The Secret of the Sword: The Obsidian Chronicles, #1

By M.L. Ruscsak

The Great war has come. Lives have been lost while others should have ended. Loyalty depends on the side you choose. But for those who have been saved by the Goddess… those who have known her kindness they see the truth of this war.

They see the bitterness and the tainted that has taken so much of the good and twisted it.

But with the goddess gone… hidden away to grieve it falls upon her generals now to lead her realm. It Falls upon the fallen Prince of Osirus to lead his people and to rebuild the life that he knows will only be a lie.

His place is among the great Star Cities. His Place is here to be the defender of Prim's homeland. But how can he be in two places at once?  That is both the question and the answer to too many secrets.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trient Press
• Release date: May 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781953975386

Book preview

Prologue

3000 years ago.

With her face to the Void, Starlis tried to smile. Her beloved beside her. Apodiformes darted around the colored fauna. Their bodies a sea foam green. Their wings? Fluttering to fast to see each tiny feather. The day could not be more than perfect.

Could the day be any more beautiful?

Zale paused briefly causing her to turn to him. Something was amiss and she could feel it yet she didn’t understand what she was feeling. Shrugging off the slight ting between her shoulders, she laughed and took a seat in the cool grass. The cool springs just behind them. Twin tailed fish jumping from the rainbow waters. The castle of Lunaista off in the distance. Very few knew this pond, this meadow laid here. And those who did... well, they were not fools. This was a private area for the royal house. So it was fortunate that she was the crown princess and her betrothed the crown princes of Obsidian. 

What troubles you my sweet? Zale’s voice washed over her like the honeyed nectar that they had been drinking. He was trouble but that didn’t matter. Nor did the fact that he hid himself away posing as a royal guard. 

One day we won’t have to hide our secret.

He kissed her neck as his hands curved around her bare belly. What secret? Your sister knows your whereabouts the moment your eyes open. I suspect if you asked she could tell you about our wedding right down to how many glasses of nectar we both consume before I steal you away for a more intimate evening.

She swatted his arm playfully, If I asked her anything it wouldn’t be of our wedding but how to free this star and yours from Azia. 

He leaned in and tenderly sweeps a rogue tendril of her golden hair off of her face, tucking it behind her ear. His large hand goes to her jawline, and he tilts her mouth up to his for a chaste kiss, then smiles lovingly at her before passing her a glass with honeyed nectar in it. He takes one himself and leans back on his elbows while he sips it. Draining the glass he leans forward once again. His lips hovered above her ear and softly he said, The answer lays in the vault of Obsidian. A blade that only the king may wield. 

Zale? 

It’s a legendary weapon forged from before the plague of the silent ones. Slowly he got to his feet. His hand reached out to help her to her feet, Ask your sister who will wield it. Who will be the next king of Obsidian. 

Starlis shook her head, You’re the crown prince... 

I may be the crown prince. But the Sword chooses its master. He glanced at the palace fear in his eyes. My father may use the sword in battle but he does not wield it. For him, it’s just a blade. 

Part 1

"Sometimes terrible things happen for a reason. Things that a seer may not want to be told. Things that must happen for truths to come to light.

Still, what lives must be shredded in order for the greater good to prevail? And what is the truth that my sister truly has foreseen? She will not tell me but one way or another I will find the truth. "

-Journal of Queen Starlis

Chapter 1:

Starlis

Starlis pulled her sister through the crystal palace. Down winding halls and corridors made of glass. Didn’t stop until they came to the wall that led into the mountain. She turned her head to glare at her sister over her shoulder, Well are you going to open it?

Primitive narrowed her eyes, I suppose since you dragged me to this blasted cave. The stone shook but slid out of place revealing a hidden room. Dampness surrounded them. A single candle flickering above their heads. With a huff Primitive crossed her arms, We are here dear sister now mind telling me why?

It wasn’t a question and she knew it. She may be the crown princess but her younger sister held more raw power than most of the fey who lived in any known star city. Power that Azia craved more then life itself.

Did anyone see us? She whispers, her gaze sweeping the catacombs for evidence of intruders.

Primitiva narrowed her eyes seeing past the stone walls and the darkness. No, it’s okay, we are well hidden. And other than the workers who dwell in the darkness, none will enter this space.

I know but... Starlis pauses looking around. Can you make sure no one will hear us? Please?

Anger lights Prim’s young face as she hisses, You scold me when I use the forbidden arts. Now you ask this of me. She pauses briefly. Her demeanor relaxes and she smiles playfully. You are learning dear sister. I pray that will be enough.

A whoosh of air and a deep purple light surrounds them. Then a hush falls around them.The wind stilling blowing yet they stood in the eye of the storm. There. None will hear over the winds. Now, what reason brings me here?

Glancing at her sister she sits nervously on the cold stone ground. As if what you’ve been privy to... isn’t it enough? Just swear that you will not tell anyone.

Really, and to whom would I tell your secrets? A guard who would loose his life for just speaking my name? Come now. You know as well as I, that the second born has no confidants.

Closing her eyes, she looks pleadingly at her sister and takes Prim’s hand begging her for the one thing that she needed upon all else. I’m being serious, Prim. Promise me. Promise me as if my life were at stake.

Primitiva nods once and takes a seat before her. Slowly she adjusted the folds of her dress before quietly answering. You have my word. No matter what I’ve seen or you tell me, none will ever know your secret. 

Breathing out a sigh of relief, she smiled. Her dress splitting at both sides reveling her long pale legs as she sat . I need you to tell me what my future maybe. She hadn’t meant to say it like that. In fact, she had spent the better part of the day thinking how to word it so as not to offend her sister. Yet the words tumbled out just the same.

Very well. I assume you care more about that stowaway prince then anything else. 

A smile twitched her lips. That and... the sword of Obsidian. 

That made Primitiva pause. For just a breath it appeared as she would say something. Yet she shook her head her fire-red hair falling free from its loose braid. Come let us see what your future may bring.

She watched her sister close her eyes. Watched as a blue hue of light surrounded her then sat listing to the words that poured from her sister’s lips. 

The golden guard we’ve just seen then? Let us see if this union will be blessed.

Starlis placed both hands on Primitiva’s. Hoping to form a crystal ball between them so that she may see what her sister truly saw. Or at least some of it.

A man stands tall, overlooking the city. His golden armor shines brightly, sun dances off of it in spectacular reflections. 

Starlis wears an adoring look as she comes up behind him holding a swaddled bundle in pink. She places her had on his shoulder, and he turns to her and smiles affectionately. They both appear to be in love. They look down at the sweet infant in her arms.

The image changes. War is starting. The city is crumbling. Starlis is taken by a man wearing the seal of Pallas. 

Starlis gasps.

Primitiva eyes open just long enough to glare at her just long enough for the vision to begin swirling again.

Now the baby has become a beautiful young girl. She is too weak for a shield. Not strong enough to wield the scepter of the city. 

Starlis looks to Primitiva, confusion etched across her face.

But I don’t understand sister? There are tears in her eyes. How could she have a child born with the bloodline from Obsidian and herself yet it would be so weak? The union has all the markings of being blessed. I saw the love in our eyes... She swallows hard, choking on her sorrow.I saw our child. Why the horrible, terrible images?

Looking away Prim can’t look at her sister. Couldn’t tell her all that she saw. Although the union seems to initially be blessed, it would seem that the goodness of that union falls apart once the war begins... and it surely will end. Of that, we can be certain of what the vision’s revealed.

Remaining on the cold floor of the catacombs, darkness shrouds them. A new vision materializes, swirling before their eyes. 

There’s another child .... 

A child is shown, created with the blood from the ancient dragons. The power is given by another. The child grows, lives in the castle of Pallas. She has lessons on how to be a great queen. Returning to her home city. The war begins but the child stands over the city. Buildings still fall. But Starlis holds the city until the child gives birth to another. 

Gasping Prim grabs her sister’s hand and pulls her to her feet. Dear sister, come with me. You may have already given your heart to this guard, but I wish to give you a gift. Something you will need in the coming days.

More tunnels. More hallways then she ever knew excited yet somehow she trusted that Prim knew where they were heading. They stop just before a wall, then Primitiva passed through. Her hand reappears and she grabs Starlis’ hand, pulling her to the other side. 

Starlis gazed round. They were in a workroom is filled with bottles of colored liquids. A large cauldron filling the center of the round room. Shelves going several stories high yet they were still carefully hidden beneath the Castle itself.

Nervously Starlis started to speak, Prim?

She glanced up distracted, as she reads from a large leather-bound spell-book that suddenly appears hovering near the cauldron.

Hush now. You must let me work.

She watched her sister float around the room, her dragon wings lifting her to the top shelves. With fervor, she pours liquids hurriedly in the cauldron. The last ingredient is a small bottle with the label worn off. Primitiva pulls off the cork lid and drains the bottle. A horrid smell arises, which causes Starlis to cough as she covers her nose and mouth. 

Oh my. That is putrid. What are you...

Ignoring Starils, Prim pricks her finger. For a moment she hesitates. Her eyes filling with grief. Turning back to her work she lets two drops of blood fall. The room fills with white smoke. When it recedes Prim is holding a newborn baby carefully hidden by her wings.

Turning to her sister she smiles holding the newborn out for Starlis to hold. "Her name is Avyanna.

Chapter 2:

Primitiva

Frustrated beyond all reasoning, she picked up her crystal brush and plopped down at her vanity. As her brush passed through her fiery red hair she counted. One. Two. Gritting her teeth, she pulled the brush through her hair as she slowly hissed, Three. Taking a deep breath, she opened her dark soulless eyes. Her parents were talking about her... again.

Debating if they should make her a tribute to the city of stars or marry her off to one of the other royal star families. Slamming her crystal hairbrush down on her vanity, she shattered both. Upset and pissed off she pushed away from her now destroyed vanity no longer caring if her hair was perfectly smooth or a fiery mess. No longer cared enough to shed the tears that she had so many times before .

She no longer cared about much of anything.

Her mother’s words filled the room even if no one else could hear them. 

The arrogance of our child is notwithstanding, she must offer herself as a tribute. It is her royal duty to Pallas.

Her father as always trying to defend her. "As a tribute! Primitiva cannot, shall not be sacrificed! 

How quaint. The preservation of one over the salvation of many. 

I will not let you take Prim. She is good, pure of heart and if wed to another royal house, her powers will strengthen that star city. We must be wise about her fate... about the fate of...

Chapter 3:

Queen Despina

Stalking the grounds of the throne room she scowls at every imperfection. Every vine of gray withing the creamed tiles. Everything thing including her royal guards. OUT!!! she yells s the two armored guards clammier out of the room leaving her alone with her consort.

Bah! Worthless man. Nothing more than a piece of flesh that she had mated with in order to produce an offspring worthy of the catacombs of Pallas. Worthless thing. Who would have thought he would have opinions and stand in her way at every turn.

Turning sharply Despina’s long lacy gown clings to her slender shape and her fist rest upon her him. The battle had already been won. Looking into Mortis’ tired eyes she could feel it. Yet she would give him the satisfaction of this final argument before she sent him to his death as well.

Raising her chin she looked at him with all of the superiorly of the queen that she was. The arrogance of our child is not withstanding. She must offer herself as a tribute. It is her royal duty to Pallas.

It was logic. It was truth. Both has won these battles before and it would win this one as well.

Slowly Mortis eases up off of his seat. As a consort he didn’t dare ask for a grand chair, a throne. As one with royal blood however he would have his say. One day his bloodlines, his true bloodlines would be known. But not to this queen. No, never to her. But he would however give her the battle that she ever so needed. For a true royal would never yield.

He acted meek as he slowly approached her. His eyes however held the heat of his race. Held the secrets he long ago cast aside in order to give this child of his a life. Now...

As a tribute?!Primitiva cannot..shall not be sacrificed!

Sneering Despina nearly laughed, How quaint. The preservation of one over the salvation of many.

His fist balled. It would be so easy to end the little twit now. Yet he had to play this out. Had to in order to protect all that would follow. I will not let you take Prim as a sacrifice.

Storming to the door he spins back to face her. A move just hours before would have been uncharacteristic of him. No today he was ready to continue the battle.

Prim is good, pure of heart and if wed to another royal house, her powers will strengthen that star city. We must be wise about her.About The fate of our people. His people not here. No this star would fall to the hands of Pallas. But his people... his true people would be saved. If the daughter of his blood looked beyond this time and found the answers.

Standing her ground, her shoulders pulled back. Her red and gold translucent wings unfurling just a bit. Just enough to remind him to whom he was speaking to, It is not your decision to make. She paused narrowing her eyes. Her rage no match for him and she knew it. But being queen he was no fool. He would never attack her. I will advise Pallas that Primitiva accepts her fate, and offers freely offers herself tribute.

The king narrows his eyes as he advanced angrily on the queen. Rage now a living thing burning deep inside of him. Before he could let that rage go he stopped short of stepping on her. Placing his nose near her he glared letting her see the truth he long ago hid. Letting her see perhaps for the first time the fires of Obsidian and the souls of Nexus begging to be released. He was a royal. Blood of both star cities that would never yield to Pallas. A royal far more greater than she could ever hope to be. And one who would take his secrets to his grave,  Don't assume that just because I've let you run this kingdom, that I will stand by idly, and watch you sacrifice my daughter for favors from Pallas. She is my daughter.

She would not allow for him to see her unnerved. She would not acknowledge what she was seeing in his eyes. She was queen. She was not this creature who stood before her. So, it's been decided. I'll advise Pallas of our decision.

Turning from his she held her head high as she left the throne room. In private she would tell Pallas more than just Prim would be joining the catacombs. 

Muttering under his breath Mortis looked to the ceiling knowing who was watching this argument. Knowing she would understand one day.Like hell it has! You will not take Prim... She was meant for greatness.

Chapter 4:

Primitiva

––––––––

Holding the tears back she held in all of her strong emotions. Her hurt. "If you’re going to kill your children why ever have more than one?" She growled to herself. Her parents were not only not in the room but were deep within the depth of the palace. But not deep enough where she could not hear them when she so chose. See them whenever she pleased. There was nowhere in all the Star Cities that she couldn’t reach... couldn’t see. 

Not that any ever believed her. Not that any dared to.

Another breath, then she turned to her door. Not much of a door when you could see through it... you could see through everything except a single room in the palace. And that room was off-limits to everyone except the queen herself. Frustrated, she turned away from her door. Nothing was private on this miserable star. Nothing.

Don’t even think about knocking, dear sister. She snapped, letting her thundering voice rattle the shards of crystal that now lay on her floor.

As the glass door opened, her sister smiled even though her sister turned from her, Primitiva? You are more agitated than usual. Why?

Damn her sister. The Crown Princess Starlis. Glaring at her sister, she dared not say what was on her lips. Instead took in her sister’s rare beauty. Golden rays tumbled down her back, shimmering in the light of the room. Silver speckles dancing on her skin. But it was her eyes, the eyes of the galaxy that saw everything. I will not marry a man who wishes only to have my power for his own.

Ah. So, our parents are at it again? Trying to keep you from the tribute and yet you refuse.

As she turned her fire-red hair wrapped around her revealing her wings. Wings that she was warned several times to never let be seen. The only reason I am still here is because of Avyanna.

Starlis rushed over to her nearly placing her hand over Primitiva’s mouth. Whispering, she said, Shhhh. You know better than to speak her name.

Pushing her sister away and nearly allowing her to tumble, Primitiva hissed, "She is my daughter and I will speak her name whenever it pleases me."

Regaining her balance and closing the distance between them Starlis whispered, You will get her killed. Now hush. I cannot protect her if you do not protect yourself.

Her sister was right, but only partly so. You’re right. I cannot protect her while I am still in Lunaista. Then she turned sharply. She needed only, but a moment to decide what to do next. Only a moment to figure out how to bring about the change that the Star Cities needed.

A sigh of relief, then, Finally, you are seeing reason.

Another moment to decide, Which is why I am leaving. 

Closing her eyes Starlis tried again to reason with her impulsive younger sister yet again, You cannot just leave. There is nowhere in the Star Cities that you could go and not be found. Not that you could get to any other Star City. She let her eyes slowly open as she took a deep breath and tried to