Tales of Ferrês: Legendary Tales, #1

By K.M. Jenkins

Jump into this enthralling world of fantasy and adventure! Where dragons fly high, shifters fight, and fairies guide our heroes through the night.

Forest of Ferrês — A deadly land to those that don't live within. Many have entered only to never be seen again. Fate pulls the rug out from underneath our heroes by throwing them into this deadly land where they find that destiny has a unique plan.

Will they survive? Or will the land claimed by the beasts change them forever?

If you enjoy the work of Mercedes Lackey, Christopher Paolini, Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis, you will enjoy the Tales of Ferrês and the many adventures within.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Storyteller Publisher 22
• Release date: May 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393304524

K.M. Jenkins

K.M. Jenkins is a best-selling author who writes epic battles, forbidden romance, and tales of fantasy and adventure. She released her first short story, “​A Father’s Protection” in 2018, and plans to publish several more short stories before the year is out. When she is not writing, you will find her running her business as a cover artist at ​KJ Magical Designs, LLC and chasing her twin boys around the house. Between the three she has epic battles throughout the day and nothing ever gets boring.

Book preview

Tales of Ferrês

TALES OF FERRÊS

LEGENDARY TALES BOOK 1

K.M. JENKINS

Edited by

ALLISON REKER

STORYTELLER PUBLISHER 22, LLC

Copyright © 2022 Storyteller Publisher 22, LLC

All copyright for all material within, remains with the author.

Second Edition

Re-Published May 1, 2022

All rights reserved.

Editing by Allison Reker @ Uplifting Edits

Cover Design by Katie Jenkins @ Storyteller Publisher 22, LLC

Formatting by Katie Jenkins @ Storyteller Publisher 22, LLC

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or re-distributed in any way. The authors hold all copyright.

This book is a work of fiction and does not represent any individual living or dead. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the authors’ imaginations , are used fictitiously or with permission.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by fines and federal imprisonment.

For permission to reproduce or distribute any part of this book, contact the publisher directly: [e-mail].

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CONTENTS

1. A Father’s Protection

2. An Elf, a Dragon, and a God’s Intervention

3. Bonds of Friendship

4. The Assassin’s Prophecy

5. Nightmare of Ferrês

6. The Wrath of SnowFire

7. Mëira’s Prince

8. Bonds of Betrayal

9. A Forbidden Friendship

10. A Powerful Rivalry

**Bonus Story**

11. Sludge and the Rabbit Girl

Author Note

Join My Ream Team!

About the Author

Also by K.M. Jenkins

A FATHER’S PROTECTION

DarkDeath

Water crashed onto the rocks, sprinkling droplets through the air. The water made his fur slick and plastered to his back. The burbling brook played a song all its own. He couldn’t stop himself as he drifted off to the melody of nature’s music. Bees buzzed, butterflies fluttered, little paws scrambled across the earth, and DarkDeath lay there enjoying the peace it brought him. His mind once full of worry, responsibility, and nerves now sat still as stone. He raised his massive wolf's body and stretched. His tail went straight as he arched his back and dug his claws into the dirt to flex his stiff muscles. The sun filtered through the trees and rested on his flank. Warmth filled him. Gods, I love days like today. No snow, no rain, just beautiful sun and a relaxing breeze.

He sucked fresh air through his nose and relished its scent. The aroma of wildflowers tickled his nose. His mind brushed against nearby animals that scurried around the woods. Sparks of magic shifted through the air and his fur, relaxing his nerves beneath their heat. He loved spring, unlike SnowFire, his mate. She loved the winter and the icy breezes it brought. This was because of her magic abilities over snow and ice. She could bend the will of nature’s snowy wrath down on those she hated. DarkDeath didn’t use magic like she did. His power was in his strength and what he could do with his claws. He enjoyed the sunny days because they kept his aging body away from the cold. He loved SnowFire to death, but her love for snow and ice always put a weight on their relationship.

All the more reason to enjoy this day as much as possible. Sooner than I want, summer will be over and snow will start once again. He dreaded another month in the caves with the pups. They were too rambunctious and energetic for him, but until they were a few weeks older, it wouldn’t be safe to let them out of the cave. The waiting is unbearable. I can live without a pup using my tail for a chew toy or snapping at my ears. The chill had kept him captive long enough. Soon the weather would clear and more days like today would come. That means SnowFire will start her complaining routine like always. She just can’t take the heat like I can.

DarkDeath looked around the lake and took in the magnificent scenery. Trees circled him and towered high into the sky. Flowers sprang up from the sides of boulders all around the lake. The waterfall was the centerpiece, cascading downward over moss-covered rocks. Mist flew up into the air, glittering in the sunlight. He thought about climbing to the top of the waterfall and wondered what it would feel like to jump into its dark depths. Fire sparked in his eyes. Yeah, a dip sounds nice right about now. In two giant leaps he stood on top of the cliff, looking down upon the water below. A scent familiar to him carried on the breeze. DarkDeath looked out to see a black wolf drawing closer to his location. The black wolf with a white moon crest across her chest stepped up to the pool of water. BlackMoon sat down and looked up at him in all his glory. She tilted her head to the side and cocked an ear. Looks like I get to have an audience.

He backed up a few yards, then crouched down with his rear end up in the air. His nails dug into the rock and he lunged forward. DarkDeath sped to the edge and leaped with all his strength, flying through the air until the water collided with his body. By the goddess this is ice-cold! It seeped into his fur and went up his nose. DarkDeath’s lungs burned as he fought his way towards the surface. He finally broke through, gasping for air then panting like crazy to bring his racing heart back to a steady speed. His head stayed above water as he treaded over to where his daughter sat. That wasn’t the best of decisions.

BlackMoon’s tail wagged as he approached. His paws hit the grass, and he dug his nails into the ground to pull himself free of the water. She stepped back to give him room. Probably a good idea since I need to do this. He smiled as he shook his entire body. Water sprayed everywhere, and BlackMoon was the victim of his assault. DarkDeath let loose a hearty laugh as BlackMoon crouched to her stomach and covered her head with her paws. Why did you do that?

Need to dry off somehow.

Sounds like you two are having a good time.

DarkDeath turned his head toward the trees behind his daughter. Out of the shadows, another kyre stepped forward. He had silver fur with white paws and a scar stretched over his right eye. DarkDeath recognized him immediately.

Scar! What are you doing here?

Thought I would see what trouble you were getting yourself into without the queen by your side, Scar said with a grin.

DarkDeath made a point of shaking his fur to rid himself of the remaining water. BlackMoon huffed at him and sat back on her haunches, while Scar sat down and tilted his head. DarkDeath smirked.

What?

Oh...nothing. I was just thinking I should have come sooner, Scar said. That way I could have seen how far you can fly.

The two males burst out laughing while BlackMoon looked between them with confusion on her face. I don’t get it. What’s so funny? DarkDeath choked back his laugh, looked at her, then burst out laughing all over again. Scar was the first to stop, and soon after DarkDeath got himself under control.

Don’t worry about it, BlackMoon, Scar said. It’s something between your father and me.

Oh, okay, she said, tilting her ear to the side.

DarkDeath shook himself to relax his nerves. I understand why you’re here, Scar. You’re always trying to sneak in on my alone time. As for you little girl, I would like to know why you’re here.

BlackMoon’s happy demeanor disintegrated before his eyes. Her ears drooped, and her tail sagged. I um...was hoping to get your help. She avoided his gaze as he looked her up and down.

Help with what? Scar asked before DarkDeath could get a word in.

Flea-bitten squirrel—can’t he ever butt out and let me talk? DarkDeath thought to himself. BlackMoon continued to look at the ground right in front of her. Her tail stopped wagging and dipped between her legs. Something is wrong. She never acts like this unless she knows she is in trouble.

I uh…

BlackMoon, what is it! DarkDeath snapped. He hated trying to be patient when something told him he needed to be ready to attack. She jerked her head up and looked him in the eye for a second before she turned to Scar. She gulped.

I lost Digger.

How in blazes did you lose your brother? Scar asked. She whimpered, lowering herself to her belly. BlackMoon covered her snout with her giant paws and continued to whine.

Don’t blame her, Scar. The lad has a tendency to keep everyone on their toes, DarkDeath said. BlackMoon, where was the last place you saw him?

BlackMoon shifted one of her paws and looked at him. Last I saw him was near Torigan Falls.

DarkDeath jumped to all fours and growled. Why didn’t you say that to begin with! He jumped from his spot and charged into the trees, leaving Scar and BlackMoon in the dust. His feet dug into the earth, kicking up dirt as he sped his way towards the edge of his domain. DarkDeath slid to a stop at the top of a cliff and looked out across his enemy's land. He sniffed the air and calmed his mind. Slowly, he let his walls fall open and his mind stretched out to find his son. He even tried sticking his nose to the ground to locate his scent. The longer he searched, the less confident he felt about finding him.

His mind touched the trees, bugs, grass, and earth. Small animals brushed against his mind as his nose dug into the rocks beneath his feet. Nothing he did served him the way he wanted. Where the heck is the lad? He couldn’t have been foolish enough to go into Torigan Falls. The twin-tailed foxes would rip him to shreds. Panic filled his heart as he stepped over to the invisible wall that opened to his hated enemy's world. Deep inside he knew the second he breached that barrier all-out war would come. But I will never forgive myself if I leave my son in their hands. DarkDeath took a deep breath and jumped from the cliff, landing inside Torigan Falls.

He had to think. Where was Digger? What could he have done to mask his scent? Darn, why didn’t I think of that before? The lad has gone underground. DarkDeath directed his mind’s eye toward the earth and plunged into its depths. Few creatures lived below ground. He passed a mole hole, worms, spiders, and beetles. Soon he felt a disturbance in the earth’s surface. Something was moving fast. DarkDeath followed its path until he found the culprit. Digger! His bushy brown tail came into view, and DarkDeath knew instantly it was him. Thank the moon.

DarkDeath took a deep breath and reached out to his son. Digger… Digger… Can you hear me?

Digger slowed his assault on the dirt and sniffed the air. Pa, is that you?

DarkDeath sighed in relief. Do you know where you are, son? Digger shook his head no.

He took a deep breath. Okay son, I need you to listen. You’re in Torigan Falls. I need you to come to the surface and hide for me. Don’t come out until I’m there to get you. Do you understand?

Yes, Pa, I understand. Pa?

Yes, son.

Is Momma going to skin my hide when I get home?

DarkDeath laughed to himself. She will have to go through me, son. Now get to the surface, I’ll be there shortly. He then watched Digger burrow his paws into the earth and go to town. DarkDeath pulled forward to find his exit point, then bolted to the location, leaving plants uprooted as he sped forward. Let me get there and out in time.

Silver-Hide

The sun was high in the sky as Silver-Hide made her way through the forest. Her two tails swayed back and forth as she walked. Something seemed off or different about today for some reason. She just couldn’t put her paw on it. It was like the forest was alive and speaking to her, calling her name.

Sounds of water tickled her ears as she drew closer to the stream and entered a small clearing. She spotted two lone fairies fluttering across the rocks. They looked like they were playing some kind of game. Few fairies came to Torigan Falls anymore. They hid in the lands beyond under DarkDeath’s protection. Just thinking about him made her angry. He thinks he is all that, being the King of Beasts. Well, he doesn’t rule me or my lands. One day the twin-tailed foxes will have back what is rightfully ours, and his stupid kind can go rot in a ditch somewhere.

Her irritation must have alerted the two fairies, for they stopped and looked in her direction. One was a female and the other male. The girl had sandy brown hair, a pink blossom for a skirt, and a lily pad shirt. Her eyes were bright blue and stared straight into Silver-Hide’s. She shifted nervously as the male fairy jumped to her rock and stood in front of her like he was strong enough to protect her. The fool! Silver-Hide smiled, showing her sharp teeth. He flinched and took a step back. She sized him up and wondered what he would do to protect his little friend.

What do you want?

Silver-Hide almost forgot how musical fairies sounded. His voice sang to her ears and made her feel warm inside. Just getting a drink of water, little fairy.

He narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. Who are you calling little? She almost fell over laughing at the sincere look on his face. He was so serious for a mischievous little creature.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you…

The girl fairy poked her head around his shoulder. She looked right at Silver-Hide with an expression of interest sparkling in her eyes. Jokin, calm down. I don’t think she means to hurt us. Silver-Hide watched as the girl fairy stepped away from the one named Jokin. She fluttered over to Silver-Hide and hovered above her nose. Her ears pricked forward with curiosity as Jokin huffed and planted himself in a sitting position on the rock. My name is Lea. What is your name, twin-tail?

Silver-Hide.

Lea giggled with her hands over her mouth. Interesting name. Silver-Hide cocked her head to the side and sat back on her haunches. Her tails wrapped around each side of her and flicked at the tips. She was finding this encounter far more fascinating than she should. But it had been a long time since she’d seen a fairy in these parts, so she might as well enjoy it for as long as it lasted.

Why do you grace us with your presence? Silver-Hide asked with a twitch of her tails. Lea smiled and sat on the ground next to Silver-Hide’s crossed paws. We came to see what lies inside your lands. Few talk about the Torigan Falls anymore among our kind, so we thought we would come and take some stories home to our family and friends.

Make yourself at home, Silver-Hide said. We haven’t had fairies in these parts in ages and would love your kind to return. Lea smiled and Jokin rolled his eyes as he looked out over the stream.

Silver-Hide walked around Lea and stooped to take a drink from the pond. Jokin made a point of watching her every move as if he didn’t trust her. He acts like our kind are murderous folks that hunger for blood. She licked her jowls and turned her head to look him in the eyes. He didn’t flinch. Her tails swayed playfully back and forth as she analyzed the two inches of male feistiness. Jokin opened his mouth to say something, then stopped. He turned his head away and refused to look her in the eyes again.

What is the matter, little fairy?

Lea fluttered over and knelt behind him. Jokin, what’s wrong? He jumped to his feet, shaking Lea off him. He pointed at Silver-Hide with rosy red cheeks. He is adorable when he is flustered.

How can you just stand here and be okay with that thing here, Jokin yelled. We grew up believing their kind are nothing but monstrous creatures that only seek power over others. They were responsible for all the deaths during the war. And you just flutter about that thing like it isn’t anything special.

Jokin, you’re being rude.

Silver-Hide perked her ears forward to hear better as the two fairies lowered their voices. They seemed to be in some kind of argument over whether a twin-tail was safe to be around. Doesn’t bother me any. Wouldn’t be the first time a little creature like them thought I was a power-hungry mongrel. Their voices raised.

We should leave now! Before that thing kills us, or worse, Jokin stated.

What could be worse than being killed? Jokin, I swear sometimes you make little sense.

He grabbed her by the arm and whispered something into her ear. Silver-Hide tried to make out what he said but failed. Lea stiffened and looked over at Silver-Hide. She frowned and gave Jokin a nod. She fluttered over to Silver-Hide with a grim expression on her face.

Sorry Silver-Hide, but we must go.

No worries. Feel free to return. Like you ever will with the way Jokin is looking at me. We’re always the bad guys because of how the war ended. They consider our kind the devils of the forest because of the rivalry between the twin-tails and kyre.

Lea waved goodbye and fluttered back over to Jokin. Together they flew off into the forest with Lea giving a forlorn look over her shoulder. Jokin didn’t look back once, and Silver-Hide didn’t care. She was used to the treatment.

Silver-Hide shook her head