Rest in Peace

By Connor McCloskey

Eulin Byriver has adventured from one end of this world to the other. Now, with nation after nation being drawn into war and the weight of her past on her shoulders, she has sought out one last journey. Rumor has it that an expedition to the far frozen north seeks to find riches beyond imagination, a treasure that can make your wildest dreams reality. But the north holds many secrets, and many dangers...

• Language: English
• Publisher: World Castle Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Oct 2, 2017
• ISBN: 9781629897998

Connor McCloskey

Connor McCloskey grew up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, just outside Denver, Colorado. It was here that he fostered his love for storytelling and nature while developing his devilish good looks and masterful sense of comedy. Connor is currently a student at the University of Colorado Denver, where he is studying creative writing, psychology and computer science. For more on Connor, please visit connormccloskey.com.

Book preview

Rest in Peace

By

Connor McCloskey

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

World Castle Publishing, LLC

Pensacola, Florida

Copyright © Connor McCloskey 2017

Smashwords Edition

Paperback ISBN: 9781629897981

eBook ISBN: 9781629897998

First Edition World Castle Publishing, LLC, October 2, 2017

http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com

Smashwords Licensing Notes

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews.

Cover: Karen Fuller

Editor: Maxine Bringenberg

Chapter 1

Eulin lifted the tankard and took a deep drink. The tavern was packed with so many hired mercenaries from all over the Gold March that they were practically spilling into the street. Like her, they had heeded the call whispered in every corner of every town: come to Orolon, the Drunk Steed, and you will have the chance of a lifetime: riches beyond imagination, and most importantly, your greatest and most impossible desires fulfilled. Most had ignored it, but mercenaries, adventurers, and the desperate had flocked there.

In her opinion, the entire thing smelled like horseshit. But after too many moons of aimless wandering, she needed something, anything. So there she was, surrounded by thugs who smelled almost as bad as the message, waiting for the mysterious benefactor who’d spread this call throughout the land.

Besides, who could pass up fulfilling their most impossible desires?

A clap of metal-on-metal thunder reverberated through the rowdy room. Eulin tossed her mug and reached for the hilt of her sword, expecting trouble. Around her, every mercenary in the room had done the same, silence hanging over them. The next thing she noticed, however, was that a robed and hooded figure was now standing in their midst. It raised an arm, a metal gauntlet extending from the black and purple robe, as if it were inviting them into its home.

Welcome, friends, a rumbling voice called forth. You have heeded my call. I am Hjalarar, and it would seem we are all now companions on a great journey.

The room remained silent for a few minutes, until one of the other thugs moved forward. He was a large man with a rough black beard covering his face. Fancy entrance, but I’m not here for a journey, stranger. I was promised riches and dreams.

"Indeed you were, friend. I bring you all a proposal. I have in my possession a key, and the location of a legendary treasure, stories of which have been passed down amongst my people for centuries. Acquiring them was far from easy, but now the only obstacle in my way, in our way, are the dangers of the frozen North," Hjalarar replied.

A wave of murmurs ran through the tavern. Eulin’s jaw seized shut, her chest tightening. The North was a howling wasteland, full of dangerous creatures and magics beneath every ashen rock. The Everwinter, a never-ending raging snowstorm, blanketed the area in a biting and deadly cold. Adventures to the area were guaranteed to fail. She’d been there before, a few times in fact, each trip more disastrous than the last. Her most recent visit to the North had ended in chaos, and she still bore the scars from it.

Sorry sunshine, I’ll need more than that before I take even a step closer to that frozen hell, the bearded man snarled.

Agreed, Hjalarar said. His armored hand darted back into the folds of his robe. He held out a single leather sack, jingling with the sound of coin. Gold, a taste of what’s to come. For each of you. One sack before we leave, the rest upon return. Though considering the nature of the treasure we seek, that may not be necessary. And as for proof…. His hand darted back into his robe. When it returned he held a steel orb, perfect in its design. Observe.

Hjalarar moved as if to toss the orb, but to their surprise, it rose of its own accord. Like a puzzle unfolding itself, the orb split into pieces, orbiting a brilliant spark of green light at its center. The next moment, Hjlarar’s fist closed around the light and metal pieces, snapping the contraption closed. Extraordinary, yes? he said. It was difficult and dangerous to find. It is ethereal and magical in nature, but a key nonetheless.

It’s a spectacular sight, sure. How do you know all this? Eulin said, rising, eyes narrowing as she inspected the mysterious figure.

I come from a tribe deep within the Eastfront. A people who are not so quick to divulge our secrets, he said, replacing the key into his robe.

Hardly an answer, the bearded man grumbled.

Perhaps, Eulin replied. But if you’re shaking in your boots already, then leave.

Secrets can get you killed, doll.

If you’re stupid, yeah. Any job can do that, trust me…I’ve done this sort of thing quite a bit. The North is far more likely to kill you outright. If it makes you feel better we can put you right in the center of the caravan, nice and safe and coddled.

A chuckle ran through the crowd. The bearded man simply snarled and sat back down.

I think we’ve made our stances clear, Hjalarar said. I offer you the chance at something far more that you could imagine. Know that this will not be a journey for the faint of heart. His hooded head scanned the room.

If you have truly decided to accompany me on this journey, he continued, "we shall meet tomorrow at the town’s northern gates. Please sign your name or sigil on the parchment I have here. I will see that your mounts are ready and any extra materials you need are gathered for your packs. I suggest you take your rest as soon as possible, for in the morning, we make for the Great North. I require a company, a guard by which we may brave the dangers that lie ahead. Follow me, and you will be granted as much of this infinite treasure as you can carry. Meet me at the northern gates