Burnt Mountain When Heroes Fall

By Cheryl Campbell

When the people of Hyden begin to divide loyalties and many choose to follow Rio Kaiser’s example to join the Rogue Army, the city’s leadership turns to deadly force to remove her influence. The Emperor’s army of Iamurri continue their relentless march toward the city while leaving destruction and bodies in their wake. The continued mounting peril strains relationships and wreaks havoc between friends and family. Rio must find a way to restore broken bonds and end the war before she and her entire family are slaughtered by the Emperor’s determination to bathe what’s left of Rhyllia in blood and ashes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheryl Campbell
• Release date: Dec 21, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370892693

Cheryl Campbell

Cheryl Campbell was born in Louisiana and lived there and in Mississippi prior to moving to Maine. Her varied background includes art, herpetology, emergency department and critical care nursing, and computer systems. She lives in Maine and has won awards for both her fantasy and science fiction novels.

Book preview

For Helen, Jed, Faith, Michaela, Liam, Asher, and Andi

Table of Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Beginning

Acknowledgements

About the Author

To view a larger version of the image, visit Burnt Mountain Books.

1

Hydeners bustled through the City Center’s market buying and selling goods. The noise of hammers and tools echoed in the narrow alleys where the craftsmen worked, and music drifted through the air as street performers worked for a meager income to buy them food for another day. Rio Kaiser waited in The Ditch, Hyden’s area where the city’s poor lived. She sat on the ground in a shadow of an alley with the hood of her cloak pulled over her head. The shade gave her a respite from Rhyllia’s elevated daytime temperatures, and the hood concealed her face. Orders for arresting her on sight were posted all over the city, and going to jail wasn’t on Rio’s list of things to do today.

Rhyllia didn’t have a sun that Rio had ever seen, but the days were still hot and the nights were cold. Cloaks were common clothing every day along with plain, off-white or brown linen shirts and trousers or dresses. Rio wouldn’t be caught dead in a dress, ever. She longed to be back in her jeans and a tee shirt. To better blend in with the Hyden residents and hide her identity, Rio had to dress like them. She tucked her feet under her legs to hide her hiking boots which she still refused to give up.

Her birthday had come and gone five weeks ago, but it seemed like many months had passed since. Now seventeen, Rio wondered how things might be different had she stayed home, in her own world. Maine’s summers, even on the hottest days, were milder than Rhyllia’s persistent heat. Along with Rio’s immediate family, Aunt Shell, Uncle Nate, and her young cousin, Allison, would have attended her birthday party too. They would have had cake, ice cream, and lemonade. Lemonade. Her stomach grumbled at the thought of food, and she never thought she’d miss something so much as she did lemonade on a hot day.

Her thoughts reverted to the present as footsteps approached. The people passed without noticing her which is exactly what she wanted. Rio continued watching and waiting. With notices posted for her arrest, she needed to remain in the shadows. Two weeks ago she’d been part of a battle with the Iamurri. Hyden’s small resistance of several hundred bested the larger Iamurri army and forced them into retreat. Girri, the former general of Hyden’s official military forces, led the attack. His face, too, was posted all over the city.

If Rio, any member of her family, or other leaders of their small resistance was caught, they would be taken to the Tower prison. She was not concerned about going to jail because she would just escape, but she couldn’t afford the delay it would cause in planning for the next Iamurri attack. More footsteps approached, this time from down the alley. Her body tensed as the two men approached; she’d never seen anyone walk down the narrow, poorly lit alley. Rio lowered her head to obscure her face, but she could still see the immediate area around her.

I don’t know why you insist on coming down here.

Ditchfolk are poor. What’s wrong with helping them a little?

Your father will-.

Yes, I know. My father would be furious if he knows what I’m doing or have been doing for months. I’m tired of him.

Yet you’re not brave enough to come here except by back alleys. Look, there’s a poor person. Give him the money and let’s leave. These street urchins will rob you one day.

Two sets of feet stopped in front of Rio. She kept her head down, and raised an eyebrow as a young man crouched in front of her. The hood shadowed her face, but she noticed his features. He held a handful of coins out to her.

This is for you, he said.

One of many things the independent Hyden resistance lacked was money. Most of their weapons and all their armor was stolen from the Hyden guard reserves. They foraged food from the land and collected water when it rained. Money would help buy a few more supplies, but Rio opted to pass on the handout.

I don’t want it, Rio said.

You’re in an alley begging, he said.

I’m not begging.

Then what are you doing?

Rio couldn’t tell him she was scouting the area with the intent to make another nighttime raid of the guards’ supplies. Sitting in the shade. It’s hot out if you haven’t noticed.

"Wow. This one is poor and lazy. I’ll even add stupid to that list since she’s wearing a cloak in hot weather. Let her starve," the other man said.

The young man remained crouched and rested his forearms on his knees. He jingled the coins in his hand while he pondered the beggar that wasn’t begging. Why won’t you take my money?

Why are you giving it away? Have the sudden urge to make yourself feel better by sneaking through alleys to help Ditchfolk? Except to bestow such generosity, you do it so no one recognizes you, Rio said.

My father is the council master, he said.

He rose to power after that traitor Girri left, the friend said. Duran’s father runs this city, so you owe him your respect.

Rio snorted a laugh before she could contain it.

Asa, that’s enough. Those who don’t like my father will probably not like me, but I’m not him, Duran said.

So why do you hang out with this clown? Rio asked and jerked her thumb in Asa’s direction.

I heard the story of that traitor family disrupting the council. The girl that interrupted them called the men clowns, Asa said. He grabbed Rio’s upper arm and jerked her to her feet. Her hood fell from her head with the motion. Asa gasped, wide-eyed. "It’s her! Duran, we caught her."

Rio twisted her arm from Asa’s grasp and struck him in the throat with her elbow. He coughed and gagged as he fell and rolled on the ground. She eyed the other man who made no attempt to approach her as he slowly stood from his prior crouch.

Duran smiled and held out his hand. Please take the money to buy your people food or whatever you need. Take it all, he said as he removed the full coin pouch on his belt and held it out to her.

Rio didn’t move. Why don’t you join us instead?

I, I can’t. My father-.

Yes, your father, blah blah blah, Rio said and waved her hand as she spoke. Screw him. The invitation is open for you. Keep this sack of garbage away from us though. He’s not welcome, Rio said and nudged Asa with her boot. She took the coins and pouch from Duran, slipped around the corner of the alley, and disappeared into The Ditch.

Duran followed her, but she was already gone. The canvas tents that served as homes for Ditchfolk lined the sides of The Ditch’s dirt paths. People moved along the hole-riddled roads, but the gray-eyed girl had vanished. His friend coughed again, drawing Duran’s attention away from trying to see her again.

2

Round up the others. We can’t do the raid tonight, Rio said as she passed the coin pouch to her brother.

Where did you get this? Sebastian asked, hefting the pouch in his hand.

Rio chuckled. Someone thought I was begging.

There are a lot of coins in here. Maybe you should pretend to beg more often, Sebastian said.

Funny.

Why cancel the raid?

A son of a council member recognized me, Rio said.

Sebastian’s head spun, looking for approaching guards.

Sebas, we’re fine. The guards don’t know we’re here yet, but we need to get out because they will know soon enough. The son’s friend is a real slime bag. He’ll alert the guards, so we need to leave now. Find Iska and Espen. I’ll round up Fenn and Marek. We’ll meet back at the camp, Rio said.

Mom and Dad won’t like me returning without you.

I know. Tell them I made you leave.

Sebastian laughed. They’ll never buy that story, he said and parted ways with his sister.

Rio walked along several side paths, staying off the main one that served as the primary road through The Ditch. Several families from The Ditch had joined with the independent army prior to the first battle with the Iamurri. With that success, others followed including some of the Hyden guards that left their posts to follow Girri.

Though less populated than before, The Ditch still offered Rio sufficient cover, shadows, and convoluted paths to reach the edge of the city. Guards watched the main gates and people entering or leaving the city.

Since the only people coming and going from the city were traders and farmers, Rio would have to wait until a trading caravan departed. She first needed to reach a gate by way of the market. She moved along the edge of the vendors, signaled Fenn, and continued on her way. He left his post and caught up to her. Both moved through the market until they joined Marek.

Rio walked with them to a more secluded area before she spoke. Someone recognized me earlier, so we’re leaving for the camp. If we get separated, stay hidden and leave when you can. Don’t rush leaving the city or you might attract unnecessary attention.

Do the guards know we’re here? Fenn asked.

They probably do by now, so let’s go. With any luck we’ll find a trader wrapping up early, Rio said.

Every day they went to Hyden, the risk grew that they would get stuck in the city for several hours. Since they were here planning a late night raid, no one expected them to return until daybreak the following day. Each of them had a delayed return to the camp at least once in the last couple of weeks. All they had to do was stay quiet, remain patient, and slip out when able. Marek moved into the lead as he walked along the edges of the market. Rio and Fenn followed, but they did not walk together. Instead, they stayed near each other, but strolled through the market as two buyers shopping for different things. If a guard appeared, they could continue their charade and not appear to be together.

Rio’s steps slowed when the sound of a familiar voice reached her ears. She stopped at a seller’s booth and pretended to look at a piece of cloth, turning her head slightly to find the source of the voice.

Beggar!

Rio groaned; the young man in the alley had found her. She placed the cloth back on the table and turned to leave. Rio had lost sight of Fenn, but this was no cause to panic. She moved into a clump of buyers at one table bidding on loaves of bread. She lingered among the group for a few minutes before leaving.

There you are, Duran said and smiled. I’m sorry for calling to you as a beggar. I didn’t want to use your real name.

Rio turned away, and he took her arm.

Wait. I just want to talk to you.

With a frown Rio pulled her arm free. She glanced at other faces in the area but didn’t find Duran’s friend. I don’t have time to talk to you. Join us at our camp, or leave me alone.

Rio left him with his confused expression and resumed her escape through the market. She slowed again and turned. Duran stood in the middle of the market, shoulders slumped, as he continued to watch her. She considered returning to speak to him since she’d hurt his feelings, but she needed to leave the city now.

She watched him for another second until a blast tore through the market, sending debris, flames, and people in all directions. The force of the deafening explosion slammed Rio to the ground.

Searing hot air swirled around Rio. She rolled to her side and kicked the burning piece of a vendor booth off her legs. Her ears rang, and her head swam as she tried to regain her feet. People ran in all directions, many screaming or crying, but Rio only heard ringing. Bodies lay in the street, and Rio ran toward the one she recognized.

The short trip took her longer than expected. Her dizziness compounded as she tried to jog, so her pace was more of a lumbering walk while zigzagging among debris and wounded. She dropped to her knees beside Duran and pushed a blackened post off his back. Rio rolled him over and winced to see the burns on his arm and trunk. She removed the water bottle clipped to her belt and unscrewed the cap. The healing power of the collected rain water began working instantly as she poured the liquid over his arm and chest.

He opened his eyes and tried to speak, but his voice was too raspy for Rio to understand. She slipped one hand behind his head to help steady him while she held the bottle for him to take a drink.

A second explosion tore through the same area of the market.

---

Fenn glanced over his shoulder and didn’t see Rio. He slowed and stopped near a vendor to step into the shadow it cast. He scanned the crowd and still couldn’t find her. A hand on his arm startled him, but the person was Marek.

Why are you stopped? Marek asked.

I lost her, Fenn said with a whisper.

How?

She was right behind me, and then she wasn’t.

Marek groaned. Rio said to keep going if we got split up, but I’m not going back without her. Ethan will kill us if Emma doesn’t get to us first."

I see her. Who is that talking to her? Fenn asked.

Marek spotted Rio. He’s a councilman’s son.

Fenn swore.

The pair moved through the crowd but failed to reach Rio when the explosion turned the market into chaos. Neither were injured, and once back on their feet and no longer caring about guards, they sprinted toward Rio to help her. She should have bolted in the confusion, but Rio lingered with the young man until the second explosion finished destroying that part of the market, catching both Fenn and Marek in the blast.

3

Pain throughout her entire body registered in Rio’s brain. She tried to move, but everything hurt more. Swallowing was almost impossible and the half a cough that she choked out sent more pain through her body. She winced and resisted the urge to groan. Rio opened her eyes though everything was dark and blurry. She flinched when fingers touched her face and regretted the quick movement and yelp that followed.

I really don’t know how you are still alive, Fenn said.

His voice sounded muffled, and Rio only understood a few of his words. … don’t … you … alive, didn’t make any sense. He continued to speak, but she didn’t follow what he said. When she tried to sit up, his hands prevented her from doing so. Rio plucked his hands off her, noting that her arms seemed to work without discomfort. Sharp pain stabbed through her ribs as she moved, and she whimpered between gasps to shift her body. Instead of hindering her efforts, Fenn now helped Rio sit up.

She leaned her back against the wall and took slow breaths until the worst of the pain passed. Her bones moved in places they shouldn’t. Rio had a new respect for people with broken ribs. She had no idea how much a cracked rib could hurt until now. Her head pounded relentlessly, and Rio passed her fingers over the large knot on the side of her head.

A torch mounted behind a grill secured to the stone wall flickered orange light into the dark room. The only light came from the torch. Fenn’s face was smeared with soot, dirt, and blood, and Rio didn’t know where she was. What happened? she asked.

Fenn began explaining, and Rio shook her head. I can’t hear well. She grimaced and held her hand against the side of her head in hopes the world would stop spinning. Face me so I can see your lips. She planned to watch his mouth as he spoke and use the few words she heard to help her piece together what he said.

Do you remember being in the market? Fenn asked.

Uh, no, Rio said and did remember to not shake her head this time.

Though asking him to repeat words often, Rio began to understand what had happened even if she didn’t remember any of it. She figured she looked as rough as Fenn, if not worse.

Where are we? Rio asked.

In the Tower jail.

Rio guessed they were in a cell but wanted to confirm. Water?

We have nothing, Rio.

Pity, Rio said, wishing she could have a sip of water. She’d take regular, non-healing water if she could get it, though the healing kind would make her feel better.

Can you make it rain? Fenn asked.

No, not right now, Rio said. She grunted as she tried to find a more comfortable position that didn’t seem to exist.

What about a portal? You can take us right back to the camp.

Fenn, I can’t. I need to be able to concentrate to do those things, and the only things on my mind are broken ribs and a screaming headache, Rio said. The last event of the day she recalled was heading into the market with Fenn and Marek. Where’s Marek?

Fenn pointed to a dark shape on the ground on the other side of the cell.

Rio blinked several times, but her eyes still failed to clear. Is he dead?

No.

Rio turned to Fenn. Why is he way over there?

He’s infected.

Infected with what? Rio asked. Marek seemed fine earlier today, if it was still today; she didn’t know. The barred window high up the wall filtered in a slight breeze which stirred the stench of the cell. The good news was they were in an exterior part of the Tower and not in the interior dungeon. Rescue would be easier since Rio couldn’t perform an escape.

He has the blue sickness and hid it from us. I didn’t know until I checked to see if he was dead and saw his skin.

What are you babbling about?

Marek’s skin is blue. The color starts at birth and spreads until the victim turns completely blue. Others can catch it, so they’re exiled to the far corner of The Ditch where only the sick stay until they die, Fenn said.

You treat them like lepers, Rio said and shook her head. Despite the throb in her head, she was disgusted to hear how Marek would be discarded. Rio held her arm against her side to splint her ribs as she moved. Once on her knees and one hand, she crawled to her sister’s boyfriend.

Stop! Don’t go near him.

Now that she no longer faced Fenn and couldn’t read his lips, she didn’t hear what he said, though she didn’t need to with his unintelligible squawking behind her. Rio grunted with each movement, taking in shallow breaths to keep her chest muscles as motionless as possible. The cold night air didn’t prevent her from sweating with exertion and discomfort. She lowered her body and rested a moment. Rio felt Marek’s neck and sighed to feel his pulse. Colby would be crushed to lose him. Marek said something that Rio didn’t catch.

She pulled a piece of his torn shirt away from his body and frowned. A large burn covered his side and wrapped around to his back. Rio’s eyebrows went up to see the blue coloration covering his upper arms, chest, and abdomen. His neck and hands did not have the blue tint. She gasped when Fenn’s hand clamped on to her wrist. Ow, she said and groaned with more pain in her side.

Unable to hear much, she didn’t notice Fenn had moved. Rio wished her hearing was back to normal so she wouldn’t be startled by things unexpectedly happening or appearing beside her. Gasping and flinching were too painful to be so jumpy.

Once the worst of the pain subsided, Rio glared at Fenn. She wanted to jerk her hand free, but that would only make the pain return. Let go, she said with a growl.

Fenn released her wrist. Stop touching him or you’ll catch it too.

The next time you grab me like that I’ll break your bloody arm off and beat you with it, Rio said.

He’s right, Marek said through teeth clenched with pain.

Rio rolled her eyes and sighed. Both of you are idiots. Marek, if you were contagious, I imagine my sister would be blue from head to toe by now. Since the two of you met, you’ve been trying to suck each other’s faces off. Were either of your parents blue?

Marek shook his head.

Any other relative? A sibling or anything? Rio asked.

My aunt, Marek said.

Does anyone die from turning blue? Rio asked.

No, but there is no cure, Marek said.

It’s just some non-lethal recessive trait that turns your skin pigmentation blue over time, Rio said.

It’s some what-what? Fenn asked.

Genetics lesson later. Marek, you being blue isn’t a big deal; however Colby is going to flip out, Rio said.

Oh, Marek said and frowned.

No, man, she’s gonna love this, Rio said. Fenn, help me get him more comfortable. Marek is worse off than us. Rio removed her burned and tattered cloak to spread it over Marek. The skin coloration was a non-issue. The fever she felt when she touched his neck concerned her more. Her friend needed healing rain water, and Rio was too weak to create it.

4

Fenn reached for Rio’s shoulder and hesitated with his outstretched hand, remembering her threat about breaking his arm off. Rio, he said with a whisper before recalling she couldn’t hear him when he spoke in a normal voice. He said her name again and poked her in the shoulder with his finger before moving a safe distance away.

Rio lifted her chin from her chest, and with great effort, opened her eyes. She wasn’t sure why she woke up until she spotted Fenn squatting two feet away, perched like a bird on a limb ready to take flight. What?

People are coming, Fenn said.

Rio turned her head toward the cell door. The sound of clanking armor echoed in the corridor outside their cell and grew louder as the guards neared.

Where are the murderers? a voice boomed from the hallway.

Fenn’s eyes widened. Us?

Rio noticed her hearing seemed improved. She heard the shouting in the corridor and Fenn though she wasn’t looking at him. Hope not. But apparently it is, Rio said as the lock outside their cell door slid back.

On your feet! the guard shouted as he stepped into the cell with his sword drawn.

Fenn stood, but Rio wasn’t sure how to stand. Her body had grown stiffer, and her rump was numb from sitting so long. She cried out with pain as the guard pulled her up. Her knees threatened to buckle, and Rio tried to protect her broken ribs. The guard got no response when he kicked the lump lying on the cell floor. After a second kick, Marek groaned.

This one is almost dead, Councilor, the guard said.

Then we shall execute them at sunrise. I don’t want him dying before we can publicly execute him for murder.

We didn’t kill anyone, Fenn said as the guard ushered him out to the hallway followed by Rio.

Rio leaned her back against the stone wall to help her balance. She squinted in the brighter lit corridor, and blinked to clear her vision. The young jerk from the alley stood beside a well-dressed man in an embroidered cloak and held her now empty water bottle at his side.

You set off two explosions in the market. Many were injured, and one was killed. You murdered my son, the councilman said.

We had nothing to do with the explosions. We were injured too, Fenn said.

Obviously you were too stupid and got caught in your own attack against the city. Plus we have a witness.

After the first blast, I saw her attack Duran with this, Asa said and held up Rio’s water bottle. He wasn’t dead yet, so she went after him a second time and killed him.

Rio didn’t remember squat about the explosions, but the mention of the young man’s name created a brief image in her fuzzy memory. Duran had given her money and was kind to her even after learning her identity. Duran’s friend was an idiot, but Rio knew she’d never have tried to bludgeon Duran to death.

You have nothing to say? the councilman asked Rio.

Asa was an ass and the star witness against her. The councilman insisted Rio was responsible for the explosions, and Duran was dead. She’d already been tried, convicted, and sentenced in one swoop. She couldn’t say anything without her words being dismissed as lies. I’m sorry Duran is dead.

Asa snorted at her statement.

That’s all?

Yeah, pretty much, Rio said.

The councilman’s face turned red with rage, and he slammed Rio’s back against the wall. She screamed with pain and would have fallen had the councilman not kept her wedged against the rocks. His hot breath puffed in her face as he seethed. Personally I’d rather torture you until you begged for mercy and then torture you more, but I’m choosing to execute you at first light to get you out of the way. You humiliated me in front of the council, you were lucky in your first skirmish with the Iamurri, but you will die by my hand.

Rio finally recognized the man and managed a chuckle despite her pain. You were the gas bag in the chair when we broke up your cozy council meeting. I pity Duran for having you as his father.

The councilman growled while Fenn gasped and begged Rio to stop talking.

You don’t seem too broken up about your boy. You’re more pissed off about me walking out of the council meeting with your top general on my side, Rio said. Oh, and I took your guard standing outside the council with me too. The smart ones aren’t hiding behind walls hoping the Emperor takes his destruction elsewhere. Hyden is the last city left standing.

And it will continue to stand under my leadership, the councilman said.

I doubt that, Rio said.

The man drove his fist into her injured side, and Rio collapsed. Pain consumed every thought as she collapsed to the floor and tried to breathe. Spittle sprayed from her lips as she both gasped and cried. Tears ran over the bridge of her nose, and she sprawled almost face down in the dirt. Someone dragged her from the hall back into the cell while the councilman screamed his orders. The person dropped her, causing more pain, and Rio passed out.

Triple the guard here and outside. At first light I want them already at the noose before I arrive. If they escape, I’ll take all your heads!

The cell door slammed shut, and Fenn knelt beside Rio. He pushed hair from her face and realized she was unconscious. You just don’t know when to shut up.

5

Let me kill her for you, Berg, the man standing closest to the councilman said.

The city’s leader stopped and waved the accompanying guards and Asa away. The two men remained near the cell until they were alone. You had your chance. What went wrong?

I’d already lit the first charge when Duran arrived. I tried to gain his attention but couldn’t. She would have been killed except she left him and got too far away, the assassin said.

And the second charge?

I followed your orders to kill her.

Which you failed, Berg said.