Chronicles Chapter Five: Siblings

By Dominique Smith

Things just get crazier and crazier as Magnus leads Tujex and his friends back to the city where his adventure had begun. Return to the city of Bastion and venture into new territory as they find their way into the King's castle in search of their eldest sister, Luteza Leo'Nadia. The King accepts the offer under the conditions that Tujex and his companions can provide him some entertainment by fighting and besting his strongest warriors in exchange for his right hand. Who will Tujex take with him into the ring, and what kind of warriors will the King pluck from his ranks to test them. Find out in the newest chapter of the Chronicles series!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dominique Smith
• Release date: Dec 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370041916

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 5:

Siblings

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: 5 A: 1 Back Where We Started

C: 5 A: 2 Locker Room

C: 5 A: 3 Cutting Flame

C: 5 A: 4 Temperance and Chaos

C: 5 A: 5 Black Armor

C: 5 A: 6 War Room

Chapter: 5 Part: 1

Back Where We Started

Three days of riding would bring them to the gates of Bastion once again. The guards couldn’t help but remember the cheeky duo as they approached the city’s gates once more, being battered with the same questions that all guards had been trained to ask. They couldn’t help but notice that his party had expanded so much in size. Not only that, but they were much more colorful and they meant that in every sense. Borschak and Kujian attracted the most attention of course, though it was an odd mix of fame and infamy as eyes passed over them. Neither race was commonly known for being the most friendly, nor speaking in human tongue, and yet these two creatures walked about doing both casually with their mortal enemies in tow. It was a sight powerful enough to part the seas of the southern district as they made their way through, heading towards the King’s castle in search of their next recruit. Tujex would lead the group with his chest towards the sun, and a wide grin upon his face. Magnus wasn’t very far behind, though his attention was primarily locked on his notepad aside from an occasional glance up to tell Tujex he was headed in the wrong direction.

The streets seemed to thin out as they came closer to the castle’s outer walls. Most of the random foot traffic they had come accustomed to being replaced by mostly royal personnel and guards making their rounds. Magnus would be the one to take the lead as they strayed into this new territory, approaching the steel doors which separated the rest of the city of Bastion from the King’s courtyard. How’s the afternoon treating you? Magnus would salute the guards as the group approached, the two armored men giving him a look of familiarity. Archmage Leo’Nadia? the rightmost guard would ask as the two of them simultaneously returned his salute. What brings you all the way from the swamps? Tujex would simply look on, surprised to see how much of a celebrity his brother had become in his time away. Having the King’s guards refer to you by name was a noteworthy feat indeed, and not one that any member of their group would overlook. They kept their mouths shut and simply watched on as he worked. We’re actually here to request an audience with the King if he’s not too busy to see us, the mage said with slight grin, pushing his glasses from the tip of his nose. The guards looked to one another before either of them dared say a word, turning back to the mage and shrugging. I think he’s currently preparing for dinner about this time, but I doubt he’ll have much of an issue with you coming to visit.

The guards gave a look over the group, paying special attention to the orc and troll who hung out near the rear. They had to admit that this brought some concern to them, but they really couldn’t say much given the man who they had arrived with. They’d send each other a glance to assure that the other was thinking the same thing before allowing them passage into the courtyard. The leftmost guard would shout over the wall, pounding his gauntlet covered fist against the thick steel door. Someone seemed to get the signal as the heavy doors began to slowly swing open, revealing the serene image of the courtyard. Those standing before the door would be consumed by a cool breeze and the therapeutic scent of the gardens which lined the walkways about a large fountain constructed about a statue of the King himself. I hope you all enjoy your stay, would be the last thing either of the guards uttered before gesturing the men onward, watching as all of them funneled in through the doorway before letting it slam shut behind them.

It’s absolutely beautiful here, Tonidius gasped, eyes sweeping over the courtyard. Several of the King’s maidens walked about tending to the flowerbeds and sweeping excess debris from the pathways. They carried themselves with a certain grace and poise, even ensuring that they kept their eyes on their work as the greeted the passing men. Lau, of course, would ogle them anyways, but even he wouldn’t dare disgrace them nor the castle by spewing his usual pick-ups lines at them. Tujex would thank him internally, though his jaw was still hanging open from the sights that lay before him. While Kardan Nile was built to rival the beauty of the Queen, the King’s fortress was nothing to slouch at. You think he’s compensating for something? Lau asked humorously, causing Kujian and Magnus to chuckle in response. The mage glanced over his shoulder, "But of course not. Most of the fancy work here is for the guards and the people. The King himself is a rather simple man who would be just as fine if this was dirt and brick.