Follow

By J.D. Buchmiller

He is universally renowned as a useless burden in the midst of a continent-wide war. Does he have what it takes to be the agent of victory?

Gerardo of Liko is the lone survivor of a battle to the death, though he'd argue he'd be better off if he wasn't. Especially when he's tasked to rescue a prisoner of war, Jorge of En Why, who happens to be his greatest enemy on a personal level. Evidently, Jorge is destined to bring an end to the Stone War, so Gerardo agrees to take on the mission. Upon being captured in the process of releasing Jorge from the clutches of the enemy, Gerardo accepts his impending demise, and even welcomes it.

But not all hope is lost. Rein Bow, a pixie with prophetic dreams, understands the importance of rescuing Gerardo. She recruits the help of a forest sprite and a colony of rodents living within the walls of the enemy's palace to devise an elaborate prison break. Meanwhile, Jorge's conscience, along with his fellow warriors who had escaped with him, urge him to use his shape-shifting abilities to repay Gerardo's efforts. Will Jorge be able to set aside his personal disgust and become the competent warrior required to rescue Gerardo? Will Jorge's and Rein's combined efforts be enough? And will Jorge's experiences mold him into the proficient warrior capable of bringing peace back to the United Empires?

"Follow" is only the beginning. Within these pages is the birth of two majestic families whose generations are chronicled in this epic fantasy series filled with specters, fairies, elves, dragons, mermaids, and more. If you enjoy fantasy stories filled with adventure, politics, and the struggles with the balance of emotion and logic, "The Rose Tree Chronicles" is for you. Purchase "Follow" now and begin your extensive journey into the fantasy world of Xyntriav!

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.D. Buchmiller
• Release date: May 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9788461626571

J.D. Buchmiller

Janelle was born on January 19 and raised in Southern California. She started writing in the fourth grade, but began writing "Follow" her sophomore year of high school. She considers herself a "writer" rather than an "author" because the word "author" implies that she only writes books. However, she says she tries her hand at every form of writing when she can. She lives in Costa Mesa, California and currently studies Criminal Justice at Southern New Hampshire University. She aspires to someday become a Criminal Prosecutor and part-time Screenwriter for Hollywood.

Book preview

FOLLOW

Book 1 of the Rose Tree Chronicles

JD Buchmiller

Copyright 2013 JD Buchmiller

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedicated to Matt Bauman

Thank you for showing me who I am.

Acknowledgements

A thanks to Keely Diana Bell for her contributions and support, and her offer to do so again in the future without repayment. Your help is very much appreciated and I would be lost without you.

Prologue



Over five hundred years after the creation of Xyntriav, three emperors had built their dominions on the west of the continent Noelle and expanded them across the oceans to the continents Platavan and Kallak. For fifteen years they had successfully held their alliance as the United Empires, but as those years passed, it became increasingly difficult to keep it in one piece. Once they had encountered their fifth collective political issue, they were unable to conclude the affair. Desperate to come to an accord, they involved the subjects of their empires. Now, on Malla 23, 467 (April 5), it was time to announce the result of the poll to the emperors themselves.

The meeting took place in a dark stone forum a few miles away from the coast in the town of Helvetica, the capitol of the Noelle Empire. Located in the very center of the capitol, the forum was supported by obsidian pillars and a black steel frame. Aside from the palace, it was the largest building in town.

Lavish candelabras shown on the large number of silk-cushioned chairs inside, yet no one was seated. Representatives of each and every town in the United Empires took up ninety percent of the breathing space and their bodies made it hotter than the warm spring day outside. In total, eighty-four mouths bickered and argued at the meeting and the oxygen seemed to be running out. Malicious rage showed on everyone's faces in the colorful light shining through the stained glass windows, and the arguing failed to cease.

The three emperors debated amongst themselves at the front of the forum where the floor was raised and two of them seemed to side against the younger one. They were dressed in black, red, and dark purple robes. Large gold collars hung around their shoulders and connected on their right to the crests of their empires. Yet the appearance of maturity and professionalism didn’t seem to fit the mannerisms of the younger emperor.

The oldest of the three, Emperor Plake of the Noelle Empire, finally began the conference after realizing the arguments were only agitating everybody. To attract everyone’s attention (and release some anger of his own), he shattered a vase on the concrete floor.

Will everyone silence themselves long enough to end this? he demanded. Sit down!

All present took their seats silently. The emperors sat at separate ebony tables at the front of the room and a scribe, barely noticeable, stood by a column to take note of the votes.

So, Emperor Plake sighed when everyone seemed ready. Let us end this once and for all and inscribe it on a tablet. What have we decided, Noelle?

The representatives of each town in the Noelle Empire announced the votes of the residents for which they spoke, each word echoing around the steel columns that blocked the room in. After the last vote had been recorded, Emperor Plake peered down at his notes seeming disappointed in his people. He nodded to Emperor Mandingo of the Bonn Empire, who was next.

Bonn, Emperor Mandingo said, radiating a certain confidence in his subjects. What have our towns decided?

When Bonn's votes finally ended, Emperor Mandingo was incredibly shocked and dissatisfied in his empire’s choice. His chubby face glowed red as he looked over his notes before turning to Emperor Mentir of the People’s Empire to continue.

People, said Emperor Mentir, the youngest of the three emperors.

He was clearly delighted with the direction in which the voting was headed and he held his squared chin high. He could almost be mistaken as Emperor Plake's son with the same long skull and angled body structure, except he had a darker complexion and blonde hair.

I’m sure we’ve chosen the right alternative, Mentir continued. What’s our decision?

At first, Emperors Plake and Mandingo felt completely hopeless at what seemed to be the end of the voting. They sat there with shoulders slumped as they took notes and glanced at each other in despair. But Emperor Mentir was proud and not afraid to show it. Suddenly, the expressions of the two dismal emperors changed to sheer relief after an unexpected shift in the middle of the People’s votes. The third emperor’s smile vanished.

I’m going to over-rule my empire’s vote, Emperor Mentir declared after the voting had ended. He shot to his feet so quickly that he almost knocked over his chair.

Mentir, you cannot do that, replied Emperor Plake. We have an accord.

I don’t care! I over-rule.

We are not even aware of the final result yet. Emperor Mandingo turned to the scribe. Cal, what is the verdict?

It appears the miracle workers are in business, Sire, answered Cal.

There you have it, said Emperor Plake. The problem is settled.

This isn’t officially over yet, I override my empire! Emperor Mentir insisted pointing at Cal.

The scribe looked at the other two emperors with concern, hoping they would save him from their raving rival.

That is against our contract, Emperor Mandingo stated simply as he stood and straightened his papers. His large body wiggled with his every movement.

I over-rule the contract then! Emperor Mentir asserted. Either way, my empire’s votes will have no effect on this matter.

That is not possible, Emperor Plake said, laughing slightly. All of the representatives shuffled out of the forum in case the argument turned violent. And you do not have the kind of power in my empire to over-rule an accord which the three of us have formally recognized.

I over-rule you then!

That is enough! Emperor Plake shot up from his chair. The walls increased the volume of his demand, emphasizing his insistence for silence. His voice even muffled the sound of his iron chair crashing against the stone floor. You cannot over-rule me, in my empire!

You cannot over-rule us ourselves at all! Emperor Mandingo added leaning against his table. Have you gone mad?

Of course I’m mad! At first this voting was headed exactly where it should have, then once we got to my empire, everything fell apart. Therefore I eradicate my empire’s vote.

According to our agreement, you must respect your subjects’ choice, Mandingo reminded. Now if we may, we will sign the bill, seal it, chisel it into stone and put it away with the other laws.

Cal set a gold tray in front of Emperor Plake which held the bill, a quill and an ink well. Mandingo approached the table to await his turn to apply his own signature at the bottom of the parchment.

Mentir balled his fists with rage, but then sucked a long breath through his nose before he asked, May I see our agreement, please?

I do not think you should, Mandingo answered suspiciously as he turned back to look at Mentir.

I just wish to make sure that what all you said is true, my memory has faded. Allow me to reread it.

Emperor Plake stroked his short black beard and studied his ally with his dark, sunken eyes squinted. Red and gray rings surrounded his gaze, contrast with his ashy skin. Indeed, he looked ill. He finally nodded to Cal, giving him permission to bring out the stone tablet.

I would not do it, Emperor, Mandingo warned.

Silence! Mentir snapped.

Mandingo glared at him threateningly to make him watch his tone.

Do not worry, Mandingo, said Emperor Plake.

Cal returned quickly with the tablet and handed it to Emperor Plake, then he bowed and walked away. The emperor began to read the tablet out loud.

We, the Emperors of the –

I would like to read it myself, please, Mentir interrupted. I'm perfectly literate.

Emperor Plake hesitated, but began to hand over the tablet.

Mandingo stopped him. What do you think you are doing, Emperor?

What can he do with a piece of stone, Mandingo? 

Suddenly Mentir snatched the tablet from Emperor Plake’s hands and deliberately threw it onto the ground. Emperors Plake and Mandingo gaped as pieces of the stone flew in every possible direction and turned to powder. Mentir glanced at them with a smirk that claimed he was now in complete control. There was no longer any proof that the three emperors would be fair with this issue. Mandingo scowled at Mentir, but Emperor Plake remained placid.

In that case, he began. He set his chair back on its legs and took his seat. I over-rule my empire as well.

I thought you said we couldn't, Mentir replied proudly.

Now, there is no proof of that, is there? And if you are over-ruling, why can I not?

Well then, I over-rule my empire as well, Mandingo said with a smug grin, realizing Emperor Plake’s game. With both of them over-ruling their empires' votes, the bill could still be made into law.

You will not sign that bill, Emperor Mentir said in a threatening voice. Neither of you will sign that bill. Emperor Plake proceeded to dip his quill into the ink well and signed his name at the bottom of the scroll. Don’t expect me to.

You do not have to, Emperor Plake said as he handed Mandingo the quill. If you do not wish to, you may leave. You are dismissed.

That law can’t be passed unless I sign as well, Mentir said, jabbing his finger at the scroll.

It can.

No, it says so in our agreement.

Forgive me, but I do not recall making any such agreement. Do you, Mandingo?

I am afraid not, Mandingo answered playing along.

Mentir wouldn't take anymore. He stormed up to his two rivals, ripped the bill from under their noses and held it above the flame of a candle before Emperors Plake and Mandingo had the chance to react.

Emperor Plake stood slowly after the bill had become ash and he stared deep into Mentir’s eyes.

I do not believe what I am seeing, Mandingo stated with a look of shock.

You are asking to be removed from my empire in chains, Mentir, growled Emperor Plake. I will not be disrespected like this.

Mentir stood his ground and lifted his chin to the emperor of Noelle. And you are asking for a war, Plake.

I believe that has been your objective all along, Emperor Mandingo replied folding his arms across his chest. I do not think you really care about this whole miracle worker business – you just want a war. Why?

Emperor Mentir basked in an incredible feeling as though he ruled over them both. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

Because, you two have no idea what you're doing. Order is vanishing under our noses and you are blind to it. Crime is at an all-time high, the population is increasing and resources are disappearing. We need to keep the empires in one piece and in order to do so, we need to be strict and organized. Tighten the purse strings along with our grip on the people. It’s the only way we can prevent things from falling apart. But you two want to give the people more power, it seems! You are going to destroy the United Empires and it is my responsibility, as the only competent man in this room, to keep you from doing that.

I have had enough of this! Mandingo said, completely disgusted with what he was hearing. You are going against everything we agreed to when we formed the United Empires, Mentir. You want a war? I will fight. Even if it is just you and me!

It will not be just between the both of you, Emperor Plake stated coolly. Mentir smirked. You will be fighting against two empires, Mentir. I hope you are prepared. We will settle this your way.

Emperor Mentir glowed. Wonderful, he said.

Then he turned and made his way to the intricately engraved double doors, his steps echoing throughout the silent room.

We shall be in touch! were his final words before he left the other two emperors to listen to the sound of the doors booming closed. Mandingo looked at Emperor Plake with raised eyebrows, but Plake only tossed the quill onto his table with frustration.



Later that evening, Emperor Plake had Cal write an announcement on a scroll to be copied and posted all over his empire. It described what had transpired during the meeting in the forum, mentioned the Stone War that Emperor Mentir wished to fight, and that he required two men from every household (if possible) to arrive to a specific place at a specific time to serve in the military.

Everybody in every town saw these announcements, and if someone had missed it for any reason, they were certainly informed of it. Somehow, everyone knew what was written on that scroll that reached all across the Noelle Empire, even in the territories across the oceans. The citizens were shocked and somewhat terrified. Most of the residents of the United Empires had not lived during a war before, and now, sure enough one was about to begin… and it wouldn’t be a short one.

Chapter One



It was now Miseria 5, 470 (October 23) and the Stone War was far from over. The Bonn and Noelle empires quickly learned that Emperor Mentir had prepared for this fight without their knowledge. For the entire fifteen years that the empires were united, he had been secretly expanding his territory and the numbers were in his favor. Fortunately, Mentir made numbers his top priority over training, which offered one advantage to his adversaries. Once Bonn and Noelle could find their way around People's ambush tactics as well as their thick and layered armor, their skillset should prove victorious.

A battle to the death between the Noelle Empire and the People’s Empire had left the Valley of Hills covered with the lifeless bodies of warriors; among them, the strongest and most resilient. The vast majority of all plant life had been burnt to ash, leaving the Valley of Hills looking colorless and macabre. The hot suns had cooked all that remained of the soldiers, but now heavy rain clouds blanketed the sky so that the crisp and bloodied bodies finally began to cool.

One could easily tell the two empires apart by only looking at what they wore. The Noelle Empire donned black armor with bones engraved into the metal to emulate skeletons, accompanied by helmets formed into black skulls. In contrariety, the People’s Empire was dressed in a heavy silver-colored armor, beneath which they wore thick leather, and their helmets bore the image of their emperor. The two starkly contrasting images were scattered across the battlefield as though they had fallen from the sky.

Among the millions of soldiers strewn along the ground, one stood out; and not just because he happened to be the only survivor. Gerardo of Liko was a boy about twenty-five years of age with the face of an eighteen-year-old. He laid on top of another body, his chest rising and falling as his lungs were the only part of him that strived to keep him alive. Gerardo was compassionate, tender, and very handsome. His shaggy, pitch-black hair complimented his pale skin and his sad, bright green eyes could be spotted from a mile away. Nobody loved this man, including his mother and the rest of his relatives for reasons unknown to him or anyone else. The members of his family were treated cruelly because they were related to him. In fact, it was a wonder that nobody had successfully killed Gerardo, for many had tried over the years.



A tiny speck of light floated above the bodies and the skeletal remains of the trees; a little fairy. On the face of it, she seemed no older than sixteen-years-old, but their ages were often misconceived for fairies aged slower than any other living creature on this world of Xyntriav.

The pixie fixed her shining blue eyes on Gerardo. Her black, choppy hair lay unkempt over her face. She brushed it away and then dusted the dirt off of her black and white striped sleeves and black and red striped stockings. She fixed her bent and twisted squirrel-skin boots which almost passed her knees and took time to catch her breath while she waited for more to happen.

Not too long later, Gerardo stirred. His eyes opened and gazed at the cloudy sky. He turned his head to his left to where the stream from the Sirene River flowed at the bottom of a steep hill. A sharp pang shot through his left shoulder blade as he sat up. He reached his hand back and felt the slimy remains of an arrow protruding from his skin. He glanced at his hand and found the slime to be his own blood.

Gerardo could hear the stream babbling close by and although he was in desperate need of water, he was in no condition to be hiking. Gradually he forced himself onto his feet anyway. His throbbing head spun and made it difficult for him to keep his footing. He held his hand to his bleeding forehead in an attempt to make the spinning stop. Finally, Gerardo managed to place one foot in front of the other to make his way to the hill. He paid no attention to anything else around him. All he knew was that there was water at the bottom of that hill and somehow he had to get to it.

At the pace of a dying snail, Gerardo limped towards the edge of the hill and stopped. Peering past trees and brush, he spotted the stream below. The longer he listened to the rushing water, the more intense his thirst became, but he doubted he would make it to the bottom alive. He had to try nonetheless. He took one step and immediately discovered that he was indeed too weak to handle such a journey. He tumbled the rest of the way down, crashing into tree roots and bushes and plants. His cuts and bruises expanded and the arrow dug deeper into his flesh. Though he reached the stream in one piece, Gerardo landed hard on his back, which only forced the arrow through to the bone. He wailed at the sudden increase in pain, but then strived to steady his breath. All he could do now was wait for the agony to subside. Still panting, he dragged himself closer to the stream and brought his entire body face-down into it. At long last, he was able to drink the water, which had never tasted so delightful to him before this moment.

The pixie flew down to the soldier, where she watched him flip onto his back and return to unconsciousness. She landed on the closest dry rock to Gerardo and leaned forward to verify that he was still alive. When she confirmed he was breathing, she wiped down her clothes again and waited for him to reawaken.

Suddenly an odd movement in the Sirene water caught her attention. A young naiad arose from the stream. Her flowing gown and hair mocked the pattern of the waves in the water and her dress reflected the color. She observed the pixie through the green tips of her transparent blonde hair that hung in front of her diamond eyes.

Rein, said the naiad. What brings you here?

It must be curiosity, the pixie answered with a shrug. What other reason could I have to hang around… him?

The naiad raised an eyebrow at the pixie. You’re curious about a war?

Indeed, Rein answered. You can’t deny that it is an interesting war, and I’m restless at home.

That is quite a long way to travel due to mere restlessness.

Which only confirms to you how restless I really am. The days are long and repetitive in the Maja Forest.

It also confirms how mischievous you are, added the naiad.

Mischievous how?

I’ve been instructed to speak with Gerardo alone.

I have no intention of being present during your conversation, said Rein. I’m aware of what’s to be said; I have no reason to listen in.

Then it seems you’ve satisfied your curiosity, said the naiad. So leave me alone with Gerardo and return to the Maja Forest.

Why should I return to the Maja Forest?

Rein! Leave us!

Rein glared at the naiad and took off like a bullet. When she was expectedly far away, Gerardo reawakened and the naiad patiently waited for the soldier to notice her