Necropolis (Book One)

By Penn Fawn

Necropolis is a dark fantasy series about the afterlife in which eight men, three after being killed, and five after entering a portal, acknowledge the life they once knew ended, but continues within the hellish confines of the underworld.

Hell is the operative word as this is a story featuring curses, black magic, and the supernatural powers who impose them. Being cast into a lake of fire is one of a number of potential horrors the men face should they fail to avoid the Shetani, malevolent spirits personified as men.

These misanthropic and supernatural forces who work in concert with the necromancer, the chief practitioner of dark arts and sorcery, could not be more indifferent to the fallen men’s plight. The man eating ghouls, and the gargoyles they encounter while on their never ending quest to find safety aren’t any more hospitable.

In the midst of desperation to discover whether there is a way to find some place of refuge or save their souls, five of the eight men learn the Necropolis, a diamond-studded jewel imbued with a magical power, is critical to their having any hope of finding salvation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penn Fawn
• Release date: Apr 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393283553

Penn Fawn

Penn Fawn, a graphic arts production artist with a research and writing background is a New Yorker. He is the author of the dark fantasy duology, Necropolis, and the spin-off series, The Underworld. His novels are an amalgam of epic fantasy, dark fantasy, and horror.

Book preview

Foreword

THIS UPDATE TO NECROPOLIS is almost identical to the original published on April 1, 2020. The main difference between it and the original publication is this one includes a glossary.

The decision to include it was based on reader input.

Although written in fairly simple and straight-forward prose, making the novel easy to read, while leaving book reviews, some readers mentioned feeling challenged trying to keep up with the names and number of characters and places. If you feel the same while reading, the glossary will serve as a great aid.

The second reason it required an update is, a major blooper that got past all the editors and readers who read the previous version was found.

That error is, the character Fate, a male, was referred to as she at several places in the latter part of the book. This issue has been fixed.

The other changes to the original publication are minor typographical, punctuation, and grammatical errors missed during the initial round of edits.

With that being a thing of the past, this update should provide for a more pleasurable reading experience.

I thank you very kindly for your interest in this book. I hope you find it worth your time. If so, please leave a review of it when you’re done reading.

Sincerely,

Penn Fawn

Book I

Chapter I – Nyeusi

THEY APPROACHED THE three from behind with hunched shoulders, stealthily placing one leg before the other, keeping their heads low.

Their friend, one with feet almost as dark as coal, trailed from a distance of about seventy yards. His soles made almost no sound as they came into contact with the ground.

Their targets, focused and oblivious, were fixated on the elephants in the distance. As if acting on a choreographed work they practiced to perfection, they raised their arms with a bow and poisoned arrow in hand, in unison.

The cats sprung.

Startled and dumbfounded, the men did not release. They barely made a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn before large canines and claws tore at flesh and bone.

The afflicted caught a glimpse of a silhouetted figure in the not too far off distance. He watched them scream until their cries could be heard no more.

The dark fellow, with the sun to his back, and beads of sweat glistening on his forehead, calmly advanced while a fourth man, a stone’s throw and forty degrees to the west, trembled concealed behind a large rock.

The dark one, Nyeusi was his name, sat under a nearby tree for shade while the cats ate.

He leaned back, rested against its trunk, and closed his eyes. A cool wind swept through his mane of hair and dried the sweat on his brow.

The witness, a certain Daniel Salah, was sure to keep as still as he could.

He waited some twenty minutes after watching Nyeusi rise and walk away from what was left of the carnage. The cats trailed closely behind.

Daniel, having noticed there was no sign of anyone else around, got up and hastily departed.

Chapter II – The Witness

I WANT TO GET OUT OF here, Daniel said.

What? What happened? his compatriot, Ali Samar, asked. And where are the . . . ?

They’re dead! Daniel snapped.

What?

Did I stutter? You heard me! They’re dead. All but one of them.

Ali fell silent.

All are dead except for Djembe, who, luckily for him, he stayed back at the camp when we ventured out.

What happened?

They were mauled! Daniel exclaimed.

What?

Not what. You heard me!

Ali listened. What beasts did this?

Lions, Daniel said.

Ali said nothing.

Could have been me too! Daniel added. I survived because I took a detour to observe a herd slightly off in the distance. It’s the only reason I’m still here. Yes, it was risky to wander off like that on my own in these parts. If even just for a couple minutes, but it saved my life!

Ali was silent.

This is a fool’s errand, Daniel continued.

How so? Ali asked.

’Tis no-man’s-land. It’s so wild. Untamed.

You knew what you were getting into when you agreed to this, Ali said. These are unchartered . . .

No, I didn’t, Daniel cut him short. I haven’t told you half the story.

There’s more?

There is, Daniel replied.

Well, go on then, Ali said.

The cats. There was a man with them. Like he was part of the pride, leading them on like one would do with a breed of hounds.

Ali was pensive. Madness, he said.

Is it? Were you there?

You’ll excuse me, but you sound like one of the natives now, with their wild imaginary tales. Are you okay, Daniel? The trauma from what happened must . . .

Stop it and listen to me! Or, do you want to go back to have a look for yourself at what’s left of the strewn carcasses? That’s if some other beasts haven’t already taken them away. ’Tis no ill man talking, or one who’s delirious. I’m telling you what I saw, Daniel said, sternly looking him in the eye.

Ali thought there was a look of terrible concern on his face. Well, go on then, he said.

You’ve heard of this man before, Daniel said, stating what he already knew to be true.

There were none there who hadn’t heard about Nyeusi. Even strangers or relative newcomers like they were couldn’t have resided there for long before hearing about him.

I have, Ali replied. I have, and I dismissed it as superstition.

It’s no myth, Ali. I saw him with my own eyes.

Ali did not reply.

It had to be him, Daniel said.

And how would you know?

"Because he was exactly as has been described. A mane of locked hair. More exotic than perhaps any that has ever been seen north of these parts.

He was tall. Over six feet. Very dark. Impressive build, and he did lead those cats. I watched him sit near them unconcerned while they ate our guides alive.

Ali listened. Well, this is savage territory. I guess it’s not altogether impossible . . .

It’s what happened, Daniel snapped.

Ali looked him in the eye. Was there anyone else? he asked.

Just him, Daniel replied.

Ali became pensive.

What are you thinking?

Well, if you are to believe the folk around here, he is supposed to be part of another tribe, Ali replied.

And? Daniel said.

Ali looked him squarely in the face. A tribe of beastmasters, he said.

Daniel listened.

And the story gets much more elaborate, doesn’t it? Ali asked. Did you hear about that?

Daniel looked at him sternly. Look, what do we really know about what’s here to doubt or question the truth about it? he said. I mean, really. What do we know?

Ali did not reply.

Nothing, Daniel added. Not a damn thing.

Maybe, Ali said.

Maybe nothing, Daniel returned.

Fair enough, Ali replied. But if our expedition doesn’t venture to find out, others will. Enough has been said about this place to inspire the more ambitious to come here in droves. But you already know that.

Daniel listened.

’Tis no fool’s errand, my friend. The more ambitious of us will come. They will come for ivory. They will come for gold. They will come for exotic foods and spices. Some, like me, may even come hoping to find the Necropolis. Come, they will.

Daniel, mindful that the Necropolis was rumored to be the largest diamond ever found, said nothing. It was cast and encased in a silver bangle with two smaller sized diamonds placed on its sides. It was named after the burial ground of the fabled city called Sanctuary, whose inhabitants were allegedly laid to waste by the necromancer, the lord of the underworld.

He acknowledged he could not deny anything Ali said. The very reason they were there was to try and get ahead of the treasure and wealth-seeking hordes who would come from the lands up north, from whence they came.

They were from the lands north of the great desert, from a place they called Kemet. Their aim? Locate the fabled territory called Sanctuary.

Listen, Ali continued. "I’m not doubting anything you said to me, but don’t let yourself get carried away. You know these people are little more than savages, so it’s not too much of a stretch for me to accept some may have wild pets.

"That said . . . well, for the time being anyway, I suspect we’re perfectly safe here. We’ll just have to be better prepared, more careful about how we go about things next time.

But if you’ve had enough and you’re ready to pack up, I won’t stand in your way.

Thank you, Daniel replied.

And you would that easily, wouldn’t you?

Daniel did not reply.

Very well, then. So after all of your sacrifices, do you mean to say because there was a bit of a scare, you’d simply just pack it up and leave? Ali asked.

Daniel kept silent.

There is gold here, Daniel! Gold! Plus an abundance of other raw materials of which these people know not their value!

A bit of a scare, eh? Daniel replied.

Ali considered carefully what words he should use next.

Well, it’s just that I didn’t think you’d get cold feet having come so far. I felt because you were willing to come this far inland, you also were willing to go all the way.

Ali’s hope to encourage Daniel stemmed from considering a total of eighty men began the expedition. Adventurous as they were, the weeks’ long journey at sea, which was a first for many, left a good deal of the crew desirous of traveling no further inland than they needed to.

These stayed with the tribes whose lands were closer to the water. Aside from trading with them, they served as the first link among a chain of positions they would attempt to establish as their more adventurous compatriots ventured further inland.

The sea voyage, with its limited rations and countless other inconveniences, left many thin and weak upon arrival. Most, however, survived, but only to watch some of their friends die from mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria and others of which they knew nothing or had no name.

Hitherto, from a total of eighty, Daniel was one of a mere twenty who dared to endure come what may, and thus had managed to make it this far.

Djembe appeared at the door.

Djembe, Ali said.

Yes, he replied. I need to have a word with you right away.

Okay, Ali said. Please come in.

Thank you, he said.

Please. Have a seat, said Ali.

Thank you.

What’s on your mind? Ali asked.

Did you not hear what happened? Djembe asked.

Well, Daniel just began telling me something about . . .

Word spreads easily, like wildfire around here, Djembe cut him short. Three of our men who went out to assist you were killed.

I was not out . . .

I mean whomever of your men who went out today, Djembe interjected.

Ali’s face was stern. He was slow to respond. I . . . I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry to hear this.

Djembe became pensive. As you can imagine, the villagers who lost their family are even more so, he said.

Ali did not reply.

I remember you saying you were to go with the men, Daniel. I must ask, what exactly did you set out to do today?

You know what we were doing, Daniel replied. What do you mean?

Did you set out in search of tusks from carcasses, or were you seeking to hunt the elephants?

Why, we sought already fallen animals, Daniel replied with a straight face.

I see, Djembe said.

Why do you ask? said Daniel.

No one here or anywhere near the surrounding villages has been killed by cats for quite some time now.

I see, Daniel said.

And you must know that to unnecessarily harm the elephant is an evil omen, Djembe added.

Ali struggled to hide his contempt.

He hoped Djembe’s visit would be a short one.

I will go now, although, in parting, I must say I don’t know how this will turn out or what the response will be.

Okay, Ali replied.

Before I proceed, there are some things I want to get to the bottom of, he said to Daniel, the moment Djembe parted company with them.

Okay, Daniel replied.

I will call a meeting with the heads of our contingent.

What’s it for? Daniel asked.

What’s it to you? Ali said.

I’m curious, Daniel replied.

I’m interested in learning more about this Nyeusi character and his group. Hopefully, I can glean some more information from the elders here.

Don’t see why you’d need to call a meeting with the key members of our group for that, and why the interest in him all of a sudden?

’Tis a matter of wanting to exercise caution, Daniel. That’s all. The more I know about these characters, the better. I figure the best way to learn as much as I can about them is not from hearsay, but from meeting and talking to the more authoritative figures here.

Daniel listened.

Like Djembe said, stories spread or travel like wildfire. In time, I’m sure some of our men may become distressed after hearing what happened. Families of the afflicted may by degrees become even more distressed. Who’s to say many haven’t already thought we’ve overstayed our visit if you’re following me?

I believe I am, Daniel replied. To some, we’re probably now seen as those foreigners who brought death to their people, or so I think you mean.

Precisely, said Ali.

And you call that being safe? Daniel asked. By midnight, they may have us in a boiling pot while they dance around a fire.

We need to have a meeting tonight, Ali, who was growing with apprehension, said. We ought to air this all out in the open and decide on what is the best course of action to take.

Daniel shook his head in an upward and downward manner. Well, let’s get to it then, he said. While we still can.

Don’t further alarm me, Daniel. We don’t know for sure what’s on anyone’s mind.

He was right in more ways than one. While they had no certain knowledge of what their peers or the villagers were thinking, word did reach camp about what transpired. Certain members of the contingent did become concerned and could only wonder what may happen next.

Some, like Daniel, joked about the possibility of being the chief ingredients later on for a soup, if not a roast.

Some took this talk as humor. With others, the joke fell flat, and they wondered just where might Daniel and Ali be at that hour. That is, if they hadn’t already been taken captive by some of the cooks there.

Ali’s attention was diverted by the presence of three men who appeared at the entrance to the door. They were Penal, Asfar, and Sodom.

The latter, a known rapist back in his land, was the first to offer his services when he learned their king demanded an expedition be sent to find and acquire gold and whatever other material wealth and riches were allegedly within Sanctuary and/or the distant lands.

The reward for his participation, provided the mission was successful, was a pardon for his crimes. He was promised a share of the spoils or riches and a reinstatement of his status to not merely a free but honorary citizen.

Those were the general terms that applied not only to him but to the entire expedition, most of whom were convicts.

Ali was an exception. Presently the three exchanged stares with him.

Come in, he said.

They did so.

Make yourselves comfortable, he added.

As you can imagine, we heard about what happened, Penal, who preferred to stay on his feet, said.

Okay, Ali said.

The men are concerned, Ali, Penal returned.

Accidents happen, Penal. What do you expect me to say?

They do happen, Penal added.

Doesn’t make us look good though, a concerned Asfar said. We’ve been here for some time now, but we’re still foreigners or strangers to many. Not all are happy to have us, and now this.

Again, accidents happen. I can’t control all that goes on here.

No, Penal said. Not all. But you could have avoided what happened today.

Is that so? Ali replied. How may I ask?

Well, for starters, I’d say why do you persist in pursuing frivolous nonsense, like acquiring tusks, skins of exotic beasts, and all such foolery, and instead stick to the real business of our travel? Penal asked.

Frivolous nonsense, you say. The king would reward me as handsomely for acquiring a pair of tusks as he would for a pot of gold. Now as to the Necropolis, well, that is a different matter entirely.

I’ll be forthright, Penal said. What amazes me is how quick you are to bend your knee at the beck and call of vain, vile, and foolish men.

What do you know about me? Ali replied. "I didn’t know you, nor did you know me until we were brought together under this assignment. What amazes me is how recalcitrant an individual you are, Penal.

Lest you forget, I am the head of this exhibition, and our assignment was granted from none other than our king!

Indeed, Penal returned. You needn’t remind me, although I might mention, titles more often than not say little about the quality of a man.

There you go, Ali returned. As obstinate as a mule.

I am only being honest, Penal replied. And if the truth be told, when dealing with most men, honesty is the worst policy. Men prefer deceit, lies, and dishonesty.

I’ll have you know that the irony of such words coming from a petty thief and convict is not lost on me, Ali replied.

Nor did I think they would be, Penal returned, because mine are not cloaked in an air of pretentiousness. That is your style.

At this point, the rest of the party was as silent as could be.

Enough of this! State your case then! Ali said.

Why risk life and limb of our men or others pursuing mindless trophies for soulless men is what I am asking. Why put us in such jeopardy? Either from beasts or from the scorn or wrath of the community? What does the king know or care about what we have to endure here? And for what other than pursuing tokens of his greed and vanity.

I was entrusted with an assignment here, Ali replied. And unlike you, I do have some respect for authority.

I don’t see how it would be disrespectful to solely concentrate one’s efforts on pursuing that which is of the highest value or currency. And that, as you know, is not ivory.

Ali thought it was best to let him continue having his say.

"I don’t know about you, Ali, but I didn’t come all the way here to appeal to anyone’s conceit or vanity. A nobleman I could never pretend to be. I’m in this for me.

"Now you’ve got a community very concerned that you may have incurred the wrath of this guy they call Nyeusi, and heaven alone knows what that could mean.

If it were up to me, I say we press on to find the gold, and God willing, that most fabled jewel, wherever that might be, since our welcome here may already be as good as spent.

Ali looked at Asfar and Sodom.

So is that what this is? You’re planning a mutiny? said Ali.

No one is planning anything, Ali, but one has to first think about his safety, Asfar said.

When you agreed to do this, you all knew it was not going to be a cup of tea, Ali said.

What happened to those men out there today could have also happened to me, Ali. I’m all for not being sidetracked by things like exotic skins or ivory. If I must go on, well, then the gold is where it’s at for me, Daniel said.

Well . . . all right then, said Ali.

What does that mean? Asfar asked.

You want to move on? I’m good for moving on as well. You’ll get no resistance coming from me.

What does that mean? Asfar asked. Are you going to stay here and leave us be?

So you did make up your minds to leave without me! Ali said.

No. Not really, but we do think we’ve been here long enough already, Ali, Sodom replied. Whoever wants to stay and wait for word coming back from those leading the charge, let them wait. I want to be with the lead pack.

To that, you can include me, said Asfar.

Also me, said Penal.

Ali looked at Daniel. And also me, he said, albeit half-heartedly.

What you mean is you want to lead the pack, Ali said, directing his attention to Sodom. You speak of gold, but I would bet that privately, you hope to acquire the Necropolis for yourself.

Ali, the truth is most of our men are scared after all the talk they heard from the villagers about Nyeusi and the Shetani. So, after what happened today, good luck getting them to go out on any adventures for skins or ivory, Sodom said. There’s your mutiny.

Aside from that, most of them here are just happy to be free, Asfar added. They don’t give a damn about going any further or chasing any gold or ivory. They explicitly said this to me. How’s that for a mutiny?

Ali listened.

Today or tomorrow, we come across gold, and half of them won’t even care to return home with us, Sodom added.

So they’d rather stay here? Ali asked.

They’d rather stay here, he echoed.

You can’t put a price on what it means to be free, Penal interjected.

But they would be free back home, Ali said.

Yes, but only on the condition they bring what the king wants back to him, Penal replied. Their take is they’re already free here, so having got this far, they’ll take their chances trying to make it right where they are now. Forget all that stuff about gold or getting back on a ship.

I see, said Ali.

When you think of it that way, I can’t really say that I blame them, Sodom said. The only difference with me is I’d prefer to move on with what we really came here for.

Ali thought about this. Very well then, he said, becoming pensive.

What are you thinking? Asfar asked.

I’m thinking if we’re to be moving on, we need to find out more about this Nyeusi, and I don’t mean from village chatter and hearsay. We need to speak to the most reputable sources we can find here about him and where they think the gold might be, Ali replied.

You’ve perhaps heard it a thousand times already. It’s supposed to be in some forbidden and ungodly city. A place of no return, they say, Penal said.

Nonsense, Ali replied. If it’s a place of no return, evidently someone must have returned from there to tell them about it. Right? I mean, how else would they know? Either that or they have no idea what they are talking about.

Whatever, Ali, Penal added.

It’s not whatever. But . . . well . . . we’ll sure find out, won’t we? said Ali.

Whose words do you think we can trust? Daniel asked. There is no such thing as a map detailing the way to Sanctuary. All knowledge here is laid down from an oral tradition.

So we ought to seek out the most learned and knowledgeable among them, Ali replied. That means one or more of those who officially greeted us when we first arrived here.

The elders, Asfar said.

Precisely, Ali replied.

Well, let’s try to schedule a meeting then, and also find out who among our men wants to continue along on this journey, Sodom said.

Chapter III – Nabii

A TOTAL OF FIVE OTHER men were at the very least interested in hearing more about what pursuing the journey entailed. They agreed to convene with Ali, Daniel, Sodom, Asfar, and Penal, who arranged to speak to a village elder named Nabii.

They said a decision to continue the journey was contingent upon what they learned after having a word with he who was supposed to be one of the most knowledgeable and reputable men of the tribe.

So who exactly is this Nyeusi? Ali asked him.

He is the dark one, the village elder replied. The leader of his tribe.

I see, Ali said. And tell me, do you not feel the least bit angered when he feeds people to his cats? Ali asked, shooting a glance in the direction of Daniel.

I don’t know that angered is the correct word, Nabii replied.

Hm, uttered Ali. I’m not sure what you mean, but what he did yesterday, isn’t that something which makes you feel . . . Mm, I don’t know, like say perhaps you ought to have him pay for that uncommon act of cruelty and wickedness?

Nabii laughed.

Two other elders, one of each was at his side, laughed as well.

Did I say something funny? Ali inquired.

You strangers. The things you say. The things you do. Of what value is the tooth of an elephant other than to the elephant itself, or the bits of yellow-colored stones you aim to collect? As to the latter, you and Nyeusi are equally ridiculous in this regard.

Ali’s eyes widened. I’m curious about this Nyeusi.

There’s not much I can tell about him other than he’s from the underworld, the elder replied. One may be as enraged as could be, but the truth is there is none who can challenge him.

Underworld, you say? Ali asked.

Yes, the elder replied.

I see, Ali said. And what exactly is this place, the underworld? Ali asked.

By underworld, I mean Nyeusi is from the other side.

Other side? Ali said. Of the village, you mean?

The elder’s face grew stern.

Other side of this world, he replied.

Ali looked at Daniel.

Ah, he said. Now, I get it.

Do you? the elder asked. What do you get?

Nabii, Ali began. I’m a very practical man. Some of us don’t believe in such things. You, however, are saying that there is such a place. Am I right to ask this?

What a question, Nabii said.

Is it? Ali asked.

It is, the elder replied.

And I’m assuming you know its location?

You may wish to, but you may never see it. Not at this time.

At this time? said Ali. I’m curious. At what time might that be possible?

When you’ve departed this world, my friend, Nabii replied.

Daniel looked at Ali.

Oh yes, but Nyeusi was able to access here from his end? Ali said.

We’re not him, Nabii replied. We have no such power.

I see, Ali replied. Certain powers are involved, and I’m guessing that without that power, there’s no way to gain access to it from here?

There is, the elder replied.

Daniel looked at Ali.

I challenge you to find anyone here though, or from the villages beyond, who will dare take you there. And why you would care to do such a thing is beyond my understanding. But then much of what you do is beyond my understanding, Nabii remarked.

Is this another reason why you and your people came here?

We are textile merchants and traders, Ali replied. Nothing more, nothing less, but your stories are intriguing.

These are not stories, my friend. Your accomplice here has already seen what you have not. How much more evidence do you need?

Ali was slow to respond. I just would like to know I could go about my business safely, without fear of being maimed or harmed in any way, he said.

Neither happened to you and perhaps you should count your blessings. Or maybe it was not yet your time.

My time?

"My friend, I know nothing about where you are from. What I have heard about your kind is you are said to have come here on a vessel. One you say is capable of traversing along the sea. Then, by the mercy, kindness, and docility of the peoples who live closer to the shore, you were allowed a passage inland.

"You used your vessel to avoid crossing the great dessert. A wise choice, but I assure you, whatever arts or craft or magic you possess will guarantee you no protection should you steer further into these lands.

"Your chances of surviving here is sevenfold that of venturing off into the wild. A hundredfold times that of venturing off toward the distant lands in search of the lair. You have already been warned that those who do not respect their boundaries will surely die.

"Your choices are either risk being ravaged by beasts or slain by men.

Pity the three who were foolish enough to have followed you. They are said to have sacrificed their lives over a pair of sandals and some of your linen.

Daniel looked sternly at Ali.

"As to the lair, its entrance lies above a precipice of steep rock and stone. Only the very best and bravest dare try to breach it.

Those who have tried, mind you, were never heard from again.

The party was all ears.

And it is not because, during their ascent, they fell to their deaths, Nabii continued. It is because they dared venture beyond the entrance to the world from which no man hath ever returned.

Most of the tales about the lair and it being a pathway to the land of no return came from the Shemanchi, a nomadic tribe who, during their never-ending sojourn, developed established pathways while following the migratory path of wild oxen. Following the path of the beasts took them exceedingly close to the mountainside. At about a quarter to a third of the height from its base was the lair.

The Shemanchi would often set up a temporary base near there and stay for a few days before continuing their journey. The more curious among them are the ones who dared climb the mountainside, entered the lair, and were never seen or heard from again. Those who went in hoping to find and rescue them suffered the same fate, and it was not long before tales of it being a place of no return began to spread far and wide.

Daniel looked at Ali.

By way of comparison, the Shetani, who scale the very walls, can move in and out of there at will.

The Shetani? Again, I’d like to hear from you who they are, versus all of the stories I’ve been told about them, Ali