Songs of War: A Storm of Shadows

By Skye Westdijk

After braving the hidden vault underneath the Silver Temple and saving the island from the devouring flames, Naka, Etaín, Inza and Kaell are tasked with a dangerous journey to the heart of the Shadow Lands. It is in the Palace of Darkness where they will be able to hopefully put an end to the War of Shattered Light.

But the way to the Shad

• Language: English
• Publisher: Libra Confictura
• Release date: Apr 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9789083007151

Skye Westdijk

Skye Westdijk has been writing since they were only a child. It started as a love for magical and fantastical worlds that evolved into story-writing. They want to create stories full of different people, races, sexualities and genders to create a more diverse fantasy world since that is what they needed when they were little.

Book preview

The Songs of War Series

A Dance of Darkness

A Storm of Shadows

Songs of War

Songs of War

A Storm of Shadows

Skye Westdijk

First published in 2021 by Libra Confictura

Copyright © 2021 Skye Westdijk

Skye Westdijk asserts the moral rights to be identified as the author of this work.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction.

The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

ISBN: 978-9-08-300715-1

Printed and bound by Ingramspark

Cover made by Cakamura Designs

1st print

Trigger warnings: violence.

That we may find joy in unexpected places.

The glossary in the back of the book can be consulted for explanations of races, places, people, and terms used in this book.

Prologue

The golden light of day shone down on the sea of white-cloaked people amassed before the Tomb of Light. Their voices united in the Praise of Light, its words whispered into the wind.

Seven figures moved through the crowd. Their faces hidden behind gleaming golden masks yet their voices sounded clear as they joined in the praise.

Behind them followed the body of Nuana, carried on a bed of white petals, and a mask of bright steel that shone a brilliant silver in the daylight covered her face.

The people who had parted for her fell to their knees, crying out to her, to the Light, to any High Immortal that would listen.

They feared that, without their sacred protector, Humans would fall prey to the darkened wars of their past again. That without the safety of the Light, the Darkness would destroy them.

Behind Nuana followed a stream of High Immortals, each holding a single, delicate golden flower, the sunlight deepening the golden shine of its petals.

The words of the praise faltered as more and more people cried out to their lost Lady passing them. Until none but the High Immortals guiding Nuana sang it.

It was their voices that carried the old words into the wind as they carried Nuana into her tomb to lay her down to rest. An eternal slumber for the Lady of Light.

No one saw the cloaked figure near the entrance of the tomb. The figure that did not cry nor weep, did not sing nor pray. Instead, a whispered promise passed their lips, soft enough for only the shadows to hear.

A promise that would decide the fate of many, mortal and High Immortal alike.

Chapter 1

Ara

Ara stepped out of the carriage and sighed as the warm sunlight washed over her face. She missed its gentle caress while she had stayed in the dark underground city with Aergo’s Blackfangs the past few weeks.

Axila, who still claimed to be a Nuan touched by Darkness, said it would be best to be patient before traveling to Anndar and laying claim to the throne. She had given many reasons; reasons Ara did not care for and did not care to remember.

But she had agreed to it anyway. Even if Axila was lying about what she really was, she still appeared to be loyal to King Egìl, making her of use to Ara.

After weeks, Axila had finally told them it was time to leave. Unfortunately, nobody had mentioned they were taking this carriage which made the journey nearly four weeks long, instead of using Rynn’s magic to instantly appear at Anndar.

Axila and Aergo had agreed that it was best for Ara to arrive as any mortal would, to sympathize with the people of Anndar and the rest of the Shining Lands. Especially after Rynn had mentioned that she would need to win the hearts of the people.

Where are we? Ara asked Axila who had just stepped out of the carriage as well.

We’re in Whitfeld, about a day’s ride from Anndar. Was Axila’s answer.

"And why are we here?"

The day is nearly over, and we should not ride through the night. I assumed you would be happier to sleep in a bed rather than on the side of the road, my lady. Axila gave Ara a smile that instilled a distinct feeling of mistrust in Ara’s gut. Regardless of what unknown plans Axila had at the ready now, Ara did indeed prefer the idea of sleeping in a proper bed than sleeping on the side of the road, even if it was in this poor excuse of a city.

Whispers came from the street now that people were noticing Ara and she became aware of her rather mortal appearance.

Fine, we will stay here for the night, Ara sighed. But I do not approve of you making decisions and plans without me, Axila. I am Lady of Light and it would be wise of you to remember.

Axila bowed her head slightly but Ara turned away from her.

Rynn, can you make me appear less ordinary than I do now? she asked the mage. Her current dress was anything but ordinary, in all truth. It was a dress made from a faint blue lace that still showed most of her pale skin to any onlooker. But beautiful as it was, it wasn’t how a Lady of Light would look.

Rynn nodded, already tapping into his magic. He conjured a long silken dress that was dyed a dusty rose in patterns resembling soft clouds. The dress’s folded straps hugged Ara, showing off her collarbones and smooth shoulders.

There were soft ‘ooh’s’ and ‘aah’s’ emerging from the citizens of Whitfeld who were slowly crowding around her. People of higher status, dressed in their finery and glistening jewels, started to appear.

One of these people, a man, stepped out of the crowd. Around his neck was a rather thick necklace of silver set with a heavy sapphire. He reached out his arms toward Ara with a wide smile.

Welcome to Whitfeld, my lord and ladies, he said.

The man’s squeaky voice took Ara by surprise as the man was quite voluminous, waggling toward her.

It is a true honor to receive a real Nuan in our humble town. Please allow me to introduce myself. He bowed as deeply as he could, which was apparently not very deep. I am Lord Whitfeld, master of this town. May I invite you to my home, my lady? he asked still bowing.

Ara glanced at Rynn, letting him know she wanted him there as well, before she nodded to Lord Whitfeld.

A smile spread across his face as he turned around to walk into the city.

With a deep sigh, Ara followed him. She held her head high, purposefully not looking at any of the people who were eagerly trying to catch her gaze.

Walking through the city, Ara noticed the market stalls were not even half stocked and a good number of people looked a little thinner than a Human should. More so, it was remarkable how few young men and women there were. It seemed the population of Whitfeld consisted mostly of children and elderly people.

Lord Whitfeld led them along the main road, lined with houses of rough stone, dark wood and thatched roofs, until he stopped in front of a building nearly twice the size of the other houses. The door was guarded by statues of swans on either side.

My family’s emblem is a swan, Lord Whitfeld said with a smile, noticing Ara’s looks, before opening the door and welcoming them in.

May I invite you into my ancestral home? I have soft beds and warm food if you plan to stay the night in our town. He let out an awkward chuckle when nobody responded. Ara did not really care to give the man an answer but instead stepped inside. The house was warm and full of light. Scents of food being prepared came drifting from a deeper part of the house, mixing with the subtle scent of wildflowers that hung in the hallway.

Thank you, Lord Whitfeld, for inviting us. It would be wonderful if we could stay here for the night, Axila answered the man with a slight bow of her head. And I think we will gladly join you at your dinner table.

Ara forced a smile toward the man and nodded once. She didn’t need the food, or the sleep to be honest, but Rynn did. And if she needed to rely on the mage’s power to protect her, she would have to make sure he had the strength to do so.

Well, I hope our food matches your standards, my lady. We cannot complain too much here in Whitfeld but the food is still scarce after the winter.

A bad harvest last year? Rynn asked and the lord gave him a crooked smile.

No worse than the last few decades, to be honest my lord. Each year, our young men and women are drafted into the king’s armies to fight the wicked Darkness from the south, leaving us few people to work our farms. We are lucky enough to be able to provide enough for our city and have a little left each year to trade with Anndar, but the winters are tough. The man fell silent for a moment but smiled and bowed to Ara. But I see now that we might stand a new chance at defeating the Shadow Lands and prosper as we once did.

Ara’s mind wandered back to the thin people in the street, the people who had no reason to complain, according to Lord Whitfeld. If the city of Whitfeld was doing well, then how bad must it be for the less fortunate cities?

Rynn, is it possible to conjure food for the poor people of Whitfeld? Ara asked. These were her people now. She was Lady of Light and she would wear the Crown of Light soon enough as well. It now befell her to protect these people from the Darkness lurking in the south, from the terrors of war these people had suffered all their lives.

Yes, but I would have to eat and sleep properly to regain my strength afterward.

Then let us go outside and show the people of Whitfeld what the Light will do for them once I am crowned, Ara said with a smile.

Ara pushed open the doors to the crowd of people still standing before Lord Whitfeld’s house.

"Dear people of Whitfeld. I am Ara, the new Lady of Light. Your lord has told me you have sacrificed many of your young men to fight against the evil of the Shadow Lands. I want to thank you for your loyalty and devotion, and I want to repay you.

I hear that because of your noble sacrifice, you have not been able to harvest the food your town needs and that your winters have been rough. As Lady of Light, I wish to repay your devotion by granting you the food you deserve. To ease your suffering.

Ara gestured to Rynn who stepped into the crowd and gathered his magic.

Around him, crates and barrels started to form. Each was filled to the brim with grain and fruit, even salted meat and cheese.

The people exclaimed in joy and surprise as more and more food appeared amidst them. Some cried out, thanking both Rynn and Ara for their generosity.

When Rynn stopped conjuring food, Ara smiled at the people of Whitfeld. Please take whatever you want, whatever you need. There is enough for all of you. Remember that this is the wealth your city will return to once I am crowned Protector of the Shining Lands. I will end this war and with it your suffering, that I swear on the Light itself.

The people of Whitfeld cheered as she said those last words, immediately diving into the bounty of food laid out in front of them.

Rynn stumbled back to Ara’s side, where Ara could see him trembling as a result of his effort.

She turned to Axila. Get Rynn something warm to eat and make sure he gets the rest he needs.

Axila nodded and took Rynn inside, leaving Ara and Lord Whitfeld alone.

I… I cannot thank you enough, my lady. Your generosity is…

The least I can do to keep my people safe, Ara interrupted. Too long have you lived without the protection of the Light, but no more. I intend to bring an end to this war, to this suffering the Shadow Lands have wrought upon you and your people. We leave for Anndar tomorrow morning. I will assume my position as Protector of the Shining Lands so I can strike down the dark armies of the south and bring peace to the Shining Lands once again.

That brings me hope, my lady. Know that you have the full support of Whitfeld for your crown. We may not look like much, but we still have our influence, Lord Whitfeld said with his deepest bow.

Your support? Ara asked.

Yes, my lady. To claim a crown, one must usually have more than a rightful claim. But I suspect that will not be an issue for you, since it is obvious to anyone that you are meant to be the Lady of Light, seeing the salvation you have brought to Whitfeld. Now, if you will excuse me, I would like to rejoice with the citizens of Whitfeld. Please, make yourself at home, my lady, Lord Whitfeld said smiling widely as he joined the bustling crowd surrounding the food.

Ara nodded and looked at the people. It wouldn’t be too hard to gain their favor. The remaining loyalty for Lady Nuana would work in her favor, being the last Nuan, the last child of Nuana. Aside from that, war had depraved the Shining Lands from much of its wealth and joy. Together with Rynn, she would be able to create a better Shining Lands, a happier one, even before she could destroy the Shadow Lands.

A place like Whitfeld showed the pains the Shadow Lands had caused for the people here. How Megana’s lust for power, for violence, was breaking the world and the balance within it.

Ara thought of Rynn. She could sense how much it had cost him to conjure this food. Perhaps she would test the limits of his power soon. With more power or control he could potentially feed the starving people she was about to rule.

Chapter 2

Inza

The soft blades of grass tickled Inza’s face. She was lying in a field of grass and flowers she had grown this morning, enjoying the results of her magic. It seemed like ages ago since they had entered the vault and saved the island from fire. The seed they had planted managed to cover most of the island with vegetation but there were some parts that had been so damaged by the fire that nature needed extra help.

So Inza had spent most of her days perfecting her magic, growing all kinds of trees and flowers. The rest of her days had been spent talking with Kaell now that they finally had the time to talk in peace. They had had lengthy conversations in which she made Kaell promise never to keep things as important as the effects of her nightmares from her again.

It was still difficult for Inza to accept that she had endangered so many people. Even though Kaell assured her that nobody had ever been killed, her heart was still heavy with guilt.

She had turned to Etaín, who had given her really helpful advice. Etaín understood Inza’s anger as well as her guilt. She had told Inza that, despite Inza’s anger, she would have done the same. You would have worried if he told you, worry that would have turned to fear and maybe even more nightmares, Etaín had said. And there was truth in that.

Still, Inza felt like she would have liked to know it, so that they could have found a solution earlier. And when she had said so to Etaín, Etaín had just smiled.

What happened, happened. There is nothing you can change about it now, only learn from it.

It had been those words that made Inza realize that she should accept her brother’s actions.

She had talked about it with Kaell one last time, the both of them promising to leave it behind them, in the past where it belongs, and to never keep any secrets from each other again.

Inza! Get over here and help your poor brother beat this Gatekeeper master. Kaell’s voice broke her from her thoughts.

Kaell was playing Gatekeeper with Tarm, who had beaten Kaell about a hundred times already. Inza walked over, knowing that even with her help, Kaell wouldn’t be able to beat Tarm.

You do realize that the only way we win is if Tarm decides to let us win? Inza teased.

Shhh, don’t say that. I think we have a perfectly fine chance. I’m onto them. I know their playstyle now.

Inza looked at the board. In truth, she had never been great at Gatekeeper and she would be of little help to Kaell.

Gatekeeper was a board game that was known through most of the world. It was a game based on war-like strategy and tactics.

The game was played on a six-sided board of which the corners were called Gates. Since Tarm and Kaell were the only players, they used just two of the Gates.

Each player could choose a set of game pieces for their army. There were countless sets. Every race had its own, and every set usually had subsets. There was a set for the Kurr, with subsets for each tribe, like the Wolf Tribe set.

Each set had its unique pieces with the most important piece being the Gatekeeper, the Gatekeeper was the piece that stood upon a player’s Gate as a last defense.

You had to defeat a Gatekeeper before you could attack someone’s Gate, and the player with the last Gate standing would win the game.

Gatekeeper games could last hours, which was why Inza didn’t have a particular interest in it.

Inza looked at the board and saw Kaell was playing with the general Kurr set while Tarm was playing with the Sat’oni set, the set of their people.

The Sat’oni were a nomadic people native to a landmass far to the east, according to Tarm. They had a strong tradition of learning songs, stories and customs, only so they could be shared at the great gatherings they called Sat’ireh. Unfortunately, Inza hadn’t had the chance to ask too much about the Sat’oni. Tarm had spent a lot of their time with Raven, playing Gatekeeper or singing songs from all kinds of cultures.

The Gatekeeper’s Sat’oni set was built around the ability to move around the board easily, then attack from multiple sides. Kaell had created a formation to block Tarm since the Kurr set had the ability to regenerate defense quickly while maintaining high attack and could withstand the many attacks from Tarm.

Well, it seems like you are slightly stuck, Inza remarked and Kaell nodded. Attacking meant moving forward and moving forward meant that Tarm could slip into the backline and do some damage there.

Do you have a falcon shifter? That way you could drop in their back line and force them to move, Inza suggested.

I could, but there is no guarantee that they will move to my advantage, meaning I would sacrifice a piece for nothing.

Inza noticed Kaell was looking at a different section of the board. She had meant a section in the furthest corner, in front of the Gatekeeper, but behind Tarm’s valuable pieces which had a low defense rating. She pointed it out through his mind, trying not to think of it as cheating.

Kaell made the move, dropping his most powerful shifter there, surprising Tarm.

The back line consisted of magical support units, which enhanced the other units. Their attacks and defenses weren’t as strong, but they had great special abilities. Luckily, Kaell’s shifter was strong enough to take down three of the bards, seriously weakening Tarm’s army.

Tarm defeated the shifter next turn by simply engaging their Gatekeeper with the shifter.

Gatekeepers had massive defense and incredible attack, but they just couldn’t heal. Most sets required three of the stronger pieces to take down a Gatekeeper. Only a few sets contained pieces that could do it with just two, or even a single piece.

Kaell was about to attack Tarm’s frontline when Etaín shouted at them, gesturing to come over.

Let’s remember where our pieces are. Maybe we can finish the game at a later point, unless you want to start over, of course, Tarm suggested. Kaell scoffed and immediately started sketching in his drawing book.

"If I want to? I’m about to beat you. Of course you would want to start over."

Tarm laughed and checked Kaell’s drawing before they quickly packed the board and pieces in their seemingly bottomless bag. Tarm noticed Inza looking at the bag with confusion.

It was a gift from Lord Or’ore, High Immortal of travel and nomads in general. He gave my people the gift to carry as much as we want in our bags if we devoted our bags to him. A small price to pay for infinite space.

It doesn’t sound like a price at all, Inza said, impressed by a bag that would never be full.

The price is that Or’ore can take anything he wants from any space that is devoted to him. Usually he doesn’t take anything, but he is incredibly fond of carrots, silk and copper. So, just keep those things out of his bags if you want to keep them, Tarm explained.

Tarm, I have a question too, Kaell began. Not about your people or anything. I am just curious how you met Raven. You two seem pretty close.

I don’t think she would like it if I told you the whole story, that is hers to tell. Raven and I have known each other for a very long time. Our paths crossed when she first escaped Arga. She had given in to the Darkness. Allowed it to take control over her. I helped her become her own once more. People often underestimate the power of music and words. It can guide even the most lost back home. Tarm smiled but there was a sadness and pain in their eyes.

Neither Inza nor Kaell dared to ask more. They had suspected Raven’s past was a dark one, one she preferred to keep to herself. Inza doubted Tarm even knew her entire story, if anyone really did.

Could you walk any slower? Raven said it was urgent, Etaín said, hurrying them as they approached the Silver Temple.

What is it about? Inza asked.

I don’t know. Raven went to talk with the Silver Eyed and then this dude in white robes showed up; couldn’t see his face. Then Raven asked me to get you right away.

The dude in the white robes was Master Irion, Lord of Passage and Elebok, Tarm said.

Master as in teacher or Master as in the oldest and most powerful rank of High Immortals? Etaín asked, slowing her pace while she awaited Tarm’s answer.

Both.

Etaín let out a low whistle in response and pushed open the doors to the temple, they saw Raven and the Silver Eyed sitting around a table under the first tree the seed had sprouted.

Inza, Kaell, Etaín and Tarm quickly sat down, and for a moment, nobody said anything.

I called you here because I need to leave, Raven said, her voice sounding colder than normal.

What do you mean, leave? Etaín asked.

I mean I can’t stay here. I was given a task a long time ago and I cannot ignore it any longer. The Silver Eyed has told me time is running out, so I need to leave.

Inza didn’t know what to say, so she stayed quiet. She wondered if anyone knew what this task was.

What keeps you here then? Tarm asked.

Apparently, I can’t leave without you, Raven said, gesturing at Etaín, Inza and Kaell.

What do you mean, you can’t leave without us? Kaell asked.

Raven scoffed. The Silver Eyed will not let me leave without you to complete the task that was given to me thousands of years before you were born. Personally, I think none of you should come along. It is better to travel unseen for there are many who hunt me and my companions. I cannot keep my eye on you all the time, so there is a good chance you will die on the journey. Especially considering I need to go into the Shadow Lands, to Rudn’nu.

Inza was honestly confused now. Why would Raven need them on her journey? And why would she need to go into the Shadow Lands?

It is not only the journey they are needed for. It is for what comes after, the Silver Eyed said and Raven sighed.

Nobody asked the question, but surely Raven knew they all wanted to.

If I can complete this task, it can end the War of Shattered Light. It is, however, likely that some will try and start this war anew. Or so they say. Raven gestured to the Silver Eyed.

So, you need us to complete the journey and end the war even though someone will probably start it again? Kaell asked.

Apparently, yes.

I’m coming, Etaín said. You don’t need to keep an eye on me, I can take care of myself. I don’t know what this task of yours is, but I am more than happy to help put an end to this war. It has gone on for far too long.

It is not up to us to reveal the task. You will have to trust Raven, the Silver Eyed said, exchanging glances with Raven.

We will come as well, Inza said. She looked at Kaell, who nodded after a moment of thought. If the Silver Eyed said it would be their best shot at ending the war, then who was she to stray from that advice?

Besides that, something in Inza’s gut told her that it might be her only option to learn more about that strange dream she had back in the Kurr forests. The dream in which someone warned her of this war and a wound in this world.

It’s nice you all want to come, but I can’t guarantee your safety or that you return home. This task is more important than our lives and I will leave anyone and anything behind to complete it. Do you understand? Raven said with a stern voice. There was no doubt she meant every word of it. Etaín, Kaell and Inza would have to look out for each other if Raven couldn’t.

What is your plan? It isn’t easy to get to the Shadow Lands these days, right? Kaell asked.

Raven sighed, There is no way we will make it to Rudn’nu crossing through the Shining Lands and then the Shadow Lands. Besides, we would have to cross the Dark Bay, and there is really no easy way to do that unseen. So, Master Irion and I figured it would be best to go around both the Shining and Shadow Lands by taking to the seas. Luckily, not all High Immortals hate me, I still have a few friends. Two of them can provide us with passage across the seas and drop us on the coast near Rudn’nu. From there it is a couple of days to the city on foot, but it is the city itself that worries me most. I will stand out in the Shadow Lands, and so will Etaín. There aren’t that many Ilunari in the Shadow Lands and Laretu are not welcomed in most parts of the Shadow Lands, including Rudn’nu. If we manage to get inside the Palace of Darkness, in the heart of Rudn’nu, we have reached the end of our journey.

Inza could not think of any way that reaching the Palace of Darkness would end this war, other then maybe killing Lady Megana, the one who started this war in the first place.

Where will we meet those friends of yours? The ones that can take us across the seas, Etaín asked.

We will meet them in a Dan’um harbor, Uanìl, on the northern shores of the Emerald Scar.

The northern shores? That is weeks of travel from here. We don’t have Aergo’s shadowgates or those white stags anymore. It will be ages before we reach the city, even if there is a clear path through the forest, which seems unlikely, Etaín sighed.

The animals of Kadhren has not abandoned you yet, Laretu. Follow me, the Silver Eyed said, before they walked outside.

On the other side of the bridge stood four silver dragons. Their pearlescent scales were shimmering in the sun, and their wings were spun