Burning Castles

By Suzan Faller

- A boy on the cusp of manhood was supposed to go through the rites of the Water village. Instead the Great Dragon sent him on land where war and greed run rapid. Zane from the waters will have to go and save his endangered brother. But he will also have to stay alive and survive in a group that detests him on a foreign land. Where danger lurks and a conspiracy so twisted will change his life. He meets a small group that consists of a lone self declared Prince. A woman that has a dark secret and is involved with Dolin, the self proclaimed madman that wants to role all the lands. A hardened warrior that will take revenge for his lost child. And a misguided, soft spoken wizard. Together they travel through the lands to reach Dolin and a small army that will clash for power.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781469120478

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Copyright © 2011 by Suzan Faller.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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84314

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We dedicate the cover to Emily Robbins Dreiling.

From,

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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

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

CHAPTER ONE

The Gathering

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Hot and dry, was the only word to describe the misery he felt. What little wind there was did nothing to help cool his overheated body. But than again Zane Falcry should have expected this weather since it was summer.

The time of the year where his family would all gather around, and visit old neighbors and talk about gossip. The time of the year where no birds flew overhead, and no rain danced across the sky. Only the hot burning ball of gas, and the salty water were the Kail’s companion.

The summer was always the harshest for the Kail, for the fish did not eat and the sun was always shinning, burning away any cloud cover that tried to block out the rays. The water constantly moving from underneath them.

Sighing, Zane slouched, and lazily looked around his home. It was not much he admitted silently to himself, as he grasped a hanging rope. Feeling the calm wind blow through his short hair, and caress his weary face.

The Kail tribe lived on wooden platforms, staying afloat on top of the water. The wood, a remarkably dense surface, always moving back and forth.

They only had two large buildings and two small tents. The first building was for the men of their village. The Kel, or den, as the women called it, was a long house made of wood and sea brittle. There windows cut out and framed with green vines. And the floor peppered with grown leaves off the shore.

The second large building was for women and children. The Vail as they dubbed it. It was also made out of the same texture that of the men’s building.

They could not build any more houses for the wooden platforms could only take so much. So the two smaller tents were filled with hunting gear and cooking supplies. While all around the golden brown planks were boats, docking in central parts of the Kails home.

Narrowing his icy blue eyes in annoyance, Zane could see people left and right walking or running on the platforms, preparing for the nights event.

Their hurried movements making the wooden planks sway like a great white, the water splashing as they went their hectic way nonplused. He could feel a hard pressure on his chest, but instead of worrying, it only carved peace in him, reassuring him that the pressure was there.

In the distance Zane could make out his grandfathers boat, docking by one of the lower platforms further North, were the village would store their hard earned kills.

He had spotted the red and white flag from his grandpa’s boat a while ago. Along with all the other different flags from villages that lived out at sea.

The Kail was actually one of the biggest platforms out there, reaching out for miles only to come back in a complex of tangles and rolls.

Lazily, he watched on through narrowed eyes as other boats, from different villages, started to appear through the docking bay. Their own flags flying high and proud to be representing their own small village. Hey cheer up Falcry and help out, you lazy Kail. You look like your ready to kill someone. A voice shouted from across Zane.

Lifting his head up, Zane mutely acknowledged his fellow villager. Trying to shake off his discomfort from the heat. This was supposed to be a joyous day for everyone.

His family especially, for his older brother Denta, was about to be announced into adulthood. After they had come of age, they would be given a special task to complete.

For his brother Denta, it was to go to shore and until he completed the task the Elders had set for him, he could not return, not until it was done. Otherwise he would face the whole village in despair and dishonor his family.

Grabbing his blue green ore around his neck Zane tightened his fist. His brother would come back soon, changed not only by the task, but also by stature. He would be aloud to sleep in the Den, while he Zane would be stuck in the Vail, along with all the other women and children.

Denta would be able to go on shore with the other hunters and hunt for food, gather information on the land walkers. While he would be stuck on the platforms, doing measly work, surrounded by water and air.

It just wasn’t fair, his brother was only a year older then him, they were rivals in everything they did. From finding out who the fastest runner was to who cold eat the fastest in one sitting. They did everything together, even if most of the time they fought.

But this time it was different, how was Zane supposed to compete with Denta on this. His brother would soon be married off and moving away, leaving him and the village Kail.

Glaring at nothing in particular, Zane stood up and walked to the end of the wooden platforms. In the distance he could make out brown spots, indicating land. But even as he looked on, his eyes unfocused, Zane could see another thing completely different from the land and the blue ocean.

He could see different colors shimmering subtly, like a rainbow after a spring shower. It was the barrier Zoar, which surrounded the Kail’s platforms on all sides. Hiding them from view of other trespassers and protecting them from the harsh elements that mother nature would sometimes bestow on them. The community could even see ships pass by them harmlessly, like a golden specter, not even aware they were there. Sometimes it almost seemed that the Kail was the ghost, not the ship.

Zane come here and give me a hand boy. Zane turned and spotted his father a little ways, tying rope to a rather ordinary poll by the docking area.

Coming. Zane announced in a mundane tone of voice, dragging his feet as he went. Hurry up and stop dragging your feet like those landwalkers. His dad grunted out. He held the rope out to his son. His eyes a narrowed squint against the harsh sun. I’m not dragging my feet. Zane griped back. Taking the rope offered to him. He could feel the rough texture of the many threads that made up the rope. Rubbing his already sore callused fingers. Following the rope, he saw that his old man had wrapped the rope around the rough edged poll.

The landwalkers, or in other terms the humans, was a term used by the older generation of the water people. The landwalkers didn’t even know the Kail and their neighboring villagers even existed out here in the ocean.

Now son I want you to hold the rope very tightly. His dad instructed. Looking up Zane silently mused if his old man thought of him as a simpleton. Trying not to smirk, he watched as his father grabbed at a dark ore, that could be seen on his bare chest.

Zane just shook his head and muttered a short reply back. But even as his temper got the best of him, he could not help but look on in fascination, as his father closed his eyes and raised a hand towards the rope that was wrapped around the pole.

The ore that was at his father’s chest lit up, and suddenly Zane could feel a pull in his sore hands.

Looking down he saw the rope, that had previously been wrapped, merge into the wooden pole, slithering like an agitated snake. Letting go of his end of the rope, he watched on as the rope wound itself around the last layers before it too merged with the wood, creating a spiraling effect.

There not bad for a old man. His father jokingly said. So are you ready for tonight. He finished, looking at his son’s up turned face.

Zane shrugged one shoulder, a small smile forming at the corner of his mouth. He knew what his father meant by the comment. Yeah you bet dad.

Shaking his grizzly head he handed more rope to Zane. Then turned his whole body to stare at the progress the others had made for the evening.

His father had meant the old tradition, where the second born of a family would have the honor of lighting up the first fire of the festival.

Looking down at his own ore, Zane couldn’t wait to cast its spirit on the fire pit, making it come to life with bright flames and sweltering heat.

Touching the cool surface of the ore, like one would a shy animal, Zane felt his hand tingle with warmth.

Each individual of the Kail village had an ore around their necks. It was not only honoring old traditions, but also a way of living for them.

Ok this should be enough, now go help your mom out with the food for tonight. Was his fathers parting words, as the man walked on to the next platform, inspection the riggings done by others. His loud footsteps and voice carrying past the calm wind.

Slouching back over towards the barrier Zaor, and ignoring his fathers perfectionist attitude about the ropes. He reached out carelessly at the barrier and felt the force from it, repelling his hand back. And sending tiny jolts through his arm. He could will the barrier to part with his ore, but what was the use in that. It would only make the barrier shimmer like a thousand suns.

Looking back out again, he tried to imagine where his brother was right now. Had he completed the task the Elders set for him, was he heading back with a large goofy smile on his olive face, brown eyes sparkling in triumph.

Was the Kodachi from land giving his brother help, or prolonging his journey with tales, for the forest dwellers loved to stop any traveler and bore them with their repeated tales of land and sea.

The Kodachi sadly, was the Kails only informant when it came to land, telling the many ocean villagers about the landwalkers wars and their skirmishes.

About the weird attire and their dwellings they set up. And about their fascinations with animals.

Zane for one, could not understand why the Kail was so detached from everything surrounding land and the landwalker ways.

They traded with the tribes from the land close at sea, like the Kodachi, and they spoke the dialect. But never lingered. Always on the move.

Zane had once asked why, but he was turned down from the Elders with twice as many Chores.

CHAPTER TWO

Zel

Stretching and popping some well deserved bones, Zane turned his head ever so lightly, only to spot a girl a few platforms away.

Even though she was annoying at times, he had to admit Goldina did look pretty when the sun shown down onto her hair. Catching all the natural highlights from the long mane.

She, like many other women from Kail, wore brown shorts and a cream colored shirt. Showing off her long slim legs and bare pampered feet. On her ample chest rested a silver ore, and sea weed in her hair artfully.

Clams and beautiful shells rested at her hip and ankles, making them shimmer at ever catch and turn.

Zane my lad, what is so interesting. Zane heard a rough voice behind him. He stayed cool and calm on the outside, but inside was a whole different story. He felt his stomach squirm and his blood turn cold.

Turning slowly, he steeled his resolve not to jump and yell as he came face to face, rather face to chest, with an older man.

This old man had some years on him, not just because Zane had known him all his live. But by looking into his eyes, anyone could tell that Zel, Zane’s Grandfather, had gone through life to the fullest.

His faded blue eyes still had a spark to them, his hair although peppered gray, was full and reaching to his high shoulders.

His bronze skin radiating with health and muscles flexing under toned skin.

His grandfather was one of a kind, but that’s not what caught the human eye. It was what Zel wore, the traditional blue robe and red slash of a hunter and an Elder.

Have you spotted a certain beauty you would like to speak to. His grandfather said to him. Sporting a serious face and curling his ape like arms around a solid chest.

But Zane knew better, even though those eyes held an authority, the old man was anything but.

All of a sudden the sharp blue spark of mystery was back in those wrinkled eyes, and before he could utter a single syllable Zel turned and yelled.

Fair lass I believe my honorable grandson, Zane Falcry, would like to speak with you. Now don’t worry, he might be shy and all but he’s a strong willed man. Zel finished with a deep chuckle that vibrated the man’s very core.

Red faced Zane could do nothing as the whole Kail it seemed, turned and stared right at him and his loud mouthed Grandfather. He even spotted some people that had the audacity to laugh out right and point.

Gritting his teeth, feeling his ears and neck heat up, Zane chanced a sidelong stare at Goldina. He could see her gripping the silver ore hard in a fist, her face darkened towards him. Like a monsoon ready to demolish a small insignificant village.

She looked at him then turned in a huff, with her head held high, her back straight like nothing had happened.

Don’t worry lad she wasn’t your type. Zell said ever so politely with a grin.

How does Grandmother put up with you. Zane muttered. He started to walk to the next platform. Studiously keeping his eyes and body straight, for he could still hear the murmuring laughter of the village.

She doesn’t, was the replay. So I hear your back talking to your superiors again. Zel said, as he cast a side long glace at Zane.

Looking up Zane shrugged one of his shoulders in reply. Not getting an answer, Zel went on unheeded. I also hear you are going to start the festive fire ring. He finished casually, waving to a passing villager as they bowed to him.

Zane stopped and watched as more people walked their way, bowing and greeting the Elder. I don’t care for their point of views. Why can’t we be on land more often, go explore the surrounding forests and the local foods.

You know why Zane. Zel said, even as Zane threw up his arms in defeat.

Yes I know, but the hunters go out and explore the lands. I want to do that too. But every time I bring it up to those self pompous old fools they latch on more Chores for me and talk in riddles. He finished his speech. His face twisting into a disgusted sneer.

Hey who are you calling old fools Zane. They are the ones who… Zel started only to hear another voice chime in, mimicking the same words.

Who made the Kail village, and The Great barrier Zoar, yes I already know. Zane tampered off, waving his hands about in exaggerated motions.

You know I should kill you, you damn brat. Zel muttered as he looked on fondly at his grandson. The boy was growing up after all, a teenager at that.

Come on I have a lot to tell you about my journey. Zel said loudly, as he grabbed at Zane’s arm, dragging the scowling youth after him.

Well it beat working in this heat, and he could listen to his Grandpa talk about the lands.

Oh did I mention your mother wanted some help. Zel said as an afterthought. He kept a firm hold on the boys arm, his grip nothing short of tar. Zane hesitated before he felt a little tug on his arm.

No you didn’t. He said staring at the old man. Dreading the next set of words that were going to pour out of his mouth. "Well now you do, so I’ll tell you my wonderful