From the Ashes

By K. Rowe

In a time when mankind has risen from disaster, the world is a shattered landscape. Elements unseen for thousands of years have reappeared. Magic, monsters, and marauders now roam the lands. People band together to survive by creating factions that provide safety and a chance to rebuild.
Life in Black Rock Faction is difficult. Annissa and her younger brother, Klae, lost their parents when they were young. They were sent to the youth camp to live with hundreds of other children. Now, their lives are nothing but drudgery. Each day they descend into the mine to chisel out the black rock that keeps their faction alive through trade with other factions.
One day, Klae discovers an odd object in the mine. He and Annissa decide to hide it in the forest for fear of the others finding it. Annissa takes a walk in the forest where she hears a noise from the fallen tree. As she peers in, a baby dragon pops out. She returns to the camp and tells Klae. The next thing she knows, Klae’s run off with the creature.
Annissa sets out to find Klae. She weathers violent storms and hunger. Finally, she finds an old house where someone is living. Annissa meets Varrian, a mystic. He vows to help her find Klae.
Their adventures take them many miles across the rugged country to Majestic, home of the Conclave of Mystics. There, they hope to learn about dragons, but their research is cut short when they learn of an impending war against their faction. Can they save their friends?

• Language: English
• Publisher: K. Rowe
• Release date: Mar 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370842186

K. Rowe

After serving over 20 years in the Air Force, I made the ultimate job switch: to farmer and author. It was a drastic change, not to mention a drastic pay cut! I've been writing 25+ years and have been published in a variety of media: book, newspaper, photography, and magazine. I love to write, it seems to be a passion I can't ever seem to satisfy.It started out back in the day with the first book of the Dragonslayers Saga. Project: Dragonslayers is an MWSA award winning novel about an unlikely Special Forces team who are thrown headlong into the world of counterterrorism. The second book, Dragonslayers: Mind Games, continues the saga where the team enters the twisted world of al-Qaeda. They must find the source of a mystery explosive, or risk losing more innocent civilians to attacks. This book was selected for the MWSA summer 2011 reading list. The third book in the series is Dragonslayers: Battle Rhythm. This time it's Yemen, and the team finds out they're not invincible. Two more books in this series are slated for release: Kill Box (2013) and Critical Mass (2016?).Also I've expanded my work in other genres. Out now is the best-selling contemporary romance, Cowboys and Olympians. You'll meet and fall in love with Leo Richards, a champion reining horse trainer, as he tries to convince himself that he can love again after his wife and unborn child were killed in a fiery car crash. He falls for Katie Shulman, a rich, stubborn woman who just doesn't like cowboys. I'm currently writing another romance titled Silks and Sand about a Kentucky horse-racing family that falls on hard times. The owner, Evan Stoddard, hopes to regain their glory by putting a big bet on an unlikely horse and rider combination—a bet that threatens to ruin his life.If supernatural thriller/ horror appeals to you, check out The Hall. You'll meet Marcus Bishop, wealthy Memphis book publisher; his new and terrifically eccentric best friend, Prince Mongo; along with a ghost and demons that haunt the old castle Marcus buys.After taking a dare from a horror author friend of mine, I started work on the “Space” series. Space Crazy introduces you to Dar Meltom, a half breed alien who's had a rough life. He longs for a life in the stars, and as difficult as it is, his mother manages to give that to him. Space Junk, Space Available, and Space Invaded are all available. I am working on probably the last book in the series: Space Vanguard.So far I've enjoyed working in all these genres, and have started converting some stories into screenplays. There are more things I'm working on, too numerous to mention. So keep checking my Facebook pages to see if there's anything new.I was given a rare distinction of placing 1st in Ron Knight's top 100 Facebook authors of 2012. He starts with 8,000 and narrows it down to 100. An honor indeed.As always, I appreciate feedback and book reviews. I'm a small fish in a huge ocean just trying to stay afloat. I love my writing and pour heart and soul into each work I do.MWSA: Military Writer's Society of America http://www.militarywriters.com/http://sturgeoncreek.blogspot.com/Twitter: sturgeon3736http://www.facebook.com/pages/K-Rowe-Author/136794706391542http://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Dragonslayers/411626645650

Book preview

From

the

Ashes

K. Rowe

Copyright 2018 K. Rowe

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publishers, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, journal, or online.

The final approval for this literary material is granted by the author.

First printing

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Original cover art and interior

illustrations by Jason Sturgill

[e-mail]

ISBN 13: 978-1979636636

ISBN 10: 197963663X

For Clay Hamblin, USA

Thanks for the friendship

and the idea.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

About the Author

More Books by K. Rowe

1

It happened a long, long time ago, Annissa said. So long ago no one even remembers.

I heard it was like a thousand years ago, Klae, her younger brother added. They were sitting around a campfire outside the old warehouse they called home. The sky was black and stars shimmered brightly in the cool night air. The building was shared by three hundred other children, mostly orphans. Life for them was anything but wonderful.

A thousand years? No way, replied Brody, a boy edging close to manhood. He was nearly eighteen, which meant he’d be moved to the adult camp in a few weeks. As one of the oldest in the group, he’d become the leader. He kept them in line and delivered orders from the faction elders. I heard it was five hundred years ago.

Annissa straightened up. There aren’t any books or history to tell us exactly when it happened, but it did. She was seventeen and had been the subject of Brody’s affections for a couple of years. As nice as it was having the ear of the youth chieftain, he wasn’t her type, and she’d managed to resist his advances. Still, it was handy on occasion. He’d always make sure they got a full ration of food when many were being shorted.

No one knew exactly what year it was. All they knew was a long time ago the earth fell into chaos. A massive war broke out and mankind was nearly exterminated. From the ashes of conflict, those who survived did their best to rebuild a semblance of society. Although it was nothing like years past where industry and commerce ruled. Now the earth was broken into small factions ruled by either one person or a council of elders. Food and resources were far more important than gold and precious gems. For the most part it was everyone for themselves.

I wonder what it was like before it all happened? Klae said. He’d just turned fifteen and was growing into a fine, strong, young man.

Guess we’ll never know, Annissa pondered as she got up and threw another piece of wood on the fire. Bright embers shot into the air. What’s in the here and now is our life.

And it stinks!

Brody wagged a finger at him. Don’t you be sayin’ stuff like that. If any of the elders heard, it’s off to the reclaiming center for you.

I don’t think they’d do that. They need every strong back working in the mine.

Oh, don’t be so sure of that. I was in the settlement the other day and heard a man speak out against the faction leaders and they arrested him and took him away.

Where did they take him?

My guess is the reclaiming center.

Annissa folded her arms. But you’re not sure?

No.

Then quit trying to scare us into compliance. We aren’t doing anything, just talking.

Brody sighed. Yeah, I know. But I don’t want anything to happen to you.

I’m sure Klae and I will be fine. We go to work in the morning, do our job in the mine, and come home to what little food there is.

You know, in a few weeks I’ll be moving to the adult camp. The food there is better and more of it.

So?

If you were to agree to marry me, I could take you with me.

Annissa shook her head. And what about Klae?

Brody was silent for a few moments. I don’t think the elders would let him be with us.

Then I’ll stay here. I’m not leaving my brother.

He stood. Suit yourself. But once I’m gone, there’ll be no one looking out for you. Brody disappeared into the building.

Klae picked up a stick and played in the fire. You should’ve taken his offer.

What?! No way!

I know you don’t love him, but at least you’d be in a better position than we are now.

Klae, I’d never leave you!

Sis, I can take care of myself.

Out of the question. We’re sticking together.

So what will you do when you turn eighteen and get moved to the adult camp?

Annissa put her head in her hands. I haven’t thought that far ahead.

You’re just a year away; you probably wanna consider it.

Morning arrived with darkness. The first shift in the mine started at seven. Annissa and Klae were roused from their bunks by Brody. Rise and shine.

Klae stared out one of the skylights high above him. It’s still dark.

Clouds are heavy, storm’s coming.

Oh, great, we’re gonna get soaked on the way to work.

Not if you hurry.

What’s for breakfast?

The same thing as always.

Klae groaned and sat up. He looked over and saw Annissa. You gonna get up?

I wish I didn’t have to.

Brody sat down on the end of her bunk. The offer still holds until I move to the adult camp.

I’ll still be working in the mine.

Maybe not. There might be another job on top you can do.

Brody, all I’ve done all my life is dig stupid black rock. I don’t know how to do anything else.

You can learn.

And I won’t leave Klae.

He stood. You’d better hurry so you can get something to eat. Brody walked off without another word.

Annissa crawled from bed. She looked around and saw hundreds of other children doing the same. Their group ranged in age from six to seventeen. The youngest were allowed to stay with their parents until they reached the age of work when they were moved to the youth camp. Orphans were fostered in an elder’s house until they were old enough to move. Rarely, a prominent elder would be able to keep their own child at home, but they were still required to toil in the mine. They worked six days a week, the seventh was for doing chores like laundry and cleaning the warehouse. Most of the children had never known anything else. The mine schedule was broken down into three shifts of eight hours. Adults who were unable to secure work in an up top profession continued working in the mine until they fell ill, became too old, or died—usually in a cave-in.

Come on, Sis, let’s hurry so we can get something to eat. I’m starved! Klae said as he quickly dressed. I doubt Brody will help us anymore.

You’re probably right, she replied, taking her work clothes off the headrail and tossing them on the bed. I know he means well, but I don’t have feelings for him.

Is there anyone you do have feelings for?

There was a guy, his name was Timotee.

Oh, I remember him. Klae pulled on his heavy work boots. Wasn’t he killed in a cave-in about three months ago?

Annissa stared into space. Yeah.

And that’s the only guy out of everyone here?

The others…don’t interest me.

Well, if they don’t interest you, who will you marry?

Maybe I can find someone in another faction.

Are you crazy?! You know how they feel about leaving one faction for another.

But it’s not forbidden.

No, but frowned upon.

Rain poured down in waves as Annissa and Klae ran for the mine entrance. Overhead, thunder boomed and lightning crackled across the sky. When they reached the gaping chasm, there was a crowd of people desperately trying to get in.

Oh no! Klae said. We’re gonna be stuck out here.

Annissa knew something was wrong. She pushed her way through part of the crowd. What’s going on?

Massive cave-in. Shaft number six is gone! replied a man.

Anyone trapped?

Yes, but they aren’t sure who.

When did it happen?

About an hour ago.

Brexa, my friend, she was working last night.

Does she work in six?

Yes.

Sorry.

Annissa turned away. Brexa was probably the best friend she’d had in years. Now she was presumed dead. Returning to Klae, Annissa guided him toward a small shelter where some mining cars were kept.

What happened? he said over the noise of the storm.

Cave-in on shaft six.

What should we do?

Wait and see if they need our help. She tried to wring water from her shoulder-length sandy brown hair.

Doesn’t your friend work that one?

Annissa nodded. Yes.

You think she’s dead?

I dunno.

They waited for half an hour before the mine foreman called them to work in their shaft. As they passed shaft six, they saw several covered bodies lying against one wall. Annissa tried not to think about the loss of her friend. In their society, and with the dangers of their work, it was best not to get too attached to anyone.

Do you see your friend? Klae asked.

No, but that doesn’t mean she’s still not down there and they haven’t gotten to her yet.

I wish we could do something else in life. I hate this black rock.

Me, too.

After thirty minutes of hiking down a slope into the mine, Annissa and Klae reached their assigned digging location. The air was heavy with dust and damp with humidity. Darkness surrounded them except for the small lights they wore on their hats. Klae grabbed a pick and began working on one wall. Annissa’s job was shoveling the loose ore into a nearby cart.

They toiled for four hours and then the shaft foreman called for lunch. Klae was about to stop when his pick uncovered something light colored. He got closer and shined his light. What is that? he said softly. Taking a hand, he picked and brushed to try to reveal the object. Nissa?

Yes?

What do you make of this?

She came over. Doesn’t look like rock.

He poked at it. The object cracked and dust fell out of a void. Klae picked up a piece that fell. Definitely not rock, it’s not hard enough.

Annissa set aside her shovel and began to dig with her hands. More of the object came into view. I don’t know what it is.

Do you think we should tell the foreman?

She looked over her shoulder at the man. He was probably twenty yards away. Mmm, no, let’s dig and see what comes of it.

Lunch! the foreman hollered. Get it while there’s some.

Oh, we better go eat. Long time ’til dinner, Annissa said.

Yeah. After, we’ll dig some more.

With their bellies moderately full, Klae and Annissa resumed digging. They worked for another hour before Klae finally had the object clear enough to remove it. Most of it was broken into pieces.

What do you think it was? he asked, holding several parts together. A ball of some sort?

I dunno. She shined her light into the hole. Hey, there looks like more.

More?

Yeah. One’s got a crack, but this other seems intact.

Two more?

That I can see.

Klae used the pick and carefully excavated around the objects. Annissa was able to shovel the black rocks away that her brother knocked loose. She kept a watchful eye on the foreman. He was not a nice man. If he saw them not working, he was more than willing to whip them with a leather strap.

Careful. You don’t wanna break the good one, Annissa said.

Good? We don’t even know what these things are.

Well, don’t break it, okay?

I’m trying not to.

What’s going on over there? the foreman bellowed.

Annissa turned. Nothing, just hit a hard spot.

Put your backs into it, or I’ll whip ’em.

Yes, Sir, she said.

Klae moved over to a new location. Better get more rocks into the cart or he’ll whip us. Klae swung the pick hard, knocking loose large amounts of ore. Annissa quickly shoveled it into the cart.

When it was full, she turned to the foreman, cupping her hands around her mouth. Cart full!

He looked their way. About damn time.

A man with a small pony came over. The animal was hitched to the cart and it began to pull the cart out of the mine. Another cart was brought for them. Klae resumed work. As he swung the pick, his light would occasionally shine in the hole he’d been working on. He could see the light-colored objects a few feet away. Whatever they were, they had him seriously interested.

Toward the end of their shift, Klae decided it was safe to go back and dig out the light-colored balls. He wondered how they got so deep in the earth. Was man down here thousands of years ago? As his pick dug into the rock around the mysterious objects, he saw what appeared to be tiny bones. He stopped and picked one up. Nissa?

Yeah?

Is this bone? He held the piece in his hand, shining the light on it.

Sure looks like it.

What do you think it was?

You’re asking me?

Well…

"Keep digging.