The Darkened Land: The Seven Towers, #1

By Larry Paris

In a land of complete darkness, Lachlaniel has seen light for the first time. The King's stones are the only source of light in the darkness. To get one, he must Journey to the Great City of Agapay and cross the Bridge into the realm of the King. But the enemy hates the light and those who seek it. His creatures of darkness will kill those trying to obtain a stone.

Lachlaniel is joined by Ewald, the woodsman, and Kesniel, who will guide him on the journey. But Lachlaniel's quest has aroused the Nameless One. He will bend all his might to destroy Agapay and prevent Lachlaniel from getting a stone. Will he be able to cross the Bridge and get a stone? Can Lachlaniel and his six friends save the city from the Nameless One and the denizens of darkness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Larry Paris
• Release date: Mar 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9781386079651

Book preview

Table of Contents

Dedication................................................1

Seven Towers.............................................2

Light....................................................4

The Valley of the Swift Waters..............................11

The Telluvian Flats........................................20

The Black Tower.........................................27

The Einar...............................................34

The Einar and the Hashimort................................41

The Aidan...............................................47

Attack of the Solveig......................................56

Assassins................................................61

The Trip to the Chasm.....................................69

The Bridge..............................................74

The Council.............................................83

Training................................................91

Fairvale.................................................98

The Great Stone.........................................107

The March to the City.....................................114

New Armor.............................................125

Diaphanous.............................................130

Desires of the Heart......................................137

Love and Trebuchets.....................................141

Farrah.................................................149

Of Councils and Command................................158

Vacillation.............................................165

Stealth.................................................176

Prisoners of Sarx.........................................182

The Day of Battle........................................189

War Horns..............................................197

Epithumay..............................................205

Attack on the Aiden......................................214

The Standard Bearer......................................222

The Great Evil..........................................231

Aftermath..............................................241

Sarx...................................................252

Honors of the King.......................................261

A Wedding and a Proposal.................................267

Lachlaniel and Aurora....................................273

Many Partings...........................................281

›  Farrah’s Song......................................289

›  Maps.............................................291

›  Pronunciation and Meaning of Names...................292

›  Glossary...........................................295

Dedication

To my wife who stuck with me through

thick and thin for thirty-nine years

and many, many tears

Acknowledgments

I am deeply indebted to those who encouraged me through many years of off and on part-time writing, to those who read what I had written while the book was unfinished. I also wish to thank my editor T.E. Bradford for excellent help and insight. To my wife who bore me on eagle's wings when I could no longer go, I add to my thanks, I love you. Above all to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit who lifted me out of the pit, set me on the rock, put a pen in my hand, and said, Now write, I am truly thankful.

Seven Towers

Seven cities of might

Seven towers of light

In the land of was

And will be

One that was great

That loves no more

One that loves still

And serves her Lord

One that is dying

And one that is dead

One that is poor

With crownéd head

Two that hold on

When hope is thrust through

The enemies within

Have done it to you

When darkness o’er

The land has sway

Seven great cities

Will stand in its way

The evil that reigns

As some of them fall

Will tremble in terror

Of the King's call

Then rising those cities

Will stand strong and free

Evil is vanquished

And all men will see

Seven cities of might

Seven towers of light

In the land of was

And will be

Light

For Lachlaniel this was to be a day like no other. It started when a light broke the perpetual darkness. Of course, Lachlaniel didn’t know it was light. He had never heard about light before, and if he had, he wouldn’t have known this was it.

What’s that! Where did it come from?

He walked down the familiar path into a new world of visual sensations. As he walked, he realized the light was moving too. It disappeared in the trees ahead.

I can't lose it!

He ran, following the path through the woods and found he could see its familiar twists and objects. He paused to stare at a branch that overhung the trail. He’d cut it off many times only to have it grow back year after year. He ran on. There was the rock in the trail he used to stumble over when he first moved here.

He was getting closer but suddenly stopped. Colors filled his vision for the first time — the greens of the fir trees, and the red, gold, and rust of the autumn leaves — colors for which he had no language. They burst upon his unsuspecting mind. He laughed out loud. A breeze coming down the path swept the leaves into a waltz. Touching his feet, they pulled him along crying for joy as he went. The colors faded as the light moved further ahead. The waltz ended as gray took the place of gold. He began running again as joy followed the light and left him with the fear of losing this new wonder.

He found himself once again shrouded in darkness because the light must’ve rounded the turn in the path ahead. He couldn’t lose it now. He ran as fast as he could. His side ached. He rounded the turn and could see a man far ahead on the path. The light was coming from him. The man was too far ahead for Lachlaniel to continue at this pace. He slowed to a walk to catch his breath. The stranger was taking his time. Even walking Lachlaniel was gradually catching up. The closer he got the more wondrous the sights.

Finally catching his breath, he called out, Sir!

The man stopped and turned. He was portly, and his gray beard hung to his waist. His eyebrows were like eagles' feathers, the left one arched with inquisitiveness and consternation.

Yes? the man said, his left hand pulling his colorless gray cloak about him to hide the light as best he could while his right gripped a walking stick as gnarled as his hands. What do you want?

What is it that's coming from inside your cloak? Lachlaniel asked.

It’s called light, the old man snapped as he turned and continued on the trail.

Where did you get it?

I found it.

Where does it come from?

A stone.

A stone?

Yes, a stone, the man growled as he stopped and turned to face Lachlaniel.

But I mean, where did you get the light?

I don’t have time for all this.

But how can I get a stone like yours?

Cross the Godwin River. You can find them there. Now leave me alone.

The man quickened his pace and took his walking stick in both hands in a menacing fashion. Lachlaniel stared after him for a long time. He turned back down the trail toward home.

Blackness settled in around Lachlaniel. He felt as though someone could see him in spite of the darkness. The hair on the back of his neck stood up, and he found himself running down the path. As he broke out of the woods, the feeling left him. Perhaps it was being back on his own land. Perhaps it was just getting used to not seeing again. Perhaps....

Hello, a deep melodious Voice called.

Lachlaniel jumped.

Who’s there.

His muscles tensed for action.

A friend, said the Voice.

It was a soothing sound, like a breath of fresh air. Lachlaniel's muscles relaxed in spite of himself as he breathed in the fragrant aroma of some unfamiliar fruit blossom.

What do you want?

I came to help you. You met the man with the light.

Yes.

Wasn’t much help, was he?

No.

You should take what little he gave you.

Lachlaniel’s lips tightened, and his eyes narrowed.

Oh. And what was that?

Take a trip across the Godwin.

Why should I?

Because you’ll find what you need there.

Lachlaniel wavered between skepticism and trust.

He’s only saying what I’ve been thinking.

And that is?

A stone, of course.

If you’re so sure there are stones there, why don’t you cross the Godwin?

Oh, but I have.

Then where’s your stone, where’s the light?

I don’t need a stone; the dark and the light are the same to me.

Lachlaniel tensed again.

Did you follow me through the woods?

Yes, but I wasn’t the one you were running from.

Then there was someone watching me, following me.

"Not someone, something. There are creatures and people that hate the stones and the people that have them. Now that you know about the stones, they'll be after you too. You should pack a few things and some food, and leave for the Godwin immediately."

But I don’t know the way.

Take the north road.

Lachlaniel waited for more, but there was silence. What then?

One step at a time.

You’re going with me then.

I’ll be around.

Who are you?

I told you. A friend. The Voice was as soft as the wind in the trees.

Lachlaniel waited, but there was silence. He hadn't heard the sound of footsteps, but when he called out there was no answer.

What now? Do I just take this stranger's advice and head up the north road? If I want a stone and the light it gives, I guess I do.

The hair on the back of his neck stood on end again.

There’s something out there. One of the creatures? I’m not waiting around to find out! I'm getting out of here just as fast as I can!

Lachlaniel ran into his house and began throwing things into his pack.

What should I take? Will this be a long trip? The Godwin must be further than three days down the north road. I've been that far myself. The weather is still good for traveling, but if I'm gone longer than a couple of weeks, it could turn cold.

He wavered between carrying the extra weight or not when he caught the sound of sniffing at the front door. It was one of the creatures, and now it had his scent. The feeling of anxiety he’d felt in the woods returned. His thoughts raced.

A weapon. A club? No. A knife. There has to be something better. A scythe? The scythe is in the barn.

Now whatever it was, it was clawing at the door. Perhaps he could sneak out the back. He quietly closed his pack.

Anything that isn’t already packed is staying here.

He started to slip into the back of the house when he heard the creature break away from the front door and head down the path to the road.

Should I head out? Surely the animal will be waiting for me somewhere. I've got to get out of here.

He headed out the back to the barn. He wouldn’t be unarmed. He would take the scythe. The air was very still and heavy. Strange scents hung in the air. There was a pungent acrid smell like singed hair and burned flesh mingled with that light sweet aroma like a fruit blossom he had smelled earlier when he was talking to that voice. He quickly retrieved the scythe, and holding it at the ready, he cut across the field to the road as swiftly and as quietly as possible. He slipped over the fence and out into the lane. He headed toward the fork in the road that would take him north.

He hadn’t gone far when he stopped in his tracks.

What was that?

He listened intently but all he could hear was the wind in the trees. It was picking up and beginning to gust.

Perhaps that’s all it is. Just the wind. I'm just imagining things.

He started down the road again. The trees creaked in the wind. If there were someone or something on the road behind him, it would be hard to tell. He quickened his pace. He was nearing the fork.

There is something back there!

He ran trying all the while to think of some place along the road he might hide. Suddenly, he was knocked off his feet. His pack went flying. Claws ripped across his back as he went down. He screamed in pain as he rolled onto his back. Instinctively he brought the scythe up. It was just in time. Huge jaws snapped shut inches from his throat. Growls and gnashing teeth filled his ears. The smell of singed hair and burned, rotting flesh filled his nostrils as well as the creature's putrid breath. He tried to push the thing away, but it was all he could do to keep it at bay. Short legs flailed about his arms. The claws ripped into his skin. He tried to get his feet and legs into the fight to no avail. His heart pounded in his ears. Sweat poured off his body in spite of the cool breeze. His arms shook with the strain. The creature's nose brushed his and though he pushed harder it brushed his nose again. In another moment.... There was a sharp thump like a hoe digging into stiff clay. The creature fell to the ground beside him. Its blood soaked his tattered sleeve. He laid his head on the ground, breathing hard and shivering.

What happened?

Who’s there. He recognized the deep bass voice. It was Ewald, the woodsman.

It’s me Ewald, Lachlaniel.

It’s lucky for you I came along, Ewald said as he groped for Lachlaniel’s arm in order to help him up.

Thanks.

Ewald's hand gripped Lachlaniel’s arm and slid down it to firmly grasp his hand. He helped him to his feet.

A good sized wolf.

Lachlaniel reached down and touched the matted fur. The smell assaulted his senses, and his head began to spin. His knees buckled and he pushed on the carcass to keep from going down. The feeling faded and he picked up a foreleg as he stood up. He found that Ewald had the other foreleg and was pulling the carcass off the road. Together they pulled it into the bar ditch. It was indeed a good sized wolf.

It’s going to be a long winter if the wolves are already bold enough to attack.

He didn’t attack because he was hungry.

Lachlaniel tenderly touched the wounds the claws had made on his arms

Why then?

Do you know of something called light? Lachlaniel asked.

Never heard of it.

How can I describe it? Excitement filled his voice as he thought of what he had seen. It’s something that allows you to understand what the things around you are with your EYES!

What do you mean? Eyes don’t do nothin’. Ewald sounded skeptical.

They do if there is light!

What’s this light like?

Lachlaniel thought for a moment. It’s unlike anything else. If your eyes have light you can tell the shape of things without touching them. It was on the trail by my farm. I didn’t know what it was, so I went after it. My eyes used the light to tell me about the path that my feet had always told me about before. They told me about the rock I used to trip over. The branch that hangs over the trail needs trimming, but I didn't have to run into it to find out. It was the most incredible experience.

Let’s go back there. I want to experience this ‘light’.

We can’t. A man on the trail had it, but he told me where I could get more.

Where?

Across the Godwin River. That's where I'm headed.

I’ve heard of the Godwin. Ewald’s voice slowed and his thoughts filled with nostalgia. My old grandmother used to tell me strange stories when I was a child about the land beyond that river. But what does all this have to do with the wolf?

The beast must have followed me out of the woods. Someone warned me that there were people and things who hate the light and that I was being followed. The wolf came to my door shortly after I began packing to leave.

You’re going in search of this ‘light’?

Yes. I don’t intend to live here without it. Why don’t you come with me?

I’ve lived thirty years without ‘light.’ I don’t think I really need it.

If you had been there, you wouldn’t hesitate to go with me. It is the most marvelous thing. It defies description.

Ewald turned to head homeward.

A wild goose chase if you ask me.

Maybe, but even if the light wasn’t so wonderful, it might not be safe for me here anymore, Lachlaniel said as he turned up the road too.

Aghhh! Pain shot through Lachlaniel as he moved. The tension of the attack had worn off and his many wounds made themselves known.

Ewald turned. Come back to the house. I’ll tend you before you go your way.

They headed down the north fork toward Ewald’s house. As they moved away, an evil rose from the carcass of the wolf like a mist, unseen in the darkness.

The Valley

of the

Swift Waters

Salve on his cuts and lunch with his neighbor set Lachlaniel at ease again, but he must be much farther down the road by the end of the day. So, he bid farewell to Ewald and headed north down the road with the afternoon breeze to his back. The sounds of the town to his left felt reassuring. The echoes among the trees to his right and behind him were the quick short strokes of someone stripping small branches from a limb. Ewald was already back at work among the trees.

Lachlaniel felt no peril as he reached the bottom of the hill and entered the north forest. Time passed silently among the trees until in the distance behind him he heard the cries of several wolves. Chills ran down his spine as he thought of the prospect of being hunted by a wolf pack.

How can I lose them? They’ll follow my scent wherever I go. Will they cross the river just to follow me? How intent are they in catching me just because I know about the light? And why? Is there a way to cover my scent?

The howling died away, but he didn’t slacken his pace. The Deerpath River, though it lay near Fairvale, was still several miles ahead, but he determined not to camp on this side. After a while, the road widened and his footsteps echoed in the darkness. The sound of water in the distance broke the silence. He was nearing Antlers Ford. The road paralleled the river here for a couple of miles before reaching it. Perhaps if he waded downstream until the road turned away from the river, the wolves would not be able to track him.

He crossed to the far side of the river and waded along the bank. The water swirled and gurgled around him. This made his progress slow, but at least it wasn’t cold like it was in the springtime. He continued for what seemed like an eternity, but at last the undergrowth, which had been absent with the road near at hand, reasserted itself. A hundred yards further he climbed the bank and scurried through the forest heading back to the road. It was getting late, but he had no intention of stopping for the night until he could find somewhere that would offer him protection from attack.

When he had put several miles between himself and the river (and, hopefully, the wolves), weariness overtook him. He felt a cool refreshing breeze that made the smaller limbs sway and the leaves rustle. The forest was coming to an end. On the open road beyond, there was no place with any protection. Reluctantly, he climbed into one of the last trees of the forest and fell asleep.

Lachlaniel awoke with a start. He looked and listened.

It's late. I was really exhausted. But there's something different. The wind's died down, but that's not it... I did hear something. Too far away to make it out.

The passing of a minute seemed interminable. He let out the breath he had unconsciously held.

It's a wagon.

He climbed down, his arms burning with every grip of the tree and his back complaining at every move. He walked north again. Soon he could hear voices as the wagon neared.

Is that...yes!

Ho! Ewald! Lachlaniel shouted.

Who’s that? Ewald shouted back.

Lachlaniel. What are you doing here? Lachlaniel asked as the wagon pulled to a halt.

I was attacked after you left yesterday.

I heard a pack of wolves howling.

Three of them came at me as I was chopping down a tree. I was just telling Karel what happened.

Where you headed? an ancient voice asked.

Across the Godwin River, Lachlaniel replied.

Ain’t goin’ that far, but you’re welcome to ride as far as my farm in Wright’s Vale.

Thank you.

Lachlaniel climbed into the back of the wagon. He felt around for a moment until he found a good place to sit.

So what happened with the wolves? he asked as Karel started the wagon moving again.

I severed the head of the first that lunged at me. The other two charged together. I don’t know where I hit them, but they both ran into the woods yelping as they went. It was then the other wolves started howling. I returned to my hut, packed a few things, and headed to town. After I told the towns-people what had happened, the men formed groups that patrolled the town all night. They killed three on the southwest side of town. Then they could hear the wolves forming a much larger group. The town's men sounded the alarm, and it was pretty much a standoff all night. The wolves wouldn’t back off, but neither would we. Near morning they left. I knew they’d be back because they were after me...and you. So I hitched a ride with Karel here hoping I’d find you and hoping the wagon ride would put them off my trail.

It’ll put ’em off you right enough. It’s twelve miles since we left town and another ten home, Karel said. Time we get there, no wolf in the world could track you.

I hope you’re right. Lachlaniel muttered as he listened intently for anything following them.

Karel and Lachlaniel discussed farming throughout the late morning and afternoon, and Ewald snored from time to time. As evening drew on and the sounds of the creatures of the day were replaced by their nocturnal counterparts, Karel turned the wagon off the road onto the path to his home. He didn’t slacken his pace, so Lachlaniel protested.

We thank you for the ride, but we must head into town.

No need to spend your money on bed an’ food when there’s better here. Me an’ me miss’s like havin’ folk in.

No, Ewald said, We must move on.

Karel reined the horses in. It’s five more miles to town, he replied.

We thank you for your kind invitation, but no, Lachlaniel said.

Suit yourself.

Lachlaniel and Ewald climbed down, thanked Karel again, and headed up the road to town. When they were out of ear shot, Ewald turned to Lachlaniel.

I wouldn’t have stayed with him. I didn’t tell everything about the wolves.

Lachlaniel was puzzled. You seem frightened.

I am. You’ve never known wolves like these. When they’re attacking, it’s like they were mad, and yet they have a mind about them. Wolves are smart, but these are smarter than...people, he said trying to reach the right comparison. I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s unnerving, Ewald said tightening his grip on the axe.

Ewald lapsed into silence. Lachlaniel nervously listened for the sound of something following them as they walked into the night towards the town. There was nothing but the chirp of crickets and the occasional croak of a frog.

They were half a mile down the road when they heard wolves howling in the direction of the farm. They were distant, but they were wolves, and not a few. Ewald hefted his axe and quickened his pace. For a moment, Lachlaniel was frozen in place.

I hope Karel and his wife are alright.

Terror gripped his already frightened heart as he realized he was alone. He clutched his sickle as though it was his life, and ran to catch up. Minutes passed as they trotted turning and listening. Shortly, they knew that the wolves had their scent. Their howls took on an air of anticipation. They were louder now, still very far away but individual howls could be distinguished. Without realizing it, Ewald and Lachlaniel had begun to run. They listened, their attention seized by the terror, as their legs carried them on. They could recognize each wolf as it called to the others, and above all of them rose the low, guttural call of the leader. His would have been a growl if it had not been so loud, and at the sound of it, any remaining courage they had took flight. The two men were running without direction now.

Suddenly, the wolves fell silent. Lachlaniel and Ewald ran on. Minutes passed. Their legs felt like they were on fire, and their lungs felt like they would burst. At last, there was no strength left to run any longer, and they fell by the wayside on the grass. Neither could speak. Their lungs heaved trying to bring in air. They both sat up. There was no noise, only the sound of their breathing.

A Voice broke the silence. Fear not.

They both cried out in terror.

Fear not, He said again.

Lachlaniel sighed as he once again smelled the aroma of that strange fruit blossom.

Who are you? Ewald asked.

A friend, the Voice replied.

It’s okay, Lachlaniel said, I know him.

Know him or not we must move. The wolves...

...will not be bothering you, the Voice said.

How do you know? Ewald quipped.

I’ve taken care of them for the time being, the Voice replied. The town will be safe for you tonight. Tomorrow you must move on. In the afternoon, you will come to the Swift Waters. You will meet a man on the bridge there.

How will we know him? Lachlaniel asked.

You’ll have no problem, the Voice said fading into the darkness.

Humph! Ewald snorted, as his natural pugnaciousness returned. Let’s get moving.

Lachlaniel rose to his feet, amazed that his strength had returned so quickly. An hour saw them into the town and to the door of the Livery and Inn. It was a reasonably comfortable place. The food was filling, the rooms small, and the hay of the mattresses less than adequate, but both men had stayed at less desirable inns. No doubt, the cooking of the farmer’s wife would have been superior, and the farmer’s hayloft would have been softer. Still it was much better than spending a night in a tree, and definitely better than being chased by a pack of wolves — if they were wolves. The day’s events faded as Lachlaniel drifted off into sleep. The only thing to disturb the peace was Ewald’s snoring.

Ewald was refreshed, but the terror he’d never known before was etched deeply on his memory. He had no desire to linger. He didn’t know if there was any protection down the road, but he knew there was none here. It wasn’t fear that drove his urgency; rather, it was reason and experience that told him they must move on swiftly.

We've got to get moving. Lachlaniel doesn't understand the danger we're in. I don't know what makes him trust that voice. It doesn't matter that the wolves stopped their pursuit. Whatever stopped them, it wasn't that voice. Nobody could stop them by himself. They'll be back. We need to take advantage of this and put some miles between us and them.

Lachlaniel appeared to be curiously refreshed too. He moved as though there was no pain and he whistled as they walked.

Breakfast was good. The day was new and fresh. Ewald might have allowed himself more time to relax with breakfast, but any time Lachlaniel seemed to pause, Ewald was right there urging him on.

Ewald's urgings saw them well down the road by mid-morning, but not before they had traded Lachlaniel’s sickle and too many of their few coins for a sword. He would have traded a morning’s work at the wood pile for their bill at the inn, but there was no time. Now, somewhat better armed, they marched down the road toward the limits of his knowledge.

It had been many years since he had been this far from his hut. Noon saw them crest the ridge that divided Wright’s vale from the valley of the Swift Waters. Trees slowly encroached upon the road as it descended toward the Swift Waters River. The steep grade forced a quickened pace upon them that left them breathing heavily by the time they reached the flats. They could already hear