The Gem of Greenway: Book 3 - The Panacea Quest

By Marieke J Treloar

The Gem of Greenway The 3rd instalment of the Panacea Quest sees Batair crowned King of Eerikki. Finally Lady Corina of Greenway has claimed Rhain as her Lord. Returning to Greenway to start a new life accompanied by their newly invested Sword Master, Albern. After fulfilling his duties as Trabant to the young Batair, Albern has more than e

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marieke J Treloar
• Release date: Jan 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781637602607

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

Albern was reminiscing about the moment his world changed.  King Rhain had commanded Batair, the Captain of his Elite Warriors to search for the Sword Master William Tambers a much-loved and respected member of Eerikki Court. 

With his expected return time well overdue and the recent increase of attacks on travellers throughout MarDav by outlaws.  Those more commonly called the ‘Dishonoured.’  The King was worried about his long-time friend.  Initially their efforts were fruitless, searching until well after night fall. 

Eventually discovering a critically injured Tambers traversing the Kings Path astride a massive black warhorse.  Tucked in behind their Sword Master was the tiniest creature Albern had ever seen.  Well to Albern, most everyone was tiny.  He being seven feet of harden muscle.

To his astonishment when he had challenged with a brisk deep command of, who goes there?, the little creature had sprung down from the beast and positioned herself between Albern and Tamers, brandishing a dirk dagger and a Jian sword.

The small girl had been Tempie.  A true gift from the Goddess Minerva and her lover the Supreme Warrior Kopis.  Tales were later shared of how the Forrest Guardian Rhiannon, had saved William from a band of the Dishonoured and that Tempie had been sent by the Gods themselves, to help bring balance to their mortal children.  William had been entrusted with her protection and had vowed to train her to become an Elite Warrior.

The ten warriors present at the rescue of Tambers, had all fallen in love with her.  Also vowing to ward and train her.  This shifted their world.

At the time Albern had been sceptical, if the little one could complete the training.  She was neither of any substantial height or strength but her first day on the practice fields of Eerikki was a telling experience for all.

Tempie had been slammed to the ground nine times by an opponent, double her size.  Each time the little piss-ant bescumber had slammed her to the fighting sands, she had sprung back up only to take another hit.  In the end, she had triumphed leaving Albern full of pride but red-faced and struggling not to storm onto the field and smash the She’ols out of the boy.  On that day, every Neophyte and Warrior Trainer became as devoted to her as her beloved Elite Nine.

What no one ever expected, was that their Little Tempie, would defend any who she loved with a ferocity that rivalled that of her comrades.  Over the cycles, she grew to become a truly skilled Elite Warrior.

At the time of her Sacra Bellator, the endurance rituals of the Elite Warrior.  She had elected to challenge Batair then Captain, for "Pugna" the fight component of the ceremony.

To the amazement of all present, she had bested him.  With not only sword but unarmed combat.  Calling on her dea Viribus abilities to do so.  The dea Viribus, a blessed skill given to the mortal Daughters of Minerva.  Allowed her to use the strength equal that of ten Elite Warriors.  In that moment, she not only won the right to become one of the Elite, she also claimed Batair as hers.

Batair was born of Lady Corina of Greenway.  His Sire had never been acknowledged.  Corina had entrusted her first born to Albern’s care when the boy was but fifteen cycles.  He became his Trabant whose sole responsibility would be to protect the young Batair and guard the secret that the boy was the true heir to Eerikki.  Many tasks he had performed to keep his young Prince safe, employing all the skills of warfare and spy craft.

When it was revealed that King Rhain was his Sire, none were more shocked than Batair himself.  He had thought his Sire was the deranged Lord Nathanael of Colby.  King Rhain had always understood the dangers, which would surround any heir to his throne and was playing a long game.  He wanted his son to be safe and with the agreement of Batair's mother hidden his identity.

Batair had briefly yielded, to Arawn’s toxic whispers.  With suggestions that he had not earned his place as Captain of the Elite Warriors of Eerikki but been given the position because he was Rhain’s heir.  Tempie with the assistance of her divine wisdom, had crushed Arawn’s influence upon his mind.  Scorching the vermin and sending him back to the pits of She’ols where he belonged.

In the last moon, Rhain had taken the unparalleled step of abdicating in favour of his son.  Batair and Tempie had been crowned and now sat upon the throne of Eerikki, as true Warrior King and Warrior Queen.    

Now Albern’s world was again changing.  He was travelling with his beloved Lady and her new Lord to his homeland for the first time in almost twenty-one cycles.

He was to take a new post, as Sword Master to Greenway and greatly looking forward to a quieter existence.

Batair was proving himself to be an admirable and just King.  He had already made Rhain and Corina grandparents with the birth of the young Prince Eloy.  A hearty lad whose eyes held much intelligence.

In assigning Albern to the position of Sword Master for Greenway, he presumed that it was William’s and Batair’s way of making sure that Rhain and Corina were kept safe.  Without making it too obvious.  Albern laughed to himself, of course Rhain and Corina knew what he was doing but if that is what their new King wanted that is what they would give him.

Chapter 1

It had been three moons since Corina had been within the borders of her beloved Greenway.  The two massive granite lion statues her ancestor had placed long ago marking the edge of her lands, brought a radiant smile to her luscious lips.  For many cycles, she had returned on her own but this time was different and she was so excited to share this experience with her new Lord.

Since the moment she had seen Rhain, some thirty cycles back, she had known that he would be her greatest love, but not her only one.  At the time he was the Prince of Eerikki and the most handsome man she had ever seen.  He had rescued her from the depraved hands of the despicable Lord Nathanial of Colby.

Nathanial’s intent was to force a union with Corina.  To take not only her but her lands.  He found out in short order that the Lady of Greenway, was gifted with dea Viribus.  While Nathanial’s horde had trapped Corina and Rhain, separating them from the assistance of his Elite Warriors.   Corina was able to imbue Rhain with the immense strength needed.  The ensuing battle saw all those who oppose him lying dead and them freed from captivity.

In that one union, Rhain had not only received the strength to save them but an heir to the lands of Eerikki.  Unfortunately, they had both known their duty and could do nothing but rule their respective lands as King of Eerikki and Lady of Greenway.

After so many cycles Rhain had taken the unprecedented step of abdicating and passing his crown to Batair.  Demonstrating to all his great love for Corina.  Now they were back in Greenway and they would be starting their life together. 

Batair had also insisted that Greenway, be invested with its own Sword Master.  Corina was thinking of how smart Batair must think he is.  He wanted Albern to be there, to protect his Sire and Mother.

She smiled to herself, 'yes, my boy is clever.'

Corina’s musings were interrupted as they entered the massive gates of Greenway Hold to be greeted by her staff.

Looking around she spied Albern, calling for his attention.  My Sword Master! Corina so enjoyed being able to use Albern’s new title.  He had truly earned the position, with his allegiance and dedication.  Her loyalist of Elite Warriors and the one that kept her greatest secrets.  Though she would never be able to express it, she loved the man like a brother.

Yes, my Lady, Albern acknowledged with a slight bow.

The Sword Masters chambers.  Your chambers have been relocated since you were last here.  I will have Chamberlain Rodinus guide you.  After you have rested, we can meet for last meal in the main hall.

Thank you, my Lady, this time Albern brought his arm up to cross his chest clanking vambrace to chest plate in formal salute, before indicating to the Chamberlain that he was ready for him to lead the way.

***

Greenway Hold, while not as big as Eerikki was still a magnificent edifice.  Constructed of carved slabs of red stone.