Alkairyn: Second Half of the Fractured Soul

By Abrianna Leaming

Akairya’s dragon has been taken by the Shadow. Reeling from the loss, she follows a wolf through a storm of snow, dazed and unsure of what to do next. Akairya quickly decides on her plan of action: to discover what and where the Twin Slabs are, for that is where the Blood Hawk waits. While Akairya hunts for more information, the Lord of the Shadow only grows stronger, his malignant power seeking her out. For he doesn’t just want her dragon. He also wants her. For if he claims her, Alkairyn will break beyond repair. As she fights against the blighted whispers in her mind, born from the poison in her slumbering dragon, she finds herself wondering: What would happen if she were to fail?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abrianna Leaming
• Release date: Dec 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463258682

Abrianna Leaming

When Abrianna Leaming was only eight years old, she 'wrote' her first book and created imaginary worlds and scenarios that actually quite worried her family. "Will she ever be able to tell what is fantasy and not fantasy?" They asked themselves. Luckily, she simply grew up into what we call a writer. Akairya is her first novel, and she lives in Chilliwack, British Columbia, where she rides horses and plays too many video games.

Book preview

Alkairyn

Second Half of The Fractured Soul

ABRIANNA LEAMING

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2019 Abrianna Leaming

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 9781707751914

DEDICATION

Alkairyn is dedicated to my parents, Angie and Pat. They’ve always been my source of unwavering support, especially when it comes to my writing. Their incredible faith in my work astounds me. Thank you, mom and dad. I love you.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

So many people have been a part of this duology. I want to acknowledge, once again, John Carroll, who helped me figure out what kind of writer I am over the course of 7 classes. Thank you for putting up with me.

I also want to acknowledge the artist of my book cover, Kayla Schulz, who once again nailed it. The Blood Hawk has come to life because of her. Thank you to my other wonderful artist, Mara Haggquist, who designed my map. I’m ridiculously in love with it.

Thank you to all of my test readers who were unflinchingly honest in their critiques. Hayden Cooke, Joel Kouwenhoven, Jennifer Los, and my group in English 405.

Lastly, a huge thank you to the eagle-eyed editors who helped tidy the last half of Akairya’s story, Julia Dovey and Mitch Penner.

Disclaimer

Alkairyn was written as a direct continuation of Akairya, as if they were two halves of a single book. As such, there is no summary of previous events other than character recollection.

If you don’t fully recall Akairya, I recommend a re-read before delving into The Second Half.

Prologue

The chill air of the ocean sliced over Tilaner Isle, carrying the tang of salt and the heady stench of fish into the castle of the Shadow Lord.

Dark tendrils of the blight clung to the grey stone of the fortress. They trembled. There was a weakness in their poison, due to the spiritual attack from the half elf Rider.

The Lord Himself sat in darkness, in a small room somewhere within His stone lair. He had no need of light or food. He only sat in a chair because it was what a two legged did. And the longer He gave Himself the form of a man, the more He unconsciously adopted very human tendencies.

His eyes, dark as dried blood, glittered in the shadows of the room. He could feel His strength return, although it was taking longer than He liked.

His newest acquisition, however, bolstered his weakened state. The dragon may have been asleep, but the beast’s immense power fed the Shadow with every breath.

Once the Lord’s full strength was back, He had a new path to take. One that was sure to succeed and give Him what He was created to do. Destroy.

Yet first He had to bring the girl into his Embrace, for her fall would shake the very foundation of the world.

Chapter One

Akairya barely felt the cold as she stumbled after the wolf. Snow fell around her, the flakes melting on her cheeks and clinging to her eyelashes. Her hands were tucked into her green cloak, which was meager protection against the freezing wind.

Just behind her lay her beloved dragon Draykor, sleeping a poisoned sleep she had forced on him before he could destroy her. Though it had barely been an hour since she had left him, it felt like eons. Sorrow threatened to overtake her.

She didn’t know why she followed the ivory wolf down the mountain, but she did. Whenever she fell behind, the beast would turn and pad back, azure eyes encouraging her to continue.

Pine trees cloaked in snow blocked out the little light that managed to filter through the cover of thick clouds. Akairya concentrated on only two things; the wolf ahead of her and the crunch of snow under her boots.

Time had no meaning. Her body was frozen, but she didn’t feel it, even as her teeth chattered and her limbs shook. The only thing saving her from a frozen death was her constant movement.

Her foot hit a large stone and she went down. She closed her eyes against the cold embrace of the snow and dimly realized that getting back up was impossible. Her body was simply too tired after giving Draykor so much of her energy during the desperate flight from the Shadow.

The wolf walked over to her and snuffled around her face. When she didn’t react, he sat back on his haunches and howled. The sound carried through the forested mountainside with an eerie clarity. What a beautiful sound, Akairya thought to herself.

The world darkened. Either her vision was going or night was descending; she wasn’t sure which. The wolf had fallen silent, and sat near her as the cold sharpened and snow continued to flurry down from the sky.

Voices cut through the quiet of the forest. Akairya opened her eyes and was dimly surprised to see a group of men surrounding her, all holding flickering torches that washed her with welcome heat. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably.

Is this her, Azaen? One of the men said.

The wolf whined an affirmative. The man crouched down at Akairya’s head and peered into her face.

Can you move, milady? The man had a kind face. He reminded her of Thoran, and pain lanced through her. She shut her eyes and turned her face into the snow.

The men surrounding her spoke amongst themselves. Then, someone was picking her up. She had no energy to protest. She lay limp in the man’s arms like a broken doll. When the man carrying her started to walk, she felt herself slipping away, and gladly gave in to the darkness of sleep.

**

Images flitted through her pained mind. Violet, blue, grey, and brown eyes all watched her; some with worry, some with love, some with fear. Dragons roared, but she couldn’t see them. She cried out as she saw her past self, High Queen Akairya, standing tall amid a flurry of shadowy figures that all reached out to her.

The first Queen of Alkairyn swept one graceful hand in an arc. The figures scattered. She looked at the current Akairya and opened her mouth as if to say something, but the image faded and was replaced by a dark, forbidding interior that boasted hundreds of halls and chambers.

A thin man with black hair walked towards her, his red eyes eerily familiar. He spoke, his voice slick as oil.

Meet me at the Twin Slabs.

**

She awoke inside a small room, the bare walls made of grey stone. She was in a narrow bed piled high with woolen blankets, and a boisterous fire roared in the room’s grate. An elderly woman sat dozing in a chair beside the bed, silver hair swept neatly into a tight bun.

Akairya blushed when she found she was wearing a nightdress. Someone had changed her, and she had no desire to find out who. She vaguely remembered the wolf and the descent down the mountain. Her heart clenched as she thought of Draykor.

She guessed she was in Terndion, the capital city of Morkrain. When Draykor had crashed into the mountain, they had just reached the border of the mountainous province.

She sat up slowly, wincing at the pain in her head. Part headache from freezing on the mountain, part reaction to the subtle bite of Draykor’s poisoned consciousness - the ache was insistent. She picked up the cup of water that was on the bedside table and drank it down greedily, the water warm yet soothing. She glanced back at the sleeping woman, but was surprised to see that she was now awake, eyes open and locked on Akairya’s face.

It’s about time you woke up, the old woman rasped. Her voice was rough, but it held a rich kindness. Your fever broke last night. You are one lucky lady, being found by Azaen.

Azaen…the wolf?

The woman nodded. She stood and smoothed the skirt of her plain cotton dress. Yes, Azaen is the companion of my son. The wolf is one of the last Wolves of Old, able to understand human speech. The Dukes of Morkrain have had wolf companions for the last hundred years, ever since Uluhn the Hunter struck a pact with the dying breed.

Akairya’s interest was piqued. She was unfamiliar with the Wolves of Old. Is Azaen able to use any of the elements?

No, he is a fairly normal wolf except for his size, intelligence, and loyalty to my son.

Akairya processed this while she finished her water. I’m guessing your son is the Duke of Morkrain?

Correct, dear. My name is Catrian, and Zane is my only son, the jewel of my heart. Now, if I may ask, who are you?

Akairya carefully studied the old woman. Her green eyes were kind and sharp, and she was tall, her long limbs sprawling from the chair, exposed arms surprisingly muscled. A woman experienced with life in the cruel mountains of Morkrain.

I’m Akairya, and I am the newest Rider of Alkairyn, Akairya finally said. I managed to escape Kalisor, and lost my dragon to the blight on top of the mountain. Her voice broke when she mentioned Draykor, but she controlled her sorrow and managed to keep her composure.

Catrian’s face paled. Oh, my, she breathed. We are aware of who you are, child. I only asked out of politeness. Azaen had told my son that a dragon slept on top of the mountain, but we never thought…

We tried to outfly the Lord’s power, but Dray simply didn’t have the energy, Akairya whispered. So he allowed the blight to envelop him, and now he lies on top of the mountain, in the slumber I put him in.

I am so sorry. Catrian shook her head. You are adept at wielding the Spirit element, are you not? Can’t you cleanse your dragon?

I don’t know how. Akairya’s voice hardened. But I will find a way to cleanse him of the poison. And Alkairyn.

The other woman clasped her hands together and studied the worn half elf in front of her. Akairya’s cheeks were still flushed from her recent fever, and her thick burgundy hair was limp and tangled, but there was a smoldering fire in her violet eyes. Catrian smiled. "I believe you.

Now, enough heavy talk. Time to get some food in you. I’ve been nursing you for the past two days, so you have no choice but to listen to me. All you get to eat for the first day is soup.

Akairya was aghast. Two days? I was unconscious that long?

You nearly froze to death, child. A body needs to rest after something that traumatic.

A low growl came from Akairya’s stomach, and she suddenly realized she was absolutely famished. Are you sure only soup?

Catrian chuckled. And I suppose one slice of bread.

**

After a large bowl of fragrant soup and two slices of buttered bread, Akairya felt almost normal. Catrian had maids bring in a bronze tub, which they filled with soapy water. When she was left alone, Akairya gratefully sank into the delicious warmth of the bath and slowly washed off the grime that clung to her.

She reluctantly left the water long after it had cooled, and slipped into a simple blue dress that had been laid out for her. The difference between the extravagance of Kalisor and the simplicity of Terndion was staggering. Not only were the clothes plain, but if Akairya’s room was anything to judge by, the castle itself was far from lavish.

Catrian returned and held out Akairya’s green cloak. It was freshly washed and the few rips it had sustained from the desperate flight and descent down the mountain were mended.

You’ll want to put this on - the halls are chilly. The snowstorm finally stopped this morning, but the wind is still howling. The castle is bloody cold.

Akairya followed Catrian out of the room and into a broad corridor. The stone walls were bare except for a few flickering torches, and the polished floor shone in the feeble light. The air outside the room was indeed very cold, and Akairya shivered.

Catrian led her down the corridor, up a flight of narrow steps, and into a wide room that boasted massive paintings of Morkrain’s mountains. A round marble table sat in the center of the room, surrounded by twelve heavy chairs. One was occupied by a young man with dark hair.

He stood when Catrian and Akairya entered. Akairya was struck by his height. He towered over her, and his grip was strong when he shook her hand. He was heavily muscled and had a wolf head tattooed on his left hand.

It’s good to see you awake, Akairya. You gave us quite the fright when we found you. His green eyes were sharp as they studied her. She saw the same kindness in them as she had seen in Catrian’s, and found she herself relaxing.

Thank you for your kind words and hospitality, she replied. You weren’t at the ball the High King had thrown before the city fell. Invitations had been extended to all of Alkairyn’s Dukes. Why did you not attend?

Such events are not priority. Around the time of the ball, my city was busy dealing with a pest of a Shadow dragon.

Akairya blinked. And?

We killed it, Zane said briskly. Now, my mother tells me that you were forced to put your dragon to sleep. I don’t know much about Riders, but are you not mentally linked with your dragon?

Yes. I am.

Is the poison that has taken over your dragon’s mind affecting you?

She hesitated.

Your pause tells me all I need to know. He sighed and looked at his mother. I told you. How are we to know she can be trusted?

Akairya was reminded of her first meeting with Killian all those weeks ago, in the Forest of Souls. The general had been quite wary the first time he had met her.

Heart heavy, she thrust the memory aside. I’m your only hope at defeating the blight. I’m going to guess you don’t know much about me or the circumstances of my birth and partnership with Draykor, my dragon?

This time it was Zane who paused. He frowned. No, I do not.

Then let me enlighten you. She strode to the table and sank into one of the chairs. My name is not Akairya by accident. It is Akairya because my soul is the very soul that had resided in the High Queen. I am the product of a desperate plan that the dragon Spirit Elder, Lemori, and the Spirit elf, Yeilao, had come up with before the High Queen died from a wound sustained in the War of Elves.

She paused as Zane and Catrian took their seats, both wearing identical expressions of astonishment.

I was meant to be bonded with Draykor years before my birth. My power over the Spirit element is the only thing that can cleanse the land of the blight, because my soul is familiar with the very soul of the earth. If you don’t trust me and end up locking me away, you will lose your country. It had taken her some time to come to terms with her fate, but after watching Thoran’s brutal death and having her dragon ripped away from her, Akairya was more than determined to wipe the Shadow Lord from existence.

Catrian smiled and crossed her arms. Zane’s expression was now unreadable. He absentmindedly rubbed the tattoo on his left hand.

How does it feel right now, your connection? he asked softly.

Akairya closed her eyes and cautiously felt along the link that held her to her sleeping dragon. It felt oily and malignant, and she shivered in disgust as the slumbering Shadow tried to lure her into its influence.

Honestly? It feels completely and utterly disgusting, she finally replied, drawing back. Goosebumps covered her arms and she rubbed them.

The Duke continued to examine her. She met his green gaze and willed him to believe her. The room was dead silent.

Well, at least it doesn’t feel enticing, Zane finally said. He stood. Let me show you around the castle – you may be here for some time, especially with the weather we’ve been having. You may as well become accustomed to your temporary home.

Though Akairya felt like she had to move, to leave and do something, she knew that there was nowhere for her to go. She had no idea what her next step was going to be, not until she had more information on the Twin Slabs. So she accepted Zane’s invitation, albeit reluctantly.

Catrian waved them on, saying she had some sick citizens to care for now that Akairya was back on her feet.

My mother is the best nurse in Terndion, Zane explained to Akairya as they left the meeting room. People come from all over the province for her aid.

I am lucky I fell ill here, then, Akairya said.

Quite lucky.

The room Akairya had woken in had been on the lowest floor of the castle before the dungeons, and consisted primarily of bedchambers and the castle’s kitchens. The level above, where the meeting room was, consisted of weaponry rooms, armouries, and the throne room, all grim stone and lacking in any sort of embellishment.

Zane then took Akairya to the third level, which contained only two massive rooms – the castle’s immense library and the ballroom. While the library was huge, it held less books than the one in Kalisor. The room was built of grey stone, with low bookshelves that stretched along the length of the space. Narrow windows were at the top of the library walls, and cold winter light illuminated the dreary place.

The shelves carried more than just books. Various objects sat beside the volumes; large jewels, a nearly whole, empty dragon egg, a wolf skull, and more that Akairya couldn’t name. She caught sight of flat black dragon scales inside a glass case, and she was positive they had come from the Shadow dragon Zane had mentioned. Only one fire roared, and it was in a round stone bowl in the very center of the room. The flames crackled and illuminated the stone benches and tables that circled it.

The ballroom was just as grey and cold as the library. There were only a few slitted windows that allowed some light to fall onto the smooth marble floor. The only thing of beauty was the chandelier, which hung from the ceiling on a thick silver chain studded with diamonds. The piece was artfully created so that it looked like a whirlwind of snow, frozen in action. Light glanced off the many diamonds and crystals that coated it, and Akairya could only imagine what it looked like when the sconces in the room carried flame.

The fourth floor contained more bedchambers, including Zane’s and his mother’s, and a humble dining room that could seat a small crowd of people. There was also a balcony that stretched across the entire length of the floor, of the same grey stone that made up everything else. Zane told her there was nothing of interest in the few turrets that jutted out from the top of the small castle, and ushered her out onto the balcony into the biting cold of winter.

Akairya gasped. She could see for miles from where she stood. The castle sat flush against a mountain, and below sprawled a city blanketed in snow. Smoke from fires curled into the sky and blended with the wisps of cloud that scudded over the rooftops. There was only one main road; it ran in a perfect spiral, buildings clustered tight against it. Where there were no buildings or road, massive trees swayed in the wind that blustered through the valley. Far across the valley were more mountains, all cloaked with snow and covered in forest.

It’s a simple place, and harsh, but it is my home, Zane said.

Akairya glanced at him and nodded. This castle and city suits you, from what I can tell.

I should hope so. All of the first born sons in my family have been Terndion’s Dukes.

Akairya breathed in the crisp air. Her cloak barely protected her against the cold, but she didn’t mind. The chill pushed away the remnants of her fever.

A large falcon suddenly dropped from the sky. Akairya jumped as it landed on the railing in front of her.

Itaye? She gasped as she recognized Killian’s bird. The creature was fully recovered from its past injury, and he regarded her with proud, amber eyes. A rolled piece of parchment was tied to one of his claws, and Akairya quickly untied it and broke the seal.

Akairya,

I hope Itaye is able to locate you. He is incredibly talented at finding people, so I have put my faith in him.

Kalisor is a mess. While the Shadow bracelets have all vanished with Thoran’s death, there is no leader, and still plenty of fear. I am helping Yeilao with restoring order here before I find you and help you in whichever way you need. Please send a reply with Itaye as soon as you can.

-Killian

Akairya let out a breath. Hearing from Killian assuaged some of the pain in her heart, and yet worry gnawed at her. She could only imagine the chaos that was happening inside Kalisor. A large part of her ached to return to the ivory and gold city, to help the citizens regain some semblance of order. However, she felt herself shying away from the idea. She didn’t want to see the disgust in Killian’s eyes when he found out she was bonded with a Shadow dragon.

Bad news? Zane asked curiously as Akairya rolled the letter back up.

Not really. More good news than anything. Kalisor is no longer the Shadow’s prison, but the people are still afraid.

I don’t blame them. The High King is dead, and the country has no ruler. With the threat of the Shadow Lord and the potential of a Succession War, the people have no hope.

Akairya blanched. A war? Now? Was there no line of succession put in place for situations like this?

Princess Theandi was the only one in such a line. After her, all of the city Dukes are equal in power. The kingdom of Alkairyn has never been without a ruler before, not since the First Queen, so there is no precedent for this. He stopped and looked Akairya right in the eye. You, however…if what you say is true, and you have the soul of the first Akairya, then maybe there is no need for a Succession War.

I don’t-

Zane cut her off. And from what you tell me, the country needs you to be the ruler because of your power over Spirit.

I would have no idea how to even begin ruling a country! White-hot panic flamed through her at the idea of being in charge of thousands of lives. Such power was too much for one such as her.

If you manage to get the Dukes to support your claim, you would have six powerful allies who would help you get started.

Akairya chewed on her bottom lip. You assume I will get support. I doubt it would be that easy. Not to