Chronicles of Collandonia: The Dawn of Change

By R. L. Waterstone

The boys eyes were swollen, the cut on his lip was not healing well, and he was still badly bruised and scratched.

Xelphea and its neighboring nations of Perlador, Ammyl, and Voerlow have known peace for more than half of a millennium. However, Voerlow has not forgotten its loss in that long-ago war. The bitter, warlike nations monarch is ailing and soon to pass on the throne to his wicked son, Kellup. Upon assuming his place as the leader of Voerlow, he attacks and leaves his gentle brother for dead, then hatches a plan to help him take over Xelphea by kidnapping its king and queen and turning them into his slaves. AnnaLusia, an Ammylite, has served as the Xelphean royal governess for almost her entire centuries-long life. When Kellups plot results in Queen Delshannas kidnapping, she uses her magic powers to protect the ruler she helped raise and try to establish peace in Collandonia.

Good fantasy fiction should always strike a balance of having one foot in the exciting and impossible and the other planted in the real world with characters that are charming and accessible. This story, the first in a planned trilogy, establishes that well, doing most of its world-building with politics and then treating the audience to magical powers and abilities with the kind of afterthought that a narrator and a world familiar with them would provide. The pacing of the book is crisp and quick, making it very easy for any reader to devour and indulge innot just those looking for a new realm to explore. Without getting bogged down in mythical terminology or requiring readers to consult a map as a reference guide, this is a fantasy book that is fun to read and hard to put down. Perfect for a quiet weekend or some relaxing reading before bed, this title should be appealing to more than just those dedicated to the genre.

The US Review of Books

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jun 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9781490778761

R. L. Waterstone

After resettling in the States, R.L Waterstone began to work on what she had found inspiration to write while living in England. It became a trilogy. She wanted to write a fantasy that didnt follow cliches so, love, bravery, sacrifice, and integrity come to prove more important than a stash of treasure or a talisman, in fulfilling the prophecy. However, those are included, along with dragons and little people.

Book preview

Copyright 2017 R. L. Waterstone.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

isbn: 978-1-4907-7878-5 (sc)

isbn: 978-1-4907-7877-8 (hc)

isbn: 978-1-4907-7876-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017904903

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Contents

List of Important Characters

Part One

~Premonitions~

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Part Two

~Plans~

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Part Three

~Transitions~

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

Part Four

~Three Journeys~

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Part Five

~Moving On~

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Part Six

~The Calm Before the Storm~

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

"Chronicles of Collandonia is a cozy and absorbing fantasy that moves quickly through its quests.

Questions of morality and of what makes one human are at the forefront of R. L. Waterstone’s familiar-feeling medieval fantasy novel, Chronicles of Collandonia: The Dawn of Change. Here, magic may seep into everyday life, but universal questions about identity and community also prevail."

-Foreword Clarion Reviews

Indeed, Waterstone’s major strength is her knack for creating winsome and engaging characters, figures that defy the stereotypes of the genre with their depth. . . These characters help bring an otherwise standard fantasy tale to life in an interesting and engaging way. Longtime fantasy fans may feel like they’re navigating some familiar conceptual territory with this book, but the text offers hints of narrative innovation to come from an able and competent author.

-Blue Ink Review

"The author introduces some characters and then drops them, perhaps planning to use them in future volumes. This leaves readers wondering about those players’ roles. Of course, another way to look at this is that Waterstone wishes to leave the audience wanting more. She has definitely accomplished that.

This engrossing series opener delivers a colorful, well-developed fantasy world."

-Kirkus Indie

This series is dedicated to all who try to make this world a better place to inhabit.

May our dreams prove to be prosperous.

Thank You to everyone who inspired and encouraged me to keep on writing this story, even through hard times. Special thanks to Mom, John, and Yui.

List of Important Characters

Xelphea:

King Avander, Queen Delshanna, and Princess Marissa

AnnaLusia Gaines ~ Royal Governess

Sir Chauncey

Sir Blake

Arron of Medrikstoke ~ King Avander’s messenger

Baron Colwyn Talonbrook of Beraleigh,

and Baroness Maura Talonbrook

Baronet Dietrich of Highmoor

Justfane of Northmead

Justfane’s children ~ Anzel, Cleary, and Haville

Resa Leighland

Resa’s son ~ Nath

Rowan and Laurel Midgarth

James and Tamsin Tibble

Jenna

Shel

Voerlow:

King Greelowe, Crown Prince Kellup, and Prince Steff

Supreme Commander General Luther Navish

Frillig ~ King Kellup’s messenger

Rordan ~ Medicine Man

Forruff

Jade

Mandor

Gratt

Ammyl:

King Holden, Queen Lorice

High Advisor Feldann Riquard

Harris – King Holden’s messenger

Onyxa

AnnaLusia’s relatives:

Shipmaster Easton Gaines II (Brother)

Kyrain and Cassia (Sisters)

Easton (Sloth) Gaines III (Nephew)

Elsie Gaines (Sloth’s granddaughter)

Perlador:

King Ellard, Queen Marryn

Sir Raul

Part One

Part%20One%20Final.jpg

Chapter 1

In the pink and lilac dawn, the rising sun shining on the frost made everything shimmer. Fruit and magnolia trees already showed buds in great abundance. Crocuses, lily of the valley, snowdrops, and hyacinths were pushing up in the grounds of Braelea Castle. Mist hovered over the village of Brianstone below, and subdued the colours of the soft downs and farmland flanking the vista. The thawing River of Nether flowed from the west, wound through the village and underneath a bridge like a silver snake, and slid into the forest in the distant north. A few of the houses below had smoke rising from their chimneys as early risers were beginning their day.

AnnaLusia stood gazing down on it all from a window in the northeast turret. The light caused her to squint slightly, but the youth of her soul shone in her clear blue eyes. Her soft face was almost unwrinkled, giving her the appearance of being much younger than she was. Her long, white hair, which moved gently in the breeze, was the only thing that gave a hint of her age. She wore a midnight blue velvet robe, and slippers patterned with blue and silver threads.

She felt weary, as she had not slept well the night before. Usually she loved this time of year, when things began to change in preparation for new life. However, this time she felt as if something was different. She sensed a change coming that would bring more than a new season.

The anniversary of her birth was approaching, and Queen Delshanna was planning an elaborate celebration, even though AnnaLusia was from Ammyl. It was Ammylite custom to only have an actual celebration of a person’s birth on the day itself. Although she did not want the attention, she did not feel that this was what was making her uneasy.

As if someone my age could enjoy such a thing, she thought, with amusement.

Ammylites lived simply in their home islands, although some would immigrate to Xelphea or Perlador, and preside as healers, advisors, and professors. The strict education they received as children included philosophy, sciences, and the history of all the known territories, going back even beyond when the Xelpheans and Perladors had begun to record theirs. These things made them very wise, understanding, well respected, and highly valued. AnnaLusia was a royal governess.

Ammylites usually held their chosen positions through generations of Xelphean or Perlador employment, as they lived a life span of nearly three hundred and fifty years, compared to the expectancy of sixty to one hundred for Xelpheans, Perladors, and Voerlans. This was to be AnnaLusia’s three hundred and twenty-fifth year. She had been given the northeast turret to commemorate her one hundred and fiftieth.

The sharp cry of a strange bird jarred her thoughts, and set her doves fluttering and cooing. She did not see the bird, but a chill suddenly took hold of her, and she quickly closed the shutters. She went to the other window and closed it as well. The lighting was dim with only the night lamps lit, but the room still held warmth; though the fire was down to embers.

Onyxa, the white raven, saw the shutters close as she approached, changed course, and flew up to the top of the chimney.

I did not mean to frighten her, Onyxa thought, Well, at least I have seen The One, even though I could not get very close. What an honour!

She took flight again, back to the warmer climate of Ammyl. She was not wondering at all what had made The One close up the shutters. The wind in her feathers was cold. She was used to the sometimes-sweltering temperatures of the desert lands south of the Sea of Ittall. The feather ruffling she got while flying there was pleasant.

AnnaLusia sat down in one of the two high-backed wooden chairs at the small, round table beside the second window, which had belonged to her mother. It had mother-of-pearl inlay, and seashells carved into the dark wooden rim and legs. She stared absently at the unlit candle sitting on it. It had gone out earlier when she had opened the shutters above it. She heard the bell toll faintly, down in the village.

All around her were small portrait paintings of her former child charges. There were also tapestries depicting scenes of her homeland. Shelves built into the walls displayed books, scrolls, and beautiful seashells.

There was a dressing table with birds’ claws carved at the bottoms of the legs against the south wall, below a large mirror framed in wood. Both were intricately carved with flowers and flourishes. A large cabinet with three doors, the middle of which was set with stained glass scenes of the seasons, contained letters and various other things which she had been sent by family and friends in Ammyl. A display cabinet held the doll she had brought when she had first arrived at the age of seventeen, as well as favourite toys of her past charges, crafts they had made at various stages, and gifts she had received from children in the village. The drapes and coverlet of her bed were richly embroidered with birds and flowers in vivid colours.

The arrow slits in the walls had long been unused for the purposes of war, as there had been peace for five hundred and seventy years. They had been filled in with glass of various colours, cut to fit their contours. This had been done in each of the upper turrets, and gave the appearance of the walls being set with gems. The effect was stunning at night when light from inside illuminated them.

The fireplace was in the middle of the room, the chimney rising through the peak of the slate-tiled roof. A light-blue cloth-covered, padded chair sat near it. Beside that stood a silver-gilt cage where the five white doves conversed quietly with one another. Their cooing reminded her of the sound of the wind blowing through the wooden tubes hung in doorways in her childhood village, Dorne.

AnnaLusia had come to Braelea Castle through her father’s chance meeting with King Justone of Xelphea. The King’s ship had been held unexpectedly for repairs, and he could not delay his return to Xelphea. He had chosen the finest ship in the docks at the time, on which to travel back. It belonged to AnnaLusia’s father, Shipmaster Easton Gaines. King Justone had taken a liking to Shipmaster Gaines, and, during a conversation, had mentioned that he would need to resume his search for a new governess upon reaching home. The former governess had passed on.

It was customary for most Ammylite girls aged sixteen or above to be placed as nannies until they married. Exceptions would go into sciences or politics. AnnaLusia’s sisters, Kyrain, aged eighteen, and Cassia, aged sixteen, had already been placed as nannies. AnnaLusia had been passed up due to her timidness. Easton had felt she would be suited to the Xelphean culture. Around those she knew, she had a vibrant personality. She had also been blessed with superb artistic skills. He believed that, as a royal governess, those qualities would never be stifled. Upon returning to Ammyl, he had insisted to his wife, Vya, that their daughter be given a chance to try the position.

Life at Brianstone had been a drastic change from the always-warm climate of Ammyl, with the constant cries of sea birds and waves to be heard, and the scent of the salt air. Her father and brother had visited her every spring for four years, until her father’s early death. Her brother had taken command of his ship, and married shortly afterward. Her sisters lost interest in writing to her, and she had not seen them, her brother, or her mother since her father’s sending-off.

Her father’s expectations proved to be correct. She had put her best into serving King Justone, Queen Einette, Prince Shim, and Princesses Dera and Mae, and they had loved her immensely.

For the first three years, Justone and Einette had been nervous about losing her to a young Ammylite called Feldann, who had also continued to visit her. He had been one of her childhood playmates, and he had hoped to win her heart and take her back to Ammyl. Unfortunately, for him, she had become as fond of the children she was caring for as she thought she ever could be of any of her own, and she had wanted to stay in Brianstone. She loved the happy and freely expressive disposition of the Xelphean people, compared to the rather monk-like culture in Ammyl, and the scenery of the river, the daub and timber buildings with slate-tiled roofs, and the thatched-roofed cottages. She enjoyed taking her charges to the village fête, the holiday celebrations, and the busy life in the castle. Eventually Feldann reluctantly gave up, and ceased his visits.

She had not let on to anyone how she felt, but knowing she had broken his heart caused her tears when she was alone in the following weeks. She would accept no more than friendship from any man after that. Whether he would ever know it or not, her heart and a part of her soul would always belong to Feldann.

As succeeding generations did not want to part with her, the position she had been given a chance to try had never fallen vacant again.

There was a gentle knock on the door and the little dark-haired, dark-eyed morning maid entered, bringing AnnaLusia’s breakfast.

Good morning, madam, she said, cheerfully.

Good morning, Jenna.

AnnaLusia moved the candle on the table to a place nearer the wall, and Jenna set the tray down. It displayed the usual: a pot of rose hip and chamomile tea, a small pitcher of cream, a bowl of porridge with brown sugar, a currant scone, clotted cream, and a silver spoon. Jenna had added a green bud vase with blossoming cherry twigs and pussy willows standing in it.

It is very dark in here. Would you like me to open the shutters? Jenna asked.

No, I am feeling a bit of a chill this morning. There is plenty of light to see the arrangement you have brought, my dear, and it is lovely, thank you.

I hoped they would cheer you up. Jenna stoked the fire and put on another log. You have seemed a little down these last few days.

AnnaLusia smiled. I believe it has worked.

Jenna brought AnnaLusia a shawl, re-lit the candle from one of the night lamps, then quickly straightened the bedclothes. Would you be needing anything else, madam?

AnnaLusia gave her another grateful smile. No, thank you, Jenna.

Jenna smiled back, curtsied, and left.

AnnaLusia had asked to take Jenna in when she had found her huddled in a doorway in the village the previous winter. Her most recent charge, Queen Delshanna, was twenty-six years of age, and had been able to manage herself for some time, so for the past decade, she had spent some of her time doing things with children in Brianstone to feel useful, and had delivered bairns occasionally. She had been on the way to a call when she had met Jenna.

Nomads had abandoned her at the age of eleven. No one knew if she had been made an orphan, or whatever else might have caused her people to leave her there, and AnnaLusia had decided to leave it until Jenna was ready to tell her about it. To show her gratitude for being taken in, Jenna had asked to be given some duties.

Alone again, AnnaLusia pondered her anxious feelings of late as she ate. Staring at the candle flame made her feel sleepy. She put the little sprig-arrangement onto the windowsill, and went to her chair beside the doves. She settled, adjusted her shawl, and closed her eyes. Suddenly, she heard a muffled sound of a child crying.

Jenna?

She got up and went to the door. There was no one there, nor was there anyone in her sitting room below. Putting it down to her imagination, she went back up the stairs, resettled, and closed her eyes once more. As the fire crackled and the doves cooed, she recalled in a dream, a spring that had brought her much happiness …

King Ardon and Queen Kasimira had given up on having a child of their own, and had been considering choosing one from amongst relatives to become heir. They were Princess Delshanna’s parents. She was the first spring bairn AnnaLusia had helped arrive. She had inherited Queen Kasimira’s dark hair and eyes, fair complexion, and dainty features. She was bright, artistic, imaginative, and loved to please. The latter quality made her the best-behaved child AnnaLusia had ever encountered.

The mist had gone when she awakened. The little birds playing in the ivy that clung to the castle walls put her into a mood to go outside. She dressed in light blue, and put on her grey velvet cloak and matching hood. She descended the stairs through her sitting room and the empty room below, and went out into the east wing hall.

It was paneled with dark oak, and hung with tapestries featuring embroidered and beaded details. They depicted historic events: Scenes of the last war; dark-skinned people from the Cinna Lands, airships among the clouds, armies of mixed colours crossing the land with cappimuses burdened with packs, Xelphean and Cinna soldiers battling the Voerlans, and the last surrender. The one that saddened her most greatly was of a weyr of dragons flying away. They had once been commonplace in the caves, and very protective of the territories they had lived in, but somehow, rumours had begun that they were conspiring to kill all people, and take over the land. Although they were strong, and could have stood their ground for a while, they were outnumbered. They knew eventually they would be conquered, and in fear for their lives, they fled.

AnnaLusia gave the two guards at the large doors of the Great Hall a smile as they opened the smaller door set in the left side for her. They bowed with polite respect. She passed underneath the awning of weeping wisteria, which was not yet donning new growth. The posts and rungs it climbed had long been lost in its twisting branches and offshoots.

The sun was beaming brightly, but as she looked up into the clear sky and drew a deep breath, she still felt as if something dark was in the works.

King Avander and Queen Delshanna had just finished with the morning business. They were a beautiful sight together as they walked arm in arm toward the Queen’s sitting room.

Avander usually dressed in forest-green velvet for audience, as it was his favourite colour, and it suited him very well. His crown was gold, with a cross at the front, and stylized irises and leaves the rest of the way around. His cloak was black velvet, lined with silk, and trimmed with ermine. It was fastened with a gold chain with clasps in the forms of running rabbits. He was thin, but strong, with dark hair, brown eyes, a sweet face, a closely trimmed beard, and his smile could make even the most somber person feel happy.

Delshanna had retained her dainty features, and had grown up to be very elegant and graceful. She was wearing a lilac and white silk gown with violet lacing down both sides. Her shawl was of lilac brocade, and held together by a string of pearls with golden clasps. Her crown was of gold and pearls.

Avander was nearly three years older than Delshanna. They had dedicated their hearts and souls to one another long before they had become promised, but neither could recall when. All they knew was that they had loved each other since their early childhood. They had been married ten years, and had ruled for seven. Delshanna’s parents, Ardon and Kasimira had vanished in an unexpected storm on their way to the Palace Isle of Ammyl. They had been on voyage with the adult royal children of Ammyl: Three sons, and two daughters. Avander ruled Xelphea as his father, Ellard, ruled Perlador. He was just, and followed the same laws he expected his subjects to adhere to. Other Xelphean Kings had been good before him, but he was very gregarious, and his subjects loved him.

The Queen’s sitting room was on the ground floor. It was large, amply furnished for guests, and featured a beautiful harpsichord. The windows stretched vertically from a low level, to near the ceiling, and had stained glass borders with motifs of butterflies, birds, and flowers. The soft furniture and cushions were of fabrics decorated with floral patterns and animals. Large paintings of scenes hung on the walls, and a small writing desk stood in one corner.

Double doors opened onto a terrace, which had steps leading down to the garden. A path led through a tunnel of lilac trees, planted about eight feet apart. Delshanna loved to walk through it, and did so as much as possible during the short season when they were in full bloom.

Delshanna went to a divan by one of the windows.

I have something I wish to speak with you about, she said.

Avander sat down beside her. Seeing she was worried, he picked up her hands, and held them.

What, Shanna? he asked, looking into her eyes with concern.

AnnaLusia. She seems very unlike herself lately. Would you have any ideas as to what could be troubling her?

No, but I have noticed it as well. Perhaps you should ask her.

You know what she is like. I doubt she would tell me.

I do wish she would let us comfort her now and then. She is always thinking about others, but never about herself.

You are right. I shall try asking her, and let you know what she says.

In Voerlow, King Greelowe’s chubby, grey-haired valet was pacing up and down the corridor. The Crown Prince, Kellup, walked smugly past him and entered his father’s dimly lit bedchamber.

The shutters were opened, but the deep-burgundy drapes spanning the three windows were all drawn. The light outside cast a crimson glow into the room through them. There was a strong odour of medicine, incense, and musk.

Although the clothes of the King’s ornate, gold-gilt bed had been changed that morning, he was in no fit state to have visitors. Greelowe was a big, broad man with thick, black hair, dark eyes, a high forehead, and a broad nose. His heavy beard was shabby, and his hair had become matted. He had refused to let anyone tend to them for some time. He had become so ill in both body and mind, that he was loath to be touched by anyone, and even fought the medicine man’s attentions. His formerly white nightshirt was stained with a combination of blood he had coughed up, and medicine and food he had tried to refuse, and spilt on himself. Sometimes he had to be restrained just to allow his caregivers to administer ointments to his sores, and force him to take medicine and nourishment. He had been sedated most of the time for the past month, but his heir refused to accept the obvious. Every day, as his father slipped further away, Kellup still enquired how he was progressing.

Kellup favoured his father, but as he did not have a beard, one could see the noble chin, which seemed befitting of his position. He was wearing all black, including a fur over-vest and the traditional leather shoes with oaken outsoles, typically worn in Voerlow.

His younger brother, Prince Steff, who was also dressed in black, had a slighter build, lighter hair, and hazel eyes. His face was softly rounded, and he had a small nose. He reminded both his father and brother of Queen Aphya. It had two different effects. His father could tolerate him because the love he had felt for his late wife softened his feelings. His brother could not, because the love he had felt for his mother turned his feelings bitter. She had died shortly after his birth thirteen years before, and his brother blamed him.

Greelowe had been ill for years, and had been sending searchers throughout the Kingdom for cures. Although some had brought him improvement, nothing worked