Reaper's Moon

By James Matt Cox

Dirk d'Argent is a man of many talents, swordsmanship chief among them. Upon reaching manhood he wandered the Seven Kingdoms of Epigaea plying his sabre in the service of merchants and generals eager to hire him. Then, over a nice meal in the city of Velport, he pauses for an evening of reflection.
Up until now Dirk drifted before the wind, traveling as he would wherever fortune nudged him. Though rich with experience, his life begins to feel empty. Purposeless. Following a troubling dream in which a misty lady begs his help, Dirk travels south to visit friends from his former life. There he finds the mysterious lady from his dream and pursues her into a new purpose for his days.
Now in the company of the fierce warrior-lady Lana and a foul-tempered Elf named Windshadow Dirk begins a journey of perilous discovery. His path leads him outside the Seven Kingdoms to a place he discovers both world-threatening danger and, more ominously, the unknown secrets of his own birth. The consequences of what he finds may well shake the very foundations of Epigaea herself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Matt Cox
• Release date: Apr 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463537275

James Matt Cox

James Matthew Cox Jr. was born in Texarkana Arkansas and he lives there today. His parents encouraged him to read and to enjoy it at a very early age. His father made certain he gained an appreciation for science fiction. His childhood heroes had names like Asimov, Bradbury and E. E. Smith. After graduating high school he earned a Bachelor's degree in computer science and a Master's degree in mathematics. He worked 25+ years as a math/CSCI instructor and recently added 'Open-Source Java Developer' to his resume. During all those years he continued to enjoy science fiction, both reading and writing, and finally decided to DO something about it.

Book preview

Reaper's Moon

by James Matt Cox

The story presented here is fiction.

Any similarity to any person, group or entity living, dead or virtual is purely coincidental.

Version Code: 201011

Copyright (c) 2020 by James M. Cox Jr.

Smashwords Edition

Cover Art by: www.viladesign.net

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Books by James Matt Cox

A Pattern of Details

The Dungeon Crawl Unlimited fantasy RPG system

Open Source Tools for Independent Authors

Vortex Portal

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The Children of Wisdom

The Dawn of Wisdom; Beyond Wisdom; Flashes of Wisdom

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Books in the Stone Blade series:

Stone Blade; Double Bait

The Radical Factor; The Burning Crown

Expedient Measures; Lethal Max

The Border Incident; The Blatant Prey

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The Moons of Epigaea

Sage's Moon; Reaper's Moon; Hallow's Moon; Planter's Moon

In Memoriam:

Jerry Clemons and Brian Harper.

Bold companions in many adventures.

Wonderful friends.

Their journeys ended untimely.

- - - - -

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

-The First Amendment to the

Constitution of the United States of America

Chapter 0. Moonfall

Embattled souls in torment cry, ne'er to repent their sin.

A Book shall fateful pages fold, to meet again the days of wrath.

This tale begins, as do all tales of worth, in a distant time and a distant place. The world of Epigaea dances before a vast, dark firmament speckled with stars like chips of diamond on ebony velvet. Epigaea herself shines less brightly now, her vibrant tones muted by turbulent clouds waiting for a darkness more felt than seen.

The ancient races of Elves and Dwarves now look with disgust upon the much younger race of Man. Where once they delighted in their younger brethren, now the elder races draw back. Man in his foolishness has covered Epigaea with war and the elder folk have little patience for it.

The Dwarves left first. Sensing that Man would never be satisfied by anything less than absolute destruction, the race of Builders prepared themselves retreats beneath Epigaea's skin. Deep they delved into their world's bones, into the very bones where magic lives. That magic they befriended and molded to their desire that Epigaea not lose herself when finally Man's arrogance overcame his sense.

The Elves succumbed next. The Fair Folk grew and consecrated groves of trees and rivers and lakes, begging favor of the magic there that it enfold and protect them. All did not flee for Elves have more patience than Dwarves. They did not wish to see their teachings wasted. One by one, though, they did give up and retreat into their refuges.

And man's wars grew.

***

Filinatassa, Greatest Master of the Five Spheres, sat back as the others at the table with him sent heated words back and forth.

You are certain of this, Glykerrian? asked Kaphronus, Greatest Master of Mountains.

As much so as certainty is ere it happens. The Greater Master of Wind and Storm had yet to learn the virtue of subtlety and restraint. The Emperor and his waggling finger Histiliothenes conspire to murder us all and salt the earth where once we stood.

Not for the first time did Filinatassa regret the loss of Buruskanos, Greatest Master of Wind and Storm. Although just as impulsive and unrestricted as any of his Circles he, at least, had the knack of conversing civilly with his peers. Even Kaphranos. Still, he was not the first loss from the Mantic Circles' weavers nor would he be the last.

Do not accuse the Emperor, said Nautilenes, Greater Master of Seas and Swells. Whispers have reached my ears that he blames Histiliothenes and his Vatic Orders equally. Rumors say he is most displeased that conflict still floods his lands.

Not accuse? Rumors? spat Glykerrian incredulously. Did he not cast out our Circles as scraps to jackals? Did he not speak the words of anathema upon us? Did he not...

"Enough. Carbonacellas, Great Master of Flames, spoke sharply and with just enough volume to silence the other two. In his youth and with the Patercrown new upon his brow Nattas Regillius Artorios did indeed speak the words. With Histiliothenes whispering in his ear and the lands he held testing his grip. What matters it now? Generations have passed and he has not yet recanted. The Vatic bastards and their Imperial lackeys slaughter our folk like wolves among sheep. It is time and past time to strike back."

A not-small part of Filinatassa's thoughts agreed with Carbonacellas. All of the Five Spheres lost talented weavers but none more than Flames. Of course the fact that, of all the Spheres, Flames sought out and refused to avoid combat did not decrease their losses. Still, all weavers should be free to practice their craft as they saw fit. No part of any of the Circles or Spheres demanded exclusion of any others. All should be unconstrained, as it were, by Vatic or even Mantic beliefs.

We have been fighting far too long now, said Nautilenes. Decades upon decades of conflict and strife and to what end? Every passing year sees fewer of our brothers and sisters among us. Fighting is not the way.

Then what do you suggest, brother? asked Filinatassa before Carbonacellas could find his tongue and lash out.

A band of my kith along with other visionaries from Kaphronus' Circles discovered a vacuole. This was many years past. Lest any discover it we anchored it on the Four-Spur Island.

Everyone but Filinatassa gasped at that.

Aye, said Nautilenes. Before you castigate me hear me out. This vacuole is larger and more complex than any we have known before. Any. It has a measure of all five Spheres within it and the filament tethering it is strong. It is strong and we have worked to reinforce the connection from both sides.

"Both sides?" asked Carbonacellas.

Both. It is rooted firm in the bones of the island and the magic of the sea surrounding it. If the Circle of Flames and the Circle of Wind and Storm assist us I believe it can be made stronger still.

So you would have us flee like a gaggle of cowards, said Carbonacellas. To run away when we can put paid to Histiliothenes and his vile clutch. He stood and faced Filinatassa. If Master Glykerrian speaks true - and I believe you do, brother - then all the Vatic Orders have begun to gather power for their strike. If we preempt them and strike into their attack before they are ready we will break them. We will break them and we will break their power. If Histiliothenes plans to ride the crest of his onslaught then he and all close to him will perish. What matter then if the Emperor outcast us? He will welcome us back or watch his Empire burn.

I did not and do not speak of mad flight, brother, said Nautilenes with his voice giving lie to the friendliness in his words. The tide does not fight the moon's call and it returns all the stronger for it. Let Histiliothenes and his mindless followers strike their mightiest blow and find nothing to oppose it. The backlash from such a thing would be catastrophic, full certainty there, with the brunt of it falling upon him. If he survives... If he survives then we can, he snapped his fingers, squash him like an insect.

Filinatassa silenced them all by standing.

I agree, he said, with Carbonacellas. Peace, Nautilenes. Your solution has great merit here at the table but less so away from it. Even were all our greater brothers and sisters to retreat to the deepest reaches of their Spheres, gathering the rest at your vacuole is far from guaranteed.

"They can gather at the anchor point or at least the island. None outside our Circles know of its existence. None."

Some might gather. How long would it remain secret from the Emperor if they did? What of our allies? What of the ungifted who support us? What fate would they suffer after we departed? No. Much though it pains my heart, I must cast my approval upon Carbonacellas' plan. We must gather as many from the Spheres as we can, prepare and strike before Histiliothenes. Backlash or not, if we demonstrate to Nattas Regillius that we can smite his pet Vatic lap cats at their strongest perhaps he will leave us in peace. He placed his hand on the table to display the Ring of the Five Spheres to all. By my hand I vow this complete.

***

I tried, my friends. Truly I did.

Nautilenes and two others walked in a small clearing past the outskirts of Zarcocia. The other two wore long, hooded cloaks of green and brown and scarcely disturbed the grass with their steps.

So Filinatassa chose the path of anger, said the first. This does not bode well. Did you speak of the vacuole?

I did.

Did your mention our advice in how to strengthen the filament?

I did not. Nautilenes hung his head. I believe he still harbors ill thoughts and resentment over knowledge not granted. I of any realize the Fair Folk gave us more than we deserved but I fear the old bile still festers within him.

Humans. Ever foolish and everlastingly stubborn, spat the second.

Peace, Rainsoft, said the first, and peace upon you, Nautilenes. We trust your judgment. Let it comfort your heart to know that another seven score of your brothers and sisters accepted sanctuary.

Nautilenes almost wilted with a sudden, unexpected and very rare wash of gladness.

Thank you, my friends. Would that I had aught to offer even if only good tidings. Was it weavers only? Was...

It was all manner of folk, interrupted Rainsoft, "gifted and not. There is some discomfort accommodating them all but the ones already settled are doing well. They know the consequence of our gift and accept it readily. They, at least, have the sense to believe our Augers."

I do not doubt you, dear friends. Would that I could join my family but I cannot. As long as there is the tiniest glimmer of hope I cannot abandon my fellows.

We understand, my friend, said the first.

A sudden and subtle ripple in the gentle tide of magic interrupted them.

That will be our senior. We must go to him now. Perhaps he has news.

He has news, said Rainsoft. We can but hope that it is less than disastrous.

Indeed, said the first. Walk in peace, young friend. May the Light shine upon your path. We will return as soon as we have tidings.

***

Filinatassa the man and not the Master sat at his table. Scattered parchments littered the tabletop along with a mug of hot tea. Years of worry patterned his face and often he wondered how much longer he could grip the reins he now held.

Time and conflict took their toll both on him and upon the Spheres over which he presided. With the death of Arispridea the Fair, the Circle of Flames lost its last Greatest Master. That compelled Carbonacellas, their most brilliant general, to trade his place commanding their armies for one in the Great Circle. To Filinatassa's mind both the armies and the Circle suffered a loss. Carbonacellas lacked the finesse of skill to sit at the Circle and he saw every contention as a battle. Though he had learned compromise that lesson came but slowly.

Enter, Nautilenes. Come and sit, my friend, and do help yourself to tea. It's quite good.

Nautilenes did so and tried to conceal his look of surprise.

Because I know you so well, old friend, said Filinatassa, answering the unasked question. Were you not the first Great Master initiated into the Circle so many years past?

Indeed, Filinatassa. So many years and too many deaths ago. He sat at the table and carefully cleared a place for his mug.

I agree. To my mind your elevation to Greatest Master should have come long ago yet with the death of Satyrianna that was no longer possible.

We have suffered great losses, old friend, both for ourselves and for our Circles. If that is the touchstone for advancement then I would rather never attain it. I would be pleased to argue the virtues of Water over a game of draughts with Arispridea whilst Kaphronus grumbled about his students.

Filinatassa smiled warmly a moment then turned serious.

You speak truly. I doubt, however, your visit concerns memories of better times. You question my decision.

I do, Greatest Master. It does not in any way seem wise.

Pray do not speak formally, Nautilenes, even though you question the wellness of my mind. Filinatassa smiled. It is only the two of us here. We are friends past a few unpleasant words.

"Then I shall speak frankly. When first we of the Spheres were outcast our ranks held many gifted weavers. Even more mighty warriors did we number. The people of the Empire loved us and gladly gave to us what we needed. We helped them, aye, but they did not count the cost. Even the meanest farmer or peasant saw the wonders of Water and Earth, of Air and Fire, and viewed us as their peers.

"Perhaps then, with our exile still young, we could have taken Flame's rede and followed it to victory. Not now. Now we can barely muster swords enough to protect ourselves, to say nothing of pressing the attack. With each passing month our numbers diminish and even the Great Circle is incomplete.

It is madness past foolish to attack, Filinatassa. Madness and worse. We should seek safety until such time as Histiliothenes no longer infects the Empire and his Orders have shown themselves as the fools they are. Why, then, do you cleave so strongly to Carbonacellas' words?

I have my reasons, old friend, and I shall ask you to trust them in the main. Some I will reveal to you. But first, how is your family?

They are doing well. Nautilenes tried not to show his emotion at the question.

Has your granddaughter yet given you a great-grandchild? Her time is near, as I recall.

No, although her time is indeed nigh.

For all you know, Nautilenes, you do indeed have another generation to bear your name. You've had no word of them for a long time, is this not true?

Nautilenes paled. It... is. It is true. How much did the Greatest Master know?

Because you sent them to take refuge with the elves.

Fear now clenched Nautilenes guts. Filinatassa knew. He knew. He knew and he further knew his old friend would come to have words over his plans. With no formality between them there could be no Challenge, not that Nautilenes would try such a thing, but the Greatest Master now held the high ground over a blinded foe.

Peace, my old friend. I do not accuse you. Filinatassa smiled and sipped his tea. Nor do I condemn you for it. Your action may well be wisdom past what any of the Great Circle can embrace. Even me. Your family is safe. They are safe and they will escape whatever consequence comes. They are out of harm's way yet you will never again see them unless you also accept the elves' boon.

Nautilenes dropped his eyes.

As I said, dear Nautilenes, I speak no ill of you for that. Even though they are gone to you they are safe. They will not suffer whatever harm befalls us or the Empire. What greater act of humanity can there be?

Then why not for all our peoples? The vacuole...

Your vacuole was touched by Elven hands even if not directly. Kaphronus himself has not the skill to strengthen the filament holding it. Yet did you not say that his juniors, weavers nowhere close to his skill, were able to accomplish such a thing? Do you think I am the only one able to puzzle this out?

You are wrong to hate the elves, Filinatassa. Would you feed a child sweets until its belly ached and its teeth fell out? Even though it might scream and beg for them? Such is the elves' thought. What they denied us they denied for a reason.

I do not hate the Fair Folk, Nautilenes. Neither do I hold anger or resentment for what they did. Or did not do.

But...

Many in our Circles do, said Filinatassa. They would exterminate the elves just as the Vatics would us and with less cause. If I seem full of hatred to you, my oldest and closest friend, then of a certainty I am truly heroic to those who hate.

Nautilenes rocked back as though punched. You... The words trailed off.

I must appear to all our Circles as what they wish me to be, Nautilenes, else the Great Circle would shatter and all others splinter. How easy would it then be for the Emperor to exterminate us all?

Nautilenes' head swam as he wrapped it around those words.

Forgive me, Filinatassa. I should have known.

You took the mask for the man, old friend. I cannot fault you for that.

That still does not explain your choice.

"Ah but it does. Histiliothenes is mad. Madness holds him and he clings to it. All he knows, all he believes, is to rid Mother Epigaea of the Mantic plague. Reason and rationality have no color in his eyes. They are but wisps of mist in a storm's winds. If he strikes only air then he will strike and strike again. He will attack and continue to attack until he finds an enemy. If that foe is not us, if we are absent, then who will feel his mailed fist?"

"So we are to sacrifice ourselves to sate his bloodlust? That is madness past madness."

"Were that my thought would it not be a noble one? To cleanse Epigaea of mad and needless conflict? Yet those were not my words. When the time comes we will wreak upon Histiliothenes whatever damage we can. We shall, as Carbonacellas counsels, strike before he unleashes whatever power he gathers.

At the very least Histiliothenes and those closest to him will perish. Then, when the Emperor is weakened, we will offer to withdraw. Whether to your vacuole or the the elves' ancient groves or even the untamed lands matters not. With Histiliothenes gone and the major part of his forces broken Nattas Regillius will eagerly accept our terms.

That... that is...

Too grand a plan for a feeble old man tired of the conflagration? asked Filinatassa with a wry smile.

He spoke a word of power softly. The parchments before him moved themselves aside and the surface of the table rippled. As it did it formed itself into a rectangular block that slowly rose. It grew into the shape of a large, wooden box with the rings of the Four Spheres inlaid into its top. Priceless jewels marked Air, Earth, Fire and Water and smaller ones the cardinal intersections. A gold and silver crest marked the four-way intersection of the Patersphere that held Epigaea and her stars. The box opened at Filinatassa's touch and he pulled out a massive book.

The Tome of the Spheres, said Nautilenes softly.

Over the years he'd seen it less than a handful of times. Bound in hardened dragonskin leather, the book's face was scarcely less impressive than the box that held it. A keyless clasp in the form of a dragon's head held it closed. Although it had few blank pages more always came at need.

Yes. Our oldest and most powerful weaves, all of the lesser ones, all the history and tales of the Mantic Circles. All that is good or ill about who we are and who we were. Some things lost to time can still be seen here. Filinatassa grinned. There are even pages written of vacuoles, Nautilenes. Our forebears knew many things.

The clasp opened and Filinatassa flipped the pages to one marked with a faded ribbon.

Focus your mind upon your vacuole, Nautilenes, and your plans for it.

Nautilenes nodded.

Now take my hand, place your other upon the Tome and speak the words with me.

As the last syllable left Nautilenes' lips all light in the room vanished. It swirled into a cloud above the book and within it he saw visions.

Mantics by the scores and scores of scores gathered at Four-Spur Island. Somehow the Emperor's forces missed them all. All their weavers and many ungifted allies passed through the filament and into the vacuole it anchored. More than a year passed but all who did not accept the elves' offer managed to flee Epigaea into safety.

None of that swayed Histiliothenes and his Vatic Orders from their hunt. Not only did he persist, so did his children and their children. Even after three score years and more without success still they hunted. Their atrocities grew wider and more wanton. At long last the Emperor demanded it stop and the Vatics turned against him. Then, heartbeats later, Epigaea herself burst into flames and shattered into a thousand pieces.

Nautilenes jumped as the fiery bits whistled past him only to settle in the candles and torches within the room. The book felt warm, the air cool and his heart heavy past bearing.

So you see, said Filinatassa, if we retreat and do nothing Mother Epigaea dies.

"That is a horrible burden to bear.