The Warrior of Elyon

By Aaron W. Baldwin

Kenneth Tudyk is the high counselor and closest friend of Ethan Lyons, the king of Eden. His world is turned upside down when the king mysteriously disappears and his expectant wife is kidnapped. In order to find those he lost, Kenneth joins forces with some old friends and elves with a fearsome reputation that he believes may have been involved with both disappearances. If he is to save his friend and his family, he must learn to trust those he believes are not worthy of trust and more importantly put his faith in the god Elyon.

Benniah wakes up on the shore of a volcanic island with no memory of who he is or how he arrived on the island. He is taken in by an old hermit and begins to learn the teachings of Elyon including the ways of Elyons legendary warriors called to stand against injustice and fight evil. After he and his new mentor are exiled from the island by a power-hungry chieftain, Benniah finds himself standing up against a tyrant king to save innocent people from a lifetime of cruel oppression.

Both Kenneth and Benniah are soon drawn into a struggle against men intent on harnessing the power of ultimate evil in order to enslave every living soul. It will take all of their skill and faith to prevail, and a warrior, a warrior of Elyon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449769765

Aaron W. Baldwin

Aaron began his writing career in church, writing sketches, plays, and stories for Sunday school, Christmas, and other occasions. He is a fan of fantasy and science fiction novels and movies. He has written two other novels. Aaron currently lives in southeast Michigan with his wife and son.

Book preview

The

Warrior

of Elyon

A novel by

Aaron W. Baldwin

logoBlackwTN.ai

Copyright © 2012 Aaron W. Baldwin

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-6975-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-6977-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-6976-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012918281

WestBow Press rev. date: 10/18/2012

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

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

About the Author

For Ethan and Landon

Chapter 1

His pounding heart seemed to bounce back and forth between his chest and his ears as he ran. His lungs burned with each breath he took in. He could not tell how long he had been running. More importantly he did not know why his pursuer followed him so vehemently. All that he did know was the dark knight was evil. And he was close. He heard the thump of the horse’s hooves and was certain he felt the animal’s breath on the back of his neck.

With nothing ahead, expect for darkness, Ethan ventured a glance back. The knight’s black armor and equally dark horse nearly blended into the night. Red eyes glowed like the coals from a blacksmith’s fire. Ethan looked back into the blackness of the direction he ran, dipped his head slightly and despite the burning pain in his legs, he doubled his efforts to run away. The faster his legs moved the more it seemed he stood in one place.

Something bumped him from the right. Then he was bumped again from the left. The knight toyed with him. Ethan heard the guttural laughter from behind and chills ran down his spine and up again at the sound. He was nudged again this time from directly behind him. The nudge was hard enough to knock him off balance. His momentum carried him forward and he slid several feet across the ground. Ethan laid facedown in the dirt struggling to catch his breath. He remembered the knight still followed him. He rolled to his back and saw the knight dismount. The dark warrior drew his sword and stormed toward his fallen prey.

Panic gripped Ethan’s pounding heart and squeezed the air out of his lungs. He scrambled to get away but no matter how hard he tried he could not stand. He grabbed his hip, desperately searching for his own sword. His weapon was nowhere to be found.

The dark knight stopped suddenly. With his free hand he reached up and pulled off his helmet as if it were a simply a mask. He dropped the helmet after he exposed a hideous purple face with tentacles hanging from various points and a mouthful of fangs. The free hand pulled on the face again, grotesquely ripping off the purple and exposing the face of Xestes Krollnoss, the traitor who murdered Ethan’s father. Again the creature ripped off its own face. The creature’s face had changed again, this time it had changed into the face of a beautiful, young woman.

One more time the face was removed. This time he found he looked into the lightening blue eyes of his very own face as it stared intently back at him. For a brief moment Ethan stopped trying to get away. At least until the creature opened his mouth wide revealing sharp fangs. Its lower jaw split apart as it came at him. Ethan tried to speak or yell for help but nothing could be heard above the sound of his pounding heart.

King Ethan Lyons sat up straight with a jolt. Eyes wide, he searched for any sign of his attacker. He was all alone, sitting on his bed, in his bed chamber in his palace in Myrtle. It had only been a dream. A nightmare. No a warning. It was not unusual that Lord Elyon would speak to his spirit through a dream but he had never done so before through a dream like this.

The king threw aside his blanket, swung his legs to the right and placed his bare feet on the rug that covered the stone floor. He stood. He was awake now and there was no chance of him being able to go back to sleep after a dream like that. After a good stretch he ran his hands through his long, brown hair, now damp with sweat despite the coolness of the night. He walked to the closed double doors leading to the balcony and opened them wide.

Based on the position of the moon and stars, dawn quickly approached. Sunrise was his favorite time of day, especially in Myrtle. He closed the doors and set about getting ready for the day. He stopped only long enough to stare back into the eyes of his reflection in the mirror. Lightening blue, they stared back at him. The sparkle of the innocence of his youth had diminished. His youth had not been lost due to his age but because of the responsibility of being king. Part of him longed for the carefree days of five years ago. Back before his father and uncle, both had been betrayed and murdered. He would gladly give up his crown to regain the family he had lost.

Time marched on. Ethan took his place as king. Since his coronation, peace and prosperity had reigned. People said he was a good king. If only they knew the number of times he had wished the mantle had not fallen on him. Today was one of those days. He shrugged. Maybe a sunrise walk on the beach would do me some good, he thought.

A few minutes later he stood in front of the commander in charge of his current shift of guards. He sent instructions to ready the carriage. Of course the commander protested. He followed his orders from Ulysses, the king’s high general and captain of the king’s bodyguard.

I respect you for wanting to follow the chain of command by wanting to report to the general but I am the king. I am going for a walk on the beach with or without you.

Ethan stormed past the commander, out the door of his bedchamber and down the spiral staircase. He respected the fact the centaur took his job seriously. The king never liked being restricted but no one dared an attempt on his life since Ulysses took charge of his personal security. Ethan should remember to thank his centaur general more often than what he did.

Silence encompassed his private coach as they rode in the predawn darkness. Inside the coach the king rode with the commander of the bodyguard contingent next to him and two guards across from them. One guard rode next to the driver and two more rode standing on a specially made platform on the rear of the carriage.

Ethan looked to his left. It was clear to him the commander still did not like the king’s decision. Commander Amyx, don’t look so discouraged. I will handle Ulysses. He can get mad at me but can’t reassign me. The commander’s countenance did not change. The king continued in his attempt to encourage the man. I have six highly trained men with me. The general would approve of that. My visit here was unannounced and we only arrived yesterday. This was a spur of the moment decision that I made to take a walk on the beach at sunrise. Do you honestly think a group of bandits are waiting there to ambush us?

The man visibly relaxed. I’m sorry. You’re right, majesty. What are the chances anyone will be on the beach at this hour, let alone someone with intentions to hurt you.

Ethan smiled the day was going to start well after all. He began going over his remaining itinerary in his mind. He would continue his meetings with the representative from the Tulchin elves. Those were going very well. Kenneth didn’t trust the elves, though. Of course Kenneth didn’t trust many people. His friend constantly complained the elves were not trustworthy. Ever since Ethan began these talks with the leader of a small number of Tulchin elves seeking peace and trade with Eden, Kenneth continually pointed to their treacherous reputation as his reasoning for his mistrust. The king shook his head and wished Kenneth would open his mind to the possibility that Tulchin elves could change just like anyone else.

Ethan had changed five years ago. He was forced to change from his carefree, selfish ways when his father was murdered. Just like Kenneth had changed. They had been friends since they were children despite Kenneth being a little older than Ethan. From their teenaged years it seemed Kenneth had a new girlfriend every time the seasons changed. Everyone that knew Kenneth was surprised when he married a woman they rescued from a life of slavery while on a quest to save the kingdom. Now they are expecting their first child. Mostly Ethan was happy for his friend but a small part of him was jealous. He wanted what Kenneth had.

I should have brought Kenneth along with me, the king thought. But then again Kenneth never liked getting up very early.

The carriage stopped and Commander Amyx jumped out first followed by the two soldiers. All clear, the commander said through the open carriage door.

King Ethan stepped out just as the sun began to rise. As usual, the sun rose for the day with beautiful red, orange and finally yellow rays reflecting off of the ocean’s waves. Elyon’s creation never ceased to inspire the king. For a moment he closed his eyes and inhaled the salty sea air. He whispered a soft praise to Elyon, the one true God and creator of the world.

When he opened his eyes, he saw the commander was focused on something and followed his gaze. I hope you intend on keeping your walk short, majesty.

Yes, commander, Ethan replied spotting the ship docked at the end of the nearest pier.

The king began to walk across the beach. Soft sand slipped under his feet. This was the first visit to the port of Myrtle and this beach in five years. The last time he stood on this beach he began a journey that changed his life and the lives of those closest to him. He missed his father and uncle. He missed his carefree ways. He missed being able to hunt in the forest around his home with Kenneth without having to take an escort with him. He missed the woman he loved most. She would have been queen. At least until she tried to kill him.

Who are you trying to fool? he asked himself. You would have married her anyway if she hadn’t disappeared.

Did you say something, majesty? Commander Amyx asked.

Ethan shook his head. He waved the soldiers back not wanting them to follow too closely. He closed his eyes again and took another deep breath. He raised his arms out at his sides allowing his other senses to experience the sea. The smell and taste of the salt in the air filled his nose and mouth. The sound of the waves crashing further out on the shore roared in his ears before they gently washed up and licked at his feet.

His mind wandered back to the last time he stood here. He saw himself standing in the water much like he currently stood. Kenneth bounded up from behind him sending them both into the ocean. He still heard the giggling behind them. There stood Mina, her brown hair blowing in the wind. He recalled how much he loved her. He stood up and chased her around into the water. He watched the sea splash with every step she took. After catching her he swept her up in his arms. She wrapped hers around his neck. Sometimes he still felt her kisses, especially when he dreamed.

The king suddenly opened his eyes and lowered his arms at the sound of his nervous commander. Majesty, I think we should return to the palace. I have had a bad feeling about that ship since we stepped out of the carriage.

Ethan looked back down the beach at the pier. Except for the rush of the waves and several gulls, everything was quiet. A large ship with merchant markings was moored at the end of the pier, out where the land suddenly fell off into deeper water. Ethan considered the commander’s words a moment. He knew the young commander was not prone to cowardice. Amyx had served him faithfully over the last several years. Even putting his body on the line for his king and he received an arrow in the shoulder for his effort during the only assassination attempt against him, shortly after Ethan was crowned king.

Something was not right about the ship. Not that a merchant ship didn’t belong in the ports of Eden. Traders from nearby islands and even the kingdoms Eden shared borders with, often stopped to buy supplies for longer voyages. The problem with the ship was it seemed deserted.

None of the usual expected activities were taking place. Men should be swarming the decks and pier either making repairs to the ship or unloading cargo. King Ethan’s spirit suddenly became unsettled and a knot formed. He knew the feeling well. It was one that indicated Elyon was trying to speak to him. Then it came to him. Even if those activities were scheduled to take place later in the day, no captain would leave his ship without some men on the deck to discourage stowaways, thieves or other trespassers.

I think you’re right, commander, the king said.

He gave the order to return to the palace. A moment later, he saw that he had given the order too late. Suddenly, two men appeared on the deck of the ship. One held a scope to one eye and stared right at the king and his men. The man was too far away to recognize specific features but he clearly lowered the scope and spoke to the other man. Obediently, the other ran to the mast and a large flag unfurled as it was raised.

Ethan did not recognize who the symbols on the flag represented but he did know what they meant. Pirates. The king drew his sword as he watched dozens of men rush out of the shadows from under the pier, swords drawn and axes ready. The horde of marauders stopped as one and looked up at the man standing on the ship’s deck.

The king didn’t have to see it to know the man on the ship smiled wickedly. The king turned to his men as Commander Amyx encouraged the others. They were sorely outnumbered. The king saw the horses pulling his coach became agitated at the noise. He saw that the carriage driver maintained control of the horses but there would be know way the carriage would be able to reach them before the pirates did or before the pirates captured the carriage. Ethan knew these men would likely die today on this beach in service to their king and it saddened his heart.

Commander Amyx turned to the king. Majesty, I suggest you leave us. Go in any direction but that one, he said with a quick nod toward the small army of marauders that now stood between them and the palace.

Ethan considered his options. Everything came back down to two choices. Run or die. He didn’t want to leave his men. Never one to run from a fight Ethan was torn between leading his men in the battle and preserving his kingdom.

What were the chances? Ethan mumbled as he drew his sword.

Pardon me, majesty? the commander asked.

Ethan shook his head to dismiss his comments. There was just no way anyone would have known about this. You all must go with me, the king said.

No, majesty, replied Commander Amyx.

I can’t allow you to—, he started but couldn’t finish the sentence.

Majesty, we must stand our ground here in order to slow their pursuit.

One of the others spoke. He was newly assigned to the king’s protection detail and Ethan had not even learned his name yet. Majesty, we knew the risks when we accepted this post. I’m not afraid to die, especially defending my king.

Deep down he knew his men were right. He did not want to think about turning from the challenge but he had no alternative. He was king. Briefly he thought about how many times he had made reckless choices when his father was alive. Then he could hear his father’s voice telling him to think like the king he was. King Ethan sheathed his sword.

Elyon strengthen all of you, he said. Let them come to you. Running on sand is not easy. They’ll tire faster giving you an advantage.

The man on the ship yelled. It was not a specific word but only a primal scream. The pirates on the beach answered. Ethan turned to run. He ran at an angle across the beach toward the more stable ground. He had just reached the firmer, rocky ground when several men appeared from the direction he ran and immediately surrounded him.

He drew his sword and the half dozen men around him laughed. Obviously they felt confident in their superior numbers.

Look at the king. He is like a mouse in a trap, one of the men said with a strange accent. The others laughed.

He is a mouse king, said another after their laughter died down. He spoke with the same strange accent as the other. Again the others laughed.

Ethan took advantage of their self-imposed distraction. He lashed out at the nearest one of his captors cutting him across the chest. With a back handed slash of his sword he caught another across the side of his face.

Their laughter ended and several sets of hands grabbed him from behind before he could launch a third attack. The king struggled to free himself but there were too many. He was spun around to face the ship. The last he saw before blackness overtook him was Commander Amyx, the last of his guards, struggling to stand up but fall back to the ground.

Chapter 2

It had been a miracle that Commander Amyx survived the attack. An even bigger miracle occurred when a farmer on his way to the local market passed by and found the soldier. The old farmer made it to the palace in time for the commander to say one word. Pirates. By the time Ulysses and a large contingent of the palace guard arrived the pirates were long gone. When questioned, the farmer said he never saw a ship.

Kenneth Tudyk stood at the end of the pier in Myrtle. This port was easily Ethan’s favorite spot in all of Eden. Looking out across the ocean Kenneth thought he understood why. There was definitely a call from the sea as many sailors describe. The view alone was enough for Kenneth to just move here, build a hut on the beach and live off the land. Maybe if it weren’t for his position in the king’s court or his young family he would have considered it. The sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore could have put him to sleep right where he stood but he had to focus now.

Silently he cursed to himself for not being there. He knew how much Ethan liked to walk on the beach at sunrise. As the king’s advisor but more importantly his best friend, he should have anticipated that is what Ethan would have done. Of course who’s to say if he was there he would be able to lead the search for the king now. After all, the commander barely lived now. Only Elyon knew if the man would live or die. He crossed his arms and let the breeze blow in his face, as he searched the horizon, he secretly hoped Elyon would allow him to see the pirate’s ship.

He heard footsteps behind him but did not turn. He didn’t have to. The steady clip clop of hooves on the wooden planks of the pier told him who approached. His gaze lingered at the view a few moments longer before turning to face his friends. The breeze from the ocean blew his long black hair around his face. He walked toward those approaching him.

Ulysses, his missing friend’s high general was also the captain of the king’s personal guard, walked toward him with two others. The hair on his head and the mane that ran down his neck and back was a dark brown. The horse part of his body was a brilliant copper. His muscular human torso seemed to have more muscles covering it than any two men that Kenneth had ever met. His dark eyes were set in granite like face.

The centaur had taken the disappearance of the king personally. He admitted to Kenneth he felt like he failed the king. Kenneth understood why. He’d probably feel the same way but Kenneth had to remind Ulysses of the king’s stubborn streak. If there was something Ethan wanted or wanted to do he would do everything in his power to see it done. He had been that way since they were children. It had been both a blessing and at times a curse.

To the centaur’s left walked a tall almost bronze looking elf. Kiat Fambre was his name and he led a group of Tulchin elves that the king had been negotiating with to provide protection under the banner of Eden. Tulchin elves were normally a nomadic and warring race. They had been known to wipe out clans of their own people for no apparent reason. Kiat approached the king with an offer of peace. At least he claimed he wanted peace. Kenneth didn’t believe the Tulchin were capable of peace. He had warned Ethan repeatedly. In fact it would not surprise him if Kiat was behind the king’s disappearance.

On the other side of Ulysses walked someone Kenneth thought he’d not see again.

Atherton, it’s good to see you. Kenneth said when the trio was close enough. The guardian stood taller then the three of them and as always dressed in all white. A key figure in the king’s rise to power, the guardian had been sent by Elyon to watch over Ethan. He became a friend to both of them over the course of the year that followed before Ethan became king. He left for his next assignment at the king’s coronation. Kenneth had seen him occasionally over the five years that had passed since they first met. The last time had been more than three years ago.

This is the beach where King Lyons disappeared? Kiat asked.

The carriage driver got away. He says they were ambushed as the king walked, Ulysses said. There was a ship docked here but he didn’t know where it had come from. We found the pier clerk dead. So there were no records of the ship’s origin.

I’m sure he’s alive, Atherton said. The wind made his long blonde hair encircle his face like a lion’s mane.

Why do you say that? Kiat asked.

"It seems to me that this was a