The Five Kingdoms: The Pegasi Chronicles Book 3

By Allan McCarville

Eleven-year-old Jason and his companions barely escape with their lives. However, their flight launches them through an interdimensional portal into another world, the World of the Five Kingdoms. It’s the world his father came from, but it’s also the world of the Rewera, a race of immortals whose goal is to destroy humanity. It’s also a world devoid of internet, television, and cell phones, a world that eerily resembles Victorian England.

Jason discovers that he is a member of a royal family, a prince in the Kingdom of Pegasus. He soon learns, however, that privilege comes at a price. Rebelling against the constraints and expectations of his newly discovered royal family, he flees the palace along with a page boy and a new friend, Ari. What was supposed to be an afternoon of freedom from responsibly ends up with the three boys imprisoned and sentenced to a juvenile chain gang. No one realizes that Jason is a member of the royal family.

It’s now a race to see who can find the missing prince first: his Uncle Richard or the Rewera.

The influence of evil is growing in both this new world and Jason’s home world. According to legend, Jason has the power to stop the evil that is spreading in both worlds; it’s his destiny. Only thing is, the legend suggests that there is only one way he can fulfil his destiny.

He has to die.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Allan McCarville
• Release date: Oct 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781777168483

Allan McCarville

Allan McCarville is an author and researcher who has a number of titles published in the genres of fantasy, crime thrillers and historical fiction. He and his family reside in Stittsville, Ontario where he does his best to make people think that he's normal. Apparently it's not working.

Book preview

WORLD OF THE FIVE KINGDOMS

PROLOGUE

They vanished in a burst of blue light. Five men, a woman, and two young boys suddenly gone.

One moment they were trapped in a cave in France about to be destroyed by tendrils of evil created by the power of the Dark side when, suddenly, they were transported to a room in another world.

In that instant Jason Carver, a soon to be twelve-year-old boy, realized that everything he had been told about the existence of a parallel world was true.

Jason looked dazedly around, his confused brain trying to understand what had just transpired. Despite his dizziness, fighting the urge to throw up his last meal, he could see the others were transported as well: his uncle, Mr. Konido, all of the others, including that deranged kid who had tried to strangle him.

They were all still alive, which given the events of the past few days was a miracle in itself. He sidled up as close as he could to his Uncle Richard, the leader of their small band, seeking his protection and reassurance.

As Jason took in his surroundings, an awareness momentarily flared within him. Not an illuminating vision, but rather an intuition that he was supposed to be in this place – wherever it was.

Everything happens for a reason, and he was here because he was supposed to do something. He didn’t know what he had to do, but there was an underlying understanding that the survival of the people of this world and the one he had just left depended on him completing an unknown task.

The boy knew the task ahead was dangerous, and that he might not survive.

Part 1

World of

the Five Kingdoms

IN ANOTHER WORLD

Chapter 1

Royal Palace of King William IV

River Junction, Capital of the Pegasi Kingdom

Richard Carver struggled to maintain his sanity.

One moment he had been in a cave fighting a creature from a horror movie, the next he was here – wherever here was. He and the others were no longer in the cave. The cave was gone, the fire was gone, their weapons that had been next to the fire were gone.

They were now surrounded by several men wearing what appeared to be some type of uniform, armed with swords and crossbows. Unmistakably they were soldiers who were obviously very perturbed and upset with the sudden appearance of eight strangers in their midst. They did not look very friendly, especially when they drew their swords.

Richard quickly glanced around. They were in a large room, lit by gaslights, tapestries covering what appeared to be stone walls. In the centre of the room was a table on which there was a scroll, like the one that Richard had been holding before being whisked away to . . . wherever. There were several windows along one wall, and light from gas-light flames reflected off the glass windowpanes. It was dark outside those windows.

A wide wooden door swung open behind the advancing men, and four more men entered, each armed as well.

This is not good, thought Richard.

He stepped forward, holding his hands waist high, placing himself between the men and Jason. No easy task as Jason clung to him tighter than a shadow. Several of his companions also moved in beside him, effectively shielding the others in his party.

One of the soldiers, who appeared to be the leader, held up his arm and the men stopped their advance. He regarded Richard strangely then asked, Where did you come from? How did you get here?

Where’s here? asked Richard. At the moment he had no idea of how they came to be here.

The man continued to stare at Richard, then turned to one of his men and whispered in his ear.

You are in the palace of His Majesty, King William the Fourth, he replied. He nodded towards the young woman, Marie, who was cradling Ari in her lap. What is wrong with that child. Is he ill? Has he been injured?

We don’t know what’s wrong with him, but he needs a healer, said Marie.

The leader whispered to the other man again, who curtly nodded and quickly left the room.

The leader continued to regard Richard oddly, making Richard very uncomfortable. He thought it might have been the clothes they were wearing, but the man seemed to be focussing on his face rather than on what he was wearing.

The door burst open and more men arrived, led by an imposing figure dressed like the others, but his tunic was more elaborate, with a gold sash that went from his shoulder across his chest. The man was tall, muscular with dark hair and a closely cropped beard. What is this Robertson? he demanded as he entered. He then pulled up short when he saw Richard.

Why is everyone staring at me? pondered Richard. Did I lose a nose or something?

This new man stepped closer to Richard. Gesturing to the group behind Richard he asked, Are you their leader?

Sort of, he replied cautiously.

The man looked down at Marie and the boy, Ari. Has Master Church been summoned? he asked the man named Robertson.

Yes, my Lord.

The man then turned back to Richard. I am General James Kingston; Earl of Swansea. I command the Pegasi Army and am responsible for palace security. He cocked his head to one side and peered at Richard intently. Who, exactly, are you?

Richard was beginning to worry as to why people were staring at him. Have I suddenly grown a huge wart on the end of my nose? He couldn’t help but surreptitiously touch his nose to make sure it was still there or had not suddenly sprouted any growths.

My name is Richard Carver. We were in a cave hiding from some very nasty people when suddenly we were surrounded by a blue light and we ended up here. Richard was reluctant to provide any more details until he knew more about these people and where they were.

Kingston had more questions but before he could ask them another man stepped into the room. This man was about fifty years old and sported a thick moustache that linked to equally bushy sideburns. Rather than a uniform, he was dressed in a black frock coat and grey trousers, a style that reminded Richard of Victorian England.

He glanced at Richard and drew in a quick breath as if shocked by what he saw. He then stepped forward and knelt beside Ari. Richard presumed this man must be Master Church. Church gently opened Ari’s shirt, placing one hand on Ari’s chest.

He looked up sharply and exclaimed, "This boy is not Pegasi!

Richard sensed a sudden increase in tension in the room at Church’s proclamation.

Church carefully rolled Ari onto his side and swore when he saw the welts on Ari’s back. What sort of creature could do this to a child? he hissed angrily. He placed his hand on Ari’s back and a soft blue light soon appeared and covered Ari’s back.

The blue light suddenly dissipated, and Church looked up. This was not done with a cane or a whip. This was caused by evil. Only a Rewera using its black power could inflict this type of harm.

Church stood. I will do what I can, but I have to warn you, I don’t know if I can save him. The blackness that caused the welts is still inside him, like an infection. I sense the child is trying to fight the evil within him, but it may be too late for me to help him. He’s very weak.

Church looked at Kingston. With your permission my Lord, I will bring the boy to my clinic.

Kingston nodded quickly. Yes, of course. Do what you can for him. He looked at the others, noting their stricken features. Any of you who wish to accompany Master Church may do so.

Richard said, Marie, Fadel; go with him. He glanced at Armstrong, remembering that he detected an attachment between Armstrong and the boy. You too, Ben.

Armstrong nodded his thanks to Richard as Fadel picked up Ari, then followed them out of the room. Konido, the black man who was head of the Pegasi’s ruling council in their other world, along with Webster, the Pegasi agent, remained behind with Richard and Jason.

Kingston commanded, Put away your weapons. These people are not a threat.

Richard breathed a sigh of relief as the soldiers stood down. At least, for now, it was evident no one was going to be skewered with a bolt or a sword.

Kingston regarded Richard thoughtfully. I think you should tell us your story, he said.

Before Richard could start his story, the door thrust open and a man and woman strode into the room.

Except for Richard’s small group, all those in the room immediately bowed towards the couple.

Your Majesty, said Kingston. It looked like he was going to say more but the man held up his hand to silence him.

Richard had no doubt that this was King William. King William was in his mid-sixties, was lean and fit, and when he looked at Richard he was focussed and attentive. Like Richard, he was a couple of inches under six feet but despite the relatively short stature, his bearing suggested reserves of power and energy contained in his frame. From the body language of the soldiers, Richard sensed the king was respected as a man, not just because he was royalty.

King William studied Richard's face intently as if searching for some flaw or imperfection. King William placed one hand on Richard's shoulder and in a faint whisper said, Is it really you?

The woman, who Richard instinctively knew was the queen, stood beside her husband and softly stroked Richard’s bearded face. There were tears in her eyes. It is definitely him, she declared. She then shocked Richard by asking, Where is your brother?

Jason emitted an anguished sob and leaned into his uncle. Most of the time he could think about his parents sadly, but without tears. However, the events of the past several days had taxed his emotions to the breaking point.

Richard put his arm around his nephew and said quietly. He’s dead. He and his wife were killed, murdered, about eight months ago.

At this news, the Queen broke down and cried out. No! Please say it isn’t true! The king looked up at the ceiling and Richard saw that he had tears in his eyes.

Who the hell are these people? thought Richard.

He was murdered? the king repeated unbelievingly.

Richard nodded. Yes, sir. He looked down at Jason and continued, Jason is their son, and he was with them. The thing that killed his parents tried to kill him too.

The king succeeded in getting himself under control and cupped Jason’s face in his hands, gently lifting so that Jason was looking up at him.

His son? asked the king. This boy is your brother’s son?

Yes sir, confirmed Richard.

Jason blinked to clear the tears from his eyes. Are you really a king? he asked nervously.

Despite the ache he was feeling, King William managed a smile. Yes boy, I am a king. He looked at Richard then back down at Jason. More importantly, however, I am your grandfather.

Richard’s mind went into overdrive. If this man was Jason’s grandfather, that meant he was his father. Impossible!

Bullshit! blurted Richard, earning a disapproving frown from James Kingston. I know who my parents were. They were killed in a plane crash twelve years ago, declared Richard.

King William glanced over to his wife who had emitted a stifled cry when Richard revealed his parents were dead. The king shook his head sadly saying, Them too? He looked at Richard and said, The people you knew as your parents were Edgar and Lydia Carver.

Richard nodded slowly, not letting his surprise show. How did you know? Richard was beginning to wonder if this man was able to read his mind.

Instead of answering Richard, the king looked down at Jason. Are you hungry, boy?

Jason started to shake his head, but then quickly nodded in the affirmative. Young boys were always hungry, and he hadn’t eaten anything other than the meat and cheese earlier today. Was it really just today? Jason felt like it had been days rather than hours.

King William turned to Kingston. Sir James. Please see what can be done about getting some food and drink.

James bowed slightly responding, At once, Sire. I’ll have it brought to the Maple Room.

He turned to leave when King William held up his hand. I was told there were others, including a child who is ill. Where are they?

Master Church came and took them to his clinic. Kingston glanced towards Richard and added, Master Church was very concerned because the injuries were caused by the Rewera and the boy was not Pegasi.

King William nodded gravely. Keep us informed.

The Queen moved to face Jason, cupping his chin in her hands and gently lifted it so that she was looking directly into his eyes. She smiled and said softly, You have your father’s eyes.

She frowned when she noticed Jason’s swollen and split lip that had resulted from his fight with the boy, Ari. Has no one tended to you, child? she asked. She then placed two fingers on his lip and a blue light radiated from her fingertips.

Jason winced and could not restrain a yelp at the sharp pain that suddenly stung his swollen lip, then it disappeared almost immediately. He felt a tingling sensation which also soon vanished. He tentatively touched his lip and was surprised it had been healed; no split, no swelling, no pain.

Come, said King William. We obviously have much to discuss. He and the queen left the room without waiting for an acknowledgment. Evidently, they were used to being obeyed.

Richard and the others followed the couple to another room, in the centre of which was a large wooden table made of some type of dark coloured wood that easily had room to seat a dozen people. In addition to the table, there were several leather chairs aligned along one wall, with several others placed facing a blazing fireplace. Despite its size, the room radiated a sense of coziness.

They took seats around the table and two servants materialized from an adjacent room with glasses and a decanter of wine. They quietly and efficiently poured a glass of red coloured liquid for each of them, including Jason. Jason looked at the glass then cast an inquiring glance to his uncle who gave a barely perceptible shake of his head.

Richard occasionally allowed Jason to have a small amount of wine at a meal, but he wasn’t about to let Jason drink anything here until he knew more about what was going on.

Konido, on the other hand, harboured no reservations and sipped the wine. Excellent, wine, your Majesty. A Bordeaux?

King William smiled and replied, I’m not certain what a Bordeaux in your world tastes like, but this wine is made from grapes from a vineyard near the town of Ostasia. It’s about three hours by air from here.

By air? repeated Konido incredulously. Richard and Webster exchanged startled glances.

King William seemed amused by their reaction. Yes, he confirmed. We routinely use airships to connect with the different parts of our kingdom. It’s much faster than by road or rail, although trains, barges or wagons are used for transporting most traded goods.

He grew serious and stood up and started pacing in front of the fireplace, hands clasped behind his back.

I think a brief history lesson is in order, he began as more servants entered with bowls of steaming stew. You are in the city of River Junction, which is the capital of the Kingdom of Pegasus, one of the five kingdoms that make up this world. He regarded Konido and Webster and continued, I gather that you two were aware of our world, even though you were born in the other.

Yes, your Majesty, responded Konido, "our ancestors’ early records spoke of this world, but we didn’t know if it still existed. We knew that our ancestors had travelled to our world about nine hundred years ago on the trail of six Rewera. They, and eventually us, their descendants, kept our existence secret from the indigenous population. Our ancestors located all six Rewera but had no means to destroy them as the Scared Knife had been lost during an early skirmish with a group of villagers under the influence of one of the Rewera.

We formed a council that consists of twelve of our people elected to serve for a five-year period. The Council keeps track our people and the Rewera. We also have a records archive which not only includes a history of our people since they arrived in our world, but also a census."

At this point, Konido gestured towards Richard and Jason and shrugged his shoulders. Discovering that the Carvers were Pegasi took us by surprise. Occasionally we might lose track of an individual but never an entire family.

King William nodded his head. Actually, Richard and his brother, along with Lydia and Edgar Carver, only crossed to your world about thirty years ago. They were the first to cross since your ancestors made the journey almost nine hundred years ago. That would explain why you had no record of them.

Jason looked up from the bowl of stew he was in the process of attacking. Why did my Dad and Uncle Richard cross over? he asked.

King William moved over behind Jason and placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. They crossed my boy, because it was the only way we could save their lives.

Chapter 2

The Clinic of Master Church

The Royal Palace

The blue light was wonderful, so peaceful.

The boy, Ari, soaked up that light, finally free from the pain in his chest and the terrible headache that accompanied the voices. He wanted to stay in that light forever.

Slowly the blue light faded, and Ari found himself lying on his back, looking up into a cloudless blue sky. Sitting up and looking around, he discovered he was in a meadow, could smell evergreens, and heard birds singing.

He stood and detected the sound of a small stream. He looked down and noticed he was wearing a white gown that reached halfway between his knees and his feet, which were bare. He thought that odd because he didn’t recall changing his clothes.

He started to walk towards the stream, sunshine reflecting from the water, sending silver rays enticingly through the trees. Reaching the stream, he was surprised to see a young boy wading in it. The boy turned and waved at him.

Jareed! shouted Ari, plunging into the water to embrace his friend.

The boys hugged each other in a joyful reunion.

Ari took a step back and regarded his friend thoughtfully, observing that Jareed was dressed like he was. He looked around and asked, What is this place?

This is a special place, Ari, smiled Jareed.

Jareed, said Ari quietly, you . . . died. How can you be here with me? Ari looked around, trying to remember how he got here. Understanding started to filter through to him, and he felt a gnawing of fear.

I’m dead too, aren’t I? whispered Ari quietly, starting to weep.

Jareed held Ari’s shoulders, smiling sadly. There is much I need to tell you, Ari, he whispered.

Ari came to the realization that he had, apparently, died. He was scared, terrified in fact, and very confused. Jareed was there, gripping him by the shoulders, sadly smiling at him. Had his dead friend come to escort him to wherever people go when they die?

I don’t want to be dead, whispered Ari softly, overcome with a tremendous sense of sadness. He was only twelve years old. He couldn’t be dead, not yet. He was too young.

But then, Jareed was only twelve when he was killed. Death had no regard for age.

No, Ari, said Jareed quietly, you are not dead.

That only increased Ari’s confusion. I don’t understand. You’re . . . dead. I saw you die. How can we be here, together, if I’m not dead?

I told you this was a special place, Jareed reminded him.

Is this Heaven? asked Ari, looking around.

Jareed shook his head. No, Ari, he replied making his way out of the stream. "This is a beautiful place, but Heaven is even better.

Ari followed him out and asked, If this is not Heaven, where is it? What is it?

Jareed replied, This was created for you and me. He made it possible for me to be here with you, because He knew how much pain you felt when I died. You were . . . are my best friend, Ari. I love you like a brother and He made it possible for me to come here to help you.

He? Help?

Jareed nodded. He is someone with great power. He has made this so I can show you something. At that Jareed held out his hand.

Ari took Jareed’s outstretched hand and instantly the forested oasis disappeared, replaced with a busy street in Damascus. Ari gasped and jumped back, pressing his back against a building.

It’s okay, Ari. No one can see or hear us. We’re here but not here.

Ari didn’t move. If that is supposed to help me understand, Jareed, it’s not working.

Come on. Follow me, said Jareed grinning.

Ari reluctantly followed Jareed. It was late evening but still sunny, and Ari noticed they cast no shadow, yet he could feel the warm pavement underfoot. There were pedestrians, but they seemed not to notice the two young boys, walking around them giving no indication they saw them.

Ari soon began to recognize the neighbourhood through which they were walking. They stopped in front of a shop that had evidently been damaged in a fire - Khalid’s shop.

Jareed turned to Ari and asked, Did you do this, Ari?

Yes! exclaimed Ari, almost proudly. I did it to avenge what Khalid did to you! I’m only sorry he didn’t burn up too! There was no mistaking the anger in Ari’s voice.

Just then the man who Ari hated for killing his friend, the man who Ari also feared above all others, stepped out of the damaged shop. Ari would have bolted if not for the grip Jareed had on his arm.

He cannot see us, Jareed reminded him.

Khalid glanced around, looked directly at where the two boys stood, but gave no indication he saw them. A woman wearing a niqab, who Ari knew was Khalid's wife, Miriam, followed Khalid out of the shop.

I will have dinner ready for you when you return, she said.

Thank you, replied Khalid. Have you heard from Nadir today? he asked.

Miriam shook her head. No. He is still trying to find the boy. He’s afraid that the stranger who took the boy that night was the man called Assad. If it was, it doesn’t bode well for the child.

I hope he can find Ari and bring him back here. I’m worried about him, said Khalid. Nadir is worried too. He hasn’t forgiven himself for hurting the boy.

Ari frowned in puzzlement. They were talking about him! It had been over a month since he torched Khalid’s shop, yet they were still searching for him. Ari didn’t understand, he was positive that Khalid and Nadir intended to harm him, possibly kill him, but he detected only concern, not anger.

Khalid started walking and Jareed tugged Ari by the arm saying, Come.

Ari was surprised when they followed Khalid into a cemetery where he walked purposely to a grave in one corner, away from the noise of the bordering street. Khalid sank to his knees, and gently rubbed a hand over the grave, then started shaking as he tried to control the sorrowful sobs that escaped.

Ari moved closer and read the small marker lying atop the grave. This is where they buried you? he asked softly, looking at Jareed.

Jareed nodded. My Aunt and Uncle had a little money, but Khalid paid for my burial. He comes here almost every day, begging for my forgiveness.

Jareed looked at Ari and said, Ari, what he did to me was not done freely. He was being manipulated by another, an evil entity that wanted me dead because you and I are friends.

You were killed because of me? asked Ari incredulously. The thought that he was responsible for his friend’s death staggered him.

No, Ari. It was our friendship that the evil entity saw as a threat. It knew that our friendship was too strong, it could never corrupt you if I was alive.

Corrupt me? I don’t understand, Jareed.

It has a plan, Ari, responded Jareed. It needs you to do something, something that you must do willingly.

What plan? What am I expected to do? Who is this evil entity? asked a now totally bewildered Ari.

Jareed didn’t answer but rather watched Khalid as the man wiped tears from his eyes with the back of his hand before standing up. Jareed stepped up to Khalid and wrapped his arms around the man’s waist, hugging him and in a soft whisper said, I forgive you, Khalid.

The shopkeeper stiffened and looked down. He saw no one, but he was certain he heard a young boy’s voice whisper, I forgive you. And he felt a warmth in his chest as if something – or someone – removed a great burden.

Khalid looked down at the small grave and wiped his face with his sleeve. I will visit again; you will never be forgotten. Then he retraced his steps and left.

Instead of following Khalid, Jareed took Ari’s hand and suddenly they were back in the meadow, surrounded by evergreens and chirping birds. It’s time for me to go, he said.

Ari shook his head, pleading, No. Please Jareed. Who is this evil entity? What am I supposed to do?

Jareed reached out and hugged his friend. I cannot tell you any more, he said You must make decisions of your free will. You are my friend; my brother. Choose wisely.

Then he was gone, leaving Ari standing alone in the centre of the meadow.

Chapter 3

The Northern Mountains

The World of the Five Kingdoms

The two possessed humans stepped through the interdimensional portal between a cavern in the Paris catacombs in the other world, into a cave in the Five Kingdoms.

They arrived