The Crystal Sword

By Tina Silvens

Selunia discovers that one of her friends is being possessed by a devious spirit—one that, surprisingly, has feelings for her.

But before she can start her investigation, she has to confront the dreaded inspectors of the Central Palace and help Prince Soris make the palace seem safe while it's under attack—and survive, of course!

The Arid Kingdom needs a new weapon, and that is the secret Crystal Sword.

Genre: YA Fantasy

Subgenres:

Clean Romance (mild physical interactions, no nudity)
Action (suspense, detailed sword-and-magic battles, a few scenes with injuries and blood)
Adventure (thrilling trips outside the castle)

Jump in the latest sword and sorcery adventure and witness Dual's dishonest escape schemes, Soris' battles against godlike beings, and Selunia's discovery that someone is being possessed by a devious spirit—that might have fallen in love with her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tina Silvens
• Release date: Aug 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463234907

Tina Silvens

Tina Silvens is an author dedicated to the fantasy genre. Although she has been writing since school days, her first book was published in 2017. “The Mysterious Soldier – Part I” is the first book in the Arid Kingdom series, a story she kept working on for more than 10 years before finally reaching out into the world of published books.The story of the Arid Kingdom revolves around the complicated and mysterious lives of the main characters: Selunia and Soris.Although Silvens has other fantasy books in store, waiting to be written and published, she will be focusing mainly on the “Arid Kingdom” series.Salutare!Sunt Tina Silvens, autoarea cartii "Soldatul Misterios", seria "Regatul Arid". Sunt dedicata genului fantastic ("fantasy" imi place mie sa-i spun), deoarece sunt o fire romantica, deci o persoana careia ii place sa evadeze din realitate si sa exploreze lumea imaginatiei.Sunt legata sufleteste de aceasta prima serie a mea de carti. Aceasta m-a ajutat sa trec mai usor peste evenimentele dificile din viata mea. De aceea am decis sa o public. Are o poveste (foarte) complexa, insa, datorita partilor amuzante, creeaza buna dispozitie.

Book preview

The Arid Kingdom series

(Book #3)

The Crystal Sword

Tina Silvens

Acknowledgements

Thank you, dear readers, for all your support!

Amy W

Charlie C. A.

Andy B from California

Grace D

Mary M

James V.

Credits

Editing by:

Tsarinapress.com

Cover design by

Axaviy Design

Copyright 2020 by Tina Silvens

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author.

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book 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 are reading this book and did not purchase it or downloaded it from the author’s website, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Contents

Credits

Acknowledgements

Copyright

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Thank you

Vote for your favorite male character

Artwork

Connect with the author

Chapter 1

The massive spiked gates opened before the soldier dressed in leather armor. Entering the grand courtyard with sweaty palms, his focus followed the wide alley banked with rose gardens then remained glued to the distant castle where a servant was sweeping the staircase and two others were carrying down a heavy sack. The soldier let out a sigh of relief. Once here, nothing could prevent his mission’s success. One more step and a brawny arm pushed him back.

Hold it! he heard and glanced up.

Two tall guards in gray armor barricaded his way, intimidating him with their scrutiny. Soon, their stern faces shifted to smirks. Hey, pal, where ya going in such a hurry? one asked, giving him a cuff on the shoulder. Lunch was served a long time ago. He burst into laughter along with the other guard.

The young visitor lifted his fists and hurried to reply, I have a letter from the Central Palace. It's urgent! I must get this to the king.

Dropping the mocking grins, the two exchanged worried looks.

From the Central Palace? the first guard stammered, tightening his grip on his spear. The other stepped aside. Go, boy! The king's in his study.

Leaving behind the guards, who began chatting on the subject, the messenger went galloping to the building, mentally exercising the words he had to recite before the most prominent figure on their lands. Little did he know that King Ardensis was regarding him from a window on the second floor, smiling and nodding to himself.

All right, everyone, he said, letting the embroidered curtain cover the window. Our messenger is here. As we expected, the inspectors are going to come today. Is everybody ready? The king turned around and glanced at each person in his study.

Standing in the middle of the room, General Waltario gave a slight nod while Queen Melisa, sitting behind the king's desk, shrugged and returned to her meditative posture.

Pacing loudly by the door, Prince Soris shot the king an impatient stare. No, we're not ready. He stopped in place. "We have a pair of prisoners, and their master is eager to take us down. There are a lot of things that we'll have to explain to the grand inspectors—especially after we declared our kingdom to be at peace. He shifted his attention to Selunia, who stood a few steps away from him, attaching a metal bracelet around her upper arm. Let's hope her magical skills will pass as acceptable," he commented with an incredulous voice.

The dark-haired girl lifted a bewildered look. I won't reveal to them all my skills, she said, expecting support from General Waltario.

I’ve instructed her and Dual accordingly, Soris, the general intervened, offering the prince a metal bracelet as well. You shouldn't worry about them.

Soris took the glossy black item and attached it to his wrist, probing the buttons on its sides. So this one is for telecommunication, and, if I press here, the entrance will be blocked and our secret defense system will be activated. Did I get this right? The general confirmed with a calm nod. Soris’ face brightened with admiration. Your technology is pure magic in itself, General.

Waltario offered a modest smile in reply then went on explaining, I've implemented the system swiftly after the last attack. If Bardan strikes again and casts the Sleep Spell, this is going to help you more than we in person could.

The prince’s enthusiasm faded away. If they use the Sleep Spell, then only the three of us will remain to fight against dozens of Bardanians. Only Dual, Selunia, and I. He peered around the room. The queen, elbows on the desk and chin resting on her clasped hands, stared into space, while the king and the general verified their communication equipment. This is madness! Soris snapped, irritated by the elders’ calmness. "Three youngsters against an army of strange people and a witch during an inspection where we must seem flawless. Do you realize the huge responsibility you're foisting on us?"

The elders stood still, avoiding making eye contact with him. Selunia fumbled with her fingers, sympathizing with him. If this foreboding was going to become a reality, the hardest task would fall upon her as she was the only one who could break spells and deter magical attacks.

Soris approached the general. Why don't you take Dual's protection talisman so you can survive the Sleep Spell? You'd definitely be of greater help than Dual.

Waltario laid his heavy hands on the young man's shoulders. My prince, I'm not going to take what belongs to someone else. I trust my technology will do better than my physical presence.

Soris frowned and clenched his jaws, seeking the truth in the general's small onyx eyes. Was it respect or fear that made the general so passive? His mind didn't want to accept the latter as a possibility.

A few knocks in the door nudged him to recollect himself. Enter, he commanded, turning to greet the visitor.

The messenger stepped in, rapidly scanning the room. He was so humbled to meet the entire royal family that he kept his head low even after the salutations. With trembling feet, he walked to the king and handed over the letter. It's from the Central Palace, he said, bowing deeply.

The king acted all surprised and read the letter hastily, then lowering his hands, he announced with an anxious face, In just a couple of hours, a group of inspectors from the Central Palace is going to arrive here. Everyone, let's prepare to greet them properly!

Soris and Selunia marched out of the office, both impressed by the king's perfect acting. They all had known about the inspection way before the messenger had come, yet Martin had reacted and spoken as if that letter had communicated some unexpected news. For the first time, they both had a strange feeling about not being able to tell when the king lied from when he told the truth.

*

Dressed in a mulberry-shaded coat, the prince sauntered by the windows of a long royal corridor. Seen from the inside, the sky’s fluid blueness and the slow movement of the garden’s leaves couldn’t calm his nerves. He was about to meet people from the strict and enigmatic Central Palace, so he had to be well-prepared. He verified a checklist in his mind, starting with the boots he’d chosen to match his black trousers and ending with the words to say before his guests. The inspectors were definitely going to pick on any detail that allowed them to make a negative remark.

Realizing he’d been wearing a constant frown all this time, the prince blew out a breath and rested his hands on a window sill. He examined his hair in the glass’ reflection. Neatly brushed bangs sat aligned above his eyebrows, shining bright like copper. Thankfully, there were no rebellious strands of hair to correct, and the white collar of his silk shirt sat tight around his neck. But that sort of perfection was disturbing, too. What if something bad happened at the very last minute? What if a speck of dirt landed on his collar right when he bowed to greet the inspectors?

A raucous shriek of laughter disturbed his concentrated flow of thoughts, refreshing before his eyes, the reflection of his frown and a faraway door behind his back. Jolly voices reverberated from the king’s study, shattering the corridor’s silence. Who could be laughing so hard on a day like this? The boy’s surprised eyes took on an eagle’s glare when besides the king’s voice, he recognized Dual’s chortle.

In such a fraught moment, the king seemed to enjoy a small party with the prince’s bodyguard. Soris grumbled to himself, Dad promised they would talk only about the inspection. He approached the door to eavesdrop. Their blasting joy sent him into a gloomy state. Dad never talked to me like that. It’s as if Dual were his son. Hands in his pockets, the prince hung his head and distanced himself from the party room. But why do I care, anyway? I’m an adult now. I don’t need my parents’ love. How silly.

Lifting his attention from the floor’s carpet, he almost jumped one step back. He noticed Selunia, sitting a few meters away, staring at him. Curse, she might have caught on to his frustration. The king’s laugh dinned in his ears as he thought about a quick way to save his pride.

On the other side, Selunia had been admiring the prince’s new fancy attire for quite a while, impressed by his noble and upright aura, wondering why he was allowed to dress like that when his betrothed was a kingdom away from him. Caught in the act, she hurried to greet him, then averted her gaze and started playing her fingers on a window’s frame.

The prince rushed to her.

Selunia, is there something wrong? he asked, tilting his head to glimpse the expression on her face.

She twisted to face him and flapped a hand energetically. No, no. Not at all.

Are you sure? Your face tells me the opposite.

Her hand remained in the air, eyes peering sideways. Well, in fact, it was your face that made me wonder what was wrong. She forced an awkward laugh. You looked upset a few moments ago.

Ah, I wasn’t upset, he hurried to say, then brushed some non-existent dust off his shoulder. Just a little drowned in a thought. I’m worried that we’ll have to face the danger all by ourselves.

Yeah. Me too. Just as Selunia was preparing to expand the talk on that subject, the noise of a door distracted them. Dual came out of the king’s study with a flushed face. He’d been laughing to his heart’s content as he would have done at his birthday party. He’d learned that Martin wished to bring the two together to give Prince Soris an important life lesson.

Dual flounced in the couple’s direction, readying himself to make an outrageous comment. He mimicked a short form of salutation, then flipped a hand toward the prince. Oh, Soris, how well-dressed you are today. Are you perhaps going to propose to Selunia?

Selunia turned away with embarrassment, but Soris remained calm. He saw Dual as a misshapen copy of the king, just another person who tried to make him fall in love outside of his engagement with Princess Aripini.

"No, Dual. I was trying to impress you, my dear, he replied in a high-pitched tone. It seems I’ve succeeded. Look at that red face of yours."

Oh, I didn’t know you were so into me. Dual continued the joke to not admit defeat. I’m honored to have your attention, Your Majesty,

What did you talk about with my dad for so long?

Dual pretended to be checking the metal bracelet at his wrist. Ah, trifles about the attack from yesterday. Now I know I don’t have to be worried about magical attacks as long as Selunia is here. She’s a life-savior. He shifted a glance between the two, then leaned backward with a grin and anchored his attention on the prince. And also a spell-changer. I don’t think I’m wrong to believe you were a frog before she kissed you.

As long as you were a dog before she slapped you, the prince retorted and crossed his arms on his chest, lifting his chin to look defiantly into his tall enemy’s eyes. Dual faked laughter, cursing the prince in his mind.

Selunia chuckled at their exchange of words, yet turned with all her body to the window and checked the color of her cheeks. It had been only a joke, but she’d felt a rush of emotions at the mentioning of a kiss. How could Dual be so bold in his assumptions?

Chapter 2

In the royal courtyard, Waltario reviewed the soldiers’ celebratory equipment. Holding slender spears with glittery ornaments, the men fenced the avenue in scarlet costumes marked by ocher stripes around the joints and onyx buttons on the chest. Greeting guests by the old-fashioned dress code was considered a gesture of utmost respect. Even General Waltario paraded in elegant attire for this occasion: a velvety dark suit enlivened with fiery ornaments on the sleeves and belt.

After adjusting the helmets of a few short soldiers, the general strode toward the castle’s marble stairway where the grand gathering of palace dignitaries was held. The people stood in a semicircle behind the royal family, exchanging loud whispers, gracious smiles or covert sneers, especially the governor and other cynics like him. Selunia and Dual stalled beside the prince in their ivory and golden armors, stalking the ominous gates.

Waltario halted and landed a hand on the girl’s tensed shoulder. Still nervous, Selunia? he asked.

I’m better now, thank you, she replied, hinting a smile, uncomfortable with the tight hair bun she wore at the back of her head.

As the general secured his place by the king, a chilly breeze spread all over the courtyard, sweeping through the rustling canopies of the towering trees and muffling the hum of some unusual engine. Soon, the iron gates swung open before a black vehicle—a massive glossy seashell with obscure windows. Its six silent wheels rolled onward and stopped about ten meters before the king’s entourage, allowing the onlookers five silent seconds to gape at the metal monster.

A round door slid sideways with a click, and a sleek staircase unfolded, touching the sturdy stone pavement. The soldiers facing the odd vehicle’s open gap lifted their heads to glimpse at the first inspector. Rushed steps echoed from the inside, and presently a pair of black heels with metallic top pieces pranced down first. A swan-like figure emerged, wrapped in a tight ashen dress with bumpy copper buttons and a dazzling starched shirt with a flouncy neckline.

It was Fleurice Clandis, a woman well over forty, with grey-brown hair squeezed back into a ponytail the length of a thumb. Her earthy gaze under hooded eyelids undervalued everyone, and her stiff pale lips promised challenging conversations.

Reaching the ground, she didn’t waste a second to notice the row of curious soldiers or the dreamy rose garden behind them but instantly turned to target the royal family.

After her, lumbering steps followed. Her shorter and rounder younger brother, Gracil Clandis, came out with an arch grin, revealing his comet-shaped face and a thin coat of hair on the top of his head. His narrow, reptile eyes moved fitfully to quickly take in his surroundings and grasp something out of order.

Between the two siblings, a ghostly appearance arose: Mr. Ivan Olesnici. Older and taller than the rest, his calmness was like a sea harboring devious currents, waiting for reckless victims to fall prey to its diplomatic quietude. Mossy gray hair roofed his impressive forehead with a sharp layer of bangs allowing an unobstructed view to a pair of long eyebrows and platinum eyes.

The short staircase withdrew and the round door shut close. The trio marched toward the colorful gathering, a diabolical joy lurking under their static expressions. Their character flaws were the main reason they’d been employed as inspectors. The Central Palace believed that heavy selfishness and pride were necessary for one to be just and merciless to the guilty.

The king assessed them individually and nodded respectfully. Welcome to our lands, dear inspectors!

Gracil casually stopped at arm’s length from the king, his attention rising to the castle’s shiny turrets. Drop the boring introduction, he drawled. We know you’re not thrilled to see us. Instead, we’re glad we were ordered to come here. Flinging his hands in the pockets of his trousers, Gracil finally lowered his gaze upon the king, grinned, and went on, After the long war, we were very curious to see the state of this place. We thought it was weird to suddenly receive a report of peace from you. Let’s not beat around the bush. What happened? You had an explosion and a fire. Are these the actions of a recurrent tribe?

The king shook his head gently. It’s more like the people’s protests about the problems that have been rising ever since wartime. Some villages have grown poor, and—

And does that sound like peace to you? Miss Clandis’ sardonic voice intervened.

The Central Palace’s peace requirement was centered solely on finishing the war. Our internal problems are a different matter, the king replied, keeping his calm.

While no one was watching, Soris narrowed his eyes. The inspectors, the laws and regulations, everything that came from the Central Palace made the world lose color. The Arid Kingdom had received nothing but pressure from them and never help. One word from the Central Palace could have gathered the other countries to support the Arid Kingdom and finish the war quickly. Instead, King Ardensis had had to go asking around, if not begging, the neighboring kingdoms to support him, as most countries craved his downfall that could expand their territories. And yet, here they were. The inspectors had come to mock their efforts.

All right now, Mister Olesnici’s shrill voice cut in. We’ve come to check two things: first, the state of the historical objects, and, secondly, the state of the people.

We’ll also want to know more about this adopted daughter of yours, Mr. Constantine Waltario, Fleurice added, lifting her pointy chin. We’ve heard she’s a trusty warrior.

She’s my daughter, the general stated, patting the young girl’s shoulder. She’ll indeed make a difference here.

As the inspectors’ abrasive stares cast upon Selunia, the general’s hand turned out to have a supporting effect. Its fatherly warmth made her strong enough to confront their icy eyes after executing a conscientious bow.

We’ll talk about this later, Ivan said, oozing with suspicion. Most important now is to substantiate your ability to protect the objects of historical value. Let’s move!

The heads of the semicircle dispersed before the three guests, allowing them to climb up the stairs toward the palace. Soris turned around to watch their stone backs and synchronized gait. They had come here to find flaws, not to inspect.

*

Heavily gesticulating, Leido urged the red-haired witch who endeavored to activate her staff. Vittria, come on already! We’re late! We have to catch those when they are still outside to make them notice the change of time. What takes you so long? He paused to throw a disapproving glance at her outfit and grumbled, Showy clothes on stealthy missions…

As he made to approach her, a taut arm stretched before his neck. Let her concentrate! Fulgerus commanded and pulled off his large hood, revealing his young but imposing face. You’re not helping her by adding pressure, he explained. Those guys will notice the change of time from the inside. Stop being so antsy.

Leido grunted a couple of curses and obeyed. As Bardan’s son, Fulgerus was a venerable man, but Leido couldn’t stand getting orders from someone he’d been watching grow for almost three decades. He shoved that arm away then redirected his attention to the creation of the spell.

Atop the old ruins of what used to be a watchtower in the past, Vittria reigned dressed in a dazzling snowy gown, her shoulders draped with a silky night-sky mantle. Eyes shut, she concentrated on her unvocalized incantations while her hands chocked the neck of her glowing staff, which was wrapped in a long string of onyx and sapphire gems.

All of a sudden, the string unwound from the scepter, soared two meters in the air and remained there floating in dizzying circles. Fulgerus noticed Vittria’s hands were shaking badly, dark vines slithering up on them. He swept close to the ruins, mumbling to himself, Careful, girl. We need you alive.

The round crystal of the staff displayed fitful variations of scalding magma beneath its glassy surface. It seemed to be as tensed as its owner when it stopped flashing and froze in a constant red glow. Vittria whispered a trill of mystical verses then flung the scepter in the mossy clothing of the rocks.

The staff blasted a stellar glow, forcing Fulgerus to shelter his face. A few seconds later, he dared to peek again and saw Vittria controlling the scepter without touching it. It lay planted in the ground, its crystal sphere drawing large circles that followed the rhythm of the string in the air. The witch didn’t open her eyes yet, and the veins on her hands had thickened considerably.

After ten complete rotations, the staff lost momentum and stalled. Vittria gripped it before it could fall. Meanwhile, up in the air, the floating string broke free from the seemingly endless rounds and started for the palace. It flew smoothly, grazing the tree-tops, its gems glittering slowly like the blinking eyes of a dark spirit.

When it reached the sturdy walls that ringed the royal courtyard, it descended close to the earth, with fluid sinuous motions. It went flying all around the circumference of the stone fence, with increasing speed but so quiet that the guards didn’t notice it. However, the effects of the enchanting rotations were soon going to fall upon them.

*

In the palace, the entire escort had halted halfway. Once in the main hall, the inspectors thought it was the right moment to stop before everyone could get in. They turned around to watch the people who had been stuck in the doorway, waiting for their decisions with no sign of complaint.

Wonderful room! Ivan Olesnici exclaimed to annoy the bystanders.

Is this where the fire started? Gracil inquired as he scrutinized the walls and each piece of furniture. Well, it seems it wasn’t something big; you could easily repair it without leaving out a single trace of it. He pouted as he finished the inspection.

Ivan pivoted on his heels. Let’s go, he commanded.

Just a moment, please! Fleurice demanded, raising her tone, and the crowd was pushed back once again. Ivan and Gracil flashed a glance of reproof at her. She always had to have the last word and leave the impression that she was the strongest among them. Fleurice sketched a smile, pleased by the little disturbance she had caused, then cleared her throat and continued. As you all know, our time is very precious. The prince’s attendance at this part of our inspection is useless, so I ask he prepare for a speech in the meantime.

Soris stepped forward and consented with a humble bow. Ivan and Gracil shared a smirk. It was their plan to ask for such a thing from the prince. Fleurice only sped up the process, better organizing the events for