Amulet of Aesterus: Necrosanguin, #1

By Cameron Wayne Smith

He was unbeatable, but he never had to fight for his life...

Caige is a young and powerful martial artist who dreams of following in the heroic footsteps of his father. Upon discovering the imminent return of the creatures his father fought so hard to destroy, he has no other choice but to rise up, and find a way to save his hometown from the oncoming horde. As impossible events unfold, Caige finds himself making unlikely allies, and enemies, forcing him to look at the world in a new light. Certain death awaits everyone Caige knows, unless of course, he can work his way through this chaos.

Amulet of Aesterus is the first book in the Necrosanguin fantasy series. If you enjoy action packed fantasy, wonderful monsters, and larger than life battles, then Cameron Wayne Smith's Necrosanguin series will ignite your imagination on fire.

Buy Amulet of Aesterus and start exploring the wonderful world of the Necrosanguin series today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cameron Wayne Smith
• Release date: Oct 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781386388814

Book preview

NECROSANGUIN

Amulet of Aesterus

By Cameron Wayne Smith

Copyright © 2015 by Cameron Wayne Smith

Edition 2 Copyright © 2016 by Cameron Wayne Smith

Cover design by Aaron Haak

All rights reserved

No part of this book may be distributed, posted, or reproduced in any form by digital or mechanical means without prior written permission of the publisher.

The Bristrunstium Monster Records, a full art companion bestiary for Amulet of Aesterus is available for free by clicking here.

Chapter 1: Following Footsteps

Caige glared into the boulderbeast's eyes, it stared right back, flaring its nostrils and stomping its feet on the ground. It lowered its armoured head and charged towards the young man, flicking up dust and rocks with its feet. Caige leapt to the boulderbeast's left.

Look out for its tail! Master Saxum called out, watching the creature fling its body around.

Caige brought his masculine arms out to shield himself from the boulderbeast's hammer like tail. It hit him hard, throwing him backwards into the dirt. The boulderbeast turned back again, snarling with anger and exhaustion. It was mid-way through the hot season, which meant that it was also the usually docile boulderbeast's mating season. During this time the males become incredibly aggressive towards everything other than female boulderbeasts. The animal reared up in an attempt to make itself look much larger than it already was. Caige closed in on the beast, launching himself toward the soft underbelly. He thought about his training and how many boulderbeast bags he had ripped apart with his fists. He launched another powerful punch into the beast's chest. The impact made a large cracking noise, that he prayed to Granitus came from the beast and not his fist. The boulderbeast fell to the ground, then rolled over in pain.

Good job! Master Saxum called out, jumping down from the tree where he was watching his student. Finish it off and we'll take it back to Rocklaar.

Caige manoeuvred over the boulderbeast's head, secured it in a headlock and broke its neck putting it out of its misery. I guess there is good reason we don't hunt them during mating season! he took in a deep breath. It's like a whole different animal!

Haha indeed, Saxum laughed throwing a knife to Caige's feet. You've definitely proved yourself this sun. You've been the fist fighting champion of the Rocklaar Proeli gym for years, and now you have taken down a boulderbeast during mating season!

What's next? Caige questioned his master, kneeling down next to the boulderbeast, commencing to gut its insides. Should I go to Silverton to prove my abilities?

Caige was a large, strong, eighteen year old male. His ancestors had worshipped the god of strength, Granitus, for countless generations. His blue eyes and short brown hair gave him a look of innocence whilst the rest of his body radiated his vigorous raw power.

No, you don't need to go there, Saxum stood tall. I think it's time you follow your father's footsteps, why not join the guard?

Master Saxum was middle aged man, mostly bald with short white hair on the sides of his head, clean shaven, and lightly tan skinned. He had a few scratches on his face and a nose you could tell had been broken multiple times. He was a huge strong man and always wore long white pants which were scuffed at the bottom. Caige had never seen him wear a shirt regardless of the temperature.

Yeah, maybe I should, Caige flung the guts of the boulderbeast off to the side. I've always wanted to be a heroic soldier.

Guard, Saxum insisted, we don't have soldiers here, it's what makes Rocklaar such a peaceful place. We have the town guard and their duty is to protect the people of Rocklaar.

I know! Caige wiped his hands on the grass, grabbed the boulderbeast by the tail and began to drag it along. Woah, he's a big one!

Well of course! Saxum walked alongside Caige. It wouldn't have been a challenge for you if it was a small one! Besides I need to replace the boulderbeast bags you keep splitting in training! So do you believe that becoming one of the guard is what you want?

Yeah. It sounds like a good challenge. Plus I'm sure my aunt wouldn't mind some extra gold coming into the house.

Right then, Saxum took the tail from Caige and began to pull it for him, I'll take this back to the Proeli gym. You head over to the barracks and ask for Captain Boonza. He'll get you sorted. I've already engaged in conversation with him about you.

Really? Thanks Master Saxum!

Master Saxum put the boulderbeast down, then put his right arm across his body, his fist inches out from his left shoulder with a forty five degree angle from his elbow. Caige repeated his masters actions, and then the two bumped forearms, this was something the people of the Rocklaar Proeli gym used when greeting, and when showing respect for each other.

Caige, full of excitement, ran ahead of his master. He made his way back through the northern gates, off the dirt tracks and onto the cobbled paths of his hometown. With a deep breath of fresh air, he turned to run towards the ocean, and it didn't take him long until he reached the barracks. The first man Caige saw there was a large man, with short blond hair. His most defining feature was his handlebar moustache, darker than the hair on top of his head, which crept down the sides of his mouth then back up his jawline. He wore slightly more decorated armour than the other guard so Caige figured he must be someone of importance.

Hello, Caige said after he caught his breath, my name is Caige. I'd like to speak with Captain Boonza!

Ahhh, Caige! the man smiled. What would you like to say to him?

That I'd like to join the town guard, Caige said with confidence. Is he busy?

Not too busy for you, he put his hand out to shake. I'm Captain Boonza.

Pleasure to meet you Captain Boonza, Caige shook the man’s hand. Master Saxum said he’d already spoken with you?

Indeed he did! Boonza agreed. He told me you are the best fighter he has trained, possibly the strongest Proeli fighter of Rocklaar since your father.

Really? Caige smiled. Did you know him?

I knew of him, Boonza nodded. People say it is thanks to him and Lord Stryjak of Silverton that the Kehrip War ended when it did! You do realise you have grown up in a peaceful time, there is no war, and hopefully won’t be any war during your lifetime. Why do you want to be a guard?

I do want to follow in my father's footsteps, but also to protect the people of Rocklaar from any danger that may arise.

Haha, you got heart kid! Alright then, Boonza slapped Caige on the back, then called out to another guard. Hey Chuck, grab some armour for the new recruit!

Welcome aboard, said Chuck, a guard who appeared in his late thirties with long black hair, looked Caige up and down, then walked off into the barracks.

How are you feeling this sun Caige? Captain Boonza asked. Ready to work?

I'm a bit bruised, I took down a large male boulderbeast earlier, Caige bragged, but don't worry, I'm still full of energy!

Great! Boonza smiled. You're on first moon, enjoy the rest of this sun!

Captain Boonza walked off as Chuck walked back out and handed Caige a set of standard guards armour along with a sword. Might as well stick around, the dark haired guard reached his hand out to shake, there's not much left of this sun. You'll be on the northern gate with me. The name is Chuck Effry.

Caige Morland, Caige shook Chuck's hand.

Son of the famous Zach Morland! Chuck scratched his chin.

That's me, Caige finished strapping the iron plated armour over his body, also champion Proeli fighter!

Alright champ, let's head for the northern gate, Chuck begun to lead the way.

The mountains that lined Rocklaar's east were lit up by the setting sun’s rays bouncing off the ocean, indicating that first moon would rise soon. The huge walls around Rocklaar were sturdy, strong, and were made from rock and mortar during the Kehrip War. Although the front of the kehrip invasion never actually reached Rocklaar, petty crime had dropped dramatically after the wall's establishment, due to the fact criminals no longer had an easy out. The only escape from Rocklaar for bandits or thieves was through one of three guarded exits, or the ocean. This made Rocklaar quite the undesirable place for would be criminals.

It wasn't long and Caige could see the northern gate, he was excited to be part of the guard who kept Rocklaar such a safe place to reside. His colleague Chuck was considerably less excited for the moon shift.

Another wonderful Rocklaar moon! Chuck sarcastically murmured upon their arrival at the north gate.

Yeah, it’s a good thing we’re here to keep this place safe! Ian, an old, grey bearded guard with shaggy hair and a scar across his left eye joked. Who's the new recruit?

My name is Caige, Caige looked at them slightly disappointed. You two should really take your job more seriously!

As it is your first time on guard duty I understand how you must feel, Chuck looked at Caige in earnest. Worrying about all the horrors which lurk outside the safety of the town. Kehrips, wyverns, demons, silverscales and all the other critters that are hungry for blood! They could all be out there, somewhere, waiting for the right time to jump out at you, rip you in half, devour your flesh, and snap apart your bones. But when you’ve been here as long as myself, or even old Ian here, you come to realise that even if any of those things were real, they wouldn’t come to little ol’ Rocklaar!

Well what about that scar on your face Ian? Caige curiously pointed at Ian. What creature did that to you?

This? Just a gift from my ex-wife! Ian began to laugh, brushing his hand over his scar, then through his hair. But in all seriousness, nothing worth worrying about has come to Rocklaar. Even during the Kehrip War, nothing got past Larchoroin. You’ll be fine. Most of the things people dream up and talk about are just that, things dreamt up. Don’t go dreaming things up to scare yourself, but more importantly, don’t let Boonza catch you dozing off!

Haha, yeah that can be bad! Chuck laughed. Remember that time—

Don't wanna talk about it Chuck! Ian stared at Chuck with his good eye. Well then, now that you two are here, I'm off to the pub! Welcome to guard duty Caige.

The gate Caige had been assigned to was rather quiet, it followed the western coastline north, however apart from a few fishermen and farmers, most the traffic entered and exited via the southern gate. Despite already knowing this, after Ian had left, Caige intently watched outside the gates for at least an hour, as if trying to find something out of the ordinary.

So what are you looking for Caige? Chuck broke the silence. You stare like that all moon and you'll burn out in no time.

Hmm... Caige glanced at Chuck, then back to the darkness.

Caige, there isn’t anything there, Chuck began to laugh, don't worry, if someone comes along, we will hear them!

Something rustled among the leaves outside of the gate.

What’s that? Caige reached for his guard issued sword. What’s making that noise?

It’s just the wind, Chuck continued laughing. You may have noticed, that being so close to the ocean, Rocklaar generally creates a bit of a breeze.

With the continuing of the moons through the sky, Caige eventually became more comfortable with the wind, and had accepted that perhaps these noises he was hearing, were just in his head. All his life however, he had yearned for adventure. He wanted to protect others, not stand at a gate waiting for something that isn’t there. Caige spoke with Chuck and found out he thought similar things when he was young, in fact the two had a lot in common. Both had worshipped Granitus from a young age, both their fathers were in the Kehrip War. Chuck even used to be well known in the Rocklaar Proeli gym, where Caige had been the fist combat champion for years.

Chuck made his opinion clear though, in modern times it can be best to just find a comfortable job. A job that brings in a steady income, allows you to buy a house, feed a family and live a good life, but a life like that is not meant for everyone.

Once the second moon had set, the sun began to rise over the mountains to the east. It wasn't long until the smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon was in the air, and a farmer with a cart carrying some grain and pigs had arrived at the north gate.

Hey there Chuck, the farmer smiled, who’s the new lad?

Hi Joe, this is Caige, a new guard ready to keep the good citizens of Rocklaar safe, Chuck gestured to Caige. If you notice anything unusual occurring on the farm, be sure to let him know.

Will do, Joe chuckled, then continued walking into town as a couple of sun shift guards marched up to relieve Caige and Chuck of their shift.

Caige waved to Chuck, turned to the coast and began to run! All that sitting around had made him feel stiff. Caige was used to training hard and loved to test his strength. He was also very excited about his new role with the guard and couldn't wait to share the news with Lilli. Caige continued sprinting past the barracks towards the water. He leapt down from the cobbled street and onto the rocky coastline, where he could see the local fishermen gripping their rods waiting for the next fish to strike, catching food for the people of town. He followed the coastline down and inhaled the fresh salty sea breeze, smiled, then jumped from the last rocky patch onto the sandy beach. He loved this, the Rocklaar coast, probably the most beautiful place in all the world, not that he had seen much of the world, but he couldn't imagine a better place to call home. Not long and he had made it to the end of the northern beach, he leapt up to the jetty and admired the view of all the boats in port. All of a sudden he stopped and took in a large breath, realising he felt really exhausted. He’d forgotten he was still wearing his town guard armour!

Thank you Granitus for my strength! Caige whispered, stood up, then looked up at the building in front of him with a large grin. The Salty Rock Tavern, breakfast time!

The Salty Rock was Caige’s favourite place to eat in all of Rocklaar, for multiple reasons. The sound of the ocean's waves lapping the shore nearby, the ale was amazing and cold, the food was fresh and delicious, but most of all there was Lilli Ibris. In Caige's eyes Lilli was the most beautiful girl in Rocklaar. She had bright blue-green eyes, long flowing blonde hair, and the kind of figure that looked amazing, no matter what she wore. In her hair she always wore a purple flower and upon her face the biggest smile. It was impossible to gaze upon her without being infected by that delightful smile she wore.

Caige walked into the stone built tavern to have his nostrils filled with the scents given off from the wood fire, cooking all sorts of meats from the ocean and farms. He ignored everyone else within the tavern, sitting himself down right on the corner of the bar.

Playing dress ups now are we? Lilli appeared from out from the kitchen. She was wearing a low cut, light green dress that was tight at the waist and showed off her curves.

Not quite, I just had my first real shift guarding the town! Caige said smugly, watching her hand out breakfast to a couple of men sitting at a table. One was a fat greedy man with a huge plate covered in all sorts of meats and eggs, the other, a stringy, skinny man, which she handed a small bowl of oatmeal. Not a bad look don't you think?

Wooo town guard? Little Cay Cay is all grown up now! Lilli joked. Tell me, what does a town guard eat?

Caige and Lilli went to school together and he had hated being called Cay Cay. After school they changed and the more Lilli seemed to physically change, the less Caige seemed to mind the nick name.

Bring me something that will make kehrips and silverscales fear me! Caige pulled his sword out, pointing towards the roof in a mockingly heroic manner. Oh and a mug of ale!

Fear you? Well I guess you better have what he’s having! Lilli chuckled, pointing to the fat man with the large plate of food. He had bits of food all through his beard, and every time he laughed, his belly would rumble and food bounced to the floor. Not a bad look don't you think?

Ah, maybe just the usual please Lilli? Caige smiled, patting the armour that covered his belly.

While he waited for his usual bacon and eggs, he noticed a mysterious man sitting in the back corner of the tavern. He was sitting there alone, in the dark, out of the way, like he didn’t want to be noticed. The mysterious man wore a black robe with a hood that made his face appear like a mere shadow. There was something over the top of the hood that looked a bit like a thin wiry crown. It was too dark to see the man properly, but every time Caige looked in that direction the man would divert his gaze from Caige and focus on some papers on his table. Caige was sure he had never seen the man before, but at the same time his presence felt somewhat familiar.

Bacon and eggs for Cay Cay!Lilli giggled, placing down the plate of food with a mug of ale.

You’re the best, Caige grinned, stabbing a strip of bacon with his fork. Hey Lilli, who is the man up in the back corner?

Lilli stretched herself out, looking out to the back of the tavern. What man? I think maybe you need some sleep mister town guard, no one has sat there all sun!

Caige turned around to see there was indeed, no one sitting in that dark corner. Like Lilli said, it looked as though no one had been sitting there for quite a while. Caige shrugged it off and turned back to his breakfast which he finished off pretty fast.

After the last drop of ale had made it from his mug and into his belly, Caige leapt up, waved to Lilli and headed home to his Aunt Amity’s house.

Caige lived with his aunt as he had no other family in Rocklaar. Amanda, Caige’s mother was so devastated when Zach didn’t return home after the Kehrip War. She never came to terms with the fact that most the Rocklaar people who hadn’t returned from the war were deceased. She never believed he had died, and could not handle the thought of Zach being stuck somewhere all on his own. A month after the war had ended, despair had mutated disbelief into obsession. Amanda left Caige to Zach’s sister, Amity, departed Rocklaar, and began on a journey to find Zach. Caige was only seven at the time, since then he has prayed to Granitus every sun for the safe return of both his parents.

Aunt Amity’s house wasn’t that far of a walk from The Salty Rock Tavern. Once past the docks, Caige enjoyed the stroll down the beach, with the market vendors to his left, and the ocean to his right. The salty breeze was fresh and cooling, and the smells combined with the exotic products for sale made every breath a treat. The market stalls stocked a variety of different goods ranging from foods and materials, to clothes and special trinkets that supposedly offer blessings and good fortune. These goods came from all the lands, one of the benefits of living in a town on the trade route to Silverton.

Once past the markets, the land by beach is lined with a variety of houses, some small and humble, others large and fancy, a few were even foreign in design, completely abstract to the normal residences of Rocklaar. Caige turned into one of the medium sized houses. A two story building made from sandstone, with white timber doors and window frames, a small modest garden, and a stone path leading to the door.

Caige threw his armour down by the door, removed all his clothes, then turned around and ran towards the surf. The sand singed his feet, every step making him run even faster. The breeze on his naked body made him feel completely free, and as he got closer, the wet sand cooled his feet. He leapt into a wave, piercing it like a spear, feeling his body instantly cool down with the water engulfing his body.

After Caige had cooled down, he then returned to the house where he had laid his armour and clothes, only to find someone had moved them.

You should take better care of your armour Caige! Aunt Amity yelled from inside the house. You’re a town guard now, act like it!

Caige walked in and noticed she had hung the armour up on the wall. Master Saxum must have informed her last sun of Caige's new posting, and she had set