Hatchling: Heavenward on Golden Wings, #1

By Lupine King

What do you do in a land crawling with daemons, arcanists, tellurians and who knows what else?

Valerian Steelborn is a scion of the noble House of Cragsveil, peers of the realm and rulers of the Viscounty. Wealthy, talented and gifted with prodigious abilities, there is is little doubt that he is blessed. However, recent events appear to suggest otherwise.

Verre is a vast place with daemons and cultivators aplenty. Their schemes and secrets are legion. Valerian finds himself skirting the fringes of some of the greatest his land has to offer and unfortunately for him, he is being inexorably drawn in. There is only one way to keep afloat; grow, train, survive!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Winenbinge Brian Amenga-Etego
• Release date: Apr 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386366805

Lupine King

Lupine King is someone who writes under a bad translation of the pet name his grandmother gave him because his real name is eleven syllables long and unpronounceable to speakers of the English language. Born in Accra in 1995, he began writing at the age of ten but after a classmate rightly pointed out that his story was uncomfortably similar to The Hardy Boys, he put prose aside and focused on poetry for a good while. At one point, he took thrillers and mystery novels from his number one spot and put epic fantasy there instead. Admittedly, this had to do with him getting lost in Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance books in his early teens. After getting swept up in the serial web novel craze, LupineKing finally produced his first complete work, Hatchling, the first book of his popular web serial, Heavenward on Golden Wings. Since then, he has written more books including a new serial in the LitRPG genre, Dungeon Core/Realm Heart. When not writing, he spends his time reading and listening to music. He is appreciative of the classics as well as hip-hop, jazz, metal and rock. Currently, he lives in Accra, Ghana with his family and their many dogs.  

Book preview

PART I

THE MAGISTRATE'S GRANDSON

1

WHERE DO WE START? Lord Elhan asked his students. Anyone? We have a task before us. How are we to undertake it? Where do we start?"

At the beginning, of course, one student called out. The class laughed at his sarcastic comment causing him to smile proudly at his wit. He was ordinarily a good student, passing and qualifying for Elhan’s class on the arcane arts without much effort. Sadly, he was yet another student who had fallen into the trap of thinking himself smart and witty, but unfortunately for him, his teacher was not amused.

The beginning huh? Where is that? When is that? Elhan questioned the wisecracking boy. The class was quiet now, not quite getting where this was going.

The beginning is the beginning, the confused boy answered.

And that is where your stupidity shows! came the teacher’s harsh voice. "Try not to speak about concepts you do not understand; such actions will not be tolerated in this class.

Now take notes, the entire class scrambled to jot down the teacher’s words. No matter the task you have been given. No matter what it is you wish to do, the first thing to do is to take stock. Remember this, ‘we start with what we have’. Only then do you know what is currently possible and what you are lacking. Understanding your task and what you possess is the key to fulfilling it. It is what determines everything and allows you to achieve whatever goal you set even if it is sussing out such nebulous things as beginnings and ends.

ONE

The Magistrate’s Grandson

HARVEST MOON, YEAR 41|13, Age of Reflection

THE CITY OF DALEGUARD was one of the foremost cities in the northern lands of the Kingdom of Bathar. It was the only one within six thousand kilometres and it stood as both a symbol of the Kingdom’s power and influence, as well as a bastion against their enemies to the north and the beast hordes of the Great Wildlands to the east. It sat stolidly at the mouth of a great valley, effectively blocking the openings to the highlands before it, whilst guarding the vast plains behind it. From afar, anyone could make out its great flanking guard towers and their beckoning top lights.

DaleGuard truly was a symbol of power and civilisation in this desolate corner of the north. The surrounding lands might not be as prosperous, but the city itself was well developed. It served as an administrative power and trade centre in the area, possessing numerous market places and government offices.  It even had seven courthouses, with a magistrate each just to handle legal matters. At the moment though, one of the magistrates was not at his post.

MAGISTRATE VALAN STEELBORN walked towards the inner courtyard with a hurried, but measured, gait. He had long hair that was tied in a ponytail and a beard he was obviously proud of as it was cared for meticulously. Both were pure grey, displaying his seventy-two years of life for all to see. He projected an intense scholarly air, and seemed like the kind of person to see when in need of counsel. At this moment though, his brow was furrowed with concern.

You are certain of this? he asked to make sure.

Yes, magistrate! I have watched the young master for years. I noticed the change when it began, but I just couldn’t believe it. I had to be certain, which is why I waited a week before informing you, one of the two men beside him quickly answered.

The man in question was Avery, a servant of the magistrate’s household: valet, caretaker and minder for his grandson; Avery was a stern faced, deep voiced, middle-aged man who dressed more like a guard than a child’s caretaker. Especially when you considered the two-handed longsword he carried on his back. Avery carried it everywhere and it was his most distinctive feature. He walked briskly, a few steps behind the magistrate, as they made for the courtyard.

An entire week? And if something had happened as you waited? the magistrate demanded.

Then I would have taken full responsibility. It’s just... the changes happened too slowly. It wasn’t until five days had passed before the change was significant enough for me to be certain. I waited the extra days to be sure that it was still happening, came his answer.

The other man walking beside the two snorted in derision. Obviously, he did not support Avery’s decision. The three men marched briskly towards their destination eager to either affirm the news or clear up the misunderstanding. The closer they got, the clearer they could make out the beautiful music coming from the place.

A boy who looked no older than eight sat on a stone bench, a flute to his lips. The melody was heady, with a quick-tempo, as if a lot of things were being said, but too fast to be made out. Flitting between sharp and dull, short and long, high and low the notes were blasted out continuously and loudly from the flute in a simple harmony. Watching, you couldn’t help but wonder how the young man got the breath to play as he did for he never paused to breathe. He just went on playing, his fingers marching like soldiers over the silver flute.

The performance was enrapturing, and his onlookers loath to interrupt the scene, which did not happen nearly as much as they wanted it to. Especially, when it was of his own volition, and not at the behest of his grandparents, or on the order of Mrs. Fang, his teacher at the Grammar School.

The magistrate took a good long stare at his grandson, a look of pride on his face. He had only one child, the father of the boy, but he went missing before Valerian was even a year old. Valan’s wife along with the child was the core of his life. They were not his only family but he was estranged from most of his other relatives, and he did not have much affection for them beyond filial duty. His grandson on the other hand, he would move the world for. What other reason would compel him to leave his work and rush home?

He waited for the song to end and then called out, Valerian! Come here!

THE BOY WAS STUNNED for a moment before he turned to glance at the walkway to his left, where he saw his grandfather, his caretaker and his uncle, the captain of the manor guards. Quickly, he rushed over, a smile on his face.

Welcome home grandfather! he greeted. Welcome home, Uncle Richard; Avery, he added.

The old man smiled and waved him even closer. Valerian moved to his side now a bit confused. He could sense the intense stares the older men were training on him. Was he in trouble? Keeping calm outwardly, he searched his mind furiously to figure out what he could possibly have done. His thoughts were derailed when his grandfather clasped a warm hand to his shoulder and then performed a small squat that they might be level.

Valan was an incredibly dignified old man, always projecting a noble and stately air. However, that was only when he was out or at work. At home, he was a husband and a grandfather. He had no need to remain as formal here. Rather, now, he beamed at his grandson who was currently at the same height as he was. Laughing, he asked, How’s Grammar School? Progressing well?

Valerian’s guard lapsed a little. Grammar School? Was that what this was about? Well, he had done nothing wrong. He was sure of it. It was probably Mrs. Fang complaining again. What did she say this time? ‘Unmotivated and anti social?’ Valerian didn’t even understand what he was doing there, and he had said so time and again.

It’s so boring and everyone is so dull, he responded, Mrs. Fang is always harping and complaining when I sleep in class, but it’s not my fault. Everything is just too easy. I’ve already learned all the letters and numbers Valerian pouted as he looked to his grandfather.

His grandfather laughed, That is what you always say.

This was true though. There was nothing for him to learn there. Everything really was too easy. He had long since mastered everything of that level. He didn’t understand why his classmates found the material difficult. Plus, they were so annoying and childish. Valerian honestly felt he was wasting his time there. He would rather stay at home and read from the manor library but his grandparents insisted on sending him out.

How could he know that it was for his own sake? There were no children around the manor and even the youngest servant was a year past his first score. His grandparents were merely worried that his development would be affected if he did not interact with some of his peers, which was why they sent him to the Fangs’ Grammar School every day. At least there he could meet and play with children his own age.

Sadly, things didn’t work out as smoothly. For one, Valerian was much too mature. He found it hard interacting and playing with the children at school, and they with him. He was also too intelligent, widening the gap between him and they even more. Some of the meaner ones had even begun to call him, ‘old man’ due to his ways. But that did not matter anymore. He would not have to go back there again. He had more important things to do with his time now.

Let me tell you something, the magistrate said somewhat more seriously. Starting tomorrow you will be tutored at home. You don’t have to go to the school anymore.

Really grandfather? Valerian asked joyfully.

Of course! In fact, at least twice a week I will take charge of your studies.

Valerian was delighted. He knew full well that his grandpa was an acclaimed scholar. To have the chance to learn from him was something even Mrs. Fang, with all her knowledge, would beg for. He thanked his grandfather profusely, happy to get out of Grammar School.

Valerian’s grandfather laughed again. No need to be so happy about quitting Grammar School. Your studies will be three times as hard from now on. Just head in and get ready. Your grandmother will be home soon."

Valerian immediately ran off to clean up and get ready, joy evident on his face. Not only was he not in trouble, he was finally out of Mrs. Fang’s class. He never had to go back to that Grammar School again. Shooting a quick glance back at the men behind him, he once more saw the proud and happy smile on his grandfather’s face.

‘The old man is in a good mood today. I wonder what happened?’ he mused to himself.

THE OLD MAN IN QUESTION watched him go with a proud smile and then turned to the captain of the manor guards. Richard, your thoughts?

Richard, the only one amongst the three yet to speak, stepped forward at the sound of the man’s voice. He was a large man. Far larger than the other two at seven feet and blessed with thick, corded muscles. He was dressed in dark leather and shiny steel. Massive steel gauntlets covered his forearms, large steel sabatons and greaves for his legs along with a breastplate made his identity as an elite warrior easy to guess. There was clearly good reason in him being the captain of the guards.

Richard was a calm man. He spoke in a low tone; and walked at a measured pace, even with his slight limp. Scars could be seen on his jaw, leading down into his vest where surely there was more beneath his clothes.

I checked, magistrate, and Valerian really has begun bone transformation. The matter had been easy to determine for someone at the lord tier like himself. All he had needed to do was examine Valerian’s body with his qi. Additionally, he was capable of doing so from a distance, unlike the magistrate who had to resort to pulsing his energy through the boy’s body via direct contact.

Normally, this would imply that he is practising a method of some kind, except if Avery is right, then Valerian has not done anything remotely related to cultivation. Additionally, even as he stood in front of us, I could detect minute amounts of world essence entering his body without aid. However, even passive essence accumulation requires a method of some sort, not to mention training. As yet, I doubt he is aware of what is happening to his body which only raises more questions. The whole thing is strange. Valerian knows nothing about cultivation, yet, everything suggests that he is practising some sort of cultivation method.

Richard paused with a slight frown on his face as if annoyed at having to say so much in one go but continued nonetheless. I honestly cannot figure out how this came about. There is no way he could have started cultivating, even if all he was missing was a method, technique, knowledge, or a teacher and of these, he has none.

The magistrate nodded slightly as each point was made, and when Richard was done he turned to Avery. The sword carrying childminder did not need the question to be voiced. He merely shrugged helplessly.

I am afraid that I too am useless in this regard. The reason it took me so long to come to you was to make sure that what I was seeing was really happening. Even after watching for many days I am still not able to understand anything about how the young master is cultivating.

The magistrate hummed thoughtfully, while stroking his beard. The other two men looked at each other. Their master was always like this. His actions made it clear that he had some idea as to what was happening, but he seemingly had to do this first. Richard looked at Avery and motioned with his head, leading him to sigh mentally and take this one.

Could it be that you know something about this magistrate?

The old magistrate paused his actions for a brief moment before continuing to stroke his beard. I’m not sure whether I should say this... It is just a theory, mind you. One that cannot be truly confirmed. At least, not yet anyway.

Knowing that he would end here if not given further prompts, Avery spoke up again. I’m sure master’s theory is probably right. You have read wide, studied much, and experienced a lot. There’s no way such a thing would elude you. Please enlighten us.

Valan paused again, gaining a slight faraway look as if considering it, and then continued, Valerian knows no cultivating method. This we know to be true yet he has somehow entered the initial phase of the bone transformation stage. This, each of us has confirmed. So either we three are wrong or he is somehow cultivating without cultivating. In the end, the truth is simple. Despite how improbable it sounds, the answer lies with the latter. But how? That is the question, and the answer is simple. He has a special body.

It is instinctively strengthening itself using world essence. Luckily, such a situation is not wholly unheard of, though to my knowledge, this is the first instance of it happening in DaleGuard. There is only one thing that can create such a special physique and that is high tier legacy.

A high tier legacy... Avery mumbled before realisation dawned on him. His mother?

Without a doubt,, the magistrate stated resolutely. Our clan’s legacies have no such power or ability so it is definitely hers. Sadly, with both her and my son missing, there is no way to truly confirm this until it manifests itself. Right now, we have to focus on the fact that Valerian is evidently innately gifted at cultivation.

The two men nodded, clearly understanding the wisdom in doing what was possible, and focusing only on what was near. They could not help but wonder how powerful such a legacy would be. However, these thoughts were dispelled by the sudden glare their master shot at them.

It goes without saying that no one, absolutely no one, not even the clan, is to know about my suspicions concerning Valerian’s current state, he made clear.

The two men quickly nodded.

Good! the old man acknowledged.

He's going to need to be trained, Richard pointed out.

I know..., the magistrate said. Nonetheless, we must keep this matter between us. Then realisation dawned upon him and a smile split his wrinkled face. Your brother returned from the Institute last week, correct? Speak to him. Inform him of the situation and secure his help.

Yes, sir, the guard captain replied.

Avery, you, begin making preparations; essence crystals, equipment, whatever you think is necessary. I will inform my wife of what is happening, and make some arrangements of my own, the magistrate added, watching as the minder nodded after receiving the order.

With that, he turned around and began to walk out of the courtyard. Richard and Avery looked at each other, fully aware that their jobs, Avery’s especially, were about to get a lot harder. It would be worth it though with Valerian’s obvious intelligence, paternal lineage, and now this maternal clan legacy; he was sure to become an outstanding cultivator in the future.

Also, came the voice of the magistrate as his gaze landed on Avery. You need to work on your flattery, Avery. It is bland, and completely blatant. Your delivery is quite poor and forced as well. With that said, he disappeared into the manor.

TWO

Outstanding Talent?

GOOD MORNING UNCLE, Auntie!

Valan immediately got up to receive him. Jonas! Welcome! It’s been a year.

I’m sorry Uncle. I know I should visit more. I figured I would have the time to come around and spend time with the family after passing the exam but the clan has just been keeping me so busy lately. Jonas immediately tried to explain.

The magistrate laughed off his attempt and replied instead with. I know. Congratulations on passing the exam. To successfully advance to second circle array master at your age is most impressive. You have made us very proud.

Jonas gave a bashful smile. Well hopefully now that I have passed the examination I can take things slow for a while.

Yes, you should! the magistrate’s wife affirmed.

As it so happens, Richard and Jonas were part of the family. Their father was the magistrate’s cousin. The two were close growing up thus, when he and his wife died, Valan had not hesitated to adopt his orphaned children. The couple raised them alongside their own son. Richard became a respected warrior and Jonas had even managed to become an array master.

The two had never forgotten the love and care shown them. That was why Richard remained at the manor as a guard captain when with his cultivation tier he could easily find better paying work anywhere. The guard captain of a minor magistrate might have some influence but it paled compared to what a tellurian at the peak of the second tier could really achieve. Jonas on the other hand was an array master. His talent was rarer and not only required more work but he could not be around as much.

He was now an important figure in the city and the clan. A lot was required of him yet, the moment he heard the old couple needed his help, he dropped everything and ran over. It helped that there was a temporary lull in his duties, but this act alone showed how much he cared for and respected them. Plus, the fact that it concerned Valerian, the son of his surrogate brother, meant he could not refuse or postpone.

He was eager to perform the ceremony. He wanted to see what results the son of the greatest genius of his generation would have. Funnily, no one could find the boy. It took a while before a servant checked the study and then brought him over.

Valerian Steelborn was no ordinary child. As a matter of fact, he would feel insulted were he to be considered one. He had met the ‘ordinary’ ones at Fangs’ Grammar school and the adjectives he would use when describing them would not be flattering in the least. Messy, immature, petty, prone to running around and fidgeting; unable to understand the teacher’s lessons even after several repetitions, hated simple correction, quickly resorted to name calling...

Well, he was not one of them. Let us leave it at that. He knew it, they knew it. He was just better. He was smart, from a good home, and much more physically fit than most of them. He understood everything on his first try, was far ahead of his years in terms of knowledge, and looked like the perfect prince of comportment and neatness, that and he stroked his chin when lost in thought. Even at the age of eight, he could not be described as anything less than handsome.

This, together with his supposedly ‘arrogant face’, ‘know it all’ attitude, and ‘lazy’, nonchalant visage, made more than a few of his peers envious. Many of whom would call themselves his rivals and enemies. That was one of the reasons he wanted to quit Grammar School. There was nothing there for him to learn. The people there were annoying. He was tired of Mrs Fang trying to get him to display his talents more and his colleagues staring daggers and whispering to each other at his back; not to mention the ones that kept trying to fight him.

Nevertheless, his thoughts should not be mistaken for whining. Why? Valerian did not whine. He would say he was largely apathetic. Strong emotions were foreign to him. That was the problem. He had learned to care for a few things; his grandparents for one, and thanks to them, books and learning. However, when confronted with other things, he found it hard to get worked up over them.

What did it matter that most of his classmates did not like him? Why should he bother to do better when barely trying was more than enough? Why fight them when he could ignore them till they went away? What did that have to do with him? Why should he be concerned about so, so and so?

To be honest, the whole thing was a serious waste of time, and he was glad that it was finally over. Perhaps, now his own pace of learning would not be restrained simply because some daft kid in the back could not keep up. Thus, when he woke up early that morning, Valerian was filled with much more zest than usual. It caused him to rush to the study right after breakfast and wait for his lessons.

Sadly, he was going to wait a long time for this as his grandparents were busy waiting for a particular array master to arrive. They needed him in order to assess Valerian’s potential for cultivation and to determine the path he should take. This preliminary check was necessary for everyone and was normally done en mass by children and their families at temples, sects and schools.

The whole thing was very important, which was why they were having a private test performed by a member of the family. This person was the younger brother of Richard, their guard captain. Ordinarily, you would think that someone a magistrate issued a summons for would rush over immediately, but this was not the case. The person coming was an array master. It was a noble profession, an elite position that only gifted cultivators could claim.

It was not uncommon for some array masters to feel disdain towards people with ‘mortal professions’, particularly the low levelled ones, even if those people were their uncles. Luckily, Jonas, Richard’s brother was not the type. He arrived promptly and paid his respects to the master and mistress of the manor.

VALERIAN WALKED INTO the hall a bit annoyed. It turned out that he was not going to be studying after all. His grandfather had actually forgotten about him, simply because some guest from the main clan was visiting. Now, he was being dragged over to meet him. His attitude changed a little though when he saw who he was to meet.

Standing before his grandparents, chatting and laughing bashfully, was a man decked in resplendent red robes and a staff in his hands. The cloth shrouded his body in an intentionally mysterious air and the staff was capped with a large red crystal. ‘Obviously a cultivator,’ Valerian noted mentally. He proceeded with greater care making sure to take him in fully. This allowed him to notice the style of the robes and the rather obvious badge placed over the right breast of his figure.

The material of the badge itself was relatively nondescript. It was dark and hard. The lines carved on it however, possessed a dull whitish-blue glow. They came together to form two circles filled with strange symbols, one within another.Valerian’s breath caught. He had a dim idea of what that meant. The guest was an array master! His eyes shot up to better scan the man’s face, and beneath the rather thick beard, he made out a somewhat familiar face.

Array master, Jonas Steelborn. The man counted among the most distinguished of all his clan members – the ones he had met at least. To be an array master was something many dreamed of. Even the children at school would sit and talk about them when they got the chance. Many hoped to become one when they grew up. Regrettably, it was easier said than done and even they knew it.

Array master, alchemist, artificer, healer - these were just some