Harbingers

By Azure Avians and Laura Ware

Hana thinks that the goddess giving her the magical Blue Pendant means a respite for her and her twin Kele.

No. Instead, three more powerful talismans appear. Shortly thereafter, a treasure goes missing. Hana and Kele must find out who holds these mysterious artifacts and, they hope, join forces with them.

Others are also seeking the pendant-keepers. If they find them first, it will spell trouble for the theocradoms.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bluetrix Books
• Release date: Oct 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005612719

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

An image swam into Kele’s mind, and for a split-second before it clarified, she thought she was seeing the Blue Pendant floating in deepest blackness. Her paladin’s instincts erupted into full alert at the intrusion.

Only, neither blue nor oval, this teardrop-shaped jewel shimmered with green brilliance. A second Pendant, a blazing red rectangular gem also set in gold, appeared beside it. Then a third Pendant appeared, the perfectly round stone shining a blinding white.

The vision sparkled and shone, then dissolved in shimmering flashes of light.

Kele sat bolt upright on her sofa, mindful of not spilling her daughter Grace onto the hardwood floor.

Her sister Hana burst into the room from a portal of swirling blue magic. Kele presumed she came from the Blue Temple where she taught sorcery, although the day’s classes would be long-since over. Kele, did you see that?

Kele put a finger to her lips and gave an exhausted sigh. I think we’re about to have three more Pendants to deal with, she whispered. Hold on.

Kele shifted on the comfortable overstuffed couch and slid out from under her daughter. Grace stirred slightly but didn’t awaken. Kele pulled a colorful knitted afghan from the back of the couch and spread it over the child. She rested her hand on the girl’s head for a few seconds, then with another sigh got to her feet.

Hana gave her a look, her hazel eyes full of sympathy. Where? she mouthed the word.

Kitchen, Kele muttered, and followed the scent of baking bread.

In the good-sized kitchen with its large fireplace, a beef roast cooked over the flames, held in place by a large metal skewer. The oak table in the center of the room was set for three. On a wooden counter near the door, chopped carrots, celery, and long green beans waited to be sautéed.

Kele’s husband Colton was pulling two golden loaves of bread from the oven. He placed them on another counter under a window that let in the fading daylight and turned.

His welcoming smile lasted only an instant before turning to concern. What’s wrong?

I’m not sure anything is. Kele sat in one of the four sturdy chairs at the table and gestured for Hana to sit as well. We both had a vision—there are more Pendants.

Colton’s eyes widened. How many?

Three, Hana said, slipping into the chair across from Kele. Red, green, and white.

Kele rubbed her forehead, trying to will away a growing headache. I don’t understand. We discovered the Amulet of the Four less than a month ago. The Blue Pendant was found—a week ago?

As if by reflex, Hana fingered the blue Pendant she now wore. The Blue Goddess had that very day granted Hana guardianship of the artifact when its original keeper had refused it.

It makes sense, Hana said slowly, that other artifacts would show up. The remaining Pendants correspond to the rest of the gods.

It may make sense to you, but I don’t understand it, Kele grumbled. Why so many? Why now? What is going on?

Colton brought a loaf of bread and a crock of butter to the table, along with a knife. He cut a generous slice and placed it on Kele’s plate. Eat, he told her. I suspect you’re going to be busy.

Kele spread a generous amount of butter on the still-warm slice as Colton served Hana. A chilling thought struck Kele. Do you think something terrible is coming? Something the gods know we’ll need to fight against, and they’re supplying us with appropriate weapons?

Hana shook her head. "No. You sense it, don’t you? Something is coming, but it’s not evil."

Kele frowned. I’m not as magically attuned as you are, remember?

A look of annoyance flashed across Hana’s face. For just a moment, Kele feared Hana would want to discuss their estrangement. At Kele’s refusal to follow her twin into magic, Hana had abandoned the family, causing a rift that had lasted for years and was not fully healed despite recent events.

To Kele’s relief, all Hana said was, You carry the Amulet of the Four. You’ve gotten more sensitive to magic, whether you realize it or not. Besides, you have the Gift, even if you didn’t activate it.

I do sense something, but I can’t tell if it’s for good or ill. Aren’t you concerned, Hana? We both know these artifacts are dangerous in the wrong hands.

That’s true, Hana said. But the artifacts, the gods speaking to us…something momentous is on the way. But I see it as a new age, not darkness, not as anything to fear.

Tavan told me it was like a sunrise, Colton said. He’d poured two glasses of tartberry juice and set them before the sisters. That the rest of us would see what magic-sensing people have seen all along.

Hana smiled at the mention of her husband. That’s a good way to put it. No, Kele, whatever is coming, it’s not evil.

Kele sipped her juice. She longed to believe her sister. The events of the past few weeks had worn her down. To believe something good could come from all that…

Well, she said, setting her glass down, I suppose we need to find out who has these Pendants and what they’re capable of. Colton, have you come across any writings about powerful Pendants, each in the color of one of the gods?

Her husband grew thoughtful. I might have. There are scrolls and books full of stories about magical artifacts. But some of them may not be true. People embellish, inject their own opinions on things. Then Colton fixed Kele with an exasperation-tinged look, But Kele, you didn’t mention any sense of urgency or trouble. What if you’re not supposed to do anything at all?

She looked confused. What do you mean?

He gave a one-shouldered shrug. The gods have been pretty clear in the past. This time, maybe they were just giving you the information, you and Hana, Colton included her sister with a glance.

Kele nodded. Good point. Maybe we don’t need to go charging off somewhere immediately. Still, if you could see what you can find, it could be helpful. Turning to Hana, Kele asked, Did your vision show anything about who has these Amulets?

Nothing clear, Hana said. But we can always pray and ask for guidance. Your Amulet might even be able to find them.

Before Kele could respond, the jeweled leather band on her left wrist glowed. Paladin?

Frowning, Kele touched the center stone, a diamond. What is it, Riiald? she asked her second-in-command.

"You need to come to the prison. We have a situation."

On my way.

Riiald sounded frustrated, and Kele got a cold feeling in the pit of her stomach. What’s wrong? she asked, getting to her feet. She exchanged a worried look with Hana and Colton.

Riiald’s words hit her like a thunderbolt. Mikal has escaped. And Elona is dead.

~     ~     ~

Kele stepped out of the portal Hana created and into a stone corridor beneath Talman’s White Temple. Riiald and a couple of guards stood outside an open cell. The guards looked dazed; Riiald looked furious.

Kele took a deep breath to calm her own emotions. A powerful criminal, Mikal had hired a wizard named Elona to try to get the Amulet of the Four. In her attempt to do so, Elona had nearly killed Riiald and Kele. Fortunately, Hana had come to the rescue and the twins had apprehended Mikal.

The memory of the searing flames of torture Elona had inflicted on her made Kele break stride for a split-second. She knew she couldn’t dwell on that. Instead, her boots ringing on the stone floor, she jammed the memory aside and went to her second-in-command. What happened?

Still a formidable warrior, Riiald nevertheless showed all his years—almost enough that he could be Kele’s grandfather—with his leathery skin and iron-gray hair. He gestured to the two guards, both dressed in white Talman armor. The guards were found by their relief sound asleep. So was one of the mages. The other one has vanished—we’re searching for him.

Who? Kele asked. Beside her, Hana was examining the lock of the open cell.

Jonas, Riiald said.

Kele thought a moment, recalling the thin blond mage. He’s been with us about two years.

Grim, Riiald nodded. That’s right. He has a sick child, but never told anyone. The healers said they couldn’t cure the lad.

White Goddess, Kele swore. He should never have been near Mikal. He was probably promised a cure for his child.

Hana looked over her shoulder, surprised. Surely Jonas would realize Mikal couldn’t make good on that. We took down his network.

A man like Mikal can be very persuasive and manipulative, Kele said. And he undoubtedly has resources we haven’t found yet.

Hana nodded. You’re probably right. She nodded at the door. The lock was opened magically.

Kele saw the guards were giving her nervous glances when they thought her attention was on the others. Stepping towards them, she said, Is there anything you can tell me about what happened?

The older guard, a man in his forties, shook his head. I’m sorry, Paladin. Uri and I had been on duty for about two hours when suddenly I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I tried…

Kele recalled the man’s name. It’s all right, Wegan. You weren’t prepared for an attack from one of our own. Placing a reassuring hand on the man’s tense shoulder, she continued, Are you fully recovered?

Wegan nodded. I—I think so, yes.

Then you and Uri stay here for right now. Assist the mages who are looking for clues. If you recall anything that might be helpful, be sure to let Riiald know.

Wegan and Uri both straightened up a bit at her instructions. Yes, Paladin, Wegan said.

Nodding, Kele turned back to Riiald. You said Elona was dead. Mikal killed her?

Probably, Riiald said. Come see for yourself.

Kele caught Hana’s attention and motioned her sister to follow them. The trio headed for the other open cell, which was guarded by a white robed woman whose braided red hair hung halfway down her back.

Kele nodded at the woman, then entered the cell. The room was sparse, with a cot and two buckets, one filled with water, the other empty. The body of a woman lay on the cot, covered by a white sheet. A pillow lay at the foot of the bed.

Approaching the bed, Kele lifted the sheet enough that she could see the dead mage’s face. Elona’s eyes were bulging, staring at nothing. Her mouth was open and her expression seemed to be one of terror. The metal band that prevented her from using magic was still around her neck.

Kele heard her sister’s sharp intake of breath. Grimacing, Kele dropped the sheet back over her adversary’s head. Turning to Riiald, she asked, Do we know how she died?

Riiald gestured to the pillow at the foot of the bed. That was found over her face. The cleric who examined her believes she suffocated.

Looks like Mikal had one more task to accomplish before leaving, Kele said.

Hana glanced at the body and frowned. But why? Because she failed him?

Partly that, I think, Kele said. But partly a message. No one crosses him.

That was his reputation, Paladin, Riiald said. And I can’t see Jonas’s hand in this. He didn’t kill the others.

How did Mikal get in here, if not Jonas? Kele pointed out. At the least he gave the man a key, if he didn’t unlock the door himself.

Hana took a couple of steps to the side and began to murmur the words of a spell. Someone teleported from here recently, she said.

Can our mages trace it? Kele asked.

I’m sure they can, but if Mikal is as smart as we think he is, he won’t be there. My guess is this goes somewhere close, then he found other means of transportation.

Kele growled in frustration. The cell seemed too small for the number of people in it. She took another deep breath as she struggled to get her thoughts in order.

The White Goddess forbade retribution. Oh, Kele had considered it when she’d been recovering from Elona’s attack on her. But in the end, she knew killing the mage would accomplish nothing good. Kele acknowledged her wound, but refused to rub salt in it.

Mikal had taken matters into his own hands. Elona had died while she was Kele’s responsibility, and that rankled the paladin.

Mikal better hope she didn’t meet him in battle. The White Goddess did not forbid taking a life while defending your own or another’s, and Kele would not hesitate.

Come on, she said to Hana and Riiald. Let’s get out of here.

Once in the stone corridor, Kele turned to her second-in-command and dear friend. Riiald, I need you to investigate. See if you can figure out where Jonas and Mikal have gone. Has anyone been to Jonas’s home yet?

I sent someone right away, Paladin, Riiald replied. I haven’t heard back yet. What’s going on?

Kele stifled another growl. Three more magical Pendants just appeared. We have no idea yet where, or who has them.

Riiald scowled. I’ll take care of this, he promised.

She nodded, confident he would locate Mikal and Jonas, and keep her informed.

Let me know when you do. Thank you, Riiald. She gave the older man a small smile and then, turning, gestured for her sister to follow her out of the prison.

As they walked, Hana asked, You’re not going to conduct the investigation?

Scowling, Kele shook her head. "I would, if we didn’t have other things to deal with—three other things."

So what’s next? Hana asked.

Home, Kele said. It’s late and we all need some sleep. Then tomorrow, probably the library. We need information. If we can’t find it ourselves, then hopefully the gods will provide. Only fifteen minutes or so, the walk on the crisp summer night would help clear her head.

They have been doing that, Hana agreed before conjuring a blue portal spell at the edge of the square.

Then let’s hope they don’t pick now to quit, Kele replied.

CHAPTER TWO

Kele traipsed through the streets of Talman as the sun peeked over the shingled rooftops and burned off the last of the morning haze. A few tendrils of mist still hung in the air, rapidly dissipating with each morning breeze that danced by. Those breezes carried the sounds of metal on metal from the blacksmith’s forge, and the smell of fresh breads and pastries from the baker. The wide thoroughfare was still in deep shadow and mostly empty, as not even the vendors had set out yet for the marketplace. Soon, though.

She glanced over at Colton and smiled. At least they’d managed to share breakfast that morning. He felt her gaze on him and looked over, returning the grin. The library was his purview, and she knew he was always happy to use it to help her in her job.

As he reached for her hand, a voice rang out in the crisp morning air.

Paladin! Paladin Kele! Ma’am!

They turned to see a tall girl racing toward them from the direction of the city gate. Ginger tresses escaped from beneath her hat, and her worn and patched jacket, trousers, and tunic looked as if she’d inherited them from someone twice her size—or at least twice her girth. Yet the faint clean scent of soap lingered around her, and the stubborn locks of red hair were obviously soft and just-shampooed.

Kele peered more closely into the pre-dawn light but saw no one in pursuit, and the greeting had been positively cheery. She let her hand fall away from the hilt of her sword.

Paladin. Ma’am, good morning. Sir. The lanky youth skidded to a stop in front of them, a broad grin on her face revealing white evenly spaced teeth. She made a little bow. Ma’am, may I talk to you when you can spare a moment or two? I got this three nights ago, but I’m not sure what do with it.

She reached into her trousers’ pocket, then held out her hand to Kele. A ruby gleamed in her palm, the rectangular gem alight with internal fire. It certainly wasn’t reflecting any sunshine at that pre-dawn hour of the morning. The Red Pendant.

As the paladin not just of the city of Talman, but of the entire theocradom of Rosenev, Kele was accustomed to people seeking her out. But the people she herself sought coming to her first, that was another story. Normally they did their utmost to avoid her.

She’d happily accept all the good fortune the gods sent her way.

Good morning. Yes, let’s talk in the library. She and Colton flanked the girl as they strode briskly up the road. With her tall frame, no doubt gangly from a recent or ongoing growth spurt, the girl had no trouble keeping pace. What’s your name?

Oh, very sorry, Ma’am. I’m Mreggil. They rounded a corner and her voice trailed off. She fell behind and her footsteps slowed to a stop as they reached Talman’s main square and she beheld the facades of the White Temple and Talman’s Library.

The majestic buildings, the only constructs of marble in the city, towered like sentries over the rest of the wooden or plain stone architecture as if guarding them. The spires of the White Temple,