The Holtur Enigma: The Holtur Trilogy, #1

By Cameron Wayne Smith

The monsters you fear are nothing compared to the ones you do not.

With the threat of a monstrous army arising, Vivian has set off towards the town of Holtur. His job is to conscript the toughest men he can find, in a location known for producing some of the best monster slayers around. The problem is that Holtur has its own issues, and helping this stranger is far from a priority.

Will Vivian convince the people of Holtur to help his cause? Or will he fall victim to the beasts, wyverns, or horrors that surround the town? It doesn't take long for him to discover that he was nowhere near prepared for this godforsaken land.

Sticking to his action packed style of writing, Cameron Wayne Smith merges horror elements into his fantasy world. Bringing you The Holtur Enigma.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cameron Wayne Smith
• Release date: Apr 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386122951

Book preview

THE HOLTUR ENIGMA

By Cameron Wayne Smith

Copyright © 2017 by Cameron Wayne Smith

2nd Edition Copyright © 2018 by Cameron Wayne Smith

Cover design by Liz Freeman

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 The Holtur Enigma is available online.

Chapter 1: Stone Wyvern

The plan was fool-proof: avoid the fight while conscripting others. Vivian had full confidence in the mission. Well, until a shower of blood and gore—mostly made up of the wagon driver’s insides—rained down from the sky. The precipitation filled Vivian with utmost discomfort, prompting him to hide among the merchants at the rear of the vehicle.

WYVERN! one of the merchants screamed, then grasped at the now abandoned reins.

Vivian fought back the bile rising in his throat. He saw it all. Every little thing that winged, grey serpent did after it fell from the sky. Vivian wanted to turn away, but the monstrous creature’s talons and fangs eviscerating the driver demanded full attention.

The creature returned to the sky, its deafening roar chasing behind. A blessing, Vivian thought, the creature had taken its fill and left the rest of them alone. Then the rain. That foul smelling ichor plomping and splatting against the wagon’s, once white, canvas. All dread returned.

The wyvern itself appeared similar to the small lizards Vivian had seen around his home garden. That would be accurate, of course, if it wasn’t for the fact this thing was about six metres long, and that its front claws supported a set of large, leathery wings. A lizard from his garden wouldn’t have taken the driver into the sky and torn him to shreds.

With another round of gut-wrenching rain, the white of the wagon no longer existed. Somehow, the creature had painted the entire vehicle with death. It had filled the merchants he rode with—and himself—with extreme fear.

Shit! That’s Gerald! the merchant, who now drove the wagon, said. His face all wrinkled and creased. I told you, Vivian, this was suicide!

What? You mean that was Gerald? Vivian shuddered. He needed to compose himself. Vivian was no warrior nor champion of high-stress situations. He did, however, have quite the ability to inspire such qualities in others. He shook his head, flailing his long, black ponytail as he cleared his mind. It’s imperative that we get to Holtur, he said, pointing at the horizon with his dusty brown gloves. If we don’t, you’ll all be consumed by what is coming. Besides, you didn’t seem to mind when I handed you the gold.

That was a lot of go— A deep roar drowned out the merchant’s words. The wyvern had, once again, obtained the undivided attention of all on board.

Maybe this was a bad idea? Donna, Vivian’s assistant, said. Her green eyes grew wide with fear and her soft lips trembled with each word. Surely we could have waited a few more suns…

You want to return to a massacred Silverton? Vivian scowled at his assistant. Every sun we allow to pass, is another sun those serpents venture closer to our home. We need to recruit those slayers, before it is too late.

You won’t be able to recruit anyone if that wyvern consumes us first, the merchant steering the wagon retorted. We should have waited for the frozen suns!

Vivian shrugged, he didn’t understand what these merchants meant by frozen suns. How could a sun possibly freeze?

And she’s entered her blood lust! A lean, strong man, wrapped in an odd cloak, emerged from among the merchants. Should make this interesting!

Interesting? Donna’s jaw dropped. How is our impending destruction interesting?

Because I, my dear, am a slayer of all things wicked. The man threw off his dark cloak revealing an arsenal of weapons, then grabbed for a spiked mace. The name’s Marrozte, I’m a slayer working for the Bristrunstium.

Thank Silvaste, Vivian gave a sigh of relief. He hadn’t really noticed the man before and had assumed he was just another merchant. They kept to themselves, those merchant types, not really wanting to talk unless it was about gold. Knowledge that a slayer was among them filled Vivian with hope.

The Bristrunstium? Donna asked, only to be ignored by the man. He was now climbing across the horses at the head of the wagon.

Donna, did you do any research on Holtur? Vivian was annoyed. He had only recently been granted his own assistant, but clearly she needed to be moulded into someone more useful.

No, I just figured I’d learn on the road, she said. The confidence of her youth rebuked Vivian’s annoyance, forcing him to crack a smile.

The Bristrunstium are a collective that study all variety of creatures and monsters, Vivian said, his eyes watching Marrozte swing into action. The group originated in Holtur, that’s why it is of the utmost importance that we make it there soon. Hopefully they know of the serpents that are attacking the Krone Divide. And, hopefully they know how to stop them.

Eeyah! Marrozte called out from atop the lead horse, detaching it from the wagon. Let’s play, you filthy grey!

He’s insane! one of the merchants called out.

We have to help him! Donna looked over the weapons that Marrozte had sprawled across the wagon.

It might be best we leave this to the professional, Vivian said.

Those words failed to halt Donna’s search through the mess of weapons. They were all made for close quarter combat, bar a single crossbow. Neither Donna nor himself would be capable of wielding those mighty weapons; that didn’t stop Donna from awkwardly picking up the crossbow.

Can someone help me with this thing? Donna struggled with the weapon.

Do you even know how to use one of those? Vivian questioned, helping his assistant pull back the bowstring. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.

How hard can it be? She steadied herself on the rear of the wagon, sighting down the crossbow. The pale-grey wyvern flew across the grassy plain towards them, clawed wings outstretched. Its deep roar vibrated through the air.

The wyvern went to release another roar, only to be silenced with something striking its head.

Haha, you weren’t ready for that now, were you brute? Marrozte laughed, arcing his arm around, preparing to throw another hammer-like projectile at the creature.

I’ll support you! Donna called out to the slayer. She loosed a bolt. It flew straight past the creature. Damn it! Vivian, help me load another!

I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to be my assistant, Vivian said, helping Donna load the crossbow once again. Do you really think that would be useful against such a creature? Surely if it was an effective weapon, Marrozte would have used it himself.

It’s better than just hoping we get away, Donna said, readying herself once more.

Vivian didn’t quite agree with her, yet refrained from arguing. He watched another hammer strike the wyvern. It flapped its wings, swinging itself away from the wagon, hind claws and tail out in front of itself. The slayer had things well under control. They would make it out of this safely.

Time to taste mace, wyvern! Marrozte taunted with a swirl of his spiked weapon, racing towards the creature that was now between him and the wagon.

Ha! I’ve got you now, Donna yelled at the wyvern. She looked confident, like she had lined up the perfect shot. She held her breath and begun to squeeze the trigger.

Brace yourself! the merchant driver called out. Immediately after the prompt, the vehicle ran over an obstacle. A rut in the road or an unexpected branch, Vivian couldn’t be sure. Whatever it was, however, jolted the wagon, violently.

Donna fired, the projectile launching an instant after the wagon lurched.

Vivian witnessed the stallion Marrozte rode leap through the air. The wyvern charging straight for it with hind claws outstretched, prepared for a front-on collision. Marrozte’s arm arced down, bringing the steel of his mace to meet the leathery skull of the stone wyvern. All seemed good—perfect even—until Donna’s bolt punctured Marrozte's chest.

The slayer’s mouth fell agape, his eyes widened with the realisation of what would happen next. He wanted to scream. Only blood erupted from his mouth.

It was happening again: a fellow man was about to be slaughtered by this monstrosity, and Vivian could not divert his gaze.

Marrozte still struck the wyvern, only with much less power than he initially intended. The talons of the wyvern slashed through his midsection as the creature tightened the slayer within its clutches. Vivian couldn’t help imagining the unexplainable pain of the slayer’s entrails discharging from his torso. The wyvern’s jaws, detaching Marrozte’s head from his body, were a mercy.

It has him! Vivian cried. He leapt across to the driver and slapped him on the back. Faster! Go faster, damn it!

We can’t go any faster! the merchant screamed back. We’re down a horse, remember?

I’m sorry… Donna threw down the crossbow, eyes welling up. It’s my fault, I wish I was better with that thing…

It’s not your fault, Vivian assured. That said, he knew that it was her fault. He was furious with Donna’s actions, but scolding her now would do no good. He had also assumed that the fearful merchants didn’t witness the consequence of Donna’s actions. Best to keep it that way. The wyvern bested him. You can’t blame yourself for that. It’s not your fault you lack proficiency in a field you haven’t devoted your life too.

Sure… she responded, slumping to the wagon’s floor.

How far from Holtur are we now? Vivian questioned the driving merchant. Can we get there before this wyvern consumes everyone in the wagon?

I doubt it… The merchant’s face lacked emotion, like he had come to terms with what the inevitable. We aren’t all that far, but still not close enough. Not with that hungry monstrosity hanging around. All I can recommend is to pray to your gods. Only they can help you now.

It seems to be leaving us alone? Donna wiped her face with the sleeve of her brown dress. Is it done? Leaving us?

Wyverns aren’t like you and I, the merchant said. The more flesh they eat, the more they hunger for it. Once it’s finished with Marrozte, it will be back for the rest of us.

When do you think that will be? Vivian nervously scratched at his hair, unintentionally pulling strands from his ponytail.

A deep roar echoed off the nearby hills, indicating the wyvern’s mouth was free of obstructions. About now, the merchant said, dryly. He whipped at the reins, urging the horses on.

Donna scooped her weapon back into her arms. Help me load this damn thing! Worst-case scenario: nothing changes.

Let’s work for a best-case scenario! Vivian pulled the bowstring back. He then looked to the merchants, all huddled in the back corner of the wagon. Can any of you aim a crossbow at all?

I had a cousin who was a top archer. A fat merchant threw a hand of sweaty butterfingers into the air. I could try.

I think I might take the shot, thanks. Donna moved over to the rear of the wagon and set herself up. Where is that cursed thing? I can’t see it…

Another deep roar reverberated down the mountains ahead. It must be ahead of us. Vivian swiftly turned towards the front of the wagon, swinging his long khaki coat as he moved.

No, the driver argued, these hills play tricks on you, there is no way it could have moved ahead of us.

The wyvern released another roar, much louder—closer—this time.

I can’t see it anywhere, Donna screamed, hysterically waving the loaded crossbow around.

Keep looking! Vivian urged, his brown eyes flickering in all directions, seeking out the winged menace.

A deafening roar boomed through the entire wagon, forcing the crew to cover their ears. The vibrations intensified. The wyvern was incredibly close.

With the horrific roar quietening, Donna readied the crossbow. It’s here! she screamed as the creature appeared right beside them. She wildly fired the bolt, but it just bounced off the wyvern’s grey leathery hide. Hungry eyes glared at her, then the creature swooped towards them, crashing into the wagon.

Gravity lost its hold over the wagon’s passengers. The wagon flung from the muddy tracks, flipping as it did. It continued to tumble and twist, snapping and crunching, as it rolled across the ground.

Chapter 2: One Bad Dream

Vivian, breakfast is ready, a sweet and familiar voice called out.

Vivian shot up, leaping from the soft, feather-down bed. The wyvern attack? he mumbled to himself. It was… just a bad dream? He patted his body down, making sure he wasn’t injured. All these stories about monsters… I need to distance myself from those damn scholars at the tower.

It’s going to be cold by the time you get down here! A splash of urgency melded with the soft, loving voice.

I’m coming! Vivian called. He promptly raced through the familiar bedroom he shared with the love of his life, then bounded down the stairs.

Good early sun, Dadda, a small girl said. She intercepted him, reaching out with her two stubby arms. I love you!

I love you too, Dandy. Vivian embraced his daughter, kissing her chubby cheeks. Her baby-blue eyes forced away the remnants of the bad dream, filling him with joy. He picked her up and carried her towards the delightful aroma of fried fish and freshly baked bread.

There you are! Sally said, taking Dandy.

Good early sun, Sal. It smells amazing in here! Vivian kissed his wife on her lush, pink lips, then sat down at the wooden table in their dining room.

Are you alright? It’s not often you sleep in so late! Sally placed a plate of fish and bread in front of him. Especially on a working sun!

I’m fine, really. Vivian pinched at the fish flesh, using the bread to protect his fingers from grease. How about you two beautiful girls? Is everything running smoothly at home?

Sally looked sideways at him, raising a brow. Her eyes, just as blue as their daughters, sparkled as she stared into Vivian’s. Of course they are. Why wouldn’t they be?

I’m a princess daddy! Dandy called out to her father. She had put a pink hat upon her head, waving her hands in a way that only a child does when demanding attention. Look at me!

Yes dear, you’re a princess. Vivian smiled, yet failed to say any more.

Come on Vivian, what’s going on? Sally continued. You adore Dandy, but you’re barely giving her any attention lately.

Ugh, Vivian sighed. It’s just all the monster stuff that’s been going on. These serpents attacking Cape Krone have my supervisors on edge. They want me to push conscription further, to more lands. Jalen was sent off to conscript at The Bowl last sun. The Bowl! Can you believe that? What help would they find there?

Sally blinked, a blank and unemotional look on her face.

Vivian took in a deep breath, mustering the strength to inform his wife of his latest assignment. They want to send me to Holtur. He shuddered, the dream stabbing his thoughts. There’s this army of monster hunters known as slayers down there. That’s all well and good, but isn’t that a bit far? I mean, Holtur! It’s like the bottom of the world!

Sally nodded, her emotions still held at bay.

Vivian swallowed, hard. He had expected a stronger response from his wife.

I’m a princess! Dandy added thoughtfully to the conversation.

I know we have to beat these serpents. I just don’t see why I have to go! What do you think, Sal?

Sally blinked.

I mean… I guess… it’s not so bad, right? We need to defeat these serpents, at all costs, right?

What serpents, dear? Sally tilted her head to the side. I have no idea what you are talking about.

I told you earlier, didn’t I? Vivian rubbed his face in confusion. Are you sure I didn’t tell you?

What’s the matter, Vivian? Sally’s lovely voice cracked and croaked. She tilted her head even further, hanging at almost ninety degrees now. What’s the matter?

Ugh… Vivian’s thoughts clouded, he felt suddenly confused and overwhelmed. I don’t know…

What’s the matter Dadda? Dandy asked. Only this time, she spoke in a mature voice.

Something turned the sky outside their windows black. A thunderous boom echoed around the room. An explosive gust of wind shattered the