The Revenge of Aliènor: The Adventures of Kaïla, #1

By Corinne Zaragoza

Dark forces buried in the depths of Mount Soïos resurface! The fragile balance between good and evil is again at risk, and the last soldiers of the Order of the Lights are preparing to face the vile threat. Soon, conflict breaks out in the four corners of the empire. Further, near the borders of Roscelin and Guerloc, a spell falls on the fortress of Mondragon. The events intermingle quickly over the pages, and plunge the reader into a whirlwind of conspiracies, imminent invasion and supernatural clashes between men and demons. These are the ingredients of fascinating adventures where action meets fantasy, suspense and myth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CelticCoco Publishing LLC
• Release date: Dec 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393418719

Book preview

Author’s Note

The adventures of Kaïla take place before the Middle Ages started. During this time, Christianity spread across Europe, forcing its way into pagan beliefs.

In this book, this is mostly where reality stops! From there on, all the dates, places, cultures and names mentioned are the product of my imagination, and therefore, are used in a purely fictional context. I cannot claim an absolute historical accuracy that does not exist.

I would like to point out that the two introductory short stories are the core of the tale. They are important as they set things in motion for the coming story plot.

Please feel free to visit my website to see more illustrations and to meet the heroes.

celticcocopublishingllc.com

Acknowledgments

I couldn’t have completed the book you hold in your hands without the help and support of many friends and relatives.

First and foremost, none of this would have been possible without the moral support of my husband, Mark.

Thank you, my love, for reading my first drafts, correcting my bad English, and believing in me.

I would like to thank my father and my uncle who were my very first test readers.

Thank you both for your patience and for all the editing you suggested me.

A very special thanks to Annabelle for her assistance in reviewing the French version.

"Merci mon amie, your insights and comments were greatly appreciated."

Finally, I would like to especially thank Brandy Yates for her recommendations and corrections to the English manuscript. I am grateful for her tremendous help, counsel and guidance.

A Long Time Ago...

In A Distant Past

Aliènor tightened the coat around her body. Despite its pitiful condition, the heavy thickness of the woolen cloth gave her a comforting sensation of warmth. She was slowly progressing through dark galleries, guided by a floating torch. A long time had passed since she escaped into the frosty bowels of the mountain! Overcoming the pain of her deep wounds, she stopped for a moment and gathered her strength. She wiped the sweat beads running down her forehead and swallowed the last pellet of medicinal herb she kept in her tunic pocket. The taste of the magic cocktail, both spicy and bitter, took effect right away. She resumed her walk and rushed through the corridors. The progression was not without obstacles; exhausted, she stumbled frequently on the steep ground and had to lean against the wall so as not to collapse. The last tunnel widened, revealing an immense opening. She paused for a moment and marveled at the sight of the legendary grotto. The ceiling sparkled with innumerable crystals as the magic lamp approached. The floor was paved with slabs of dark limestone, and a fountain devoid of water was placed in the center. Far back, there was a modest altar that time had robbed of its luster. Monstrous dragons trapped in the rock sat in the four corners of the chamber. The witch hesitated an instant before heading further into the sacred place. She looked horrified at the creatures that seemed to scrutinize her; they looked eagerly ready to attack. She took a long, deep breath, determined to ignore the hideous figures, and walked a few steps forward. As she neared the altar, an invisible force paralyzed the sorceress. Only her eyes could move. Aliènor observed her surroundings, trying to locate the origin of the incredible power, but all was quiet! The magic torch that had not left her side, trembled at the impending danger and flew to the ceiling. A strange breeze, emanating from the entrails of the mountain, enclosed the captive and pulled the soiled coat from her bruised shoulders. It fell to the ground. The slabs slowly covered themselves with fresh blood, and after a few moments, engulfed the ragged clothes. They disappeared... The eyes of the creatures glowed bright red. The petrified witch waited for them to rush over to devour her. But, to her surprise, they did not awaken, and the force that had enveloped her faded. She did not move for a moment, surprised at first by her sudden release. When she realized that she had been accepted, she rushed to the altar. With the help of the lamp that had rejoined her, she glanced quickly at the hieroglyphics. As she feared, the inscriptions that had been engraved millennia earlier were unknown to her.

She grabbed the leather purse hanging from her belt and took a handful of golden powder. While murmuring a spell, she sprinkled the dust over the symbols that shone with a great sparkle and immediately changed shapes to transform themselves into a language that she could now interpret. She was particularly careful with the pronunciation of each syllable as she slowly recited the ancestral phrases. The guards were listening vigilantly for the fatal error that would allow them to fall upon her. With the charm completed, she stepped back and waited silently. A small sizzle finally manifested from the bottom of the fountain. Sparks appeared, followed by balls of fire that exploded in all directions. The inflamed spheres took on more volume, swirling at dizzying speeds. They warmed up the damp cave by their burning glow. Soon, they rushed into the ceiling and penetrated the rock without even scorching it. The air immediately cooled, and an overwhelming silence fell in the huge room that had darkened once again. Aliènor waited! She sighed and let her mind wander. Happy scenes from a distant past came back to her.

To think we were lovers, she pondered in quiet amazement.

Go to hell, Ronan! She yelled towards the ceiling.

Her legs no longer able to carry her, she collapsed on the ground where she huddled for a long moment. She gently pushed her head down between her knees and rocked back and forth to alleviate the physical pain gnawing at her.

A noise, muffled by the depth of the earth, suddenly made her shudder. The eyes half-open, she tried to discern the source of the sound that now shook the walls in a deafening din. A thick black smoke emerged from the ground and transformed into a giant hand. Aliènor, helpless, looked at the dark silhouette rise and drift slowly above her head. The mass, like a raptor in search of its prey, spun several times in the air before it engulfed the woman who shrieked in terror. Her last screams echoed throughout the desert valleys surrounding the profane mount where a man was waiting.

Ronan was struggling to soothe his horse. The poor animal, in a state of fright, attempted at several occasions to run away from the violent shaking of the earth. Following the tremors, a deafening roar emerged from the summit of the massif, and the entrance to the cavern collapsed. The sky darkened, and lightning struck with rage the jagged edges of the peak. The strange events slowly faded, and the horse ultimately calmed down. Exhausted by the earlier attacks exchanged with Aliènor, and injured himself, the Druid took a few moments to catch his breath. He had hunted down his adversary for several days and followed her to the foot of Mount Soïos. There, they had fought a relentless and epic battle until Aliènor was fatally hit in the abdomen. She screamed under the pains of the lethal blow, and disappeared into the depths of the infernal den. Unable to follow her, Ronan had kept a safe distance between him and the terrible place. It was here that Black Magic was born; no Druid of the Order of the Lights could approach the premise without risk of being annihilated by the forces of darkness. Ronan stared, bewildered by the macabre expanse that surrounded him. It was a scene of utter desolation; a smell of decay permeated the air and reeked the sinister site. Covering himself with the hood of his cloak, Ronan left without looking back.

His mission was accomplished. The witch was no more!

The Sacred Mountains

"Oh, people of Arausio!

Thank your goddess.

For that she is good, and fair in all her glory.

She bathes the universe and the world with her protective light.

Oh, people of the mountains!

Rejoice in your fortune.

For that the unique magical deity, with all her power,

Granted you eternal life."

.

Asmall flock of poultry surrounded Norwig as he stirred the hay. They pursued him as he made his way into the stable. His daily routine always ended the same. First, by opening the back door to let the light of the sunset in, and then, distributing food to his horses. As he was about to clean the stalls, a rumble that had erupted to the west of the hill stopped him abruptly in his task and frightened the birds that scattered at once. The loud noise spread throughout the mountains, warning the locals that the protective fog barrier had been breached. He rushed outside and ran to his house. From a distance, he could see the silhouette of two riders mounted on the same horse. He quickly grabbed the sword his wife had brought him.

Stay here, Éléna.

Should I go find the children? she asked, worried.

There is nothing to fear. Let them be for now.

He came out of the house and valiantly watched the approaching visitors. As they arrived, he finally recognized his friend.

Ronan, it is heaven and earth to see you again!

Norwig greeted his old comrade enthusiastically and grabbed the reins of the mare when she reached him. Esmangarde bent her head and buried it under his arm so that he would scratch her ears. The animal showed no signs of fatigue despite having galloped all day. The color of her deep gray, almost black coat shone under the golden lights of the sun.

What happy occasion brings you? he continued, caressing the horse tenderly.

Ronan grimaced as he massaged the muscles of his back that were aching from the journey. He loved to return to Arausio and visit Norwig, who not only was the accomplished leader of his community but was also the proud protector of the White Temple!

The freezing wind of the mountains. And the joy of seeing an old partner, Ronan joked as he jumped off.

The two men hugged each other affectionately.

What are you bringing us this time? Norwig asked and pointed his chin to the child still sitting on Esmangarde.

Ronan took the little girl in his arms to help her down. He pushed her gently towards the Arausian, who, at first startled, hesitated for a moment. Éléna stood in front of the entrance of their house and stared at the scene from afar.

Can you keep this little girl? She does not have a family. At least, that’s what I understood. She doesn’t talk much.

Surprised, Norwig turned to his wife. She nodded at once.

She can stay with us. But Ronan! How did she get here? Is she protected by one of your charms?

The sorcerer shook his head and explained briefly that she had crossed the poisonous fog without any intervention of his magic.

The trip must have starved you! exclaimed Éléna who had joined them.

Let’s go to the terrace, and you can tell us everything, added Norwig.

The three adults walked slowly behind the house. A modest wooden platform, attached to the side of the family home, overlooked the valley and offered a magnificent view of the countryside below. There, a table was set up, surrounded by two old benches. The little girl didn’t follow them; she preferred to meet the children who were playing close by. The six boys of Norwig were screaming and fiercely chasing an imaginary enemy around a blazing fire. When one of them finally noticed her presence, abruptly, he stopped, while the others looked on in dismay. They were all staring at the newcomer, not knowing what to do with her. Suddenly, they circled the frail child like a pack of hungry wolves and pushed her to make her stumble. The tease lasted for some time, and the little girl not only did not flinch, but faced them without fear. Soon, the eldest ordered them to stop. Impressed by her courage, he grinned and burst out laughing. He nodded to his brothers the approval of the new recruit, and without waiting any further, they all resumed the imaginary battle. Ronan, who had kept an eye on his protégé, smiled at the scene. He was now comforted; he had made the right