Invisible Wings

By Nicole Hewitt

A swift evilness comes over the lands from the north destroying all peoples and places before it. As countries and empires tarry and fall many lose hope. As the first book in The Edge of a Sword series readers are introduced to a world of shrinking magic and growing peril. Elves, humans and half-bloods struggle to live together and to resist the evil armies descending from the north. Once the world looked to the elvin-fairies, a magical race of tall winged beings but with them deceased for over a hundred years hope dwindles. As countries fall and the darkness spreads heroes rise and stand strong while they can, delaying the coming storm with strength of will and sheer desperation. Yet all know these are only delays in steady losses.
Sylvia Gruith of Larentra is of an ancient line of magical beings; this is her blessing and her curse. While she has magical powers beyond that of the current world she also struggles to live in hiding because such power can easily be misused. From a queenly figure as the High Lady of Larentra to a terrified victim of evil men, she desperately hides for fear of her life and her future.
Derik is a rogue soldier traveling with a mage and his young apprentice hoping to make up for a shadowy past. When the trio encounters the frightened woman Derik becomes determined to protect her whether she likes it or not despite the cost. Secrets are revealed, relationships grow and disaster strikes! This new, unlikely couple must navigate a way to survive or risk perishing alone. If they can just make it through these struggles they hope for a clear path to the weighty goal of saving the world from impending doom.
While few know about Sylvia the few that do hope she will be the key to solve the turmoil of the world. However, the frightened young woman is no match for what she will face. Furthermore to forward their plans her secrets must be broadcast to the world, a cost Sylvia is unwilling to pay.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 18, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475990294

Nicole Hewitt

Nicole Hewitt calls Alberta, Canada home and lives in Edmonton to attend university for a Biology-turned-English degree. From her small town start, she has had the privilege of calling several regions of Alberta and British Columbia her home. This is her first novel.

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Copyright © 2013 Nicole Hewitt.

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.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-9028-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-9030-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-9029-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013908547

iUniverse rev. date: 6/13/2013

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

A special thanks

to all those who helped me with this book.

Especially

to my wonderful, encouraging sister who wouldn’t let me give up

And

My cousin Caleb who dedicated hours of his time to

custom design

so much of this cover for me.

Your skills are truly outstanding, thank you very much.

~ Also to my friends and readers ~

I hope you enjoy this book as I have.

The Edge of a Sword: Book 1

Invisible Wings

Timeline of Major History:

6000 years previous: (approx.)

Unrecorded times.

4000 years previous: (approx.)

Rare records are found from this time onward, very few records found are considered readable.

Era of Clear Vision begins.

Era of Star Light

Era of Retribution

Era of Storms

300 years previous: (approx.)

Dragons disappear from existence; explanation given is that all were slain.

Era of Renewal begins

140 years previous: (approx.)

The elvin-fairies fall in one day. Their last city of Centuria is in ruins, no one knows what happened, no one from either side survived to tell the story.

Age of Night and Steel – first era named by the human race

Current Time:

The fate of the countries of the Light is uncertain, the darkness spreads destroying countries with little resistance. Among the people of the Light hope dies but some hope for salvation; when will the Light choose to aid its people?

CHAPTER 1

Age of Night and Steel; Year One Hundred Thirty-Eight:

Year twenty-two of Larentra’s king;

Location; Larentra:

One year before present:

S ylvia, beautiful and innocent, but not yet seventeen, saw the assailant coming at her. And she froze up, helpless to do more than watch him come, long sword blade already swinging down at her. Then, amazingly, she saw her father somehow cross the room in time to intercept the blade! Yet something wasn’t right, even in that accelerated moment of terror she could see that. Across the enemy’s face she saw the smile of victory then she knew it; he had used her to drive out her father to die. NO! Sylvia shrieked as the evil man’s fast sword drove up – and into her father’s chest! He backed a step and Sylvia was at length liberated from her powerless fright to dash and catch him, her father whom she loved more than anyone. But she was too late, he was already dead.

Humph, said the killer above her, he wore a demeanor that said they were nothing to him, not even a challenge, and he looked at her. Sylvia wanted to cast some sort of attack but was too upset to focus, too shaken to think of any spell. Looking up in terror she realized he didn’t come to make an example in killing her father, he came to wipe out the whole line, what was left of it. Sylvia gasped in alarm and saw him swing his blade down at her, the last of the house of Gruith, rulers of Larentra! NO! I won’t let you silence us that easily!

Dropping her father she jarred back from his short swing, right arm reflexively raised to block the blade, she screamed as it cut down along the inside of her arm, cutting away unto her bones! He swung his blade around with extra flourish, showing the simplicity of killing off the royal line before he swung to finish her. Sylvia yanked on her father’s sword and felt magic surge in her as she pushed it with all her might forward and up! She heard his ribs breaking as it plunged impossibly quick into his chest, a sword whose blade suddenly glowed white as she buried it into the killer. His murdering swipe stopped as his eyes lost focus but instead of feeling victory she recoiled in her right arm’s pain.

Auugh! she cried out in more than one type of pain she saw blackness in her arm along the wound that could likely kill her on its own. The blackness spread and she was repulsed and afraid as the man who inflicted it was forsaken from life. A shadow blade; the darkness was a poison of evil, if it spread either it would turn her to evil, to darkness against her own will, or it would kill her.

Blood dribbled from her arm to the floorboards but she ignored it, ignored the shadow taint in her too, looking to her dead father instead. Father, she crawled back to him and cried as she touched his face with her left hand, her hand without the blood, I am sorry father, I just couldn’t cast! I’m so sorry… now you’re gone.

She felt so guilty, so worthless, if only she could have cast a spell – almost any spell! Why didn’t she use it, why couldn’t she use it? The tips of her fingers on her left hand began glowing with a healing spell she didn’t even realize she was casting. She wanted to sob. Yet if she gave up now then her father would have died in vain. After all, his death meant she was no longer a simple princess anymore; she was the sole ruler of their kingdom, her kingdom. She was truly the High Lady of Larentra.

Sylvia looked towards the broken, open door to the dim outside of the empty armory. She sat on the floorboards alone, wondering if she was safe or if there was another who would kill her if she let him. She needed to heal; now. The longer she waited the more the poison taint of darkness did to her, the more likely she’d die or turn. But if she healed she would fall unconscious… she could heal one hundred others, but not herself without becoming completely defenseless for several hours. Her head spun with the loss of blood and she saw the darkness spreading up into her shoulder. If she didn’t do it now it would be too late! She had to risk it.

So Sylvia moved her left hand to her open wound and clenched her teeth as she pulled it shut, concentrating on the strands of power inside her forming a healing spell. The spell lit her whole hand in white light as she screamed in pain. She shook with it but wouldn’t let go she increased the power instead knowing it needed to be faster! She screamed again and felt tears falling fast from her eyes. Sylvia screamed more for a couple minutes, then, as she tried hard to finish the spell she fell atop the body of her father and all went dark.

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Sylvia woke gradually at first, feeling reality sluggishly dawn upon her not bothering to open her eyes or even move at first. Up until she remembered what happened, then her sky blue eyes flew open and she abruptly froze. She wasn’t on the body of her father, she wasn’t even on the floorboards or in the armory, she was laying in the soft, sticky dirt littered with the earliest puerile plants of spring. She was on her right side fair blond hair in the dirt; her hands were bound with thick rope. Her heart stopped, where was she and what happened? She had to get free!

She moved her arms silently so she could see the bonds better. If she cast fire, light and frost in one stream maybe she could make the rope burn just enough to undo her bonds. But when she tried to cast her magic was stolen, a spell cast on her to stop her magic from working! Young Sylvia’s stomach turned in fear and her heart accelerated.

I have cast a muffle spell on you my lady. She flinched at the man’s voice behind her; she tried to hide her fear and rolled slightly to see him, having to turn her head all the way, he was some kind of soldier. The commander of sorts with magic was sitting on a small wooden stool watching her, behind him she saw tents and more soldiers, all human, all young men, like him. On average not many human men had magic, maybe one in fifty, it was surprising he had magic. She turned back to lie still and quiet, numbing her mind to what this might mean.

She heard him rise, What did you do with my father’s body? Sylvia asked without turning, she heard him step to, then over her hips to be in front of her, he turned and crouched low in front of her face so she’d see him. Her eyes rolled up to his face, his features were both handsome and hard and his eyes a strange grey-brown, they peered down at her without compassion. There was something else in those eyes, something that made her wish he’d go, something chilling.

Is that all you wish to know…? The soldier, around twenty-five by appearance, shrugged at her choice of questions. We left both bodies, Sylvia cringed, her father was left; what a terrible end for such a good king, not even buried. I didn’t know who they were, didn’t care to find out; but that does not matter now. He reached forward, and when she realized he was going to touch her she pushed her cheek further into the cold dirt and mud, his knuckles caressed her raised cheek. She felt chills at the stranger’s touch. But you, my lady, you are beautiful, I do care about finding out who you are.

Age of Night and Steel; Year One Hundred Thirty-Nine:

One year after Larentra’s fall and the fall of three more adjacent lands:

Location; Lands of the King of Thrayse:

Present Time.

O h great, the young man said sarcastically about the people coming into the inn, customers."

A woman, part elf and part human looked over at the older man, younger man and young woman, all human, coming in. The younger man who wore armor under his cloak slammed the door shut against the early spring chill; they moved to a table near the hearth and sat with their backs to the wall. While it was officially spring and the first daring plants were popping through the diminished snow it was still cold. Cold enough a thick cloak or coat was necessary, especially in the evenings or the dark, like presently. Shouldn’t you be happy? She asked her new friend, still smiling from laughs they had shared. There aren’t many travelers anymore, now that the evil is spreading… She trailed off as her smile vanished. The spreading evil had dealt her, even at the young age of seventeen, several personal blows.

Well yea, he said, reluctantly getting up from behind the counter where her ale sat, "but I would rather they come when I’m not runnin’ the inn and tavern, I hate this stuff!"

She laughed at the young man with the plain brown hair and skeleton-like frame; he wasn’t unhealthy, just not filled out yet. He was lanky and lazy, yet cute and entertaining. He was still young so could still learn, about a year younger than she was, sixteen-ish. Despite his grumbly-lazy personality he was also optimistic with a twinkle in his mid-brown eyes; she had enjoyed his company the last three days while she stayed in a room upstairs. His family owned the inn and Trevor was always trying to get out of work. Here! she snatched his towel from over the counter, I will show you how it’s done!

As she stood and turned away he protested, But Lady Sylvia, he leaned forward just enough to grab her shoulder, you have no sword or dagger, what if they mean you harm?

Sylvia nearly laughed at the too thin brown haired boy, "Visitors to this tiny inn? What, was I a danger too! He still seemed unsure, Come now Trevor, wake up that brain of yours, she joked, it’s an old man, a young woman and a young soldier within a couple years of me!"

He didn’t let go, she smiled and tipped her head to the side, it was so cute how he was trying to protect her, If you’re so concerned then come with me, maybe you’ll learn something! She laughed lightly, then beautiful blond, long haired Sylvia pulled away and walked gracefully and purposely toward the table. She glanced back as she reached it to see Trevor hurry to catch up. Good evening lords, lady, what can I get for you? just as Trevor called her a lady the titles were only respectful, not necessarily true.

The old man met her eyes and for a moment her heart froze, he was no ordinary traveler, he was a man of great magic and power, she could feel it. She quickly diverted her sky blue eyes to look just beyond his ear, she knew if any man could find secrets to endanger her in locking eyes he could. His expression and how she felt the magic stir in him told her she was too slow, he saw something; hopefully not enough to recognize as a true oddity…

Myself, said his old, gravely, but strong voice beneath his white mustache and above that beard that only added to his mage-like appearance. Sylvia wondered if they had to grow those as badges of their position the way soldiers wore the marks of their country or sovereign upon their armor. The thought was gone swiftly as she concentrated on keeping him from looking directly in her eyes as he continued, and my companions would like whatever you have cooking now, some ale, and lodging for the night.

We presently have a large roast on the kitchen fire, she said we not only to keep up the act, she hoped the association would dampen the mage’s suspicion of her. The mage would easily know, as she did, that neither Trevor nor his family had any magic, so her association might make him doubt what he might have seen, fresh buns, mashed potatoes, sauce gravy, and some dried fruit from the High Plain in the west. Does this please you sir? she was careful not to lock his eyes.

Yes.

How many rooms do you require?

Two will be fine, with individual beds.

Do you have animals we can lodge for you sir? he nodded and nearly locked her gaze, she quickly looked away. They will be seen to immediately my lord. Is there anything else you require lord? She was silently praying they’d just dismiss her.

Lady, how did you get that scar? her eyes darted to the younger man, the soldier. He had very dark brown hair and even darker eyes that were surprisingly warm despite their dark appearance. He motioned to her right arm with his large strong hand, he was a real soldier by the callouses on that hand. Also, contrasting that, his voice had no slang; he was educated. His leather and iron armguard started at his wrist and vanished beneath his dark brown cloak from where he pointed. She couldn’t see marks of any country or sovereign on his breastplate but that didn’t mean they weren’t where the cloak covered. Nor did it mean he was a mercenary even if there wasn’t any, he was likely a mere guard to the mage and red haired woman.

Sylvia’s eyes darted to that pointing finger once more, it was her arm, the inside of her arm and the ugly and marbled, red and white scar that covered it. It was the reason Trevor hadn’t just given her his dagger for protection but came along. Her arm was generally limp and her hand unskilled because of it, she was learning to write with her left hand because of that scar. She tried to hide her nervousness as she looked down at it. Oh this? she faked a casual smile, An accident, that’s all. She said it quickly, too quickly; she nearly cringed at her stupid mistake but stopped herself. The soldier’s brows still rose in suspicion – it was the other man who put her on the edge to mess up like that! Hadn’t she lied flawlessly about this scar a so many times already?

May I ask of the type of accident? he asked again, his dark brown, almost back eyes holding her like a vice. It wasn’t magic that held her but fear she was trying to keep suppressed.

I, uh… She pulled her eyes away and looked back at her almost-lame arm, she couldn’t think looking into those dark eyes. So she concentrated on her arm a moment, the sword wound up the inside of her right arm, from just above her wrist up past her elbow, didn’t allow her a firm grip with that hand. It was so ugly, so noticeable, and so crippling. It was cut my lord. She said after too long a pause. Her eyes widened in her stupid answer, yet another mistake! Suddenly terrified she whirled and dashed for the kitchen, fleeing them, not waiting for dismissal or any more questions! Trevor gave her a strange and confused look as she pushed past him, she didn’t care – she had to get out of there! She collapsed in a corner of the kitchen and huddled so she couldn’t be seen. Please don’t come after me, please, please do not come after me! she whispered. A few seconds later she heard footsteps, panic hit her.

Why did you do that… Lady Sylvia? she was relieved at Trevor’s voice and sighed as she stood on weak, flimsy legs. Were you hidin’ – are you cryin’? What’s the matter?

Sylvia was quick to wipe away two tears she hadn’t realized she’d shed. I must go Trevor… I must leave now. Sylvia burst out, jumping at the sound of the fear in her own voice.

No Sylvia, if they’re a problem I’ll tell them to leave, it’s that simple.

He’s a mage Trevor! she burst out, You cannot order a mage to leave! her voice went so high it cut itself off, No, she took hold of her emotions and shook her head, it isn’t them anyways, she lied, I just realized I must go. Trevor looked stunned, like she’d just slammed him with a frying pan for no reason whatsoever. Then she took a startled breath remembering something important, Trevor, I need you to go to my room, there’s a little box on the dresser, a gold box, I need you to bring it to me.

Wh-why are you leavin’?

Trevor listen to me, she tried again, conscious time was fleeting along with all chance of her escape, in my room upstairs… there’s a small box. She caught his attention again and motioned with her pointer and thumb, a cube small enough to comfortably fit in one hand. It’s a gold box with designs on it; I need you to hurry and get it for me. I’ll go saddle the horse. Since being at the inn she practiced until she was finally able to saddle a horse with one hand, she was now pretty good at it.

What- what about the rest of your stuff? he stammered.

Sell it, burn it, trade it, I don’t care! Please Trevor; just go get me the box!

Trevor stared at her stunned and heartbroken, But Sylvia, I don’t want you to go, I thought you might stay forever. His eyes dropped a moment then came up hopefully.

Now she felt bad for the boy, Oh Trevor, she closed the small gap between them and kissed his cheek, that is all there is of us, a casual kiss to the cheek; nothing more. She said it very softly, Now please do me one last favor, I need the box. He at long length nodded and she sighed relief and kissed his cheek again, Please go Trevor, go and get it now.

Alright Lady Sylvia, he nodded reluctantly, I’ll go get-

This box? She gasped as she spun to the kitchen doorway; there stood the soldier with her box. He raised one dark brow higher above his too-dark eyes at her horror, What’s in it Lady Sylvia?

Please, she was suddenly begging, coming over to him despite her fear because of her need of the little box "please give it back to me! I need it! Please!"

Come and sit, he said without handing it back, he signaled her past him and to the table, we need to talk. The old mage and the red haired woman sat looking back at her, waiting. Sylvia hesitated, terrified. But when she looked at the soldier again his eyes demanded she go. So, biting her lower lip she made her legs carry her past him into the room, careful about where her eyes touched as he followed her back to the table. When she stopped only paces from the round, rough-but-polished-smooth table he pulled out a chair for her, she sat as he moved into his spot beside her.

Beside the soldier sat the mage, his back to the wall beside the hearth, beside him sat the red haired woman, her back to the hearth as well. The woman’s hair was up in a complex knot before streaming down her back behind her face of strictly human features. Her nose and cheeks were spotted with orange freckles that were faded after the long winter. Bring one more plate for your friend here boy. The soldier called to Trevor the kitchen. Then he set the precious box on the table. Sylvia lifted her hands, No, don’t touch it. He told her in a smooth but warning tone, Sylvia dropped her hands to her lap, all eyes were upon her. In the mage she felt magic stir again and bowed her face even lower to look at her lap.

Who are you Miss Sylvia? the mage asked her, If that is even your name.

She raised her face fast in defense and met his eyes for half a second – before she realized what she was doing and dropped her face again, trying to suppress her fear all over again. "That is my name; I am no liar my lord." She was a little angry at herself for being so foolish and angry at them for assuming she was untrue.

Then tell us what your full name is Sylvia and from where you hail. He spoke with an annoyed voice trying to be patient.

She suppressed a shiver and raised her eyes cautiously to look at her box, she dared not lie in case he saw through it, if she did he might steal box back. Sylvia drew a shaky breath to calm herself and lifted her face, still looking at her precious box. I am High Lady Sylvanous Gruith, the Light and Defender of Larentra. She said lifting her eyes, but not to lock his, with at least a little of the courage her title deserved. It was a title of royalty, the equivalent of a High Lady a queen or a co-ruling princess. She used to be the latter, her father was the king and High Lord, she the princess and High Lady.

The mage was surprised, as were the other two, they hadn’t expected a proper title, let alone royalty; who would? Larentra has fallen, the mage said, I was told only a few refugees made it out in time and they went south.

Sylvia nodded her eyes falling again, It happened too fast for a proper defense to be assembled, and it didn’t help that my father was already dead…

Already dead? the soldier asked, stunned by what she added to the year-old news, How?

Now Sylvia looked back at her scar. He killed my father, she could see him again in her mind’s eye in the final moments of her father’s life, then when I rushed to a dying man he turned his blade on me! Her voice was surprisingly strong, anger making it strong rather than sorrow making it weak anymore. She had been weak for so long, she never wanted to be weak again.

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When Sylvia’s eyes came up to the soldier’s eyes he was surprised to see the light blue eyes storming like wild waves on the sea and watched as they went dark, all the way to a deep navy! He swung, but he knew I carried no weapon, so it was the blow before the killing blow! He should have killed me then, but he was so sure of himself. She stated cynically, I got my father’s sword and I killed the man! her voice was firm but no longer angry, her eyes calmed and went back to their normal light blue before him in less than two seconds. He had never seen such a thing. Maybe that was why old Mage Garvin had told him to make her sit with them, maybe that was what he saw.

Now Garvin looked at the small gold box of some sort. When he, Derik, heard her plead for it before the boy he went and quickly found it in her room. He couldn’t find the way to open it but he hadn’t the time to properly look either. Derik looked at it and saw Sylvia notice Garvin’s gaze also upon it, she tensed. Whatever was in there she didn’t want it seen. Garvin looked at her and again she dropped her eyes quickly just as Derik noticed her do earlier. At first Derik thought she might have mistook Garvin for someone else and was afraid because of that assumption. However, after seeing her eyes do that, Derik wondered if there was more to this situation. She appeared human; maybe with some elf mixed in, but elves couldn’t do that either, so what was she? And why had she been so desperately endeavoring to escape them? And what were those moving, colour changing eyes?

What is in your valuable box my girl? Garvin asked leaning forward, May I?

NO! Please! she cried out, practically meeting his eyes before she jerked her face away to stare into her lap. Derik noticed her hands on her lap squeezing one another to keep from reaching for the box; she was in turmoil. At that point Garvin reached for the box but before he attained it a bubble-like form enveloped it. Some sort of protective barrier, Derik didn’t understand why Garvin cast it. Then Garvin frowned at it and looked at Sylvia who still had her face bowed.

That is not very entertaining young lady. He lectured, then Derik understood and was again surprised. She had cast it to protect her box! Just then the scrawny boy came bustling out of the kitchen with the awaited food.

Lady Sylvia, are you alright… Derik was about to tell him to get lost but Lady Sylvia looked up and smiled at him instead.

We need the ale too Trevor, she said sweetly, not a trace of apprehension in her voice although her hands were juddering on her lap where Derik could perceive them, I’m fine Trevor, we are merely visiting; they know my brother. She smiled at the boy and pretended to look at Garvin, but again she avoided his eyes, It sure can seem a small world sometimes.

Now the boy appeared to relax, sighing in his release, believing the story easily. "Alright then, did you want your ale from before