Dark Journey

By Elizabeth Monvey

Cax, Alisander and Hark are mated, but the true test of their devotion for each other awaits.

The three warriors must face the challenge of joining the Mercenary Guild. Since their union is unusual, they must undergo a test, one that will show if they are worthy of being Mercenaries. A potion sends them into an alternate world where they each must confront an inner demon.

Ali must find his warrior self, Hark is sent to confront the dragon he never got to slay, and Cax can’t stand the thought of losing either mate, until he is sent into a battle with both Hark and Ali needing help. He must choose one, but how can he?

It is a journey each must face...alone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Aug 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781773394039

Book preview

Published by EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2017 Elizabeth Monvey

ISBN: 978-1-77339-403-9

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Editor: Karyn White

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To a wonderful friend and writer, Jacey Holbrand.

DARK JOURNEY

Sequel to Dark Rider

Elizabeth Monvey

Copyright © 2017

Chapter One

You should have made a portal.

Alisander’s gaze met Cax’s a second before he gave an eye roll, smiling to soften the look. Cax smiled back. Hark had been complaining from the moment Cax said they would ride broolhorses back to Vermundir.

The broolhorses are fine.

We’ve ridden for five days straight. A portal would’ve been instantaneous. How is this an effective use of our time?

Quiet, Hark. You complain too much. We’ll see the guild towers day after tomorrow.

We’ll be exhausted day after tomorrow. What harm would it be to make a portal?

I thought you realized Mercenaries live simply. I don’t use my abilities except for emergency purposes.

Hark snorted. If I had your ability, I’d be traveling all over the place.

Ah, but if you get used to comfort, you become soft.

Hark simply harrumphed.

"Well, I am used to living simply, Ali murmured. I was born a servant after all."

You were always more than a servant to me, Hark said softly.

Perhaps. Ali shrugged. Does not matter anymore, I suppose, because here we are.

Yes, here we are. Like always, you’re correct. Hark crooked his finger. Come here.

Ali smiled as he urged his mount forward. When he pulled even with Hark, the larger man leaned down and kissed him on the mouth.

They pushed onward, heading east until the sun started to descend on their backs. They found a small clearing that was ideal for camping and pitched bedrolls around a small fire pit. Hark decided to hunt, leaving Cax and Ali behind to relax and mind the fire. The evening came with a gentle quietness as the sounds settled around them like a comforting blanket.

Do you think Hark will pass the test? Ali asked softly as he stared into the fire.

Cax hesitated in answering.

I see, Ali murmured.

No, you don’t, Cax said. He sighed. "If the test is about strength and fighting skills I have no doubt of Hark’s ability to triumph. But I question whether or not his mental resolve is firm, and should the Guild decide to test that part of him … well, I’m not sure if he would pass."

You talk about his addiction.

Cax nodded. A thirst like that never truly abates.

And what will happen if he fails?

That I do not know. Cax rubbed his eyes, trying to hide the emotion the simple question had evoked. It was something he had asked himself, and he couldn’t answer, because the life of a Mercenary was the only thing he knew. It was the only thing he wanted, besides Hark and Ali by his side. How could he choose one over the other?

It did no good contemplating that scenario now, however, and Cax pushed the issue from his mind. Vermundir was still a good day away, and right then, he needed something to ease the lingering fear in his gut. He smiled at Ali and crooked a finger.

Come here, lover.

Ali’s eyes widened. Here?

Here, Cax said firmly.

Ali scooted around until they faced one another, and excitement caused Cax’s blood to heat and his