The Warrior From Aukazland

By César Costa

            A young warrior by the name of Pistorius finds himself forced to fight in order to escape from the most adverse situations. After losing his family, he finds himself alone in the world and decides to go on a journey into unknown lands in search of his last living kin.

            Making use of his strange powers, the young man is able to overcome obstacles and show his valor in combat, thus creating a legion of admirers wherever he goes. Under the guidance of the mage Kitle, Pistorius sets forth on a quest for a crystal that will be crucial to avoid the outbreak of a war.

            When all the pieces seem to be falling into place, beware, for a new finding will be revealed, which will lead our hero to know the truth about himself, his family and the world's destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: César Costa
• Release date: Dec 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781071524442

Book preview

The Warrior From Aukazland

César Costa

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Translated by Francisco Noronha 

The Warrior From Aukazland

Written By César Costa

Copyright © 2019 César Costa

All rights reserved

Distributed by Babelcube, Inc.

www.babelcube.com

Translated by Francisco Noronha

Cover Design © 2019 César Costa

Babelcube Books and Babelcube are trademarks of Babelcube Inc.

Copyright © 2014 César Costa

Title: The Warrior from Aukazland

Revision, Cover & Formatting: César Costa

Translation from Portuguese: Francisco Noronha

Digital Edition

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Costa, César

The Warrior From Aukazland / César Costa

Brazilian literature; 2. Fantasy; 3. Romance; I. title

César Costa

http://www.cesarcosta.com.br

Synopsis

A young warrior by the name of Pistorius finds himself forced to fight in order to escape from the most adverse situations. After losing his family, he finds himself alone in the world and decides to go on a journey into unknown lands in search of his last living kin.

Making use of his strange powers, the young man is able to overcome obstacles and show his valor in combat, thus creating a legion of admirers wherever he goes. Under the guidance of the mage Kitle, Pistorius sets forth on a quest for a crystal that will be crucial to avoid the outbreak of a war.

When all the pieces seem to be falling into place, beware, for a new finding will be revealed, which will lead our hero to know the truth about himself, his family and the world's destiny.

About the Author

César Rodrigo Mendonça da Costa was born on the 14th of December, 1980, in the city of Resende-RJ, where he currently resides with his wife and two kids. With a bachelor's degree in Information Systems, he has been flirting with writing since his teenage years, composing music, writing stories, poems and other tales ranging all the way from fantasy to detective novels. Winner of the Concurso de Novelas Históricas (Historical Novels Contest) / Bahia-2012, with the book 2 de Julho - Uma História de Liberdade (2nd of July - A Story of Freedom), moreover, he is also the author of the books O Guerreiro de Aukazland (The Warrior from Aukazland), O Sequestro (The Kidnap), Lado A e Lado B - Retalhos de Uma História de Amor (Side A and Side B - Remnants of a Love Story), Estocolmo, Segredos de Uma Vida (Stockholm, Secrets of a Life) and Os Casos Ocultos de Sherlock Holmes (The Secret Cases of Sherlock Holmes). His work is present in several collections: In Contos de Amor (Tales of Love), with the tale Face a Face (Face to Face); In Com o Amor (With Love), A Morte do Outro Lado da Luneta (Death on the Other Side of the Scope), with the tale A Emboscada (The Ambush); in Do Céu ao Inferno (From Heaven to Hell), with the tale O filho da Serpente (The Serpent's Son); in Os Matadores Mais Cruéis Que Conheci II (The Cruelest Killers I Have Ever Met II), with the tale A Testemunha (The Witness); in Histórias Para Ler No Cemitério (Stories to be Read on the Cemetery), with the tale O Mistério da Senhora Woodson (Mrs. Woodson's Mistery); in Antologia Tupãense (Tupãense Anthology), with the tale O Contrato (The Contract); in Nova Literatura Brasileira (New Brazilian Literature), with the poem Pensamentos Sobre Um Amor (Love Thoughts) and lastly in Micro Contos de Humor IV (Mini Stories of Humor IV) with the short story A Primeira Vez (The First Time). Reading and watching TV series are his hobbies of choice.

Apart from winning the Novelas Históricas award, he has also been awarded the Macedo Miranda/2013 award for literature.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - The Birth of a Warrior

Chapter 2 - Into the Unknown

Chapter 3 - Caverns and Corridors

Chapter 4 - A Strange Inhabitant

Chapter 5 - Unexpected Company

Chapter 6 - The Secret Forest

Chapter 7 - Reunion

Chapter 8 - Bittersweet Vengeance

Chapter 9 - Towards the Sun Village

Chapter 10 - Vague Memories

Chapter 11 - Heading Home

Chapter 12 -The Book of Genealogy

Chapter 13 - Crossed Paths

Chapter 14 - Fresh Starts

Chapter 15 - The Head of the Council

Chapter 16 - War

Chapter 1 - The Birth of a Warrior

My name is Pistorius, I am just an old man now and I finally have the chance to switch my blade for the quill to register all that I have seen and lived, so that my future generations may know who I am. Despite many years having passed since the events I am about to narrate happened, I am still able, with some effort, to recall how everything happened. I was only a boy, nineteen of age, in that time however, that was old enough for a boy to become a warrior. My mother and I lived in a very isolated village, a place of hospitable and peaceful people, a village by the name of Aukazland. We lived a good life, surrounded by friends that, due to the harmonious interactions we had, were like family.

We had a normal and peaceful life, our daily routine did not demand more than our work on the field, taking care of the animals, hunting and fishing. The women spent their time taking care of the home and teaching the children all sorts of domestic tasks: Yes, even little boys and girls in Aukazland learned how to properly take care of the house, cooking, sewing, making clay pieces, amongst other things. It was necessary, many ended up going to war and needed to know how to handle basic tasks. The men of the village on the other hand, in addition to providing the family's livelihood, they also taught the kids how to fight, how to handle swords, spears, slings, bow and arrow. This education however, was not provided to the girls, considered too pure and sacred to be corrupted by the art of killing and warfare. Eventually, after becoming adults, the girls that wished to pursue such activities were allowed to do so.

Aukazland had been founded by ancient warriors, in truth, they were the best that ever walked this Earth. At least that is what I have always been told. However, despite the greatness of its founders, it was not a place of great importance for our civilization. It was not a big center of commerce or a waypoint for travelers. However, it was a prosperous village, where many ranches could be found, cattle raising, chickens, pigs, all sorts of animals. Small caravans would often depart from Aukazland towards Neoland and the men frequently returned full of golden, silver and bronze pieces. Their security was ensured by some of the best men in the city, due to the numerous groups of thieves and murders that roamed the roads.

Anyway, all in all, I can say that we had a tranquil life, we may not have had many luxuries, but there were no poor people amongst us, we did not need leaders to rule us because we all respected one another and we knew the limits of our freedom. I cannot think of a better place to have lived the first nineteen years of my life. Yet, despite all the peace and harmony we were fortunate to have, I learned that the world was not and would never be a perfect place, where we can live peacefully until we return to dust and meet our Maker once again... And it is here that my story starts, the story of how I went from a simple village boy to one of the most acclaimed warriors of this age.

Murderers! - yelled the watchman, warning everyone to get prepared.

Run! They're coming! - yelled another

People rushing around everywhere, it quickly became pure chaos. Many tried to hide in their homes, some attempted to make a run for it through the fields. I was lying down, resting after having taken care of the cattle throughout the entire morning, when my mother rushed inside our house completely out of breath.

Pistorius, my son! Run away! Save yourself!

She grabbed my hands and raised me from my bed. We ran out to the street, a huge dust cloud had formed. There were several people running around and many bumped into us. I was dragged by a small crowd. My mother let go of my hand, telling me to run towards the forest. She said she needed to go back to our home but that she would join me afterwards.

Mother? Mother? Where are you, I cannot see you! I yelled as the crowd pushed me in the opposite direction.

I heard her yell something but I could not understand what she said, all I was able to understand is that she insisted I should run away without ever looking back.

Mother!? Motheeeeeeeer! I screamed, hoping she would hear it and followed my voice.

That day we were attacked by a group of thieves, there were many of them, at least fifty. We could have resisted the attack had we known it was coming, but the surprise element was a powerful advantage for our enemy. They were lead by a very cruel man, who did not hesitate to kill women and children without mercy. I had never heard about that man and I wished things had stayed that way. The bandits were merciless, attacking men, women, children and the elderly. Whenever they had the chance to kill, not once did they show mercy. Since a caravan had left recently, the contingency was left undermanned and was unable to withstand such a massacre.

The invaders sacked everything they could and brought some women with them, no doubt to enslave them. After feeling satisfied with their plundering, the brigands left, leaving only a few alive, as it was not in their interest to search the nearby woods for survivors. Whether by luck or misfortune, I am unsure, I was not to perish that day. Not that I am proud to have lived, I had to act like a coward, running and hiding, I thought, if my mother survived, she would need me to be alive. I rushed back to my home, it was burning in flames, probably the fire that my mother had started in order to cook some ingredients had spread in the chaos that followed. I saw something in the corner of one of the rooms. With some effort, I managed to reduce the number of flames using the blanket around which I had wrapped myself when the confusion started, and, with the help of a wooden pole I was able to push what I had seen away from the flames.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw. The burned body of a woman. Tears instantly ran down my face, I started to tremble, my legs failed me and my heart clenched. There was no doubt: My mother had died. I sat on the floor and mourned. My screams echoed all over the now empty and destroyed village. I did not know what to do, nor where to go. With my mother being murdered by a bunch of brigands, and not having a father, as he had died shortly after I was born, I had no other kin. I grabbed a pot and attempted to mitigate the fire by throwing sand at it, it was, however, too late, the house was already collapsing as the flames had shattered its framework.

I exited the house, before the fire fully spread and walked around the village crestfallen. Everything was desolated! The sound of tormented screams, crying, and the grinding of teeth could be heard all over the village. The few survivors mourned their dead and their own destroyed lives. None of it resembled the joyful settlement that it once was. My chest burned, my head hurt and my eyes drenched my face in tears. However, despite all my suffering, I could think of only one thing: Vengeance... But, how? I was only an inexperienced boy and I did not even know who the animals responsible for this massacre were.

Without a family, house, or options, I recalled my mother had once told me about a relative, the last one left. An uncle that lived in a distant place, beyond the lands in the north, at least according the last information she had received about his whereabouts. Considering the plight that I was in, I had but one path to follow: Find shelter with my uncle if he still lived in the same place and if I could make it to him, seeing that I had not travelled much before in my life and, when I did, it was only to nearby locations.

With my mind now set, I went back to my home, now fully destroyed by the fire, I grabbed a small wooden shovel that was sitting next to the other tools and I started digging, until I found a big wooden box buried. I unblocked it by digging around it, opened the heavy lid and looked at the exceptional suit of armor that was within. I removed it from the box and put on my father's armor, it was made of a very hard metal, worked with gold and silver engravings. Fortunately, since it was hidden, it had not been pillaged by the bandits nor damaged by the flames.

Because I had a good stature and was in a good physical shape, my father’s armor fit quite nicely. Inside the box there was also a sword, it rivaled the armor, both in beauty and engravings. Preparing myself the best I could and trying to use the sun and the stars to guide myself, I departed towards the northern lands. Back then, I could not imagine the hardships and surprises that awaited me in my harsh journey.

After walking for some days, rationing the scarce provisions I had managed to gather, I reached Neoland, a village far bigger and much more advanced than the small village from where I hailed. The news had already reached Neoland, and the men from Aukazland had already returned to whatever was left of their homes. I found some of them on my way there and explained to them what had happened. Desperate, they set off to Aukazland, attempting to reunite with their families and whatever possessions they had left.

Although Neoland was bigger and more advanced, in no way was it as calm, orderly and welcoming as Aukazland. There were far more people walking around the streets, many weird fellows, grumpy looking people, non-human creatures such as Orcs, Ogres, Trolls and other creatures I never knew existed. In the specific spot that I was, there was some sort of street market, flies infested the place, which was packed with all sorts of meat, herbs, greens, vegetables and spices. It was very chaotic, something I was not used to at all.

Feeling a bit lost and befuddled, I came across a man, visibly quite old. Being an old man, I imagined he was the most adequate person to give me information regarding the place, which astounded me more and more the longer I stayed there. Awkwardly, I approached the man and inquired:

Excuse me, I just arrived and know nothing about this village. Could you tell me of a place where I could grab something to eat? The man looked at me from top to bottom, in a strange fashion.

Do you have any money boy? In this city you can get anything as long as you have money! He said.

Yes, I have some, but not too much. Do you know of any place or not? I have been travelling for several days, I am tired and hungry!

Of course, boy. Walk about fifty steps north and go into the alley on the left. There you will find an appropriate place for you to satiate that hunger. The old man had an eerie brightness in his eyes.

Not wanting to spend too much time next to such an odd figure, I thanked him for the information and resumed my walk counting the steps. After walking the number of steps the old man told me I finally arrived at the alley he had mentioned. I remained in high alert while I walked, as the street was pretty dark and odd, with a shady look and a rotting smell that was almost unbearable. The deeper I went, the more I felt something was not right. The place was surrounded by old and poor houses which gave the place an even more sinister look. The street kept getting narrower and narrower, until I realized it was a dead end. I heard steps behind me. Imagining that the old man had followed me, I crouched and grabbed a rotten wooden stick that was next to my feet. In a quick motion I turned around and uttered:

Curse you old man! You sent me into an ambush... Take this!

I threw the wooden piece in the direction from where I heard the footsteps. A strange man flipped into the ground and rolled, completely dodging it. Instinctively, I unsheathed my father's sword, the man got up and drew his weapon as well, and a fight ensued. He was of medium height but quite strong. He wore dirty and smelly rags, quite adequate to that place. He looked furious and confused, but certainly unwavering in his desire to relieve me from my money and possessions. Being a young warrior, I had already received some training back in my village, nonetheless, I had never fought in real combat let alone shed human blood. Despite never faltering, I was shaking from head to toes, and my opponent was surely able notice my nervousness and inexperience, which only boosted his confidence.

Who are you? I asked.

Someone that'll have the pleasure of taking your money, that fancy armor and sword. They must be worth a fortune in the city's market. He spoke in a debauched tone.

I have no money. I replied.

Of course, you do, the old man told me so. You take me for a fool? We'll do it like this boy, you give me your money and everything else of value, and you might get to walk away alive.

I have no money as I've told you and I would never allow someone to steal my late father's sword and armor, it is the only keepsake I have of him. All I wish is to head in peace to the northern lands in search of my uncle, my only living kin. Let me through and we can forget about this! I pleaded, drawing courage from the Maker knows where.

Give me your money or you will meet you father in hell! You will die idiot! The man was getting impatient.

We fought vigorously, our blades clashed as we yelled the dialogue we previously had. I was surprised by my agility until then, but then, after trading a few blows, I felt my body burning as I had never felt before in my life. I looked at my opponent’s sword and noticed that it was drenched in blood. For a second I got distracted from the fight, I anxiously glanced over my body and realized then, that I had received a cut in my belly, and it would not stop bleeding. Despite having been made with diligence, the armor did not aim to protect the entire body, only the chest, shoulders and the sides. Originally there was a knitwear coating covering the abdomen, unfortunately I did not have it. Perhaps it had been crafted this way, to avoid an excess of weight and increase the mobility of those who wore it. Extremely scared and consumed by an immense fury I felt, for the first of many times in my life, a bizarre sensation that ran across my entire body. I did not know what was happening, but when I looked back at my opponent, he was horrified.

What?! Your eyes... Are you from another world!?

I dropped my sword, it fell on the ground with an heavy thump, I removed my armor with some difficulty as the wound hurt quite a bit, I ran towards the thief, who at that time was completely staggered and, with a single hit, I thrust my hand into his chest and plucked his heart out. Shocked, I saw my opponent's lifeless body fall to the ground. I grabbed my sword and ran desperately, leaving the armor behind which I would not be able to carry, and a trail of blood on the ground. As I walked, I tried to stem the bleeding with my hands, but it did not seem to help. I did not know where to go and after walking for a bit longer, already without strength, I collapsed.

Without knowing what had happened, where I was or how much time had passed, I woke up confused, my face covered in sand and enveloped in a pool of blood. Without raising my head, which still hurt quite a lot, I looked to the side and saw a huge grey wolf, licking my blood off the floor. I felt as if I was waking up with a huge hangover. I placed my hand over my wound and tried touching it. There was nothing! The wound had completely disappeared...

You must be trying to understand what happened... That, I can explain to you! I heard a voice, followed by a wicked laugh.

I looked to the side and saw the very same crooked old man that sent me into that ambush. I sat, shaking my head, as if trying to wake up from a bad dream. After further observing the old man, I noticed he looked different from the last time we met. No longer was he wearing rags, nor was he hunchback. However, despite the change in attire, that face was unmistakably his.

He now wore a lengthy black robe that went all the way to his feet. Although his garments were not the cleanest, which was expected in a place like that, they did have a certain weird glow to them, as if he emanated some sort of energy. In his right hand he had a big staff which went from the floor all the way to the tip of his nose. It measured around one hundred and eighty five centimeters, as it was not much smaller than myself. his eyes were of an intense black, in contrast with his grizzled hair. After assessing the old man, I got up and looked for my sword but could not find it. Irritated, I tried rushing towards the old man when, out of nowhere, I felt my body becoming paralyzed.

Who are you damn it? What is happening to me?

Calm down, boy. My name is Kitle, I am an old mage. What happened to you is quite easy to explain. You were wounded and close to being dead when I gave you an elixir of life. And now... you owe me a favor!. Once again, he burst out laughing.

I owe you nothing! Free me and I'll beat you to a pulp!

Well then, I guess you can stay paralyzed forever. Goodbye!

Hey! Where do you think you're going? Come back miserable old man!. My anger was such that I could not think straight.

Kitle started to leave, I felt like that was it. Should he leave, I would stay paralyzed until I died of hunger. I resigned myself, I had no choice but to agree with him.

Very well, what do you want me to do?

Very good boy. A wise choice. I need you to go to a place called The Troll Tavern, once there you will speak with a man named Burlet. Tell him I sent you and he will know what to do. The old man started leaving again.

Wait! How will I know who he is?

"You will know young man, I assure you, you will know!

In the blink of an eye, the old man vanished galloping at a fast pace on a beautiful horse which was by his side as we had spoken. Seconds after he left, I regained control over my body once again, feeling somewhat dizzy and with my body still sore, I left. All I wanted was to find my uncle in the northern lands, live in peace with his family and attempt to be as happy as one could be without his loved ones. However, I now owed the old mage a favor, and needed to speak with someone I do not even know how he looks like, about something I know nothing about. The worst part is that the old man left with my sword and my armor was missing.

As I travelled, I reached a clearing, there I found a crippled man who came in my direction after noticing me. He looked at me from head to toe, smiled and, with the