Battle for the Land's Soul (Andy Smithson Book Seven)

By L. R. W. Lee

It's clear Abaddon, the evil shape shifting ruler of Hadession, Oomaldee's northern neighbor, must be dealt with if Oomaldee’s citizens are to ever live in peace. But how? What lengths will Andy have to go to in order to wage war against a being whose power stems from evil itself? Will Abaddon plunge the land into darkness or will light triumph?

Battle for the Land's Soul is the seventh and final novel in USA Today Bestselling author L. R. W. Lee's Andy Smithson coming-of-age, epic fantasy adventure featuring page-turning action and terrifying villains. This truly is the age old struggle of good vs. evil, and the stakes couldn't be higher for the outcome will determine the Land's very future. Don't miss this thrilling epic conclusion!

• Language: English
• Publisher: L. R. W. Lee
• Release date: May 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370043781

L. R. W. Lee

USA Today Bestselling author L. R. W. Lee enjoys writing epic fantasy for both Young Adult as well as New Adult. She loves writing fantasy because her characters are everything she's not in real life. For example, L. R. W. can't handle scary movies, Stephen King novels, or cockroaches. And she knows she wouldn't last long in one of her books. But give her a drink and a Hawaiian sunset and she'll be just fine. She lives in scenic Austin, TX with her husband.Find her at:http://www.LRWLee.comhttps://www.bookbub.com/profile/l-r-w-leehttps://www.instagram.com/lrwlee/https://www.facebook.com/lrwlee/https://twitter.com/LRWLeehttps://www.pinterest.com/AuthorLRWLee/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7047233.L_R_W_Lee

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Text Copyright © 2017 L. R. W. Lee

All rights reserved.

Woodgate Publishing

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without written permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission, consult the website at www.lrwlee.com.

Table of Contents

Chapter One: The Way Things Are

Chapter Two: Signs of the Times

Chapter Three: Lapidism

Chapter Four: Just Chill…Your Wings

Chapter Five: Pure Motives?

Chapter Six: Council of Lords

Chapter Seven: Free Will

Chapter Eight: What Possessed You?

Chapter Nine: Trolls!

Chapter Ten: Nephilim

Chapter Eleven: Myla

Chapter Twelve: Filtering

Chapter Thirteen: Descent into Chaos

Chapter Fourteen: Overcoming Objections

Chapter Fifteen: Reunion

Chapter Sixteen: Reality Check

Chapter Seventeen: Unbridled Truth

Chapter Eighteen: Revelations

Chapter Nineteen: Cause to Celebrate

CHAPTER ONE

The Way Things Are

Andy flattened a royal-blue-uniformed soldier as he touched down in Castle Ferrin’s courtyard. Sorry! he yelled.

No worries! Nice of you to drop in, Majesty! Major Cahill jested as he scrambled up on his stumpy bird-legs.

Behind you! another Oomish soldier bellowed.

Andy whirled around. A hulking shadow lumbered toward them, swinging.

Instinct kicked in. Methuselah. Andy sidestepped the down strike of the enemy’s blade and connected the pommel of his sword with the back of the zolt’s head, sending it sprawling.

Nice move. Let’s pair up! The major finished the enemy off with a slice and turned.

Another beefy zolt charged and Andy locked blades, bringing its lunge up short. He twisted his sword until he put the foe in an impossible position. It dropped its blade and the overconfident look on its face wavered as realization struck. Methuselah finished it off with a swipe.

Andy felled another foe who had its sights set on Cahill, then parried the lunge of another brutish adversary. This enemy was meatier and taller than Andy’s earlier triumph, and its strength surprised him as they locked blades. It pushed him back three steps. Andy succeeded in moving its blade down but couldn’t disarm it.

The zolt shook its head slowly and grinned. "We’ll have none of that, Majesty."

Cahill rounded on its blind side and plunged his blade up into the thug’s armpit. Surprise registered on its face for only a second as Andy brought Methuselah across its throat. Like a redwood felled by master loggers, it tumbled in slow motion.

Thanks! Andy called.

Panting, the major stopped next to him and smiled. My pleasure, Majesty.

Andy surveyed the chaos as he caught his breath. Oomaldee’s center, a towering, barrel-shaped contraption he had restored on his last trip, stood several feet away. It continued puffing white steam, oblivious to the tumult and carnage—both Oomish and enemy—around it.

Metal on metal. The sounds reverberated off the stone walls. A dozen zolt pressed the fight across the way, but with several soldiers and four centaurs defending, it was just a matter of time before the skirmish was over.

Third attack this week. Fifteen in all so far, the major informed.

What?

We’re guessing Abaddon’s upset that you and the company narrowly escaped his clutches on your way back from Mount Mur Eyah.

Andy’s eyes swept the courtyard. Jax, Houston, Twyford, Royston. They’re all still here. Why? The four centaurs had returned with him from the mountain, bearing the bodies of Mom, Father, and Mermin.

I don’t know. They’ve spoken to the regents, but I haven’t been privy. I’m glad they’re here though. They’re amazing warriors!

Majesty! Regent Bellum, the head of Oomaldee’s army, approached and bowed.

Rise, please.

Welcome back. Is Major Cahill filling you in?

Andy nodded, noting that the last combatant had been dispatched and cleanup efforts begun.

If you’ll excuse me, Majesty, the major interrupted. I believe my talents are needed.

By all means. It was good seeing you. Andy waved as Cahill strode off and began directing soldiers.

Everything in your other land, okay? Regent Bellum asked. Andy had not filled the man in on all the particulars of where he’d gone, so he knew the question was more polite than anything, but he appreciated being asked.

Yes, thank you. We had a memorial service for the queen yesterday. Andy paused and willed himself to remain strong. It had been only two weeks since Mom, Father, and Mermin’s passing, and his emotions were still raw. He’d tried to focus on the positive—that their deaths had broken the five-hundred-year-old curse—but no matter how he spun it, the loss had left a void and a feeling of emptiness no different than when he’d lost Yara. He cleared his throat. I wanted to get back as soon as possible. I figured Abaddon wouldn’t sit idly by. From everything I’ve learned, when the troika worked, things like this couldn’t happen. Carta’s center needs to be restored and I believe I’m the one to do it.

The regent opened his mouth to object but Andy held up a hand. No. This is my destiny.

Bellum frowned but relented.

I can’t guarantee it, but restoring the troika might also weaken if not destroy Abaddon. Andy’s stomach clenched. You’ve no idea how much I’m hoping so. I don’t know what we’re going to do if it doesn’t.

Really? The regent cocked his head, but Andy didn’t elaborate. Ah, Cronkar!

Regent Cronkar, the head of Oomaldee’s Cavalry, approached and bowed.

Rise, please.

It’s good to see you again, Majesty.

I was just telling His Majesty what’s been going on, Bellum informed.

Did you tell him about the beasts? Cronkar asked.

Beasts? Andy furrowed his brow.

I was just getting to that. Go ahead.

Dragon's head, reptilian body, two large hind legs, two scrawny forelegs, and a barbed tail—unnatural they are. The first three were spotted coming across our northern border a week ago where the Great Wall’s broken. More have come since.

The doppelgangers, sent as decoys to divert Abaddon’s attention from the royal family’s recent trip to Mount Mur Eyah, had spotted giants tearing down large sections of the wall surrounding the northern and eastern borders of Oomaldee. At the time Andy could only speculate what nefarious plans Abaddon was about to enact.

Damage? Andy growled.

Half a dozen citizens have fallen victim. We’ve killed two of the things, but they’re quick and our weapons can’t penetrate those scales. Arrows bounce right off. They’re only vulnerable on their bellies.

Andy closed his eyes. All the more reason for me to try and restore Carta’s center as quickly as possible.

Cronkar tilted his head. Why does it sound like he’s planning on taking a trip to Carta?

Because he is, Bellum replied. I’ll fill you in later.

Jax and Houston approached. Jax splayed two fingers. Peace, man.

Houston tipped his hat. Good to see ya again, Highness.

Likewise, Andy replied. Thanks for all your help. He waved his hand across the courtyard. But I’m surprised to see you’re still here. I figured you’d have headed home by now.

Nope. No point in leavin’. Jax adjusted a daisy scrunchie that held his long hair back. Got a message in the stars sayin’ more conflict’s not far off, so we decided we might just as well hang out here for a while. He repositioned his camo headband.

Andy drew a hand to the back of his neck. Conflict beyond this?

Jax and Houston nodded in unison.

’Fraid so. Called in reinforcements for ya, pardner, Houston added. Another four dozen centaurs are blazin’ a trail our way as we speak.

Thank you. Andy paused then asked, Centaurs can access the whisper stream, right?

Exactamundo, Jax replied. Whatcha need? Lay it on me.

Queen Emmalee… Andy swallowed then forced himself on. Before she died, Queen Emmalee contacted our friends and neighbors. They promised to help fight Abaddon when the time came. Regent Cronkar knows who they all are.

Jax held up a hand. Groovy. Say no more.

We’d be more’n happy to rustle up more help, Houston agreed.

Thank you. For those not on the whisper stream—

We’ll dispatch messengers, Regent Cronkar interjected. Leave it to us. We’ll make sure everyone knows.

How long will it take to assemble a patrol to accompany me? Andy asked.

Give us two days, Bellum requested. I want to understand the best route and ready our most capable men.

Andy nodded. Two days, no more.

Then turning back to the centaurs, Andy asked, The stars didn’t happen to mention timing, did they?

Houston pawed a hoof. ’Fraid not. Ya know how cryptic they can be.

So I’m learning. Andy forced a smile. We need to be ready if Abaddon strikes while I’m away.

The regents nodded.

Andy had played far too many video games—he knew how scenarios like this worked out. We need to defend Castle Ferrin. But we also need to go on offense and strike Abaddon at Castle Avalon at the same time. If his base is under attack he’ll have to divide his focus. I need the two of you to devise that strategy. We need to unseat him and drive him from the land. If I’ve fixed the troika by then, he shouldn’t be able to get back in.

Understood, Majesty, Bellum replied.

I want to hear your plan before I leave.

And so you shall. If you’ll excuse us then, we’ve got work to do, Cronkar added.

Andy bid the centaurs farewell and crossed the courtyard that was nearly free of carnage. As he headed for the hall of monarchs, he passed a girl in blue livery who gasped when she saw him. Andy followed her gaze to see what had made her eyes grow large—blood splattered his T-shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers.

Wanting to lend comfort, he said, You don’t need to fear. The enemy’s been dealt with.

She fell into an awkward curtsy and forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Abaddon’s repeated attacks are scaring her. She knows his goons will be back. I doubt she’s alone.

Andy wiped the blood from his hands onto his pants as he approached a boy steward. The servant turned saucer eyes on his sovereign and bowed.

Nope, she wasn’t alone. Abaddon’s scared the lot of them.

Three maidens walking together approached in silence. Despite the temperature being pleasant, they hugged themselves as if warding off a chill. They inhaled sharply at seeing the blood on Andy’s clothes and executed awkward curtsies. Majesty, they mumbled.

Andy resisted the urge to speak placating, but untrue, words to them. They’re right to be afraid. They need hope, just like the first time I came. I won’t let Abaddon win the mental battle. How can I restore their hope?

Andy reached a set of ornate doors surrounded by an excess of white marble and amethyst, the unmistakable signs of Oomaldee’s royalty. The hulking doors were locked, but he paused before extracting the golden key from his pouch. Am I ready to see them…in spirit form…again?

While Mom, Father, and Mermin’s presence had initially comforted him, the sensation of Mom’s translucent hand freezing his jaw as she cradled it left a hole in Andy’s heart. He’d known then that things would never, ever be the same. It had been a couple weeks, but he still felt as if he walked the path as Oomaldee’s sovereign alone—no other could truly understand the position he found himself in or have empathy with his insecurities about screwing up and irreparably harming the land.

Andy took a deep breath and let it out slowly, then strained to pull open one of the hulking doors. Bright sunlight streamed through windows in the domed ceiling, illuminating the circular floor. Voices greeted him as he stepped to the center.

Majesty! a deep, disembodied voice welcomed.

He’s back!

Welcome back!

What happened? a woman questioned. You’re covered in blood. The assessment hushed further greetings.

Son, it’s so good to see you again. Father approached while Mom and Mermin floated down from their places on the second and third floors. Father reached out his arms to embrace Andy as had become second nature to him, but they passed through and Andy shivered. Father frowned and added, My passing was the best thing for the land, but not being able to give you a hug is something I’ll never accept.

Andy. Mom hovered at his side. Longing in her eyes told him she agreed. Mermin smiled and patted Mom’s shoulder. How did Dad and Maddy take the news of my passing?

As well as can be expected. They’re coping. We had a memorial service for you yesterday. It was nice. Andy smiled, remembering the sentiments that had been shared at the service. A second later he cleared his throat and said, I came back as soon as I could. Hey, where’s Aunt Imogenia?

She and your grandparents decided that since my relationship with my sister is mending, the three of them would go on. But as you know, you can still talk with them.

Andy nodded, then rubbed the back of his neck.

Father held up a hand. Don’t worry, Andy. We stand by what we said—we leave it up to you. We’re in no hurry to follow. When you’re ready, you let us know. Mom and Mermin nodded their agreement.

Thanks, Andy replied.

Why are you covered in blood? someone called from behind.

Right, Andy shook his head and rubbed a bloody hand. Abaddon’s stepped up his attacks. His zolt appeared in the courtyard this morning. Gasps ricocheted as Andy added, I just helped put down the raid. I was told it was the third in a week.

Horrors! a high-pitched voice squeaked.

Hopefully you’ll be able to help me. Do you have any ideas about how to defeat Abaddon?

A low voice from the other side of the atrium spoke: Abaddon emerged during my reign. Andy followed the voice to King Gerrard II’s crypt. As you may or may not know, Neparte Nabulion, the son of one of our viceroys, got mixed up in dark evil and it changed him, quite literally. He became a shape shifter, even changed his name. He launched his first attacks against us shortly thereafter. The troika was strong, thank goodness, and it defeated him.

When you say the troika defeated him, what exactly do you mean?

The troika stopped Abaddon right at the border. He couldn’t enter the land. He raged and flamed and kept shifting shape to see if he could find a form that would get through. Those were scary times.

Andy felt his muscles relax as his ancestor confirmed his suspicions. If the troika were restored—

That’ll be the day, Mathias IV grumped.

Oh, Cleavon, must you always be so indecorous? Andy’s grandmother rebuffed.

Andy rolled his eyes. "As I was saying, if the troika were restored, what do you think would happen? Abaddon’s already in the land. Would it expel him?"

My best guess is he would just be weakened. I can’t see it physically removing him. So you’d need to find a way to lure him out. But I’d bet the troika would prevent him from re-entering.

That’s good news, Andy said.

That’s just my best guess. I can’t guarantee it.

Understood. Any ideas how we can lure him out?

Maris here. I’m Queen Mathias III’s daughter, a voice chimed in from the third floor. Lykosamative attracts herewolves and therewolves. It might attract Abaddon as well.

Andy looked up. But he’s not either of those in any of his forms, at least not that I know of.

Point taken, she continued. You could try wolfsbane, rye, mistletoe, or rowan. They’re good repellents. Abaddon might have a revulsion to one of them.

Thanks, I’ll keep those in mind.

If I may… King Deryk’s wife hummed a few mystical-sounding notes before adding, Gemstones have been known to give power. Emerald, topaz, garnet—

Gemstones? Really? Andy questioned. Because I have a sapphire and ruby—

"The king needs real solutions, not hocus-pocus," Mathias IV snipped.

Harrumph, King Deryk’s wife huffed.

Thank you all for your suggestions. It seems you agree that we need to restore the troika—that means fixing Carta’s center since it’s the last part that’s still broken. If we get lucky it’ll render Abaddon powerless. If not, we’ll need to lure him out, but let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.

Well said, Grandfather praised from not far away.

A born leader, echoed another.

You’ll make a fine king, Queen Acelyn said.

You make us proud, added a low-pitched voice.

Mom, Father, and Mermin grinned at the oozing praise.

So, you all set then? Father asked.

Andy took a deep breath and let it out before nodding. As ready as I’ll ever be. He paused briefly before adding, It was good seeing you again. I’m still not used to you all shimmery, but it’s better than nothing.

We’re all adjusting, Mom encouraged.

Well, see ya around.

Definitely, Father agreed.

Turning to his ancestors, Andy waved and said, Thanks for your help. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Andy paused as the doors echoed closed, then leaned against the cold marble. Unlike a couple weeks before, the feeling of loss didn’t overwhelm him. Progress. Andy took a deep breath. Maybe I can do this.

Have you seen Alden or Hannah? Andy inquired as he came upon a small woman headed somewhere in a hurry.

She froze at seeing him covered in blood, then recovered enough to curtsy before answering, No, Majesty. If I see them I’ll let them know you’re looking for them.

The scene repeated itself several more times before Andy popped his head into the kitchen.

Majesty! Marta exclaimed, making a beeline to give him a hug. After throwing her arms around him, she moved to bow but Andy stopped her, whispering, Please, call me Andy, at least in private.

Marta’s cheeks turned rosy. If that’s what would please you.

It would. Then turning to the rest of those watching he said, Rise, please.

Looks like you’ve been playing Oscray, Ox announced as he, Alden, Hannah, Gwinny, and the rest of the staff circled around.

Just putting down another zolt attack. The comment sent murmurs rippling. But I have a plan to deal with the situation. Which is why I came looking for Alden and Hannah. Turning back to Marta he asked, But before we go, got any chocolate chip cookies? He flicked his brows.

Marta’s face fell. "With your father passing and not knowing when you’d