Pendant of Estriaal

By LR and M Hilton

Princess Tiaami and her cousin, Zahla, find themselves about to be drawn into a battle to regain the realm of Estriaal from Princess Aztia. However, all they have is an army that has already been defeated before, a powerless wizard, dwarves that ride Cyclops Boar and a shepherd boy who has a burning passion to make his father proud.

Tiaami’s birth gift is found to be the true pendant of Estriaal and forewarns her of her fall in battle and the possibility that her mother is still alive. But a grotesque earth bound spirit beast, Cyclops Boar and the largest most vicious boar of all are in between her and her goal. In addition, she has a traitor in her midst.

Zahla must face her own perils and cross the Sea of Eternal Mist and the Serpents Fangs, where she meets Lady Xelenthia, guardian of the legendary Sword of Aratev.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Legend Press
• Release date: Sep 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781787195554

Book preview

Chapters

The fall of Estriaal

The Pendant Calls

The Council of the Lords

The Power of the Pendant

Tiaami meets her Generals

The Journey from Aarness

The Pendant’s Secret

The Rendak Forest

The Pendant’s Gift

Different Courses

The Koraku, the Mud and the Cyclops Boar

Rengast

The Serpents Fangs

The Sword and the Lady

The Old Fortress and the Old Traitor

The Traitor’s Secret

The Battle Begins

A Promise Forsaken

The Plains of Malenka

The Siege on the City

The Pendant Returns

The Inextricable Dilemma

The Sword of Aratev

The fall of Estriaal

Of all the battles that the City of Estriaal had fought it had never fought a battle like the one it was fighting now. And of all the enemies that it had fought it had never fought enemies like the ones it was fighting now. The City of Estriaal was engulfed in evil and treachery. Its strength and tolerance were waning as the siege now raged untamed upon it and the magnificent and ancient architecture of the city rumbled and swayed as mighty stones from its own artillery pounded unremittingly into its walls. Massive timber slings, that loomed out of the dense, wet mist and had protected the city for many centuries, had been turned on it with devastating consequences. The beautiful swirling purple and green hues of the River of Makaata, which flowed beneath the city’s two bridges, had now turned to red as the blood of Koraku, dwarf and the Guards of Estriaal freely spilled into its waters. And at the city’s gates giants wielded their gargantuan clubs unrelentingly.

Queen Matria walked to the balcony that overlooked the city’s two gates. Her eyes were drawn to the battle that was besieging the city below her, to the foul and greedy vermin-like Koraku, dwarf and evil and loathsome giants that had been invited to assist in the down-throw of Estriaal. Her eyes then darted from one misty, drizzly wet shadow to the next as she tried to locate the reason for all this blood and death. Even the reason for the death of her mother; but her sister was nowhere to be seen.

Your Majesty, called the voice of a wet and bedraggled guard who was panting breathlessly. There is news from Lord Grantis, Your Majesty…. The King has fallen in the Makaata Pass.

Then the city is lost, Queen Matria exclaimed sorrowfully. You must tell all that are able, to retreat to the City of Aarness. There they will be safe. Go now! Do not waste any more precious time. And with tear-filled eyes she continued: Spirits of Estriaal hear my plea…. Protect them in their plight for enough blood has been spilt by deceit and treachery.

She grasped desperately at the pendant that hung around her neck and closed her eyes as if in a silent consultation. But you have not succeeded yet, she said as she opened her eyes and turned to Zandell, one of Estriaal’s longest serving allies. Zandell, she called, I have a very important and very urgent matter for you to attend to. For no matter the wrath that rages at the gates of Estriaal, I believe that Esseidi will not fail me. Or you, my loyal friend.

I will ready both our horses, Your Majesty, Zandell replied with urgency as he headed to the doors of the throne room.

No, Zandell! No, just Esseidi, Queen Matria said sternly. This fight is between myself and Princess Aztia.

The Pendant, Your Majesty, Zandell urged. Protect yourself!

Fear not, Zandell; I will be safe, she has not won yet. You must take Princess Tiaami and Zahla to Aarness. Princess Aztia will have no reason to seek Princess Tiaami out. Now go with all haste.

Your Majesty, please, leave the city with me, Zandell pleaded. We can both escape. I cannot leave you to the fate of such evilness.

No, that is not the way, Queen Matria snapped. Trust me, Zandell. There is more than one reason that I implore you to do my bidding. Now go! she shouted, as stones continued to thud menacingly into the city walls. I will meet you at the Gate of Seclusion.

The Gate of Seclusion, Your Majesty? Zandell enquired in puzzlement, his eyes glancing questioningly towards her.

Have faith, Zandell, Queen Matria replied. Trust in my words.

Queen Matria rushed to the nursery and grabbed as many necessities as would fit in a satchel of a size not to hinder a rider’s progress. She picked up Princess Tiaami from her cradle and softly swept her fingers over her delicate face. So small, she whispered gently. Not even one whole year…. The wall of the palace rocked to the mighty force of yet another stone which startled Queen Matria back to her urgent task. Desperately, she wrapped both Princess Tiaami and Zahla into carrying harnesses and rushed to meet Zandell, stopping at a dresser in her own room on the way. On the dresser lay an ebony jewel case encrusted with all of the different precious stones of the lands. She opened the case and took out a pendant exactly like the one that she wore herself. This was Tiaami’s pendant, a perfect replica in every way; except for its power.

Zandell was ready with his horse, Esseidi, when Queen Matria arrived at the gate. She handed Zandell the satchel and he helped her to strap the two harnesses to Esseidi. After kissing both Tiaami and Zahla she took the pendant from around her neck and placed her hands close to Esseidi’s face. She then uttered words of the ancient elven language, for this was the language of Esseidi, a very old and mystical horse from the Kingdom of Elsanda. The pendant emitted a vivid emerald glow which Esseidi answered with a gentle snort, nodding his head as if in perfect understanding of the task that had now been commissioned to him. Uneasy with fear of detection, Queen Matria’s eyes glanced all around into every shadow of the flickering torchlight and into every crevice and corner of the long dark passage. She looked to Zandell, whose back was turned whilst he frantically checked that all was secure on Esseidi. Grabbing at a pouch that was fastened around Tiaami’s waist she placed her pendant into it.

Go now! she commanded. And may the Spirits of Estriaal fly with you. She looked between her tears into the eyes of Zandell and said: We will meet again.

From the saddle of Esseidi, Zandell leant towards Queen Matria and took hold of her trembling hands then with a heartfelt smile he said: Of that I am certain.

Although it was immensely difficult for her to send her only child and niece into the unknown, she trusted Zandell without question. She smiled back and as tears flowed down her heavily burdened face. Slowly, she released her hands from his reassuring grip and said softly: Go! Go and do not look back!

Zandell nudged Esseidi’s sides with his knees to encourage him to move a few paces clear of Queen Matria and towards the Gate of Seclusion. Esseidi halted in front of the stone wall ahead of him. Zandell whispered as he leaned forwards towards Esseidi’s ears: Have faith, my loyal friend. Trust in the belief of your senses, not in what you see. Esseidi snorted, his warm breath pluming like mist into the cold night air. Tentatively, he walked forward then he, Zandell and the two infants were gone; absorbed into the wall that was the Gate of Seclusion.

Eerily they emerged like ghostly figures into the vast rain drenched orchards which boasted a magnificent array of fruiting trees. Under perfect cover of a shadowy dusky sky, Zandell pressed Esseidi on cautiously towards the River of Makaata. The city’s two bridges were overrun with Koraku and dwarf. But Esseidi, the great Elven Warrior of Elsanda, did not need bridges to cross the mighty river. As they reached its bank Zandell closed his eyes, his mind completely focused, then uttered: Fly, mighty Esseidi, Fly. Esseidi leaped from the river’s edge and floated effortlessly across the vast channel of water that flowed before him. Landing silently on the other side, Zandell turned his wet dripping face to look back at the palace and to the throne room. Something compelled him to take a last look but what he saw disturbed him greatly and unsettled Esseidi also. For from the balcony came a violent flash, which exploded and lit up the sky like lightening then faded into the darkness that now prevailed. Zandell, being both erudite and wise, had never faltered in his trust of the Queen or the pendant’s actions. But for the first time, he felt it necessary to question not only her actions but also the actions of himself. He questioned how he had managed to pass through the Gate of Seclusion yet the only person with the power to do so had not passed through with him. And he questioned what he had done, how and why he had left Queen Matria alone and defeated in the city when all hope had fallen with the King in the Makaata Pass. ‘What have I done?’ he asked himself as his already rain soaked eyes now flooded with tears just as Queen Matria’s had done when she had bade him and her precious Tiaami and Zahla farewell. With a heavy heart he turned Esseidi in the direction of the Northern Pass, their gateway to freedom and the start of their long journey to the City of Aarness. Koraku were the only thing that stood between them and their escape. But nothing, not even the hundred strong force of enemy that stood in their path would stop them now. Zandell headed Esseidi straight into their lines and as the grins and foul sneers spread the faces of their foe he raised his staff and called out the incantation ‘Esseidi-Solvesdi!’ Zandell, Esseidi and the commission entrusted to them vanished, without any explanation, except for the magic of a wizard and the power of the Pendant of Estriaal.

The Pendant Calls

(Twelve Years Later)

As the dawn light eerily transformed the darkness of the City of Aarness into walking shadows and the battle of supremacy for the sky by the sun was almost at an end. The battle that Tiaami was fighting had only just begun.

The depressing cold mist was blowing harshly into her face as the long, wet, black mane of her battle horse, Braigo, thrashed from side to side, his aching body charging forward across the Plains of Malenka and towards the oncoming enemy. Koraku and dwarf brandishing blades and axes were materialising out of the mist on all sides and the menacing screams of battle pierced her ears as she rode into what could only be victory for the mighty forces of Aarness. Then from somewhere very close, and from something very powerful, came a blow that felled her to the ground. She thrashed out over and over again with her two elven steel swords, struggling to rise to her feet. But something was pressing her down, forcing itself upon her, laughing and shouting. She had seen something in the rocks nearby as she fell, a face, but not a face; she was too dazed to be sure. Then, as her focus became less blurred, she could see the face of her enemy becoming clearer.

Hey, Tiaami, wake up, wake up! Zahla shouted, laughing excitedly and vigorously shaking her cousin from sleep.

Tiaami and Zahla, having grown up together, were extremely close. There was little difference between their ages, only a matter of weeks. Zahla had always been more adventurous and outgoing than Tiaami. At times she could be a little cheeky and rather feisty. This usually got her into trouble; especially with, Anhara. Anhara was Tiaami and Zahla’s maid and all too often she had been on the receiving end of Zahla’s tricky little games. This made Anhara a bit short tempered and in Zahla’s opinion down right miserable. Tiaami, however, was slightly more reserved and thoughtful. Although this was probably due to her lessons from the Lords and the pressure she felt from being next in line to the throne of Estriaal. Being children still, they both adored playing games, which usually involved their horses, Shadow and Braigo, as noble steeds in their mock battles against Princess Aztia. Of course, they always won. Zahla, like Tiaami, had waist length brown hair which had waves of gold running through it that shone in the sun. They both stood about five feet tall and were of a slim build. In fact, the only difference between their appearances was in their eyes. Tiaami had green eyes that had an emerald sparkle in the light, whereas Zahla had big brown eyes that were not dissimilar in colour to the ripe fruit of the chestnut tree in autumn.

Quickly, get dressed, Zahla continued. There are more riders approaching.

What! Where is he? Braigo! Where is Braigo? Fetch me my horse! Tiaami shouted, fumbling to rise to her feet on the bed.

What are you talking about? Zahla laughed. Dreaming again were you? How, the rightful Queen of Estriaal will lead her armies into battle against the treacherous armies of the wicked Queen Aztia.

It is not funny, Zahla, Tiaami retorted scornfully as she shook herself awake. And she is not the Queen. She is nothing more than an unscrupulous and manipulative deceiver who happens to be my aunt.

I did not mean to upset you, Zahla said sorrowfully. But just your aunty or not, Tiaami, she rules Estriaal and no matter how many battles you have in your dreams, well, they are just dreams.

The same dreams, Zahla, Tiaami stated emphatically. They are always the same dreams, but I never see any further than the Plains of Malenka.

Maybe there is no further than the Plains of Malenka, Tiaami? Zahla said with a sympathetic smile.

There has got to be, Zahla, Tiaami replied anxiously. There has just got to be. We will avenge our mothers and fathers one day. Princess Aztia will not falsely rule Estriaal. She will pay for her treachery.

Tiaami and Zahla were soon through the gates of the outer stone wall and sitting on the high rise that overlooked a track where they often watched riders arriving at and departing Aarness.

There have never been as many riders as this before. Tiaami stated as she shook her head slowly. Something very special is happening. And there is something very special about these riders.

They are just riders, Tiaami. Zahla answered, shrugging her shoulders. Riders, that is all.

Tiaami shook her head again as she tried to count the riders. In my dream I fall in battle, Zahla. In my dream; I die?

It is just a dream, Tiaami. Zahla said trying to reassure Tiaami.

Then why do you think Lord Grantis has called them here? Tiaami asked inquisitively.

All Anhara said is that the Lords have been called to council and that we must keep out of the way, Zahla answered. But she did say something really strange; she said that we will not need to wonder for too long.

What did she mean by that? Tiaami asked, looking somewhat puzzled.

She did not say, Zahla replied with an intrigued expression. She was behaving really mysteriously, keeping her voice low and secretive.

Maids do that, Zahla, Tiaami replied with a sigh.

That rider at the back, Tiaami, Zahla whispered as she nudged Tiaami in the side, gesturing to a tall thin man with a nod of her head, he does not look like a Lord?

The rider was dressed casually in a long dark green robe and he was astride a tall, elegant chestnut horse. He was wearing a hat that hung low over his eyes, which slightly obscured his appearance.

He is not a Lord, Tiaami answered. He is the powerless wizard.

Zahla giggled quietly and disbelievingly. That is not a name, the powerless wizard?

Well, it is not his real name, Tiaami replied with a smile. His real name is, Zandell.

He is watching you, Tiaami, Zahla whispered whilst lowering her head.

He did that the last time that I saw him; I do not think he likes me, Tiaami replied with a questioning tone.

Who cares what he likes? He will feel the cold steel of my sword, Zahla shouted playfully, raising her hand in the air, running and charging into the enemy that surrounded their fortress on the hill.

Lords or not Lords, Tiaami shouted as she ran to follow Zahla. You will not take our fortress. Your blood will be spilled today.

Parrying and thrusting cold steel into the enemy, Tiaami and Zahla fell laughing to the ground, rolling over and over to the bottom of the rise. They came to rest at the feet of the dark and evil Princess Aztia, who raised her foot into the air and rested it firmly on Tiaami’s chest.

You would not last long in a real battle, ranted the rather annoyed voice of Anhara. If I was Princess Aztia, you would now be at my mercy. Now take yourselves to the stables, if you please, you have horses to tend to. And change into clean gowns before midday, she shouted as Tiaami and Zahla raced off not bothering to wait for Anhara to finish. You have both been summoned to the Great Hall to attend the meeting with the Lords of the Lands.

Tiaami and Zahla stopped dead in their tracks. They glanced at each other momentarily with wide eyes and jaws dropped then turned back to Anhara and asked nervously: Summoned before the Lords? Why have we been summoned? What do the Lords want with us? they continued in bewilderment.

Anhara walked towards them and with a tone of disappointment she replied: Do not ask me why. Nobody tells a maid why. Now go and tend to your chores and remember; clean gowns!

Anhara was a small, slightly built woman. Her blond hair always tied neatly, but tightly, into a knot at the back of her head. She was not just merely a maid to Aarness; she was also a mother figure to both Tiaami and Zahla. Having no children of her own, it was difficult to understand why she appeared to look much older than her years. Although most would agree that it was probably due to the laborious task of keeping Zahla’s boisterous and frolicsome nature in check. But one thing about Anhara was certain; she worked extremely hard at her job.

Tiaami and Zahla did not hesitate and quickly made their way through the orchards and towards the entrance to the kitchens. This was their entry and exit to and from all of their great battles and on this occasion, the nearest door to the stabling yard. They had never seen the kitchen so busy before, neither had they felt it so hot. The cooks were frantically preparing food, lots of food, more food than Tiaami and Zahla had ever seen before. Some were chopping, some were cooking and others were checking the consistency and taste of the food. Servants with trays holding goblets of liquid refreshments rushed out of the kitchen as others returned carrying trays of empty goblets. Both Tiaami and Zahla took a deep inhalation of air which was full of the aromas of a magnificent feast.

As they neared the stable yard they noticed that it too was busy with stable hands grooming, feeding and watering the rider’s horses. Zahla’s iron grey gelding, Shadow, was already tethered next to Tiaami’s horse, Braigo, outside of their stalls. Tiaami and Zahla did not do many stable chores but the one thing Tiaami would not leave to the stable hands was the grooming of her horse. Braigo was a very handsome bay stallion that Tiaami had owned since a foal. They knew each others moods and feelings and except for Zahla he knew no other rider. Tiaami could not help but notice that one of the corrals held small ponies, at least twenty of them. They were very hairy, particularly on their face, which gave them a bearded appearance. The long hair that grew on the sides of their faces was braided, bound together at the ends and then loosely dropped onto the ponies withers, as if like reins on a bridle. Tiaami turned her attention to a horse that was tethered close to Braigo. It was a very impressive dark bay with a beautiful shiny coat and lightly adorned in protective armour.

You have travelled a long way, Tiaami whispered as she ran her hand down the side of his muscular neck. And what name are you known by, I wonder?

His name is, Ambaala, said the voice of a young man. And he is in need of attention girl, if you think you can handle a battle horse? he continued brashly.

Tiaami turned to face a dark haired man of lordly posture, but much younger in appearance than any of the other Lords. Standing quite tall and dressed in a light riding armour, he carried a saddle bag and helmet. A black bow and quiver was slung across his back and by his side stood a beast that would have normally put fear into all of the other animals in the stable yard.

That is a Wolf! Tiaami exclaimed sharply, gesturing to the hound by his side. Why do you bring a Wolf amongst its prey?

Prey that is not in fear, the young man said mockingly as he gestured to the horses in their stables that were happily munching on their rations of hay. Besides, he is not a Wolf! he continued as he rubbed the hound’s head. His name is, Indi. He is a hound of the ancient northern tribe of Nuits. Have you not seen one before?

Zahla quickly stepped forward alongside of Tiaami. I do not think you should….

Shhh! Tiaami whispered, giving Zahla a slight smile.

Well! Do you think you are capable girl? the young man asked arrogantly, gesturing to his horse.

I can handle a battle horse, Tiaami stated, bringing his attention to Braigo. I handle one all of the time.

A very fine horse he is, said the young man as he walked over to Braigo and swept his hand down his neck and over his back. Who owns such a horse? he continued inquisitively.

Princess Tiaami owns that horse! Zahla stated. He is the last son by Centurion of Estriaal.

The great equine warrior owned by King Bellora, the young man muttered whilst holding his hand above Braigo’s nostrils, awed in admiration of his regality. You will have seen many a battle, my fine beast? The Princess must be very proud of you?

She is! Tiaami said proudly. But as for battle, he has seen just as much as I.

Raising his eyebrows at Tiaami’s comment the young man said: Well hurry girl, my horse needs attention, before turning away and heading out of the stable yard leaving Zahla staring open mouthed at Tiaami.

He was extremely discourteous to you, Tiaami, Zahla stated with a frown. Why did you not….

Stop him from feeling important, Tiaami interrupted? Arrogant, yes I agree, but he will learn that others are deserving of respect in time. Besides, I want to get to know this horse, she said whilst stroking Ambaala gently. He is an interesting looking fellow and maybe with more manners than his owner?

You will make a great Queen one day, Tiaami, Zahla said as she smiled and curtsied in a mockingly playful manner.

Tiaami paused momentarily as the dream of conquering Princess Aztia flashed through her thoughts. I do hope so, Zahla, she answered with a voice full of desire. Then she looked at Zahla, smiled and continued with light heartedness: And when I am, you can be in charge of my armies and protect all of my lands. But first, we must finish our chores and get ready for the council. We had best not keep our Lords waiting.

Many leagues from the City of Aarness, cradled by the Mountains of Makaata, the lush green and open grassy Plains of Malenka spread far and wide and had been host to many of Estriaal’s past battles. To the north-west of the plains stood the hilly landscape of the Western Marshlands which encompassed the notorious Wetlands, home to the Cyclops Boar, and standing dense and tall to the east of the Wetlands; the Rendak Forest. And to the south-east of this vast formidable forest, nestled by the Mountains of Malenka and the Sea of the Mountain Mist, was the once astonishingly beautiful City of Estriaal, with the Mountains of Eternal Mist to its north.

Disfigured, the battle scarred white stone walls and buildings of the City of Estriaal now stood, less than proud, in contrast to the almost black face of the Mountains of Malenka. The resilience of the city and its people had crumbled under the false but incomplete reign of Princess Aztia and her less than honourable servants. Consumed with bitter resentment, her infatuation with total rule and power had climaxed in a bloody siege on the city a little over twelve years past. Irrational with envy, her incessant evil, vindictive and deceitful ways had become engraved in her so deeply that she would now stop at nothing to gain what she so desperately desires.

Your Majesty, sorry to disturb, Your Majesty, said the pitiful creature, Skerg. Skerg was a guard of the race of Koraku. This did not make him any