Mind Ring: Legends of the Fallen, #9

By J.A. Culican and H.M. Gooden

USA Today and International Bestselling author J.A. Culican presents a new epic fantasy adventure full of dragons, magic, and legends.
 
With the rise of Dag'draath's might, no where is safe. Not even the Library.
 
Rhin is on the search for the final piece of the puzzle that will lock Dag'draath away for good. Not a prison like Onen Suun created. Something powerful enough to either destroy a god, or to lock him away for eternity.
 
But she quickly discovers that her enemies are a lot closer than she ever thought possible. Librarians are turning against her. They're turning against the Library itself.
 
Rhin and her friends are in a race against time and a growing list of enemies, only to discover that the fight against Dag'draath isn't as simple as it appears.
 
They might not be able to send him away for good. Doing so might alert a great evil the Library defeated thousands of years ago.
 
Rhin has to find a way to unlock the Mind Ring in order to save her world against Dag'draath. But if she does, she might unleash a far greater enemy the likes of which are unfathomable.
 
Visit jaculican.com/fallen/ to learn more about the world and characters of Legends of the Fallen.
 
"This is the epic fantasy series of the year! A whole new world full of magic, dragons, darkness and unlikely heroes..." - USAToday Bestselling Author, Melle Amade ★★★★★

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dragon Realm Press
• Release date: Dec 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393851646

J.A. Culican

J.A. Culican is a teacher by day and a writer by night. She lives in New Jersey with her husband of eleven years and their four young children. J.A. Culican's inspiration to start writing came from her children and their love for all things magical. Bedtime stories turned to reality after her oldest daughter begged her for the book from which her stories of dragons came from. In turn, the series The Keeper of Dragons was born.

Book preview

Chapter 1

My heart sang as we crested the last hill between the forested area of the Low Forest and the cliffs. We had traded the camels in once we’d had the chance. The horses were exhausted from the long journey, but we were buoyed by the excitement of being so close to home.

Well, maybe not Will. A quick glance in his direction revealed his awe at the vision in front of us. His home was in Sunglen and I knew he’d never been this far south, to a place populated entirely by elves. As I turned to look at Cliffside, I knew they must seem strange and exotic to him.

As I gazed at them now, I felt a sense of homecoming as well as an odd feeling of distance. Up until I’d left to find the Library at Abrecem Secer, I'd never been away from them. Since I'd left, however, events had conspired to broaden my horizons in such a way a part of me felt as though I had come upon a place I'd never seen before.

Cliffside rose elegantly against the forested grassland, with the familiar windows and doorways of living spaces built directly into them centuries earlier. At the very top was Cliffside Castle, where I had grown up, and until a few short months ago had called home. It had been all I’d known.

I exhaled deeply as I remembered the real reason we’d returned. Once we had discovered proof Nyalla wasn’t the innocent guide she’d been pretending to be, we’d been watching her closely. She wasn’t with us now, but that was no longer unusual.

Ever since the spell I performed to allow me to dreamwalk, she'd been going off for longer and longer periods of time by herself. She told us she was hunting, but seldom, if ever, did she return with meat.

In fact, if we attempted to join her, she’d refuse the company almost every time.

Gwen would wait until she left before hunting with the wolves. At least we had enough to eat, but it bothered me every time Nyalla returned empty-handed. What was she doing? Even now, it was only the four of us. We had left to get supplies from Cliffside while Nyalla went out, again alone after refusing to come.

Butterflies jumped unpleasantly in my stomach when I remembered the last time I'd seen my family. Ur’gel had attacked us while I’d slipped out the back with Sel, leaving only a letter to reassure my mom I still lived, had left of my own free will, and hadn't been taken. Since that moment, I’d heard nothing about them during my travels. I wasn't entirely sure my family were even alive, a fact I had managed to suppress successfully—until now.

I shoved my fear aside to focus on our mission. We needed to find the healer at Cliffside. While I wanted to find my family, it was urgent we find someone who knew how to heal Nyalla. Hopefully, our healer would know something about the Nyalla-Yserra dichotomy. I'd never read anything about two people inhabiting one body before, and I had come upon the idea that maybe something was wrong with her.

If the case was that there were two personalities in her body because she was sick, it logically followed she could be restored to health if whatever had caused the sickness was reversible. If so, maybe if healed, she would be less of a threat to the world.

Are you okay, Rhin? You're being even quieter than usual. It can’t be easy to return after how you left.

I turned to find Gwen watching me with compassion in her warm green eyes. Leaning over to grab her outstretched hand, I gave it a quick squeeze and forced a smile. I'm fine, thanks. It's stranger than I thought it would be to come back though, and I can't deny I'm worried about my family.

I shrugged one shoulder as I looked back at the cliffs and she reached her arms around to hug me. I exhaled against her shoulder, drawing strength from her closeness. It was easier to admit the truth when she couldn’t see my face.

I could pretend everything was okay when there was no way to get back and see for myself. It was easy to push aside my worry. Now that we're here… I shook my head as I pulled back, unable to express my emotions.

She smiled, clasping my hand tightly. I understand.

I tried to feel hopeful. No matter what else happened, I knew she was there, and we had each other.

Are you ready?

I turned to see Sel almost vibrating. His expression was a mixture of elation and concern and I knew he, even more than Gwen, understood how I felt. He’d been my servant at Cliffside for many years. Even before our wild adventure had begun, it had been a long time since I considered him anything other than my best friend. I owed my life to him several times over but returning to Cliffside for him meant not only seeing his loved ones; it also meant a return to his previous status as slave and servant.

I narrowed my eyes at the sense of wrongness and shook my head. Not after what we’d experienced together. It wouldn’t be fair. I'm ready. Before we get back to the castle, we need to discuss your place.

He shook his head, waving a hand in dismissal. There's nothing to discuss. I’m a servant. Always have been, always will be. What's to discuss?

I glanced at the others, catching Gwen’s surprise and Will’s usual cocky expression. It had driven me crazy at first, but now I understood he often assumed it when he didn't know what to say. It wasn’t just to deliberately irritate me.

You're not a servant, Sel. Even before we left, you were my best friend. I caught and held his eyes as I tried to show my gratitude. I know you were trained to be a servant and it may be what you expect to be for the rest of your life, but it isn't how I see you. After everything we've been through, you’re closer to me than my own brother. I couldn’t order you to do anything anymore than I would take orders from you.

Sel's eyes widened in surprise and he opened his mouth to object.

I stopped him. No. Hear me out. The first thing I plan to do once this is all settled with the Heart Stone, and after we’ve spoken with the healer, is to ask my parents to free you.

Rhin, no. I—

Listen, Sel, Rhin’s right. Will glanced at me as an afterthought. You're one of us. You can do anything you want with your life once we’ve completed our mission. If you want to help on Captain Baeley’s airship, I can pull some strings. If you want to join the military, I'll talk to my sergeant. No way, no how, are you deserving of being a servant to some stuck-up elves. No offense, Rhin.

I rolled my eyes, secretly grateful for his practical, no-nonsense contribution. You know how much I hate to agree with him, but he’s right. It wouldn't be fair, and I don't think it’s what the Library wants, either.

An answering pulse of warmth from the key emphasized my words. I knew I was right.

Sel still looked like he wanted to disagree, but I wasn't sure if it was because he was being a good servant, or if it was because he couldn’t accept what I wanted to do for him.

Time would tell either way.

Right now, I had family to find and a healer to question.

The closer we came to Cliffside, the more worried I became I would see complete destruction and devastation. At the watchtowers, relief filled me at the minor damage from the front. Hopefully, this meant we hadn’t suffered many casualties.

The guards in the watchtowers had seen us approaching and opened the gate to allow us entry into the vestibule before the main town.

I wasn't sure if they’d let us in because we were a small group, but once they greeted us, I recognized one of the guards as a friend of my brother’s.

His eyes widened when he saw me, and he raised the horn.

The familiar chords announcing the presence of my family rang out into the small courtyard and echoed through the streets. Before I knew it, the road was crowded with people lining both sides.

We walked along the main avenue, smiling briefly, and waving to the mix of humans and elves jostling for a better look. As far as I could tell, everyone seemed happy and excited I had returned.

It felt wrong, as if I had on a shirt that was too tight. I’d never liked the pomp and circumstance the way my sister did, and I couldn't help wondering what they thought of my appearance among them. I’d been away so long it felt as if I’d returned as someone different. No longer the daughter of the ruler, but a different person, an imposter in front of them all.

I didn't have long to wait until the mood changed to better represent my feelings. At the gates of the castle, waiting with his usual implacable expression, stood my father. Hello, Rhin. Nice to see you remain among the living after all.

I exhaled slowly, maintaining my smile with a strength I hadn't realized I possessed.

His greeting wasn’t what I’d hoped, but it was hardly a surprise.

I knew my father loved me, but he’d never been one for displays of affection even in private. Right now, he also had his image to maintain in front of everyone else who’d come to watch our arrival.

Hello, Father. I am glad to see you alive as well.

He coolly looked over my small entourage while I nervously waited for his decree. Recognition lit his eyes at Sel's appropriately downcast head, and his eyes narrowed slightly seeing Gwen.

A rare tinge of curiosity flashed over his face when he spotted Will. I couldn’t help wondering what he’d think when and if he saw Nyalla but pushed the idea aside. Before I mentioned her to my father, I needed to speak to my mother and the healer.

I need to speak with Mother, I began hesitantly, wondering if I was about to spark a tirade. It’s rather urgent.

Follow me. Your mother has been hoping you would return. My father nodded once, turning to walk into the castle before pausing and arching one icy eyebrow as he examined my appearance with a hint of disapproval. You appear to be in one piece, although your clothing choices are suspect.

My stomach clenched in a way it hadn't in quite some time. I knew it was the quality of the clothing as well as the amount of dirt on my pants which had earned his disdain, not the pants themselves. I did my best to appear unconcerned.

My father smiled, true amusement lighting his eyes this time. I'm thinking before you see your mother, a bath is perhaps in order.

Chapter 2

My father accompanied me to my wing and designated the rooms adjoining my chamber for my friends. This, more than anything else he could have done, spoke to his love for me. I couldn’t remember the last time he’d visited me in my chambers and having him show use the rooms was unexpected.

Once I was in my chamber, Sel headed directly for the servant’s quarters before I could stop him. I wanted to protest but I knew it was easier. At least for now. It would create less of a distraction if he were to slip into the role of my servant again.

Gwen had the room beside mine, and Will had been given his own a few doors down.

I shut the door once I was alone and was glad to see my previous maid waiting for me, head bowed meekly. Dara, it's so good to see you!

She merely bobbed her head, not looking up from staring at her feet.

It was clear any progress I'd made with her considering me less of a master and more her friend had been lost during my time away. Then again, I was rather surprised by how foreign everything seemed to me now as well, so I could hardly blame her for her distance.

Your bath is ready, milady. She kept her gaze down and gestured to the bathing chamber.

Pressing my lips together to keep from saying something that would frighten her, I allowed Dara to lead me to a luxurious, warm bath as I fought back my urge to draw her out.

I sank hip deep into the large claw-foot tub, surprised to discover how much I had missed such a simple comfort.

I scrubbed until my skin was pink and tingling, the only conversation when I gently shooed Dara away when she'd attempted to wash me. After taking care of myself for so long, it felt wrong and intrusive to have assistance with such a task.

Another thing I hadn’t noticed changing until now. Looking around the ornate room, a bittersweet longing filled me. Everything was exactly how it had always been, except the one important thing.

Me.

By the time the water had begun to chill, I was ready to get out. Better smelling and revived, I reentered the room wearing the silken dressing gown Dara had placed beside the towel warmer, only to discover she had already laid out a suitably modest, yet elegant day gown for me to wear.

Here, milady. Your mother has provided this for today. Dara looked up, a faint smile on her face. She's been hoping you would return and has kept busy by commissioning a few new dresses for you to wear upon your return.

As I looked down at the dress, I couldn’t help thinking how impractical it would be if I needed to fight. When I recalled the horses, I shook my head. I knew it would disappoint her, but in this case it was necessary. I would be unable to ride back to camp if I wore it.

It's lovely, Dara. I will tell my mother you provided it for me. Despite its beauty, however, I need you to find me a tunic and leggings to wear instead.

Horror filled her eyes. But, my lady –

I shook my head, softening the words with a smile. No, Dara. I need to return to the campsite once I’ve spoken with my mother. There is another one of my group who is waiting for us there. As lovely as this dress is, I require clothing more practical for traveling with horses. I’m sure you can see I would be unable to do that were I to wear a dress best suited for a drawing room or library.

Although her face was pale, she nodded without objecting. If that is your wish, milady. I will look for something more appropriate.

Just as she prepared to leave, I heard a knock at the door. She stood to open it and I smiled once I saw Sel. He was cleaner, but otherwise the same and in his arms, he carried a suspicious pile of fabric.

I figured Lady Rhin would require something slightly less regal to wear today than her mother’s choice. Am I correct in my assumptions?

We exchanged looks at Dara’s confusion as she retrieved the clothing.

I cleared my throat, changing the subject before I let out an awkward laugh. Sel, if you could make sure the others are ready?

Sel nodded and closed the door behind him as Dara passed the items to me one at a time. I dressed efficiently, knowing at least part of my new independence was due to the nature of the clothing I’d been wearing. Once dressed, I retrieved my satchel, verifying my items were there. I gently touched the key around my neck.

Dara followed silently in my wake and we began the long trip to my mother's chambers.

The others joined us before I reached the first landing. When my eyes met Gwen’s, the look she gave me was shocking.

She, too, had used the opportunity to freshen up. Her golden blonde hair was plaited into a neat double braid and although I missed seeing it flowing down her back, the hairstyle had the benefit of emphasizing her cheekbones and long neck.

I blushed when the thought of what I wished to do with her neck ran through my mind but the answering warmth I saw on her face let me know she felt the same.

Are you two just gonna stand there and stare at each other all day? Will faked a yawn.

I shook my head, irritated with him this time because he was right. No. Now you're all here, I want to speak with my mother. I’m hoping she’ll know something. If not, I’m hoping she’ll allow me to ask the healer.

Gwen nodded. You think she'll know a way to fix whatever is wrong with Nyalla?

Yes, although I'm not sure how much good it will do. I've never read anything like what’s going on with her, but I’m hoping maybe Mother has.

I watched as a brief look of sadness flitted over Will’s face. I knew he was on our side when it came to our suspicions about Nyalla's intentions, but he still cared for her. I knew he was praying her traitor status wasn't true.

When he caught me watching him, he smoothed his expression, resuming his usual cocky attitude. We should go. Would you like me to do the talking? I'm quite popular with mothers.

I rolled my eyes. I had discovered near the beginning of our friendship the more deeply he felt something, the more likely he was to try to put on a show of being an irritating, arrogant person. But he was far from it, deep down.

We all had armor. His just happened to be his mouth.

As we followed Sel toward my mother's chambers, it felt strange pretending everything was