Land of Neves: The Break Through Book 2

By Jason Bourque

The epic saga of good versus evil continues…

Battle, Conflict, and WAR – Grip the heavenly planet, confiscating balance and the love that once controlled the land. Squishing out existence and callousing the souls that survived. The Overtaker’s – Led by Dragnor’s protégé ‘Wichitar’ &n

• Language: English
• Publisher: TOPLINK PUBLISHING, LLC
• Release date: Apr 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781946801296

Jason Bourque

Jason Bourque is from Northern Alberta, Canada. He was raised in a Christian upbringing, by his two loving parents, Joe and Genevieve Bourque. Jason grew up with strong spiritual beliefs, which have helped him overcome his adversities in life. God made a powerful impact in his existence. Humbled and awed by the experience, Jason has been living his life, in a more positive, loving way. With a passionate and highly creative imagination, writing fulfilled his appetite as he coped with his life changing experiences - henceforth - Nevés - and it's coming into existence!

Book preview

Land of Neves

Book 2: Break - Through

Jason Bourque

Copyright © 2017 by Jason Bourque.

PAPERBACK: 978-1-946801-27-2

HARDBACK: 978-1-946801-28-9

EBOOK: 978-1-946801-29-6

Cover image by Christos Karapanos

Land of Nevés Logo designed by Christos Karapanos

Published by: Jason Auigbelle / Bourque, Alberta, Canada

Book formatting done by

Dale Youngman of Pagemaster publishing

Frank Sergeant of Nepotism.ca

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Ordering Information:

For orders and inquiries, please contact:

1-888-375-9818

www.toplinkpublishing.com

[e-mail]

Printed in the United States of America

Dedicated to my parents:

Joseph and Genevieve Bourque

No son could ask for better parents, I love you both so very much.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements xi

Chapter 1:  The Thawing 1

Chapter 2:  The Mourning After 9

Chapter 3:  Wichitar’s Revise 14

Chapter 4:  The Fire Falcons’ Fight 17

Chapter 5:  Ossin’s Treachery 24

Chapter 6:  Battle at Crooked Canyon 30

Chapter 7:  The Protector Army 44

Chapter 8:  Rajnor and Kandle 55

Chapter 9:  Need to Align 62

Chapter 10:  Night of the Fliers 65

Chapter 11:  The Slave’s March 81

Chapter 12:  Ossin’s Demise 101

Chapter 13:  The United Army 117

Chapter 14:  Dragnor’s Pupil 137

Chapter 15:  The Renegades Attack 159

Chapter 16:  Peace upon the Land 179

Chapter 17:  The Festival of the Coming 191

Chapter 18:  The March for the Slaves 216

Chapter 19:  Wichitar’s Trap 229

Chapter 20:  The Battle of Wealoy 246

Chapter 21:  A Protector’s Quest 265

Chapter 22:  Quest for the Slaves 270

Chapter 23:  Battle at Dragnor’s Mountain 279

Chapter 24:  Mourning Due 302

About the Author 321

List of Tribes and Characters 323

Artwork 335

Acknowledgements

Editor’s

¾  Tekla Luchenski: www.wirebirdwrites.com

Thanks Tekla, for uplifting and adding your ‘swirl’ to my project.

¾  Dale Youngman:www.pagemasterpublishing.ca

Thanks Dale, your patience and guidance, are greatly appreciated

Digital Artists

¾  Christos Karapanos: www.christoskarapanos.com. Well brother, another one done, hahaha. Working with you is the best, trustworthy and loyal. Looking forward to more of your work.

¾  Thomas Elderman—Thomas Elderman Illustrations: http://kazorkthedork.deviantart.com.

Book Formatter

¾  Frank Sergant – www.nepotism.ca – For book formatting and teaching. Thanks for your patience and knowledge, sorry about the errors, but its hi-tech things, hahaha.

Others

¾  Leonard Lethebe: Thank you buddy, for your financial assistance and help in making my books possible.

page10edited.jpg

¾  Special thanks to Felix Schroder, Owner of Schroder Oilfield Construction. Your support and contribution to my books are greatly appreciated. Hoping you the best in all your endeavours.

For more of their portfolios, please see their websites. Thanks once again everybody, for your time and effort in this project.

Chapter 25

The Thawing

For half a day, all of the Land of Nevés lay in stillness, tormented by a blizzard that assailed the land and shocked her people, who had only just joyfully celebrated the coming of summer. Finally, the wind relented, but Nevés seem to tremble quietly, cold as the heart that stirs trouble. Now, unrest and fear loom after the fury of a storm that seems to mirror the imbalance that threatens the peace and alignment so cherished.

The people turn their concern to securing food, but they have not forgotten their missing kin, who were taken at night into slavery by the evil serpent, Wichitar. A noble people, proud to steward their beloved Nevés for the benefit of all, they had spent the spring season honoring the natural cycle, by planting and tending to their crops and animals. They were not prepared for the unnatural onslaught of a blizzard to mark the arrival of summer. With trepidation, they emerge to assess the damage. Now, even as their kin continue to mysteriously disappear, they must worry about survival.

The storm lasted all day and blew itself out during the night. Melting snow brings cries of agony, like a bell chiming its warning. Rescue missions and patrols venture out, uncovering more death from the cold. The summer breeze flows in the morning, soothing and calm. It thaws the frightened hearts of the Land of Nevés.

*******

Raj!  Raj! Alicor nudges the majestic Beast, Rajnor, still lying unconscious in the shelter Alicor had made during the storm.

Huh, aah, what happened? My head and body hurt, Rajnor groans as he comes to. I remember flying, then cramping, my wings. That’s all I recall. He rolls over and slowly gets up. He strokes his mane, trying to remember.

The temperature dropped quickly, Rajnor. No one had a chance -- not without these. Alicor chuckles lightly as he lights up one of his talons. Your body gave out from the cold and you crashed. I was able to make a shelter and create heat for us. We’ve been here all day and night. Alicor gives him a nudge, happy to see he’s okay. Good to see you awake.

Thank you, Brother, Rajnor acknowledges. He returns his faithful friend’s nudge, with a slight smile, and continues, I froze! All I remember is starting to feel warm in the storm. I thought I was okay, then, a cramp. Who knew? So fast! He winces, recoiling in shock at the memory of the uncanny blizzard.

Rajnor steps out of the shelter, My, oh my, look at this snow! In the summer, yet! He stretches and checks his wings. He touches his spear, a bit sore from frostbite.

Alicor comes out of their makeshift hut. Behind it, he retrieves a few rabbits he had caught earlier. You want them cooked or raw? Alicor gives one to Rajnor, who grabs it with his clutchers. Raw is good; just need some energy.

The two start eating breakfast, in awe of the devastation before them. When I was hunting this morning, I noticed we are in the halfway range and still we have found nothing, Alicor says. He speaks of their mission for the missing fourteen Protectors and the armies heading south.

Well, this storm probably did some damage. We’ll search this area later. Rajnor speculates as he stretches here and there, feeling his joints and trying to recuperate.

They devour their breakfast within minutes and proceed with their plans.

*******

The city of Weor is covered in snow and slush. The festival is cancelled and anxiety hangs like a smog within the city. The elders gather in the central area where a mob is rising from the escalating panic.

Amazing, this storm is simply amazing. The damage it did in one day astonishes me. Rasnish the Elder speaks to the council members remaining in Weor. They still await word of their armies and the Protectors. There is constant pounding at the door, as the mob’s fear from shock and lack of food grows.

Excuse me my friends. Rasnish sighs as he makes his way to the entrance. If only they’d begin hunting and repairing damage, they’d be less panicked. He opens the door to his frightened people, and hundreds of questions.

My people, I implore you again: hold fast and be mindful. If we panic, then fear will overcome us. Rasnish curbs his annoyance, with compassion for their overwhelming fears. Steadily, he repeats his earlier instructions. Now, this is what we’ll do. Start rescue missions as first priority. You! Son of the blacksmith! Step forward!

A large youth steps forward with confidence. Yes, My honor.

Rasnish knows his people well, and he has observed the blacksmith’s son to be of noble, steady character. His demeanor with the youth bestows authority as he says, You will organize the rescue missions.

Rasnish swiftly scans the crowd for other leaders. A stocky farmer’s son is commandeered to lead hunting and food patrols. A small, timid looking young man, known for his intelligence and wit, is assigned the task of restoring the city and tending to the melting snow.

Satisfied with his delegates, Rasnish dismisses the crowd, proclaiming, Treat this like a regular day. You must divide up our priorities as I have instructed. Concentrate as a team and everything will work out, my people. Please! There is no need to panic.

The crowd hesitates to disperse. They need more assurance, and they look to Rasnish. A voice yells out from the mob, The crops are destroyed! We lost one cycle of our food supply!Agitation grows and the tension increases as the crowd tries to suppress the panic.

We can always pick more manna. Now please, do not panic. Work as a team.Rasnish opens his hands and continues, Please my people, let us use what we can -- our hands and hearts. Please calm down. Take heed of your fellow citizens and follow the leadership I have bestowed upon them.

The crowd settles down. Murmuring ripples through its ranks, but the people begin to disperse, and groups begin to form expectantly around the three young men Rasnish has chosen.

Vicker, Elder of Najeno, comments as Rasnish sits down. Well done, Rasnish. Now, let’s send riders and hopefully some ravens; that is, if we have any ravens. Many never returned. They can contact our army, and discover its fate. Pray that our warriors endure.

The Elders discuss rescue options and plans for their tribes. Hope remains among them for alignment.

*******

At Dragnor’s mountain, there is gloom in the slave’s camp. Many slaves, perhaps one hundred, perished in the freakish storm. Their dead bodies are stretched out in a row, covered in animal furs.

Tiron paces in the camp, barking orders at the beaten-down prisoners, tossing and kicking a few to appease his anger. The women and children take cover from this wicked creature. They hide in the tents, watching fearfully as the men are whipped into action. Mourning is not allowed; Tiron is making sure it is suppressed.

As Wichitar and the Overtaker Army observe the slaves, they realize they have casualties of their own. As the snow slowly dissipates, many beasts lie exposed. Their stiff bodies, hardened by the freeze, add to the pall that shrouds the desolate scene.

Central to this devastation, Wichitar sees the massive hole the slaves had dug, filled with snow. They toil slowly and listlessly to remove the damage. The Army sets itself to refocus the slaves on the quest to release Dragnor from his prison under the mountain. Their resolve brings no compassion, but emboldens them in their wickedness. Wichitar watches, stony-eyed, as the scene unfolds, and quietly waits for the tally of death.

*******

The Army of Nevés, en-route to Crooked Canyon, had shelters in the forest that protected them from the storm’s full fury. The snow is still deep and movement is slow. The five commanders are standing around a fire, considering options.

Some of the horses didn’t survive, Dolzen says. His shoulders are drooped, and his brow is furrowed. We couldn’t get them into the shelters fast enough. We have taken a loss. Of how many, I am uncertain.

Our patrols and scouts -- we fear the worst for them, Piesta confirms. We sent some scouts to the south, searching for them. Hopefully we have some survivors. He picks up some snow. Wow. In the summertime yet! He continues as his hands grow numb from the cold.

We have casualties. This morning at roll call, some warriors didn’t check in! Mazla replies.

Sundol nods in agreement.

We report the same, Hasper concludes the report as he grabs some snow. Who’d think that this white powder could do so much damage? He slowly draws his sword, musing, More reason to kill those Overtakers and bring back balance.

Walking to his horse, Dolzen says, I think today we should honor our dead and see what casualties we have. After, we find our kinsmen.

Yes, after some of this snow melts, we’ll continue to Crooked Canyon. Piesta agrees. He approaches his steed, ready to take action.

The commanders all agree in postponing their plans for war and the others break apart from the quick meeting. Their priority now is to seek their lost warriors. The white blanket of death still covers the land, dulling their hope.

*******

Shanda is in full speed, her hair blowing in the wind, body swaying back and forth, in rhythm with her horse’s gallop. Seeking her goal, she ponders her tribe’s predicament.

Me-ah-way, she yells. Her steed quickens. Snorting and panting hard, it obeys, understanding the urgency in her voice.

I need to get back home, she says to herself. She is overwhelmed by the frailty of Nevés. The horse cuts through the trails, fighting the melting snow, in sync with Shanda. She spots Wealoy in the distance and the duo quickens its pace.

*******

In Maidens’ Forest, Kandle walks out from an enormous tree, her heart sad and heavy. The younglings are cleaning the pathways beside her, scraping the snow with ivory shovels.

A young crusher spots her leader and approaches, asking, You alright, Kandle?

Kandle gives a slight smile. Something’s wrong! I’m just so lonely for my mom. Something’s wrong. She moves her antennae, trying to sense the atmosphere.

I’ll be alright, she continues, as she spreads her extraordinary butterfly wings. The young crusher rubs her head softly against Kandle, gently expressing her love. Kandle soothes her and tries to smile through her weariness.

Through her forced smile, she says, I must do some rounds. She pats the little crusher’s head and flies straight upwards. She is on duty in her new role as Leader of the Maidens.

*******

In the Valley of the Living Pools where the Light Giants live, the Sejus and the animals work together, gathering snow. Pulling carts and wagons by the hundreds, they toil through the melting snow. The storm hit on the other side of the Living Pools, causing damage just the same. The Light Giants didn’t suffer as much. They were able to secure shelter quickly.

Seven Elders – Zasper, Sha-La, Zincochar, Ascendol, Yizin, Belle and Hondaly – are gathered in a meeting within their city, which is carved out of the glowing mountain.  They have just finished three hours aligning with each other, in deep meditation and prayer. Their auras slowly envelop the council as the meeting begins.

Zasper speaks, shaking his head with uncertainty. His aura glows orange, for bravery. I remember when peace filled the land and we were still the Sejus tribe on the other side. No one thought of war. Now, today, after decades as Light Giants struggling to balance an unbalanced land, wars are happening! Wars on the other side of the Living Pools extinguish our auras, and we perish. How can we protect ourselves in a tumultuous land?

Yes, true. Have the children been chosen? Hondaly, radiating a green aura of courage, questions his peers, who pause to contemplate. If the young Sejus unite with the tribes and the Festival of the Coming proceeds, then hopefully an alignment of all tribes can help balance the Staff. He looks to his peers for their response.

Yes, the Festival of the Coming must proceed. It’s our safest way to alignment, Zincochar replies, his blue aura pulsating.

Yes, the people have spoken. Ascendol was called out by the people to report the results of the vote - to choose the children who will inherit the Protectors. Belle replies, a female Elder of the Light Giants. She is a beautiful woman, splendid and tall. Her pink aura represents beauty. She speaks tenderly, then bows her head toward Ascendol.

Ascendol, a female Elder, nods to Belle in confirmation. In a velvety voice that embodies her purple aura of grace, she addresses the council, saying, This morning as the warm sun broke through the storm, the people delivered their votes. I have a letter to be read before the Elders of the Light Giants. Ascendol pulls out a letter from within her long robe.

We the people of the Sejus, agree with the Elders that the Staff of Nevés must be hidden and protected. We agree that since the Staff is too valuable to compromise, its location and secrecy must be contained. We agree that the aligning of the tribes and Protectors must commence, in the perseverance of the Staff’s integrity. We the people have voted and aligned. We deem these two children trustworthy as inheritors of the Protectors. They must partake in the Festival of the Coming.

Ascendol stops reading and folds the letter. The Elders patiently await her response, curious about her reservation. She lowers her head and pauses.

It’s okay, the people have spoken and we have aligned. Yizin, a male Elder comforts her (His aura is yellow for peace).

Ascendol looks up at Belle and continues, Zelle, son of Belle and Zasper, chosen for his charisma by his people. A natural leader, loved by his peers for his outstanding accomplishments.

Belle and Zasper comfort each other, with a look of concern for their son’s fate. Their orange and pink auras entwine, evoking a peaceful sunset.

Ascendol pauses again, then looks at Zincochar and Sha-La. Shachar, daughter of Zincochar and Sha-La, chosen for her charisma with the animals. A smart and brilliant girl, loved by the tribe for her innocence and love.

Sha-La hugs her husband, Zincochar, who in turn comforts her. Worry marks their countenances, and their auras flutter anxiously.

As chosen Elder and Aura of Peacefulness, when the young Light Giant died, I felt his pain. I felt his loss. We have aligned together my friends; the people have aligned together. Now, do we all agree on these decisions so that we can move on? Yizin speaks his words carefully as he studies his peers.

All council members nod in approval. Their agreement and decisions are final.

Zincochar stands up and Sha-La releases his hand. The aligning agrees. He pauses and looks at his wife. It must be done, now let’s fix this snow problem and build an army.

The leaders concur and turn their attention to the next issue at hand.

Chapter 26

The Mourning After

The three moons give way to a new morning sun. This is the second day after the blizzard’s devastation. Rajnor and Alicor have finished backtracking, scouring their area for the fourteen Protectors. They decide to continue moving south.

I wonder where the messenger falcon is? Rajnor probes the skies. It was with us before the storm. Hopefully, it’s alright.

I think so, it disappeared before the storm, Alicor replies. I think we should keep moving.

The duo keep moving south, sweeping the land as they go. Hours have flown by when Alicor spots the messenger falcon from afar, perched on a strange looking hill.

Your falcon is over there, perched on that odd-looking lump. Alicor points to it and the two move in to investigate.

They land by the lump where the falcon sits. Rajnor walks up to the lump and clears its snowy cover. He gasps with panic, A giant! They realize their worst fears have just begun. They move to the head of the lifeless giant and clear the snow from its face.

Zanus, Mazrak’s brother, disheartened, Rajnor shakes his head.

They leap into the air and make haste toward the next dread that lies thawing in the sun. They dig frantically, clearing the snow, hoping for any signs of life.  Their anger and rage builds as, one-by-one, they expose the slain Protectors. Everything seems to slow down, as they realize the horror they have uncovered. The aura of death, unseen, but palpable, pierces Alicor and Rajnor to the core.

They expose thirteen lifeless Protectors. The horror is overwhelming. They bear their pain nobly, but it is grief, and grief is a heavy burden. Solemnly, they turn their gaze to the last two lumps in the snow. Their stomachs tighten and turn as they realize who must lie beneath this blanket of death.

The duo approach the last two victims in the snow, Alicor to one and Rajnor to the other. They dig desperately with their claws and talons, tossing huge chunks of snow with each swipe. Alicor’s fears are realized as he finds his brother. He stops. He freezes, no tears, no words. Numbness sets in; his brother is dead. Silently he mourns, his eyes pulsate red with agonizing heartbreak.

Rajnor clears the last bit of snow exposing Drezna, who still has arrows protruding from her body. He pauses with disbelief and whispers, Drezna.

He stands, clenches his fist and claws. No!

Rajnor’s grief stricken wail is primal, distraught, agonizing. It vibrates through the land, as if to penetrate its very soul, and to call on all Creation’s forces to heal what has been broken. No, no, no!

He turns to see Alicor holding his brother’s head, frozen from sadness, staring into the hills. He flies toward him to comfort him in his utter brokenness. I am sorry my friend.

He fought and died for them. He died in honor. Alicor replies, fighting back the tears.

The friends pause silently, fighting back overwhelming grief.

Drezna was like a mother to us. All these Protectors helped raised us, teaching and loving us. This hurts Raj. This hurts. A fire builds in Alicor’s eyes as his grief transforms into anger.

The two gaze at the massacred Protectors, wondering why. It seems too unjust. This is a wrong that can never be made right -- a breach that can never be healed.

My brother, after my parents died, these Elders and you Fire Falcons came into my life. These giants helped me in my grief. These fliers helped me to fly. Drezna taught me the way of Nevés, more and more, along with Mazrak – may he be safe. Ah! His poor brother Zanus. Rajnor speaks with frailty. Then shakes his head, with a disgusted look on his face. His countenance embodies the depth of his grief. There are no words.

I want to let it out, but fear I will be overcome by my pain. Right now, I am starting to worry about my other brothers. Who did this? And where are they? Where is my other brother? Things don’t sit well with me right now. What should we do? Agitated, Alicor stands and paces back and forth beside his brother.

Rajnor sighs in grief and a tear rolls down his face. I, I, I... Words fail him. He freezes, clenches his fist and holds back the rage that demands release. Wrath settles into him. His massive eyes grow stern with vengeance, and deadly tinges of hatred.

Alicor senses it, Rajnor, we need to stay focused, keep focused Brother. We will honor our friends and brothers, but right now, stay focused. Who did this?

Rajnor sighs again and rolls his eyes in anger. Ossin’s army did this and their arrow colors prove it. I saw them in his archers’ quivers when they imprisoned me. Where they are now? What cursed corner of this sacred land would give sanctuary to such evil?

They begin walking together, overlooking the massacre.

I’m going to make a sign here for the fourteen Protectors, to state who they were, and to recognize this place and this massacre. Alicor makes a fist and Rajnor aligns with him.

I will write a letter to Rasnish and send it with the messenger falcon. Once done, I‘ll help.

I’m going to start getting some rocks. I was thinking about stamping the rocks into the ground, spelling their names beside their bodies. And on the side of that hill, spell out in stacks of rocks, Fourteen Protectors." Alicor points to the hill.

Rajnor smiles, at this idea. Excellent plan. I will start cleaning snow, once I send this letter.

Alicor takes flight as Rajnor signals to the messenger falcon. The falcon comes at his bidding and settles beside him. He retrieves the writing utensil and note bag that it carries. His massive hands are gentle as he handles the falcon. With delicacy, he commences his letter.

Rasnish, Elder of Weor,

The fourteen Protectors have been slain between the borders of Weor and the Valley of Nomus. A Fire Falcon also died. Ossin’s army is responsible for this massacre. Alicor and I will go to the Valley of Nomus to protect our kin. Please send word to us of your plans.

Rajnor.

Rajnor folds the letter and sends it off. The messenger falcon swoops close to the ground then rises, going north. Alicor flies in behind it with his two arms and four legs each carrying a massive boulder. He lands gracefully, while releasing the rocks. He approaches Rajnor.

I forgot to mention, sorry about that, but due to all the events, it just slipped my mind. Kandle sends her thoughts and prayers to you, Alicor smirks in spite of himself, trying to lighten the misery.

Rajnor smiles back, She did? His blue face betrays a tinge of red.

Ah, this love, I sense. Alicor laughs and puts his hand over his heart with lit talons.

Rajnor’s smile spreads as he replies. To be honest Al, I liked her from afar, for a long time now. I just, I just don’t know how to approach her. I get nervous. Rajnor looks a bit confused, but still has a smile.

Just talk to her, that’s all, just talk to her, Alicor smirks.

They give each other a nudge. The old friends tease each other for a bit with wing gestures then continue their task. Alicor takes flight and Rajnor starts clearing the melting snow.

Hours have passed and the sun is setting. The two have worked constantly in honoring their elders. All fourteen Protectors, along with Praiz the Fire Falcon, have their names marked in the ground beside them. A stack of rocks reading Fourteen Protectors spreads along the hillside that recently hid Ossin’s army. It is visible in flight, and noticeable on the ground.

Their task complete, they make a fire in preparation for the rabbits they had caught earlier. They respect their meal and pay homage to the Creator.

I remember, just weeks after the Devastation of Treachery, you and your brothers were young. Zanus, who was tending to Mazrak, would call on me to help him in the forest, collecting different herbs and flowers for healing ailments. He’d show me the different bark from trees, roots, and leaves and different tools used in collecting certain minerals. Zanus taught me numerous things when I was in mourning. I remember he’d say, ‘Rise and be bright, be bright and rise.’ Ha, ha, ha! Zanus always kept encouraging me for better days.

Rajnor contemplates for a second then continues, I hope Mazrak is okay.

Alicor nods yes, I remember Drezna would take the herbs and flowers and teach us to mix them with water. She taught us various brewing techniques. After a few decades passed, we were all on our own quests. We didn’t mean to drift away from them. We were busy, that’s all. She had Kandle, whom we Fire Falcons regard as a sister, but although - we barely know her.

Alicor ponders memories of Drezna, when Rajnor intervenes. It’s okay my Brother, she knew you loved her and she respected your decisions. We have to be grateful for what they taught us; to work, to love, to respect, and to laugh. When we get back to the Valley of Nomus, we’ll send giants for the bodies and honor them in our land.

Good plan, Raj, good plan, Alicor affirms.

The two start their meal, tearing the rabbits into pieces with their powerful claws.

Earlier today when gathering rocks, I noticed a flier hiding in a tree. He sat there all day, watching us, trying to hide in the tree. But I could see it wasn’t natural. At sunset, the flier took off toward Dragnor’s Mountain. He didn’t go toward Crooked Canyon, says Alicor, who then takes a bite.

Rajnor responds with a slight growl, A spy. Tomorrow morning we’ll leave early to the Valley of Nomus. We should catch up with any walking army. Any signs and we’ll take action right away.

The two finish their meal and prepare for the night. They lie in the darkness looking up at the universe, remembering the Elders’ goodness and all the love they brought. They have honored them, but are silent from the grief; keeping their tears in.

Praiz, Alicor whispers with a broken tone, then settles for the night.

Chapter 27

Wichitar’s Revise

Wichitar slithers out of the cave that imprisons Mazrak. He sees Raminence flying in from a distance and calls out, Tiron, word comes from the skies.

As he looks toward his camp, he sees that a female crawler viper is eyeing him. She rattles her tail. She is half the size of Wichitar, sort of in the form of Azzithor the viper, but unique. She slithers her tongue and leaves a scent.

He studies his new admirer for a few seconds then slithers to the leaders’ gathering.

The slaves are moving the water and they proceed as you commanded, Wichitar, Tiron reports. The casualties are ninety-seven dead slaves and eleven beasts who never made it through the storm.

Wichitar flicks his tongue in and out. He listens but is hard and uncaring, even with all the devastation, he shows no concern for life.

Wichitar growls, This Mazrak won’t speak at all. He stays silent, gazing into nothing. His life seems useless to me, more and more.

Frustrated, Wichitar shifts his gaze to Tiron for a moment. His eyes narrow slightly, and he takes a slow breath.

Raminence lands forcefully.

The leaders gather and greet Raminence by exposing their fangs.

Wichitar, all is in motion, as you commanded. The ambush is set at Crooked Canyon, at the pinch of the canyon. All, as you predicted, has fallen into place, Raminence reports.

Good, Wichitar replies, Fools to a slaughter.

Tiron ventures, Wichitar, I freed you and I believe in Dragnor’s quest. I mean no disrespect, but I must alert you to my concerns about morale in the army. You must hear them. His tentacles become a bit frayed, cautious of Wichitar’s wrath.

Wichitar looks at his two leaders and senses their uneasiness, Speak, I will hold my tongue.

Tiron bows then continues, Most of our loyal army are conflicted about the beasts who do not share our vision. Many of them are family and friends. And, since Mazrak has been imprisoned here, they are hesitant about fighting their brothers and sisters. Many knew the Elders and Maidens of the Forest. They were kin.

Raminence growls a bit, remembering his uncles. Wichitar slurps his tongue in, suppressing a shout. Sensing the delicateness, he bites his forked tongue.

Raminence intervenes and growls louder, as if provoked. Report of the spies at the Valley of Nomus is that fourteen Elders and a Fire Falcon headed north a week ago. A spy tracks them and will report their location to you.

Wichitar knows this already, but he listens intently, absorbing the report and shrewdly observing his leaders.

Raminence continues speaking with heaviness in his voice, Since this freak of nature, this blizzard in the summer, there have arisen concerns of balance. The beasts remember their childhood lessons from the Elders. Raminence looks with uncertainty to his gigantic, unpredictable commander.

The cunning snake senses the frailty of his army’s beliefs. He resorts to his clever, hypnotic tricks, enticing with implementing. There are ten heads in this Overtaker army. Number One is Dragnor. As ruler, when he returns, he’ll bring balance back to Nevés. Number Two, as you all know, is me, his second in command. Number Three is Tiron, as commander of the seven Generals who remain as Leaders of the Overtaker army. As these seven Generals, or leaders, you will be awarded kingship over the Seven Tribes of Nevés. They will worship you and heed your every command. You will be the first Kings of Nevés. Kings, kings, kings.

Wichitar sways his massive head and continues his snake charming.

Raminence, you will be king of a tribe and king of the fliers. Tiron, you will be commander of Nevés and every city will serve us to support Dragnor’s rule. It is time for our rule; then peace will fill the land.

Wichitar’s evil grin erupts and Raminence counters, Thank you Wichitar, but the fact of the matter is – if the Elders die, your army dies. These are family and friends, we seek no war with our kin! Raminence growls as he stands up to Wichitar.

Wichitar heeds the warning, and nods in acceptance. He knows he needs Raminence, who is deadly in his own ways, and irreplaceable when it comes to war in the skies. He studies the giant flier for a second, and nods his head again.

Don’t worry Raminence, I seek no revenge on our kin. No harm will come to the Elders, from me or this army. See, I still have Mazrak the Elder alive. But the people must be punished, Raminence. They must be shown who is the real Keeper of the Staff. We must take down their numbers. They must be weakened before we take their cities and release Dragnor. This must be done! Wichitar slithers back and forth, enticing and trying to ease Raminence.

Raminence nods in acceptance, and asks, What are your orders, Wichitar?

Wichitar’s eyes widen slightly in relief. He has contained Raminence’s potential resistance.

After you carry out the slaughter at Crooked Canyon, rally up the slaves and bring them to Dragnor’s Mountain. But as soon as the battle is over, you and your fliers come back here as quickly as possible! We will prepare for a flight. Remember, Raminence, once Dragnor is released, balance will come, like the days of old. The giant serpent whispers lies of enticement and Raminence confirms with a slight growl, believing in their mission once again.

Wichitar turns to Tiron, Prepare for a war here, Tiron. Get ready to use invention, an old trick Dragnor taught me. The snake hisses, always planning revenge. Spread the word to the remaining generals and isolate Crooked Canyon. After the war, our treasures will come.

Raminence and Tiron nod in acceptance. Consider this done! Raminence speaks boldly with a slight growl. He spreads his massive wings and starts his quest.

These people sicken me. Patience, my friend. Tiron talks to himself as his tentacles flare in attack.

Soon my friend, or should I say, ‘friends.’ Wichitar hisses and Tiron growls from the compliment. He growls louder with pleasure and departs, running toward his army.

Wichitar slurps his tongue in and out, sniffing the scent of his admirer. He gazes in her direction and rises like a flared cobra. He whispers to himself, Who is this maiden?

Chapter 28

The Fire Falcons’ Fight

Rajnor and Alicor have travelled non-stop, day and night. At last, they reach the entrance to the Valley of Nomus. Seventeen Fire Falcons are waiting for them, herding together and talking amongst themselves. The pair are relieved, seeing the Brotherhood standing together. Alicor smiles and quickens his pace. They land majestically, and greet each other, bowing solemnly in mutual respect. Brothers. Alicor acknowledges them with a warm smile.

Brother. Faitis the Fire Falcon greets him with a pat on the shoulder.

I have sad news, begins Alicor. Our brother Praiz and the fourteen Protectors have been slain. Alicor pauses while Faitis and his brothers absorb the shock of his tragic news.

The Brotherhood gaze at each other, their fears realized. The glint of camaraderie has been extinguished from their eyes.  Now they avert their gaze from one another, knowing that a glance would cause them to release pain. They know instinctively, now is not the time, and they stand together, silent.

We will honor our brother and the slain Protectors. But right now, we must concentrate on these threats in Nevés, Alicor continues. He is aware of the gloom that has settled among his brothers.

If a feather dropped to break the silence, its sound would send a shock wave that would rupture the thin veil that harbors their agony. They are sombre now, but a brotherhood of warriors. They know they must put pain aside and prepare to act decisively.

Faitis composes himself by ruffling his feathers. He speaks with tears bubbling in his eyes. After the storm, we searched our perimeters. We discovered an army east of here, around three hundred warriors. No colors or flag.

Agitated, Rajnor spreads his wings and growls with anger.

"Renegades, they slipped in through