Isle of Storms

By S.J. Saunders

Brought together by circumstance, Jack, Allie, and Tanner join forces once more, traveling to the island of Nisaim off the western coast of Covorum, hoping to secure the aid of the island's self-proclaimed captain Lenmoir, and to dissuade Lenmoir from any designs he might have on the vulnerable Dragon's N

• Language: English
• Publisher: Riverbank Publishing
• Release date: Sep 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781087938066

S.J. Saunders

A star was born on the day S. J. Saunders first entered this world. I mean, statistically speaking, it must have been, right? The universe is a big place. Pointless supposition aside, Saunders enjoys both the absorbing and the constituting of stories, activities that take up much of his life in the rather boringly-shaped land of Oregon. A particular woman appears to find his close proximity none too objectionable, and so they reside together in a marital fashion. No offspring and/or dependent creatures..

Book preview

A Peculiar Offer

The tigerkin sat erect, posture perfect, in the splintering, wooden chair across the table as the tavern around her creaked softly with mild activity. Tanner thought he could see a flash of amusement in the half-breed woman’s green eyes, but maybe he was just being self-conscious. After all, aren’t we the big, scary he roes here?

He glanced to his left, taking in the poised, graceful presence of the human woman who sat there, struck, not for the first time, with how menacing someone could look while in simple traveling garb and a cloak. Despite the calm in Jack’s deep brown eyes, the way her gaze shifted subtly this way and that spoke of someone well-accustomed to staying on guard. Beyond that, her dark, tightly braided hair hung past a shoulder draped in a bristling quiver, while the other sported a sleek, black bow that even a stranger—much like Tanner had been mere days earlier—would be smart to assume she knew how to use.

And the big ol’ wolf beside her doesn’t hurt things, either.

Even as Tanner watched, Ember, the wolf to the other side of the woman, gave a deep yawn, slumping down to the tavern floor after nuzzling his mistress’s hand. Truthfully, Ember still had ample room to grow, if the size of his paws was any indication. Not that it was for me, Tanner thought, looking down at his own paw-hand hybrids. Unless his body still had big plans for his twenties, he’d always be a bit…ungainly.

Stifling a yawn of his own, Tanner turned back to the tigerkin woman, and attempted to match Jack’s inscrutability. All right, Nelina, was it? At the woman’s nod, he added, You said we should talk. Talk.

Nelina gave a slow smile, staring at Tanner more intensely than he would have liked. My apologies if my wording was unclear, she said in that low purr of hers, but the invitation was intended for your other companion, as well. Her eyes flickered past Tanner for a moment as he heard the door to The Iron Ladle open behind him, and Nelina dipped her head. And here she is now.

Tanner glanced over his shoulder, taking in the human storm of angst who’d just entered the Ladle, as well as the haggard-looking, middle-aged woman behind the bar. Yeah, well, nobody looks their best today, thought Tanner, watching Sally Wythers, owner of The Iron Ladle as she pressed on in her various, barkeeping duties, looking as though she might crumple into a sobbing heap if a stiff breeze swept through the open door.

Living through the recent, brutal attack from cultists and crocbloods on the city hadn’t seemed to boost anyone’s vivacity.

The young woman who’d just entered the tavern, meanwhile, immediately spotted Tanner, Jack, and Nelina, striding purposefully toward them with a typical scowl on her face.

Maybe not the time to crack on that, though, Tanner thought as he monitored her approach. It wasn’t hard for his mind to conjure images of the fledgling connection the woman, Allie, had been forging with Krexos, the temple guard assigned to aid the three of them in their recent investigations…as well as the horrific moment when, in defense of High Priestess Entothika, Krexos had fallen, his body thrown out over the temple bluff and down to the sea far below.

A…hard time for all of us, Tanner thought with a sigh, recalling how, in a fit of rage, he’d practically immolated the cultist leader responsible for Krexos’s death.

Again, his eyes fell to his hands, his thoughts now filled with the sobering propensity for magic he’d displayed in the past few days. At times, it almost seemed as though the fire sprang forth on its own…

Allie neared the table, brushing a strand of short, sand-blond hair from her face as she folded her arms, glaring down at the tigerkin.

Please, said Nelina, motioning to the last empty seat at the circular table as she met Allie’s look with her immovable smile. Have a seat.

I’d rather not, said Allie, her slight frame almost seeming to disappear beneath her cloak as she hunched her shoulders. Make it quick.

Nelina bared her teeth as her smile widened. The abridged version, then. Her cat-like eyes swept over the group before her as she leaned closer over the table. Put simply, you all have something that I want, and I have the connections to make it worth your while to bring it to me.

I like to know the damage up front, said Jack, her gaze still fixed on Nelina. What is it you think we can give you?

A mere trinket, really, Nelina replied with a meek shrug. I recently attempted to…acquire a key in Guard Captain Fylak’s possession, only to find that it had already been procured. Given what I’ve been able to glean of your activities over the past two days, I believe that one of you now has it.

It took every scrap of Tanner’s willpower not to glance over at Allie, the person he’d known to have the key last.

Not that we ever actually sneaked into Fylak’s office looking for evidence on his potential involvement with crocbloods and scorpion cultists and slipped out with a mysterious key… he thought quickly, fighting not to blink as he stared Nelina down. Sure, true mind-reading abilities were rare, but, given the way Nelina had eradicated the security in Entothika’s private library, it was probably best not to take any chances.

What really weighed on Tanner’s mind, however, was the thought of who Fylak might blame if he were to find that he’d been robbed. A mysterious cat-lady he’d never met? Tanner ground his teeth. Hardly his paranoid style at all.

No, more likely, he’d go out of his way to blame the person closest to him who had all the reason in the world to hock away potential valuables; the girl who’d polished his silver for years in a vain attempt to buy back her freedom.

Tanner’s eyes found the nearby serving girl who bustled from table to table, a tangle of sweaty, blond hair hanging down in her angular face. Looks as tired as ever, Tanner thought sadly.

The girl, Atrisar, met Tanner’s eyes briefly, sending him a weak smile before hurrying back to the kitchen, arms full of plates and mugs. I guess we both have a job to focus on right now, thought Tanner, strangely relieved for the distraction as he glanced to Jack for support in the conversation with Nelina.

We might have a trinket or two, Jack said coolly, one eyebrow raising ever so slightly as she regarded the tigerkin across the table. And what would you want with it?

Nelina gave a coy smirk. "Am I allowed no privacy in this deal?"

Tanner stifled a snarl. On their first encounter with Nelina in Entothika’s library, the tigerkin had been deep into a book entitled The Quandary of the Half-breed. Given the inherent interest Tanner had in such topics, he wasn’t about to let Nelina off that easily.

I suppose not, then, Nelina said with an exaggerated sigh as she took in all three of their patient stares. Your guard captain, I’ve come to learn, has a…fascination with all things elven that borders on the obsessive. I’ve also heard that he has many volumes by and surrounding the species; volumes that my employer is intent on acquiring.

And your employer would be…? said Tanner.

…appreciative of remaining anonymous, Nelina shot back with a smile.

Jack leaned in, glancing over her shoulder as a droopy-eyed townsperson wandered into the Ladle and struck up a muted conversation with Sally across the bar. These…volumes wouldn’t happen to be kept in Fylak’s home office, would they?

Nelina grinned. Why would you assume that?

No reason, said Jack with a shrug. I just may have noticed a trail through the garden on Fylak’s estate. The careless kind, probably made by an interloper.

Well, said the tigerkin, giving an apologetic pucker, I do hope whoever left it hasn’t insulted your abilities by making their path too easy to spot.

Jack gave a borderline pleasant smile. Not at all. So, now that we know the price of your help, what would we be paying for?

The sparkle in Nelina’s eyes spoke of a predator relishing the moment before the kill. My aid in establishing contact with Lenmoir Wexion of Nisaim.

Tanner nearly choked on his own saliva, managing to cover up with a Kurtis-like growl as he looked to Jack and Allie for support. It was hard to know if Tanner’s bearkin father would be proud, though, given the crushing silence he’d sent Tanner’s way since the younger man had convinced his adoptive parent to stay and fight for Dragon’s Nest.

More fun conversations to be had there, I’m sure…

Really? said Jack, hiding her surprise at Nelina’s apparent telepathy far more effectively. I don’t suppose you know that we were just discussing that issue with Fylak and Entothika?

Nelina gave a low chuckle. I appreciate the confidence in my abilities, wilderling, but I’ve not been spying on the town’s leaders…recently. I simply make it a point of knowing all the players in the local game, and Lenmoir certainly qualifies. He’s shown interest in gaining influence in the city before, and can be expected to capitalize on the current weaknesses in whatever way seems best to him.

And why would he talk to you? said Allie, causing Tanner’s eyes to water with her apparent refusal to blink.

We have had…previous dealings, said Nelina, her smile unwavering. I like to think I’m the closest thing he allows himself to a friend.

Meaning you’ve got enough dirt on him that he’ll at least hear us out if you ask, said Tanner, feeling positively worldly.

Nelina actually winked. And, really, what is the difference? She let the words hang in the air for a moment as her three guests took a moment to ruminate. So, are we agreed?

Jack shook her head, pushing back from the table as she stood. It’s not up to us. We’ll have to take your offer back to Entothika.

Understood, said Nelina, bowing her head as Tanner followed Jack’s lead. "It seems we all have employers to consider."

* * *

Allie thought for a moment that she could actually spot the instant Entothika’s resolve shattered.

As if things weren’t bad enough, the high priestess said with a sigh. Now we’re making deals with…ruffians.

From beside Allie in the central crossroads chamber, Jack inclined her head. We’re taking the offer, then?

Entothika nodded. Yes. However distasteful, what we stand to gain outweighs any potential risks, and I’m sure this Nelina knows that. There was a long pause as she took in Jack and Allie’s solemn faces. Dare I ask what it was our new ally asked for in return?

Something we can provide, Jack said carefully. Probably best you don’t know any more than that.

That’s an understatement, Allie thought dryly. Entothika and Fylak may have come together to protect the city during the battle, but there was still many years’ worth of strain between them that could easily be brought to a boil once more if Fylak were to learn that Entothika had any knowledge of his missing property.

If you’re planning on making a habit of dealing with ruffians, Allie added at Entothika’s grim smile, you may also want to become familiar with the phrase, ‘plausible deniability.’

So it would seem, said Entothika, looking as though she wanted to slump to a seat in the bench behind her. Given how exhausted the high priestess seemed to be at that moment, Allie began to wonder if the older woman’s promise of help would be seen through, a thought further cemented when Entothika added, I suppose I’ll get to work on acquiring proper documentation for the three of you, then, authorizing you as official envoys for the city.

Allie supposed she shouldn’t have been so surprised to find that Entothika was as certain as Nelina that the newly-christened Heroes of Dragon’s Nest would be the ones to see the plan through. Still, would’ve been nice to be asked. Not that Allie would even have made any pretense of refusing. Too much had already gone wrong on her watch. Things needed to be made right.

She thought of Cravog’s declaration that it must return to the Netherplane to restore some cosmic balance and shuddered. For everyone’s sake. The powerful entity they’d encountered in a portal beneath the city may have seemed certain that it was the only one who could keep reality from crumbling in on itself, but it had unnerved Allie to her core.

Not to mention the way it was so convinced all three of us were some kind of anomalies… And the verdict it had meted out to Allie had been worst of all, declaring her a destroyer of all things, like all of her people; a people she’d learned, with Entothika’s help, that had, long ago, served the powerful Theikour of the Netherplane. Some, however, had crossed the barrier between the planes, starting potent bloodlines long thought eradicated.

Bloodlines like Allie’s.

Just earlier that morning, Entothika had gifted Allie a book the younger woman had once attempted to steal on the topic, following it up with the promise that she would try to assist Allie in overcoming the violent darkness within her. And now she’s just trying to sweep me aside, Allie thought bitterly as Entothika made plans to send her away.

Not that I blame her…

Then Entothika was turning to Allie, a weak smile breaking through her fatigue. You are, of course, welcome to rest up and recover for a few days. It will take some time for Lenmoir to learn of everything that’s happened, and longer for him to devise a way to enact his designs for Dragon’s Nest. Her gaze turned meaningfully to Allie, and the younger woman gave a curt nod.

So, you do plan to make time for me… Good.

Jack gave a tired laugh. Sounds good. Ember and I can hunt to help provide food for the survivors, in the meantime, and I plan on asking Kurtis to craft a few things for me.

His work is quick and impeccable, Entothika said graciously. You may also feel free to employ the services of my scholars for the purposes of spells and enchantments. Our refined memory stone reserves may be minimal, but I’m sure we can divert what little we do have into outfitting our official envoys.

A gurgle of excitement welled up in Allie’s stomach as the possibilities began to flood her mind. Well, in that case, I’ve got a few ideas of my own.

Maybe being an official envoy won’t be so bad, after all.

* * *

Fear and anticipation mingled in Jack’s chest as she and Ember made their way out the city’s wicket gate toward the large grove of trees past the town cemetery.

Guess we’re just getting started, huh, Ember? she said, smiling down at the wolf.

Ember ignored the question, continuing to keep pace with her as they made their way south. A northerly wind dense with the smell of the sea swelled up over the bluff, causing Jack to divert them around to the far end of the grove. Wouldn’t do having every small creature within half a mile knowing we’re on the hunt.

Everything had happened so fast since she and Ember had first arrived at Dragon’s Nest, and already she was beginning to feel as committed to this place and its people as her own home. The sensation unsettled her as she and Ember pierced the barrier of the grove, replacing a cloudy, morning sky with dense foliage for a canopy. These people were almost strangers, and home was…home.

But isn’t that what these pilgrimages are all about? she reminded herself, catching the faint, recent trail of a rabbit in the same instant as Ember. For centuries, her people had sent their aspiring adults into the world beyond the Aethalvir Forest, believing that such travels would grant the whole clan a broader view of life, and the chance to safeguard it wherever possible. Protect the innocent, she recited the mantra in her mind as she tracked tiny pawprints through the underbrush, and fight against evil in its many forms. This was meant to be a time to forge attachments with people outside of her clan. After all, the love for all life that Iyirnot, Theikour of the wilds, espoused was rooted in the moments of love and life that could be found in every day.

Jack stifled a sigh as she and Ember neared a thicket, the wolf circling around to the far side on its own to corner the foraging brown rabbit within. It all still felt so…sudden, the way she’d been dragged into it all. I wonder if all my people’s pilgrimages turn out this way, she thought as, even in her distracted state, she dropped the rabbit through dense foliage with a single arrow, Ember dutifully trotting forward to retrieve it.

Thanks, Ember, she sighed, scratching the wolf behind the ears as she deposited their catch in the pack at his side. She was still trying to fight off the dreams of her home being in some horrible danger from the night before…as well as thoughts of one particular connection she’d made, Tavek.

She hadn’t seen the young, patchily-bearded guardsman since the day before, but he’d seemed almost broken after the battle. Not that it was hard to understand why. To see everything he’d fought for turned to darkness like that; the political infighting and prejudices that had led to the attack…

And how am I supposed to know that the path I’m on now won’t leave me the same way? Jack thought, her shoulders slumping as she leaned into Ember where she knelt, burying her face in his furry neck.

You don’t, her mother’s voice echoed in her memory from when she’d posed a similar question back home. Jack could imagine her mother’s warm smile as she finished, Life is uncertain. We can only do what we believe, in our hearts, to be right.

A soft chuckle escaped Jack’s lips, rustling in Ember’s fur as she stood. Not as comforting as I’d like, but I guess that’s all there is for it, eh, Ember?

The wolf snorted, already pointing his nose to the air for another quarry.

Just keep moving, then, Jack thought with a smile as she fell in behind Ember this time, and hope that, somehow, I’m doing Iyirnot’s will.

Preparations Begun

And she’s got a boat, because…of course she does, thought Tanner, quietly picking at the plate full of food he’d brought back from the Ladle as he watched Kurtis continue straightening up the shop. Nelina had made the statement quite nonchalantly as Tanner and the others had stepped away from their meet ing table.

Let me know when you wish to depart. I have a ship I can bring offshore within a day.

Tanner gave a small sigh in the present. The tigerkin had seemed as certain as he was that Entothika would agree to the arrangement…as well as the fact that he, Jack, and Allie would be the ones chosen for the job.

Which is the kind of thing someone still living at home should discuss with their parent… Tanner thought, gulping down his latest bite of bread and turning to Kurtis’s broad back. Um, Dad?

The bearkin halted as he heaved a battle-scarred breastplate under his arm. He turned his head, catching Tanner in his peripheral vision. Yes?

Uh, could you sit?

I told you, Tanner. I already ate. Tanner nodded, undeterred. Kurtis sighed, set down the breastplate, and eased into the chair by his son.

I know, Dad. It’s just…we need to talk. At Kurtis’s long, silent stare, Tanner gulped again. I mean, don’t we?

With another heavy sigh, Kurtis dipped his head. I suppose we do. Then, without preamble. The fire?

Played with it for years, Tanner said quickly. Didn’t know I could do anything flashy with it until the other day.

On the job to protect Entothika.

Tanner winced, recalling the fight with the scorpion cultists that had started it all and seen the death of a scholar sent to infiltrate the group, Rena. Yeah.

A short pause. "Does it hurt?

"Not me."

Kurtis grunted. I suppose that’s good. Just try to remember, son…your actions have consequences, even if you’re not able to feel them.

Yeah…I know, Dad. Then, before the cowardice could sweep back in, Dad…I think I’ll be leaving soon. It’s important work. We’ll be keeping the town safe, me and the others. They’re good people, I think, so you won’t have to worry about me being alone, and, with everything’s that happened, we’re the best people for the job…

Kurtis made no attempt to interrupt. He just sat there, staring, even after Tanner’s voice trailed off to silence.

Almost makes me miss the yelling.

But, well… Tanner tried to pick up again, I was wondering, Dad, if…well, you might come with us.

The bearkin remained silent for a few moments, opening his mouth to speak a few times, then seeming to recalculate his words. Finally, he gave a growling sigh. Tanner…someone needs to stay and protect Dragon’s Nest. I’m sorry…I can’t leave.

Tanner blinked, part of him wanting to scream at Kurtis in frustration. Why the blazes not? Just yesterday, you were content to leave the city to burn!

It was you who made me realize that, Kurtis continued, his voice low and heavy as his eyes fell to the floor. I’d thought that part of me had died long ago; the part that drove me to stand and protect the defenseless. But…in fighting for this town, I’ve…remembered who I am. His gaze lifted once more, finding Tanner’s. You showed me that, cub. And…you showed me the man you’ve become, as well. Kurtis visibly swallowed, tears welling in his eyes. "You’ve grown, Tanner, more than I realized, and I think the truth is that…you’ve outgrown me… His gruff voice cracked on the last word, causing him to give a sharp grunt and look down to his plate of food. Well, he said brusquely, stabbing at a hunk of meat, I suppose I’m hungrier than I thought." With that, he fell into a rhythm of biting and chewing, leaving the shop silent once more.

A handful of seconds passed before Tanner realized that his mouth hung slackly open as he stared at the bearkin next to him. He’d never seen Kurtis so…fragile, like a sudden, sharp word could actually cause him to cower. It was nearly impossible for Tanner to reconcile the subdued, slouching man before him with the rough, lumbering bearkin who’d raised him for over a decade.

Before he could even remotely approach a recovery from the conversation, there was a sharp knock on the door, and he found a few seconds later that he’d walked over to answer it.

The job’s a go, Allie said by way of greeting when the door was open. Then she was thrusting a small stack of papers into Tanner’s hands. If…it’s not too much trouble, these are some things Jack and I would like made to better defend ourselves if things get deadly on Nisaim.

Uh, right, said Tanner, nodding blankly. Makes sense. Dad and me’ll get…uh, right on it.

Allie gave what Tanner took to be a grateful nod before striding back to the Ladle, leaving Tanner’s mind abuzz with the scribbles and notes in his hand. Ooh, that’ll be neat, he muttered, turning back inside and closing the door behind him. Might have to crack open a few old sketches, myself.

* * *

The memorial service passed by in a haze for Allie as, surrounded by the surviving citizens of Dragon’s Nest in the town square, she stared up to a wooden platform at Entothika, Fylak, and the remaining members of the council, two human women and a male gnome. All were richly dressed, as were many of the people in the crowd, though Allie noticed, even in the flickering torchlight, that there was a marked difference