Chronicles Chapter Two: Nightmare Fuel

By Dominique Smith

The journey of Tujex and his companions continues as he travels north to city as white and pure as its Queen, Kardan Nile. Join him as he digs into the depths of the Queen's information network to uncover more truth about his lineage. Meanwhile the princess is accompanied by a timid archer in an attempt to find out why the Queen's guard is coming up missing. Their search takes them on a journey neither one of them expected as they stumble upon a some strange supernatural phenomena that neither one of them would ever expect. But don't spoil the chapter reading here, get your copy today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dominique Smith
• Release date: Oct 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370026395

Dominique Smith

Writer of the Chronicles series, and the mind that created the character of Tujex. Share my imagination with me, and enjoy the story,

Book preview

Chronicles

Chapter: 2

Nightmare Fuel

By Dominique Smith

Copyright © 2017 by Dominique Smith

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever

without the express written permission of the publisher

except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Table of Contents

C: 2 A: 1 Bastion

C: 2 A: 2 Kardan Nile

C: 2 A: 3 Tonidius Arkbale

C: 2 A: 4 Royal Affairs

C: 2 A: 5 Morpheus, Phobetor, and Phantasos

C: 2 A: 6 Hypnos

C: 2 A: 7 Epilogue

Chapter: 2 Act: 1

Bastion

There’s a rather large city that rests about a three day ride north of the Tower. It was known as the heart of Takhatgard. Her name was Bastion. A testimony to the strength and resolve of the mortals who walked this realm, showing that no amount of war or famine would ever so much as dent this impregnable fortress. Within her walls lie not only the King’s castle and army, but the largest trade center in all the land, the liveliest pubs and alehouses, as well as some of the most overpriced land one could imagine owning. She was a city that knew nothing of sleep, and would strip the weakness from whatever soul dared its hand at making it on her streets; while simultaneously remaining the safest haven for any man of any race to walk at night. It wasn’t the enforcers who took lives here.

The three days it would normally take to make that trek on horseback was cut to less than day thanks to his newest companion. They timed their departure so they’d see Bastion’s walls creeping over the horizon as the sun began to rise the next day, only stopping for a few hours of sleep during the darkest hours to avoid an inn fee. They’d find themselves walking down the long dirt path which led towards a drawbridge that had only been lowered an hour or so before to allow merchants entrance and exit from the city. Some of their tents were still standing, and campfires still burning as Tujex led the wyvern down the trail by the reins.

It almost feels like my first time being here. Seems weird not having Imp and Frost glancing over their shoulders at me, he mumbled to no one in particular, though Araqiel would give a low growl in return. The bridge would creak as the large lizard took her first step onto its surface, causing everyone to take notice of their arrival. The wyvern seemed almost embarrassed as she lifted her foot, as if looking to see if she stepped in something before slowly lowering it, trying to minimize the volume of her of footsteps. Tujex chuckled slightly at her weight shame, and stroked her nose reassuringly. A few nearby guards would chuckle before approaching the duo, lifting the visors of their helmets to speak as they neared. How’s the day treating you? the first of the guards asked, his armor shining brilliantly in the light of the rising sun. Each of their armor branded with the King’s insignia dead center of their breastplates.

Tujex nodded, adjusting his stance so his own brand could be seen by the men. A few reacted upon laying eyes on it, giving a slight bow to him. Ahh, what brings you into Bastion Mister Merc? a second guard chimed in, making his way to the front of their little group. Tujex grinned, Just passing through to collect some things before heading to Kardan Nile. Probably pop in for a few drinks and be right back out before the sun sets. He handed the reins over to the guard who had just spoken, turning his attention towards the wyvern who had a rather confused expression. His smile was without worry, so she allowed herself to be led away. We’ll keep her in the stables with the Rider mounts, and we’ll make sure everyone on post catches wind of what’s going on so there’s no tangle up on your way out, a third guard said with a bow. Enjoy your time in the King’s city, he would say as he stood. The other guards would follow suit before dispersing to deal with the surge of merchants that had begun to make their way towards the gates.

Tujex didn’t waste much time himself, pressing through the large wooden gates and into the gravity of Bastion’s southern district. The air was much denser in this part of town, but that’s probably because nothing ever stopped moving here. From foot to mouth, every body that moved through this area was running on full drive. The sounds, the smells, and the sights all brought about their own weight and blended in chaotic harmony. This is a place I don’t think I’ll ever forget, he’d mumble to himself as he pressed on past a bundle of merchants who