By Destiny Bound: The Lost Shrines, #2

By Amberlyn Holland

Once, the people of the goddess lived in quiet harmony with magic throughout the continent. Then invaders crossed the mountains and seas to lay claim to their lands. A few archaic ruins are all that remains of their once thriving culture.

But the Order of the Temple of the Moon Goddess has kept a precious secret hidden for millennia... 

 

An assassin's knife changes everything.

 

Mother Orra is dead. 
And, instead of the expected successor, her magic has chosen Yve to take her place. A novitiate still struggling to find her way within the Order, Yve is completely unprepared to assume the mantle of High Priestess.

 

Nor is she ready to deal with Maddyn.  One of the infamous shapeshifting Hounds of Alwyn, Mad is on a quest to avenge his murdered parents. And his search leads him to the very secrets Yve has vowed to protect. His unsettling presence is the last thing she needs in her upended world. 

 

With the assassin once again closing in, Yve has no idea who to trust. But Mad is always there with a shoulder to lean on.

And asking questions about things she can never reveal.

 

When the moment of truth arrives, will love be Yve's destiny? Or her downfall?

Looking for a slow burn, sweet fantasy romance with strong women, magic,and adventure? Dive in to the Lost Shrines series today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amberlyn Holland
• Release date: Nov 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540171313

Amberlyn Holland

Amberlyn writes epic fantasy romance and re-imagined fairy tales featuring dragon-shifters, fierce princesses, magic, and happily-ever-afters. She grew up reading her older sister’s SFF collection and her mother’s category romances so it’s only natural her storytelling leans toward magic, romance and adventure. Amberlyn currently lives in Northern New York where her writing schedule, and life, revolve around the whims of her dog. When not catering to a demanding terrier or getting lost in books, she enjoys crafting, watching football and hockey, and hanging out with her husband. If you want to keep up to date on new releases and special events, as well as receive exclusive content like a free digital copy of Kiss the Dragon, sign up for her newsletter at http://www.amberlynholland.com/newsletter/   

Book preview

-1-

Galwei Castle Keep, Galwei

YVE haphazardly ran a polishing cloth over the smooth wood, one eye on the growing shadows. A reminder that her own procrastination would be her undoing if she didn't hurry.

With a final swipe at the dust on the first bench, she looked around the Order's loft with despair. There were still three more benches to go, plus the decorative woodwork trim around the door. Not to mention the panels across the front of the balcony. Waist-high wood carved with narrow, intricate patterns that collected dust and required painstaking attention to clean.

In less than two hours, Prince Daen would listen to petitions from his throne in the Great Hall below. Nobles would fill the gallery of raised benches along the far wall and it would be standing room only for everyone else. The monthly gathering was always crowded with claimants and curiosity-seekers.

The entire Order would be seated on these benches to observe the proceedings from above. The head of their Order, Kelan Orra would be seated in the center in the front row. 

The Kelan was always perfectly in order. Her steel-grey hair upswept pin-neat, her serviceable gowns pressed, neat and unruffled. Even the silver medallion that denoted her leadership of the Order of the Temple of the Moon Goddess always gleamed as if freshly polished.

No doubt she'd notice the slapdash job Yve had done.

As if summoned by Yve's rambling thoughts, the Kelan's voice floated into the room. Seconds later, the woman herself entered the Hall flanked by the prince and a tall stranger.

Yve ducked down behind the balustrade, her heart hammering. She considered trying to get to the doorway at the back of the loft. She might make it without someone noticing her, but it would be risky.

Curiosity was her continuing downfall, though. Even when she knew better, it always trumped her common sense. The brief glimpse she'd had of the unfamiliar man made her think of the champions of old. Strong and fierce, like the warriors in the paintings and tapestries in the Temple. She wanted to find out who he was, at the very least.

The Hall had been built for a speaker's words to penetrate all corners and it carried the quiet conversation up to her hiding spot.

Lord Maddyn, I'd like to say it's good to see you again, but I have a feeling this isn't a social call, Daen greeted the stranger with reserved welcome.

Startled by the name, Yve risked peeking through the thin carving by her ear.

Prince Daen's handsome, dark-eyed seriousness was always a topic whispered about with giggles and sighs by the younger maids in the Keep. And by a few of the younger Seryts in the Temple as well. But Yve had never seen why they all were so fussed.

The tall and broad-shouldered stranger drew her attention and held it in a way no one else ever had, though. She began to understand how someone could swoon over someone they didn't even know. And yet, there was something familiar about him.

His long, pale hair pulled into the intricate braid of a warrior from the Thousand Tribes. He even wore the embroidered fighting leathers popular among the Milesan Isles.

Though she couldn't quite make out the color, Yve had no doubt they'd be clear blue, like the legend from the songs. If he wasn't the Maddyn from the sagas, he certainly looked the part.

Yve shivered a little, but fascination outweighed any apprehension she should probably feel in the presence of a Milesan. Especially one who's Attribute was as unusual and chilling as the one Maddyn of Alwyn purportedly shared with his brothers.

We have reason to believe the sorcerer Hafgan will be looking for a new source of magic to supplement his power.

The prince snarled, and Yve shivered at his reaction. She vaguely recognized the name as an advisor in Marnak, but she'd never heard anyone accuse him of sorcery. And she'd never seen the prince look so furious.

He needs access to another site of power, Maddyn continued. Caerwyn and Lia have been digging through every resource they have looking for ancient shrines he might attempt to despoil. They believe a Circle in or near your capital is in danger of being usurped by Hafgan or one of his minions. It's only a matter of time before he has Tresk find a pretense to send his army to invade Galwei and wrest control of it.

Yve pressed her hand to her lips to hold back the gasp trying to escape.

There are no Circles here, Daen said, voice level despite the anger still darkening his expression. As far as I know, there are no Circles anywhere in Galwei.

Are there any ruins? Or rumors that hint there might have been one in some farmer's field? Lord Maddyn demanded, frustration edging his voice.

None. At least, none that I know of. Kelan Orra?

The matriarch shook her head. I know of no standing Circle in the kingdom.

Yve tore her eyes away from Maddyn. The matriarch's tone sounded completely unlike anything Yve had ever heard from her. Tight and clipped in a way she almost never was. Not even when she was admonishing Yve for her latest transgression. Yve was sure she'd never heard Matriarch Orra lie in her year with the Order. Until now.

Except, it couldn't be a lie because everyone knew Galwei didn't have the kind of ruins that peppered the nearby kingdoms.

Yve? Are you up here?

Freezing at the sound of her name, Yve twisted away from the opening in the panel and held her breath. Below her, the abrupt end of conversation made her wince at the damning silence. Her horror grew when Enna appeared in the doorway, looking relieved when she caught sight of Yve.

High-Seryt Brynna is looking for you, she said, stepping into the loft. Glancing at the dusty state of the furniture, she was oblivious to Yve's frantic, silent attempt to shush her. She's going to be mad if she finds you up here, with unfinished work ag--Oh.

Enna stopped abruptly, eyes going round when she was far enough into the gallery to see the throne room below.

Yve winced and took a quick peek through the carving again. The Kelan appeared unsurprised and exasperated. Daen looked angry. The stranger stiffened, his gaze taking in the loft with hard-edged suspicion. Yve tried to swallow around the sudden lump in her throat but it wouldn't budge.

Yve.

Matriarch Orra said her name with dark disappointment. Not a question and not a tone anyone had ever been able to ignore.

Standing up reluctantly, Yve kept her eyes downcast and twisted her fingers together in front of her.

Yes, ma'am?

Shouldn't you be with the other novices at afternoon meditation?

Yes, ma'am. But I overslept this morning. Then I was late for breakfast, and Cook asked me to help since I put her behind by making her make something special for me. Then I was late to morning readings, and Elder Seryt Gyrt assigned me extra reading--

Enough, the Kelan cut her off with a heavy sigh.

Yve snapped her mouth shut, trying to hide her relief. Everything she'd said had been true, but she'd carefully skirted around the real reason her chores weren't done. The more she talked, the more she worried Matriarch Orra would realize she was hiding something.

"Go where you're supposed to be. We'll discuss this later. In the meantime, you will not share anything you heard here with anyone."

The matriarch stressed the last word and cast a significant look at Enna.

Yes ma'am, Yve agreed immediately.

Enna, still pale and wide-eyed, hurried out of the loft, Yve right on her heels. Behind her, the stranger's deep voice, heavy with suspicion, demanded to know who she was. If she could be trusted.

Irritation burned in Yve's chest at having her integrity questioned. She wanted to turn around and defend herself, but she squashed the impulse. Considering how much trouble she was already in, she didn't think it would help.

*****

Maddyn wanted to growl in frustration but swallowed the sound and settled for glaring at everyone around him. The heightened senses of his other form should have warned him they weren't alone. But the pleasant scent of lavender and citrus hadn't registered as a threat. It had been a soothing, almost unnoticed undertone until he realized it belonged to a spy.

Unfamiliar surroundings enveloping him in unknown smells was no excuse for overlooking someone watching them in secret. Neither was his single-minded focus on the quest that brought him to Daen's capital. It should have made him more aware of potential threats. The city that lay outside the stronghold's walls was a trading crossroad of the continent. Merchants, farmers, traders and artisans as well as thieves, swindlers and political sycophants crowded into the shadow of Galwei's capital. Madd couldn't trust that anywhere, even Daen's throne room, was safe from Hafgan's spies.

The pretty, dark-haired girl looked embarrassed and flustered, and nothing in her posture or her scent hinted at deception or subterfuge. But Maddyn and his brothers had learned the hard way that a malicious heart could hide behind an innocent, attractive façade.

Who is she?

Frustration made his question harsh and rougher than he intended, but the Kelan didn't flinch. Instead, she raised a sharp eyebrow at him and her lips turned down into a judgmental frown.

Yve? She's our newest novitiate. Unfortunately, even after a year, she's still having a little trouble adapting to the Order. I have no doubt about her loyalty or trustworthiness.

The Kelan stared up at Maddyn, resolute and certain. Then her stern expression softened, a flicker of exasperation twisting the edge of her smile. It's her ability to fit in and follow tradition that is my only concern.

Madd pinched his lips and nodded, though he didn't trust anyone at this moment. Too much was at stake. His family was tangled up in the undeclared conflict Marnak's Warlord and his pet sorcerer, Hafgan, were spreading throughout the continent of Thierra. He'd come to Galwei to prevent them from gaining more power. Caerwyn was safe enough with Lia in Hara Dale, but any missteps Maddyn made could have dire consequences for all of them.

A slip of the tongue, whether innocent gossip of a novitiate or deliberate espionage disguised in a naive façade could get someone killed. It wouldn't be the first time.

Maddyn refused to take that risk.

Resolved to keep an eye on the eavesdropping novitiate until he knew exactly what was going on in Daen's kingdom, Maddyn let the subject drop. Instead, he focused on the true reason for his visit. Which apparently didn't even exist.

The air in Maddyn's lungs felt leaden. He never expected this mission to be easy, but the prospect of not knowing what he was supposed to protect had never occurred to him.

If there's no Circle, are there any places of power or superstition? Fairy stories or old tales of magical shrines?

Daen's brow furrowed thoughtfully. Well, there is the legend of the first king of Galwei.

Legend? What legend? Maddyn's demanding glare sharpening with interest.

It's a tale told to children for the most part. Several bands came from the east, all of them wanting to settle here, where the rivers come together. They fought for years until one chieftain called on the spirits of the ancients. He was led into a maze, where he nearly died a hundred times. When he found his way to the center, secrets were revealed to him. When he returned, he carried a new sword, unlike anything they'd ever seen. Then he united the clans using both diplomacy and his sword until he forged the kingdom of Galwei.

Daen stroked his thumb along the edge of his chin. I believe the first king's eldest daughter founded your Order, Kelan Orra. Is there anything in your history or teachings?

Her eyes went flinty for a second but smoothed out.

The Labyrinth is simply a metaphor in the Order today. A symbol to be meditated on as part of our spiritual journey.

Maddyn watched her closely as she spoke and noted the way her fingers brushed against her medallion before curling tightly into a fist and dropping back to her side. She wasn't lying, exactly, but she wasn't entirely truthful, either.

That's it? No other mention of the Labyrinth? Or any other mystical sites?

"Well, some versions of the Tale of the Last King hint at some kind of magical center, but it's not specific." Daen glanced toward the dais at the far end of the Great Hall, and Maddyn followed his gaze.

The raised platform held a simple throne carved from the trunk of a single, massive tree. An empty scabbard hung on the wall above it.

What happened to it? If it helped the first king unite the kingdom, it seems like the type of thing you'd want to hold on to.

One would think, Daen murmured. But not everyone agreed. It did more than just enhance prowess in battle. It also chose each king's successor. The runes carved into the blade would glow when held by the true heir. Which wasn't always the eldest son.

I'm guessing someone didn't like that means of establishing succession.

A dozen generations after the founding, an elderly, dying king had two sons. The eldest coveted the crown, but everyone knew the younger son would be chosen. There are many versions of the story, but the part that remains the same is that both the younger prince and the sword vanished under mysterious circumstances. When the eldest son took the throne, he demanded the Kelan crown him king.

Daen paused and looked at the matriarch. Maddyn wasn't sure if the prince expected her to object or to interrupt but she just shrugged and smiled serenely.

She refused, of course, Daen continued. "She told him that without a connection to the heart of the land, no one could claim kingship of the realm. And the sword was the only link.

He was furious. Confined the Order to the Temple and ruled the kingdom with an iron fist for fifty years. Eventually, the younger brother's grandson gathered enough support to overthrow the usurper and restore the rightful line to the throne. But no one ever found the sword.

An interesting story, but one that gave Maddyn no insights to whatever magical shrine he was meant to find and protect.

The Kelan had remained silent and aloof during Daen's narrative, but Maddyn was sure she knew something more.

While he debated the merits of pushing further and biding his time, footsteps approached. Maddyn turned toward the oversized doorway, unwilling to be taken unaware, again. A moment later, a thin man wearing fussily elaborate robes stepped into the Hall, pausing on the threshold and sketching a perfect half bow.

Your Majesty, Blessed Kelan, milord, he greeted each in turn with precise formality.

Lennar, Daen greeted in return, then introduced him to Maddyn. "My seneschal and secretary. Any needs you have in the castle, he's your man. Lennar, your great-aunt was a Seryt and part of the Order even longer than Orra.