The Sword of the Sands: Book 1 of the Enchanted Destiny Chronicles

By Josh Katz

On the day Elainas life changed forever, her morning was like any other. She rose to the sounds of water rolling onto the beach and the cacophony of seabirds screeching, Good morning, Elaina! By the next morning, Elaina was an orphan, whisked away to London, England, to be raised by Beatrice and Avery Crawford. And as dark as the intervening night was, so too were Elainas memories of the once-glorious childhood as the much-loved daughter of Mirana, an elf, and Ventor, a vampire. You see, dear reader, for better or for worse, Elainas mind was enchanted by an all-encompassing memory spell, albeit temporary. Thus begins Book One of The Enchanted Destiny Chronicles: The Sword of the Sands written by first-time novelist, Josh Katz.

Now, like many magical stories, the beginning goes back a long way. Our story goes back a long way, some six thousand years, when the forces of good defeated the forces of evil in a monumental battle. And as you continue to read Book One, and as Elainas memories begin to return, you will join Elaina and her newfound friends as they solve magical puzzles, battle creatures of darkness, fight in Bound Battle, and oh, so much more as they come face-to-face with their enchanted destiny while seeking The Sword of the Sands.

Please check my websites:

www.joshkatzbooksite.com

http://www.facebook.com/Josh.Katz.Author

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504914673

Josh Katz

As far back as I can remember, I was always a storyteller. Like most kids growing up, my imagination would fly. I invented my own special heroes and dubious characters, creating worlds and places where the good guys and the good girls battle witches, monsters, and evil-doers. I loved telling stories to my mother and father, my friends, and my neighbors. As I grew up, my natural creativity expanded, and my talents led me to the performing arts and the theater. As an actor, I enjoyed doing theater and musical performances at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, the Washington Savoyards, and with the Victorian Lyric Opera Company. The discipline of theater and my love of storytelling cultivated my craft for creative writing. When I sat down to write "Enchanted Destiny Chronicles," I composed a band of graphic, bigger-than-life protagonists and champions. But I also wanted to bring out the qualités spéciales de vivre in their personalities. How this mix of diverse beings are able to handle adversity amongst themselves journeying through an elaborate myriad of frightening, out-of-this-world situations and contesting adversaries along the way and surviving—well, that's what makes it interesting! It's a pretty good tale of good versus evil. And yeah, there's a lot of adventure, tragedy, and mystery. So read my book. This is my first one of "The Enchanted Destiny Chronicles." I've infused some folklorish myths and elements. But if you like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and a little bit of Laura Croft all rolled into one, then this is the book. I hope you enjoy it.

Book preview

© 2015 Josh Katz. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 07/07/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-1467-3 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1 The Child of the Prophecy

Chapter 2 The House on the Hill

Chapter 3 The Dreams of Lost Memory

Chapter 4 The Legacy of the Realm of Enchantment

Chapter 5 The Market Past the Mirror

Chapter 6 The Journey Begins

Chapter 7 Registration and Song

Chapter 8 The Spirit Slayer

Chapter 9 Screams in the Night

Chapter 10 Redcaps and Ettins

Chapter 11 Bound Battle

Chapter 12 The Tournament

Chapter 13 An Unexpected Turn

Chapter 14 Christmas Surprises

Chapter 15 The Sword of the Sands

Chapter 16 Journey to the Temple

Chapter 17 The Face of the Dark One

Chapter 18 The Dawn of Tomorrow

Acknowledgements

About the Author

DEDICATION

The Sword of the Sands is dedicated to my grandmothers, Marjorie Barrett Omohundro and Hilda Flitter Katz, whose love of reading fostered my deep-felt love of books.

PROLOGUE

"The darkness lies entombed, yet still its evil reigns.

Though light shines through the clouds, the shadows remain.

Only one who unites the two shall bring peace to our world.

One who will remind us all that evil is never born, it is created."

These were the words that came to light when very few felt the dangers of the past would return. Even though it had been over 6,000 years since the war had taken place, the descendants of the Ancient World still talked about the dark days of old. It was an exciting topic to discuss whenever boredom was in the air. Parents enjoyed telling their children about it just to see the amazed looks on their faces. The war seemed to be the main topic of the residents in the town of Grubsbury, but it wasn’t half as popular a topic as what had happened a few months ago. On a cold winter night, an old, blind woman appeared in the village square, half mad with hunger and fear. Before anyone could tend to her, the old woman had begun screaming what was unmistakably a prophecy.

It draws near! she shrieked as she brandished her walking stick, not addressing anyone in particular. The one to bring peace to the world is close at hand. This fourth spring, the one to bring an end to the darkness shall be identified. And he born of Darkness shall be defeated by a child born of Light and Shadow. And she drew her final breath, and died.

As the woman was a stranger to the town, nobody cared much that she was dead. Prophets were often considered signs of bad luck wherever they appeared. All anyone really wanted to know was what her words meant, and what the prophecy had to do with their village. They would soon find out.

Not long after the woman’s death, a local family disappeared as if into thin air. The father’s name was Ventor; the mother’s, Mirana. They were a well-renowned couple: both were heroes from the Great War. Three years before the old woman’s death, they had been blessed with a baby girl, Elaina." Their disappearance on the heels of the prophecy created quite a stir. Spring would mark the daughter’s fourth birthday.

CHAPTER 1

The Child of the Prophecy

In the village of Grubsbury there was a small inn called The Golden Phoenix. It was packed with a number of odd-looking people, but none stood out more than the three sitting in a corner, deep in discussion. One was a young man, rather handsome, with tall red, electric hair. If that was not weird enough, he was wearing a bright-green suit with golden trim. His companions were just as strange. The woman on his left had long, blue hair that matched her makeup, and she was wearing a dress that seemed to be made of fish scales. The man on the right was an older gentleman with white hair, beard and mustache, dressed as though he was from the 18th century. Every so often, small, golden feathers seemed to fall out of his hair as he wiped his hand across his brow. Thus they appeared out of place and out of time, even in odd company.

Still, nobody bothered to pay much attention to the strange group, for the townspeople had grown accustomed to having peculiar folk walking in and out of the inn. In another corner was a fellow twice the size of a normal man drinking from a glass as large as a bucket; over at the bar was a squat little woman with huge, bat-like ears; and playing pool by the music box was a pair of extremely hairy men with sharp teeth and claws.

In this company, the threesome in the corner seemed right at home. Their looks attracted less attention than their overly loud conversation, which seemed to be about something important.

Never thought I’d live to see the day the Wise One would tell us to take a breather, said the woman as she sipped her glass of mead. Lady Naturam was highly against it considering the rumors going around.

Ah now, Alista, said the old man. In all my years, I’ve never known Meloric to steer us wrong with his decisions. If he says we need time to relax, we would be wise to follow such advice.

Tis’ possible the lass is being a bit of an alarmist, Conrae, the young man said in a bit of a whisper. But still me sharp ears can’t help but listen to the word on the street, the things that have been said, the prophecy. Alista shot the young man a cold stare as though forbidding him to say another word – and for good reason. All around, people were starting to show curiosity.

Shut up, Ogden, she hissed. You forget we’re not supposed to talk about it among Commoners. They’ve lived peacefully for centuries feeling the worst was over, particularly in this village.

Conrae nudged Alista and pointed out that she too was attracting a lot of unwanted attention. A group of men playing poker trying to listen in on the conversation had abandoned their cards. The barman, pretending to shine an already shiny tankard, was leaning in an attempt to eavesdrop. Conrae left a tip for their drinks and whispered to the others. Perhaps it would best to continue this discussion elsewhere.

The threesome made their way out of the bar and began walking through the town. For a while nobody spoke, then Ogden decided to break the silence. Tis’ an enigma why Meloric is so concerned. Though it seems like only yesterday that the aged prophet appeared on our doorstep.

That’s because the words of a prophet are never to be taken lightly, Alista said, looking as though Ogden had just uttered an offensive swear word. Meloric is one of the oldest beings alive today and he’s seen enough to take things seriously, even the words of an old, half-crazed woman.

Ogden shrugged, but the sparks flying from Alista’s eyes told him he ought to be quiet. Conrae merely sighed and stroked his beard, causing more golden feathers to fall. Finally, he turned and spoke. Has there been any luck discovering the secrets of the Nightwalker? he asked hopefully. The sooner we discover them, the sooner we can all sleep more soundly.

Not so much as a single inscription providing a clue, Alista replied. "I swear the closer we get to finding an answer, the further back we fall. I hate to admit it, but perhaps we should consider the fact that he really is –"

At that moment, a loud, swishing noise filled the air. The three looked up and saw what appeared to be hundreds of little children with marble-white skin, dressed in golden robes, soaring cross-legged across the sky.

Sprites, exclaimed Ogden in surprise. But why so many? Even in this village such numbers would appear odd.

The Sprites zoomed all around, occasionally flying through windows of houses or down chimneys. One Sprite, resembling a girl with shining eyes, floated down to the threesome and hovered just above their heads. Master Conrae, Miss Alista, Master Ogden. Even the Sprite’s voice sounded like that of a child, but it seemed to echo as though she were speaking to them from a distance in a cavern.

What is the meaning of this? Alista demanded, staring in bewilderment at the Sprite. You know there are limits to where you Sprites can go. If Meloric finds out so many of you have ventured this close to the border of the Mist –

Calm yourself, lass. Ogden was looking at the Sprite in a way that told him that it must be important for so many of them to be flying around like this. Tell us, little friend, what news from the Top, for I presume you all are here on Meloric’s orders.

The Sprite nodded and spoke quickly as though she had to say this or else it would mean disaster. Lord Meloric has sent us out on urgent business; we’re to deliver messages to all under the Banner of the Crystal Flower. Then her voice dropped to a hoarse whisper as she spoke again. Skeletron is on the move. He has found them.

There was a long silence. It felt like a hundred years had passed before anyone even moved. Alista stumbled slightly, clutching her heart; she leaned on the shoulder of an apparently petrified Conrae for support. Ogden looked dumfounded.

This … cannot … be, Conrae said, a look of incredulity on his aged face. We took every precaution to ensure that Mirana and Ventor would be safe. How could Skeletron have located them?

He discovered them when his spies reported that they were nowhere in Grubsbury or anywhere else under Meloric’s gaze, chirped the Sprite looking grim. He knew if that were the case, then they must be hidden among the Commoners and had his men sprawl in order to find them.

There’s not a moment to lose, Alista said, looking desperate. We have to get to them now before he does! Ogden, can you get us there?

Aye, Ogden said as he readied himself. Grab onto my arms you two. We’ll be there in a jiff.

Alista and Conrae took hold of Ogden’s arms. The Sprite said, I must leave you. Meloric’s instructed us to alert all whom we can reach. Ogden nodded at the Sprite to show he understood. With a burst of sparks, he, Conrae and Alista vanished.

It was half-past-nine in the county of Devon. Only a few lights burned and the sound of the ocean echoed through the night. Suddenly, there was a flash like a cannon on the beach and Ogden, Conrae and Alista appeared on top of a large boulder.

Well, we made it, Ogden said, with a look of relief on his face. If I planned it right, their house should be at the top of the hill just ahead of –

But he never finished his sentence, for at that moment Alista let out a cry of dismay. Conrae was staring up ahead looking as though he’d just been punched in the face. Fearing the worst, Ogden turned to face the same direction as his companions as he felt his heart sink to the bottom of his stomach.

Up on a hilltop overlooking the sea was a small house that appeared to be on fire with flames dancing along the walls. As the three friends approached they could see several bodies lying on the sand. Blood was splattered everywhere.

We’re too late. Conrae fell to his knees with his fists clenched. How could this have happened? How?

Alista moved forward and examined one of the fallen figures, a skeleton lying on the ground. It was wrapped in rags and seemed to be missing its head. As Alista bent down over it, she noticed the bones were smoking, although they did not appear to be burned.

Skull Fires, she said with revulsion as she straightened. Skeletron must have summoned them the second he learned of this location. She kicked the skeleton and buried her face in her hands.

There’s nothing more to be done, said Ogden, forcing himself to stay calm. We’ll have to go back and tell Meloric we failed.

For a while nobody moved, then Conrae got to his feet and he and Alista made their way back to Ogden. But just as they were about to take hold of Ogden’s arms, a voice sharp as a pocket knife reached their ears, stabbing them with horror. They realized that the voice was coming from inside the house itself.

Mommy; Mommy, wake up! It was a child’s voice, a child in terrible pain.

She’s alive! Alista grabbed the front of Conrae’s vest and shook him. The child lives. We have to get her out of there now!

Wait, Alista! Conrae cried, but too late.

Without waiting to hear a word from the others, Alista obeyed her first impulse and charged headlong through the door of the burning house. Conrae immediately turned to Ogden and began shouting instructions.

Ogden, report to the Monastery and deliver the news at once, then return here with as many reinforcements as you can. And hurry, for Skeletron may return.

Ogden sprang to a salute and vanished in a burst of sparks. Conrae turned toward the burning house and held out his hands. Bright, golden light surrounded his palms, and with a wave of his hands the flames froze as if time had stopped. Conrae rushed into the house and located Alista.

It was a grievous sight that met his eyes. Lying on the floor was a beautiful young woman with pale skin, long blonde hair and pointed ears. Blood was spilling from a wound in her side, and yet the look on her face was peaceful as if she merely slept. In another part of the room were pieces of what looked like a broken statue of a man holding a sword. He had a handsome face, shoulder-length hair and was wearing a full-length robe. His mouth seemed to be opened in a scream. Crying over the body of the woman was the young girl, thinking she could get her mother to open her eyes if she just tried hard enough. Alista was standing behind the girl looking too distraught to do anything.

Mommy, you have to get up. We need to find Daddy. The girl tried desperately to get her mother to open her eyes, but it was no good. Mom, please, open your eyes!

Finally, Alista moved forward and knelt down behind the girl and placed a hand on her shoulder. She won’t wake up, she said, her voice shaking with every word. Come on, sweetie, you’ve got to come with us.

But the little girl would not obey. She kept holding onto her mother, refusing to let go. Finally, Conrae stepped forward, rubbed his hands together and caused golden dust to sprinkle onto the child’s head. The child’s eyes began to droop and she fell asleep.

Hurry, we must make haste, Conrae urged Alista as she lifted the girl in her arms. My freezing charm won’t last much longer on this house. The flames surrounding them began to flicker. Conrae waved his hands once more, causing the woman’s body and the pieces of the stone statue to teleport outside the charred ruins of the house. Conrae and Alista managed to get out just as the freezing charm ceased and the house exploded.

Hours passed: the sky was thick with stars and Conrae, Alista and Ogden were sitting in the center of Hyde Park. The child, wrapped in a blanket was still asleep in Alista’s arms. For a while, all was still, and then a sound like a flute filled the air as a breeze as gentle as a whisper blew. The group turned and saw the outline of a man walking toward them. He was tall, with a good-natured face, long hair and pointy ears. His eyes were yellow and he was dressed in white robes tied with a golden sash.

Welcome, Lord Meloric, said Conrae, bowing low. We were beginning to think you had not received our message.

Meloric smiled as he patted Conrae on the shoulder. I would have known where to find you in any case. He strode over to where Alista was sitting and stroked the face of the sleeping child in her arms. Dream Dust … a clever strategy Conrae, my friend. I trust you used enough so that she will not surprise us by awakening during our conversation.

She’ll sleep until noon tomorrow, Conrae answered as he joined Meloric and the others.

You’ve done well on your part, Meloric said, And now to discuss the child’s future. But I notice that one of our group wishes to remain discreet. I assure you that there is no need to hide yourself, Naturam.

There was a slow rustling among the trees. Hundreds of leaves fell from the branches and were drawn to each other as though by a magnetic force. Everyone watched as the leaves formed a large dome that hovered a few feet in the air. When the dome finally opened, there stood a girl, looking no older than eighteen with long green hair and matching skin. The leaves that made the dome had fused together and transformed into a robe, which draped itself around the girl.

How did you know I was there? She sounded both impressed and disappointed.

The number of times I’ve seen you pull that trick, it’s a wonder you haven’t attempted to come up with something new. Meloric beamed at Naturam, and then turned to the others. To business, then. I feel it would be best if the child were given a proper new life for the time being.

Naturam nodded. I agree. The child has lost so much that it is only fitting that we attempt to give her as much back. I assume you have already made the necessary arrangements, Meloric?

Naturally I have, said Meloric as though they were discussing this matter over tea. That is one of the reasons my arrival was delayed.

Alista looked confused. What on earth are you talking about? How can we hope to make up for what this girl has lost? Her parents are dead and she won’t be satisfied with anyone else after what’s happened. Besides, she’s sure to have hundreds of questions for many years to come.

Meloric looked at Alista with a compassionate gaze. That is why I will be taking measures to ensure that she will not have any recollection of the heart-rending events that have transpired this evening.

Alista looked at Ogden, Naturam and Conrae, reading the looks of understanding on their faces and comprehension dawned on her.

No, you can’t mean … Meloric; with all due respect … it’s too cruel. This child has a destiny that we have known about since she was born. Many in our world know of the prophecy, why her parents were killed.

Precisely, said Meloric. It will be better for her to grow up unaware of any of that. When she is of age and ready to hear it, all will be revealed to her. Until then we must be patient. I have already contacted two of our closest friends to care for her and raise her as their own. To ensure that the child will not be troubled by any reflections of her past, I shall cast a spell that will suppress her memories of this evening until the day she is ready to remember.

His expression and voice remained calm, but Alista could see the sternness in his eyes that made her realize it was pointless to argue.

Very well, she said, I’ll just say this. For all we know it will be even harder for her when she realizes she has been living a life based on a lie. It would be better if we were to explain things now and hope for the best as she grows up. But if this is indeed your will … She got to her feet, holding the child close to her as if she was holding her own child. I will obey.

At that moment, the group turned as two more people came rushing toward them. One was a man with short hair and a beard, the other was a pale young woman with bronze-colored hair. Both had expressions of dread and unease on their faces as they approached the gathering of people ahead of them.

Ah, Beatrice. Meloric looked relieved at the sight of the newcomers. And Avery, thank goodness you made it.

The woman called Beatrice hurried forward, took one look at the child in Alista’s arms and burst into tears.

So it is true, she sobbed as her husband, Avery, patted her on the shoulder. I’d hoped to God that the message you sent was an error, but now I see our worst fears have been realized. Ventor, Mirana, you couldn’t find a nicer pair in a thousand years and now … She couldn’t bring herself to say it.

I told her to expect the worst when you sent that Sprite to tell us that we needed to come and take the child in. Avery’s voice was shaking, but he still managed to stay calm.

Meloric gave a sigh before speaking again. I am counting on both of you to raise her as if she were your very own. See that she learns everything you feel will benefit her. Prepare her for the day when it is time for her to learn the truth. Until that time, neither of you must breathe a word of this night to her. The enchantment I will place on her shall remain until she comes of age. While the child lives in blissful ignorance, I strongly request patience of you and everyone here.

It was hard to tell by the dim light, but Ogden was certain he saw Meloric’s eyes linger for a bit on Alista as she gave him a look of bitterness. Then Meloric slowly walked over to Alista and held out his arms.

It is time, Alista. Hand her over.

Alista held the child closer to herself, feeling reluctant.

I know you feel what I am doing is cruel, said Meloric, showing no signs of anger or impatience, But to most, this would be the best form of mercy anyone can offer the girl. Better to spend her childhood living happily with a family than spending many sleepless nights haunted by the murder of her parents.

Finally, Alista nodded and gave the sleeping child to Meloric, who raised his right forefinger and pressed it gently to the child’s forehead. A speck of sapphire light shined on the spot where Meloric touched the child and, as he withdrew his finger, it faded. He then turned to Avery and Beatrice and handed the child to them.

Treat her with care, he said. Out of respect for her parents, I believe you should allow her to keep her first name, but have her surname be yours.

Beatrice and Avery nodded in agreement.

You can count on us, said Beatrice. I shall never forget how Mirana inspired me to become brave and strong. To dedicate myself to follow my dreams.

And I have not forgotten how Ventor saved my life when I was cornered by stray beasts who once served Skeletron, added Avery. We shall gladly lay down our lives for their child.

Meloric smiled and his eyes shone in the light from the sky above. It is for those very reasons that I chose you out of all our comrades. Your loyalty to Mirana and Ventor is unmatched by anything. You even gave them your cabin by the sea as their hiding place. I would trust you both with my own life. Now, go and be safe with your new daughter.

Beatrice looked down into the peaceful face of the child she was holding. Come on, Elaina, it’s time to go home.

And with that, she and Avery turned and walked off into the darkness. Meloric and the others waited until they were out of earshot before they started speaking.

I trust you placed the protective charms I recommended around their house, Ogden? Meloric asked.

Aye, put the finishing touches on just afore I came here to meet all of you, Ogden replied. They will prevent any with a black heart from going near the house or even sensing the child’s presence.

And Skeletron will never suspect that two retired Guardians would be caring for the girl, Conrae added. It’s a perfect setup, a ruse that he would fail to foresee. He’ll spend all his time spying on us thinking Elaina will be under the care of one of our companions.

Meloric gave a sigh