The Cliffs of Connemaigh

By CD Dennis

The world is forever changed. Two dimensions are now one, and our heroine, Elaine Castle, a human, is navigating a world filled with dragons, orcs, and a mysterious enemy utilizing every power at its disposal to make sure that Elaine does not survive to unite the humans, Forest Elves, and Sky Elves. Our heroine is a wielder – a magic wielder, that is, and she definitely retains ancestral memory of being an elf, but is Elaine a helmannigr, a human born with an elven soul?

While she trains and her teacher tries to determine if she is, indeed, helmannigr, she fights with her blocks against two of the seven elements that all wielders have access to. These blocks are killing her, as magic kills the untrained. Is the answer in Connemaigh, the abandoned city of the Sky Elves that she arrived at in "The Autumn of the Whitewood", or is it elsewhere in this new and dangerous world?

An epic fantasy with elements of romance, a hint of sci-fi, and a creative plot, "The Cliffs of Connemaigh" uses traditional fantasy tropes with new twists, and challenges the boundaries of the genre of fantasy. "The Cliffs of Connemaigh" is nominated for the Summer Indie Books Award hosted by Metamorph Publishing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CD Dennis
• Release date: Mar 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370795062

CD Dennis

C.D. Dennis holds three degrees, including a M.S. in Biology. She enjoys writing, reading, hiking, animals, and everything in nature. She calls the mountains of North Carolina home. "The Autumn of the Whitewood" is her debut novel.

Book preview

Prologue

A Harrowing Retreat

The disheveled man kept running. That was all he had done for the past several days now. Days? Weeks?  He didn’t know by this point. He lost his horse just nights before now, and fear consumed his life every night since. Looking down, he kept his feet moving, one foot in front of the other. Dried blood was sprayed upon his dirt-marred jeans. Thus far, the banshee had failed to rip out his guts at every turn. Banshee. The word came to him from nowhere. He knew the name, but did not know how or where from.   

I wish I still had the horse. It was the third night out, from what he could remember, that the banshee in their white gowns had ripped the animal apart. He could still hear the screams of the horse in his mind and see the horse’s blood upon the pristine white dresses. There was something about those white dresses that tickled the back of his mind. Looking up to the sky, his lips pulled down at the sight of the heavy dark gray clouds rolling in that threatened to let loose the deluge of water that filled them. If there’s a God above, don’t rain. I need the fire to keep them at bay. East. Due east. I need to get there. I can’t stop. If I stop, I die. Looking down, he could see his fingers twitching. His neck was sore and his heart raced. I must get there! Where is there? I don’t know. Just get there. He wanted to do nothing more than stop and cry right then, but he knew that the banshee would come if he did…  If they come, I’m as good as dead.

Running as fast as he could, he watched his feet as they raced each other. Branches creaked and cracked under his feet, giving away his position. He looked up and in front of him to see what was coming up. A fallen tree and then an open field appeared ahead of him. Yes! A clearing! Now if I can keep a fire going. And stay close enough to it.  He jumped over the tree and broke out into the clearing. A good place to stop for the moment at least. Rest up some. Yeah, I need to do that. Or a tree. I could sleep in a tree again. As much as those bitches will let me anyway.  He had slept in a tree the night before. Or as much as he could sleep at any rate. The creatures had spent the entire night at the base of the tree. Even with those talons, they couldn’t make it up. By some miracle, he hadn’t fallen out of the tree either. The idea of sleeping in a tree tickled his memory as well. It was as though he had heard someone talking about it before. Frowning, he looked around the clearing. No, I need to keep going. Another tree would be better. He ran to the east again, towards the tree line, and into the trees. The scent of rotting leaves greeted his nostrils. Much better than entrails.  He would need to find a tree with great haste. 

As the sky grew darker, not just from the failing daylight, but also from the clouds, a muffled cry came from the north. He looked to glimpse the shape of a woman with dark hair and the white dress. Run faster. He dared not look at the woman for too long. He had discovered if he did, the banshee would look at him with those black, pitiless eyes. Don’t look! Coming to a tree that looked like it could bear his weight, he scrambled up it. A screech from the banshee came just after. Close! Too close! Looking around, he saw more of them. Safe for the moment. Safer than the ground. As they began their screeching again he knew that the banshee were not going to let him get much sleep tonight. He knew he had heard that screech even before he had lost the horse. He would need to remain vigilant this night, but as he looked around he noticed something else: the vegetation was changing.  So many more pines, firs, spruces… A slow smile crept across his face as he looked at it. That is a good thing.

Chapter 1

The Tower

She brushed her honey brown hair back as she looked at her reflection in front of her. She let out a slight sigh as her right hand moved down the side of the purple silk dress she now wore. Her hand moved to her stomach where she rested it. Two months now? Is that really how long it’s been? I was only out for a few days after the jail. And I used lightning. Killed all those goblins. So I can wield magic. And Quinero says that’s where all my headaches came from. Her thoughts drifted to the elf and the predicament she found herself in where he was concerned. Yeah, he is rather sexy. That build… She swallowed as her cheeks flushed. And I might be pregnant. Jack will think it’s Quinero’s. I know he will. Even though we have never had sex. Swallowing again, she shook her head. No, you haven’t, Elaine. But you want to. Yeah, I do want to. And so does he. Her chest tightened as she averted her gaze from her reflection to the carved frame of the free-standing mirror. At least he’s not pressuring me. I wish I could avoid him at times. She shook her head. No, I don’t. I just wish I wasn’t involved with Jack at the same time. I’m a horrible person. I love them both. Giving another sigh, she kept her gaze fixated on the mirror’s frame. How long will it be until he and the others get to Connemaigh?

Shaking her head again, she found her mind retracing all of their steps. Jack was the first person that she had met after the worlds had merged together; their modern world and a world of magic. Her magical abilities started right after the worlds merged. She hadn’t known it at that time, though. Several months before, she and Jack left Denver and began picking up others as time went on. They had lost others too, including her best friend, Anna. Death was no stranger any longer. They all had lost people. Some had left on their own like Dan and Richard, but others were taken from them. Anna was killed by a banshee. And now she’s like them. She’s one of them. Her brow furrowed at the thought as a single tear leaked from the corner of her left eye. And the goblins… John is dead because of them too. For all I know, Dan and Richard could be dead. We all almost died at the jail. Those goblins… I never expected them to be so vicious. I didn’t expect Jack to be that vicious either, though.

Her right hand moved to her left arm. She began rubbing the arm. If Quinero had seen him grab me… I’m pretty sure there would have been a fight. She let her right hand drop to her side as she shook her head. And these damn blocks! How do we get rid of them? Magic dealt with elements: fire, air, earth, water, metal, wood, and spirit. Water and wood out of all things might just be my downfall. Can’t think like that, Elaine. We’ll find a way. They had left the full group just days before in order to make it to Connemaigh, the elven stronghold, to look for the information that could lead to breaking her blocks. Jack stayed behind. Her lips parted as her muscles let go of all of their tension. He’s not here and I’m glad about it. I am a horrible person. Her chest tightened again as she pinned her arms against her stomach. No. I can’t think on all of this right now. These two men will be the death of me.

Shaking her head again, she let her arms drop to her side and concentrated on something, anything but the two men. Letting out a sigh, she stepped towards the mirror and began outlining the carvings on the frame. Her brow drew together after a moment. Are those words? Nemen? Gilashi? She took a deep breath and let her hand drop. Quinero’s probably waiting for me. I suppose I should go on. Turning, the swish of her silk skirt followed her.

The woman wore a deep blue silk gown. She sat on the bench as she heard the laugh again. Another laugh followed suit. The corners of her lips twitched upwards at the sound. If the laugh is here, then perhaps the child is too. Perhaps the spirit of the child was captured along with mine when Annonal laid the pattern on me. If I can come back, perhaps the child can as well. I hope so.

She checked her own body several times before now. In perfect condition. I do not even look dead at all. Did Annonal preserve my body? Of course, I would not be surprised if Lavarnio did it. Or perhaps even Jasarnt. If the child was growing in me, is that body preserved too? I need to check again. Swallowing, she looked around the garden. She did not sense Annonal at all. He is not here. Take the chance. You need to check again, Maranae. I can take my chance now.

Closing her eyes, she willed herself to be in the room that Lavarnio always came to first: the room that held her body.  She transitioned with little effort and stayed still once she arrived.   No one could see her of course and it seemed to her that the only person who could sense her was Lavarnio. But Harkon and Jack smelled lavender when I was in his tent not even two days before. Am I coming back stronger each time? She looked around the stone room and saw no one; only her own body on display like a trophy.  Anyone who entered that tower would be greeted with that view. I am a trophy to him.

Her lips pulled down at the thought. A trophy. Of course, I am. The sound of voices pulled her attention to the stairs. Two voices were talking just up the stairs on the floor above.  She made out Annonal’s voice with ease but there was also a female voice. The voice was a low, gruff one. The voice almost sounded like a female orc. Those were disgusting creatures, ones that ate their own young at times. Shaking her head at that, she looked up at the ceiling. No, that is no orc.  It didn’t matter to her right then. She needed to do what she came for and only after could she check on the identity of the unknown female upstairs. Looking back at her body, the corners of her lips pulled down. She couldn’t harness the elements in this form, but she went by instinct. That instinct had guided her well through the years. Looking down at her form, she placed her disembodied hand over her stomach. She closed her eyes and gave a slow smile. The babe was there. In perfect condition. And not just one, but two. Twins. I was with child. With twins. It did explain some though. The laughs were of two different tones. One was deeper, and the other higher. If she could have cried right then, she would have; there was hope. 

Removing her hand from her stomach, she looked up the stairs. I could go through the walls, or the ceiling and floor, but if someone were standing too close, I could be sensed. No, it is better to see where I am going. Traveling up the steps, she reached the next floor in a matter of moments; she slowed down to see where they were. Annonal was standing near the middle of the room; his back turned towards her. His long white hair flowed and matched his robes for the day. The figure in the corner interested her; a woman by the looks of her figure, an inch or two taller than she. The woman smelled of smoke and ash, not at all what Maranae would have expected. It is off. Why does she smell that way? I have smelled that before, but where? And when? I will need to think on this. She pulled her attention away from the smell and continued to study the woman.

The woman wore a long, dark cloak, her face hidden by the cowl of the cloak. Black hair peeked out from the cowl and she wore black gloves. Black pants and boots adorned her figure beneath the cloak. A tingle started at the nape of her neck and worked its way down as she gave a slight nod. She is a witch. Maranae stayed where she was.

The woman spoke in that same gruff voice, What do you know of the human girl?

Annonal shook his head and frowned, I have checked the prophecies, but have found nothing. I know that she has a block.

She does indeed. She has two. I felt them, the woman explained. The cowl left her expression a mystery. Tell me Annonal, you trained Lavarnio did you not? And you know of Quinero?

Yes, on both.  I knew the father of Quinero more so. I only met the boy in passing a few times.

The woman gave another nod, I wish to give you a scenario and I want you to tell me what both Lavarnio and the father of Quinero would have done. The man bobbed his head at the statement.   Two centuria of orcs, two witches, and one wizard.  They have the high ground at about twenty-five degrees. There is a ravine to the north, a rock wall to the east, and killing fields to the west and south both of which are surrounded by forest. The rock wall is at the top of the slope. There is a slaughter of humans to the west by those orcs.  What would Lavarnio and the father of Quinero have done if they had come from the forests with under twenty men upon such a scene?

Left. Lavarnio would have left, Annonal answered without a thought.

The corners of Maranae’s lips pulled down, but she knew that it would be exactly what he would have done. He would not have sacrificed his people, especially with such a small number, if they could not truly help. 

Annonal continued on, Jasarnt would have tried using cover fire with bows and tried to get as many as he could out of there. Then if they were followed, he would have them fight in the forest. That man could do just that. His wife was a Forest Elf, so she taught him a few things.

The woman stood there. Maranae wished she could see into the cowl. The woman took a step forward then.

And what would you say if I told you that Lavarnio had bows lay suppression fire, put himself, three other sorcerers in danger, and a sorceress as well, and put humans and elves at the bottom of that slope with swords against orc falchions? she inquired.

A half-smile appeared on Annonal’s lips as he shook his head, Lavarnio would not risk a maneuver like that.

The cowl of the cloak moved from side to side, suggesting that she was shaking her head.  He did. Why is what I want to know... They lost no people and we lost one witch, a wizard, and two centuria. They are dead, Annonal. I want to know who suggested the tactics that they used against us. I suspect that it was the human girl or Quinero. Either of them does not bode well for us. You know as well as I do that if they worked together they could be able to destroy us. You know it better than most of us, I would think. 

His lips pursed together for a moment and then he spoke, I understand that very well. There is nothing about the human girl in the prophecies from what I have seen as of yet.

There is another potential problem.  The woman took a deep breath. "Quinero seems to hold affection for this human and she for him. He beheaded Iridare when she moved to attack the human. Another troubling matter is that this human killed Callum with a pattern that I have never seen the effects of before. A human girl who is barely trained in anything and has two blocks managed to kill a fully trained wizard. Is she helmannigr? The Lord First and this human are dangerous."

How do you wish to proceed?

The woman exhaled deeply, Find out first who the tactician is.

Maranae gave a half-smile. She knew that he was being ordered, but she didn’t know who was giving the orders. Of course, she still didn’t have a name, but at least she had much more of an idea now. The woman began walking towards her then.  Maranae had to move, and move quickly, to avoid being felt by anyone. She moved down the stairs and close to her own body.  The rustling of Annonal’s robes and the woman’s cloak announced that they were coming down the stairs.

As they reached the floor, the woman looked over to Maranae’s body. Has the vessel been found?

No, it has not. I know that they are headed to Connemaigh, though, and I also know that Maranae had been there for some time before she died.

The woman gave a nod to him, He needs to hurry. Especially if you still wish to be regent. Do either of them know?

Know what?

Why you fear them? 

Annonal snorted at the question and then spoke, They do not know why I need them both alive and bound to my will, no.

Maranae didn’t need to see inside the cowl to know that the woman was smirking; she could hear it in her tone.

Well, I suppose that it is all well then.  Do you have anyone in Connemaigh?

Annonal gave a nod at that, Yes, I do. I will contact him soon.

See that you do. Goodbye, Annonal.

I will do so. Goodbye, Tavein.

She turned on her heel, opening the door. Maranae never got to see what it looked like immediately outside of the tower, so she especially watched with curiosity now. As the door opened, she spied mountains. She could tell from where the peaks of the mountains were that they were high in them. A road led down from the peak where the tower and a small stable sat. The nickering of q’bley reached her from the stable. It almost sounded as though there were three there. Snow had already fallen here and so she took the opportunity to see where it had begun to melt. That is the south side.  Now where exactly are we? Looking back at the door, she caught another look at the peaks as the door closed. Those peaks tickled her memory. Before she could even begin to search her memories, Annonal diverted her attention.

Annonal looked down at Maranae’s body and he spoke to it, How did you manage it, Maranae? How did you know? Shaking his head, he moved back to the stairs and up them. She drifted back to the garden.

Chapter 2

First Night

Quinero sat in a fourth floor window of the college. His legs dangled out and over the window sill into the cool air. Instead of the leather armor he had grown so accustomed to, he now wore a brown cashmere set including a button up shirt and loose pants. He kept his gaze fixed on the path before him. She will be coming soon. They arrived only yesterday. I suppose that the others are now on their way too. Perhaps Lavarnio plans on taking an extra day for respite. I would rather he does. I would love some more time with Elaine before Jack arrives.

The wind blew through the bowl-shaped valley, ruffling his hair. Elaine gave him what she called a hair tie days ago. He tied his hair back with it in what she called a pony tail. Why do my people not have a name for such things? He had heard other humans call them varying names before they had brought the worlds back together. Having the hair out of their faces helped, especially when they did any physical training, but also when they studied together. Her hair is getting longer as well. She pulled her hair back more often too. His pony tail lay near the base of his neck. When she wore one, it was much higher than his. When they studied, she usually wore her hair down with a bamboo comb that held her bangs back. Her hair is beautiful like that. She is even more beautiful like that. When they weren’t physically training or walking on the cliffs, she wore dresses often. He found several dresses and several outfits that were designed for training soon after they arrived. A few were silk and she seemed to like those well. She wore two already and was probably still changing into one right now. She had also worn one of the training outfits, but the one she had worn was made of a deep blue material. The outfit itself was not used for training, but modeled after the design and had matching boots and bracers to go along with it.

He enjoyed watching her donning the dresses. She tried on every single one of them and, as it turned out, they all fit her. He had found them in the closet of his new home. Her home was right beside his, with a connecting door between them. Most of the homes had the connecting doors, but she found it odd and told him how strange it was to her. He was used to the dwellings in Connemaigh. The homes here were organized this way for the military personnel and family members to keep in close contact with one another. These row houses, as she called them, were two to three stories high, with a living area on the first floor and bedrooms on the second and third floors. The row houses in which they would be staying also had a large table with chairs on the second floor, made with the purpose of meetings for both the military and sorcerers. The homes also contained bathrooms, which was something that Elaine squealed about. He gave a soft chuckle remembering the squeal. He even brought it up later to have her purse her lips, narrow her eyes, and tell him quite firmly that she was not someone who squealed. The bathrooms contained a working toilet, a sink, and a shower.   

Lavarnio’s row house was next to his with another connecting door. Jack’s was on the other side of Elaine’s. At least they will not be sharing the same one now. The other sorcerers, including Falen, were all close by as well. Even Mal was close by. Each had the connecting doors as well. Falen did not like it. He did not like the humans being so close and on equal footing as us. But, Falen does not like much of anything. He is always cross. He is always cross with me and with most that I have seen. Falen did have a way about him with knowing who was in charge and then attempting to find a way to ingratiate himself with them. He tried that with Lavarnio when he found out he was in consideration for the council.   

Lavarnio saw right through it and, after that, Falen’s name was no longer in consideration. Quinero knew that was unusual since they still did not have a full council. The rumor was that the overlooking had infuriated Falen enough for him to go to Sarcsa. And I have heard whispers that I am in consideration for the council too. Just like my Father. I like the idea about as much as me being the heir. I would prefer to live in that cottage with Elaine. A cottage that does not exist and with a woman who is not mine. Giving a sigh, he looked around and down at the path. The wind picked up a bit more, making the leaves on the trees move with it. Some of the leaves fell off and flowed with the wind. Autumn is here.

He spied her walking along the path. He gave a quiet chuckle as he noticed she had indeed changed clothing…again. Her dress was a deep violet-color that made him think of the leaves of the whitewood, and was off the shoulder and had a low waist that accentuated her waist and hips. Grinning, he continued to watch her as she strolled along and smiled as she looked around. She moved her right hand over and began fingering the leather bracelet that she always wore.

Several dogs made their homes at Connemaigh and two, in particular, seemed to like her quite a bit. Both of them strolled, wagging their tails, beside her. One of the dogs had a reddish-brown color and pointed ears that were laid back right then. The other also had pointed ears, but its ears were alert, its body was black and white, and the animal had bright blue eyes. The domestication of wolves was something that the elves had learned from the humans. 

His grin continued to grow as he watched her.  He knew that she would find Connemaigh beautiful. Her initial reaction to it was still a source of joy for him. They took their run this morning as usual, but he found that she kept slowing down to look at things. And you promised to truly show her around this afternoon. More than just showing her the places that she absolutely must know. And there she is looking towards the lake and waterfall. That waterfall. Now that ledge is where our cottage should be. As far as he knew, he was the only person who knew how to get to that waterfall. The waterfall was about midway up the cliff face on the other side of the lake. A steep path led there from up on the cliffs that led down to it. There was also a rather large ledge and plateau to the side of it. A large whitewood grew there and there was enough space for his cottage and a garden. My dream. It is more than likely just that, though: a dream.

I must take her there. Definitely. Not today, but definitely later.  He had already shown her where the main garden was. I need to show her the rest of the gardens, the cliffs, and hot springs too. The hot springs are beautiful in their own right. The hot springs were tiered, with the one closest to the top being the smallest; it overflowed and cascaded down to four more in the forest below. Yes, that is definitely something that I will have to show her. After arriving yesterday, their time was a bit limited. He talked to Falen for some time and brought Sanaro, Kanuna, and Elaine with him. He had Sanaro keep the standard on him to bring it with them as they spoke with Falen. I do not know if he needed the reminder of who I am, but he did what he was ordered to do. Falen’s frown let him know that he was not happy about it, but he still did his job.   

He looked back at the afternoon and night in fondness. They began getting settled into their new homes almost immediately. Even though Elaine had found the connecting doors odd, she seemed to enjoy them, as she tried to sneak up on him several times. At her fifth attempt, he let her get close to him and then turned around, grabbing her, and, wrapping her up in his arms, said, I am an elf, Elaine. You cannot sneak up on me.

She responded with something that sounded like she had to try. He had kissed her right after that. She kissed him back and after a few moments they pulled away from each other.

Since you are insistent about being over here, you can help me, he stated.

Well, I’m done, but… only if you tell me why Kanuna called you Degotoga? She tilted her head to the side as she asked him.

By the elder trees, that is charming. He somehow refrained from kissing her and instead spoke, Degotoga means ‘standing together’ in the tongue of the people of my mother. She gave me the name.

I like it, she said as she gave him a smile. It seems quite appropriate. Okay, I’ll help you.

She stepped forward and began opening up drawers. It was just a few minutes after that he found the dresses, the outfits, and several sets of men’s clothing. Do you want the dresses and these? he asked just after finding them.

Grinning, she walked over and took them from him. She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek, Of course, I do. She walked off with them and came back just moments later wearing the dress that she now wore. She twirled around with a wide grin and flushed cheeks. Well?

He bit at his bottom lip, but had kept his face straight. He wanted to kiss her right then. Well, what?

She stuck out her tongue at him and then asked, How do I look?

Oh, he said as he paused and looked her up and down. I could tease her here, but no, I will not. He let a wide grin split his face. Beautiful. You look beautiful, Elaine.

Thank you. I’m going to try the others on. You should try yours on too, she said and left the room.

Looking at the clothes, he already knew that they would fit him. He took off his armor and donned a dark blue cashmere set. She came in just after he pulled on the pants. She wore another silk dress. This one was a dark green with long sleeves and a drop waist. Grinning, he watched her. They continued on with trying on their clothes until she reached a gray dress. The corners of his lips pulled down. Her grin faded at seeing him frown. He shook his head. Gray is our color of mourning, Elaine. It looks beautiful on you. It is just our color of mourning. She gave a thoughtful nod at that, left, and came back wearing the deep blue training outfit with matching boots and bracers. Silver embroidery was on the top, bracers, and boots. The long-sleeved top and pants hugged her curves quite well.

He swallowed at the sight of her. My personal colors. She is wearing my colors. He thoroughly enjoyed watching her show off the dresses and he found a pair of dark brown soft-soled shoes, which were made to fit different sizes. He motioned for her to take a seat, handed the shoes to her, and finished the rest of his unpacking. He grinned at her after a moment, Care to take a walk with me?

Grinning, she nodded. Their walk had to be a short one, as it was close to dinner. Falen gave all of them a night off from watch, which he was grateful for. Some of the group were exhausted and needed the sleep. He was one of them and was certain that Elaine was too. Jeremy was outside one of the lower class homes with Abby next to him. Both sat in chairs with their eyes closed. Some of the others were there and both Elaine and Quinero gave them all nods. He showed her part of the main garden, then the college, and, of course, the lake. Chickens with dark green, gold, and violet feathers ran about the garden. The elves often took their eggs for use in cooking. Other birds were about too. Some were of the old world and some of this combined one. At least one species appeared to be related to crows and others were brightly colored.

They were all cautious around the lake, but even with the grindylow it was still beautiful.  To get to the college though, they had to go by the lake. They entered the college and as they did so, Quinero watched her expression. Her eyes widened, which only gave him a wide grin. Most of the buildings of the college were tall and all were made of marble or granite.  The veins in the marble and granite could be seen and he noticed her tracing one of the veins with her fingers. I would love to have her in a quad. Just us, which would mean that she and Jack would be apart.

Shaking his head from his thoughts and memories, he watched Elaine as she came closer. I should either let her know where I am or go down to her. I will let her know. He gave a sharp whistle. She looked up, around, and, at seeing him, she smiled and gave a wave. Returning both the smile and wave, he continued to sit where he was. She entered the building and after a moment, he heard her coming up behind him. Grinning, he stayed where he was. Wrapping her arms around him, she hugged him from behind. His own hands went to her arms, holding hers there as she leaned in with her head against his back. Closing his eyes, he matched his own breathing to hers. He didn’t want to move and guessed that she didn’t either. Letting out a deep breath, he dropped his