Secrets in the Ice: The Fire Song Chronicles, #2

By Atlanta Bushnell

The Fire Song Chronicles Book 2

 

Half human. Half wolf.

All monster. 

The Shewolf.

 

Prince Torin has travelled to the frozen Kingdom of Klemenite to negotiate an alliance against the Erifs. More importantly, to secure the use of the ice cannons. But the Klemenite King wants a favour in return.

 

The head of the Shewolf.

 

The King wants Torin to kill the ferocious Shewolf, the leader of the mysterious Wolf Clan. Legend says they are bloodthirsty killers, beasts of the forest and all who enter their domain are never heard from again.

So along with his brother and his friends, Torin ventures straight into the heart of the forest determined to lay this myth to rest one way or another.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Atlanta Bushnell
• Release date: Sep 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393487180

Atlanta Bushnell

Atlanta Bushnell is the author of The Fire Song Chronicles series. She lives on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, which is just outside of Melbourne, Australia. There she divides her time between her two great loves, writing and primary school teaching. She has a Bachelor of Education, a much loved Funko collection and an energetic Labrador dog. The Fire Song Chronicles Books 1 -3 are OUT NOW! Book 4 Coming Soon! For more information on The Fire Song Chronicles follow her on Instagram - @atlantabushnellbooks

Book preview

~ The Fire Song Chronicles ~

Rise of the Erifs

Part 1

Into the Ice

A place where the frost trees glimmer

And the stars of the sky shine bright

Where the frozen waterfalls shimmer,

For here lie the mysteries of Klemenite.

Chapter 1

Klemenite

THE FOREST FELL SILENT. Not a sound. Not a whisper. Only the wind howling its mournful song through the trees. Any creature to be seen vanished out of sight. 

Thirteen year old Thomas put down his fishing rod and cautiously stood up. He turned around, studying the forest behind him intently but could see nothing. A shiver shot up and down his spine.

Tommy, what’s wrong?

Thomas turned to his younger brother, Mitch. He was only eleven.

I’m not sure, he said, slowly.

Thomas stared across the river but couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Despite that he knew something wasn’t right. His father’s words echoed in his mind.

Always watch the trees, Thomas. The birds. The animals. They’re smart, they can sense things we cannot. So if they all run home, then so should you.

Remembering those words now, Thomas turned to his brother. Quick, pack up. We’re going home.

What? Already! Do we have to? Mitch whined, frowning at Thomas.

Yes, now hurry up! Thomas snapped.

Mitch grumbled as he packed up his fishing gear into its oblong box while Thomas fidgeted impatiently. Once he was done Thomas grabbed him by the arm and hurried him along.

Stop! I can’t walk so fast, Mitch said, slowing down.

That was when Thomas first saw it. A flash through the bushes, branches snapping and leaves rustling. He froze, staring hard through the trees but it was gone. He wasn’t even sure of what he had seen, if anything at all.

He turned to Mitch. Did you see that?  

What? I didn’t see anything, Mitch said, looking around.

Come on, let’s keep moving. The words had hardly left Thomas’ mouth when they heard it.

The low thudding as something raced through the forest towards them. Crashing through the undergrowth. A deep anticipating growl, growing louder with each passing second.

What’s that? Mitch cried.

Thomas shook his head, he had never heard anything like it in his life.

Run! he shouted, grabbing Mitch’s arm and pulling him along.

They bolted. The beast not far behind. Gaining with each step. It charged through the forest. They could hear its heavy breathing, its low throaty growl and vicious snarling. The boys ran as fast as they could. They discarded their fishing gear so they could run unhindered.

Dad! Mitch called, hoping their father would hear them. They were not far from the village now.

Keep running! Thomas shouted, seeing Mitch was slowing down.

Mitch pumped his arms trying desperately to run faster. But he just couldn’t. The snow was too deep. He was throwing himself forward with each stride, the snow coming halfway up his calves, but he was tiring. There was nothing he could do.

I can’t, Tommy. I can’t! he puffed, tears welling in his eyes, his face red from the effort.

Thomas threw a glance over his shoulder and his eyes widened, seeing the beast was only a short distance behind them.

You have to, he said to his little brother. Please Mitch, you have to!  

Suddenly there was an almighty roar. The creature burst out of the cover of the undergrowth and at the boys. It snarled savagely, launching itself forward. Jaws snapped. Fangs bared. Its eyes blazed with a vicious hunger, the white of its eyes bloodshot and red. Mitch screamed in pure terror as the beast came right for him, its large deadly teeth closing around his lower leg.

Mitch! The scream ripped from Thomas as he saw the teeth pierce straight through his brother’s skin as if it were nothing more than a sheet of paper.

There was nothing Thomas could do but helplessly watch. Thomas sank to his knees. He might as well die here too. There would be no life without his brother.  

At that moment a shadow fell over Thomas. He spun around to see something huge, tall and broad, silhouetted against the sun. He looked up, petrified as it reached out and grabbed him. Its hand wrapped around his arm and dragged him closer. He struggled against it but it was too strong, his thrashing may as well have been that of an ant compared to the iron strength holding him.

Thomas knew this was the end for them both. He and Mitch would soon be dead. That creature was devouring Mitch and now this beast was dragging him away. And there could only be one reason why.

It was hungry.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Alex asked.

Torin gazed across the open white field, a sea of sparkling crystal snow blanketing the ground. In the distance, completely surrounding the open space was a thick dark forbidding forest. Torin stared deep into the forest but there was nothing.

Now we wait, he said.  

They had just arrived on Klemenite through a blank, which were previously undetected Pathways to all the Six Kingdoms. They had used the device Balsard, Daye’s father, had invented, which could detect and open blanks, and was currently hidden in Daye’s axe. They now waited patiently in the centre of the clearing as per the instructions they were given. The Klemenites would find them. They were not to leave the open field. Nothing further.

Torin’s uncle Bowa clapped a hand on his shoulder. He was acting as Torin’s advisor throughout the negotiations.

Don’t be anxious. They will come, he said, reassuringly.

I know, Torin said, sounding more confident than he felt.

But unfortunately for Torin, Bowa could see through his nephew’s cool exterior.

I have faith in you, Torin. We all do. Have some faith in yourself, Bowa said, gently.  

Torin smiled. There was no hiding from Bowa.

Torin’s thoughts wandered to Latainia, his home and his people who were fighting fiercely in a resistance movement against the Erif invasion. Torin’s mother, Queen Jenna, and General Sahron were holding the fort back there and leading the council that ran the resistance. He knew they would do their part and now it was time for him to do his. Everything was riding on him succeeding in these negotiations. The whole of Latainia was counting on him. 

Torin.

Torin turned around to see his brother, Jaydar, trotting up on his large grey horse. Aurora and Daye were a few paces behind him.

We’ve circled the perimeter. There is nothing to see but forest. Jaydar flipped up the visor of his black helmet. And snow.

Torin smiled. It was good to have his brother, his real brother, back by his side. Someone he knew he could always count on. Torin had worried about Jaydar joining them on their mission to Klemenite so soon after his rescue. He had looked so thin and ill. When Torin had suggested that maybe he should sit this one out, Jaydar had stubbornly refused feeling somewhat insulted at the idea of being left behind. As a result he had spent every moment possible in the training centre, getting back into shape and battle ready. It seemed that the Erifs’ healing rate was fast because Jaydar was back to his old self, if not stronger than he had been before, by the time they were scheduled to depart. Despite that, Torin still couldn’t help but worry about his brother. Although Jaydar did his best to hide it, Torin could see his Erif imprisonment had left scars. Deeper than he would let on.

Torin realized Aurora was speaking. He quickly tried to catch up with the conversation.   

Aurora swept her hand towards the forest. My guess is that they are already there, hidden in the forest, watching us. Making sure we are who we say we are.

Torin nodded, she was probably right. He suddenly felt his horse shift nervously and neigh. She tossed her head. Torin reined her in and stared off into the distant forest straight ahead.

There! Kalani called out from beside him.

Torin saw where she was pointing. He could see a flash of metallic light through the trees. As figures emerged from the forest, the clanging of their armour and the drumming of the horses’ hooves reached his ears. Sunlight gleamed off their armour as they galloped out. They sat tall on their horses, clothed in full knights’ armour and holding long blue lances. They stopped a short distance away. Torin counted twenty of them.

Torin nudged his horse gently with his heels and she moved slowly forward.

The soldiers lined up, facing inward, ten on either side. They held their lances straight up raising them high into the sky. With a loud shout they tipped their lances at an angle creating a tunnel.

A knight on a large white horse rode through the tunnel towards Torin. His breast plate proudly bore the emblem of Klemenite. The famous frozen blue rose. Beautiful but deadly. Poisonous to anyone except Klemenites. His armour had a blue tinge to it. He reined in his horse before Torin. He flipped up his visor to reveal a handsome face. Two startling blue eyes studied Torin.

You are Prince Torin? he said.

Yes. Torin nodded curtly. And I take it you are the Klemenite welcoming committee?

The soldier gave a snort of laughter. That we are. You’re younger than I expected.

And you’re bluer than I expected.

The knight laughed again. Cocky. I like that. I’m Prince Naran, King Orral’s younger brother. We’ll escort you to the castle.

Torin nodded forward. Then lead the way.

Naran spun his horse around and trotted back through the tunnel. Torin followed with the others behind him. The Klemenite soldiers dispersed and formed a protective formation around them as they entered the forest.

Nicely done, Bowa said, loud enough so only Torin could hear.  

Torin smiled but did not reply.

The forest was unlike any Torin had ever seen. The trees were tall, their foliage and leaves branching out over them, completely covered in snow and ice. They were encased in a layer of frost, glinting and glittering in the sunlight like diamonds with a somewhat celestial quality to them. The ice gave off an icy blue tint creating a truly enchanting effect. The ground was blanketed in a thick layer of snow, softly crunching under the horses’ hooves.

Did you hear that? Alex said, glancing around nervously.

Aurora nodded. Yeah.

A long lonely howl reached their ears from afar. It soared high before dropping to a low deep tone. It sent shivers up her spine.

What is it? Daye said, riding up beside them.

A Klemenite barked a laugh. That is the reason why we asked you to wait for an escort. That was a beast of the forest.

A beast? What kind of beast? Alex’s eyes flickered to the tree line to their left.

Don’t know, never seen one. Anyone who has certainly never lived to tell the tale, the knight said.

Alex and Aurora exchanged a glance.

Is it a wolf? Aurora asked.

Why don’t you go take a look? If you return you’ll be the first, the Klemenite laughed. He then trotted further up leaving the twins and Daye to their thoughts.

That was nice. Daye glared after him.  

Positively lovely, Alex said, sarcastically.

They continued for a short time before the first hint of inhabitants came into view. The trees thinned giving way to outlying villages and farms and eventually into township. People stopped what they were doing and stared as they passed. No one called out, they all just stood and watched the procession in a heavy silence. Finally they saw the large wrought iron gates leading into the castle. The castle itself was a huge intimidating structure, made of solid blue stone. It threatened and challenged.

Torin looked up at the high guard towers set along the wall as they passed. He saw a bright flash in the sun. He leaned over and spoke to Jaydar.

That’s what we’re here for, he said. The ice cannons.  

Jaydar glanced up. He saw a massive long thick cylinder shape, completely made of strong Klemenite ice and flashing in the sunlight, mounted on a wooden base with wheels for optimum manoeuvrability. They had one mounted in each watchtower on the walls surrounding the city, as well as the castle walls.  

Jaydar knew Klemenite was famous for them. The cannons would be loaded with long ice bolts, for shooting long distances, exploding upon impact and sending ice out in all directions wreaking havoc on enemy forces, freezing and shattering weapons.

The ice cannons were the only real threat to the Erifs’ fiery power. If Torin could secure a treaty with the Klemenites, and therefore the ice cannons, then they might just have a chance against the Erifs in battle. But it was almost too much for Torin to hope for.   

The guards at the gates nodded greetings to Prince Naran as they passed. At the castle entrance they dismounted and grooms tended to the horses.

Torin stared up at the massive doors, following Naran inside. Down long cold corridors and hallways they walked before stopping at a large double door entrance, the wood beautifully carved with roses and thorns.

Naran addressed Torin. In there is the royal court where King Orral will greet you. All of noble birth are present.

Torin nodded. Let’s carry on then.

Naran signalled to the guards and they pulled the doors open, giving Torin the honour of a grand double door entry.

Torin heard the chattering disperse until the entire room was silent. Bowa entered first. Torin and Jaydar followed with the others behind, their footsteps thudding on the stone and echoing around the high ceilinged room.

Prince Torin of Latainia! Torin heard Bowa herald with a low bow and sweep of his hand towards him. But Torin was so intent on the task before him he hardly noticed.

Nobles parted leaving a clear pathway. Torin looked down it and saw a raised platform with two thrones. The king sat on one, a middle aged man with greying blonde hair and the silver Klemenite crown upon his head. The crown was forged from pure silver and fashioned to look like shards of ice, the long spikes glinting in the light, signifying the power of their great ice kingdom.

His queen sat upon the other, a beautiful lady in a sapphire blue silk dress and adorned in jewels that brought out the bright blue in her eyes. Her long thick wavy brown hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall. Their two children, the prince and princess, were nowhere to be seen.

Torin walked forward, the nobles whispering as he passed. Torin held his head high. He knew why they were whispering. They knew why he was there, what events had caused this meeting. Why he was there instead of his father.  

Mighty King of Klemenite. Bowa bowed before the throne. I present to you Prince Torin of Latainia!

Torin stepped forward. He looked up at King Orral of Klemenite. He felt terrified. He had never done anything like this before. He was glad Bowa and Jaydar were with him, without them he would have been lost.

The king stared at Torin for a long moment. He slowly got to his feet and descended the stairs, his dark blue cape trailing down the steps, to stand before Torin.

So, this is Xenon’s eldest son? The heir to his kingdom? The famous Prince Torin? he said, walking a full circle around Torin, studying him intently.

Torin for his part kept his head held high. He wore his full battle gear, his silver armour shining, his royal emblem proudly on display and his father’s Zorlite sword at his hip. He looked every part a prince. If not a king. As King Orral stopped before him once again, Torin raised his eyebrows. 

That I am, Torin replied, coolly. And that is why I come to you.

King Orral nodded and his face broke out into a grin.

Latainia and Klemenite have resided in peace always, he said. And I have always respected your father. He was a great ruler and a brave warrior. You, as his son and a Latainian, are welcome here.

Torin gave an inward sigh of relief.

Orral put a hand on each of Torin’s shoulders. You look just like him. He would be proud.

Torin swallowed hard and just nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

Tonight you shall rest. Tomorrow we’ll discuss the treaty and then we will feast in your honour! King Orral turned to his subjects. We shall welcome our guests like true Klemenites!

He was received with a cheer of approval.

King Orral turned around and walked back to his throne. He waved his hand at one of the servants who scurried forward.

My servant will take you to your quarters in the guest wing, Prince Naran said.

Thank you, for your hospitality, Torin said and followed the servant.

As they left the room, all eyes on Torin as he walked by, a chorus of excited conversations began.

Chapter 2

Klemenite

GOOD MORNING. AURORA looked up as Daye emerged from her room.  

Hi. Daye sat down at the small table across from Aurora, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. They had a luxurious three bedroom suite for themselves in the guest wing. Torin, Jaydar and Alex were in the one across the corridor from them.

Is Kalani still asleep? Daye asked.

Yeah, Aurora smiled, she glanced across at Daye. When do the negotiations start? 

Daye stifled a yawn. This afternoon.

Aurora finished her breakfast and leaned back in her chair. She sighed.

We’ve got a lot of time to kill, she said.

I’m going back to bed. Daye rubbed her temples. I’m so tired.

Aurora saw the dark circles under Daye’s eyes and nodded.

Yeah you should get some rest.

What are you going to do? Daye asked.

Aurora crossed the room to her jacket. I’m going to check this place out. Do a bit of exploring.

Don’t get lost.

I won’t, Aurora assured her as she pulled on her gloves. She grabbed her quiver and slung it over her shoulder.

And please don’t get into any trouble.

Since when do I get into trouble, Aurora laughed and walked out the door.

Daye shook her head as the door closed.

Aurora walked straight outside. There wasn’t much to see inside the castle. The snow crunched softly under her feet as she walked into the township. She found her way to the town square and saw it was market day. People bustled about hurrying to buy the best produce. She passed stall after stall through the market before stopping at one. It was full of beautifully carved necklaces. Aurora bought a few with some silver pieces Torin had given her. Everyone had been given a small pouch of gold and silver pieces, the currency of Klemenite, to use.  

Hey! What are you doing up so early?

Aurora smiled, turning around at Alex’s voice. He stood there with his hands on his hips, a look of mock disbelief on his face.

Ha ha, Alex. Aurora rolled her eyes.  

Alex fell into step beside her. Exploring?

Yeah. Aurora started walking again. What are you doing out here?

I can’t take another minute in there with Jaydar and Torin! They’re so nervous. Torin keeps pacing up and down like a caged lion. Jaydar keeps reciting what they are going to say this afternoon. Alex threw his hands up in the air.

What’s so bad about that?

That’s not all! Jaydar has decided to become a walking candle and is continuously setting things on fire! Including me! Alex said. I narrowly missed being lit up like a beacon.

Aurora stifled a laugh.

Let’s go for a walk and hopefully by the time we get back someone will have found a fire extinguisher, she said.

Alex laughed as they turned down one of the many snow covered streets.

Aurora adjusted her hood, the fur lining tickling her face. She couldn’t believe how cold it was. She could see her breath in the freezing air. She pushed her hands into her pockets as she walked. Aurora’s eyes fell on two children, a boy and a girl, building a snowman on the side of the street. She stopped, images and memories flashing before her eyes, of her and Alex playing in the snow as children. And their father, Roy, there with them.

Aurora blinked rapidly, swamped with memories, this time of their cabin on the island, when the Erifs attacked. Aurora, for the millionth time, wondered where he was. If he was even still alive. The last time she had seen him was when the Erifs captured him. There had been no news back at the Sanctuary and she feared the worst.

Then there was their mother.

The twins’ father had told them, right before he was captured, that their mother was a Latainian Pathguard called Auriel. She had disappeared when they were only two years old, to sort out some Pathguard business, promising to return before the winter was out but never did. So that made Alex and Aurora half Latainian, half human. A fact they were both still getting used to. In all reality that piece of news had completely turned their world on its head.

Aurora sighed. She had hoped they would come across some information about Auriel, where she was or at least what had happened to her, but nothing has emerged as yet.   

Aurora was so caught up in her thoughts she hardly heard Alex’s jabbering about his latest electronic gadget.

Alex glanced at her, realizing she hadn’t heard a word he had said.

Aurora, are you okay? he asked.

Aurora quickly wiped her eyes. Yeah I’m fine. I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.

Alex frowned, somewhat unconvinced but didn’t say any more.

They had soon wandered to the outskirts. They saw this part of the capital was less well kept. The houses and buildings more run down. Aurora glanced at the children playing in the street and saw their clothes were older, dirtier and more rag like. She smiled at a little girl with long wavy blonde hair, no more than eight years of age, as she walked by. Her dirty face stared at Aurora curiously.

Look at those trees! I wonder what kind of internal structure they have? What allows them to survive like that? Alex exclaimed in wonder, hurrying towards them.

The beautiful frost trees glistened and gleamed in the sunlight. Alex had to get a better look. Aurora followed him and stared up through the sparkling branches. She was content to just admire their beauty, she’d leave the science stuff to Alex.  

After a good ten minutes or so Aurora had just about had enough. She turned around and was about to call Alex away but paused. The little girl she had seen in the street a moment ago was now talking to a handsome blue eyed young man with light brown hair. Aurora watched as he handed something to the little girl who squealed in delight and threw her arms around him. She shoved whatever it was into her mouth and gobbled it down in one gulp. He laughed and lifted her up, swinging her around before putting her down again. He kissed her on the top of her head and spoke softly in her ear. She nodded and smiled before running to catch up with her friends.

The happy expression on the young man’s face vanished, replaced with one of horror as he watched the girl.

Ella no! he shouted, his voice cracking with panic.

A rider galloped down the street at full pelt, returning from a hunt by the look of it with an animal carcass of some kind strapped across the back of his horse, heading straight for the little girl who was running across yelling to her friends. He was looking over his shoulder at the animal fiddling with one of the straps, making sure it wasn’t falling off. Ella raced passed. The horse halted and reared up suddenly, startled by her high pitched squeal. The rider caught unaware was sent flying off the horse and landed in the snow with a thump.

Everything stopped. Everyone was rooted to the spot watching the scene unfold.

The rider jumped up from the snow. He stormed over to the little girl who had frozen in the middle of the road, her eyes wide with terror. He drew a long wooden baton from his belt and raised it. The girl cowered before him, her hands raised in a futile attempt to protect herself.

Aurora gave a sharp intake of breath. She could hear the blood pounding in her ears. She was too startled to move, as was everyone else.

NO!

Aurora watched the young man throw himself in front of the little girl, his own arm raised, taking the shuddering blow. He pushed the girl further behind him and faced the rider. Aurora moved forward to hear what was being said. She saw everyone had their eyes glued to the rider and the young man.

Get out of my way! the rider shouted, pushing him hard in the chest with the baton.  

The young man swallowed hard and stood his ground. No.

The rider stared in surprise. Colour rushed to his face. He gave a shout of rage. You dare defy me? Dare disrespect me! He rammed the baton into the young man’s stomach hard, making him double over and fall to one knee.  

Ella ran to him, grabbing his arm but he pushed her away. Her eyes glistened with tears.

Run! Ella! Run! He pushed her away again.

Ella shook her head as she turned and fled from the violent rider. The rider raised his fist at her.

I’m not done with you!

The rider felt a hand on his arm.

Leave her alone.

The rider turned and his menacing laugh rang out around the street at what he saw. The young man was on his feet. His face resigned. Fully prepared to take what was to come next.

Ella was forgotten, the wrath directed elsewhere.

You just keep coming back for more, the rider snarled.  

Without warning the baton smashed into the side of the young man’s head and he was sent reeling back. But he remained on his feet. His hand flew to his head, feeling something warm and sticky running down the side of his face. The rider’s expression was contorted with rage as he struck out repeatedly. The sound of the baton connecting resounded around the unearthly quite of the street. As the blows rained down upon the young man he sank to the ground, his hands and arms clutching his head, trying to protect it. A groan escaped his lips as a savage kick crashed into his side. The rider kicked out again and again. His foot striking harder and harder each time.

What’s happening? Alex said, turning around to face the commotion.

Aurora just simply shook her head, too stunned to speak and pointed.

A crowd was gathering around watching. They stood silently seeing but not moving. None of them spoke, their faces grave as the rider continued to beat into the young man mercilessly. He was bruised and bleeding, his skin split in places where it could no longer take the continuous battering. The snow was flecked with blood.

Aurora was speechless. She looked around the crowd and saw none of them were moving. She shook her head in disgust and turned to leave. She couldn’t watch this brutality. She couldn’t understand why the young man wouldn’t fight back, he certainly looked strong enough to. She took a few steps but stopped. She flinched at a crack as the baton struck.  

Come on, Aurora. Alex took a few steps away, grimacing. There’s nothing we can do.  

Aurora knew she shouldn’t get involved. This wasn’t her world, this wasn’t even Torin and Daye’s world. She knew they were a diplomatic party sent out to make an alliance with Klemenite not to get involved with their internal affairs. But still...

Aurora heard a strangled sob. She whipped her head around to her right and saw the little girl, Ella, huddled into a ball beside one of the trees. She had her knees up to her chest, sobbing uncontrollably into them. Aurora looked from the girl to the beating. Still no one had made a move to intervene. She saw the rider raise his baton once again and thrash it down upon the young man. That’s when it snapped inside Aurora.

The rider snarled at the young man, raising the baton to deal a blow to the head. He looked around at the others.

Let this be a lesson to you all! This is what happens when you forget your place! he shouted, brandishing the weapon.  

As the baton began its downward descent it was struck by a seemingly invisible force. The rider gave a shout of surprise as the baton was ripped from his grasp and flew through the air, landing a few metres away. He stared in disbelief. A long black arrow stuck up out of its centre.

He spun around seeking the source of the arrow. His eyes narrowed as they landed on a small hooded figure in a long white coat. She held a bow, another arrow