Blood-Stained Heir: Ascent Archives, #1

By T Norman

After the sudden death of his beloved wife, Rysh Trell struggles to keep his life together and devotes everything to raising their son. When the King of Ansaroth seeks vengeance for the murder of his father, Rysh is forced to defend his home and family again.

 

As an army pursues him across Ansaroth, Rysh fights to honor a promise he made to a dying friend. With little hope of survival, he searches deep inside to find the soldier he spent years burying away.

 

Will Rysh keep his promise, or will evil forces stop him from reaching his goal?
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: JNT Press
• Release date: Mar 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393365877

Book preview

Prologue

Alric Renulf awoke to the sound of war horns. I thought we were here to make peace, not war. After so many years with a constant threat of battle he learned it was best to sleep dressed in his boiled leather, ready to fight at a moment’s notice. Alric pulled his double scabbard to his waist and clasped his emerald cloak around his neck. He always carried two swords, his hand-and-a-half sword that he used for combat purposes, and his short sword that was given to him as a gift by King Rawson when Alric was made a general. An emerald jewel in the shape of a sun adorned the base of the hilt. He finished buckling his belt, pulled open the flaps of the tent, and left.

Pip, saddle my horse; wait for me outside the King’s tent. Alric watched as the tall, red-haired boy ran off. Skin and bone, that one, but he has the makings of a knight. Alric trudged through the camp around a flurry of men scrambling to don their armor and get to their positions for the impending battle.

The king’s pavilion stood out among the swarm of tents in front of Alric. The king’s banner, a sun displayed on an emerald background, flew from all corners of the tent. The guards stepped aside as Alric approached the tent. He entered to see members of the High Council standing around a table.

Thanks for joining us, Alric. General Felix Navaad, a tall slender man with a broadsword slung across his back, was the first to notice Alric enter the pavilion. As he spoke, the rest of the High Council turned to greet their last member.

General Renulf, if you didn’t insist on staying with your men, it wouldn’t take you as long to get here. Lord Kerry Lox, a large man with dark skin, dabbed the sweat from his forehead with a cloth as he spoke.

Being attacked in the middle of the night, I would rather awaken next to my men. Alric moved to join the High Council to continue their discussion of the coming battle.

Welcome, Alric. Lord Kevan Rawson exchanged a slight nod with Alric. He stood a half head taller than his brother but had the same dirty blond hair.

Their king, Arturious Rawson, interrupted his brother. Let’s continue with the matters at hand. General Navaad, what is your report? He stood clad in emerald armor, his crown sitting upon the matte of blond hair.

Navaad frowned as he told the king of their situation. Our scouts report that we have enemies in the Skirling Mountains to the north and south of us, with men advancing from their encampment outside Daleon, Your Grace. In the middle of the night our enemies took out our sentries posted along the Skirling Pass; we have men gathering on the lines to fight, but we don’t have much time before we will be surrounded.

How did they take out our sentries? Lox questioned. Isn’t it their job to prevent this kind of thing from happening?

The sentries did their job. They managed to get word to us about the attack. Navaad clenched his jaw. Alric knew it wasn’t his fault the sentries were taken, but could tell Navaad didn’t appreciate being challenged.

Enough of this, King Rawson barked. Our enemies are at our doorstep. What are we going to do about it?

We need to break the enemy line if we are going to have any chance of stopping them. Master Bastian Seneca, a skinny, gray-haired man draped completely in black cut in. He always spoke with a smile on his face, even in the most drastic of circumstances.

I will take my men and put as much pressure as possible on those coming from the west. Hopefully I can force them to focus their attention. Navaad always wanted to be in the thick of the fight. D’atar, take your men north.

D’atar Xae gave a curt nod. Of course. As the leader of the Lyedos, he was the reason they had banded themselves to the king’s cause.

Kevan, you and your men will go south. Kevan nodded in understanding.

Alric, you and your men will be supporting us from camp; assist wherever you’re needed. Lox, get your men to the battlements on the keep. You are our last line of defense; if they break the main lines then it is up to,,. Navaad never finished his sentence. Alric turned to see the bowman standing in the doorway. Within seconds, Alric had his sword unsheathed and before the bowman could nock a second arrow, his throat sprayed red. That’s when he heard the screams.

They’re in the camp!

We must defend the camp, cried the king. Lox, Kevan, D’atar, gather whatever men you can. We must organize our efforts. Alric and Bastian, go to Bravestone and get the queen and prince to safety. The king unsheathed his sword and left the tent with the others.

Outside, the scene was chaos. The first thing Alric saw was Pip lying bloodied on the ground, sword in hand and a cut across his chest. The poor lad. He died a knight’s death. Alric and Bastian made their way through the camp toward Bravestone, dodging the fighting as they went.

Alric stepped over dozens of bodies, both friends and foes. Bravestone was in sight when Alric and Bastian came upon a dozen armed soldiers. Their leader rode up on a large warhorse clad in black and crimson armor. Who do we have here? His voice was low and strong. He removed his helmet and Alric immediately recognized him.

Victor. Lord Victor Stowen was a renown warrior in the ranks of the Ansaroth Royal Army. He had won countless battles and killed many of Alric’s friends and comrades. He carried a long sword on his back and could wield it with deadly power.

Rah! Alric turned to see King Rawson and Lord Lox riding toward them with a group of men following. Lord Stowen’s men charged to meet the king’s men as they rushed to battle. Arturious rode up to Alric. Get to the castle, he ordered. No matter what, don’t come back; I need you to get my wife and son to safety! The kingdom depends on you.

Alric drew his sword and fought his way through the men with Bastian at his side. Bastian wielded only a staff but used it with great skill. As they came into view of the castle gates, a man dove out from behind a tent, driving a spear toward Alric’s side. He swung his sword to parry the blow, feeling the clash of wood on metal. He recovered from the blow and pierced the man through the side.

As the man fell, Alric took a second to look back at the crowd of men fighting. He saw Arturious riding toward Lord Stowen with sword in hand. Alric held his breath as he saw Arturious’s overhand swing deflected. Stowen was known for his power, but he showed his speed by slashing the warhorse’s hind before the king left his range. Arturious’s horse stumbled and dropped to the ground. Stowen was on the king in seconds, swinging wildly before he could recover from his fall.

No! Kerry Lox cried as he dove between the king and Victor Stowen in time to block Victor’s swing. When their swords clashed, Lox lost his grip and his sword went flying. Alric could see a look of horror on Lox’s face as he stared death in the eyes. Stowen spun and swung his blade in one swift movement. Lox’s body fell limp as his head tumbled to the side. Arturious was on his feet as Bastian called to Alric.

Alric, come on! We have to go, now! Alric felt Bastian tug on his arm, trying to pull him toward Bravestone.

We can’t leave His Grace! Alric pulled free from Bastian’s grasp to turn and see Stowen’s sword pierce Arturious’s stomach. He needs our help!

Bastian pulled Alric to face him, and for the first time Alric saw him without a smile as he said, Arturious was my friend as well as yours, but he’s gone. We still have a role to play; we must go find Anna and Raphael and get them to safety. Alric glanced over his shoulder at Lord Stowen standing over the king’s limp body, blood dripping from the tip of his sword.

Bastian and Alric came upon the locked gates of Bravestone. Who goes there? Called a man from the wall, looking down his bow at the men approaching.

Master Bastian Seneca and Lord Alric Renulf. As the gates opened, Bastian and Alric were ushered through. Have the queen and her family get their things ready, we need to leave now.

There’s a problem with that, sir. The queen is in labor.

D’atar rushed through the gate, his clothes soaked in blood from the battle. Arturious is dead.

Alric stopped in his tracks just a few feet inside the gait, reliving the shock of seeing the king killed only moments before.

Lox as well, and now the queen is in labor. Alric cast his gaze down to hide his tears as Bastian spread the news.

They’re attacking the walls! Cried a guard from atop the battlements.

We need to go find the queen, now! Bastian called to Alric and D’atar.

The three men followed a guard through the castle toward the queen’s chambers. Alric knew they were getting close when the queen’s screams overtook the sounds of the battle being waged outside. It took some time for the men to make their way through the castle, up the tower to the queen’s chambers.

As they came upon her chamber, her handmaiden came out of her room with a look of distress on her face, holding a wrapped bundle in her arms. I’m sorry, Master, but her highness didn’t make it.

How’s the baby? Alric felt numb. He had to know the fate of the newborn. On a day full of so much sorrow, he looked for something to give him hope.

The baby is fine. She’s completely healthy. She reached out and handed the baby to Alric.

Bastian gave a nod. Leave us for a moment, please. The handmaiden bowed and went back into the queen’s chambers. We need to keep the baby safe. I think it would be best if for now we separated her and her brother. Alric gazed at the newborn in his arms as they made their plan.

What can I do to assist? D’atar offered.

I will take some of the remaining men and Raphael back to Ellsdorf. Right now King Stowen doesn’t know about the baby, and I would like to keep it that way.

I’ll take her. Alric knew that it was his job to watch over the newborn. Where should I go?

There is a small path leading out on the north side of the fort. If you go quickly, you should be able to move undetected. D’atar, can you guide Alric through the Skirling Mountains?

Of course. I will keep them safe.

I have a contact that you should meet up with. He will raise the girl as his own. Bastian hesitated, Alric, you should name her.

It’s not my place, Alric’s voice caught in his throat, the sorrow of the child’s loss settling in, but then again, she doesn’t have much family left. I’ll name her after my mother. A tear slid down Alric’s cheek as he held the baby in his arms.

We need to leave now. Their full force is almost at the main gate. D’atar peered out a window of the tower watching and listening to the battle outside.

One last question. Where exactly are we going?

The last place they would ever look for her. Bastian had a smile on his face again, and Alric knew that he wasn’t going to like the answer. Take her to Ansaroth.

Chapter 1

C oncentrate. Focus your breathing. When you’re ready, release. Rysh Trell stood behind Gant, giving him advice as he drew his bow. His target, a small doe, bent its head down unknowingly, eating grass. Rysh saw Gant tense up to release his arrow. Ah! Rysh yelled. Gant jumped, releasing his arrow wildly into the woods. The doe fled immediately, startled by the sudden noise.

Dad! What was that for? Gant turned and punched Rysh in the arm.

Rysh laughed hysterically. I told you to concentrate.

Well, I can’t with you yelling at me! Gant crossed his arms with a grunt.

In battle, you never know what distractions will come up. It could be swords clashing, wood breaking, or even someone screaming over your shoulder. I didn’t do it to pick on you. Rysh tried to stifle his laugh, even though it was a lot of fun. You need to learn to block everything out and focus solely on your target. Rysh put an arm around Gant’s neck and rubbed his hair with his knuckles. Keep your head up, Gant. You’re still young, you’ll get better with practice.

I’m almost sixteen, Dad. You were in the city guard at my age. When can I join? Rysh looked at Gant and saw himself at that age. They had the same light brown hair and looked strikingly alike; the only difference was that Gant stood a head shorter and didn’t have a beard like his father.

I know, but that was a different time. Ansaroth and Dusseldorf were waging war. We were under constant threat of being attacked. Ever since the battle of the Skirling Pass, things have been calm. Rysh looked at his son with a solemn stare. I lost my childhood because of that war. I don’t want the same for you.

Fine, but when I’m old enough, I want to join the Royal Army. It’s where I belong. Rysh could see the desire in Gant’s eyes.

We’ll see. Rysh rubbed Gant’s head again. Let’s head back. I’m on watch soon.

Rysh and Gant walked through the woods back into Wayton, a small town along the North Rush River. The mountain pass from the Skirling Mountains was the only major road through Wayton, and it led directly toward Lord Briar’s tower in the center of the city. Wayton was built with the outer buildings forming a natural wall with only four openings, one facing each cardinal direction, which could be closed with large wooden gates.

As Gant and Rysh walked into town, Gant ran off to Gayle Vellum’s house. Rysh made his way to the south gate for his patrol duty. Waiting for him were Samuel Barron and Don Klight. Sam leaned on his longbow, his long black hair tied back in a braid. He was Wayton’s head archer and Gant’s teacher. Don kept his gray hair cut to his skull and always had his battle-axe swinging from his belt. He was the head of the city guard, and one of Rysh’s closest friends.

I thought you weren’t going to make it on time. Even though they were friends, Don didn’t appreciate Rysh showing up late for watch duty.

You have Sam to blame. If he would properly teach Gant to shoot a bow, I wouldn’t be late.

Don’t drag me in to your mess. Sam slung his longbow over his shoulder. He’s your student now, not mine. Besides, I just taught him how to shoot a bow; you’re supposed to take care of the rest.

Enough bickering. We have a job to do. Don scolded the men.

The city watch patrolled the outer edges of the city at dawn, mid-day, and dusk to keep its citizens safe, but also to watch that mountain bears and stray wolves didn’t venture too close to the city.

Gant asked to join the Royal Army again today, Rysh confided in his fellow guards.

The kid’s got guts, I’ll give him that. Sam threw his head back with a smile. If only he had a brain to go with it, then he wouldn’t be so stupid. Sam staggered mid-step. Sorry, Don, I always forget that you were part of the Royal Army.

It’s fine, lad. Those days are long behind me. Don scanned the trees as the men moved around the exterior of the city. I prefer this peaceful life. Don’t take it for granted; one day it’ll all be gone.

The men continued their patrol around the wall, stopping to help a couple farmers gather their cattle along the way. After they returned to the south gate, Sam took up his post, Don returned to Lord Briar’s tower to report the findings of the patrol, and Rysh went to check on his sword.

As Rysh approached the blacksmith, he could hear the master of arms at work.

Good afternoon, Mic, Rysh shouted over the banging of steel. Mic’s dark brown skin glistened with sweat. He was of average height, and Rysh saw the definition of his muscles as he lifted his hammer.

Ah, Rysh, I didn’t hear you come up! Mic set his hammer down to greet Rysh. I suppose you’re here for your sword. I was able to melt down some argite and craft it with the hilt you gave me. It was a task balancing the new length and weight, but I was able to do it.

Rysh always marveled at Mic’s craftsmanship. He was able to forge any weapon or armor with great skill. Rysh’s sword had been given to him many years earlier, and he brought it to Mic to have it lengthened to a hand-and-a-half sword. With the blade dull and worn, he asked to have it replaced by the fine metal argite, native to Ansaroth. He wanted to keep the hilt, for it was his great-grandfather’s and had been passed down from father to son since then.

Mic brought out the sword, wrapped in cloth. As he unraveled it, Rysh could see the light gleaming off the metal. What was once a dull short sword was now a beautiful hand-and-a-half sword.

It looks amazing, Mic! Rysh was in awe at the craftsmanship of the weapon.

Go ahead, give it a swing. Mic watched Rysh lift the weapon. Let me know if the weight and balance are to your desire.

Rysh took the sword in hand and began going through his practice motions, swinging his sword across while adding in an over hand or under hand swing. The sword moved with excellent speed and grace. The balance was perfect.

I can’t thank you enough for this, Mic. Rysh shook Mic’s hand as he bid him farewell. Come down to the tavern sometime and I’ll buy you a drink.

You’re going to have to buy me more than one! Mic laughed.

Outside, Gant and Gayle ran up to greet Rysh.

Dad, can I go with Gayle to the woods and practice shooting? He has some tips he wants to show me. I promise I’ll be careful! Gayle was four years older than Gant and had trained under Don, Rysh trusted that he was responsible.

Yes, just promise to be back by dark. Rysh turned to Gayle. You’re in charge. Make sure he behaves.

I will, sir. Even though Rysh held no official rank as a member of the city guard, Gayle still addressed him as sir, from his training with Don.

The boys ran off in a hurry. As Rysh watched them turn the corner, his stomach reminded him that it was well past lunchtime and he hadn’t eaten yet. He made his way through Wayton to the local tavern.

The tavern was a small establishment, only a bar with a half-dozen stools around it and four tables in the dining area. The tavern also had two rooms for rent upstairs that were rarely used. Rysh walked to an empty stool at the bar.

Afternoon, Rysh, what can I get for you? Kit Hessle, the owner of the tavern, was a short, plump man. Many joked he would drink a pint for each one served.

Whatever you’re making. I haven’t had lunch and I’m starving. Kit nodded and made his way to the kitchen. He always cooked up something delicious during the day, so Rysh wasn’t worried.

The only other person in the tavern was the town drunk, Bors. He was an old man with a dirty brown cloak, long gray hair, and a beard to match. His walking stick leaned beside him as he drank from his stein. He very rarely left the tavern. Rysh didn’t know much about the man, except that he moved to town about fourteen years earlier and had no family.

Here you go, Rysh. Kit placed a plate of grilled fish and potato spuds on the bar. The smell made Rysh’s stomach growl, and in minutes there was nothing left of the meal.

Stomach full, Rysh enjoyed a pint of stout before he made his way home. The sun was beginning to fall in the western sky when Rysh noticed Don running toward the south gate.

Don! What’s happening? Rysh called after the man.

Follow me! Something was wrong.

Rysh made his way after Don. As they came closer to the south gate, his suspicions were confirmed. The gate was closed for the first time since the battle of the Skirling Pass. Don and Rysh climbed up to the top of the gate to meet Sam.

What’s going on, Sam?

Sam nodded toward the road below. At the edge of the woods stood five columns of Royal Army soldiers, their colors shining brightly in the late afternoon sun. At their head rode a man on horseback.

What do they want? Don’s voice held steady.

Don’t know. They just showed up and have been waiting there. Figured it couldn’t be good. Sam’s voice shook.

Lord Briar is on his way. He’ll want to talk to them. The three men waited only a few minutes before Lord Darren Briar arrived. Darren and his late wife were loved by all in Wayton, leading their people through droughts and storms, but nothing of this magnitude.

Don, Rysh, Sam. He addressed all three with a polite nod. What’s the situation?

It seems a group of Royal Army soldiers are having a party outside our gates. Sam said with a cheeky smile, hiding his fears behind his wit. I think they’re waiting on you.

Looks to be a hundred, and they’re armed. Don reported. What do you want to do?

Darren Briar was a smart man and a great leader, always one to search for a peaceful solution rather than resorting to violence. Let’s find out the meaning behind their visit. Don, come with me. Rysh and Sam, wait here. Rysh followed Don and Lord Briar down the ladder to open the gate for the men. Before Lord Briar left the safety of the city, he grabbed Rysh by the shoulder and looked him in the eyes. If anything happens, promise me you will keep my daughter safe. She’s all I have.

Rysh was taken aback by the request, sensing Darren's unease made him more nervous. He shoved those fears and doubts aside knowing Darren needed his word. Rysh gave a quick nod. Of course. I promise.

The men shook hands before Lord Briar and Don made their way through the gate. Rysh hurried to close it behind them and made his way back up the ladder.

Rysh watched Lord Briar and Don make their way to the soldiers on the road. Both men seemed calm and collected. Rysh struggled to listen as the men approached one another.

What can I do for you? Rysh heard Lord Briar ask.

Much of what was said was lost in the wind; Rysh was only able to make out bits and pieces. By the king’s orders...girl... The man Lord Briar was talking to had dark brown hair barely showing underneath his helmet, and a scimitar hanging at his waist. The man held his head high and shoulders back.

I’m sure we can come to some sort of agreement. Lord Briar was doing his best to negotiate.

...last chance...give her to us...die. Rysh saw Don twitch, and he knew things had gone wrong. The man had his scimitar in hand and through the air before Don could even raise his axe. Darren’s body fell limp to the ground. The royal soldiers immediately charged at Don and the gate.

Chapter 2

N o! Sam shouted as he nocked an arrow and began firing on the soldiers. Rysh climbed down the ladder, he needed to help Don.

From atop the gate, Sam shouted down, Rysh, no. Keep the gate closed. You need to get the people to safety. I’ll hold them off.

Rysh hesitated but remembered the promise he’d made Darren. I have to find Julia. Hold them off as long as you can. I’ll get everyone out the north gate.

Sam gave Rysh a nod, without skipping a shot. Rysh ran through the town, trying to warn as many people as possible.

Rysh, what’s going on? Kit Hessle called after him.

We’re under attack. Help me get everyone out of here! Use the north gate. Kit began running down the street with Rysh, helping spread the word before heading to the north gate himself. Make your way to the north gate! Go now! Rysh barked at the townspeople. Stopping at Lord Briar’s tower on his way north, Rysh threw open the door and ran to Julia’s room. Inside he found Julia and her handmaiden, Lori Dretzch.

Rysh, what’s wrong? Julia asked as her voice shook. She played with her bright blonde hair nervously.

My lady, we need to leave now. Grab only what you need. I’ll be waiting at the main door. Rysh hesitated before leaving the room, And hurry. Rysh rushed down the stairs and out the tower to see men, women, and children running to the north gate.

Hey, Rysh, do you know what’s going on? Mic trudged down the street with a hammer in one hand and a hand axe in the other.

Rysh brought his voice to a whisper. Darren’s been killed. We’re under attack by Royal Army soldiers.

Did you tell Julia? Mic was a good man, and like many others in the town, was fond of the young girl.

Not yet. Rysh felt a pang of guilt. I need to get her to safety first.

Julia and Lori exited the tower, each carrying a bag over their shoulders. Where are we going? Lori’s hand shook as she tried to wipe her eyes.

The north gate. We’re grouping up there to evacuate the town. Rysh heard screams coming from the direction of the southern gate. It’s time to move, now.

Where’s Gant? Julia asked as she scanned the area around them.

 He went to the woods with Gayle. He’s safe and away from all this chaos.

They made their way through town to the north gate. Rysh saw Sam and Kit standing at the head of the crowd, barking orders.

Listen, we need to stick together, Sam shouted over the cries of the townspeople. When we leave, make your way to the woods to the east. We’ll find shelter there. Rysh noticed blood dripping from Sam’s head. Let’s go! Sam commanded.

When Kit and Sam opened the gate, chaos erupted with the crowd forcing their way out the large gate. Rysh began to follow the shuffling crowd until he