The Collector of Souls

By M. M. Wedin

War is coming, but the fire burns brighter.

Hilaniue's newfound strength is being tested as she has to lead a dangerous mission to destroy sorcery for good. Everyone is counting on her, but she has no idea what she's doing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Levereth Publishing
• Release date: Nov 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9780648341352

Book preview

Memories

Sarra

The fire burning on the ends of the arrows lit up the night as the people knelt on the ground and whispered their prayers. The ship holding King Udal Mireworth slowly caught fire and continued to sail south of the city.

Sarra’s eyes burned as she watched the ship, and she wasn’t sure if it was because of the sadness she felt, or because she needed to sleep.

Standing next to Prince Lyon, she felt safe, despite his brother, Ari, staring at her from a distance away on the dock. He was still certain she was the one behind the poisoning of the king.

The men of the noble families closest to the king all shot their own burning arrows at the ship. Some missed, and some made the flames rise higher in the sky. Their wives wept at their sides, their hands clutching onto the shoulders of their children.

Behind her, Sarra could see the dock filling with commoners, residents of Sotus, all there to bid their farewells.

Lyon's arm pulled Sarra closer, and he whispered in her ear, It was his very first ship, given to him by his father, my grandfather. I never thought I would have to say goodbye this soon.

Sarra looked up at his face, noticing his eyes watering as he stood with his head high, gaze locked on the burning ship. I know how it feels.

He met her gaze, wiped his eyes, and then placed a cold hand on her cheek. I know you do. But we will get our revenge on him, if it is the last thing I do.

Him. Sarra’s blood ran cold as she thought of Wymark. It felt like she had been in Sotus for seasons already, and still, he wasn’t dead.

He will die screaming, she said as she turned her gaze back to the ship, ignoring the cold stares she kept receiving from Ari.

After bidding Lyon goodnight, Sarra moved down the dark corridors to her chambers. Just as she was about to touch the handle, a hand clutched her shoulder.

She turned around, gasping, meeting the eyes of Ari. What do you think you are doing? she asked, leaning her back against the closed door.

Ari glanced around the hallway, then met her gaze, eyebrows furrowing. You might not be the one who poisoned my father, but you did bring this upon our family. If you had never set foot inside this castle, this would have never happened. I will never forgive you for that.

Sarra felt her heart twist, but she shook her head, not wanting to show he had hurt her with his words. I’m sorry about what happened to the King, and your family, but you don’t know what would have happened if I wasn’t here. Wymark wouldn’t have left Sotus alone. You are a fool to believe he would.

Ari spat on the stone floor, causing Sarra to shift her feet. You are lucky to have Lyon’s protection now, but it won’t be forever. As soon as he turns on you, I’ll use your tears to salt my soup. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Sarra watched as he turned and walked away, his body now swallowed by the darkness in the hall.

She opened the door to her chambers and slipped inside, feeling tears burn behind her eyes.

Was he right? No. Surely not. Lyon would never turn his back on her.

A knock on the door sent her flying forwards, hand on her chest. Who is it?

Maria, Your Grace.

Sarra blew out a breath. Come in, Maria.

Maria stepped inside and curtsied. I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you arrived, Your Grace, can I get you anything?

Sarra smiled and shook her head. No, thank you, Maria. I just wish to go to sleep.

She curtsied again, then left the room, closing the door behind her. Along with the closed door came the feeling of loneliness. It was like it attacked her, invaded her mind, and sent her entire body into a heartbreaking rhythm of pain.

Sarra let the tears roll down her cheeks as she changed into her nightgown and lay down on the bed. The warm air coming through the open window stroked her legs as she closed her eyes, wanting to fall asleep, wanting for this day to be over.

She had once felt like she belonged in Sotus, by Lyon’s side, but now she felt like she was an intruder. She felt like a peasant, a pretend princess desperately trying to find her way back to the life of a royal.

She missed her mother, and she wondered if her baby brother was still alive.

She desperately wished her only family, Malconius, would come to her chambers, hold her, and tell her everything would be alright. But she knew that wouldn’t happen. She wasn’t even sure if he had attended the King’s funeral. For all she knew, he was passed out asleep in his chambers, drunk on wine and ale, not caring about anything going on.

Not caring about her.

She moved into a foetal position on the bed, listening to her own sobs as she tried to fall asleep.

Memories of Dragonhold rushed to her mind. She thought about Old Edvard and wondered how he had died. Did he get to lie in his own bed? Did his house burn down? Did he choke on the smoke as it slowly sucked the air out of him?

She tried to remember his face, the way he looked at the tavern each time Sarra came to visit, disguised as a peasant. Seasons of hard work could be tracked through the lines and wrinkles on his face, but kindness and love evaporated from his eyes.

Just like it did from Nikola’s eyes. A louder sob escaped her as she thought of the many times she had met with him behind the tavern at night. Anger tied a knot in her stomach at the fact that they weren’t allowed to hold hands in public. He was young love. He was company. And he was the only thing keeping her from going crazy inside the cold, stone castle.

Why had it been so hard? Sarra tried to remember why she used to hate the castle life so much but could only think of the resentment she had felt every time she saw her father. She felt like he always kept her out of things. But wasn’t he right to do that? She wasn’t old enough to understand, and she shouldn’t have been worried about what the elders did.

She should have been occupied, playing with the noble kids, and learning how to be a princess.

Regret washed over her, and more tears spilled onto her pillow. She turned in bed and took a deep breath, blocking out any thoughts of Dragonhold.

She may have done things the wrong way there, but she wouldn’t repeat those mistakes now. She had to be strong if she were to become the queen.

A mental picture of her mother finally drove her to sleep. She was going to make her mother proud. It was all she could do.

Chapter One

Malconius

C ommander, are you awake?

Malconius recognised Carl’s voice. He didn’t want company. Come in, be brief.

Carl stepped into the chambers. His pale face was red with burns from the hot Sotus sun. He closed the door behind him and eyed Malconius. I didn’t see you at the docks, Commander.

Malconius turned his gaze to one of the windows. I could see it from here.

I’m sorry to disturb you, but I need to speak with you.

Malconius sighed, his gaze still fixed on the window, watching the tiny dot of light from the ship sailing in the far distance. What is it?

He could hear Carl pacing the room. With the King now dead, Prince Lyon is taking the throne, and war with Ordea is inevitable. He will continue his father’s plans…

Carl, Malconius turned around, eyebrows furrowed. The King has been dead for three weeks, I know all this, what did you want to bring up with me, specifically?

Carl placed his hands behind his back. I support Princess Sarra. I suggest you decide what you are going to do before she decides for you.

Malconius stroked his fingers through his unkempt beard. He didn’t know what he wanted to do. He didn’t want to fight the war as a commander of the Sotus troops, in fact, he didn’t want to be part of any of it.

He was tired.

Leave me to sleep, Carl, he said as he turned his back against him once again.

Carl sighed behind him. This, what you are doing to yourself, is not helping anyone.

You don’t think I know that? Malconius asked, not wanting an answer. Shouts coming from the men at Watcher’s Point echoed through his mind as he kept staring out the window. Faces of defeat, fear, and disappointment clouded his inner vision. He wasn’t ready to face it, and he didn’t want to.

The others are wondering what your plans are, Commander.

Malconius rubbed his eyebrows in frustration and let out a moan. Carl, leave me be.

Another sigh escaped Carl. As you wish. Night to you.

Malconius waited until he heard the sound of the door closing before he walked to the chair holding his bear fur. He put it on, then lifted the mattress of his bed and grabbed the book, Collector of Souls.

He opened it where he had marked a page and skimmed through the letters.

Tied to the mind of men are their souls, it keeps them grounded, true to their word. Soul sorcery takes all away and binds it with the wielder instead. The source of the sorcery is unknown. If ever found, it should be destroyed to save men from indignity.

Malconius scoffed. Sorcery didn’t need to invade his soul before it was taken. It was long gone already, gone with the loyal warriors he trained for seasons as they perished in a pool of blood and smoke.

He found a blank page inside the book, ripped it out, and scribbled down a letter for Sarra. His hand shook as he tried to get the letters down in a straight and neat manner, and it took him much longer to finish the note than what he thought it would. He had never been a great writer.

Once finally finished, he folded the paper in half and wrote Sarra on it, making sure whoever found it would know it was for her.

His gaze fell on the wooden bowl standing on the table filled to the brim with perfectly green apples. He took a couple and stuffed them inside his coat. Apples had never been his favourite thing to eat, but it would do now, as he didn’t know when he would eat next.

Next to the bowl stood the half-empty jug of sweet, red wine. His thoughts played with the idea of finishing it before heading out, but he wouldn’t. Instead, he picked it up and emptied the rest through the open window, watching as the red liquid stained the outside walls, about to be scorched by the hot sun come morning.

He placed the now empty jug back on the table and looked around his chambers one last time before leaving with no plans of ever returning.

Chapter Two

Hilaniue

The dragon made a deep, growling noise as it woke up from its slumber.

Hilaniue looked at him as he closed his eyes, still wondering how he had found her, or why he was here in the first place.

She felt a soft hand on her shoulder. He’s been sleeping well the last couple of days, Meri said, smiling.

Hilaniue nodded and took Meri’s hand, kissing the tips of her fingers. He has been, but I still don’t understand why he is here.

I’m glad he’s alright being so close to us now, Taedor said as he packed up his things from their temporary shelter at the forest’s edge. He came to you, it is up to you to find out why.

Hilaniue smiled as she met his gaze. I know, and I will, eventually.

He’s probably here to help us stop sorcery. I have felt the Gods getting stronger with each passing day. Meri lifted her hand and exposed her palm. See? The ball of light instantly formed above her skin, faster than it had ever done before.

Hilaniue watched it as it pulsated and spun in the air. They want us to stop it.

It’s a great gift, Taedor said as he walked up to Shara, who was still sleeping on the forest floor. Having the Gods on our side throughout this journey means they have faith in us succeeding.

Meri shivered. I still don’t want to think about it too much. Returning to Ordea feels wrong, and the fight is going to be bloody. So many innocents…

Hilaniue placed a hand on Meri’s shoulder. War is never easy, but you know we have to do this.

She nodded. I know. Shall we go?

Shara stretched her legs, then let Taedor jump up on her back. Hilaniue, you need to learn how to ride your dragon. I have never seen a dragon ask for a rider before, but I want to show you how to make the connection. You have seen my link with Shara, you will be able to do the same.

Hilaniue felt her heart drop. What? I can’t do that! He’s so big! I’ll fall off!

Meri looked equally as concerned. Are you sure about that, Taedor?

Taedor chuckled. Of course. What is he going to do for you if you don’t make the connection with him? You need to learn how to command him.

Hilaniue eyed the dragon and noticed his big, red eyes were looking back at them. What if he doesn’t like me commanding him?

He will. Now, walk up and slowly climb his back as close to his wings as possible, holding on to the spikes on his neck.

Hilaniue took a breath before walking up to the dragon. He lay calm, not showing any signs of not wanting her near him. She touched the hard scales, making sure he wouldn’t move before she grabbed hold of the edge of his wing, pulling herself up on his back.

There you go, get comfortable, Taedor said as he watched from the back of Shara.

Hilaniue felt her heart pound as she settled on top of the dragon. She found a couple of hard scales sticking up far enough for her to grab onto. This won’t keep me here, Taedor, she said. I’ll fall off as soon as he moves.

Taedor shook his head. No, move your body closer to his neck.

She shuffled forward until she felt her body settle more comfortably. Better, but I’m still not sure.

Taedor told Shara to rise, then she flew to the dragon, hovering just above them. Now tell him to rise.

Hilaniue shook her head. How?

Just say it your way.

She swallowed. She had no idea what she should say, but she gave it a shot. Rise, she yelled out loud enough for the dragon to hear. She waited, but nothing. Rise! she yelled again, louder this time.

A cold shiver rushed through her spine as the dragon moved. She held on for dear life as he slowly moved his wings up and down, causing the sand around them to rise and create a cloud of dust and dirt.

Hilaniue closed her eyes as she felt him lift off the ground. She was too scared to look.

You need to pay attention! Taedor screamed through the loud noise of the dragon’s wings. Take control!

Hilaniue blew out a breath, opened her eyes, and tightened her grip even more. Although she didn’t think the dragon would be able to feel her on his back, she tried leaning to the side, seeing if the dragon would turn in the direction she wanted.

He did.

How can he feel me on top of him? she yelled out, seeing Taedor following them as they slowly flew above the trees.

You are sitting in a sensitive spot on his back. He can feel you.

Hilaniue couldn’t help but let out a laugh. This is crazy! She eyed the trees below them as they became smaller and smaller. She closed her eyes as the air rushed through her hair and threatened to throw her off her dragon.

But it wasn’t going to. She was in control.

She leaned to the left, watching as the dragon obeyed and turned. She was amazed, feeling like she was in a different world. Never in her life would she have thought she would ever ride a dragon.

Now tell him to drop! Taedor yelled out.

Hilaniue nodded. Drop! she yelled.

At first, the dragon didn’t seem to hear her. Drop! Down!

She felt how the dragon now listened and slowed his pace. He gently extended his wings and slowly sailed downward. The dirt and dust again lifted from the ground, and Hilaniue covered her eyes with her hand as they settled back down.

Meri came running up to her. Hilaniue! I was so worried!

On shaky legs, Hilaniue walked to meet her, feeling the adrenaline pump. I was fine, surprisingly.

Meri eyed the dragon, then Hilaniue. I can’t believe you got a dragon.

She smiled. I know.

Taedor landed and walked up with a big grin on his face. See? It wasn’t so hard!

Hilaniue threw her arms around Taedor, causing him to flinch in surprise. Thank you. How did you know how to do that?

I didn’t. Now, shall we go?

Hilaniue’s smile dropped. What?

I have never had to teach someone to ride an actual dragon, but it seems they act the same as dracoens.

After Meri shot Taedor an angry look, she turned to the three eos. We won’t need them if we have the dragon and Shara…

What? Are you suggesting we all fly to the wastelands? Hilaniue asked.

Meri shrugged. I don’t know. But we won’t need them, even if we only fly some of the way.

"Will