Aroryian Winds

By P. D. Stargazer

The plan was that the royal family would return to Towten Palace within two years. But the burning of the Losmen Forest and the braking of the dams had a catastrophic effect. The forest grew back darker and taller than ever and the weather changed with storms that could only be compared to fables in old books. The sun would hardly shine on that side of TowHummy.
But Exiland was blessed and had no idea TowHummy suffered such trials. That is until Von’s young son ran off to see the wonder he had heard about all his life. This gave Von the perfect excuse to for fill his deep down heart's desire. He wasn’t coming to stay or rule or disrupt, he just wanted to visit and check on their well being, then return to his, oh so happy life in the sun.
He found the land no longer bewitched by mortal men but nature, ghost, poverty, mystery, and fear. The moment his brother set eyes on him he breathed a sigh of relief. But even Von had no weapons for this kind of war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: P. D. Stargazer
• Release date: Nov 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463330777

Book preview

PROLOGUE

ARORYIAN WINDS

When Von took his last look at Towten, he wasn’t sure how long it would be before he could one day return. Should he hope for the best, or fear the worst?

It came late that night, a rumble loud enough to wake every soul in Exiland. And when the sun came up the next morning, there were signs the water had rushed the canyon and run into the life-giving black water, deluding it. But that was not the source of the thunderous rumble, that was actually a blessing. The water had loosened the boulders and sent them crashing and hopelessly blocking the way in for water and the way out for those living in Exiland.

Von had surmised the flood would keep the mighty Sawtee away for fifteen years or more. TowHummy and Exiland were at peace. Messenger birds flew back and forth from one palace to the other confirming it. At the same time a portion of the mountain had fallen the night the dams broke, and after two years the water had barely reseeded.

Von had been a warrior all his life. At first being at peace was a little unnerving. He was a bit restless, out of place and time. His father, King Vincent and his father in law, Conner, having gone through something similar as they got older, helped him learn to relax. Just because there was no enemy, didn’t mean you couldn’t take your sword or ax out for high-spirited games. And Conner had collected and stocked the library with quite an interesting collection.

But there was barely time to become bored when you have Donna for a wife. Von had no idea how hard it would be to keep up with her. Where he saw nothing to do for the day, she saw a hundred things. She would start the morning out with, I was thinking… and so the day went on. Von spent many a night, lying in bed, thankful and grateful for his wonderful life.

1.

ONLY ONE THING BOTHERS ME

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon. Von and Donna were relaxing out in the garden, just off the palace, it was quiet, and secluded. Von sat with his back against a nice large tree, reading and his Lam, Donna, lay her head in his lap watching the clouds change shape.

Look, she pointed but other than a slight dip in his brow, Von paid no attention. Come and lay beside me.

Why so you can lean on me? He turned a page. Hum, I don’t see any baby, not even a little pooch. Are you sure you didn’t just make up an excuse to eat and sleep all day?

Donna giggled, No, no, you’re missing it, a procession of magical effigies floating across the blue sky. I just don’t want you to lose out. I assure you the same rabbit that just passed will never come this way again.

Still not getting a response, she tugged on the book, "What are you reading anyway?

"It’s ancient history, It’s full of battle strategies and inventions from the old world.

Donna crinkled her nose, Why would you want to read something like that? And on such a peaceful, beautiful day. Are we not safe for years to come?

"It interests me, not only war, but the book is Hummy. It helps me understand how they and everyone else in this book think.

Donna’s eyes follow a butterfly through the colorful, lush foliage. It leads her to a young servant boy. Conny, she cried, and he came running. Child, do you know if the kitchen still has any huge grapes left? The boy smiled and ran off.

Grapes again? Von questions, Are you going to peel each one before you eat it?

I know, for some reason, I just don’t like the skin anymore. She snickered, I was going to ask you to help me.

He peeped under his book and stared at the ever so beautiful face. He is warmed by the glow of love and contentment. Then an annoying question bounced into his mind. He closed the book and gently lifted her head, got to his knees and kisses her on the cheek. I’ll be right back, I need to talk to mother.

Okay, I’ll save a few grapes for you to peel. She gave an elfish grin.

• • •

Queen Kissna, was at a large window, busy clipping old leaves off a strange plant she tended dearly. It looked like a tree, but it was not taller than a man’s lower arm and had only one or two red leaves. Sharp as always, Von marveled at how he rarely ever saw a hair out of place on the woman. What did she do, pluck all the short ones out? He wondered. She turned around, startled to find him staring. His visit to her rooms were few and far between. Her eyes lit up with a smile.

Mother, I wanted to ask you about something that has been bothering me. He took a seat and leaned back with a serious gaze that got his mother’s attention. It’s about Lam and the baby.

Kissna glanced at her little tree. Of course, my son. She sat across from him.

I never thought I would have an heir. I didn’t know I would live this long. Now, here it is years later and I’m to be a father.

Kissna raised her brows, And?

Von inhaled deep, Well the healing waters help, so it’s not so obvious, but I’m still a Cryistlum. I have felt the pain of it in every bone in my body. My blood carries that poison but what about my child?

Kissna frowned with concern for a moment, then burst into laughter, slapping her knee. You’ll get just what you deserve.

Mother! he cried, thinking she’s not taking his concerns seriously. What if the child is born dead or has a horrible deformity? You may think I was too young, but I remember father’s manservant, not his name but his feet. How was he able to walk?

The Queen sat back amazed. You saw Kalem? I only saw him a few times myself. Your father loved him like no other. Kalem didn’t like people staring, like you and I did. So, he stayed out of site. Sad. Did you know he’s your Peter’s uncle?

No! Pedee never said a word about him. Von looked off in thought.

He may have rarely seen him himself. She added.

My point is, mother, what if my child is unable to walk. Von rose and started to circle the floor.

What if Lam has a child like that, or, or if anything is wrong? It would be my fault. I will have to live with it for the rest of my life. He turned to Kissna, I could have left her alone for some normal, whole man, but no, I had to be selfish and not even think of what the future could bring. I didn’t think we could ever have a child. I just didn’t think.

Kissna spoke calmly, Have you spoken to Donna about this?

Von shook his head, No, I couldn’t bring myself to. He ran his hand over his face. She deserves so much more, a whole man, not me, who has given her a monster. I should have stayed and died in Towten.

My son, your baby will be fine. He turned away, her eyes were deep set on him. Look at me, I never ever want to ever hear you say anything like that again.

Kissna’s smile is all but gone. Von, sit. She moved closer and ran her fingers through his hair. "Do you know how wonderful our lives are, just because you are here? I can’t imagine my life without you, and I don’t want to. So, stop all this nonsense. Yes, things happen but who’s to say it won’t be a blessing, not a monster but a beauty.

Von listened intently. Yes, Kalem had twisted feet, but did you know he loved to write? Apparently, he was happier than most. I suspect he knew more about your father than either of us. The King trusted and confided in him. They discussed everything, and as I understand it, he even had a say as to whether your father would marry me. She pushed her nose in the air and blinked a few times. Now you go and kiss your lovely wife and stop worrying. Your babe will be beautiful and perfect, I promise.

Just one thing, Von bit his lip, Do you think you could talk to her for me and see what she may be thinking?

What? Oh, okay, she looked at his loosely open shirt, only if you’ll show it to me. She snickered, reached, pulling his shirt and caught a glimpse of his wound. Her eyes grew wide like a child.

Von was embarrassed and pulled away, Mother!

Sounding mystified, Kissna expressed, It doesn’t look like real flesh.

Yes, I know what it looks like! Von snapped back.

As he walked away, she added, Well I’m not going to tell her anything. That kind of talk can only worry her, and the last thing she needs is too much excitement and worry!

Von’s nose flared as he took a deep breath and cracked a slight smile.

2.

THEY TOOK MY LAM

Von picked up his book in the hallway and headed back to the garden where he expected to find his sweet Lam peeling grapes. A soft smile was still on his face until he entered the garden, a few grapes were thrown about, and then a cluster. That’s odd, Von thought and picked up his pace. At first, he saw no one, Donna was gone. A tray was flipped upside down and grapes were everywhere. "Lam, Lam, he called out. Then the cries of a boy laying in the bushes caught his attention. Von’s breath went short, his hair stood on end.

He picked up the bloody faced boy. Frightfully serious, he asked him what had happened and where was Donna. The boy pulled himself together and tearfully answered. They took her.

Who took her? Von’s voice bellowed.

The men, strange men on horseback. They kicked me. The child cried.

A gardener with blood running from his head came stumbling and yelling, They took the princess! They took her! They rode off that way. he pointed, Strangers, I’ve never seen them before.

Von looked in the direction the gardener pointed. As far as he knew there was nothing but a rocky mountain canyon there. By this time others started to arrive. One claimed to have heard muffled screams. Von gave orders to ready his horse.

He ran fast, but his mind raced faster. Missing steps, to his office, he passed his mother in the hall. She called out something, and he hollered, They have my Lam.

The queen was stunned, did I hear him correctly, she wondered. The halls started to flood with commotion. Von kicked off his slippers and pulled on his boots, opened his trunk and pulled out his gear and ax. A servant entered and pulled his shield off the wall. Out the door, he fastened belts and tucked his ax and tighten arm guards. It wasn’t that hot of a day, but sweat beads formed on his forehead and his jaw tightened. Heat rose up the center of his back. He was bent on killing something.

As he rampaged down the hall, his mother and father try to intercept. King Vincent asked, Who took Donna? Von didn’t know, so he didn’t answer. And the king’s words didn’t slow him down. Vincent tried again, You can’t just go like this. It may be a trap, we have to think this out.

Von shook his head, There’s no time. There was a quick, eye to eye understanding.

As he dashed out, the King hollered harshly. Take the men with you. What men? Von wondered, but as he ran down the stairs, there was his horse and six others, ready and waiting. Von was a bit taken aback, for other than battling just for practice, they had no soldiers or real fighting guards. He nodded, and the seven took to the rocky mountain canyon.

From the garden, was tall grass and beyond that, the forest started and then the mountains. They followed tracks to canyons with boulders so large no horse could have traveled, but skirting a gorge, they tracked the kidnappers to a trail that twisted narrowly between two mountains. They traveled single file as the mountain dropped off perilously.

Kidnappers were waiting and ambushed them. Von knew they were there just to delay him and he dashed after his Donna. The trail twisted dangerously the zigzagging created blind spots in places where another trap could be staged.

Von saw dust and knew he was close. Knowing they were waiting, he slowed with ax ready. Just ahead, he could see where the path recessed into a large hidden spot. He thought to maybe climb the mountain and look down on them, to get a better idea of what he was fighting, but before he had the chance, three Outlanders emerged to attack.

Von sized them up quickly.