Dragon Legacy

By Jethro J. Burch

Book two of The Ningazia Balance Series starts where book one finishes. Varian must fight to restore balance and grow his magical skills. He must right the wrongs and build allies, while confronting what he most fears. Action, intrigue and twists which will leave you guessing what will come next fills the series. The battle for balance has now truly begun.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781528962889

Jethro J. Burch

Jethro J. Burch first started writing in 2016, after back surgery gave him an opportunity to take time off work and for his passion of reading fantasy books to become a reality. This is when he started building the realm of Ningazia and making plots, characters and the ideas which would become a huge planned fourteen-book series. Jethro is dyslexic and had a difficult time at school and in childhood but he always loved reading. He enjoyed science fiction, fantasy, and his imagination was always in action. Dragon Spindle is the first instalment into the world of fantasy, seen through the eyes of an imagination with no boundaries or limits. His writing is a passion now, and he plans on the series of book that will become a work which ultimately will never be completely finished. "The chapters may end but the story will never end," he said when first talking about his book series.

Book preview

Dinner

About the Author

Jethro J. Burch first started writing in 2016, after back surgery gave him an opportunity to take time off work and for his passion of reading fantasy books to become a reality. This is when he started building the realm of Ningazia and making plots, characters and the ideas which would become a huge planned fourteen-book series.

Jethro is dyslexic and had a difficult time at school and in childhood but he always loved reading. He enjoyed science fiction, fantasy, and his imagination was always in action.

Dragon Spindle is the first instalment into the world of fantasy, seen through the eyes of an imagination with no boundaries or limits. His writing is a passion now, and he plans on the series of book that will become a work which ultimately will never be completely finished. The chapters may end but the story will never end, he said when first talking about his book series.

Dedication

I would like to put two dedications into my books: one is for a friend with an impressive story of determination and hope, and the other is for the British Dyslexia Institute, who have helped my progress with dyslexia by diagnosing it early in my life.

Donia Youssef, Columnist and award-winning author, is playing to her strengths and in parallel with her existing successful business, Tiny Angels Ltd.—a renowned modelling and acting agency for children—she recently launched Tiny Angels, which is a Publishing House, supporting cancer charities and other cancer survivors who, just like her, want to share their own stories and experiences. Proceeds from her book series are helping charitable causes. Donia is an advocate for cancer survivors; she is raising awareness that behind every cancer diagnostic, there is a real person with dreams and aspirations and she helps them to achieve business success.

The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is the voice of dyslexic people with the aim of creating a dyslexia friendly society where all can achieve their potential. The BDA leads the way in setting the standards for professional practise through its accreditation of dyslexia specialists and The Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark. The BDA, the leading charity in the field, provides advice, information, assessments and training to parents, education/training providers and employers. The BDA is a membership organisation, open to all, that influences national and local policy, breaking down stereotypes and advocating the benefits dyslexia brings.

Copyright Information ©

Jethro J. Burch (2020)

The right of Jethro J. Burch to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

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.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528919890 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781528962889 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2020)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

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Prologue

A shadowy twilight bathed the horizon with an eerie glow. In the distance, a mountain range shot high into the clouds and disappeared into infinity. Below was a large flat plain where dust swirled and cold winds blew.

Overlooking the mountains with the plain out in front were two figures. One was a man in a pure white robe with piercing red eyes with centres of yellow. He held a golden cup in his hand and he emanated with power, which glowed all around him with electric white ripples. The other figure was a female form with tattered robes and a broken, sullen look in her glowing red eyes. She was beautiful, but she looked like she had been in battle and was scarred with the wounds to show for it.

This is the place where all ends now. This is where the cycle will be renewed, said the man.

Why have you brought me to this place of nothing? she asked in defiant tones.

This is where you will serve, and this is where you will account for your crimes, he replied.

How will I atone in a land of nothing? This place is empty and dark, she spat.

Now it’s empty, yes. But it will be never empty when the cycle begins in the now multiverse.

What can I do here? Will you not just let me atone in the home place of our kind, she begged.

We need a presence in this Realm of the Night. You, Elmisra, shall be that presence.

But, Temen, how can I be here alone and in banishment and atone for anything? Elmisra asked.

As the multiverse grows and repopulates, the journey shall start and end here for all but the beloved. To gain ascension now, all must complete the cycle, Temen replied.

But what shall my part be in the cycle? she asked.

It is your task now to judge all who enter this realm. It is your presence that will guide all through and on into the multiverse. Now that the divide is upon us, only a rising of good intention will let anyone ascend. Evil shall be confined into the lower realms, to where it can only escape through the atonement of good. This will keep your old Master Jackan trapped in his eternal prison. Your part here will be to judge all. And be stern in your resolve, sister, for if you fail, your task will be forfeit and you will let the one escape. If that happens, your soul will always be his to command and your sacrifice will be in vain. I shall grant you one last thing before you take your place as Empress of the Realm of the Night. Ask, sister, and it shall be.

I wish my steeds and loyal friends to be with me here in my prison of the night, she asked.

It shall be as you ask. Take the Cup of Shadow. He handed her a golden cup. This will give you the power to open doorways and give you sight into the souls you will judge.

Temen then radiated a burst of power and with a ripping sound, two huge black stallions appeared. Then, with a clap of his hands, white electric power shot out from Temen and engulfed them. As the power dissipated from the black figures, red and gold wings developed that majestically settled on their backs.

These are now your loyal and trusted, as once before they were. They will serve you well in the Realm of the Night, sister. Now you must complete the cycle and judge all who manifest in this place. Judge well and judge carefully, as you know what now lurks in the depths of the abyss. When your judging is complete, the door that is offered will open. If you head over the plain, you will find a temple with a spindle of power. This is where the doorways are and this is where you shall judge. Be well, eternal sister, as this is now your realm for eternity. As he finished speaking, he shimmered into nothingness.

Elmisra turned and rested a hand on one of the giant horses.

What is thy bidding mistress?

We ride to the temple to make ready for the cycle to begin. She climbed onto one of their backs. Onwards my shadow stallions.

The lead stallion raised his neck and pushed off with his back legs. His red and gold wings fanned out and he majestically lifted into the twilight, followed closely by the other huge shadow stallion.

They flew on for a time yet no time passed, as there was no passing here. Or if there was, very little at least. So what seemed to be minutes could have been days, but there was no reference here as all was just still…

Chapter 1

Dreams

After the battle where Varian had collapsed…

There was a misty haze all around Varian as he studied his surroundings. He was in a fog that seemed endless. There was no colour, only a white-grey tone of smoky steam.

He was also floating. There seemed to be no floor. He could not even work out which way was up and down. He was just floating weightless in the mist.

Then the mist started turning darker, dimming into an eerie twilight and a shadow was moving up from below. It stopped just under his feet.

He could now put his feet down onto the ground—it was uneven and slightly rocky, but not loose. He walked forward through the haze, not really sure where he was going but feeling like he was being pulled somewhere. The ground started sloping down slightly and, as he descended, the mist became thinner. He could now make out mountain peaks and slopes rising high into the mist. Descending down the slopes he could make out what looked like figures walking down the other slopes. Some below were even on his own slope. He picked up speed to catch up to one of the figures.

He came close to the figure and moved in front of it. It had a lizard-like face with black eyes and sharp angular features. Its long tongue was flicking in and out, but its face had a blank look.

Hello, can you tell me where we are, please? asked Varian.

The figure just carried on walking down the mountain without even noticing Varian.

Varian tried a few more times but had no success at all, so he decided to move on to another figure.

The next figure looked like a human, but had red eyes and a large ridge around its chin and up to its ears. Again Varian tried, but had no response at all.

They won’t acknowledge you, a husky voice said.

Varian turned and saw a little green man standing on a rock. He looked like a miniature green elf. He was wearing grey shorts and a deep red tunic with silver buttons all the way up and onto his lapels.

Where am I? And who are you? asked Varian in surprise.

Well, you are somewhere that you will be judged. But you’re not like the others, so I am not sure to be honest, which is intriguing. My name is Gindley. I am a night imp.

I don’t understand. Where this is, Gindley? I was in a battle, then here.

Well, yes, that’s about how it happens. Most come here from battles or fights. This is the Realm of the Night, young sir. It is where you go when you die to be judged.

What? I am in the Realm of the Night? But I did not die, well, at least I don’t think I did, Varian said, confused.

Yes, most probably think that when they come here. But to be honest, most don’t communicate. Most just amble slowly down and onto the plain. You’re the first one to speak to me in, well, a long time. Apart from the evil ones when they come.

Are you dead too? asked Varian.

No, no, no, laughed the little imp. Us imps live here. There are a few of us left, but not many.

Where do all the people go? I don’t recognise them from my realm, asked Varian.

No, you probably will not. All of the realms’ dead come here to be judged. Then they are either moved up or down depending on the judgement. I doubt you will be here long. Where are you from?

I was in Ningazia, said Varian, suddenly worried about the fact that he was here and did not really understand why or how.

Oh, Ningazia! The celestial birth world! Very nice. You must have had a nice life there. I have heard that it’s most beautiful and you have sunlight too, Gindley replied excitedly.

Yes, it is rather nice and lovely, but I just don’t understand still. How did I come to be here?

Well, I am sure all will be made clear to you in time. Once you enter the city, you will be guided to be judged, I am sure.

What city? Is it down there? asked Varian, pointing down the mountain in the direction the other creatures were walking.

Yes, that’s right. The City of Night is down there. That’s your destination, alright.

Is that where the Shadow League is? asked Varian.

The imp looked up quickly and surprise shone in his eyes.

What do you know of the Shadow League? he snapped.

Before I answer that, little imp, let me ask you a question, where do your loyalties lie in regard to the fight of the balance?

I don’t know really. I just look after myself and keep myself out of the city and the rest of this realm. Who are you, traveller? And how do you know of such things? asked the imp, intrigued.

I am Varian, the son of the Mother Earth. I must find my way down to the Shadow League, as I believe they will help me.

The little imp almost fell backwards off his rock, looking shocked.

You can’t be here. I don’t believe it… but maybe, well, it does make sort of sense I suppose with all that’s been happening.

What makes sense? asked Varian.

The fact you’re lucid and not an oblivious spirit like the others. And the fact that I sensed your arrival. That’s why I came up to investigate. There was a ripple in the power and I felt it. Us imps are very sensitive to power ripples you see, replied Gindley.

Will you help me find the Shadow League, friend imp? Varian asked.

Of course, mother’s son. Your coming has been foretold for eons. But I warn you, there are dark forces in this realm. Once the Shadow League ruled here with no equals. But since the evil ones arrived, they use dark powers and have taken many souls from the league. They use them for dark arts and to feed evil intent. The power of the soul is strong, you know, and can be used for all sorts of nasty things, the imp said, shaking his head. Then he stood up, bowed at Varian, adjusted his clothes, and jumped off the rock he was standing on.

Shall we, my young sir? he said, gesturing with his hand down the mountain.

Varian followed the night imp as he pranced down the mountain, passing creatures blankly moving forward in their own worlds, oblivious to their surroundings.

The rocky uneven ground darkened as they moved down the mountain. Then after a while it started to even out. At the bottom of the mountain was a huge plain opening out before them. There were purple shrubs with twiggy branches and glowing green leaves that seemed to pulsate in tone of brightness.

The Realm of Night was not really night. It was a murky twilight, like just before dusk on a summer’s night as the sun grows low on the horizon. Varian could see into the distance, but he did have elfin eyesight after all, so it was better than most.

There was a slight glow on the horizon and Varian guessed that it was the City of Night, as that was the direction the creatures were walking in.

Is that the City of Night over there? Varian asked Gindley.

Yes, it is. There will be patrols all over the plain, as it’s guarded by the league. Lately, there have been frequent attacks by the undead.

Undead? Who are they?

They are evil, twisted souls that were abandoned here before judgement. When most evil creatures die, they come here to be judged like all else, but some of these evil souls have been taken away and secretly have been growing in numbers over the centuries. Now they come and take away any evil souls they sense and make them join their cause. The Shadow League and empress who judges have been battling them for eons, but they grow bolder and stronger as they increase in numbers, Gindley said sadly.

Doesn’t the Shadow League judge all here, though? asked Varian.

Yes, but these have been taken before their judgement, so are still in limbo. They are neither here nor anywhere, so they fight for power here. If they defeat the league and win here, they would have dominion over all who die. Then they’d be able to control where and how the circle is to be maintained.

Circle? asked Varian, confused.

The circle is where our souls go when we die. We move on or back depending on our purity. There are many planes of existence and life energies are re-used and re-animated to sustain the existence of all. It’s pretty complicated and my knowledge is about at its limit when we come into the mechanics of it all. I know enough to say what I have said, but you will need to ask the league for more detail if you need it, Gindley replied as he stepped out onto the plain.

They walked for what seemed hours and Varian was surprised he did not feel thirsty or hungry. But then he thought if this was the Realm of Night and he was indeed dead. Why would he even need to eat?

A little while later, a flash of light caught Varian’s eye. He looked around behind them and he saw a huge dark form bounding towards them.

Run! shouted Gindley.

Varian went for his sword but there was nothing there, so he followed the imp and ran forward. He looked back again to see several huger shapes running behind him. They were picking up the wandering souls that were heading for the city. One by one creatures mounted in black robes on the backs of the huge dark monsters were picking them up and placing them in sacks tied to their sides.

Just then a sound like thunder began in front of them, getting louder and louder as they ran. Suddenly, a group of huge black horses bounded out over the plain. Varian fell to the ground with Gindley by his side.

The huge black horses tore over them and headed right for the creatures. Varian could see armoured figures in red on their backs with large silver broadswords raised in the air, ready to strike.

Varian watched in stunned amazement as the fight took place against the huge creatures being ridden by the dark figures. He now saw that the black creatures each had what looked like three snake heads and could hear them hissing loudly. Varian could feel magic building in the air as the dark figures on their backs started hurtling green and red energies at the mounted horses. The figures on the horses caught the bolts on their swords and the energy dissipated around them harmlessly. Then one of the monsters started spitting green liquid at the horses and their riders. It missed most of them, but one was not so lucky and both rider and horse were covered. They both melted quickly with agonising screams and a sickly smell lingered in the air. The viciousness of the venom the creatures spat completely stunned Varian.

At that second, Varian realised that the horses were shadow stallions and it must be the Shadow League riding them. The other creatures were pansnakes, and he thought the figures riding them must be mages, but they must be undead mages trapped unjudged in this realm.

Two of the pansnakes had now broken off and were collecting more blankly walking souls. They were heading straight for Varian.

He could feel the evil intent in the mages’ eyes as they burnt with red fire in deep, bottomless pits. The pansnakes hissed as they closed in, almost like they could sense fear.

Varian was not scared, though, as he now knew what was going on. He pulled in power and was relieved to find that he still could. He sent out a vicious force wave that knocked both creatures off their feet. The mages tumbled off and landed hard.

They got up and stared at Varian, because of the power that was radiating from him, in total shock. Varian then felt a familiar push in his mind from the depths of the abyss. "Mother’s son, why do you come to this place? How can this be?" The voice felt evil and slippery in his mind.

"I come because of the need to be here," Varian said with steely resolve.

The being known as Jackan then asked, But how can you open portals when this magic has been forgotten by all?

The longer he read the evil force, the more Varian understood. "You know little of such things Jackan. I will surprise you at every turn. I will hinder your effort to control wherever I can. I will stand against you everywhere you reside."

Jackan laughed derisively. "You cannot be everywhere, boy! You can never hope to defeat me. I am eternal. I am fire. I am the destroyer. I am the many and I am the one. Your pathetic attempts only slow the inevitable. You will be my toy to command, a puppet to dance."

Varian then shouted so loudly in all the minds nearby that everyone on the battlefield could hear him, No Jackan, I will not be your puppet. I will be your undoing! He then focused a burst of white flame out towards the two mages in front of him and it engulfed them, melting them instantly and smouldering what was left of their unjudged souls. He then turned to the two pansnakes which had now returned to their feet, sending out black, electric energies which bound them and held them still.

Three of the red figures dismounted their shadow stallions and moved in on the pansnakes. Now Varian could see them close up; they were clad in red full armour. They raised their mighty broadswords and slashed the pansnakes’ heads off, killing them in decisive blows, each one with purpose and accuracy.

The remaining evil forces all ran off, abandoning the bags which now had souls climbing back out of them and continuing their blank walk towards the city.

The other knights now joined the dismounted ones and advanced on Varian and the night imp. One of the red-clad armoured figures raised his hands and took off his helmet. He had deep blue eyes which glowed and dark features with an angular nose. His hair was black and his teeth looked sharp. His incisors which stuck out over his bottom lip gave him a sinister look.

Who art thou? Who can command such power? the figure asked with deep authority.

I am Varian, son of the Mother. Varian gestured to the little imp. This is Gindley, my friend imp.

The figure knelt onto both knees and lowered his head.

Please don’t. I just need to find out how and why I am here. Please give me your name, Varian said.

The figure looked up and said, I am Sir Elidale, a Master Knight of Shadow. This is my platoon. We are the Shadow League. He gestured to his shadow stallion, This is my mount and companion, Aractus. The stallion bowed his head.

Do you know Aramis? He was my mount and companion once, asked Varian.

Yes, my lord. He is the king of shadow stallions within the League and commands all the shadow stallions.

Who is in charge here? I need to speak to someone to find out what’s going on and why I am here.

The knight looked around, confused, and then rose.

My lord, if you are here then you must be dead. This will be your time of judgement. We will take you to the empress who judges all. You may ask her what you will, but I’m afraid your answers will be undesirable. If you are truly here already, then dark times will be for all, my lord.

The knight then made some hand movements and a knight approached and beckoned to Varian to mount up behind him. Another did the same for Gindley.

Once mounted, they picked up speed and raced off with the shadow knights towards the City of Night.

Chapter 2

The City of Night

It did not take long on the fast stallions to reach the City of Night, and soon they approached a huge black gate built into the large wall which surrounded the city. It creaked as it opened to reveal a brightly lit street with several knights all standing tall with drawn swords, waiting for any treachery or traps. They relaxed when they saw Sir Elidale and nodded him to enter.

They went through the portal and into the street as the door slammed shut behind them. The street was paved with white cobbles that slightly reflected the light as if they were polished.

Sir Elidale turned to Varian. "This is the City of Night, my lord. The souls of the worlds come here to be judged by the great empress of night. They gather at