Sovereigns of Water: Enaya, #3

By Justin Trout

Norcross may be gone but the threat to Sienna is far from over. A new leader has risen to take Norcross's place, but can Javiero be trusted? Nile isn't so sure. The gems of Enaya are not the only power in Sienna.  

Nile's path is difficult and treacherous. He needs to warn Sienna about the trouble to come. He needs to forge new alliances. But his closest friends are missing - maybe even dead. What can he do when so many are depending on him? How can he fight for the ones he loves without losing everything?

Ashera has always known who she is - a powerful force for good in the world. She has found her place at Nile's side and among her friends. But when she is separated from everything she holds dear, she finds that things may not be as clear as she first thought. 

Bonds are tested, hearts are broken, and secrets are revealed that will change everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Justin Trout
• Release date: Apr 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393886495

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Cover Art by Deranged Doctor Design

Formatting by Deranged Doctor Design

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This book is protected under the copyright laws. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Disclaimer: The persons, places, things, and otherwise animate or inanimate objects mentioned in this novel are figments of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to anything or anyone is unintentional.

Acknowledgments

There are several people I would love to thank for their continual support on this project. Enaya is a project I started in the seventh grade, and now, I’m on the third one in the series and halfway through the fourth.

The first to mention is the band of misfits that I call family. Daphne, Luke, Ruth, Matthew, Nehem, Zoey, and Evie. You all are the inspiration for the pirates in this book, and I’m sorry to say, you share the same name. Tally-ho!

Enaya wouldn’t have happened without the professional-edit from Carleigh Blaylock. Carleigh claims to be a fan of the series, and she has directed me in the write path more than once.

I also want to thank Deranged Doctor Design for the amazing book cover.

Dreams don’t come true unless you put the work into it, but more important than dreams are relationships. The people in my life that have inspired me are far more important than the pages in this book, so I want you to know that I love you mom, dad, Nick, Liz, Brandon, Sabrina, Lori, Sarah, Hughes, Cynthia, Alan, Brandon, Thomas, Lance, Dave, Nolan, Doug, Jon and Mike, J.D, Chris, Andy, Courtney, Mark and Justin, Melody, Merrit, John, Andrea, Thad and of course, my dog named Blue.

And I couldn’t have done it without the continual support of my wife, Bethany. You’re my rock. I love you, and I thank you so much for letting me write out these little stories of mine.

For

Evelyn Rosalie

And

Zoey Kathrine

Stay close, girls!

World Map

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Table of Contents

The Aura Awakening

Jorben Greer was a humble man.

If you asked him what he loved most, he would have said family. When he took the job to protect the Newborous Tower over in the east, it was out of his character, but he did it for a good reason. Once he escaped with his family from the grasp of Norcross and the Lucian Empire, he fled to Dal’Narmu, the Dragon Country. They took him in, along with his family, if he agreed to guard Newborous Tower for two months of the year. Newborous Tower was a temple built hundreds of years ago to honor the awakening of the great and terrible beast, Mammon. Mammon was said to be a God among men, having created the sky and the stars. Yet, he was birthed in the trenches of the deep ocean. The legend was lost in myth, but anybody who knew of Mammon usually knew the horrible fate that followed—that upon its awakening, destruction was close behind.

Jorben counted his blessings as he looked to the night sky. A slight chill blew through his white beard, and he shivered. Jorben pulled a wool cloak around him, and he sat on a wooden chair, watching the night sky glimmer with a million stars. One twinkled, and another fell. He pushed his thick glasses up his wide nose and took a deep breath, watching the world pass him by. Newborous Tower sat proudly behind him, crafted from magic stone and elven wood. It poked out over the forests and could be seen for miles on end. It even had the largest bell in all the world, and once rang, the seven counties would hear it and know to prepare for two things. The first was battle, and the second was for a messenger to notify where the battle was taking place.

The bell hadn’t rung since Seraph was free, hundreds of years ago.

And Jorben didn’t know that Seraph was once again free.

A pain struck him like a venomous snake, and he doubled over, falling out of his chair. His broad hands clutched the damp earth around him. He reached under his stomach to hold himself, feeling like his innards were on fire. A presence overwhelmed him that he had never felt in his earthly existence.

It was fear.

A hooded figure emerged from the woods with green eyes, and Jorben crawled, pushed a large red door open, and began inside the tower. He turned back, but the hooded figure continued to march forward in the blackness, its green eyes lighting its path. Jorben pulled himself up the wall and began up a spiral set of steps, growing from the rough stone wall. He counted his breaths and his steps to keep himself from going mad. His blundering feet slowed him down. He glanced behind him to see that the hooded figure made its way inside.

After what seemed like hours, Jorben made it to the top of the stairs. He staggered out onto the terrace. A large bronze bell hung from a wooden beam. Jorben reached beneath it, found a thick piece of rope, and began to ring the bell. It echoed out across the seven counties.

In the distance, fire came to life. Someone had heard the bell.

The hooded figure moved with inhuman grace, reaching the plateau with the bell. Jorben noticed that the figure seemed to glide instead of walk as it floated through the door. The figure approached Jorben, grabbed him by his jaw, and pulled him closer to the deep green eyes.

Se—Seraph, Jorben gasped, and before he could take another breath, he was propelled over the tower, falling as the ground came up quickly to meet him.

Not, the hooded figure said, grazing over the ledge to see a mangled body sprawled out before him.

The figure looked at the bell, covered in decorations of scriptures and the etchings of an ancient beast. A long crooked finger slithered out from under his sleeve, and it scathed the surface of the bronze. A crack separated the bell into hundreds of pieces, and it disintegrated into dust—and a bright yellow stone floated in the air. It was a stone of magnificent power. It was known as the Aura Stone.

The hooded figure wrapped his hand around it and brought it to his green eyes, his face still shrouded in darkness, and he peered at it. Inside, he could see the eye of a beast—watching him. The dark figure hid his hand behind his cloak, and in a cloud of dust, he vanished.

* * *

The goat-eater loomed between trees.

The magnificent furry beast sat upright over a field of goats, half enclosed in a fence that had been torn apart. A small town was tucked in the hills beyond the field, breathing smoke from fireplaces. The night had fallen quickly over Kier’Boyn. There was no light visible except for a few candles flickering in home windows. The goat-eater hunched lower as a shadow passed by the light. The figure blew out the flame, and darkness covered the land of missing goats, and the goat-eater snarled in a whisper. It came forward, planting each furry paw firmly on the ground. The earth trembled with massive steps, and the goats, clumsy in their rest, ignored the rumbling sound of the predator.

Now! screamed a figure emerging from the goats.

Boom! Bright lights exploded upon the goat-eater, revealing four sets of horrible teeth, a missing eye, and a scar across its pink snout. The lights lifted and turned, and the figure among the goats ran ahead of it, pointing a sword toward the beast.

Roar!

The goat-eater pounced forward, but the swordsman rolled under it and came upon his feet. He hurried toward the forest, taking brave shots over his shoulder as he did. A woman with a staff jumped from brush. She whispered, and a bright light came from the tip of her staff, revealing more of the goat-eater. A long-tail slithered behind it, and small wings laid to waste over the shoulders.

Hurry up! the swordsman called.

The lights overhead began to dart toward the beast. Bright bulbs of light flickered from protruding arms, and the goat-eater intercepted a horde of bullets. It fell forward and the goats scattered across the field as the staff bearing woman came upon the goat-eater.

Easy, she said, placing a hand on it.

The lights rotated, revealing the Ancrya. The door opened, and Locklin walked out. He leaned against the ship, placing a cigarette between his lips and lighting it with a flame. He inhaled, then exhaled. Good riddance.

I thought I was a goner, Nile said, emerging from the woods, holding his sword. I thought you were going to shoot it sooner.

Locklin shrugged. I wanted to make sure I got a good kill, eh.

Ashera moved in front of Nile, wearing the black cloak he had given her at the Forgotten Islands. You told Arkenson that you would deliver the head. So, cut the head off.

Nile looked to the goat-eater. It took one final breath as its tongue leaked out of the corner of its mouth. Nile climbed up the beast. He inhaled a breath of wet dog. He covered his nostrils so that the foul odor wouldn’t keep attracting his sense of smell. Nile brought his sword up and jammed it down into the neck.

That-a-boy, Locklin said, flicking his cigarette at a goat chewing grass. What are you lookin’ at? he whispered. The goat continued to chew, turning its head away from the pilot. Locklin came up to Nile, cringing as Nile pushed his blade in and out like a handsaw.

You finally got it? Miller asked, coming from the airship. You wasted precious time.

Miller had told them weeks ago that he thought going after the goat-eater was a bad idea. Valuable time was wasted in Kier’Boyn, Miller thought. Ever since the Song of the Earth incident, they have been trying to find Dywn and Leo but stopped at kingdoms and towns to warn of the city from time, warn them of the coming war and give them time to prepare – or to flee.

A celebration happened across Sienna, which also delayed them. Word increased that Norcross was found dead inside of a cathedral. Nile didn’t say anything about the incident other than the governor murdered his father. Miller knew Nile had done something to him, or perhaps killed Norcross himself, but he wasn’t going to push for an answer. Nile seemed withdrawn from Miller, and it didn’t seem to help that Miller was fond of Ashera.

Nile had them retreat in Spielford Forest when Javiero took over from Norcross. There was a sky parade that traveled north of Woodlands, circled near Wynn, and traveled back. It was to let Sienna know that Javiero did not intend on continuing war and forming a new democracy, but was said to be a sign of peace to let Sienna know that Linderstein and Silvago wanted to work together with the powers of this world.

Miller thought at this point they should have been back to Linderstein. He also felt confident that Javiero would have pardoned them since he wanted peace. Nile had convinced the others that it wasn’t the case and Miller felt trapped by Nile’s mission. Miller refused to help when Arkenson pleaded for help to kill the beast that was devouring their goats.

I’m proud of you, Ashera said, looking up to Nile as he stopped and took a deep breath. You delivered on your word.

I had to do it, Nile said, jumping down from the beast. The head never moved or rolled, but Nile was confident that he severed it.

Don’t go gettin’ cocky master slayer, Locklin joked, petting the goat-eater on the snout. Next time, we won’t be so lucky. We can’t keep throwing our necks out there for people. We have a job to do ourselves.

I know, Nile replied. I just want these people to trust us. You understand? Nile looked to Ashera. Who knows when we may need another village to have our backs in a fight? Think about Wynn. Think about what they did for us and what we did for them. It’s our purpose.

Right, Locklin said. Well, I suppose we put a tag on this baby and let Arkenson know tomorrow. It’s time for some shut-eye.

* * *

Morning came quickly, and Nile didn’t get much rest. He was already standing on top of the goat-eater’s body when Ashera came out to join him. She brought him a warm mug of tea, which Nile took graciously and drank quickly. He had made sure that the head was severed from the body by jamming his sword in the bloody crevasse and prying away from it.

I think it’s good, Nile said.

The villagers began to crowd out of their warm houses. A peculiar, odd man with long grey hair and many wrinkles stumbled upon the gruesome sight of the goat-eater. He squinted, not even trying to get the sun out of his eyes. He grumbled and waved Nile off of the body.

Is this it? asked the man.

"I present to you your goat-eater," Nile said.

The man pulled out a monocle and placed it over his right eye. He blinked a few times, allowing the sunlight to adjust his eyes. Nile rocked back and forth on his feet. He noticed children holding wooden swords and shields, then a few adults wiping sleep from their eyes. Nile observed the man as he inspected every detail of the dead organism.

Arkenson? Nile asked.

Ashera reached over, placing a strong hand on Nile’s arm—restraining him from becoming impatient.

Okay, fine, Arkenson said, removing the monocle. It’s the beast.

The crowd cheered.

Quiet down, Arkenson demanded, glancing over his shoulder. What is that? Four silver coins?

Arkenson, Nile said. That wasn’t the deal. You promised that if we used our ship to kill your goat-eater, then you would pay us twenty in silver and join our effort.

I said no such thing, Arkenson said, glancing back to the village. We need all our silver. We trade and barter.

Miller emerged from the Ancrya, wiping the sleep from his eyes.

Arkenson? Nile asked. I’m asking a wise man to keep his word.

Arkenson grimaced.

Won’t pay up? Miller asked. Well, Miller said, pulling out a pistol from his holster. We killed the thing eating your goats because that’s your source of income. Let’s see you stop me from shooting your goats. Miller cocked his gun and aimed at one.

Miller! Ashera called, moving toward him.

Stop! Miller called. Now, pay Nile what is owed, or I start counting sheep.

Fine! Arkenson squawked. You’ll get what we owe.

Thanks, Nile replied. But more importantly, can we depend on you if the time comes? Will you provide men for our effort? Silvago and Linderstein, we haven’t made that up. You saw our ship. That exists near Woodlands. Can I trust you to come to our aid if we need it?

Arkenson bobbed his head. Yes.

Great, Nile replied, reaching out to accept a bag of silver from the old man. Nile signaled for the wizard and Miller to enter the ship, and they followed quickly. Miller smirked at Nile as he walked past. Nile felt his jaw tighten with frustration.

Get us out of here, Nile said, looking to see Locklin flick switches. Take us south, toward Woodlands.

To Dream of Flight

The Ancrya burst through a white sky.

The world had become a melting pot of color as the first day of spring seemed to have snuck up on Sienna. Large patches of white and pink and red covered the lush green earth. The Earth was still healing and becoming fruitful. Nile stood against the window, his arms crossed as he thought about the events of the last year.

A small noise behind him broke his train of thought. He turned to see Ashera walking toward him with a cup in her hands.

Coffee? Ashera asked, holding a cup.

Coffee had become the Ancrya’s new craze over the past few cold months. Once they settled after the Song of the Earth incident, Locklin introduced it to them. He said it was perfect black but introduced cream and sugar—which is how Ashera liked hers. Nile only took his with a bit of sweet cream. They would joke that they could drink it all day, but Locklin once warned them of a kidney stone he birthed after too much coffee consumption.

Nile gazed at Ashera. Her brown hair was longer, and her face brightened with the reflection of the light in the ship. Nile stiffened his posture and approached the wizard, taking the cup gently from her hands. He sipped on it as he stared into her eyes. The coffee burnt his tongue and the inside of his cheeks, so he sucked in on cool air—hoping to find comfort.

I dreamt about that song again, Ashera said, taking a drink.

Nile smirked, looking down at his black boots. I think about it all the time too.

It changed me, Ashera commented. Like I have an eternal peace now.

Peace is hard to come by these days, Nile replied.

The ship leaned hard to the left, and Nile fell forward, his hot coffee spilling over the cup and onto his hand and the floor. He grabbed the chair across from him to catch his balance. Ashera bumped into him. She caught her balance against his chest and looked up to his eyes. Nile greeted her surprised face with an awkward smile of his own. It felt like they hadn’t held each other in forever.

If you wanted to touch me, you could have just asked, Nile joked

Ashera blushed, laughed, and pushed away.

Sorry, Locklin called back. We got company?

They turned toward the window to inspect this company. Her mouth fell open. Flying parallel to them was a giant bird. It was the size of the Ancrya. The blue feathery creature had a wingspan of at least thirty feet. The comb of its head had a hard shell and sharp points. The beak was white and purple streaks determined that this bird was of royalty, the alpha male. It flapped, and the Ancrya rocked a little.

Another one, blue and red, came up to the view of the window. It flew up, over the Ancrya, and Nile flattened his head against the glass, straining to see it. He looked down and noticed that dozens of them had been flying with the Ancrya.

The blue and purple one took charge and came to the lead, while the others followed proudly. They were yellow, orange, red, and green—so many vibrant colors. Ashera felt like a little kid watching fireworks. Her hand pressed against the glass as if she wanted to touch them.

They’re trying to get us to fly with them, Locklin said.

Nile rushed out onto the deck to get a better view. The cold air brushed against him like a heavy wave. He shielded himself as his hair blew with the wind. Ashera followed, grabbing the railing and pointing toward them. The birds fell back, and the Ancrya got ahead, then the birds came up with the ship. The alpha male flew toward the deck and flapped. The force of the wing pushed them down onto their knees.

Nile was hesitant to stand up. The bird cawed and looked at them, then flapped again. This time the furniture on the deck rolled with the ambush of the wind. Ashera grabbed the railing and pulled herself up. She reached over and petted the tip of the wing. The bird looked to her, then dove down toward the earth. It spiraled, and the colors of the bird blasted outward like a hurricane. The bird extended its wings, flapped again, and came back up over the airship.

Vulmerians, Ashera replied. Their ancient birds. I’ve heard of them but never seen one.

The bird spiraled over the Ancrya, this time showing off. Nile laughed as it mesmerized him, and for an instance, he wanted to fly. He wanted to jump on them and go and live wherever they took him. It had to be better than the pain he was harvesting on the Ancrya; it had to be free, unlike the bondage that kept him tied to the ship.

The vulmerian dove back down then came up again with the herd. It cawed to the Ancrya and then turned, flying over the mountains and disappearing into the glare of the sun. Nile leaned against the railing and watched. The fluttering of their wings made a seismic sound over the land of Sienna, but all Nile could do was envy their freedom.

Coming home for spring, Ashera said.

Nile watched as she left the railing and entered the ship. He pushed himself from the railing and entered the ship after her to see Locklin and Miller come out of the cockpit.

How do you feel about campin’ outside? It’s been a long day. We made it this far. I know an inn and a softer bed would be nice, with hot water that lasts longer than the drop of a coin, but we could rest up and hit it first thing in the morning, eh?

Nile folded his arms and looked to the group. Ashera sighed in defeat. She had become tired of traveling, and Nile knew she wanted to settle. The adventure had taken a toll on all of them.

Whatever, Miller said, as long as we stay on track.

Nile agreed. We can eat a good meal...

Boxed rice? Miller asked.

Boxed rice and canned meat, Locklin said. We’re running low on food around here. These ships carry rations for up to eight months for two people alone. We’ve survived a lot less with a lot less because we feed the double.

We need to hit a shipping port in Linderstein. It’s their job to clean and restock anything that we use. Nobody would even recognize this ship, Miller said. His voice sounded like he was ready to be done with traveling.

Nile pinched his eyes closed. The thought of being back in the company of Linderstein made him nauseous. A deep breath escaped him. It’s risky. The other way to get food is to get money. We don’t have enough of it and no way to make some quickly. Twenty silver pieces is good, but not enough.

Miller was firm, Let’s do Linderstein.

How much food do we have now? Nile asked.

Enough for about a week, Locklin replied. I counted out all our rations last night.

Nile pushed back. I just don’t know if it is a good idea to go to Linderstein.

Locklin avoided his gaze. Usually, Locklin was supportive of Nile’s plans, but, he wanted to go to Linderstein. Something was pulling him to the large city from out of time. Locklin’s daughter is in Linderstein, Nile, realized with a sinking feeling. Locklin deserved to see his daughter.

* * *

The night fire crackled.

Miller poked it with a stick and sat back. The flames burned like his spirit, and he became overwhelmed with the peacefulness in the world of Sienna—the peacefulness of not being labeled as a soldier or a Magical—even though at his core, he was very much the former.

Miller blew a spark away from his face, and he looked through the flames to see Ashera. Her hand gently rolled on the wrist, and her fingers were withering away like cattails beating against a soft wind. It was Ashera keeping the fire alive.

Does it take a lot of focus? Miller asked.

Ashera turned to him, caught off guard.

Using magic? I never asked you that, but wanted to know. Does it require a lot of focus, or do you just use it naturally? Miller asked.

Oh, Ashera paused, then answered, It comes to me rather naturally. The magic of the moon revives my spirit, but I know how to cast spells without even reciting some of the language.

And how do you learn the language? Miller asked.

Nile watched the exchange carefully. He knew Miller wanted to get as close to the wizard as he could. Nile trusted Ashera enough to know that Miller couldn’t come between them, and the last thing he wanted was to act like some overprotective jerk. He remembered how well that happened in Wynn when his father volunteered Ashera to fight Sanako. She did it anyway. Nile stood up and walked past the fire. He stopped at the forest edge and peered out into the darkness. The nip air shivered through Nile like a toothache. The forest seemed to be staring back at him, and a haunted feeling like he was being watched overcame him.

The Old Language texts, Ashera said. I learned to read them as I studied under my uncle, Coelbeorht.

Coelbeorht? Miller asked.

He took care of me—raised me since before I can remember. Ashera thought about how long she knew her uncle and didn’t seem to have any memories of him or her family before she was six.

Nile listened to her carefully.

I’m an orphan, Ashera replied.

Locklin repositioned himself on the ground, bringing his knees up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. He had heard Ashera mention she was an orphan but never had the guts to ask her what had happened. Miller did. Locklin looked to Ashera to see if she would answer.

Nile was hoping she would too.

My mother, Ashera started but swallowed hard. She looked away and dropped her hand. The fire extinguished, and Nile turned to them. Smoke bellowed around the dead campfire, and he could see a glare coming from Miller’s armor.

Ashera? Nile asked softly.

She lifted her head and hand back up. The fire began with a loud crackle and boom, and she looked around to see them staring at her.

I’m sorry, she said and got up from her seat. She snapped her fingers, and the fire stayed in place as she entered the Ancrya. Nile started after her but stopped, recognizing that she liked to be alone in times like these.

She doesn’t talk about it, Nile said.

Locklin stood up. We all have a past, don’t we?

Miller stood up as well. I guess some is harder to talk about than others.

Locklin sympathized with them, his past was hard to swallow, and his ended with a daughter that he hadn’t seen since she was a little girl. He walked over to Nile, pulled a cigarette from behind his ear, and began his long routine of puffing and exhaling. Nile hated to see him cough. It had gotten worse for the past couple of weeks, but Nile tried to blame winter. He reached over and squeezed on Locklin’s shoulder.

Locklin smiled sadly at him and took a long draw.

Alright, Miller said. Who has the first watch?

You got it, Nile said.

Miller raised his eyes. Is that an order or a request?

It’s an order, Nile said, entering the ship.

I really don’t like him, Miller said, turning to Locklin.

Locklin laughed.

The scent of Ashera carried through the Airship like a path through the woods. Nile began toward the cabins, and when he pushed them open, Ashera turned away from him. She cuddled up in her bed and shivered beneath the blankets.

Nile hesitated for a moment, watching her through the door. He pushed it on open and stepped in. When he came around her bed, Ashera looked at him. There’s that beautiful girl, he said and sat on the edge of the bed.

I didn’t mean to get upset, Ashera said.

You’re allowed to be upset, Nile said as he stroked her hair. You never really talked to me about your parents.

Ashera rolled to her back. I guess it’s because I only have these memories, but they seem so faint. I don’t really remember having a mother or a father, only my uncle.

I don’t remember a lot about my childhood either, Nile said.

Ashera bit on her lower lip. Nile could tell she wanted to say something, but she looked to her bedsheets, crumbled up in her hand, and then covered her face. Nile sighed and reached up, pulling the cotton away from her.

What is it? Nile asked.

Ashera paused, looking into the comfort of Nile’s eyes. He would understand. Surely he would. He was the man that used Enaya, Element of Time. He was the one that could change the world. And she thought about her life and her past and her memories, and in a sudden burst of joy, she sprang forth and screamed, I want my own Solace of Time.

Nile shrunk back.

I want it, Nile. I want to use Enaya and have my own Solace. I want to visit my mind when I close my eyes. I want to see who I am. I want to see where I came from. I want to see it so bad.

Nile began to open his mouth, but Ashera hushed him with a finger to his lips, and she continued. You have resolve. I never got that. I’m an orphaned wizard? Doesn’t that seem a bit weird to you?

Nile forced a grin, but his silence informed Ashera that he didn’t think it was a good idea.

I have a few memories from my childhood, Ashera snapped back. I don’t remember much before I began spell training.

If that is what you want, I’ll help you, Nile said. I used it, and it gave me my own Solace. You can’t use it. So we need to figure that out.

Ashera took a deep breath. I know, but there just seems to be a way.

Nile rolled off the bed and got on his knees. He edged closer to Ashera and grabbed her hands, pulling them to his lips and kissing her skin. But you don’t have to ask who you are. You’re Ashera. You’re one of us. We’re your family. Think of Locklin like a fun uncle and Miller like a—well—a spoiled cousin that ruins all the fun.

Ashera giggled.

BANG!

Locklin burst into the room. He stretched out and flopped down, looking up to the fans above him. "Might as well get some shut-eye. We