Balance: The Gateways Series, #3

By Robin A. R. Halsey

They are the last ones.

 

The gods expect unwavering loyalty from their expendable servants.

 

Daray entered the sacred fire willingly. He reminds himself of that often to keep his faith in the divine promise firm in his mind. Ensuring her future is his only goal and he is willing to sacrifice anything to see to it that she's safe.

 

As the power of chaos grows, the demons increase in number, and Daray is forced to recognize that the gods will disregard their promises when it suits them. He is forced to admit that he needs help to protect her and even that might not be enough.

 

Elemental magic and mortal balance connect to challenge the path to the gateways.

 

 

**Continue your journey toward the gateways today!**

 

 

BALANCE, book three in this grimdark fantasy series, provides a precarious glimpse into the world of those who follow the gods and the consequences of their loyalty.

 

The Gateways

In an attempt to end the great war, the fates endeavoured to seal the seven gates, placing six keys amongst the divinely born to appease the demands of the gods. Unbeknownst to the gods, the fates bound their enemy, the daemons, as guardians to the mortals of Graythal.

This knowledge was then buried in legend and mostly forgotten.

 

Trigger warning: This book contains abductions, blood, bones, classism, corpses, cults, death, dying, forced captivity, kidnapping, past trauma, poisoning, pregnancy, PTSD, self-harm, violence, vomit, war, and weapons.

 

 

The Gateways Series

Book One - Catalyst

Book Two - Sighted

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beyond the Moment Designs
• Release date: Feb 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781990250071

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

Division

A picture containing mammal, black, domestic cat, staring Description automatically generated Chapter 1

H as the creature attacked anyone?

No one seems to be on the streets this evening.

Saben glanced out the window at the setting sun then nodded at the young man. Have the doors to the temple opened and instruct everyone to retreat to their chambers. If this beast intends to enter here, we shall allow it.

Father Lorcan?

Our relics will protect us, he said confidently. I will not see our temple damaged needlessly. I have faith in the gods to guard us and you must as well.

The young man took a step back.

Quickly now.

Yes, Father.

Have you returned to take her from us? he muttered, watching the library door close before forcing himself across the room, out a side door, and into the warm evening air. Saben hurried through the empty courtyard and into the gathering hall, quickly focusing his attention on the large open doors.

Out, he ordered as he caught sight of three fellow priests lingering near the door.

This creature is—

To safety this instance. Should the creature make it past this room you will be needed.

The three looked at each other before staring again into the shadows outside the open door.

Do you not trust in the gods to protect us? Does your faith fail you now when you need it most? he snapped.

How can we leave you to face this darkness alone?

This is my place. He stood tall, forcing his shoulders back. You will leave or become casualties. The choice is yours, he added, moving toward the altar where he retrieved a long intricately carved staff. Gripping the staff, Saben looked up to see the three priests leave the room and sighed, turning his attention again to the open door and watching as an unnaturally large black bear hesitantly entered.

Saben moved from behind the alter, cocking his head as he forced his steps to propel him toward the creature that remained close to the door. With the distance between them shrinking he paused and peered at the creature and nodded before lowering his staff slightly. Twenty years and you haven’t changed.

The bear took a forced step forward and stopped.

Where is your master? he questioned and watched the bear turn away from him. Saben dropped his staff to the ground, hurriedly removing his robes and shoving his silver hair out of his eyes before approaching the black bear. Carefully moving the thick black cloak that obscured the bear’s rider, he held his breath. I’ve been preparing for your return but I never expected it to come this way. He’s . . . what has passed him by these long years?

The bear turned her head and focused on the priest.

There is a cabin to the south, it’s outside the city walls and hidden away. Trust your senses to guide you there and I will meet you as quickly as I can and tend to him. Do you understand?

The bear nodded and hurried back toward the door and out into the evening air. Saben followed the creature and closed the temple doors, staring absently as his mind raced.

I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you in anything other than those robes, Acacia said softly. Was that the sign you have been looking for?

Lady Acacia! he gasped. What are you doing out here? Why are you not in your chambers?

You left me in the library. I’m still not sure why I came, she answered. I’ve never disobeyed you before.

Forgive me for having left so abruptly. I should have seen to it that you were safe.

Nothing can touch me within these walls, she said softly. Father Lorcan, why was that creature here? You told it that you were expecting it, didn’t you? Was the bear’s rider a—

It’s difficult to explain, he said, picking his robes up and folding them numbly, but I will try when I return.

You’re going to help him?

Lady Acacia, I understand that it might appear—

I’m going with you, she said firmly.

No, you must stay here. You are safe here.

I am safe with you, Father Lorcan, and only you, Acacia answered, shifting from foot to foot, her blond hair swaying slightly. You have made it clear to me that I can only trust you.

When did I ever say such a thing?

Not in words, but actions, she answered. Less than an hour ago, you had me hide in the library when you could no doubt sense that it was one of our own who was approaching. That wasn’t the first time, either. Why make me hide from your brethren if they are not a potential threat to me?

You don’t understand.

Before you force me to stay, I want to show you something, she said, taking a breath to steady her nerves as she removed a small book from her pocket. Acacia waved her hand over the book and it quickly grew in size.

You should not be using magic.

You should not have used it in front of me if you didn’t want me to learn it. Acacia sat the book down on a nearby pew and opened it. These are my drawings, Father Lorcan. Tonight was not the first time that I have seen that bear. She has come into my dreams.

Saben held his breath as he stared at the image and reached forward with a trembling hand to turn the page. He stared at the drawing of the young man depicted on the following page then the demon on the next. Why have you never shown me this before? Why have you never told me?

I feared your actions, she said softly, taking the book and holding it tightly, her eyes focused on the ground. I feared what you might think of me for dreaming of such creatures.

They are nightmares, he answered.

I did not draw these because I fear them. I drew them because I know them.

My child, that’s not possible. Saben placed his hand on her shoulder. Now please, go to bed and not a word of this to anyone.

Father Lorcan, she called after him. I will follow you, even if you forbid it. He told me that I must.

The demon?

An old man in my dreams.

Dreams are often confusing, he stated. We will discuss them when I return.

Acacia hugged her drawings and took a deep breath. Saben, you cannot leave me behind.

Saben stopped midstep and could not stop his body from trembling. Did this man tell you my name? he questioned, slowly shaking his head. Saddle the horses and make sure you’re not seen.

The truce stands. We will be fighting alongside the Brouk Army. Is that clear? Terran looked around at the men focused on him. "These creatures are merciless and I have seen firsthand what they are capable of. Why they are moving toward Echo Mountain, we don’t know for certain but we assume that they mean to take the temple. The monks are peaceful, they know nothing of war, and will likely be unable to protect themselves.

Our first order is to evacuate the monks from the Temple of Earth. If the demons reach them first, they will be slaughtered.

Lord Terran, is it true that you’ve been singled out by these creatures? a voice from within the crowd questioned. Word is that you’ve been hunted by the demons for many years now.

Hunted? Terran laughed. I’m no more hunted than any other man on Whryx. It is true that I have been forced to defend my land on occasion but is that so different than any other landowner?

They’re looking for something, right? Would it not save lives to just hand over whatever it is that they want?

We don’t know what the demons are searching for and for a moment, let us say that we did. Terran chose his words carefully. "It is likely something dangerous—something powerful—would it be wise to hand over such a thing?

As I have said, these creatures are merciless. Even if we could attempt a form of peace with them, it would not last. They want power and they want our world and we simply cannot give it to them. We would be dooming future generations to live as slaves to these creatures. I would rather die than see those I care about in chains.

Terran looked out over the hushed crowd. There is no bargaining with these creatures. They know nothing of peace.

There’s no one here, Acacia whispered. Do you think that he couldn’t find it? She slid carefully from the saddle and peered into the trees that surrounded the cabin.

They’re here. Saben sighed. Do not look with your eyes but instead with the connection that you seem to have with them.

Connection? I don’t understand, she said softly. I’m sorry, Father.

The old priest nodded slowly, dismounting from his horse and looking toward the eyes that were watching their every move. I was warned against teaching you such things but your decision to follow me into the hall led me to believe that perhaps you had accessed such knowledge on your own. I must have been mistaken.

Acacia nodded and watched the old man wave his hand over the locked door before pushing it open. She hurriedly removed the herb-laden bags from the horses and followed him inside.

Place the bags over there on the table, he said as he went about lighting candles to illuminate the cabin. Then go into the room in the back and prepare the bed for yourself, he added, handing her a small candle-lit lantern.

Is there nothing that I can do to help with the stranger?

If I require your help, I will ask. It would be best that you get some sleep, he replied. And Lady Acacia, no spying on me again. I do not want the stranger to see you until after I have spoken with him. Do you understand?

Yes, Father, Acacia answered with a slight bow of her head, her braided blond hair shifting forward. Good night.

Saben listened to the sound of the door opening and closing at the back of the cabin before moving quickly to the cabin door and pulling it open. He stared at the large black bear before waving his hand and enlarging the doorway, allowing the creature to enter. Bring him over here, he said as he approached the nearby bed.

The bear moved hesitantly toward the bed, laying on the floor next to it and remaining still as the priest carefully moved the rider off her back.

Will you stay with him or do you prefer to be outside? he asked and watched as the bear moved hesitantly toward the door. I assure you that I will do everything in my power to help him. Causing yourself discomfort will do him little good.

The bear nodded and walked out the door with Saben following. I am taking the spell off the doorway just so that the cabin looks normal. If you wish to come inside, simply come to the door and I will replace the spell. He waited and the bear nodded hesitantly before turning and vanishing into the woods.

Saben quickly turned his attention to the man now lying in the cabin and removed the cloak that covered him. Where have you been all these years? he questioned, carefully prying the clothing away from his wounds before methodically cleansing and dressing them. He paused, staring at the tattoo that climbed the length of his spine and stretched out across the left of his back.

If I had any doubts before, they’re gone now. You are Daray, the boy who came to the temple all those years ago, he whispered, moving the candle closer to the man’s face. You are also the man in her sketches. What brought you into her dreams?

With the man’s wounds now dressed, he eased him back into his torn trousers and covered him with a light blanket before extinguishing the candles around him and retiring to a nearby table. From his pocket, Saben removed a small book and placed it on the table before restoring it to its natural size. After moving a few candles to better illuminate his book, he began to leaf through the pages and was soon deep in study.

Good morning, Solana, Flint said as he looked up from his work in the garden.

Good morning, she replied softly. It’s hot out here today.

The sun’s doing its job, he answered, getting to his feet and smiling. I’ll be right back. Just stay here.

Solana smiled and watched Flint vanish inside the house, returning quickly with a long, partially cloth object in his hand.

I got this for you when I was in the city. There was a woman selling them in the market. I thought it might help keep the sun off a bit. Flint forced himself to pause and take a breath. It’s a parasol.

A parasol? she questioned, looking at the object. What is it supposed to do?

Flint smiled and moved beside her, gently taking her hand and sliding her finger over the catch, moving the mechanism upwards and causing the cloth to spread out. He then coaxed her to shift the material behind her shoulder so that it shaded some of her upper body, carefully moving the loose white strands of her hair away from the parasol. There, that should help a bit.

Solana smiled at Flint and nodded. Thank you. You’re always looking out for me.

I . . . , Flint stuttered and smiled then looked away. I should get back to work. Mother asked me to get as much of the garden cleaned out as possible this afternoon.

Solana nodded and watched him return to the garden before following him, carefully trying to match his footsteps.

What’s wrong? he looked up, watching her gaze into the distance.

Terran, she said slowly.

There’s been no word from him, Flint answered, returning to his task, but don’t worry, campaigns can take a while sometimes and we don’t often hear from him when he’s travelling. He’ll be back before you know it.

Solana nodded slowly and looked out toward the road that led to the house. I’m worried, she said softly. Something bad is coming.

Flint leapt to his feet, shoving the brown hair out of his eyes with his dusty hand and following her gaze. Do you see something?

I feel it, she answered, looking into Flint’s brown eyes. Sadness comes to us. It’s on the wind.

Flint took Solana’s hands and looked deeply into her eyes. Everything will be all right. Terran will be back soon. This isn’t the first time we’ve gone this long without any contact, he said softly. I promise, no harm will come to you so long as I can stop it.

A picture containing mammal, black, domestic cat, staring Description automatically generated Chapter 2

Saben woke with his head nestled in the pages of his book. A beam of light that had snuck through the small crack in the curtains was gently illuminating the room and its direction let him know that it was still early morning. He leaned back and stretched his sore body, silently scolding himself for falling asleep at the table, and glanced toward the young man who was still asleep in the bed across the room from him.

You seem to have survived the night, he said as he approached, kneeling next to the bed and carefully moving the blanket to survey the bandages before his attention was taken by a sound outside the cabin. I believe your wild friend is here to check on you. You are fortunate to have someone so loyal in your life.

Saben hurried to the door, waving his hand to enlarge it before opening it and allowing the bear to enter the cabin. He’s still alive but I’m afraid there is no real change, he said gently. I must check on the woman who travels with me. I shall leave the door open for you.

After waiting for the bear to acknowledge him, the priest moved down the hall and knocked softly on the closed door which quickly opened.

Good morning, Father. Acacia smiled warmly. How are our guests?

It’s unclear at this point, he answered with a simple shrug of his shoulders. I will know more when the man wakes. Until then, I must be patient.

Shall I assume that we will be staying here a while longer? she questioned.

My child, do you understand the dangers that we are in? he asked firmly. We are away from the safety of the temple walls and the protection of our brethren. We are in the company of a demon and his familiar. We could be found out and the penalties for harbouring a demon are severe. Do you understand that?

Acacia focused her gaze on the ground, the smile gone, and shook her head.

Saben took a breath. I’m sorry. These things are foreign matters to you. I have sheltered you too much from this world.

You did what you thought was best, she answered softly.

I have tried to protect you, just as I promised I would, but in doing so I have kept much from you and have caused you to keep things from me. Important things.

I don’t know what you mean, she answered sharply.

Come, we’ll speak where we can have a seat and a cup of tea, he stated. Bring your sketchbook.

My sketchbook? she questioned nervously before nodding. Of course, Father. I will be along shortly.

Acacia held tight to her book, peering around the corner of the hall and listening to the one-sided conversation happening ahead of her. Does he understand you? she questioned, fighting to pull her gaze from the large bear as she made her way to the table. Peering at the man asleep in the bed, she was startled as a mug was placed in front of her along with a small loaf of bread.

Let us bow our heads in thanks, Saben whispered. We shall say our prayers in silence this morning to avoid disturbing our guests.

Acacia tore a small piece of bread from the loaf and forced her attention to remain on the old man at the opposite side of the table. Father, would our prayers harm them?

No, he answered, though it may make them uncomfortable. The deities to which their kind pray are different from our own.

Are they evil?

The concept of good and evil is a creation of mortals, not of the gods. In the realm of the gods, there is light and there is darkness and the two create a balance that is reflected in our world. There was a time when this realm understood the importance of balance but the knowledge of the ancients has been lost over time and, like magic, is difficult to find in the world in which we live.

But, Father Lorcan, everyone in the temple has magic. I have seen it used.

Healing magic is still fairly prominent in our world but it is difficult to find anyone who truly understands its power and therefore, difficult to find anyone who can truly use their gifts. What we do at the temple is aid in the healing process but it cannot truly be considered healing magic as it once was.

Acacia stared at the bread in her hands. Can you use true healing magic? I have seen you bring people back from what seemed like death—is that what true healing magic is?

I have never brought someone back from death and you should consider such a thing impossible. He sighed. Never forget that there must always be a balance in the world.

The young woman nodded and continued to fiddle with the bread in her hands before gently shaking her head.

You have barely touched your food.

She nodded and finally placed the bread back on the table, glancing toward the strangers. We’re not going back to the temple, are we?

What makes you say that?

Their presence, she said softly.

Saben sighed and placed his cup down on the table in front of him. Perhaps I have been trying to put this off but I suppose there will never be a good time. Let’s take a look at these drawings of yours.

Acacia hesitantly moved the book from her lap to the table. She placed her hands on top of it and looked into Saben’s old blue eyes. What is it that you are looking for?

I’m not certain, my child, but you need not fear showing me these images. I assure you, they will change nothing. Your secrets are safe with me.

Acacia nodded and slid the book across the table. I’ve been drawing these for as far back as I can remember. Every time I had a dream about them, it felt so important—so real. I had to make sure that I kept a record of it and that I didn’t forget what I had seen.

What made you feel that way?

I don’t know, she whispered. I felt a connection with them. I knew they were likely nothing more than a figment of my imagination but I couldn’t just let it go.

Interesting, he said as he opened the book and looked at the first image, that of a young boy standing in a swamp, obstructed by several low-lying branches with a large black bear standing close behind him. Saben continued to leaf through the pages, doing his best not to show how startled he was when images of Daray near the healing temple appeared throughout the sketches. You saw these two a lot over the years, didn’t you?

There were fewer nights that I did not see them. Often it was nothing more than a glimpse and they were gone. There was nothing to record those nights.

You have seen these characters in some foul places. These dreams must have frightened you, he said as he continued to turn the pages.

It is because of the darker images that I pray that these two are not connected to my dreams. While I would like to ask them questions, understand my connection with them, I do not wish upon them the nightmares that I have witnessed.

Yes, he said absently. I can understand that. Some of these days were no doubt quite troubling. Things I could have perhaps prevented if I had only known.

You could have prevented my dreams?

Saben pulled his focus from the book. In a manner of speaking, he said hurriedly.

Father Lorcan, she said as she pulled the sketches away from him, what is it that you are looking for? What can you hope to learn by searching through my drawings?

Saben stared at the young woman nervously. My child, there are things that you do not know or understand about this world or about yourself.

What kind of things? she asked softly, startled by his tone. Tell me.

Lady Acacia, I am uncertain where to begin but I suppose starting at the beginning might be best, he answered and sighed. You are a very special woman, my child, and there are— he paused and looked toward a sudden noise that had caught his attention.

Across the room, the man in the bed had woken and was attempting to get up.

Saben leapt to his feet and hurried toward their guests. Daray, you’re safe. Just rest.

Acacia watched from her seat as Saben tried to calm the stranger, moving slowly toward him with his hands raised in an obvious attempt to show him that he was safe. Father, wait! she called and cringed as she watched the man slam his body into the wall behind him.

Pain quickly crossed the stranger’s face and he seemed to gasp as he moved slightly away from the wall.

Saben glanced toward Acacia.

There are restraints on him, Father, she said softly.

Saben swallowed the lump in his throat as he turned his attention back to Daray and could see that blood had begun to soak the bandages. Take it easy, lad, the old priest said softly. My son, you must sit still. You are safe here, do you understand me? No harm will come to you here. Your familiar brought you to me last night but it is not the first time that we have met. You know me.

Father, is there anything that I can do? Acacia questioned as she slowly approached the three.

Silence filled the cabin and even the stranger stopped fidgeting as he stood slowly, pulling himself up with the help of his familiar and gently tossing his head to shift the black hair off his face before staring past Saben and into Acacia’s unmistakable silver-grey eyes.

Lady Acacia, fetch our guest a cup of tea, Saben said as firmly as he could then turned and watched as Daray sat slowly down on the edge of the bed. She’s a student of mine from the Temple of Light, he said smoothly but as Daray raised an eyebrow the old man sighed and nodded. I was not going to tell you that she was here but I suppose that you would have figured it out anyway, wouldn’t you? He shrugged his shoulders. You seem to have a connection that passes beyond time and space.

Daray nodded and shifted in the bed before leaning gingerly against the wall. His gaze firmly set on Saben, he nervously stroked Telara’s fur and the stone that hung around his neck soon began to glow.

What is that? Saben took a step back, moving so that Acacia was out of Daray’s line of sight.

Daray looked down at the stone and quickly cupped his hand over it.

Why are you so quiet? the old man questioned. The first time we met, you were quite forceful the way you spoke. What has happened to change that? To change you?

He was silenced, Acacia said softly. She fought the tremors in her hands as she stared at the man on the bed. It is you, isn’t it? I’ve been watching you for as long as I can remember. I’ve seen things, I’ve seen . . . , she hesitated, gripping