Book of Kayal: Houses of Light

By S. Nileson

The Sky Wing has returned to threaten the Empire. The Demigod Emperor Servak plans one last journey to save the lands, but this time it's not his own. Salus, the Emperor's youngest son, is sent away and his memories are taken from him. After two years of living with no knowledge of his past, things start to change and events unfold. With his last dying breath, Salus' caretaker guides him to where his journey is destined to begin, in the putrid lands of Katabasis, where Ganis, the hero of Utyirth, has been plotting.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. Nileson
• Release date: Jan 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370028115

S. Nileson

S. Nileson was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. A grandmother working as a tour guide in Egypt and a father with a deep interest in history introduced Nileson to the realm of storytelling at a young age. In spite his work and studies being in the practical realm of management, Nileson is interested in where idea meets reality, and his stories always stem from reality and are conveyed in a fictional, fantasy in the Book of Kayal series, setting. Other than writing, Nileson is interested in economics, philosophy, history and whatever new technological contraption that is born from the minds of inquisitive people.

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Book of Kayal

Houses of Light

By

S. Nileson

Published by Tarek Cherif at Smashwords

Copyright 2017 Tarek Cherif

All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or give away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient or download a free copy during free promotion periods. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy or download a free copy during a giveaway. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Map of Nosgard

Table of Contents

Map of Nosgard

Part I: Pulling a Thread

Chapter 1: A Quest Begins

Chapter 2: From Quiet Life

Chapter 3: To Bloody Path

Chapter 4: Through Dragon’s Nest

Chapter 5: To Keep of Peace

Part II: Trickles Ahead

Chapter 6: With Cunning Deceit

Chapter 7: A Warrior Appears

Chapter 8: Seeking Salvation

Chapter 9: With Man and Beast

Chapter 10: To Reveal Deadly Ploy

Part III: And Always Leads

Chapter 11: An Exiled People

Chapter 12: Offer Refuge

Chapter 13: By Land and Sea

Chapter 14: To World’s End

Chapter 15: And Desert Jewel

Part IV: To a Message Read

Chapter 16: When Fate Guides

Chapter 17: The Truly Faithful

Chapter 18: Are Always Shown

Chapter 19: A Great End

Chapter 20: And the Road to Deliverance

Note to Reader

Part I: Pulling a Thread

Chapter 1: A Quest Begins

‘Take this man and head away from civilization, where no human eye can follow. Go and never look back.’ Emperor to Link

1

The Demigod Emperor Servak stood in his throne room, wearing his favorite red trimmed black royal gown, and spoke to his wife and most trusted adviser. It has been three years since the Sky Wing descended to Nosgard with their promises of peace and prosperity. I’m starting to doubt the old prophecies.

The once-seer and his beloved wife Cassandra stood beside her erratic husband and said, You still don’t trust them?

I’m duty-bound not to.

Perhaps— Cassandra said, directing her eyes shamefully at the floor. Perhaps it was a mistake for us to wed.

Servak gently raised her chin and held both her hands firmly. Don’t say such things, dear wife. Both of us knew very well the cost of our marriage. I have no regrets.

But I could have seen the future for you and—

Cassandra, Servak interrupted. He moved away and added, Ancient prophecies, history and knowledge gathered by the Utyirth expedition are more than enough reasons for us to take action against them, but this is not the decision I have been reluctant about. What I seek is a way to avoid unnecessary death and shedding of blood. A way to ensure that the Empire, and the peace it brings, would persist after this threat has been properly confronted and dealt with. We know that dragons consider us nothing more than a stock of expensive cattle. The future is clear, love, and we need no seer to tell us so.

If you know what needs to be done, then why do you still harbor doubt?

Matters of this nature require delicacy. A good plan must be made before action is taken against the Sky Wing. The Emperor slid his fingers across the base of his black shining throne. Beloved wife, would you please tell me about the first people to spring into sentientism, the Golden Race known as the Elders? Perhaps there’s a lesson there that I have overlooked.

Cassandra mimicked her husband’s touch to the throne and started, with a fitting air of mysticism, Many believe that the story of the Elders is that of an endless cycle. It is said that they were the first to ever reach sentientism, the transcendence of instinct. Back then there was no war or strife and the land and its fruit was abundant. They lived in a peaceful world, one void of all danger and hardship. The life they had been granted was ideal for the strengthening of both body and mind. Thus, with all their needs fulfilled, they directed all their intellect towards understanding the world. Their knowledge grew so vast that they could spring elements from mere thoughts and sounds that would reshape the air to whatever they wished to conjure– in our speech we call these ancient words runes. But the Elders never satiated their curiosities and they sailed across the sea to lands far and near. They flourished and their civilization never ceased to grow in magnificence. When all lands were discovered and all of their secrets unlocked, the Elders sought to study creation itself. In their lengthy and arduous pursuit they managed to create great beasts to aid them. Three kinds were born by their hands, the Leviathans of the sea, the Behemoths of the land and the Ziz of the sky. The Leviathans were benevolent creatures to match the element they were bound to, water. The Behemoths were malevolent in nature, but the Elders sought to create them regardless, to match the elements of earth and fire. The last of their creations, the Ziz, was but one lone creature to roam the skies for eternity in solitude. In their pride, the Elders sought to give their creation freedom to go wherever they wished, but for the Behemoths it was not enough. Their cruel children born of earth and fire turned against them. Because of their civility and respect, the Elders never fought back. They allowed the Behemoths to consume their civilization in hopes that it would be punishment enough for their hubris. You see, beloved husband, the Golden Race was undone by their very own children.

The dragons shaped our races, some say, but are far more eager to embrace violence and trickery than the Elders.

It is a grim reality, Cassandra said. She walked towards her husband and stroked his head to comfort him, a gesture much appreciated by the Wolf Emperor.

Servak looked up at his beautiful wife’s face and pondered, The people have elected me to be their supreme ruler, their Emperor, and I won’t betray their trust as the first of my title. They expect me to care for them in whatever way I can and provide them with a worthy heir to rule as I have, if not better.

Do not speak of such things! Cassandra interrupted her beloved husband. A lifetime of prophecy and mysticism made her fearful of such thoughts.

All that lives dies. It is a reality which must be understood by all, especially the ones in positions such as myself. If I fail to ensure a future for my people, then my soul would never find peace. I must assure that one of our two children, the heirs to the throne and successors to my title, rises to whatever challenge awaits them.

You have taught them well in all matters familiar to you. What else is there for you to do so that such a destiny would be made real?

I must devise a clever plan to rid at least one of them from the clutches of the Sky Wing. I truly hope that all I know is false. I truly hope that the Sky Wing is indeed benevolent in nature and truly seeks to help us, but I can’t allow such naive thoughts to stop me from ensuring that my people, the people of Nosgard with all their races and ways, would continue to have a future in which they are free from any form of slavery, especially that of the mind.

A future where the true essence of freedom prevails regardless of caste or race, Cassandra agreed. Her eyes filled with a gleam of hope that perhaps, just maybe by some divine intervention, they would be saved from the enemy who so cleverly infiltrated the minds of many and clouded their thoughts.

The Emperor had but a brief sprout of a plan which was yet to grow. Servak had to ensure that the citizens of the Empire would be left a worthy heir to lead them through the dark times coming ahead. He had to ensure, regardless of cost, that at least one of his two sons would rise to the challenge and continue his legacy and that of his generation. A plan was about to be made and set in motion, but he was not the only one plotting for the future of the Empire.

2

Malus, Servak’s eldest son and heir, sat in his room enjoying one of the many history books plucked from his extensive library. This particular book was about the First Civil War of Man, a dark time in the age of man where brother was pitted against brother.

Servak’s firstborn was not particularly skilled in combat, in spite of rigorous training which started at a very young age, but rather knowledgeable due to his affiliation with the Parthan School of Knowledge, the guild responsible for the education of all who sought knowledge.

While deeply enthralled by the events of half a century ago, Malus received an unexpected guest who pleasantly surprised the young prince.

Unfortunately I was slumbering during these troubling times, commented Teeban, the ambassador sent by the Sky Wing to the Empire. The dragon never revealed his true form to anyone within the Empire, for he thought that it would send a wrong message that could complicate his situation, and roamed the lands in the form of a slender aged man with immaculately combed short white hair and a trimmed moustache and beard. His eyes were a pale grey, as many other Sky Wing dragons’ were.

Teeban, you never came to visit me yesterday. I waited for you till midnight with quite a bit of excitement to hear about your people. The young prince sprung from the comfortable chair, nearly ripping his black silk robe.

I apologize for my absence. My duty towards both the Empire and the Sky Wing occupied me to a late hour. Perhaps we can talk now, if you wish it.

Your timing could not be worse, my friend, for I am expected now in the courtyard.

There is something I would like to share before you leave, Prince. The tall white-clad ambassador proceeded to walk towards the window facing the courtyard. A long time ago, when the dragons were split into many small groups other than the Sky Wing and Abyss Brood, we had but one problem, the scarcity of food. As the clans grew the pressures to gain an advantage in numbers greatly increased our need for resources. We were far too many and there was not enough to feed us all. This was the reason we started fighting amongst ourselves. Many of the smaller clans fell and their survivors assimilated into other clans, sometimes even their very rivals. When there was but a handful of clans remaining, our leaders decided to strike a temporary truce and divide the land instead of driving ourselves towards a violent extinction. Naturally, the larger the group the more land they were given. During this time of peace, we spent all our effort trying to find a solution to our problem, and eventually we discovered a way to manipulate our stock into breeding more fertile offspring. Over time they became sentient and started to develop at a much faster rate, with our aid of course. The new stock proved intelligent and capable of learning, a trait most desirable. These creatures flourished in difficult environments and even shaped the land to their advantage, instead of having the land shape them. We trained them in many things, including self-defense and the mystic arts, and eventually they formed complex organized societies. At this point, the remaining dragon groups split into two different ideologies. One thought that these sentient creatures were merely a product of our labor and sought to continue to use them for the same purpose, sustenance. The dragons of this group shed their former names to assume that of the Abyss Brood. The other group, however, viewed the unexpected advancement of the sentient races as a breakthrough and sought to protect their creation. We called ourselves the Sky Wing.

It pains me to see the difference between both your groups ignored by so many, Malus said.

The Sky Wing is working on spreading the truth, but there are agents of the Abyss Brood corrupting the minds of many and blurring the difference between both great clans. He paused for a moment before adding, Troubling reports that the Abyss Brood managed to spread their influence among various prominent political figures across the Empire reached me. Let us hope that our investigations prove them to be false.

The prince’s eyes widened with interest, and fear, about the prospect of a plot unveiling. He then looked out from his window and into the courtyard to find his instructor already waiting for him. I must take leave now.

Removing his black robe, leaving it on the floor where it fell, Malus ran towards the spiraling stairs and descended towards the courtyard, wearing a simple cloth shirt and pants bearing the red and black colors of the Empire. A few moments later the ambassador cracked a smile and left.

3

Believing that the struggle for Nosgard would require more time for preparation, and very possibly alteration, the Emperor decided to make use of a new art that had been acquired three years ago from Utyirth.

Thalia, one of the nine returning members of the expedition, brought the Unnamed Blade she had secretly crafted for the Emperor.

Beloved Emperor. Thalia bowed at the sight of the Emperor so gloriously seated on his black throne. Her brown cloak masked her golden hair well, but failed to dull the intensity of her bright blue eyes.

Leave us! Servak dismissed his guards in shining silver armor, the typical attire of war-ready Gallecian soldiers.

The organized warriors made a quick exit and heeded the Emperor’s command with impressive fluidity, for Thalia was a hero of Nosgard and one of the few to be trusted and treated as royalty herself, in spite of her strong objection to such attitude.

Let us be done with formalities and talk as we ought to, dear Thalia.

As you wish. She produced a package covered in a grey cloth and strapped securely by two leather laths at each end from within her cloak and proceeded to open the package. Once the sword was free from its veil, Thalia held it to the Emperor and said, I feel obliged to warn you against using this.

I know of the dangers, Servak said, and of the sorrow it will cause me. I’m prepared to face it.

What if you are mistaken about the plot against you and your sons?

Servak looked at her, smiled, and said, Let us both hope that I am.

I still don’t believe that you understand the power of this blade over your life. If you indeed manage to make the transition, then you will survive and see all what you care for wither away. You will outlive your wife, children, people, and possibly the Empire itself. Immortality is not a blessing, but a cruel curse.

I’m afraid I cannot simply rest in peace after my death.

Why?

Because it’s my nature.

Thalia gasped then reluctantly handed the weapon to the Emperor, taking a few moments before letting it go. The sword shined with a bright blue hue covering its sturdy Eitr-plated Orichalcum metal. Its blade sprung from a hilt fashioned to match a wolf’s head, the Emperor’s insignia. Like all Unnamed Blades, this one was empty from the middle, leaving a place for a soul to fill it one day.

I have fulfilled my personal duty of urging you not to make use of this weapon. I hope that you will reconsider, Emperor, no matter what consequences your inaction may have. May Pax be with you, beloved Emperor. Thalia adjusted her cloak and hood then left the throne room. As requested by Servak, she ignored all formalities and never spoke a word to anyone about the weapon she had crafted.

Once the guest left, the guards returned to the room along with Cassandra. She looked at the blade carried by her husband and knew that it had a place in his plan.

What do you intend to do with this? Cassandra asked, holding for a moment at the entrance before resuming her walk towards Servak.

Assure a future for our people. He rested the sword on the throne and approached his wife. You should not worry about such trivial matters. Have our children been sent to Partha yet?

They are due to travel next sunrise.

Cancel their trip. I mean to have them remain here for a while longer, for lately I have been neglecting them.

Malus and Salus know their duties towards the Empire. You have taken great care in teaching them that, if nothing else.

True. It should have been me to educate them in other matters as well, but I find that many others are far more qualified than I. Servak paused for a moment to reflect on the many things he missed in his sons’ lives and continued, This burden has been placed on me regardless of my wishes. I never sought power or authority over others. Power sought me.

You are a Demigod. That in itself strips you from choice.

A bitter reality I cannot fight or ignore.

The seer started to cry. Emotions beyond her strength to control forced tears from her eyes.

My love, perhaps this is not the best time for me to tell you, but I will be going on a long journey alone. I cannot guarantee that we will meet again once I set off, but know that I will always hold you close to my heart and keep you in my thoughts. You are my one and only love, the mother of my children and my most trusted advisor.

I am grateful for the years I have spent with you and I know that this in itself is a blessing, but I find myself yearning for more and cannot bring an end to this greed. She looked at him sadly, with the last of her tears drying up, and said, Your people need you, yet I cannot simply accept that your duties may forever take you away from me.

You do not know that.

I need no premonition to read your heart. I know the cost of using that thing. Cassandra looked at the Unnamed Blade resting on the throne with hateful eyes. It was an expression Servak only saw a few times before and each time hoped he would never see again. Husband, just stay here with me a little longer.

Servak’s eyes started to tear but he held his emotions at bay before they spun out of control. There is nothing more I have ever wished for than to stay with you somewhere far away from all these troubles. Believe me, I have thought of it many a night and day, to escape somewhere in the woods and take on new names and lives. But, an Emperor must value the comfort and safety of his people above his own. He caressed her curly black hair.

And what of the comfort and safety of his family?

They too are to come second. I do not regret the time we spent together for it made me who I am today, but everything has to end. We couldn’t possibly expect our lives to last forever.

There are ways to assure that, with proper knowledge and magic.

He smiled. The temporary is always more precious than the permanent. Besides, if we lived together for eons I risk having you get bored with me. And then what will I do?

Two knocks on the door signaled that there was yet another guest eager to meet the Emperor. Cassandra cleared her eyes and headed towards the door. As soon as his wife was ready, Servak signaled the guards to allow entry to whoever came.

The doors opened and a small group of merchants entered, they sought to discuss minor matter of trade which had been delayed for a fair amount of time.

4

A crescent moon lit the skies of Nosgard when urgent news was delivered to the Emperor by an old friend. She made her way past the guards undetected and into Servak’s study, where he had been spending a significant portion of his nights lately preparing for the events about to unfold.

Only one person dared, and could, sneak into the citadel - Anaria Shadestrike. She appeared from behind the Emperor and said, What a beautiful night!

Servak continued to finish the small passage he was reading and then stood up. The Link does not need to sneak her way into Gallecia for a private audience.

There was no need to do once, but needs seldom remain unchanged in my line of work. She approached the Emperor and handed him a parchment with a few names written on them.

What is this?

A list of Guild members I have personally eliminated after receiving disturbing news.

He returned the parchment to its rightful owner and offered a judgmental gleam with it. I thought that bond of comradeship is sacred even amongst assassins and thieves.

The sacred, too, has limits. The names you read once belonged to people who intended to assassinate you. I have investigated the matter and uncovered a great plot. The Guild can no longer be trusted. As of late I have been excluded from many meetings with the high-ranking members of the Guild. There has also been a lot of activity that should not be in times of peace. I sense something is in the working, something that they don’t want me to know.

Could be a natural reaction to the dragons’ arrival.

Then why exclude me? As the Link bridging you with the Guild it goes without saying that I share all information with you, as contracted. The Sky Wing’s presence isn’t something to be trifled with, we all know it, and it’s also a cause for the Guild to reevaluate their allegiances, I believe.

So they deem me unworthy of their allegiance, interrupted Servak. His tone bore no signs of resentment or disappointment.

They deem your gold too little, Anaria corrected. She, of all people, knew just how the Guild gave out their loyalty, to the highest bidder. I have reason to believe that assassins will be sent a paper with your name on it. And I no longer have the influence to change this.

Servak grabbed a pitcher filled with wine and poured two cups of the expensive drink. He offered one to his guest and kept the other, slowly sipping from it every now and then. Anaria gladly accepted the offering and gulped it down in a flash. She immediately helped herself to another serving.

Do not worry about this. As a matter of fact, I find the news rather convenient, Servak said.

You find news of a plot to assassinate you convenient?

It would fall smoothly into my plan. He paused for a moment to refill his cup. I have spent years thinking about the future of the Empire and found no way to guarantee its survival. With a highly dynamic plan, the odds could be swayed. And your news makes it possible for a plan to be properly set.

What do you intend to do, Servak?

To control the Empire, the Sky Wing would need to keep a legitimate heir alive to manipulate him. That would ensure the survival of one of my two sons, but not both. They will keep the one most prone to such manipulation alive and help him ascend to the throne. I intend to give them exactly what they want.

And condemn your people to an undeserved fate?

And give them a chance to reclaim what is theirs. Servak clenched his fist and hit his desk. Only with the illusion of victory can the Sky Wing be deceived. Only then can my plan be set to motion.

What will you do?

Nothing, but others will do much. He approached his friend and held her firmly from the shoulders. I have a request to ask of you. It is no command and you are free to reject it should you find it not to your liking.

All of your requests are not to my liking. She gulped down her second drink. What will you have me do?

I will have you stay by my side till the day comes when I ask you to take Salus far away, to a destination which will be revealed to you then, and give him a new life free from past memories.

Then you would ask of me to bind my hands while others strike at your back.

I would ask of you to be a much needed friend.

If the Link had a life just slightly easier, she would have shed a tear at the Emperor’s words, but she was one kill too deep into her craft. Then let us drink some more and enjoy our time as we once did.

I don’t recall such time, but the suggestion is much welcomed regardless.

The night was at its peak and the news fairly grim, but the two old companions drank their fill like days of old, days filled with petty worries and pettier responsibilities. It was a greatly needed reprieve.

5

Servak believed that his enemies would be moving against him and his successors. His life as Emperor, and soldier of the people before that, taught him to trust his intuition, and it told him to expect an attempt on his life, for if he was to suddenly perish chaos would ensue within the Empire of Nosgard and opportunity would