Star Born: the Prophecy

By Erin Owens

In a far-away land full of magic and adventure, a baby princess named Aria is prophesied to defeat the biggest threat to her kingdom the world of Fiera has ever known: the demon lord Oshtaru. But upon hearing of the prophecy, the demon attacks Arias kingdom and she is spirited away to a new home on the other side of the world.
Aria, known now simply as Ria, grows up happy and strong, beloved by her adoptive parents and her best friend Kyle. Ria, an active, tomboyish girl, chafes under the yoke of the restrictive gender roles and the arranged marriage to Kyle forced upon them both. She and Kyle make plans to leave their home in the Valley, but before they can leave, Ria is kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery.
Ria finds herself the slave of Kohr, a handsome but haughty and cruel young man, and Kalora, his evil mother. Kohr treats Ria terribly and at first Ria dislikes him very much, but soon she sees how terribly the boy suffers at his mothers hands and her dislike turns to pity. She tries to befriend the lonely boy and eventually he begins to fall for her, however unwillingly.
Soon Ria and Kohr find themselves on a quest to defeat the demon lord and restore Rias throne, but can two teenagers truly defeat the demon responsible for destroying an entire kingdom?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483617275

Erin Owens

Erin Owens Erin is a Christian graphic artist and authoress from Frankfort Kentucky. She has previously worked as a portrait artist, a web designer, and musician as well. She got started writing when she decided she didn’t like the way a game she was playing ended, and decided to write an ending of her own. That ending evolved into a novella, which evolved into a book, which evolved into a series about something completely different than what it started out to be. The characters of the story got a grip on her soul and thus the Star-Born series came into being. Erin lives in an apartment with her husband of nine years, Rodney, and her three cats and overgrown furball of a husky. She leads a quiet life, and can usually be found either on the computer writing at all hours of the day or night, or discussing God with her husband. She is a hopeless romantic and loves all the sweet, sappy movies that her husband detests. Erin plays piano and sings in her spare time, and all the artwork in the series is of her creation. The rest of her time she spends writing about the quirky mix of characters that have so captured her heart.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The Prophecy

It was another quiet night in Vanue; children slept, adults relaxed at the local tavern, and the militia kept watch. On this cool, clear spring night, the guards posted near the city gates were bored as usual.

They leapt up in excitement as they heard someone approach, hoping for a break in the endless monotony of their post. Their enthusiasm turned to annoyance as they watched an old man wearing a tattered cloak enter the city. They promptly ignored him—what harm could a frail old man do? They once again cursed the boredom of their job under their breath and resumed their seemingly endless watch.

The old man shuffled along the city streets, unnoticed for the most part by the sleepy populace. He walked slowly, stooped over a gnarled staff. His face seemed ancient—his wrinkles even had wrinkles—and from his jaw a long, wavy white beard flowed down his chest. His clothing was hardly adequate to protect his shriveled old body from the cold, being both thin and careworn, but he appeared not to notice as he made his way to the tavern.

On most nights, the tavern was quite a busy place, overflowing with boisterous and cheerful citizens relaxing at the end of a hard workday. This night was no different. Bill, the tavern owner, was in his element as he poured foaming glasses of ale and chatted with the patrons. He had a friendly demeanor that invited confidences and made him rather a favorite among the customers. Business was booming for the tavern, and Bill did his best to keep it that way.

There was little need for muscle at the tavern, as the citizens were generally happy and rarely caused any trouble, but Bill employed one guard—just in case. Gregor rather enjoyed his job as the bouncer for the tavern—he got paid to do mostly nothing. It got a little boring sometimes, but Gregor—or Greg as he was called by the patrons—thought he could live with that. This night he was chatting up the ladies in the tavern, much to the amusement of Bill. Bill did not begrudge Greg his antics—the man had to do something to occupy his time. Now and then Greg had to help a rowdy customer to the door, but outbursts here were few and far between.

Greg and Bill paid the old man no attention as he entered. Bill was quite absorbed in keeping the customer’s glasses full, and Greg was absorbed in keeping their attention on his somewhat impressive physique. The old man walked slowly to the center of the tavern unnoticed, and climbed upon a chair at the center table. The waitress gave him a funny look, but merely shook her head and went about her business.

The old man cleared his throat loudly, and a few patrons turned their attention to him, surprised at his strange demeanor and his rickety perch. He banged his staff against the wood of the chair loudly, and quite a few more patrons followed suit. When he addressed the crowd in a voice that rolled like thunder, the rest turned to look at him in bewilderment. Bill and Greg stared at him, allowing the man to speak against their better judgment.

Citizens of Vanue, began the old man in a booming voice that reached to the farthest corners of the building, you have led peaceful lives up until now, and all the world has smiled upon you. The patrons were well pleased with this statement and quite a few men cheered at him and raised their glasses to the frail old man.

But, he continued, that time is nearing its end. In one years’ time, your beloved queen will give birth to a daughter—a daughter born of the stars. It will be a difficult pregnancy and many times the life of both queen and baby will be in jeopardy, but in the end they will both survive.

A few of the patrons whispered among themselves. Who was this strange man? Bill and Greg held their ground. The old man had not caused trouble, not yet. They eyed him warily as he continued.

Soon after the birth of the new princess, Vanue will meet with the greatest tragedy of its time—Oshtaru will take the city.

The whispering turned to gasps and dismayed sounds of alarm. Still the bartenders held their ground, unwillingly fascinated by this strange man.

The child born to the queen will escape the trouble and grow to be A great sword bearer and powerful Star-Born the likes of which this world has never known. She will be the one to break the hold of the demon and free the world from his grip—forever.

The citizens looked at him in dismay. They would have dismissed the man as senile had it not been for the piercing blue eyes that gazed upon them with such power as to erase all doubt of his sanity.

The demon lord calls power and followers to him as we speak. He will fall upon you with fire and darkness soon, and destroy the city. Those of you that survive will be driven into hiding. Heed well my warning, citizens, and prepare.

A clamor of voices erupted in anger and fear. A few of the more rowdy men made moves toward the old man as if to take him out. Bill and Greg nodded to each other. It was time to send this old man packing. He was upsetting the customers, and upset customers meant no business. They made their way toward the old man, quieting the customers as they went. Greg reached up to grab the old man’s cloak.

Alright old man, that’s quite enough. It’s back to the asylum with you.

I shall be in no asylum, not tonight or any night, young man. You would do well to heed the warning.

Greg raised his eyebrows and made to grab the man off of the chair angrily, but he fell back in dismay immediately after.

The old man had disappeared—simply vanished into thin air with a sound like thunder—leaving behind nothing but shocked patrons and a very bemused bouncer.

CHAPTER 2

Travail

Outside the castle gates of Vanue, a hushed crowd of townspeople gathered in vigil to pray for their queen. They waited in anxious anticipation, hoping for news of her condition and that of the new heir she bore.

The chill of the early spring night nipped at the fingers and noses of the people, but they paid it no mind. Their beloved queen Tiri was in the grips of a terrible struggle to deliver her child. They had rejoiced that morning as the news circulated that the queen was in labor and they would soon get to meet the new addition to the Vanue royal family. Their joy faded soon after, however, as it became known that the Queen’s labor was a difficult one. It turned to fear when the news spread that her labor had become a harrowing struggle for life and death for both queen and baby.

Inside the castle, King Jarvis paced anxiously outside the delivery room where his wife was currently struggling to give birth to their only child. He felt utterly helpless as he wore a path into the elegantly woven rug outside the door and wrung his hands in an agony of worry for his wife.

It’s not fair, he thought, for her to struggle like this after such a difficult pregnancy.

This was not the first time the queen had been in mortal danger since she conceived. It had been a terrible pregnancy, and several times her life was despaired of. Their one hope that kept them going through her long fight to keep both baby and mother alive was a rumor that was discussed among the townspeople.

One year ago, an old man had made a prediction that Tiri would give birth to a baby girl, and that they would both survive. There was more to that prophecy, of course, but the king dismissed it as fallacy. No demon could overtake this city—it was ludicrous.

The part about his wife and potential daughter, however, gave the king and his wife hope as they struggled to bring their baby into the world. King Jarvis clung to this as he paced, hoping against hope that at least the first part of the old man’s prophecy was true. He struggled with himself, fighting the urge to burst through those doors every time he heard his wife’s agonized cries.

He paced for many hours, but just before dawn a new cry was heard from within—the cry of a newborn baby! Their child was alive! The king could not stop himself, and directly disobeyed the midwife’s orders. He threw the doors open and rushed into the room, his anxiety etched into every line and feature of his face.

Is she alive, the King asked practically before he got the doors open. The baby? Tiri? Are they okay?

The midwife was a kind lady, and knew that the man had been severely stressed during the long, hard labor, and so did not chastise him for ignoring her orders. She walked over to him with a bundle of blankets in her arms.

They are both fine, your majesty. She raised the blanket bundle up to the king as he breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Thank God …

Yes, you should, said the midwife in a hushed voice. It was a miracle indeed. We thought they would neither one make it, but your wife is peacefully sleeping, and this is your new baby girl.

The king folded back the blankets gingerly, with a look of wonder on his bearded face. Tears came to his eyes as he beheld a beautiful, perfect baby girl with rosy cheeks and a tuft of silvery hair. The king thought he had never known such love as he took his little daughter in his arms and held her close to him.

Do you have a name for her?

Yes, said King Jarvis in an awed voice as he examined the sleeping face of his new daughter, Tiri and I decided before she arrived that if it were a girl, we would name her ‘Aria.’

The midwife smiled. It was a beautiful name.

Aria it is.

CHAPTER 3

Darkness Descends

For six months after the birth of the new princess, all was well within the kingdom of Vanue. The townspeople thrilled in their beautiful princess heir and Aria flourished under the loving care of the king and queen. Her hair had not darkened since her birth, but remained silver. Her complexion was fair, and her eyes were a beautiful shade of blue-violet.

The king and queen wondered where she inherited her looks from, as she resembled neither parent in the least. Red-headed Tiri and dark Jarvis could not fathom why her features looked so out of the common, but they shrugged it off. Regardless of her looks, she was their own precious daughter and they loved her.

Aria could not yet talk, but babbled and giggled much to the delight of her doting parents. The king was talking to her, playing with the little baby arms that shook wobbly fists in the air. He loved to hear her cooing laughter, and tickled her little pink belly.

Aria gave a little peal of baby laughter and the king grinned. He had never been so happy in his life. As his wife watched them with loving eyes, she could not help but agree.

It was not to last.

The king looked up as he heard a loud commotion outside in the direction of the city. Both King and Queen turned to the window and paled at the sight that met their eyes.

A dark, unearthly line of clouds loomed on the horizon, approaching the city at an impossible rate. Lightning crackled in the clouds and ominous thunder rumbled. As the clouds neared the city, fireballs poured from the sky, crashing through buildings and unfortunate citizens. Screams erupted everywhere and panicked citizens sprinted for cover as the city went up in flames.

The King and Queen, transfixed by horror, suddenly remembered their duty. They turned to begin addressing the city, but found they were no longer alone in their chamber.

Oshtaru, the demon lord, had found them.

As the terrifying creature advanced on the couple, the King stood in front of the Queen and baby Aria, determined to shield them with his life. The demon eyed them with a bone-chilling glare.

Hand over the child.

Horror filled the royal couple’s faces. They backed away from the evil creature as he approached them slowly. There was nowhere to run to in this stone chamber, however, and soon they found themselves trapped against a wall.

Jarvis moved to hide his wife and child from the view of the Demon. Unobserved, he reached behind him to reveal a secret panel behind the tapestry against the wall they were backed into. He whispered urgently to his wife through the corner of his mouth.

Take Aria, and go, now. The passage leads to the docks. Get a ship and get out of here. I will hold him off.

Jarvis! I can’t leave you …

"You must, Tiri! Our daughter’s life depends on it!" He pushed her toward the door and blocked a blow from the demon with his other arm.

This passage is maintained for emergencies. There will be a ship waiting at the end. Go now, and Godspeed, my love. Tiri whispered hurriedly as she slipped out of sight behind the tapestry.

I love you, my king …

The door shut behind her and Jarvis was left to face the Demon Lord alone.

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Tiri ran like she had never run before. She hitched her skirts in her hands and held her baby to her chest. Aria was plainly frightened, but she did not cry. Tiri was thankful for this, as if the baby cried it would give away their position and the demons would be upon them in an instant.

The passage was steep and narrow, and many times Tiri stumbled, but caught herself just in time. The stone walls seemed to close in on her as she fled, fearing the demons would find her any moment.

I must keep you safe, my darling. She pressed her baby close to her. I must get to the docks …

Her mind focused in on that one thought and pushed out any other: get Aria out of Vanue. The thought rang through her mind like a mantra. It kept her going at top speed, though her legs were shaking and her sides ached. Tiri pushed through the pain, knowing if she gave into it they would both die.

Suddenly she smelled a salt tang in the air as she turned a sharp corner and knew she must be close to the harbor. She was relieved to hear the lapping of waves against the dock and slowed her pace as she felt the stone under her feet change to wooden planks.

Tiri careened around another corner, and finally saw the end of the passage. A dim light shone around the door frame just ahead. Tiri threw the door open and ran straight for the pier without checking her pace.

A man in a silver robe waited by the end of the pier. A small boat was tied to the post near his feet. His face was partly covered by his hooded cloak, but Tiri saw a long, silver beard and a wizened nose before she skidded to a halt in front of the man. He looked unsurprised to see her.

Is the child safe? His voice was deep and rumbled like thunder, but it was not threatening. Tiri knew that she could trust the man before her, though she had never seen him before in her life.

Yes, Guardian … gasped Tiri, out of breath from her flight. She is here. Her name is Aria.

The man nodded and held out his arms to receive the child.

I will take her across the sea to a far-away land; there she will be safe.

Tiri felt tears run down her face as she held her baby tightly one more time.

May God keep you safe, my beloved child. She kissed her soft pink cheek and handed the baby to the man. He took the baby in his arm and reached his other hand toward Tiri.

Will you not come with us? Tiri shook her head sadly.

No. I am too well known. We will be found out. I must return to my husband; he is in terrible danger.

As you wish, Milady. The man stepped into the boat and cut the ropes. It glided upon the water, though Tiri saw neither oar nor sail. She watched them sail away from her for a brief moment, feeling her heart break. Then, with one little wave to her baby, she turned away and ran out of sight.

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Jarvis parried the demon lord’s strike with a quick flash of his sword. He was not sword master of Pinuae Isle for nothing. A sharp clang rang through the royal chamber as the demon’s cruel claws struck the flat of Jarvis’ blade.

So, Oshtaru, Jarvis said boldly, You want my daughter. What threat is a baby to you? He sidestepped another blow from the demon and the demon growled at him viciously.

You know of the prophecy concerning the child. I will stop it before it can begin.

The demon leveled another swing at Jarvis, but Jarvis ducked below it and slashed at him from beneath. The sword glanced off of the demon’s scaly armor, but Jarvis recovered his stance in an instant.

You are too late then, the prophecy of which you speak is already on its way. You will not have my daughter as long as I live, Oshtaru. You will have to kill me first.

The demon advanced on the king, until Jarvis could smell his horrible breath. He reeked of death, but Jarvis held his ground as the terrible Demon raised a scale-covered muscled arm with horribly long, cruel claws.

That, said the demon in a deep, grating voice, is exactly my plan.

Jarvis saw the demon’s arm come down—it was too fast this time. He tried to raise his sword, but he felt the demon strike his chest. It was too late.

Jarvis staggered a step backward, and the demon tossed him across the room like a doll. Jarvis heard his bones break as he crashed into the stone wall, and everything went dark.

CHAPTER 4

A New Day

Ria! Come on, slow poke! We’re going to miss all the fun!

Fourteen years after the destruction of Vanue, Aria, now known as Ria, had grown into a beautiful young girl. She was a small girl, being both slim and short. She had let her silver hair grow long, and tied it back in a braid or ponytail to keep it out of her way during the day.

Ria answered her friend—a lively and mischievous young boy named Kyle—with a laugh.

Ah, hush up Kyle! I’ll be there soon enough. The fireworks won’t start for an hour yet; you know that.

But if we don’t get there early you won’t be able to see them! Everyone’s taller than you!

Ria laughed again and ran to her friend.

I’ll just have to climb on your shoulders then! She tackled him from behind in a mock attack.

Ow! Hey! Stop that!

Gotcha! Ria cried as she leapt to his back and wrapped her legs around his waist. He swayed unsteadily for a moment, and then the two of them toppled over laughing into the grass.

They roughhoused for a while, playfully swinging mock punches. Kyle picked Ria up and tossed her on top of his shoulder, running around with her while Ria laughed. She tickled his ribs—the only place she could reach—and both of them toppled again. Ria stuck her tongue out at him and ran as Kyle laughingly clambered to his feet and ran after her. Their shouts and laughter rang over the Valley.

Two men stood on the crest of the valley and watched as the children played together. One was old and wizened with a white beard and a gray cloak. The other was a younger man with dark brown hair and the general look of a working man.

The younger man smiled at the sight of the happy children. Ever since that fateful day when the mysterious older man beside him had put a chubby baby Aria in the arms of the childless man, his life had been a joyous one. He loved the little girl like his own; the fourteen years since she had entered his life seemed to have flown by. He gave a little sigh, wishing he could hold on to his Ria forever, but the young boy engaged in a wild romp with her gave the man hope that she would at least remain nearby. He smiled inwardly at the thought.

Those two will make a fine couple someday, don’t you think so?

The old man laughed robustly.

Marrying her off so soon, Garrett?

Well, Garrett replied, a man can plan for his daughter can’t he?

And if Ria objects to said plans?

I don’t think she would; they seem to really like each other. But if she does, arranged marriages are just the way things work over here. I hope she won’t, though. I do want her to be happy.

You must not force her into marriage: it will harm her greatly.

Force her? There’s a difference between arranging a marriage and forcing her, Artemus.

Nevertheless, if you ‘arrange’ for Aria to be married to someone she does not love, you will lose her—forever.

What are you talking about, Artemus?

Do not arrange it, Garrett. It is not her destiny and her nature as a Star-Born forbids it. Besides, I left her with you for a reason. I knew you would love her and protect her as she grew into a woman. That you and Mary would stand in gracefully for the parents she lost so young.

Garrett turned a serious face to the old man.

Was her mother ever found, Artemus?

Artemus sighed heavily. His voice was weary. No, she never was. My hope is that she escaped the castle somehow after finding poor Jarvis, and went into hiding, but whether her attempt was successful I know not.

‘Tis a shame to lose one’s parents so young. Garrett and Artemus watched the kids romp for a while in a pensive silence. When a sudden peal of laughter from the silver-haired girl rang over the Valley, the young man smiled.

He will make her happy, I think. I hope she will agree.

The older man laid a heavy hand on Garrett’s shoulder. He shook his head gravely.

Garrett, you know that is not her destiny.

Garrett ignored him. He determinedly refused to look at the old man and continued in his previous line of thought.

Yes … he will make a good, sturdy husband for her. Perhaps I will sound out his parents on their thoughts in the matter.

The old man returned his hand to his cloak.

I know you love her, Garrett. But the time for her to begin her journey is upon us. You forget the prophecy, and that she is the princess heir to Vanue. She must face her destiny soon. It is time to tell the girl of her true birthright.

She is too young for such a heavy burden, Artemus! She could not bear it.

You give her too little credit, Garrett. If she inherited any of her parents’ resolve, she could handle more than what is laid upon her.

Garrett crossed his arms in defiance; he could be quite obstinate on occasion, and he had no intention of giving up his baby girl so soon.

I’ll not tell her, Artemus. She is too precious to me.

And what of the prophecy? Vanue? Shall it lie in ruin and desolation forever?

Prophecy-smophecy! She can decide her own course.

Artemus sighed again. "Garrett, you must prepare the girl. The Demon Lord searches for her even now. Eventually he will discover her. If she meets him unprepared, you know what the consequences will be. You must tell her, and prepare her to face him, or when he finds her …" The old man trailed off, knowing quite well how that situation would end.

Garrett’s shoulders slumped. He looked at the girl sadly. She was oblivious to the heavy burden of her heritage and the forces of darkness that sought her out. His voice was weary.

I know you are right, old man. But … I can’t do it—she’s still just a girl.

The old man smiled wryly.

Whether you are ready for it or not, the girl will face her destiny soon.

Garrett turned to answer the old man, but he was already gone. He looked at his adopted daughter in an agony of conflicting emotions. Perhaps he should tell her … Garrett watched as the girl and boy ran off to the shore, racing each other and laughing. He smiled at their antics and felt love wash over him anew.

I will tell her … soon. But … not yet.

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Ria and Kyle sat on an out cropping rock near the sea. They watched the fireworks show with delight, and whooped with glee between each burst. When the show was over, they whistled and cheered. Ria clapped her hands until they stung.

That was a wonderful star festival wasn’t it, Kyle?

It sure was! I bet the stars liked it too.

Kyle leaned back and chewed on a long piece of grass he pulled from a crevice in the rock. He lounged like a lazy cat, staring at the stars. Ria gazed out to the sea and rested her chin in her hands. A seagull flew by them and away over the dune bar to the east.

Kyle looked up after a long moment and noticed Ria still gazing out into space in silent thought.

What’s on your mind, Ria?

Oh, just thinking.

The two sat quietly for a moment. After a while, Ria broke the silence.

Kyle? I think our parents expect us to marry.

Kyle spit out his grass and bolted up beside her. He choked in surprise and Ria patted his back until he could speak.

Good grief Ria! You trying to kill me? Don’t spring a man with things like that!

Ria tried unsuccessfully to repress a giggle. Sorry Kyle …

He rubbed his fist on his chest, still recovering from the shock. So why would you think that?

I don’t know. I just get the feeling that dad is hoping for it.

We’re only kids yet.

She nodded. I know. And I’m not ready to marry.

Me neither. I’ve never even considered it.

Hey now, Ria said in mock offense, "I’m not that bad, am I?" She gave him a fake pout and he chortled in glee. Ria grinned.

Nah … you’re not bad. Maybe if I were older, I would … but … I don’t know.

Aw, Kyle, that’s sweet. Ria was honestly touched and gave him a quick hug. Kyle patted her head playfully.

You’d need a step-ladder to kiss me though, shorty!

Humph. Ria turned away from him in another mock pout and crossed her arms. "You could just sweep me off my feet, you know? Like a gentleman." Ria suddenly got a slightly wicked idea and laughed inwardly.

Or … She left her sentence unfinished and turned a seductive look—or at least as seductive as a girl of fourteen could manage—to Kyle and leaned in toward him.

We’re the same height sitting down, you know. Ria edged in closer, and a very surprised Kyle leaned away from her.