The Blue Throne: Chronicles of Cassadon, #3

By NK Fuller

With the tyrannical warlock King Xerxe now dead, and the threat from Ludova finished, Demelda is left the sole ruler of Vallandria. Inheriting a patriarchal kingdom that has never had a queen is no easy feat, especially when she tries to convince the unstable kingdom that she is capable of leading them to glory.

In the midst of facing the troubles in the south, messengers from the north bring worrying news. A new alliance between Mertova and her mother's kingdom, Predentia, forces Demelda ever closer to the final battle.

Her greatest ally, merman Kavic, embarks on a dangerous quest of his own as he sets sail to the treacherous island of Zanzuva to build a bigger army for Queen Demelda.

Battling her doubts, and the fiercest of foes, Demelda struggles with the impending fate of an entire realm.
Has her vision of a free world been for nothing, or will she find the numbers she needs to finally take her cause to victory?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nathan Fuller
• Release date: May 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201475062

Book preview

The Blue Throne

Chronicles of Cassadon Volume 3

By NK Fuller

Copyright 2020 © NK Fuller

Please note that the author is English so spelling is in British English.

Sign up to my mailing list for updates: NK Fuller Website

CONTENTS

––––––––

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Author Newsletter

Copyright

Chapter One

Demelda

Once we've finished, we'd better head off, Gerutho announced as he gathered the last of the pots into a sack, We don't want to travel in darkness, so the earlier we start the better.

I'll dismantle the tent, Kavic spoke up.

Don't forget to take out the furs! Demelda joked with a wink.

Working quietly, everyone tied the sacks onto the saddles of the horses, ready to face their enemy.

Onwards we go, may the spirits watch over us as we continue our journey. Gerutho bowed his head respectfully before leading the small cavalry away from the forest.

With only one short break to replenish themselves, the group carried on until dusk turned the skies above cotton candy pink.

Once the sun sets, we'll have to set up camp, Russimius said whilst looking around, already searching for a clearing ahead.

We’ll press on for some of the night. Kavic looked up at the sky. The sooner we get there, the sooner we’ll bring down King Xerxe.

The last vestiges of the sun dissipated from the canopy of the tall trees as nightfall swooped in. Distant crickets chirped as they began to come to life.

Wait! Gerutho signalled, his hand held up. I hear something.

Demelda strained to see between her companions, who were up ahead. Her horse snuffled as she gently pulled on its reins.

Kavic, what's going on? Demelda leant over her horse to whisper to him.

I don't know. I cannot see.

A deep, prolonged growl caused her and Tyrolina to gasp loudly.

Everyone... stay... quiet. Russimius whispered, splaying out his hands as he did so.

Another rumbling growl, now closer, spooked the horses.

They whinnied and stomped the ground, moving from side to side.

Everyone, form a circle! Kavic ordered, tugging on one side of his horses reins to turn it around.

Pulling on their steeds, the group faced outward, looking into the dense woodland, their horse's flanks almost touching.

There's definitely something out there! Tyrolina fretted above the whinnies.

A whoosh of noise rustled the branches before paws lunged from the blackness, heading straight for Russimius.

Russimius, watch out! Kavic roared.

Sinking its ravenous teeth into the horse’s side, the wolf snarled as the horse bucked, almost throwing Russimius off.

Another hairy beast emerged from nearby ferns, creeping stealthily until it eventually lunged towards Demelda.

She ducked her head, narrowly avoiding the black eyed beast as it jumped over her. Spinning around as it landed on the ground, it drew back its lips. Heart thumping, she edged her horse back as the beast snarled menacingly.

Kavic! Demelda shot a worried look to the others.

They were distracted, helping to fend off the wolf who attacked Russimius.

Fervina held her hand towards the first wolf, shouting a spell that echoed through the woods. The relentless beast flew backwards, smashing into a tree trunk. The animal yelped as it slumped solidly to the floor.

Tyrolina, your left! Demelda yelled when the beast who’d had its eyes on her abruptly turned its attentions towards the mermaid.

With a loud growl, the wolf lunged upward and slashed her cheek with its sharp claws. Tyrolina cried out as her horse turned, knocking the beast away.

Turning, the beast eyed Demelda, coming closer and snapping viciously at her steed’s legs. Her stomach churned as the horse kicked out, catching the beast’s face with its hoof. The wolf screeched and ducked its head.

The creatures were not like any wolves she'd read about. They had two layers of teeth, eyes as black as night with grey ridges that protruded out from their backs.

Heavy boots slammed on the ground as Kavic jumped off his horse. The wolf lifted its head, its eyes widening when the merman launched himself, plunging his sword into its neck. The wolf hybrid convulsed before giving up its life and going limp.

Her hand on her chest, Demelda pushed out her breath. She had never seen her man slay a creature before.

The vegetation nearby ruffled. Turning the horse, she moved closer to Kavic, a gasp escaping her when several creatures crawled out from under the leaves. 

K-Kavic. Her words stuttered, Demelda managed to force them out, We've got a problem here!

They were now surrounded by dozens of hybrid wolves, the high ridges on their backs pushing apart the low leafy ferns. Their stumpy snouts crinkled, they closed in. Graceful steps of their heavy white paws inched them ever closer to their prey.

This is not good, this is not good! Russimius muttered loudly, barely able to control his petrified horse.

Can you pacify them? Demelda asked Kavic. Like you did the wolves from the mountains?

I'm trying. Kavic replied, They're not listening!

His telepathy wasn't working this time, and with the horse's rears having no room to back up any further, they had nowhere to flee.

A snap of twigs, and the incoming approach of men, kept the wolves at bay. Perspiration broke out on Demelda’s forehead as the wolves glanced behind them and rose up out of their pounce stances, licking their lips.

Soldiers with capes and breastplates pushed their way through the branches. Oh no! Demelda's stomach churned instantly upon seeing the men pour through. They were King Xerxe's soldiers.

We've got them! The first man hollered. 

The man she'd dreaded coming face to face with again forced his way through the cavalry to the front row. Xerxe’s grin widened as he eyed them all.

Demelda’s stomach churned at the sight of him, especially when his gaze met hers and he licked his lips.

Ahhh, my dear wife... The king held out a wanting hand towards Demelda, a taunting smile plastered upon his face, I warned you of what might become of you if you disobeyed me.

The soldier’s held burning torches that illuminated King Xerxe's sweating bald head. Demelda knew that his black cape was a bad omen as she glared at him stalking around the clearing. He skipped in a way that was as wild as the wolves.

His pace slowed before he abruptly stopped and reached out to stroke one of the wolf’s furry grey ears. Glancing up at Demelda with a gaze that could smelt metal, he chuckled menacingly. Do you like my pets, Demelda?

Let us pass or we'll have no choice but to kill you! Kavic bellowed as he raised his sword and pointed it at the king.

Kill me? Xerxe jerked his head back. Perhaps my wife forgot to mention that she married a warlock.

The chuckle that followed his threat sent a chill over Demelda. Still stroking the pacified wolf, the king's crazed eyes widened as he studied his wife's rescuer. Recalling the sickening chokes from her sister Agnaline, Demelda knew all too well what he was capable of.

You shouldn't have crossed me. He tilted his head at Demelda before glowering at Kavic.

Taking his hand away from the wolf, he circled his hands, one over the other, until a purple ball formed.

His gaze flicked to Sarone, who was sitting high on her horse, watching the soldiers with a wary gaze.

Sarone, duck! Demelda screamed.

It was too late. The fast forming pulsing sphere of energy smashed into Sarone's horse. She flew straight into a tree as the animal reared and slumped to the ground, dying instantly.

With a push of his hands like he was moving something invisible, Xerxe directed the whole pack of deformed wolves forward.

Go forth and devour flesh, my beauties! He bellowed heartily.

Gerutho and Russimius slashed their swords in an attempt to keep the beasts at bay. One leapt past them and hurled itself at Kavic.

No! Demelda screeched, tipping herself so far over the saddle, her body threatened to fall.

Fervina began shouting a spell, but Demelda didn't have time to wait.

Tussling with the wolf, Kavic wrestled it on the ground. They rolled on top of each other until he began struggling with its force. Demelda gritted her teeth as Kavic barely managed to clutch at its throat to stop it from mauling him. The beast drooled as it snarled and snapped towards his face.

In the background, Demelda could hear Tyrolina's screams as her surroundings blurred. Now it was only her, the wolf, and Kavic in the race for survival.

Charging towards its arched back, Demelda grunted as she plunged her black-handled dagger into the beast. The wiry flesh blocked the blade, preventing it from going deeper, but Demelda was determined. Her body taught, she mustered strength in her hand and twisted. Like a corkscrew, the knife buried in a spiral.

Fur splayed around the handle as the entire knife pushed through. Demelda jolted as the wolf turned its head back, gnashing its teeth before emitting a shrill yelp. The wolf bucked, throwing her off of its back.

Kavic was now free as the beast turned to growl at her. Demelda scrambled backward to look desperately for the knife. The knife. It was still in his back!

The glint of metal caught her eye as another blade was tossed to the earth in front of her, just out of her reach.

A weary Kavic hauled himself up. Take it!

The rest of the pack was closing in on her. It was a race against them to get it. Her legs strengthened by the rush of her survival instincts, Demelda ran toward the knife. The wolves charged, their teeth bared. Almost tripping, Demelda bent, her fingers curling the handle into her palm.

Slashing the air wildly with the dagger, she cried out, her attempt to fend them off working as they began to retreat.

Panting as she calmed, Demelda checked over her shoulder when Fervina started to recite a spell.

Flinging his arm upward, King Xerxe, who had been standing by a tree, away from the attack, laughed as a blue lightning bolt shot from his hand, sending Fervina hurtling to the ground.

I command the lightning, the winds and the spirit of the storm. A seething Xerxe grasped the air.

Demelda shot looks between the wolves and the circling clouds above. Electrified with power, forks of blue flashed down around them and struck the high branches.

Pelting past the wolves, who had Demelda completely cornered, Russimius charged at King Xerxe, slashing his sword. The king shot up one arm and then the other, invoking the trees above. Two leafy vines shot forth from both sides and whipped around Russimius' neck.

Dropping his sword with a clang, Russimius choked loudly. Trying to wriggle free from the vines, he gasped as they slowly began to raise him off the ground. With his other hand, the king whirled his fingers, causing a sudden gale to ignite in the air around them. The swirl of wind dragged Demelda from the ground, whipping her hair around her so she couldn’t see. Metal clanged as she pushed her hair out of her eyes and watched their swords vanish, sucked into the gale’s vortex.

Ahhh!! Demelda collapsed to her feet, screaming when one of the hybrid wolves sunk its teeth into her leg.

Kicking hard, she grunted as the wolf whimpered and backed away. Her leg throbbed as she glanced at the others, a lump forming in her throat as she watched the scene unfold.

Untangling her navy cloak from around her neck, Fervina pushed to her feet. Stepping carefully, she crept behind her brown and white horse, guiding it nearer to the king.

With a cry, she revealed herself, just long enough to shout a spell. Blood from blood, make our enemies fall. Make them turn their swords, all against all!

Foolish woman! You think your magic can outwit mine?

With a swish of Xerxe’s hand, he cackled as Fervina was torn from the ground, her body contorting and spiralling into the whistling high winds.

I'll show you real power!

Pulling both hands back, the king flipped her body before sending her plummeting to the ground.

Wait... the kind said, looking at his men, What are you doing?! The wind abruptly calmed as King Xerxe's focus waned.

Exerted grunts came from around the clearing as the soldiers’ muscles tensed. They were clearly attempting to resist the power of Fervina’s curse.

Xerxe’s face contorted as he backed away, trying to undo Fervina's spell with hurried slashes of his arms. The men's eyes washed red with bloodlust as they turned on one another. Impaling each other with swords, they cried out as blood showered the ferns. They swiftly fell at the hands of their own men, some retreating with frightened whimpers.

Demelda thrust her dagger to keep the beasts at bay. At the same time, she chanced glances toward Fervina as she lifted her head and groaned. The prophetess’ spell was working, bringing down Demelda’s hideous husband. And she wasn’t the least bit sad.

The prophecy... Fervina wiped her mouth, smearing blood from her cut lip, ...is never wrong, and I've seen your undoing.

You're hurt, stay put! Kavic called out to her.

Spitting a jet of blood on the ground, Fervina struggled to a stand. Weak but determined, she called out with conviction as she hobbled to the king.

The blood of the Vallandrian army will drip like sap from the trees in this very forest!

Turning to Demelda, who was exhausted from her efforts to repel the attacking wolves, Fervina flicked her index finger.

Hush these beasts so they'll attack no more, the collars that bind them will silence them evermore!

Luminous blue collars appeared around the wolves’ necks. Letting out barks of distress as they tightened, the beasts whimpered until their limp, choked bodies slumped to the ground.

You think you are my equal? King Xerxe's face screwed up as he eyed the strangled beasts. Now for your utter destruction!

Marvelling at his palm, he conjured a white ball of magic. With a grunt, he threw it forward. The lightning formed into a spherical shield of blinding light, so bright, Demelda could no longer see.

Fervina shouted clearly, her voice travelling through the forest. Is it not me you need to fear.

A slash of a blade and a gurgling cry resounded in Demelda’s ears. Praying that it wasn't Fervina who'd been killed, Demelda opened her eyes. Groaning beside her, Kavic steadied himself and moved to stand beside the prophetess.

As the white light faded, Demelda could finally see what was transpiring. One of the king's soldiers stood directly behind Xerxe, his sword buried deep in the king’s back.

Barely able to rasp, King Xerxe staggered around, his searching hands fumbling as if trying to grab something in mid-air.

Goodbye, husband. Demelda scowled at him.

Blood flooded his throat and spilled down his front. Agonising against imminent death, the warlock fell to his knees and petitioned the skies for help.

As his life force ebbed away among the disturbed leaves, the spell quickly wore off. The soldier tore off his bronze helmet and dropped it, his mouth hanging open in shock.

I've... I've murdered my king! he cried out.

Crouching down, the soldier desperately tried to revive King Xerxe, who lay in a pool of his own blood.

What have you done to me? You made me kill him!

Tell your men to allow us entry into Vallandria without any resistance and we'll spare your life. Fervina ignored his shouts.

Witch! You've caused me to commit the most serious of betrayals, I'll hang for this!

No, Kavic appeased the quaking man as he stepped forward, you will not!

Join the cause that will fulfil the prophecies and end the suffering of the realm. Fervina winced as she beseeched the distressed soldier. Can't you hear her agony in the despair of the calamities that she sends forth?

Kavic. Demelda limped over to them, it takes time for our message to be accepted as the right one.

Then I shall enlighten him. Fervina slowly stepped towards the soldier.

Don't you come near me, witch!

Grabbing his face between her hands, he stilled as she kissed his forehead.

I have passed on to you all the knowledge of what is to come. May you go forth and spread the news of the good changes that we shall bring about. Return to your kingdom and prophesise: Cassadon will smile again when this fight is over. Join the slaves that themselves need to be freed to free her! 

Chapter Two

Demelda

Twigs crunched underfoot as the bewitched soldier ran back through the woods to Vallandria.

Kavic, Demelda and the rest of the group saddled up to follow him.

Fervina, are you ready? She called out.

Just a minute.

Stood beside her horse, Fervina glossed her hands over her body. She sucked in so much air that her stomach contracted.

A healing spell. She reassured.

Come on, Demelda. Kavic shouted from the forest beyond. We must make haste.

Nodding to one another, Demelda tapped her feet in the stirrups as Fervina hurriedly mounted to rejoin the others.

Feeling as though her stomach had been left behind with her husband's body, Demelda drew a sharp breath, aware they were now heading to the kingdom where she'd been crowned the first queen. How would the people react to her as a sole ruler, a woman no less? Images of violent insurrections pained her mind until she felt the warmth of Kavic's smile as he rode beside her.

Do not worry. Have faith that the prophecies will be fulfilled and that everything will go to plan. Kavic winked with the grin that never failed to cause Demelda to thaw.

*

After a couple of miles, Demelda realised that they'd lost sight of the soldier. By now they were coming to the very fringes of Nevertim Forest, where the lush greenery met the drier, desert willow trees of the southern plains. They weren't far from Vallandria.

Pelting onto the dry soil, Gerutho’s horse led the cavalry out into the open. Demelda spied faint flickers of light in the far distance. It didn't feel like returning home, rather a sensation of a condemned woman having to face her jury.  Her throat as dry as the sandy soil beneath them, she remembered seeing how enamoured the Vallandrian people were with their new king, who had promised to take them to glory. Would they ever really accept her?

Use your capes to wrap around your face. It'll prevent you from inhaling the dust, Fervina shouted, awkwardly taking hers off to cover her mouth.

Demelda soon followed suit, as did the others. Hooves skimming across the open, arid land, they made it to the refortified walls.

Sarone and Tyrolina both marvelled at the size of the gigantic angel wings that sat either side of the entrance.

Who goes there? a guard called out from the top of the wall beside the golden gates.

Wrapped in a red and white shemagh to protect his face from the elements, Kavic kicked the horse's flanks, motioning it gently forward as he spoke.

No, Kavic! Let me! Demelda interrupted, urging her steed forward. They'll assume you're just an intruder. Unwrapping her brown cloak from her face, Demelda gave orders. It is I, your queen, who was lost but has since returned, she called.

It's the queen, open the gates! the guard bellowed with a wave.

So what's the plan once we get in? Kavic whispered.

Focusing her gaze intently on the guard, Demelda tried not to look at Kavic as she muttered a reply.

Just trust me on this. If they suspect that I fled, they'll reject me and I'll end up hanging like those unfortunate monks.

Monks? Russimius cut in from behind.

Never mind, she called back, I'll tell you all about that another time. Now follow my plan!

Metal clanked as the elaborate golden gates with harps at the centre, slowly parted.

Entering into an area of pitched tents that housed an impressive array of swords, they trod slowly as guards quickly gathered in columns.

Your Majesty, how we mourned to the angels of your absence, one eager soldier wailed to Demelda as he bowed.

Another proceeded to take off his shemagh, kneeled, and offered his thanks to the cherubs above for her safe return.

Gentlemen, I can assure you that I am quite well. Demelda turned her head to gesture towards the others. These people saved me from the brute of a merman who took me against my will. Please allow us to pass and go to the great temple right away.

Of course, Your Highness. A guard on horseback at the front of the formation volunteered himself. I shall escort you and your rescuers to the temple. Please, follow me.

Demelda nodded towards Kavic and the rest of the group to proceed forward. She sensed their  unease at being surrounded by so many guards as they entered the city walls towards the capital, Atrecia.

Since the revolution, King Xerxe has instituted a tight regime. Demelda leant over her horse to whisper to Kavic as they trotted behind the soldier. If my plan works, they'll still accept my rule as queen and they'll join our cause.

Do you think they'll accept a sole female ruler without their beloved king? he asked Demelda with a raised brow.

Shhh, keep your voice down! That part I haven't considered yet. Let's see what transpires and take things from there.

Although Kavic didn't reply, she knew from his awkward nod that he was not happy with the idea of her returning to a land that she nearly became enslaved in. Reaching over, she released the reins and rubbed Kavic's hand. Do not fret, Kavic. This time in Vallandria, things will be different, she soothed.

How so? Kavic seemed irked, his tone sharp.

Because I have you to protect me.

His hand twisted around to clasp hers, his demeanour softening as she smiled at him lovingly.

Interrupting with a cough, Gerutho shouted to the pair. We're nearly there. Look at the wonders of the ancient capital!

For Demelda, who'd already seen the ruins, they were just a reminder of another power gone by, but she could understand why the merfolk would be captivated by such magnificent monuments. The pillars, colonnades and temples scattered around Atrecia were a sight to behold.

The flickering candles in the shuttered windows of the small crammed houses grew brighter as they reached the outskirts of the capital. Cries from inebriated residents singing along with stringed instruments, drifted from the open windows as the horses trotted through the tapering streets.

Eventually, the group made it up the winding slopes to the main square. Looking up to the moonlit portico, Demelda recoiled as she recalled when she was forced to marry King Xerxe.

Are you alright, my dear? Gerutho's comforting pat on the shoulder snapped her back from her memory as they came to a stop.

Yes, thank you. Demelda shuffled until she could step down safely from the horse.

The guard quickly took Demelda's hand to help her onto the cobbles. The square was quiet, only a row of armoured guards stood outside the temple as a few shadowy figures in the far corners milled about as they relit the waning flames of the bowl sconces.

Kavic's hand pushed itself inside of hers once again, which calmed her jangled nerves. Careful for their romance not to be seen, she made sure their hands were concealed between them.

Her mind igniting with bad memories, she fought to contain the glimpses of the king within her mind’s eye.

Make way for the queen! the guard ordered.

Boots hit the ground in unison as the guards parted to make way for Demelda.

Here we go, Russimius nervously spoke under his breath.

Walking past the guards to the side entrance, the tall, dark skinned guard