Settling Sands: A Serpent's Path Series Book One

By Ashe Knite

Lilontra is born a sorceress and that is enough to brand her a traitor to the crown.

Orphaned and alone, she happens upon another sorceress, Latri, who takes her in and offers her protection. Latri, also persecuted because of her abilities, identifies with the youngster, and the two become quick friends.

But the evil queen is not easily defeated, and Lilontra is left scared and alone once again when her mistress is killed. She must find the strength to keep on living and fulfill Latri's final wish: to travel to the past and fix the future.

She must first track down the Seven Serpents whom she has never met; for in her time, they have all been killed by the evil queen. When she locates new friends, she also discovers that there's an enemy lurking in the shadows. Now, she must decide whom she can trust.

As Lilontra tries to navigate the past, the present is approaching. Join her in her journey in the first book of A Serpent's Path.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 17, 2008
• ISBN: 9780595903184

Ashe Knite

Ashe Knite, an Alabama native, has been writing since she was sixteen. This is her first published novel.

Book preview

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

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Glossary of Spells

Chapter 1

My feet slipped silently down the abandoned streets, my dampened cloak whipping around my ankles. It was a quiet day, chilled ever so lightly from an early morning rain that had coated everything in a thin mist. The wet air graced my lips, but held no vitality. It was as void as everything else, containing just enough substance to make it through the moment.

I brisked through the dilapidated market. A sadness seemed to settle down on everything like a filthy snow. I recited the list of items I had been instructed to buy. I could only hope I would have enough luck to find them all. Supplies were low, choices practically nonexistent, because everybody suffered so noticeably from the heavy taxes that had been demanded.

Most shops remained vacant, empty houses looming behind them. There was little hope for me in this town, even though this was once the most thriving marketplace in the entire kingdom. It probably still was, sadly enough. At least this city had a few shops left open. In most places the farmers were too busy fighting away thieves while the craftsmen were too starved and weak to keep working.

Hey there, lassie, a strong voice called from a darkened window. I stared in horror at the woman hiding in the darkness. Every inch of her gave off an aura of disgust as she lanked toward me. She was surrounded in a cloud of putrid perfume to hide her filth. Would ye like to come see what I’ve made today, misses? I’ve got nice things for ye, if ye’ve gots the money to pay.

I am not interested, I answered quickly. She continued to draw near me as she stroked her skirts, pulling them up and down.

I gives nice things, I do, she said in a sultry voice. Makes ye feel good, no matter me none if ye a lass. Lassies need to feel good too.

Sorry, ma’am, I replied as politely as I could manage. My money has already been spent. My master expects his goods.

I curtsied as I backed away from the stench that issued from her ragged dress. She started to follow as I quickly ran ahead through the dusty street, but her clicking heels slowed.

What ye master dunna know can’t hurt ye. Come back an see whats I got, I heard her yell from behind. I kept running through the rows of empty buildings with no thought of returning to that dirty lady. There was nothing I wanted from her.

I slowed down once I came upon another patch of open stores after a long line of black windows. The first table was covered with half-rotten fruits, hardly even fit for the flies that covered them but I continued on, hoping for a better selection. The next shop proved a little more useful, the food more qualified for consumption. Unfortunately, food was not what I was shopping for. Food I could find on my own in the forest. It was herbs I was looking for, very particular herbs. I smiled at the couple who owned the stand as I turned to leave.

Please, miss, the farmer mumbled. You won’t find any better if ya keep lookin. Promise ya that. Please buy somethin from me.

Sorry, sir. Not what I was looking for, I replied softly.

Yer wrist, girl. Keep that to yaself, he whispered quickly, eyes darting around for any spectators.

Sorry? I said as I looked down.

I hid my hands quickly when I saw the little patch that my protection spell had left behind. He could easily have had me put to death for it. I feared that the visible residue of my defense shield might have just signed my death warrant, but the man seemed unbothered. He just rocked himself back and forth on his cane, trying to stand.

Tell me, maybe I could help ya. Have some friends, ya know. You tell me what ya need and I’ll help ya get it, he muttered, finally rising to his feet.

He did not scare me, for he would not be able to stand were it not for the cane he leaned so heavily upon. I sensed no magic from him. Still I started to back away, fearing the attention he was bringing upon us. Every eye turned to watch as he came to me. This was something that scared me even more than that one wretched woman had before.

Sorry, sir, I whispered as I turned away.

Most people turned back to their business as I walked away even though he continued to drag himself behind me. I walked past the last of the occupied windows, all of which told me that they would be of no use with a single glance, as he continued to scrape in my direction. As soon as all eyes were far away, all onlookers gone, I faced him.

Please ma’am, he begged.

He stood there, shaking from weakness. I could not blame him for his persistence. He truly needed a customer. Unfortunately, I was not one.

I am not looking for food, I replied.

Tell me. You tell me what and I’ll help ya, he swore. You buy from ma friend and ma friend has something to keep goin on. That’ll help me later.

I looked at him for a moment, wondering whether I should trust him with my needs.

Alright, I said. I need some herbs for my master. His son ills and he needs to make medicine.

Yes, yes, miss, he stuttered. He eyed me suspiciously for a moment as I considered running again. He continued in a low whisper, Would those be the kind of herbs we shouldn’t speak of, miss?

I stared intensely at him, so weak and feeble. It was hard to imagine that he could cause me any harm. I winced for a moment, fearing to continue. Could he tell that I was lying? Even if he could, what injury could he possibly cause me? I took a deep breath and decided to go on.

Yes, they would be. It is for my master, so I cannot say no. I say no, and he would fire me for sure. I need my job, sir, I replied, quiet and cautious. You must understand that.

No fear, miss. No fear from me, he whispered. You just follow me and ya get your goods. Won’t find that on the open street, no sir.

He slowly bobbed down a darkened alley, expecting me to follow. I wondered whether this was a trap. Could there be a group of Men ahead, awaiting someone like me? Was I wrong to trust him? He may be weak, but that did not mean he was stupid.

Sir?

Not on the street, miss. Won’t find that on the street. Too dangerous, it is. Follow me, he said, continuing to bob along.

I followed behind keeping a safe distance between us, just in case. We passed a group of abandoned children huddled in a dusty corner in attempt to warm themselves. They rushed toward us, palms open, hoping for mercy. I frowned down at them.

Sorry, little ones, I whispered. They all turned away with downcast eyes, and returned to their heap. Sure that the old man could not hear, I whispered a quick blessing. A Olrion niniko, telayre neki.

The group of children shifted slightly, loosened in their huddle. I could see the impact of the spell as it immediately lightened the air around them. They smiled in response, a little more comfortable for the time being. I smiled as well, happy that I could ease their suffering. If only I could do that for everyone.

Here ya go, miss, the old farmer said as we drew back onto a light, open street. No soldiers here. They don’ know how ta get here, miss.

He waved his hand before him, pointing out a line of ornate shops, each one adorned to attract customers. I gasped, surprised by the flamboyant colors. I guessed he had not managed to see through my lies after all. He only wanted to take me to this hidden outlet with no other motives in mind, besides perhaps the kickback his friends would give him for bringing me here. The line of shops was so beautiful, unlike anything that I had ever seen before. I wondered if this was what the entire town used to look like.

Thank you, I said to the old man as I slipped a small bit of money into his free hand. He smiled, grateful for the offering, even though it was a paltry sum. I’ve never seen anything quite like this.

Then I should point a store out for ya. That one there, with the red curtain. It’ll have what ya need, most like, he said as he turned and retreated to his wife and their dingy stand.

I soon found some of the items I needed and started haggling over the prices. I did have the money for what I needed as long as I could negotiate the cost within reason. Unfortunately, the vendors knew how hard it was to find their products. They could ask just about anything for them. Several booths had what I was looking for, but only the one with the red drape would drop the prices. After the first few items had been bought, I decided to stick with that shop alone, but my shopping would have to wait.

There was a sudden shift in the wind, followed by the familiar tinge of magic. It tickled across my skin, chilling me all the way through. I was sure this was a sign of trouble. Even buried so deep in the city, I knew that the magic-infused air had drifted in from outside the perimeter walls. I was amazed that it could feel so distant yet so strong. I stopped to listen for a moment, careful to seem ordinary in my manner since there were eyes everywhere.

To onlookers, I wanted to appear to be a normal serving girl shopping for her master. I needed to sustain this lie. Not only because I did not want them to know that I made the purchases for myself, but I also wanted a reason to have the money to make such transactions. Only a servant shopping for his or her master would be expected to have the money that I did. It seemed like only the richest masters, the kind who could still afford a servant, had the money for anything anymore.

Try as I might, there was nothing ordinary about my manner to support my story. My hands shook as I tried to force myself to casually browse the tables. I could not steady myself. With as distracted as I was I, unmistakably, did not fit in.

I glanced around once again, hoping to secure myself from any spectators. A few locals eyed me suspiciously, probably wanting to steal what money I had as soon as I let my guard down. I fidgeted a little, craving a chance to take my leave. As I studied the distant breeze, there was no way to deny that something substantial was afoot beyond the town. The magic thickened in the air and I decided I would just have to throw caution to the wind. Resolved, I shoved my purchases into my bag and headed for the source of the disturbance.

Cool blades of grass swirled past me as I rushed toward the nearby sounds of attack that issued as soon as I left the town gate. Each breath drew deeply in my chest as I dashed toward the danger I felt. A loud crash rose high in the air from further ahead, sounding almost as if it came from miles away. In response, my feet quickened with the strength of my rigorous days of training, pushing me ever so rapidly toward the source of that small tingle which initially alerted me to the presence of magic in the area.

Due to the certain evils that ruled these lands, like many things, such magic was strictly outlawed. Persecuted by even your fellow man, only the bravest and most foolish would so openly use a spell in these times. That is unless they were completely desperate. Anyone with even the slightest ability of conjuring could feel this strong mystical pulse that was beating through the air, so behaving in such a manner was a sure way to get caught.

Notices posted at all gates served to inform that the practice of any form of magic had been banned for everyone except the Queen’s select followers, her Men. It had become punishable by death to be a sorcerer, or even one of their pets for that matter! Hoping for a reward, anyone would happily finger a sorcerer. That is how people acted when they were starving to death. They no longer cared about whom they would hurt; they only sought to survive another day.

This bit of information only strengthened the growing dread that took hold from within my heart. I was a sorceress, but my fear was not for myself. My fear was for my mistress Latri. She had harbored and trained me. She had broken countless laws to care for me.

Earlier in the day, the mere thought of separating from Latri for the slightest moment encased me in anxiety. Now these sure signs of a battle overwhelmed me entirely. I knew that it just had to be her fighting. The Men must have come for us. She would do anything to keep them away from me, to protect me. I had to get to her before it was too late.

I felt more helpless with every breath. My heart was beating inside me, tearing me apart. I was weak and pathetic if I could not protect someone so precious to me. She had done too much for me. Why did it seem I could never do anything for her? I fought away the tears swelling in my eyes and ran even harder.

With every second drawing me nearer to the commotion, I considered myself a sap for not turning back. Regardless of any bit of common sense I might have had, there was nothing I could have done to stop myself. Of the many names I might call myself, coward was rarely- if ever- the one that I selected. Even now, when things seemed so bleak, there was an uncanny but natural power inside me that forced me to protect all that I should and could defend. Historically, it was at times such as these that my powers revealed themselves without my consent.

After a few disturbing incidents, I was forced into hiding from the Queen as a traitor to the crown. I was considered a criminal for something I had absolutely no control over, for abilities I had been born with. I was a sorceress whether I wanted to be or not; I had little choice in the matter. I presume morality forced me to use my powers to right wrong-doing, but I could never just stand idly by and watch another person unjustly punished.

But in a place like this, that was exactly what a good citizen was expected to do everyday. If you wanted to live, you kept your head down and prayed that next time it was not you crying out for help. I supposed someone like me would turn herself in if she were what the Queen considered a responsible individual, but I could not bow down to such evil. Everything inside me told me it was wrong.

It was shortly after I had sought refuge for my crimes that I began an apprenticeship with my mistress. At first I was afraid because it felt as though she had sought me out, but I soon learned that I had no choice. Everyone else refused to take in a fugitive like me, even the Home that raised me. They made it very clear that Latri was the only one who would tend to me, so I had to give in. I had no choice. I quickly learned that I could not afford to lose her care.

Eventually, I came to consider her my kin. Having faced the same persecutions as a sorceress, I felt Latri understood the hopeless view in which I grasped my powers. For this reason and more, I began to love her. Oftentimes, I had to stop myself from calling her mother, having never known my own. That was the place in my heart for her, why I cared so much for her safety now, at the slightest sign of danger.

Back on the path with all reveries gone, my feet started to slow upon the dampened ground. I could feel the magic penetrating the air all around me. Soon I neared the origin of the disturbance. In fact, it seemed that I was standing right upon it, marked by the sizzle and steam that emitted from the earth below. Thus, I slowed until I came to an utter stop. I closed my mind to all other thoughts and distractions, concentrating on the scene before me. Twisting quickly in every direction, I could find no other mortal amongst the smoldering dust. I studied every detail, searching for answers as to what happened here.

It was then that I felt a rumble- followed by a sonic quake- that knocked me ever so slightly down. Luckily, instinct had taken complete control of me, for my heart nearly raced out of my chest. I quickly reclaimed my ground as I studied the magical pulse. That little bursting show of wizardry meant that nearby someone was searching for something by means of magic.

From this I assumed that I was standing alone because whoever had fought had left. One of them was searching for the other. They must have been playing a nice little game of cat and mouse. I also knew that in order to build a mystical force as strong as the one that had hit me, the one searching would likely be a group of sorcerers, for very rarely did one possess such range on one’s own. I had certainly never heard of someone with such capabilities myself.

A great rush of relief swept upon me as I felt the second wave undulate from even further away. At least I had not led myself to my own doom. I surmised that the group searching would have to be the Queen’s Men. They were the only surviving sorcerers who could train together and the displayed synchronization must have taken infinite practice. With little doubt they were looking for Latri. It comforted me to think they drew further away. She had never needed to run very far to hide herself.

Still, I could not help but worry for my mistress’s safety. Perhaps she did retreat and they were nearly upon her, but I would not allow panic to overcome me so easily. I decided it would be better to hold fast to my previous sense of relief as it slightly calmed my chest. I glanced about the wreckage for some sign of her, however small it might have been. I convinced myself to stay calm, to do all that I could to help Latri.

Such a shallow ease that I had forced upon myself was short lived as the undergrowth, about ten feet behind me, started to rustle softly. I froze, solid as a statue, as the sound of snapping leaves grew louder and closer. Every breath I drew into my body seemed to take an eternity to enter; every beat of my heart fell a decade after the last.

With my heart in my throat, I realized that the noise was too slight and precise to belong to a forest creature or any other natural means for that matter. I knew someone was behind me. With one deep breath to summon my courage, I slowly turned to face the sound as a gray cloaked figure steadily emerged from the green leaves.

Latri, I whispered shakily into the wind with a wave of relief as I saw my mistress appear from deep within the foliage.

It’s okay, darling, she softly lied. Just come here.

There was an apparent pool of blood about her. She quickly pulled her cloak closed and tried to hide her injuries, but it was too late. I could barely move but to bite back the tears that came rushing to my face. With one glance I knew how serious the damage was. Latri had very little time left.

I felt as though my world was tumbling in as those hands, the same hands that had cared for me and sheltered me for so long, reached so quietly toward me and took hold of me. She grabbed me and held me tight, still and silent. She softly panted above me, breath dancing through my hair.

Stay clam, dear, she begged. Just stay calm.

But Latri, I mumbled, tears rushing my eyes.

Calm, she instructed. Do as I say. Your path is ready.

I closed my eyes, letting tears gently fall down my cheeks. I could hardly bear the thought of losing her, yet I managed to deny breaking. I could tell that there was something more that she needed of me. As a sense of urgency filled Latri’s manner, I breathed deep and prepared myself to do whatever she asked.

What path is that, Latri?

Your destiny, the one I couldn’t see until now. Are you ready?

I think so, I muttered with a small tremor in my voice.

Don’t worry, she said, I will protect you.

Alright, I said with renewed determination. I would gladly do anything she asked of me.

Sensing my resolve, she whisked silently upon me. Possessed by urgency, she was quick and certain with every action she made. She smiled compellingly as her deep blue eyes locked with mine. Her pride swept over me like a wave as she hugged me close to her. I choked and grasped her tightly in my arms.

Everything is going to be alright, she assured, so warm and confident.

With soft and fading breath, she whispered her final list of instructions into my ear. Her voice hummed pleasantly in my ear, her instructions remaining precise and to the point. She said everything stern and slow, so that I could not miss a thing. The last bit finally said, she stopped and