Divine Chaos Book One

By Robin A. R. Halsey

He is not what he appears to be.

 

He's willing to face anything just to stay with her, even a torturous afterlife.

 

Kyan understands that Edanna is special, her Druidic soul nearly screams that fact to him. What he does not understand is the connection that seems to exist between them nor why an ancient Druid would be so insistent on her death. As the world around them falls to chaos and his own secrets come to light, he quickly realizes that his attempt to protect Edanna has done nothing but keep her helpless. His actions may have sealed her fate.

 

 

Trigger warnings: This book contains abduction, blood, bones, captivity, childbirth, corpses, cults, death, mental illness, murder, pregnancy, sexual assault, suicide, and torture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beyond the Moment Designs
• Release date: Jul 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781777230319

Robin A. R. Halsey

Robin A. R. Halsey is the mother of three quirky children and the wife of a supportive and ambitious dreamer. Robin has been writing for over two decades, producing numerous poems, novellas, and novels. She is also a self-taught artist with a focus on mostly acrylic paintings. Keep up to date on Robin’s creative work by joining the Creatorium Collective at www.rrmoq.com

Book preview

Homecoming

Chapter 1

T his is it, Edanna whispered while looking down into the kingdom below, I’m home.

The grey wolf at her side paused and stared into the dismal looking place. "This is where you grew up? I can’t quite imagine you living in a place like this."

What’s that supposed to mean?

"Well, I suppose I thought of you as more of a country person. You seem to enjoy the wild. Why were you with the elves so long if you wanted to come back to this?"

My father sent me there thinking that maybe I’d get better. She looked toward the wolf. I was sick quite often as a child and it wasn’t long after my mother died that he sent me away to live with Master Elandi. He told me that the elves could help me.

"That was a long time ago, wasn’t it?"

Yes it was. The smile faded from Edanna’s lips and she looked down into the city. This place isn’t as I remember it.

"You’ve grown older—maybe it always was this way."

You don’t like cities, do you, Kyan?

"I would much rather be in the wild, like you, he answered, but I will be anywhere that you are."

I know. Edanna smiled to herself. Come on, my father will be waiting. I’m eager to see him and my brother.

Kyan moved down the hill toward the gates of the city doing his best not to show Edanna his hesitation at entering the crushing world. "When was the last time you set foot in a city like this?"

It’s been about ten years since I was home. I went to the neighbouring villages with Master Elandi sometimes, but he never actually let me go in. I always stayed outside with Rozlyn and waited for him to return.

"Foolish old elf," Kyan muttered.

Is something wrong?

"I’m sure it’s nothing. The wolf looked around a moment. Come over here."

What is it? Edanna followed him into the trees and watched as his form stretched and grew into a large grey stallion.

"Climb on, he stated, and don’t dismount until we reach your father’s house."

Is that necessary? I can walk just fine.

"Humour me. They certainly aren’t going to let a wolf through the gates of the city, Edanna, Kyan forced a laugh, and it’s less suspicious for you to be riding your horse than walking next to it."

Why do I get the feeling that you’re not telling me something? She climbed atop the unsaddled stallion. I don’t like riding you like some typical animal. I know you’re more than that.

"I question what leads you to believe that." He laughed nervously.

Come now, Rozlyn is a magnificent horse and far different than the beasts we see elsewhere, but even she doesn’t talk to me and I’ve never seen her shapeshift.

"I’m convinced she talks to Master Elandi, Kyan answered, moving toward the gate. I’m also certain that you could talk to her if you tried."

Master Elandi likes to tell me that I could hear the voices of nature if I’d only listen, she mused. When I do listen, all I hear is the wind.

"You’ll get there, I know you will. After all, you can hear me. Kyan smiled to himself and paused near the gate, becoming serious again. Remember what I said."

You worry too much, she whispered and smiled toward the men at the gate. Good day, gentlemen.

My lady, what brings you to our great city? the guard nearest her questioned, flashing her a nervous, but friendly, smile.

I’m en-route to my father’s home, Master Satel Molvare.

You oaf, a voice called from within the gate, do you not recognize her?

Edanna looked toward the man and smiled. Roman? It’s been a long time.

Ten years. He smiled and moved toward her but stopped abruptly when her horse stamped its feet.

"It’s all right, she said into Kyan’s mind, patting the back of his neck, he’s an old friend."

"Edanna, be careful. . . !" Before he could finish his thought, Edanna leapt off him and let out a gasp as her feet touched the ground.

She grabbed Kyan’s mane to keep herself standing and shrugged back from Roman as he reached toward her. The image of the man in front of her was slowly being covered in a thick black mist. What’s happening?

Are you all right, my lady? the guard questioned, stepping between Roman and Edanna.

I will see to her, get back to your post. Roman shoved the guard from between them.

Yes, my lord, of course.

Wait, Edanna pleaded as the guard stepped away from her.

He simply closed his eyes and turned, making his way back to his station.

Come along, my dear, I’ll help you.

Please, just leave me alone, she whispered as her trembling fingers slid through Kyan’s mane and she fell to her knees. She looked up to see Kyan rearing back and forcing Roman away from her.

"Edanna, he said, lowering himself to the ground, can you climb on?"

She reached her trembling hands up to grip his mane and shrieked as someone scooped her up and placed her on Kyan’s back.

Off you go, Roman, she hasn’t come to see you, the knight scolded.

Edanna took a deep breath, feeling as though it were the first she could take since her feet had touched the ground. She leaned forward on Kyan’s neck as he stood and then allowed a tear to fall before looking toward the knight that stood next to them. Sheridan, she whispered in obvious relief.

We were talking about old times, brute, Roman snapped. Your presence isn’t needed.

Sheridan shook his head. When a lady asks you to step away, you do it. What makes you think that they are objects for you to play with?

Roman glanced back at the four men in dark armour who had joined him before taking a step toward Sheridan. You make accusations toward me that must be answered for.

Certainly. Sheridan placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and waited.

After an uneasy moment, Roman began to laugh. We’ll catch up later, Edanna. Once you have rested. He bowed toward her. Sheridan, I will not spill your blood in front of her.

On your way. Sheridan shrugged but kept his hand ready on his weapon while watching Roman and his four men vanish into the city streets. When he was certain that Roman was gone, he turned his attention back to Edanna. Are you all right?

Kyan took a step back, flaring his nostrils as Sheridan reached toward her.

Easy, boy, Sheridan stated, I don’t mean her any harm.

"It’s all right, Kyan, she whispered into his mind, this is my brother."

I see you’ve taken to riding like the elves, Sheridan said gently. No saddle and no reins.

Kyan would never let me fall, she whispered.

Kyan? Well, he is a magnificent steed—but a bit large for you, isn’t he? The knight placed his hand on the horse’s neck and ignored the fact that the creature tensed when he touched it. He stared into the shimmering blue eyes of the horse and took his hand back. He’s a strange creature, I’ve never seen a horse with eyes quite like his.

He’s not from these parts, Sheridan, but he isn’t strange. He’s just protective. Edanna smiled. He’s been with me for a long time.

I’m sorry, Edanna, it must have been a difficult journey. You seem quite tired. He nodded toward her and did his best to shake the unease of standing next to the horse. We should get home.

It wasn’t that bad, she answered then asked with a note of apprehension. Sheridan, when did the streets become so dark? Was it like this when I left? Did I really not notice this?

Things have changed. He hesitated.

You should have told me. Your letters led me to remember this place as perfect.

How could I shatter that image for you in a letter? Sheridan smiled up at his sister. I know you remembered this place with a note of paradise—it was a child’s view of what this place once was. Why destroy that?

"I would have done the same thing," Kyan added.

"Trust you to side with him, she stated and turned her attention back to her brother. I’m no longer a child, Sheridan, you don’t need to protect me from the truth."

You’ll always be my little sister. He nodded and focused his eyes on the road. Do you think you’ll be staying long?

I hope so.

Kyan looked out over the small yard and the cramped looking house in its center. He understood that even such a place signified a higher class within the society of the city but it looked cold and uninviting to him. From somewhere behind the house he heard the unmistakable sound of hooves and watched a middle-aged man emerge on horseback.

Father! Edanna cried with excitement and shifted on Kyan’s back.

Kyan moved abruptly, preventing her from dismounting.

I’m safe here, she whispered.

No need to dismount, my child. Satel smiled at his daughter and reached across to hold her a moment. After letting her go, he turned his attention to her horse who he was sure he had seen act against her attempts to get to the ground. A friend? he questioned.

Yes, Edanna answered, a very good friend.

Satel smiled. Your mother always made friends with the animals around her. I expected that someday you would too.

Animals are just animals, Sheridan scoffed. You always speak of magic and fantasies, Father. There is no such thing.

Satel chuckled. I once said that to your mother. Get your horse, we’re not staying here tonight. We’ll head for your mother’s cabin in the woods.

Why there? We haven’t stayed there in years, Sheridan questioned.

Your sister will be more comfortable there, you know that, Satel replied.

Sheridan sighed, then hurried away without another word.

I don’t mean to be a disruption.

Sheridan may not have stayed in the cabin much these past years but I have. It is where we will go for your visit.

Visit, Father? Edanna choked on the words. Am I not home for good?

We shall see. Satel smiled. For now, think not of leaving. You’re home.

Kyan nodded his head without thinking and noticed Satel’s eyebrow raise but the old man didn’t say a word. No doubt he was just as skeptical as his son. After all, Sheridan had to have learned that attitude from somewhere.

The group headed down the dark city streets in silence with Satel leading and Sheridan in the back. Edanna glanced down each side street they passed and grew more and more uneasy about the state of the city. As they travelled, she tried to tell herself that she would be happy to come home and live in this place but it was getting difficult to convince herself of that.

"If I were home for good, would you stay here with me?" she questioned.

"What kind of guardian would I be if I didn’t? he answered. I told you the day we met that I was sent to protect you and I will do so wherever you are."

"Would you hate it?"

"It wouldn’t matter, he replied. For you, I will face hell itself."

Edanna shuddered at the conviction in Kyan’s voice. "I hope it never comes to that."

Edanna, is something wrong? Sheridan questioned. You shivered a moment ago.

It’s a bit cool this evening, she answered.

The cabin is just ahead, Satel stated. Once you’re inside and out of the night air, you should warm up a bit.

Edanna nodded and looked past her father at the white horse wandering around outside the cabin. Master Elandi is here.

He arrived ahead of you, Satel answered, leaping down from his horse and handing Sheridan the reins before approaching his daughter. He held his hand up to her. He advised me that you would likely be more comfortable out of the city. It should be safe for you to step here.

Kyan stood perfectly still as Edanna slid off his back and into her father’s arms. He took a moment to breathe in the clean air of the countryside and watched as Edanna was led toward the cabin by her father.

Sheridan, once you’ve stabled our horses come inside. Don’t bother with Rozlyn or Edanna’s horse, they’ll be fine on their own, Satel called to his son who was already headed toward the stables.

Sheridan looked over his shoulder a moment at his father and caught sight of Edanna’s grey stallion moving toward the trees. As it reached the edge, he saw the creature look directly at him and watched as it shrunk and changed into a small grey fox before vanishing into the woods. He stared at the tree trunks and attempted to make sense of what he had seen but quickly determined that his mind was simply playing tricks on him and continued toward the stables.

Edanna turned before entering the cabin and saw Kyan shifting into a fox, his eyes glimmering mischievously. She followed his gaze and smiled to herself as she caught the look of disbelief on her brother’s face and stifled a laugh.

What are you smiling about, young lady? Elandi questioned sternly. You’re late.

How can she be late when we didn’t know when she would arrive? Satel mimicked Elandi’s tone. You could have stoked the fire.

It’s not my cabin. He shrugged. You’re not a very good host, are you?

Satel and Elandi glared at each other a long moment before warm smiles spread across their faces and they laughed. We didn’t have time for pleasantries earlier, did we?

No, but we do now. Let’s all have a seat. Elandi turned his focus to Edanna and frowned. What happened?

Edanna looked at the ground. Nothing. She shrugged. How did you get here before us?

Rozlyn is quick. Elandi moved away from the entrance and deeper into the cabin, flicking his wrist and causing a few logs to fly into the hearth. And we didn’t doddle as you likely did.

Edanna smiled and took a seat near the fire next to her father. She leaned her head onto his shoulder and closed her eyes and did not catch the worried glance exchanged by Satel and Elandi. She wished to hold onto the feeling of security that she felt at this moment and the joy of being home.

We didn’t doddle that much. She looked toward the door and smiled as her brother entered the cabin.

Sheridan, my boy. Elandi leapt to his feet and hurried toward the man in the doorway. Let me get a good look at you, it’s been so long since I saw you in your armour.

I’ve never seen it. Edanna said softly. You’re quite handsome.

Handsome or not, it’s hardly needed here and it interferes with a proper greeting. Elandi smiled and embraced Sheridan whose armour quickly vanished and reappeared in a pile in the corner. That’s much better.

I never tire of that trick. Sheridan smiled and moved toward the cupboards on the back wall. Will you ever tell me how you do it?

Magic, my boy. Elandi smiled.

Magic. Sheridan laughed, opening the cupboards and quickly going about preparing a simple meal while his father placed a kettle on the fire. We’ll need to go to the market soon if we’re staying here long.

We won’t be, Satel answered with a note of sorrow in his voice.

Elandi looked questioningly toward him but the man simply shrugged.

Edanna, why don’t you tell us of your travels while we eat? Sheridan smiled.

Edanna nodded and began to describe the places she had seen on her trip home, the fatigue gone from her while the group carried on in a light and airy conversation. Laughter filled the cabin as the stories turned to Sheridan and the mischief he had gotten into when he had first joined the knighthood. Edanna smiled, longing for the moment to continue but soon couldn’t help but close her eyes and lean back in her chair.

Time to rest. Satel touched her shoulder.

I’m sorry, Father, she smiled toward him, I suppose my journey has caught up with me. I guess maybe I should have ridden more like Kyan had suggested.

Kyan? Satel choked on the name.

My companion. She smiled at her father and caught a look in his eyes that she did not understand. Is something wrong?

You mean your horse? he questioned.

Yes, she stuttered.

Satel looked toward Elandi and smiled at his daughter. Sheridan, help your sister upstairs.

I can make it on my own. Edanna looked up as Sheridan offered her his arm. I don’t want to take you away from visiting.

I’m sure I won’t miss much. They’ll likely start in on boring things soon. Sheridan laughed. I think I might take my horse for a run. He hasn’t been out of the city lately and he’ll enjoy the country air.

The two moved slowly up the stairs to Edanna’s room and Sheridan did his best not to show his concern as he nearly carried his sister up the final steps. Reaching her room, he opened the door and ushered her inside.

Sheridan, why was Father startled by Kyan’s name?

I’m not sure. It’s a unique name but, he paused, I feel as though I’ve heard it before. Perhaps Father has too.

When I met Kyan, I felt as though I were simply reconnecting with someone I had known forever. He told me that he was my guardian and that he was sent by the gods to protect me.

Protect you from what?

I don’t know. Edanna laid back and closed her eyes. I know you saw him, Sheridan—near the trees.

I just saw your horse go into the forest, that’s all. Sheridan kissed his sister’s forehead and then moved across the room.

Why do you doubt your own eyes? she whispered.

He paused and looked back toward her. Good night, Edanna, he said gently and continued out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Sheridan made his way back down the stairs, lost in the question his sister had whispered. He paused at the base of the stairs and looked back up toward her door then shook his head. His eyes had played a trick on him, nothing more. Animals didn’t shapeshift, magic didn’t exist. He smiled to himself and continued toward the main chamber of the cabin, stopping when hushed voices reached his ears.

He was quite fond of her and they had a connection that went beyond this existence. Would it truly surprise you to know that he has chosen to protect her? Elandi sighed. Since when do you believe in such things?

Don’t speak to me in such a way, he growled. This is my daughter’s safety we’re speaking of.

Would it be more comforting if I simply said that she chose the name?

Kyan is not a common name, Elandi. Not in these parts and not amongst the elves. It’s an ancient name, a Druid name, you know that, he answered, focusing on the fire. They never spoke of him again after that night, they didn’t even seem to remember him.

It was quite traumatic for all of you. You took the boys in, raised and protected them as your own. He matched Satel’s gaze. You still call one of them son.

Elandi, Kyan died in the fire with my wife. His body is buried near to hers. You were there that night.

His soul was not permitted to rest, Satel, Elandi said softly.

Is he a wraith?

He is in death, who he was in life. He wishes to protect her, nothing more.

Sheridan took a step back, uncertain what to make of what he had heard between his father and the old elf. Shapeshifting animals, magic, and now wraiths—none of this was possible. None of it made sense.

You still call one of them son. Elandi’s words echoed in Sheridan’s mind. He thought back to the night his mother had died, the fire that had killed her, but could find no other victim in those memories.

He took a deep breath to steady his thoughts and entered the room, joining the two men. They looked up toward him and Satel looked away. Father? He stood rigid in the doorway.

How long were you standing there? Elandi questioned.

Too long, I imagine, he answered.

Sit down, Sheridan, Satel sighed, it’s time you knew the truth.

Sheridan shook his head. The truth? He took a step back turning and hurrying from the cabin.

Sheridan, wait! Satel called.

Give him some time, Satel. He just needs to sort through what he heard. Elandi sighed. I’m sorry I didn’t realize that he was there.

I don’t believe there is time, old friend. It may fall to you to explain the truth to him.

What do you mean by that?

I haven’t been well for some time. He nodded to himself. I’ve kept it from Sheridan. It was simple enough with him gone on campaign so often but I’m not sure how much longer I have. It’s this reason that I begged you to bring Edanna home. I wanted to see my daughter one last time.

Kyan watched from his perch in the treetops as Sheridan hurried from the cabin, moving quickly toward the stables where he emerged with his horse and rode off. He listened a short while to the sound of the horse’s hooves but quickly turned his attention to the nearly inaudible footsteps approaching him.

I know you’re around here somewhere, lad. Come on down, Elandi called and waited. You’re not in trouble.

Why would you assume that I thought I was in trouble? Kyan questioned, leaping down from the branches and landing in front of the old elf. He dusted off his tattered trousers then turned his shimmering blue eyes to the man in front of him.

Typically, you hide when you think you’re in trouble or when you’re hurt, Elandi shrugged, and for once you’re not hurt. I gather you knew it was me or you wouldn’t be in this form.

I know her footsteps. Kyan looked away a moment. How is Edanna?

She’s tired but otherwise unharmed. The old elf nodded.

You shouldn’t have sent her alone into the city.

I didn’t. I sent her with you. Elandi sat down on the ground. You’re angry with me.

You put her life in danger, why wouldn’t I be angry? Kyan snapped. You act as though you know me, but what evil do you know of that can be trusted? How can I be connected to a Druid woman? I’m a wraith—unnatural.

What you are is complicated. He shook his head. You call yourself evil, yet you still care about her. Why did you save her that day in the woods? Why not just let her die? You didn’t have to intervene.

I couldn’t let that happen, he whispered.

I know. I trust you, Kyan. You’re the only one who doesn’t.

I know my own mind. Kyan paused and laughed. Master Elandi, in this world there are few that know what I am. You are the only one who trusts me. I don’t think that you should let her and I be alone anymore.

Did something happen? Elandi questioned.

In the city, there was a man that Edanna knew, he started slowly. Did she tell you about what she saw?

No, Elandi focused on Kyan, what did you see?

As he approached, he was slowly being devoured by a dark shadow. I know that she saw it too. She was frightened.

That’s hardly a reason why you two should be chaperoned. It seems to me that you protected her.

I did what I could, but a horse isn’t much of a fighting creature and I couldn’t shift my form. Kyan shook his head. This man, Roman, he radiated with a familiar power. Master Elandi, I know whose power it was.

Elandi shifted back to his feet and stared into Kyan’s eyes. No two creatures have the same power, Kyan, he stated firmly. Are you sure it wasn’t just similar?

It was this man that prevented me from shifting, I know it. I felt as though I couldn’t move, couldn’t control my actions. I fought against it but if Sheridan hadn’t come, I don’t know what would have happened. It is Heiress’s power that runs through this man. Who else but her could have such control over me?

Elandi nodded nervously. I think it’s best we leave in the morning. Keep watch tonight, lad, and find me if anything seems amiss.

Are you sure? he asked with obvious unease.

I trust you, he said firmly, and rest assured, I won’t let you be taken.

What choice will you have? A wraith is controlled by the one who gives it life. If this man who uses a fraction of her power could do such things to me, what hope would I have against her?

Stay strong, he said firmly. If you don’t find a way to stand against her, she will take Edanna from us and she will kill her.

Kyan’s image shimmered and he took on the form of a grey wolf. "I pray that your faith in me isn’t misplaced," he whispered into the elf’s mind.

Chapter 2

Edanna opened her eyes and smiled. Moonlight drifted through the cracks in the curtains and illuminated small spots within the room, reminding her of days in her childhood where she had woken in this place. She laid there a moment, reflecting on the fact that the cabin had always seemed more like home to her than their house in the city. She had never been as weak here and it seemed that her mother had preferred this place as well.

The smile still on her face, she sat up and pulled the blanket around her shoulders. The room was cool and the curtains had begun to flutter. Edanna moved slowly across the floor, pulling open the curtains and reaching up to pull the window closed but not before her eyes caught sight of movement within the yard. She stared down at the three figures, then smiled. In front of her, she could see Sheridan, much younger, and herself playing in the yard with another boy. The smile faded as she watched herself fall into the arms of the stranger. Sheridan rushed toward the cabin and the boy held her tightly. She held her breath as the boy suddenly turned his shimmering blue eyes toward her before everything she was seeing vanished.

The eyes of the apparition seemed so familiar and yet she could not recall ever seeing the boy before. She turned from the window and gasped as she saw that the far wall of her room was engulfed in flames.

Father! she cried in fear, backing against the windowsill, her eyes wide. Help me, please! Can anyone hear me?

While the flames continued to move toward her, Edanna frantically searched for a way out of the room, turning to the window as her last resort and hurriedly shoving it back open. She looked down at the ground below her, which almost