugh even harder than before when saw the look on her cousins’ face. .... don’t worry little one I’m sure I can fix you up with a few good looking and suitable young men.

After De’Lia left she sat for a few minutes in her room trying to remember some the nicer men that she knew. Finally, she rose and went to her window and stood there staring out over the long flowing grasslands in the distance with its mountain like trees. The sky began to turn a reddish gold colour as the sun began to set bathing the land in its luminosity, its gold rays seeping into her room, as the sun made its final ascent turning the sky a brilliant purple the strange tune she heard all those days ago, began to fill her mind, finally she opened her mind to the song letting it embrace her and fill her soul.

Back to the top

Chapter 2

That night she had slept a lot easier than she had in weeks, somehow it seemed like the song had cleared all her aches and troubles away, she felt completely refreshed and more alive than she had ever felt before, it felt good not to wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat from the nightmares that she’d been having lately. She rose from her bed and went to the tall window and stretched letting the warm rays of the sun warm her, then she turned and went to her bed and knelt and began to pray, for today was Elkstar and the beginning of a week’s long celebration, today was the day when the High Ones had joined their Wills together and called the world into being. She bathed and began wondering which of the dresses she had had made to wear, finally she decided on the brown dress with gold trimmings. As she finished putting on her clothes De’Lia entered her room. She looked as radiant as ever, she was wearing a grey dress with black sleeves, her hair was tied and fluffed up behind her, leaving her jet hair hanging loosely on her shoulder. She stood in the doorway looking her young cousin up and down with her hands on her hips shaking her head.

Now this will never do little one, your hairs a mess... she said and came over and began to fix her hair. An hour later they entered the large main hall where they found all the guests that were staying at the castle and in the hamlet below, where they found their uncle. He stood up from his chair and came down to take his nieces hand, he was dressed in a splendid jet doublet and hose with its customary silver mail shoulders and silver mail waistband, his one concession to all his finery was the battle axe hanging at his side, and she couldn’t help but notice that most of the guards in the hall where also armed. Taking her hand and De’Lia’s he took them to their seats at either side of his own and took his own seat.

Honoured friends and guest.... he said dubiously looking round, .... Today is a great day for us, for we come together in peace and harmony to be with each other. Three thousand and twenty-one years ago, the High Ones joined their powers together and brought this world into being. They created the trees and the seas, the water and the wines we drink, the animals that provide us with meat, then they called man and women into being and gave us dominion over them. So, on this most special of days we give thanks to them, LI’SA, KAIL, THAULIN, THRE’SA, BIRITH, and MEL’CHEZ. We also give thanks to our own Lord ALIOUS the father of the High Ones, we the people of Alious and our cousins the Aldanaks give thanks for the life which you have given to us. Praise be to the High Ones and may we all live to see another year. Bless this meal Oh, High Ones that we are about to par take in your name. He finished raising his jewel encrusted goblet and drank, signalling everyone that he had at last finished. Then they began the first meal of the day in silence as was the custom in Aludin. When all was finished Duke Arn rose and led the way up to the battlement stairs. Outside on the wall the sun shone down through a clear blue sky, and there waiting below was the waiting crowd. Duke Arn stared down at them, most of the people in the hamlet he knew, some of the younger ones he had watched grow up where now maturing into adulthood, others were just here for the celebrations and some had come into the area to make a new life and home for themselves and their children. He raised his hands at the expectant crowd and they fell into silence.

Friends both new and old, I welcome you and wish you a prosperous new year, may you be lucky and those of you that are competing in the tourney be successful and may you be good sportsmen. Happy Elkstar my friends! he roared, letting rip with his deep baritone voice, to which the crowd greeted with great enthusiasm.

So, the day began, they left the battlements to join in with the celebrations below. Following her cousin Saroh proceeded to the forecourt of the castle, as they crossed the drawbridge they saw in the distance Viscount Arlone approaching them, but taking Saroh’s arm De’Lia gentle tried to lead her in the opposite direction, but Viscount Arlone quickened his pace and began to follow them, but as he got closer, the son of Duke Delmar, Delar came over to greet them. Escorted by Delar they made their way over to the tournament field, were they were met by De’Lia’s escort Lord Be’Thul of Teldil, then they headed to the pantomime pavilion. There in the pavilion they watched as they got into the second act, the actors acted out the beginnings of the world as the High Ones came together, they watched as the first act seemed to roll by into the second act, then second act began Saroh got the strange feeling that she had seen all this before but not in a play, but in real life. It was in the third act that a strange calm came over her as there in front of her stood a man with a large black book in his hands, then something strange happened, the scene seemed to twist and turn and she seemed to be viewing the scene through different eyes, she was there watching the real High Ones as they began their deadly onslaught on the man that she had seen in her dreams, try as she might she couldn’t seem to bring herself out of the scene, she watched as she had so many times as the man was ripped apart, and she was carried up into the sky by a large dove, then all around her went black and she slumped to the ground.

Then there was a flash and she was standing in what seemed like a dark cavernous cave, and at the far end was a dim glowing light. As she approached it, it seemed to get brighter and brighter, till the light began to hurt her eyes. She covered eyes and pushed on, then she suddenly heard the strange wordless tune. She stopped scared at what the light might hold, then she turned away from the light and fled. As the darkness once again engulfed her she saw another light in front of her and headed towards that light, this one however did not hurt her eyes and she pushed on, through it she could see the pantomime pavilion and began to run faster, then a strange chill ran through her and suddenly she looked back but she saw nothing although she could sense that something was there, then she heard a terrifying roar, she pressed on and dived for the light, and with a terrible jolt returned to her body. She looked around her and found that she was once again in the pavilion, she was sweating and deathly pale, her cousin De’Lia was holding her hand in a grip so strong that she thought her hand would break, slowly she rose aided by Delar and Be’Thul, the world seemed to sway for a while and she was carried out. Her cousin looked at her and she could see the fear in her eyes, she smiled to reassure her cousin that she was fine and straightened up and taking Delar’s arm, whom led them towards the fields. They entered the small seating area and took their seats while the men went off to get refreshments, as soon as they were out of earshot De'Lia spoke.

Now little one would you care to tell me what that was all about? she asked smoothing out her dress.

Well it’s kind of hard to explain...

Then maybe you ought to take it from the beginning....

She began her recounting of the tale from the beginning starting from the day in the field and the strange tune, even the way the dove seemed to react when she was singing it, to the dark figure that she saw first on the battlements then in the fields, then she told her of the strange way that she seemed to be actually taking part in the play and how she thought she was being chased in a strange cave.

Mm .... tell me about the nightmares you’ve been having, and don’t leave anything out I want to know every single detail no matter how insignificant you might think it is. she said, but the way she said it sent a violent chill up her spine.

.... Well it always starts with me and this strange man running through some dark back streets, his got me in his arms and also a large book, and there always seem to be this strange tune coming from the book. We seem to be running for hours and there's always the sound of hounds close by, that I get sense that they’re chasing us. Every now and then when I look behind us I can see five people, three men and two women, all very beautiful yet extremely angry, I know them yet I can’t figure out where I’ve seen them before. Then we seem to be running into an alley that has no way out, trapped the man turns around to confront the five people, suddenly a large dove swoops down and picks me up and flies off, but as I’m in the air I see the blonde women take the book out of the man’s hand and throw it into the air, then his violently torn apart by them. Then suddenly I’m in the cave and I can hear music .... well no not music but that strange tune, there’s a light at the end of the cave that hurts to look at, but I feel compelled to go towards it, but I resist it and that’s when I always wake up... she said finishing.

Mm .... interesting, are you sure that’s all?

Well I always seem to hear some kind of creature roaring in the background, and I always seem to be a little girl in my nightmares.

It sounds like you’ve been listening to the story of Jacob of Ly’Sol the greatest sorcerer that ever lived.

What? .... Oh, it’s you, Be’Thul, what do you mean?

You mean after all these years your still not familiar with the true story of the death of the High One Birith, and how his brothers and sisters hunted Jacob down, it’s said he had child with him and that High Father Alious took her up and placed her amongst either the Aldanaks or the Aludins, but the Ly’Sads never found her, or so I hear.

That’s not necessarily true, quite a lot of our stories and legends aren’t true, I heard that they actually did find her and that she married one of the lesser lords of Ly’Sad. De’Lia interjected suspiciously.

De’Lia you know full well that’s not how the ....

Yes Be’Thul, I think where all aware of the past histories... she said once again interrupting him.

But De’Lia the young have to know....

That’s enough Be’Thul! we don’t need to fill Saroh’s head with all kinds of things she doesn’t need to worry about or even to start dreaming about. De’Lia said with such venom that Be’Thul was so shocked that he stepped back slightly.

Saroh looked at her cousin, and for the first time was seeing her through different eyes, and it was quite obvious that she was trying to keep something away from her, and somehow it had something to do with the Book of Ages, but what?

The sounds of trumpets and the roar of the crowd took her away from her own thoughts as the first bout of tournaments began. She watched as thirty archers began to compete for the final three places. Saroh watched as tall leggy bronze skinned woman, joined the men and shot with remarkable grace and skill. By the end of the afternoon the thirty had been whittled down to only ten with the tall woman coming within the first five.

Then the Javelin contest began which was to honour the High One Thaulin, the Lord of Spears. This year the qualifying mark had been pushed back some twenty yards since most of the contestants had thrown further the year before. This had had a considerable effect on the contestants, although most of them still managed to qualify. As the sun gradually took its normal course to the end of the day, De’Lia took a firm grasp of her arm and led her back to the castle and to her room to change for the evening meal and the first Ball. They entered the room and De’Lia went over to the table and poured herself and Saroh a glass of mulled wine, she watched Saroh drink hers and seeing that she was all right after the morning’s adventure she smiled and left to make her own preparations.

The day’s events had puzzled her greatly, at the present she didn’t know what to make of her cousin’s strange behaviour to the story of the High Ones. She walked over to the window and watched as the people below went about the own preparations for their own celebrations. She began to reminisce about the time, years ago, at prior celebrations when she and Amanda, one of the scullery maids went down into the hamlet and joined in with the common people. It was probable the best night she had ever spent, until the moment when her uncle had spotted her dancing, she remembered running from him and had hidden from him for about an hour before he had found her and had given her, her first lessons in protocol and the finer points in etiquette, he had also given her a sound ticking off about influencing a young and impressionable girl such as Amanda. That conversation hadn’t gone down well, for the next night she was down there but this time she was alone, or so she thought. She later found out that Duke Arn had set a number of guards to follow her. She walked over to the table and poured herself another glass of wine, she pulled her chair and sat in front of the window and began to go over the events of the day. She calmed herself and let her mind drift, starting with the pavilion and the dream.

She closed her eyes and slowly began to relax, she cleansed her mind of everything, but she found she couldn’t relax. When she opened her eyes and she found herself back in the cavern, she pushed out