The Orphan's Revenge

By Troy Skog

This is the fourth book in The Kings of Pendar series, I have continued to grow and expand the world and add characters and lore. In this book a new enemy has surfaced from King Edward’s past, one that has proclaimed himself the judge, jury, and executioner for Edward’s perceived crimes. Being able to hide in plain sight means the chances for those closest to Edward to intervene in time to save the king’s life are a long shot. With a new threat to the throne, and the king’s protector falsely imprisoned for murder, the responsibility falls to a new generation of hero’s to protect the lineage of The Kings of Pendar.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Troy Skog
• Release date: Aug 29, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463220993

Troy Skog

The directions on how to write my biography suggest telling my readers interesting details about myself. That left me scratching my mostly bald head trying to think of what folks would find interesting. I guess I'm a product of my Minnesota upbringing, I like to say "my lack of flare is my flare". After high school and a couple of years at the local community college I spent an enlistment in the United States Air Force providing security for the air base before finishing up my B.S. in Engineering Technology and Geography at St. Cloud State University. In my free time I enjoy a long run or a session in the weight room, nothing cures writers block like an early morning run on the weekend. Sunrises really are inspiring! My beautiful wife, who is one of my biggest cheerleaders, calls me her man-child for my goofy sense of humor and how I act like one of our kids most of the time. I try to bring all these values and traits, that I find to be so important in my own life, to my characters in hopes that my readers can relate to them and immerse themselves into the story. Hopefully this biography helps you, the reader, to get to know me just a little bit and gives you some background. Thanks for taking the time to let me tell you about myself. Welcome to Pendar, enjoy the adventure!

Book preview

Prologue

The beggar looked up the from the end of the alley where he sat watching the citizens walking by in all their finery. The alley was dirty and filled with discarded items, the beggar looked like he too had been tossed out. His clothes, by all appearances, hadn’t been washed since the last time it rained, his face and hands no different. Seeing at last who he had been waiting for, he hastily got to his feet.

Following the two, he caught glimpses of their elven cloaks as they navigated the crowds that filled the streets in the market place. Shadowing them until they finally stopped and went into one of the shops. Seeing his opportunity he quickly moved to sit just outside the door as they talked to the merchant inside. He squatted, waiting patiently for the pair to emerge from their meeting inside. Soon his patience was rewarded.

Can you help a man down on his luck with a coin or two? he asked as he looked up at the pair, resisting the urge to come fully to his feet.

Here you go, the first said as he pulled a coin from his purse and went to flip it to him.

The beggar reacted quickly, reaching out to grip the elf lord’s hand, the unmistakable surge of magic coursing through him as he created a momentary link as their hands touched. Gripping the elf’s hand for just an extra moment in the exchange, he satisfied his desire to feel the magic’s pulse. Thank you so much, you have no idea what you have given me. You too, he quickly added as he turned his attention to the other and grabbed his hand too, the accompanying flow of magic bringing a smile to the beggar’s face.

Looking sheepish, he let their hands go to curious looks by the pair. Gripping the gold coin tight in his dirty fist, he called out his thanks again as they walked away. Waiting until they had once again disappeared into the sea of people, the beggar stood to his full height.

Straightening his jacket he checked to make sure it was once again clean and without blemish, extending his hands before himself to ensure the illusion of the beggar was completely discarded. Satisfied no one would mistake him any longer for a wretch, he took a closer look at the coin he was given.

With a smile, Rathlin inspected the gold coin. He knew instantly that it was rare indeed with the elvish symbol stamped on its face. Few people would ever see one of these so he knew its value would be unmatched should he ever be in a position of need, though at that moment vowing not to spend it before he dropped it into his pocket.

The elf lord had been very generous in his gift, but it wasn’t nearly as valuable as what Rathlin had taken from them with his magic. Soon it would be added to the box he reserved for the mementos he gathered from his magical encounters, intrusions some would accuse if they knew the truth.

chapter one

Fitz looked up from his position behind the bar as the door to his tavern swung open. The door nearly ripped from the grasp of the men coming in out of the storm. The rain pelted those closest to the door before the newcomer, his strongmen in tow, pushed the door closed behind them.

Watching the stranger scan the room as he brushed away the water clinging to his cloak the man locked his eyes on Fitz. At his wave from across the room, recognition of who it was washed over Fitz.

Kyanos! Where have you been? It’s been too long. Can I set you and your crew up with a pint?

The man smiled behind the illusion as he made his way over to where the barkeep was already lining up mugs of ale.

What brings you and your crew to Glandore? Are your ship’s holds full or empty?

I’m not here trading this time, Ferg. It’s the Prince of Pendar that I’m in search of.

The barkeep paused for a moment, a brief look of confusion flashing across his features as he looked at the elf standing across the bar from him. Did you just call me Ferg?

A long pause preceded the answer. Is your hearing going Fitz? the man said, emphasizing the barkeep’s name.

Must be loud in here, Fitz said recovering his composure, making an excuse for apparently hearing Kyanos incorrectly. The Prince was in here not long ago, about midday it was. Left with his man after they had a bite to eat. They were trying to beat the weather, but I don’t think they got too far before it caught up to them.

Did they say which way they were heading? Was my boy with him?

I think they said south. You are welcome to wait out the rain here if you are looking for some grub for your crew. There is a good hearty stew warming on the fire in the kitchen.

I appreciate the offer. No, we need to get back on the road. Did you say that Kurad was with them?

I didn’t say, however Kurad is accompanying the boy. Pausing again, as he searched his mind. Didn’t you come in on the Valero?

We did, however if we can ride quickly we may catch him on the road south. It was good seeing you, Fitz, again saying his name with emphasis, we need to be off though.

Watching as the elf and his crew headed out the door, one of the serving girls came over. Who was that man? His men looked dangerous.

That was the elven ship captain, Kyanos of the merchant ship Valero.

No it wasn’t.

Fitz looked at her back as she hustled off at the bidding of one of the patrons. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts he began to doubt the entire exchange with the ship captain. Realizing as he did that he had lied to the elf. Unintentionally it seemed at the time though now he realized the truth of the encounter.

Taking off his apron he hung it behind the bar and headed through the kitchen and out the back door, grabbing his cloak and wrapping it about himself. Pulling up his hood to cover his head he stepped out into the rain. He knew where the prince was staying, he had recommended the inn himself, his own rooms full for the night.

Scurrying down the alley, his eyes trained on the ground before him as he tried to avoid the growing puddles he didn’t see the man step out from the darkened doorway. The distinct sound of a blade being drawn caught his attention.

Coming to a stop Fitz pulled his hood back in time to see the man from the bar closing on him quickly. The image of his face flickering between that of his old friend Kyanos and this stranger who had stolen the elf’s identity and had made Fitz the fool.

You lied to me, the man stated as he brought his free hand up, moving it slowly, precisely, tracing an image in the air before Fitz.

I didn’t mean to, Fitz stammered, his mind confused.

Where is the boy prince?

They are staying at the Falcon Inn.

That was easy wasn’t it. The man brought his hand back down. Waving it casually in front of Fitz, he released the illusion.

Who are you? Fitz asked in anger, the fog lifting, seeing the man once again for who he was and also who he wasn’t.

I’m whoever I need to be at any moment. When I need information from my good friend Fitz, I am the great elven merchant ship captain Kyanos. He stepped back with a flourish, once again taking on the appearance of the elf right before Fitz’s eyes.

The long slender blade emerged from within the man’s cloak, dropping the disguise as he stepped forward. No longer hiding his identity he reached out and pulled Fitz close. Easily slipping the sword through Fitz’s unpracticed attempts to fend it off, he buried it deep within the barkeep’s midsection.

Though I can be anyone I want, I am Lord Rathlin of Sligo, son of the mighty wizard Dungarvan. Rathlin held Fitz close, feeling the pulse of his magic as it surged forth into the dying man. Relishing the rush as it went searching for the man’s memories before his mind went dark, the magic intoxicating as he stole Fitz’s final thoughts.

Sliding free from the Rathlin’s grip Fitz slumped forward to the land heavily in the mud, the rain washing away his life blood even as it flowed to its last from the deep wound in his stomach. Rathlin stood on unsteady feet, catching his breath, as he recovered from using the magic to create the illusion of the elf lord.

Letting go of the magic left him feeling washed out and empty. The magic’s draw was nearly impossible to resist, using it was intoxicating and made him feel alive like nothing else. The effort, while exhausting, never a deterrent. He already craved more.

Chapter Two

I’m not sure what you see in this place, Kurad. I don’t think I’m ever going to dry out. Does it ever stop raining?

It’s just the season, and though the season seems like it lasts most of the year, it is not quite the case.

No wonder you left here as soon as you could. Tell me again why we came here?

My childhood was different than yours, Samuel. Your father thought as long as we were out making diplomatic visits to your neighbors that we should make time to visit my birthplace.

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything by that.

Follow me, it’s just up around the corner. The pair walked on in silence, both adjusting and pulling their travel cloaks tight around themselves as the wind threatened to rip them away leaving them exposed to the rain that swirled about them.

Here it is. Kurad stopped in front of a sprawling cemetery that stretched away from them, much of it overgrown and unkempt. As a boy this is where I would come to visit my mother.

Not waiting for Samuel to follow, Kurad entered through the gap in the short fence that encompassed the cemetery and wound his way through the grave markers. His steps practiced, his route familiar, he stopped only when he reached his destination, staring down at the small stone that barely stuck up above the tall grass.

Samuel stood off to the side, unsure what to say, waiting for Kurad to break the silence. Squinting to read the name on the marker as the rain continued to come down made it more difficult. It was a simple script, the letters not carved deeply. Between spates of rain he could make out the letters, ‘My mom Tulla’.

It was all I could afford. I scraped together all that I could beg and steal. I was just a handful of years old. I think the stone master probably gave me a deal on it now as I stand here and think about it.

It’s just fine, it says everything it needs to.

At first I would come all the time and keep it up, pull the grass that grew up around it. Kurad crouched down and began to clean up the area just as he described from his youth. Then the years began to pass. Living on the street down by the docks just trying to find food and keeping alive took all my time. The docks aren’t a good place to grow up. Kurad looked up at Samuel, a grim smile creasing his lips. You will do what you can to survive when pushed. Let’s just say it’s not always approved of by the authorities. Those who weren’t able to do what was necessary ended up here, most forgotten by those who loved them.

Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself. You were just a kid. Where was Kyanos during all this?

He was looking for me, as much as I was looking for him. My mom told me before she died from the fever that he was a great merchant ship captain. At first I believed her and would hang out down by the docks hoping he would come for me. Then as I got older I quit believing what she had told me. Most of the other orphans told the same story. Sailors come and go from the port all the time. You can guess at the outcome of those encounters.

In your case it was true though.

I know that now, and maybe if I had waited longer to find him or if I had known that he was elven things would have been different. I got my education on how to stay alive living on the streets of Glandore and decided that if I was going to stay alive long enough to put it to use, I needed to get out of here. I won’t ever regret that decision. Most of those kids I knew on the streets are likely right here.

Standing up from cleaning the tall grass from the gravesite Kurad looked around at all the other markers hiding in the grass. How about we go find a warm fire out of the rain to dry off?

I thought you would never ask.

The way back to the Falcon Inn was spent with Kurad pointing out the best places to hide out from authorities when they were giving chase and recounting tales from his youth. The mood grew lighter even though the rain continued to batter the pair, the weather keeping the streets clear of all but those with the most urgent errands.

With cloaks pulled tight about themselves the few people out in the rain paid no heed to those who shared the sloppy streets with them. The one exception trailed the pair at a safe distance, keeping just out of their narrow field of vision, always to the rear, never closing the gap to draw attention.

Scraping the mud from their boots, they stepped out of the soupy muck the rain had turned the main road through town into and onto the porch that fronted the Falcon Inn. Taking advantage of the cover they shook their cloaks off, the water quickly shedding from their elven garments.

What do you think that person following us is up to, what’s his interest in us? Samuel asked as he casually draped his cloak over his arm and straightened his sword.

So you have been paying attention. Your training is progressing.

Did he mark us as travelers? Maybe unsuspecting newcomers to Glandore?

Our elven cloaks may have given us away. They are a rarity this far from home and mark as having a certain wealth. This isn’t my first time escorting the crown prince of Pendar across Dulin, though last time it was your father.

You managed to get him home safe, I’ll trust you to do the same for me. My father definitely does.

Let’s get inside, I think he realized we were talking about him and he’s slipped away. After we get something warm in our bellies I may go for a stroll.

Sharing a table near the large fireplace, they embraced the warmth as it drew the chill from their bodies. They sat in silence as they waited for the serving girl to make it to them. Finally coming over, she wove through the crowds that jostled for position at the bar.

You two don’t look familiar, are you new in town? I’m Mary, can I interest you in an ale, or a warm bowl of stew? Her questions came quick, the pace hectic on this blustery day.

I used to live here as child, Kurad answered the first question. Both would be good, Kurad replied again, pointing to Samuel and himself.

Recognizing his tie to the town, Mary leaned in. Did you hear the news? It’s all the talk up at the bar. Fitz, the barkeep down by the docks turned up dead. His stomach was cut wide open, in the middle of the day.

Kurad, we were just there earlier today. You introduced us.

Putting his hand up to forestall any more comments from Samuel, Kurad pressed the barmaid. Do they know who did this? Were there witnesses?

Nobody saw a thing. You knew him then? Everyone loved Fitz.

You speak the truth, he was a friend of my father’s. It had been a number of years since my father came to port, we were asked to stop in and see Fitz as a favor to him.

I’ll get you your ale and stew. She was off in a hurry, her feet matching the pace of her rapid fire questions and information.

Do you think the mysterious man following us is connected to Fitz’s death?

There are many unsavory types in this city. It would take someone very bold to kill a man during the day.

Then you agree with me? He seemed like he was trying to conceal his presence from us, though if he is as dangerous as it would now seem, he should have been better at it or he didn’t care.

That’s exactly why I need to find out who is behind this. Beg my forgiveness for not staying long enough to enjoy my stew.

I can come with you.

Stay here and warm up. I will be back before long. Kurad was wrapping his cloak about him even as he stood up. He passed through the tavern and out into the rain before Samuel had a chance to protest.

Moments later the serving girl showed up with the men’s order, carrying the tray high above her head to keep from spilling. Where did your friend go?

He’ll be back later, he had some business to look into. Samuel refrained from telling her the reason for his hasty departure.

"Do you want both bowls? Otherwise, there are plenty of others waiting for an order of their