The Books of Azric: Truth Volume 2

By B.M. Griffin

Darksto burns to the ground while Zane and Colt lead its inhabitants to the safety of Lake Town. Sara, Zane's lover and a powerful healer, helps him learn about who he is. Meanwhile, in Realm 5, the beautiful, yet deadly, Sheriff Blade blocks King Brighton's path to safety and the beginning of his revolution of Azric. Lord Roderick keeps a feeble grip on the Crime Lords of Bravail while the Master keeps a tight hold on King Elkin. But nothing will prepare them for what comes next. The truth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: B.M. Griffin
• Release date: Mar 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370392612

B.M. Griffin

I'm an aspiring writer in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. I love to let others into my imagination through my writing and I even sometimes surprise myself with what I come up with. I have two little girls and a beautiful wife. One day I hope to travel the world and write as I go.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Sheriff Stormblade walks down the hall to the throne room. The early morning sun reflects on the mirrors in the hallway, brightening his day. He knows what the king wants, but he doesn't want to think about it. He hopes for something else, but with the news from Darksto, it can be only one thing.

He strolls down the hallway with his hands behind his back. He looks up at the murals on the ceiling, like he does every time he comes to visit the king. He always allows himself time to sit down and look up at his favorite parts.

He doesn't want to raise suspicion that he knows any more than anyone else, so he goes about his typical routine. He finds his padded chair in the warm glow of the sun. He strokes his long grey beard as he looks up at the beautiful Klar Mountains, his favorite part of Realm 4. He always tries to stay in Lake Town whenever he tours the Realm.

He closes his eyes, remembering his last trip there. Sheriff Brighton had one of his friends take him on a hunting trip deep into the mountains. He left his responsibilities as world sheriff behind and could actually relax on that trip.

Like any other time, he left the head Ranger in charge while he left on his Realm tours. Most of the time, one or two moon cycles passed on these trips, depending on what he needed to accomplish.

Stormblade laughs, thinking of Kane Braxton, always arguing with him on taking his role when he leaves. Being a great fighter and a leader, Stormblade hopes one day Braxton will take his place when he retires.

Stormblade stands up, adjusting his tunic and sword belt. He moves along the hall in a leisurely manner, looking up at the murals with a smile on his face. He almost forgets why he came here, until he comes across the castle in Realm 5. He stops, looking at the storm coming on behind it.

He never paid much attention to it before, but according to history, they painted this mural right before the plague. It seems fitting the painting shows the calm before the storm.

He looks back at the giant doors looming ahead of him. He shakes his head with a bit of a smirk. The calm, he whispers. He walks to the doors. The guard walks over and pulls the lever, letting the steam engine pump to life from its quiet idle. The large arms push the heavy doors open, breaking into the throne room.

He makes small talk with the guards, asking about their families. He says his goodbye's as the doors come to their resting place. He walks into the throne room, with its massive pillars awaiting him. He can hear the doors closing behind him, but he doesn't turn to watch them close, sealing him inside.

He turns the corner and the king sits on his throne, awaiting him. He doesn't have his crown on today. He only wears his crown these days to address those not on his council. He stands up, letting his long velvet cape fall to the floor.

Mort, my old friend, how are you today? He walks up to Stormblade with open arms, his cape dragging behind him.

I'm doing great. Stormblade embraces the king with a hug. How are you, my king?

Why must we go through this every time? Call me Elkin.

I'm a servant of the king, and you are my king.

You're more than a servant. You're part of my trusted council and a close friend. He holds him by the shoulders at arm's length, looking at him with a serious expression. Come, have a drink with me.

Only a small one. I have to meet with Drakin Gailstorm after this.

Let that blowhard wait. I am the king after all.

Yes, Your Grace.

King Elkin shoots him a sideways glance. Stormblade follows him to a small table next to his throne. A bottle of wine awaits them. The king pulls off the glass stopper and pours them each a drink.

Do you know why I've called upon you?

I would assume it has to do with Darksto.

Yes and no. Stormblade looks at him with his head tilting slightly to one side.

What else does my king need of me?

I've come across some disturbing news, Mort.

More disturbing than someone attacking one of your Realm's—not once, but twice?

What do you mean, 'twice'? How come I haven't heard of this?

Because both were just brought to my attention today. Someone from Realm 5 held the tower briefly before the inhabitants of Darksto took it back.

Then it was burned to the ground. How long between attacks?

Less than a cycle.

That is disturbing indeed. Any idea on who was behind it all?

I know who gave the order to attack. It was a lizrac named Lukar. He died in his attempt to take Darksto.

Sheriff Brighton did well then?

Sheriff Brighton, from my understanding, was not present for any of the attacks.

Is that so? The king rubs his chin a little, walking away. He takes a drink of wine, setting his cup down on the armrest of his throne. Any idea where he is?

Apparently, Sheriff Blade said he came through Orcshire looking for Administrator Shlouger. She's also the one that sent me the letter informing me of the two attacks.

I thought Shlouger died in the dungeons a fortnight ago? The king looks at Stormblade, hoping to catch a glimpse that he may be hiding the truth.

Brighton and Kane Braxton both believe this to be false, and that the bounty hunter is trying to swindle the crown out of the bounty.

Interesting. Elkin paces back and forth, contemplating all the information he just heard. The wind howls outside and blows the curtains into the throne room from the verandas. They whip in the silence of the two standing in the room.

You said there was something else you wanted to talk to me about? Stormblade breaks the silence.

Yes. King Elkin walks over to his wine cup. He picks it up, draining the last bit of it. He returns to the table holding the bottle of wine, and fills the glass again. You leave tomorrow for Orcshire.

My lord?

I have reason to believe that Sheriff Brighton and his colleagues are planning a rebellion.

I assure—

Elkin holds up a hand. Stormblade closes his mouth.

You are to bring them back here to stand trial.

Where's your evidence to prove they're planning a rebellion?

I have on great authority that they are, and that's good enough for me.

Great authority, huh? You mean your necromancer? Disdain for the Master comes with the words.

King Elkin hesitates just a moment before he takes another drink from his cup, telling Stormblade all he needs to know.

Let me guess, he also told you that I'm leading them, is that right?

The king looks out on one of the verandas. You have your orders.

Doesn't it seem strange to you that criminals are attacking Realm capitals and the Master asks you to send me to Realm 5, where he controls everything?

You can only take half of your normal protection detail to Realm 5. The rest of the Rangers must stay here.

Are you listening to what you're saying? You tell me I'm your close friend and then you send me off to my death. What madness is this?

I am your king and you must obey my command. I'm done. Get out of my throne room. Elkin smashes his cup down on the table, spilling wine over the brim.

As you wish, Your Grace. Stormblade bows his head and leaves the presence of the king. He turns the corner, not looking back.

The doors begin to open. He doesn't wait for the doors to open fully before he walks through. He doesn't say anything to the guards, or even acknowledge their presence.

He makes it to the stairs in a hurry. If he leaves tomorrow and can only take ten Azric Rangers with him, then he needs to take care of some things.

The stairs make a huge arch alongside the wall of the main entrance to the castle. His short dwarf legs go quickly down the marble stairs. The echoes from his footsteps ricochet off the high ceilings.

Another set of ironwood doors awaits him before he leaves the castle. These doors stand almost twice the size of those marking the entrance to the throne room, and the arms pull the doors open instead of pushing them.

He signals the guards to open the doors before he steps off the flight of stairs. The guard pulls on the lever and the large steam engine under the floor roars with life. He can no longer hear his steps over the engine's noise.

The guard pulls the lever only a partial amount, so the doors only open slightly. Stormblade steps out of the castle into the glow of the sun. He almost breaks out into a jog just to get to the courtyard gates. These stay open during the day for visitors to come see the castle, but only those with business in the castle may enter the inner set.

He walks through the massive gate house onto the only street that touches the main castle. The design funnels any would-be attackers onto one lane. Large guardhouses line either side, making it impossible to attack with guards on all three sides. He gets to the crossroad that converts the single street into three. He takes a right, heading to the far street to his house and the Azric Ranger's' quarters.

The center street houses the guards and the prison. The prison occupied the third-largest area within the keep, the castle occupying the most and Scholar Library the second. The far street in the opposite direction houses most of the king's council and the Scholar Library.

Stormblade opens the makeshift door to the Azric Ranger's' quarters. It still barely holds the hinges since Kane kicked the door open trying to save Kingston. The long table sits in the middle of the room with several Rangers around it.

It seems like ages ago that the young guard died on the table where they sit. He almost half expects to see Kane and Bear inside too, laughing and drinking. Instead, he finds a solemn group sitting around the table sipping soup.

Sergeant Roken, I need a word. A dwarf stands up at the end of the table where Kane normally sits. He walks over to Stormblade, extending his hand. They clasp forearms, giving a quick shake.

Sheriff Stormblade, what do I owe this honor?

Follow me, please. They both walk out the door, shutting it behind them.

What's this about, Sheriff? Roken stands the same height as Stormblade, but much younger. His dark brown beard almost reaches down to his waist.

Not here, it's not safe.

Roken follows Stormblade to his office down the street. Stormblade pulls out the key from under his tunic, kept on a strap of leather around his neck. He unlocks the door and pushes it in.

The open shutters around the windows allow light to pass through, brightening his dimly lit office. His desk sits in the back corner to their right. An archway exposes the stairs up to his quarters.

Bounties and maps of Azric litter the rest of his office. The detail can't be compared to the giant maps in the king's war room, but they work well enough for his needs.

A lantern sits on a small table next to his desk. A small candle with a flame flickering on its wick sits on the table, always ready to light the lantern set beside it. The small wax nub of the candle should be replaced soon.

Stormblade walks to the table and opens a small drawer nestled away, out of sight from the far side of the desk that houses a bunch of small sticks.. The sheriff pulls out one of the sticks and places it over the tiny flame of the candle. The stick bursts into flame and the smell of sulfur fills the air.

Get the shutters. Stormblade puts the flame into the lantern and brings it to life. He blows out the stick and tosses it on the floor. Roken closes the shutters of the two windows. The only light left in the room comes from the lantern and the small candle.

The sheriff puts a finger to his lips, letting Roken know to be quiet. He motions him to follow him to the stairs. Stormblade takes two steps up and places his hand on the rail. Roken hears a small click and the stairs pop up.

Stormblade lifts the stairs up and Roken sees another set leading down. He walks down the stairs with Roken in tow. The light of the lantern bounces off the tight walls. The narrow staircase opens to a diminutive dungeon under the sheriff's office. They make their way to a little table in the middle.

Sheriff, what's going on?

Who are you allegiant to?

What are you talking about? Roken wrinkles his brow.

Just answer the question.

To my brothers of the Azric Rangers.

Good. Now, if one of your brothers was being falsely accused of treason?

I would stand by his side to prove his innocence.

And if the one accusing him was extremely powerful?

Okay, Sheriff, just stop right there. Stop being so vague and tell me what is going on.

Stormblade looks into Roken's eyes for a moment, trying to gauge the dwarf in front of him. His judgement in character never failed him. Kane Braxton is in trouble.

What do you mean he's in trouble? I must get the men together!

Roken turns to leave, but Stormblade grabs his arm. I didn't bring you down here to tell you this so you can run off to tell everyone.

Roken looks back at Stormblade.

Good. Now, I will need you to put together a small group to go to Hunlick, the capital of Realm 2. I don't want anyone in this group to be higher or equal rank as you. They all must be lower.

Why me, and why the stipulation?

Do you know why Kane put you in charge?

No.

Because he trusts you. If he didn't, he would have put someone else in charge when you got back with Shlouger. Instead, in his letter, he left you in charge of the Rangers until he got back.

Roken stares at him blankly, almost looking through him. What if I trust them? Roken breaks his stare, looking back at Stormblade.

That doesn't matter. The fact that Kane couldn't trust them to put them in charge says it all for me. How many of them are hostile towards you, maybe not listening to your command?

There are a few.

Good, I want them with me. I need to see their allegiance, and it'll be tested where I'm going.

Where's that?

That's none of your concern. Now, take this letter— Stormblade grabs a quill from the inkwell on the table and writes something down on a piece of parchment. He rolls it up and pours hot wax on it, then presses his seal to the warm wax. —to the Hunlick Bank and give it to the man in charge.

Why do I need a group to deliver a letter?

Once he gives you the packages, take them to Lake Town in Realm 4. There you should meet up with Sheriff Brighton, Kane and Bear.

And then what?

You'll give Brighton the packages. He'll know what to do with them. From there, I suspect you'll learn more about what's going on than I do.

Is this about the Master?

I think it is. Shlouger brought me information that I told him to hide in Realm 5. Then I made sure a bounty hunter named Colt went after him to deliver him to Brighton. I also made sure that Kane would be the one to go retrieve him.

Even though you know how much they hate each other?

I know they'll put their differences aside if it means putting an end to the Master. I told Shlouger that Kane and Brighton would help him.

How do you know this?

I know they're both about justice and doing the right thing, even if it means going after those protected by their king.

Roken mulls this over for a moment, stroking his long beard. I'm in. When do we leave?

I leave at first light tomorrow morning. You'll leave as soon as you get your men together. I can't take the chance of them stopping you.

Why would they try and stop us?

The Master has spies everywhere, and once they know what you're up to, I think they'll revoke your travelling privileges. Once that happens, you're stuck.

Is that all you need from me at this time? I have decisions to make.

Just a list of those that resent you being their leader. The ones you trust the most at the top of the list.

Roken grabs the quill and makes a list of all the Rangers that fit Stormblade's qualifications.

He slides it over to the sheriff. Stormblade picks it up, reading it to himself. Get your party together and leave immediately.

What if someone asks where we're going?

Just tell them the truth.

Wait, what? Roken's eyes grow large.

You're Azric Rangers, so it's none of their damn business. Stormblade smiles.

Roken nods and heads back up the narrow staircase. He hesitates a moment, looking back at the sheriff.

What is it?

I don't know how to get out of here.

Chapter 2

The sun peaks in through the tent door. Sara stirs a little in their bed. She opens her eyes to see Zane smiling at her.

How long have you been awake?

Not long. I was going to wake you, but you looked so peaceful. He pushes her hair out of her face. He leans over, giving her a kiss. I should get up and see what Colt's up to.

Zane gets out from under their blankets and pulls on his trousers. He grabs his tunic hanging on the center pole and walks out of the tent. The warm sun beats down on his bare chest. He throws the tunic on, tying it closed at the top.

The sun comes up over the Klar Mountains. The small camp made up of refugees from Darksto comes to life in the early morning. The large group makes steady progress as they travel to Lake Town.

Colt thought it best to set up camp before entering the Krang Forest to rest a day or two, but the others want to go around. The thick Krang Forest provides protection from bandits but once they enter, bandits become the least of their worries. They'll have to sleep under the trees because the dense undergrowth doesn't give way for tents.

Colt rises early every morning to gather the report from the sentries he places throughout the camps each night. Clayton studies the maps next to him.

We should move along the edge of the forest to Trail Lodge and charter a boat to Lake Town.

That's going to take forever. Colt looks over at Clayton.

It will, but it'll be safer with all of Darksto and we promised them a safe journey.

Colt rubs his brow with his hand, trying to think of any other way of getting to Lake Town. Everything ok? Zane walks up to them.

Fine, just figuring out today's path.

Anything I can do?

Yeah, you can get to your lessons. Clayton, I think it's your turn today.

It is, but before I get to it, take my advice and go around.

I'll think about it.

Think about what, sugar? Sara walks up behind Zane.

Let's go. Clayton grabs Zane's arm and pulls him away.

What's going on?

What way do you think we should go to get to Lake Town?

We should go to Trail Lodge. It's the safest route.

It's also the slowest route. I need to go after Sheriff Brighton.

You need to get these people safely to Lake Town like you promised. She holds her hand out, showing him the encampment.

We could be in Lake Town in two days if we go through Krang Forest.

You're right, we could be. How many will we lose though, to the beasts that inhabit the forest?

They're taking their chances by following us and I want to go through there.

It's too dangerous.

Look, the lot of you made me in charge, and I'm choosing to go through Krang Forest.

The sounds of wood clacking come up from behind them. Sara looks behind her, to see Zane and Clayton fighting with wooden swords. Colt makes him practice several times a day with a sword ever since their incident with the Death Angels.

He's looking better every day.

Don't change the subject.

Look, you want to help, get everyone ready to leave. I want to be gone before the sun is midmorning.

Fine. Sara storms off.

Oh boy. There's nothing like the wrath of a woman. He shakes his head. He closes his eyes and rubs his face, then the stubble of his chin. He can't think clearly to make a decision right now. He turns and looks at the swordplay going on in the center of town.

Zane parries a lot of Clayton's advances. Left, then right, the attacks come faster with each breath. Down strikes and thrusts to his torso get deflected. The anger builds in Colt with each deflection.

He marches over to both of them. He catches Zane's sword as he blocks another attack. With the sword still in hand, he punches Zane in the face, knocking him back.

What was that for?

You need to attack. Colt's nostrils flare. What good are you to me if all you can do is block one attacker? Defend yourself when you need to but dispatch the assailant and move on.

He lets go of the sword, walks behind Clayton and grabs another. You have half a heartbeat to be done with Clayton before I come after you.

Zane readies himself for Clayton's attack. Instead of waiting anytime at all, Colt comes after him right away. He smacks him several times before Zane falls to the ground. He throws the sword on the ground and walks away.

What was that about? Clayton grabs Colt's arm. Colt looks up at Clayton with fire in his eyes.

I'd suggest you let go of my arm.

Answer me first.

I just proved your point. We can't go through the Krang Forest.

We might not have a choice in that matter. Zane points his sword to the north, still lying on the ground.

Dammit. Colt runs to his tent. Grab your weapons!

Get to the forest! Clayton yells to anyone that might hear him.

Zane runs to their tent and finds Sara angrily packing things up. He grabs his bow and arrows, throwing the strap of the quiver over his shoulder.

We don't have time for that. He grabs her arm and pulls her from the tent. He instantly finds the riders again and Sara follows his gaze. She raises her hands in the air and Zane looks back at her. He can see her eyes roll into her head.

No. He jerks on her arm, taking her out of her trance. I know what happened last time and I'm not letting that happen again. It almost killed you.

I can help.

Yes, get everyone to safety. He pulls her in close and kisses her lips. I'll be right behind you. He lets go of her arm and turns back to the riders. She rushes back into their tent to grab the bags she already packed.

They watch their attackers draw their swords and can now hear the hooves digging into the ground.

How many can you see? Colt and Clayton stand next to him.

At least twenty. The cloud of dust surrounding them makes it hard to get an accurate count.

Just buy enough time for everyone to get to the trees. No heroics, do you understand?

I do.

Good. Clayton, you suck with a bow. Keep everyone safe in the forest.

Clayton nods and runs to the trees, making sure nobody gets left behind in the camp.

You ready for this?

Zane slides an arrow onto the string. He looks at Colt and smiles. He pulls back on the bow and raises the tip of the arrow high. He lets it fly through the air. They watch it scream upward before it makes its decent to the riders in the distance.

The arrow finds its mark in the top of the skull of a rider in the front. He falls off his horse and lands on the ground, trampled by the horses behind him.

Colt and Zane make their way to the trees, stopping on occasion to release a few arrows at the riders. By the time the riders move close enough for more precise shots, they reach the cover of the trees.

Can you see anyone you recognize? Clayton comes from behind a large tree, carrying his mace and shield.

A few from some wanted posters. They're definitely from Realm 5.

Blade?

Maybe, or it could be the leftover men from Lukar's gang. Colt looks through the thick trees at the riders coming up. They halt about twenty meters from the trees and hide behind their horses.

Crossbows!

The first bolt misses Zane by a hair.

Get deeper in! Colt runs through the trees.

Clayton and Zane follow as Colt jumps over fallen trees and through thick underbrush.

They come upon Sara and the town's people, huddling together in what they consider a small clearing in the Krang Forest. The trees thin out a bit, but still offer ample hiding spots.

Keep going.

Colt waives them on. He hides behind a tree with an arrow on his string. Zane finds a spot behind a large rock. They hear the riders coming up behind them, crashing through the forest.

Colt nods at Zane to be ready. He comes out from behind his tree and releases his arrow. It pierces the chest of a rider. Colt turns and sprints past Zane, who pivots from behind his rock and lets loose another arrow.

It sinks deep into the throat of an assailant. The others with them dive for cover. Zane follows quickly behind Colt, careful to keep the large rock barrier between him and their bolts.

Colt dives into a bush and pops up on one knee, ready for his next victim to come into view. Zane finds a large tree to hide behind, to cover Colt's escape once again.

It seems like forever goes by before their chasers show themselves again. In reality, only a few heartbeats pass. The rider locks eyes with Colt right before the arrow catches him in his belly.

Colt spins on his heels, heading for his retreat. He stays low and weaves between the trees, making him a harder target. He passes Zane, who exposes his position to their attackers. A bolt slams into the tree next to him.

He draws back on his string and lets it fly. The arrow takes an attacker in the chest, sending him backwards into another, taking them both off their feet. He takes the opportunity to let another arrow loose at the men sprawled on the ground. The arrow slides through a small gap of the dead man's arm, taking the last breath of the one under him.

Zane turns to leave, but a sound he thinks might be a human's roar comes from behind him. The sound echoes in his mind unlike anything he heard before—then again, his travels seem few compared to Colt or even Sara. He turns back to see a large, grey cat-beast swiping at his attackers.

The huge paws swipe at its prey, going for the jugular. The claws slice through their flesh with ease. They killed a lot of the men following them, but several still remain. The survivors forget about Zane. They now circle the beast with their swords drawn, their bolts unable to pierce the thick hide of the cat-beast.

It waits for one of them to get within striking distance of its sharps claws. It looks around at the men and looks right at Zane. The cat-beast stares into his soul and Zane can see a hint of intelligence in the beast.

It looks back at the men surrounding it and makes its move. The beast leaps over the boundary set by the men with ease. It whirls around to face its attackers with blinding speed. It thrashes out with its paws, gouging out the back of its victim.

The man falls dead to the ground, his back torn open. Zane takes advantage of the beast and sends arrows at the men around it. He picks them off one at a time as the cat creature tears at the throats of the rest.

Zane concentrates too much on helping the beast that he doesn't hear Colt come up behind him. Colt reaches out and grabs his shoulder.

We need to move.

It's saving our lives, I need to help it.