Fire

By Sam Rook

The thrilling conclusion to the Knights of Av’lor trilogy!

Trapped on Av’lor and left for dead by her betrayer, Kathryn’s unrelenting determination is the only thing that might overcome the invading Zahkrinon army.

With the portal destroyed and the Zahkrinon army fast approaching, Kathryn and Lanclor have no choice but to focus on the survival of the Knighthood before they can consider rescuing Rachel. Unexpected events threaten their victory and the combined Av’lorian and Earth forces struggle to survive as their numbers dwindle.

They find the Zahkrinon are more dangerous than they had ever imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sam Rook
• Release date: Nov 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370513154

Sam Rook

Sam Rook lives in Vermont with her husband and two children. Her passion for fantasy novels began in high school with her desire to write following shortly thereafter. Software engineer by day, fantasy author by night, she strives to give her readers a chance to enjoy worlds that transport them away from the stress of everyday life.

Book preview

Prologue

Drewton, mercenary of the First Order, guided his horse around the villagers huddled in the middle of the road. Fearful murmurs rose from the streets on the North side of town, the residents' breath like vapors from a meat pie. No matter how hard he tried to focus on his job, he couldn't filter out the mutters.

We're all going to die—

Did you see the smoke?

The Zahkrinon are already attacking the—

They left without us—

Drewton shook his head and nudged his horse ahead, leaving the doubts behind him. Removing the monster along the river was his job, not trying to make sense of the upcoming invasion. He couldn't stop an army of Zahkrinon and dark elves, but he could handle one little monster making the citizens along the water nervous. More often than not, monsters turned out to be human.

Some humans turned out to be monsters.

The crisp air promised a snowstorm tonight. Despite the cold, the water rumbled past the snow and ice lining its banks. Above the roar of the water, a forlorn howl filled the air. Drewton slowed his mount to a stop and stared at the shadows beneath the far dock. The snow did little to hide the filth around the supports. People dumped their refuse upstream and didn't care where it went.

A pair of glowing eyes blinked at him and a growl reached his ears. Drewton frowned and dismounted. If the beast was truly vicious, it would have run at him as soon as it saw him. The loneliness in its howl told a different story. Drewton reached into his saddlebag and pulled out his leftover steak from dinner. He approached the dock at a slow walk.

I'm not gonna hurt you, boy. Come on out and get something to eat.

A whine replaced the growl and Drewton sighed in relief. That was always a good sign. He stopped and crouched in an attempt to have the creature meet him the rest of the way. His knee sank through the snow to the filth beneath and he wrinkled his nose at the smell. Even partially frozen, the sewage from upriver managed to turn his stomach. He'd have to burn his pants.

A four-legged animal limped toward him with a lulling tongue. Light skin showed along its back where the fur only recently started to regrow. Burns circled each of its legs where it appeared someone had wrapped a rope around all four, most likely in an attempt to drag the poor thing to the river. Without further hesitation, the animal took the meat from his hands and scarfed it down without chewing.

That's all it took to show he wasn't the enemy. The creature licked Drewton's hands, asking for more. Its tail started a slow circle and then increased in speed and Drewton's eyes widened in recognition. He wouldn't have recognized Mikael's dog without the ridiculous wagging. No, not Mikael's dog. Lady Kathryn's.

Mikael.

He hadn't thought of his friend for over a week. The news of his death had hit Drewton hard. Not many people had Mikael's integrity and Av'lor was less without him. Such a waste. He had finally found his nieces, but Drewton had heard that they were deranged. The Knights kept them in a locked cell and not even their grandfather, Guard-Commander Warren, had the authority to release them. Something wasn't right with that situation.

Dargo, boy, what happened to you? Drewton stroked the big dog's ears and Dargo took that as an invitation to try to sit on his lap. Drewton lost his balance and fell onto his back.

By the Goddess! He jumped to his feet and cursed his luck. Dargo continued to welcome him to the North dockside district and a smile tugged at Drewton's lips. He'd have to change before he returned Dargo to his rightful owner. One didn't meet with the Hero of the Last Battle covered in the shit of the North side.

Chapter 1

The thick smoke of the courtyard tasted like death, or perhaps that was the blood lining Lady Kathryn's mouth from her injury. Her throat still burned like fire despite Sir Lanclor's healing. Rachel's dagger hadn't gone as deep as it could have. Kathryn closed her eyes and groaned at the memory of her daughter stabbing her in the throat.

Kate, Master Vetera's on his way. Sir Lanclor's voice rumbled against her back.

She'd almost forgotten him although he was the only source of warmth in the snowy courtyard. Her white nightgown, now crimson from her chest to her thighs, stuck to her skin and was a constant reminder of Garrent's betrayal.

Garrent.

What had he done to Rachel? Her baby wouldn't have stabbed her. He must have done something to her. Evil bastard.

Lanclor's arms tightened around her and she leaned her head against his bare chest. His wings still wrapped around them both and offered the illusion of safety she no longer believed in. Cold seeped from the snow into her bare knees, spreading straight into her chest. With Garrent's destruction of the portal, they had no way to return to Earth.

No way to leave Av'lor.

No way to save Rachel.

With the approach of the Zahkrinon army, there was no safe place left.

Let's get you up. Sir Lanclor pulled her up with him.

The pain of her feet overshadowed that of her throat. She swayed and he lifted her into his arms.

I'm sorry, I forgot about the splinters.

Kathryn placed her right hand against his cheek and poured her grief and love into that one touch. Without Lan, she wouldn't be alive. He was the only solid thing in her life right now. With a sad smile, he squeezed her and she felt not only love and grief, but anger and betrayal as well. Their Link let them feel each other's emotions and it was more intimate than she ever could have imagined.

Lanclor, Lady Kathryn! A strong voice filled the courtyard and Kathryn saw Lord Alextor glide into view and land before them. His golden armor gathered the firelight around it. By the Goddess, what happened?

Kathryn looked around and couldn't keep the sob from escaping her throat. Various fires illuminated the courtyard, holding the darkness at bay. The portal, now a smoking ruin, stood scattered around the courtyard. Puddles formed around the hot stone as they laid in the snow, still filled with the heat of Garrent's spell. Oh, how he would pay.

Garrent destroyed the portal, Lanclor responded. He sent a bunch of people through, along with another knight, and Rachel. That bastard sent a spell back through the portal without caring if he killed us both. He betrayed us all.

Garrent. It doesn't make any sense. He wouldn't do that. Lord Alextor, the leader of the Knighthood, removed his cloak and did his best to wrap it around Kathryn's shivering frame.

Well, he did. Anger flowed from Lanclor and it almost overwhelmed her. That bastard has a lot to answer for.

There's nothing we can do about it out here. Let's get you both inside to Master Healer Vetera. Alextor took charge and Kathryn grabbed Lanclor's neck as he carried her into the castle.

Garrent had grown up with Lanclor and she knew they'd been close friends. What reason could Garrent possibly have to sneak a group of people through the portal and then destroy it behind him? What could Rachel have that he wanted? She was only a child for God's sake!

Lady Kathryn, what happened? Master Healer Vetera slid his able hands around her neck with a frown. "Mel’int ent’bel’ak." His eyes focused on a distant point as his mind sank into her body to assess her condition. Sloppy, he mumbled under his breath, not even healed all of the way.

Well, I didn't have a whole lot of time, Lanclor growled at his back as another healer looked him over. I never claimed to be a healer.

Vetera shook his head and ignored the comment. Still have wood in your damn feet. Wait a minute…what?

Kathryn glared at Master Vetera, giving him a small shake of her head. He took a breath as if to say something and she gave him another shake of her head.

He rolled his eyes and gave an almost imperceptible nod. "Nothing I can't handle. Lak’oth ent’me’unt."

Kathryn's throat tingled and she felt the pain gradually lessen. Vetera picked up each foot and wiped the wood splinters away as her body pushed them out. She clenched her teeth, forcing herself not to react as he tickled her foot with his gentle touch. This was not the time nor place to laugh aloud.

You're whole now, yet again. It amazes me how often you get injured. Vetera moved closer to her, pretending to examine her eyes as he continued talking in a low voice. See Healer Melina about the other issue. You have to get a protection spell or you can't use strong magic without…. harm.

Kathryn gave him a quick nod.

Is she all set, Vetera? Lord Alextor stood in the doorway with obvious impatience. I'd like to get her armored so we can call a meeting to discuss the events of the last hour.

She's ready, but I think Healer Melina would be a better person for her mental trauma. I don't do well with that shit, as you know. Master Vetera gave them a dismissive wave and strode to the other side of the infirmary.

Kathryn suppressed a smirk at his eloquent excuse for her to visit Melina. She'd have to do that after her meeting with Alextor. With the army of Zahkrinon and dark elves only a week away, they had to figure out a strategy to survive not only the invasion, but to find a way back to Earth to rescue Rachel.

Lady Kathryn, I'll meet you in my study in 30 minutes. Alextor turned to Lanclor. Lan, I know I don't have to tell you not to leave her side. Once you're both armored, gather Hal and the leaders of the Earth soldiers. They need to know what happened and not hear it second-hand.

The soldiers from Earth had joined them just last night. It was the least they could do after the knights had sacrificed so much to defeat the Daemons and Zahkrinon back on Earth. Earth had paid a steep price for victory—millions dead and the United States’ food supply virtually nonexistent. A small group of knights had remained on Earth to deal with the last of the enemy, but the rest had returned to Av’lor.

Yes, Lord Alextor. Lanclor nodded and focused on Kathryn as Alextor left the room. Let's grab Hal after we're armored. I don't want to remain vulnerable any longer than we have to.

Lanclor grabbed her hand and drew her back out to the courtyard. A handful of winged knights gathered around the ruined gate gesturing to the smoking stones. Kathryn forced her gaze away from the devastation and met Lanclor's eyes.

One step at a time. We have to move forward and not be stuck in the past, or the present. He tightened his grip on her hand and continued. Let's get our armor and get some answers.

Kathryn nodded and released his hand just before he launched himself into the air. She ignored her shivering body and flapped her wings, doing her best to warm herself with the movement. The balcony to her room opened onto the courtyard, so her flight wasn't far. The fires in the courtyard illuminated the snowflakes now falling around her. Their light touch as she flew helped to calm her. One step at a time.

They landed upon Kathryn's balcony and her eyes widened at the mess upon her floor. Only the hinges remained on the door frame from her wooden door. The rest lay scattered upon the floor of her bedroom.

Watch your feet. Lanclor inched his way around the mess and walked along the edge of the wall. I was in a hurry and decided not to use the handle.

Kathryn let his humor wash over her, but couldn't seem to smile. Less than an hour ago, she'd laid upon her bed bleeding to death without any hope of surviving. When Rachel had slashed her throat with the dagger, Kathryn almost wished to die. Why live in a world where your child tried to kill you? Her hand involuntarily went to her throat.

Kate?

What had Rachel said? 'You should have worn the necklace. A pity. Goodbye, Mommy.' She had emphasized the last word, like she was being sarcastic. Why would she say it like that? What was so special about the necklace?

Kate? Are you okay? Lanclor's voice broke into her thoughts.

She met his eyes, unable to lie to him. He grabbed her hand and led her around the broken wood. Shielding her view of the blood-soaked bed with his body, he stopped in front of the small table containing her white armor. She'd laid out her underclothes earlier that night, so she mechanically removed her ruined nightgown and pulled the clean clothes along her damp skin.

What was so special about the necklace? she asked aloud.

What necklace? Lanclor's eyes moved around the room, always wary of the surroundings.

Rachel insisted that I wear an old necklace and she said I should have worn the necklace before she stabbed me. Images of her second wing ceremony flashed into her mind. Garrent wore a necklace as well. I remember seeing it when he cast the wing spell for me before we left for Earth.

Knights don't normally wear necklaces. He rubbed the back of his neck before continuing. I don't think my memory is very reliable when it comes to Garrent, though. Looking back, there are things that he said and did that should have made me question him, but I've known him for so long it didn't occur to me to speak up.

Kathryn pulled on her armor and straightened her helmet. She had to be prepared for battle at any time. Enemies no longer appeared as they should and she wouldn't be caught off guard again. Never again. Let's get you armored and grab Hal for the meeting. I don't want to waste any time.

Chapter 2

Hal Summers stared at the winged figure sleeping beside him and tried his best to hold his depression in check. His black mood clouded his perspective on everything since Lesair's death back on Earth. Lesair had been his friend from the beginning of his time on Av'lor—a place he was beginning to loathe.

He was no stranger to death, either on Earth or Av'lor. His time as a Vermont State Trooper had exposed him to enough death for any man, but the death plaguing Av'lor was enough to bring any sane person to his knees. Now that the destruction had spread to Earth, Hal feared there was no way to get away from it.

With the portal to Earth now open, he struggled to decide whether he should return to Earth or remain on Av'lor. Nidira sighed and rolled toward him. He reached across and pulled her to him, no longer caring if he woke her. The idea of Nidira not accompanying him to Earth was the only thing holding him on Av'lor. He only needed to muster the courage to ask her to join him.

You should be sleeping. There's a long day of training Earthlings in your future and you can't do that without sleep. His wife stroked his chest as she pointed out the obvious. What troubles you? Her eyes pleaded as her hand slowed.

Lesair.

Lesair was among many lost on Earth. From what I heard, we're lucky any of you returned from that Goddess-forsaken place, she growled as she rolled on top of him. Lesair was a brave man and I will miss him, but he's with the Goddess now and will be rewarded. You mustn't let his death trouble you so.

Hal ran his hands up the back of her thighs and tried to allow himself to enjoy the moment, but the question of her going to Earth with him moved to the forefront of his mind. Nidira? I have to ask you something. You don't have to answer now, but I want you to think about it.

What is it?

If I wanted to leave Av'lor and return to Earth, would you go with me?

A thoughtful look crossed her face, but Hal could see her answer in her eyes. Clenching his jaw, he looked away from her toward the wall.

Are you that unhappy here? Her question hung in the air.

Was he? When there was no hope to return to Earth, he had accepted Av'lor as his new home. He'd married Lord Alextor's sister and even considered starting a family. His life on Av'lor was more fulfilling than the one on Earth, so why did he want to leave?

I don't know.

I've had something to tell you for some time, but I didn't want you to feel awkward.

She waited for his nod before continuing.

I plan on Declaring next week, she said with sad eyes.

You're a Soulbearer? Hal sat up, sliding her off his lap. Why wouldn't you tell me something like that earlier?

Soulbearers magically housed the knowledge and personalities of long-dead knights. Some, like Sir Lanclor, bore someone despised and respected, while others like Lady Kathryn suffered with beings of incredible power. Hal often joked with Nidira that Lanclor and Kate had extra friends in their bed. Have we been having a threesome all this time? He forced a smile into his jest.

I know how you feel about it, but all joking aside, being a Soulbearer ties me to Av'lor. I'd fail in my duty if I abandoned this world and didn't allow Nicolas to move on to another body with my passing. She put a hesitant hand upon his shoulder. I'm sorry.

No, I'm sorry. Hal ran his fingers through his hair in irritation—at himself rather than her. I had no right to ask you to leave your homeworld. We knew going into this marriage that the Knighthood would be a part of our lives.

Hal, why choose one or the other? With the portal open, we could spend time on both worlds. She gave him a smile and made her way back on top of him.

Both worlds? He'd never considered it. I don’t know why I didn't think of that myself. He grabbed her waist and brought her down to meet his lips, sliding his hand—

A knock upon the door stopped his progress.

Hal sighed in irritation. Hold that thought while I get rid of whoever's on the other side of the door. He spanked her lightly and angled her