The Tempest of Eerikki: Book 1- The Panacea Quest

By Marieke J Treloar

WHEN A TEMPEST IS MORE THAN A VIOLENT STORM
When the touch of a demonic force starts to create imbalance, two great divine beings decide to create a cure. A child aptly named "Tempest". At fifteen cycles, her care is entrusted to the Sword Master of Eerikki. His task is to train her to become an Elite Warrior in her own right.

Elite Warriors a

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marieke J Treloar
• Release date: Dec 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781636498232

Marieke J Treloar

Marieke J Treloar can usually be found reading a book, and that book will more likely than not be a spirited fantasy full of fearless female protagonists and dashing military heroes. Writing a novel was always on her bucket list, and eventually, it has become a reality. Rowland, The Senator's Son is the first book in her debut series - Forces at Play. When not absorbed in the latest gripping page-turner, Marieke designs and creates beautiful jewellery, frequents the best cafes of her beautiful home town, and otherwise spends far too much time at both her laptop and jewellery bench. She lives in Australia, with her puppies and family.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

'The world requires equipoise, the stable state characterized by the cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.' Universal Law.

In the beginning, seeing that the curse of darkness had begun to adversely affect their blessed mortal children, The Divine Goddess Minerva and her lover the Supreme Warrior Kopis created two great forces to fight and protect all.

Firstly.  Kopis invested the Warriors he thought to be the bravest and most honourable, with the ability to teach the skills and knowledge of battle.  Creating the first great Sword Masters. Their task was to teach the worthiest young men of MarDav.  These trained men evolved into those that were now referred to as Elite Warriors.  Those strong enough to battle the darkness.

Then Minerva gifted some of her mortal priestesses with dea Viribus.  An ability to call on the strength of ten great Warriors in times of need. The priestesses could pass this gift, to any Elite Warrior they deemed fit, through the act of congress. This would enhance their strength in battle. Initially these priestesses were sort after and valued, by those true to the Goddesses teachings. Though as time passed and the Goddess's teachings became more myth than doctrine, they were often shunned and some were even persecuted.

The delicate balance that had been maintained for a great age, was now becoming unstable and the darkness was finding seed in the minds of many more mortals. This was a disturbing matter to the great numina.  As they were also observing that, fewer daughters of Minerva were being blessed with dea Viribus and that only one Sword Master survived the great battles.

Seeking to reestablish the balance, Kopis and Minerva produced a child. Kopis deemed that his child should be a warrior and thought when they came of age to send them to train with the mortal, he trusted above all.  The great Sword Master of Eerikki. With the wisdom of the divine and again knowing balance was essential, Minerva deemed the child should be female.  For she would be but the first part of the panacea to cure the sickness, that now plagued all mortals.

The darkness that so concerned the Goddess and Supreme Warrior was Arawn.  Underworld God of terror, revenge and pestilence. He is the great sadist, that presides over She'ols, the pits of hell. Taking pleasure from the creation of pain and chaos.  Twisting men's minds and allowing them to act on their primal nature. This demonic being corrupts with a touch.  Infesting the minds of the weak, the possessed, the obsessed, the sadist and the depraved. They often referred to those that he corrupted, as the 'Dishonoured'.

Over the eons, Arawn had discovered that the more followers he created, the more power he possessed. His goal became the absolute dominion and the enslavement of not only the mortals but the other gods.  For his jealousy of Kopis was great and he had become obsessed with the desire to possess Minerva.

CHAPTER 1

The Divine Goddess Minerva sitting with the child in arms, spoke softly to her lover and child's sire the Supreme Warrior Kopis.

Will she be ready, for the challenges to come? Minerva sighed.

With tenderness Kopis stroked the child's hand before speaking, I think my love, it is not a question of if she will be ready for the challenges but if the mortals below will be ready for her. Kopis smiled and continued, I will provide her with the skills of battle and you my love, have endowed her with the ability to enchant those with pure hearts. She will recognise both the evil and the good and know how to deal with both.

Minerva accepted her lover’s words but they did not still her concern.  Her child would soon be mortal…….

***

The Sword Master could not believe that, he had been set low by this unruly tribe of the Dishonoured.  But then again, they are the Dishonoured. Men infected with Arawn's darkness. Arawn, Underworld God that would twist men's minds seeking to destroy what he could not convert to his perverted lusts. His earthy minions had no code, no morals and worst of all no lord to guide them. A fair fight it had not been.

He had battled the Dishonoured often. Even as a young Elite Warrior, he had taken part in the Clash of Frode. At fifteen cycles, he could still remember the humbling sensation at being chosen, to train to become an Elite Warrior. This training was always reserved for the largest of young males and those thought to have the most potential. He had topped out at six foot seven. His fifty-five cycles may have seen a slight thickening of his waist, but he still sported a massive chest and arms. On this day he would be thankful to the Goddess he still trained daily. Only his salt and pepper hair would have portrayed his age.

Maybe that had the Dishonoured thinking he was an easy target, more fools them.

The Sword Master to the King of Eerikki had been returning from the Lowland Court of Lady Corina. He had been reviewing and refining the training regime for the  Fahnlein of Greenway. The Fahnlein now comprised twenty rotten of Elite Warriors, totaling two hundred of the strongest men. Their fighting skills and dedication to the protection of their Lady had pleased him.

He was attempting to shorten his journey by using the Warrior's Path.  This had seen him travelling through the lands of Colby and now saw him drawing close to the Coritham Mountains.  A place where Arawn's Dishonoured thrived.

He was tired from his travels and taking little notice of his surroundings, when a branch had suddenly unseated him from his horse. The animal had spooked.  Leaving him sitting on his arse, wondering what had just happened. After several moments, he climbed up on shaky legs. Relying on battle instinct, he reached over his shoulder to draw his blade Enigma. The magical blade slid from its sheath silent, dark and cold.

Even now after so many years, it still amazed him every time the enchanted blade would allow itself to be divided into the two swords, so he could use the dual wielding stance he was so famous for.

Enigma had been a gift from the Supreme Warrior after he had quested and shown his worthiness not only through battle but the trials of wisdom.

The branch having struck him in the side of the head, had been a lucky blow that now had him seeing stars and his sword arm lagging. While he had already defended against four attackers, he now found himself surrounded by the five remaining dirty assailants, with his back to the wall in a shallow gorge. At least he knew he would take more with him before he went to meet his Goddess.

Come on, you sons of Arawn, this will be a great day to find myself in the arms of my Goddess. The Sword Master panted.

Not this day, a sweet voice seemed to chime in his mind.

At that moment, the Sword Master found himself warding off another blow.  Artfully deflecting it with his left blade.  Then seeing an opening flicked his right blade out to connect with the unprotected chest of the assailant. Enigma bit deep and the death blow caused the dirty rogue to cry out in pain and slump to the forest floor.

This distraction, however, had opened the Sword Masters left side to attack and he felt a dagger blade bite deep into the muscle of his upper thigh. Dropping to one knee, smiling knowing he would soon be in the arms of his Goddess as he awaited the death blow.

Not this day, while the voice still had a sweet chime, it had become insistent.

'Twas just a quick flick of movement, he spied out of the corner of one eye.  When a small creature had dropped in front of him, intercepting the remaining attackers. To the Sword Master, the creature seemed to glow. While the figure was slight, it was obviously female.  The fine leather trousers and jerkin only emphasising an hourglass figure. Her only armour two brilliant silver and gold vambraces cladding her arms from wrist to elbow. He observed, a bow, quiver and empty scabbard were strapped to her back.  The Sword Master became transfixed on the little warrior's blades.

One hand a bejeweled dirk and the other a good-sized Jian sword. The dagger was sleek ten inches long. Its symmetrical double-edged blade gleamed testifying to its razor edges.  Perfect for stabbing and thrusting at close quarters. In her other was the 'Gentleman of Weapons', the 'Jian.’ A double-edged straight sword thirty inches long. Jian blades were light but incredibly strong.  From the tapered point to pommel, every part of the weapon was used for either defense or attack. Even the addition of the gold cord tassel was useful.  In this case the little warrior was using it to its full advantage.  The gold tassel was wrapped around her delicate wrist.  Using it like a lanyard and allowing for the blade to be cast forward to give additional length to her thrust and then with the flick of her wrist, draw it back to her hand.

Her sudden appearance had the remaining four Dishonoured looking questioningly to each other.

What the She’ols? one of the wretched cried.

Before they had time to speak, she crooned a challenge. You have a choice, take your wounded and leave now or meet your demonic dark father in the hereafter.

What's this bescumber? the tallest of the men snarled at the little female, do you really think you can best us, little one? he spat.

Remember this was your choice, she attacked with no further hesitation.

To the Sword Masters recollection, the ensuing battle was short and brutal. The little female warrior wasted neither energy, nor effort with unnecessary hedging. The first wretch launching from the far left, with his sword held high exposing his belly and the Jian blade slid from one side to the other.

Then there were three, she chimed.

The small female then sidestepped, deflecting another blow with her Dirk.  With a hacking side ward swipe, brought the Jian blade down to detach the attacker's sword arm at the elbow. The attacker stumbled and dropped to one knee grabbing at the bloody stump and she slammed the pommel of her Jian into the middle of the man's skull. There was a sickening sound of bone cracking, abruptly silencing his cries.

Then there were two, another sardonic chime purred from the lips of the little female.

The little paladin did not wait for the remaining two attackers to decide, on who would be next to feel her blade. With inhuman speed, her blades struck true.  Catching one attacker across the throat with her dirk dagger.  A fountain of arterial spray bursting forth painting the forest floor red. Then before the other could react, she spun facing the Sword Master and with a backward thrust under her arm struck her Jian sword directly into the chest of the remaining viper.

And then there were none, her sweet voice sounded almost amused.

This was the Sword Masters' last visage as he crumpled to the cold moist leaf covered ground. With a smile on his lips, he whispered, now I lay in the Goddess's lap.

***

Sometime later, the Sword Master awoke to the crackle of a small fire. Supporting himself up on one elbow, he found his wounds tendered and was being offered a small bowl of broth.

Drink, more a command than a request.

He sipped on the broth.  It filled him with a warmth and love he had not felt for many years. It was like the broth his mother would have given him, on cold stormy evenings.  The memory of her warm embraces and generous love, brought tears to his eyes.

You are safe, the little female spoke with deft assurance.

This for many reasons amused him and he quizzed, I am safe?

Yes, the little voice was serious though her face was impassive.

The Sword Master considered the little creature in front of him through calm grey-blue eyes. His mind in turmoil.  How had this little female been his saviour? Successfully beating males with both years and size to their advantage.  She had moved like a seasoned warrior, neither expending word nor energy on the unnecessary. Even offering the wretched opportunity to withdraw before dispatching them.

Who are you, child? The Sword Master asked.

Rhiannon, Daughter of our Divine Goddess, Minerva, her reply was soft.

The Sword Master had heard the tales of Rhiannon, the forest guardian. She protected all wild things. It was well-known that she did not care much for mortals.

Why did you assist me? he quizzed.

Because my Mother asked me too, her response wistful as she looked to be transfixed on the fire.  From her tone the Sword Master knew, he would receive no further information if pressed.

Rest now, Rhiannon commanded, at first light, you will be well enough to travel.

The Sword Master nodded and dropped his head to the mound of soft forest vegetation that had been prepared as a resting place.

***

He awoke to the warm rays of first light.  The small fire was still blazing. Propping himself up on one elbow, he found his head cloudy and throbbing. Looking down to his thigh, he found it freshly dressed.

Drink! Rhiannon commanded, another bowl of the beautiful broth was pressed to his hand.

The Sword Masters ego was having trouble with the little female's continual commands, Rhiannon do you know who I am?

Does it matter? Rhiannon was calm but her golden eyes flashed with mischief.  As if she knew the Sword Master was vexed by her commands.

I am.... the Sword Master started to speak.

With the raising of a tiny hand, which he thought far too delicate to wield any weapon let alone her Jian sword and dirk dagger he fell silent.

"You are King Rhain of Eerikki's Sword Master, William Tambers.  Through many battles and hardships, you have proven yourself worthy of that title. You