Prophet to the Outerlands

By Wm. Matthew Graphman

On their way to meet up with an ancient dragon, Guntharr, Taya, Firebane and the others encounter a group of elves taken captive by a small army of barbarians. Concerned for their possible allies, Guntharr breaks away from the group to try and discover what fate would befall them. Firebane, now in charge, must lead the others without the help of Rift, through a dangerous dungeon in order to recover a coveted treasure that their dragon host requires to secure an audience with him.

Compelled by a longing to return home and a fear that his life is nearing an end, Rift journeys back to Wolf Valley to spend his last days among his family. His warm welcome is cut short when Rift discovers that his oldest son has been missing for weeks, presumably out searching for him. As a result, his youngest has been trying to hold things together with the council of wolves and Rift’s return sparks a controversy which ends with his arrest and subsequent trial.

As Rift stands to defend himself, Raskin risks his life and makes a historic appearance in the middle of wolf territory. Alerted to the fact that Guntharr and the others are in deep trouble, Rift is forced to accept banishment from Wolf Valley. Recruiting his family, Rift follows his feathered friend into the wilderness to a long forgotten fortress. There, Firebane and the others are lured into a trap and captured by none other than Guntharr who is now under the control of an evil enchantress. Mastering the power of the green gem, the enchantress, at the request of her sister Naranda, returns a certain wizard back to life.

With Guntharr now under the sway of the enchantress, Firebane’s faith and courage is taxed to the limit. Not only must he battle the persuasive power of the enchantress, but hope against all hope that he can find a way to free them all and recover the next piece to the Talisman of Alterian before all is lost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Mar 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781532017841

Wm. Matthew Graphman

Matthew Graphman is a twenty-five-year veteran in the information technology world. He studied writing, drama, as well as computers while attending Bob Jones University in the late 80’s and early 90’s. There he met his wife, Wendy, of twenty-five years and started a family. He currently resides in Bloomington, Indiana with his wife and children, Kathryn (Kat) and Ethan. His oldest son, Sean, is married and lives on the East Coast. Matthew has long been a fan of fantasy fiction. His first attempt at writing was brought on by his roommates in college. As a result, he wrote his first - still unpublished - fantasy novel. After graduating, Matthew continued his writing exploits, but his focus was mostly around theater. After developing a series of children’s skits in the 2000’s, he was encouraged to take the skits and convert them into a series of children’s chapter books. To date, he has written five of the fifteen stories in the “Chel & Riley Adventures” series. Taking a break from creating children’s fiction and drama, Matthew decided to reach back, at the request from his daughter Kat, and create a fantasy world that mixed all of her favorite thematic elements. This series is currently outlined to cover five volumes; however, he is convinced that there could be many more stories that evolve out of this new universe. Matthew is a recent winner of the 2016 and 2017 NaNoWriMo challenge. He is currently working on a board game based upon the Silverwood story along with several other projects.

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Copyright © 2017 Wm. Matthew Graphman.

Art Credit: Kathryn Graphman

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-1783-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-4334-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-1784-1 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 04/05/2017

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

The Silverwood Chronicles

Guardian of the Silverwood

Book 1

A Spy in Nightfall

Book 2

Prophet to the Outerlands

Book 3

Friends from Mountain Forge

Book 4 -- Coming Fall 2017

A Dragon-sized Thanks go to:

Russ Dalton

April Easter

Wendy Graphman

Steve Kramer

Irene Reynolds

Heath Roush

Peggy Strader

Scott Zook

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1

Larianna reeled backward from the attack. Her power was exhausted. Her attempt at taking control of the family legacy had failed. She had miscalculated her sister’s strength when it came to the things of a family nature, and now she was paying the price. If only she could touch her, she might have enough power left to redirect her sister’s wrath toward another undeserving target like her sloth of a minion, Scrag. Shoving every last ounce of will into her arm, she pushed it forward slowly inching it closer toward its intended target just a mere two feet away. Every fraction of an inch caused intense pain as the force wall that had been placed around her resisted even her attempts at breathing. Still, she concentrated with all that was left of her strength and fought her way forward ignoring the searing burning sensation that now radiated from her fingertips all the way up her arm. Her vision began to blur as her mind started collapsing under the weight of the attack. All she could do was focus on her finger touching her sister’s finger. As she neared her target the sweat from her forehead mingled with the tears running down her face. Her dark red hair matted with sweat from the strain.

Enough of this, Naranda barked. Taking a step back, she twisted her hand, and the wall of force immediately transformed into a wall of fire that surrounded Larianna.

Do you actually think I would allow you to touch me? Naranda asked.

I had to try, Larianna replied.

I grow tired of your games, Naranda replied, I am the rightful heir to this duchy and all that goes with it as our Father decreed long ago. You have betrayed my trust for the last time.

I only wanted to help, Larianna wept, to extend our influence across the land.

Help, Naranda scoffed in reply, you nearly brought down an entire legion of Guardians from Fairhaven when you went out searching for that talisman.

I tell you, it exists, and with it, the power to rule not just this duchy Trelborn, but all of the five realms. Larianna started to feel faint from the heat surrounding her.

The idea that Alterian ever lived, let alone built some super powerful talisman for the elvish kings is psychotic, Naranda continued to chastise her. Krestichan is dead. Silverwood has fallen once and for all. Now begins the ascent of Trelborn with me as her queen. Soon Dayspring will be under my control, and then the other realms will fall.

You can’t do this alone, you need me, Larianna pleaded.

Need you? Naranda remarked, Possibly. Want you? Naranda turned and stared directly into Larianna’s eyes. The flames that kept her at bay danced vibrantly alive in her sister’s eyes. Not any longer. You are at this moment banished from this duchy, and ultimately, as far as my influence reaches.

Banished, to where? Larianna asked.

I don’t know, Naranda responded incredulously. Go to the Outerlands as far as I care. I hear they have some pretty mindless races that you can easily build a following out of barbarian lackeys to keep you comfortable.

No! Larianna screeched.

Trouble sleeping? A mysterious, male voice drifted across the room.

Larianna sat upright in bed and scanned the room for the source of the voice.

Who is that? She demanded. With a flick of her wrist, candles in the room began to glow, but strangely the candelabra in the far corner remained dormant.

I do hate the light, the stranger replied, so I would appreciate it if you would keep the room dark.

How are you doing that? She inquired. She studied the corner further and saw a shadow. Inside it was the outline of a human form, but as far as features, she could not tell without more light.

Questions, questions, he countered, so many questions. Would you like some answers?

On my own terms, she replied defiantly. Chestoff! Get in here!

I’m afraid your bodyguard is currently taking a much-needed nap, the stranger explained. As it is, he would only complicate things.

Yes, like removing your head, Larianna snapped back throwing her sheets aside and moving to get up.

Immediately the lights that were lit went out via a gust of wind that blew into the room through an open window near the place where the stranger had been standing. See, the difference between your sister and you is that she would have played around with the lights some more before making an effort to get out of bed.

Larianna paused for a moment. How was Naranda involved with this invasion of her home? Had she sent an assassin to spook her? What’s Naranda got to do with this? She decided to pump the stranger for information. She sat on the edge of her bed trying to force her eyes to focus in the darkness.

Nothing, yet, I assure you, she heard from a different part of the room.

She adjusted her position and started in the direction of shadow’s voice. If Naranda was not the source of this intrusion, then who was this individual and what did he want. With the lights out, the shadow that had been the source of the voice was no longer visible. If she could only touch him, then she could most certainly get the answers she wanted. So, Naranda didn’t send you? Now, I am really interested in what you want, she bluffed. Why don’t you come sit with me at the edge of my bed, and you and I … An explosion of laughter rang out from behind her.

What kind of dolt do you take me for, Larianna? He asked. I know who you are. I know what your touch is capable of, that’s why I’m keeping the darkness between you and me.

Larianna stretched out a hand, and a few candles flickered back into life behind her. She pivoted as a sound moved around to the far side of the room.

Tricky, he said. As long as there is a shadow, you’ll never be able to find me.

Then you leave me no choice, Larianna declared as she lifted both her arms casting a shining aura into the air illuminating the entire room. In the next moment, the tip of something very sharp poked her in the back just below her right shoulder blade.

If you so much as breathe heavily, it will be the last thing you ever do, the voice was now behind her and the anger and viciousness in it sent chills over her. Do I make myself clear? Don’t turn around, just say ‘yes’.

Yes, Larianna reluctantly replied. The blade that was in her back pressed in slightly. Taking a wild guess, she figured the stranger was still out of her reach, and she dared not try anything.

You now have a choice, you can either dim the lights in here, or you can listen to me with my sword in your back. What is your preference? He asked.

Larianna considered her options for a moment longer and reluctantly spoke a word that caused the light aura to dissipate, sending the room into darkness once again. As soon as darkness fell, so did the sword. She quickly spun around hoping to catch a glimpse of the shadow, but he had blended into the night once again.

Good choice, the voice was now off to her right. I understand you had a falling out with your sister a few years ago.

How did he know about their argument over the talisman? If he was not working for Naranda, Larianna thought, he, at the very least, must know her pretty well. She was the only other person at their little altercation, and this was not something that even she would go around bragging about to people outside the family.

I guess you could call it that, she replied. I suppose my biggest mistake was overestimating Naranda’s ability to see an obvious path to the same goal.

And that goal was power? The stranger’s voice was moving all around her.

Yes, Larianna nodded in the dark. Are you an elf? She asked. I have never experienced anyone that could move so quietly that wasn’t an elf.

No, he replied, but I’m familiar with their capabilities. But enough about me, I want to enlist your assistance.

Larianna could not help but laugh. Whoever this was had managed to incapacitate her guards, infiltrate her personal chambers and avoid her contact at close range, and now he wanted her help.

Why do you laugh? He asked.

You are joking. How could I be of any assistance to you? She finished.

There was a moment of silence, and for a second, she thought the stranger had left the room, but then the voice came back much softer and more distant, almost as if he was calling from another room or even outside. I have many talents and gifts, but what I need requires someone of your capabilities and resources, Larianna. The way he said her name reminded her of her father, how he would speak softly yet with an air of authority that made her want to listen.

Okay, what do you need me to do? She heard herself asking almost instinctively.

Again, the stranger paused. I have found the talisman.

Her body tensed, and she replayed his words over in her head. Had she heard right? No, this stranger was just playing her for a fool. She had given up all hope shortly after being cast out by Naranda. The idea that the talisman existed, and if it did, of it ever being found, had been a long-standing conflict between them. Don’t mock me, she called out.

I don’t mock, the stranger’s reply came almost as if he had anticipated her response. An associate of mine recovered it from Spire Tree, but alas he has since lost it.

So, you mean to tell me you found the Talisman of Alterian, one of the most powerful magic sources in Teradandra, and you lost it, Larianna responded in a mocking tone.

Regrettably, yes, he began. My associate, who I gave explicit instructions to maintain a low profile, managed to encounter some treasure hunters and he met with an untimely end at their hand. Your sister has, to some degree, tried to help me recover it, but her efforts have been – shall we say – less than satisfactory.

Let me guess, Larianna added, Naranda’s ambition got in the way.

Your sister is, at the very least, predictable, the stranger acknowledged.

I presume you don’t intend to let me have it, assuming I can help you recover it, Larianna interjected.

The stranger chuckled lightly. Negotiating is so much easier when you start out with proper expectations, he added. As much as I’d love to share the power, it is only wieldable by a select few, and I’m confident you’re not in that class.

How can you be certain? Larianna was slightly irritated at this last remark.

Something you should know about me, I don’t broach a subject unless I’m confident I know everything I need to know about it, the voice grew harsh.

And me, Larianna asked seeing if she could trip him up.

There was a brief snort from the stranger. Prior to your banishment, your life was easy to follow. Trelborn is a wealth of information regarding your exploits. And since your – how did you put it – falling out, it’s not difficult to piece together.

The main door flew open, and a large human-like figure stood silhouetted in the doorway. In one hand he brandished a large battle ax, and his frame all but filled the door. Where is he, my lady, and I’ll cleave him in two?

Stand down, Chestoff, Larianna commanded the barbarian. We’re discussing business.

The only business I want to discuss is how far the intruder’s head will fly when I cut it off, the barbarian growled.

Leave us, she said simply.

Chestoff growled and closed the door.

Larianna leaned back into her bed. Being able to enchant and command individuals was a gift she had discovered when she was very young. Depending on the intelligence of the individual would determine how close she needed to get. The very clever or gifted ones required a touch, but simple creatures like Chestoff simply had to be in her presence. Once she established a bond with a creature, the only way they could escape her will was to be released by her, which was something she had seldom done, except to the most annoying servant. Usually, she would just persuade them to kill themselves, but if they had truly been loyal and she wanted them gone, she would release them to their own undoing.

Chestoff was one of her first converts when she entered the Outerlands. He was not overly smart, and when he had first encountered her, she remembered that he approached her with the intent to take everything that she had brought with her. How surprised he must have been, she wondered, that he decided to offer her his services and be her protector after getting within a few steps of her.

Submission was frequently the most common response by individuals of his intelligence level. They all wanted to be Larianna’s sole protector. Since establishing a base, she had enlisted the help of several hundred protectors. Obviously, the stranger whom she was now confronting was at the higher end of the intelligence scale. He had been able to withstand her aura for a considerable time and even gotten within a sword’s length. So, he was either one of the most intelligent individuals she had ever met, or he was completely out of his mind. Insanity was also a defense against her powers of influence. Even a touch from her has no effect on someone who was totally crazy.

In either case, she needed to move forward cautiously. Assuming he was not insane, then he had either seen or at least believed he saw the talisman which she had sought after since the fall of Spire Tree. If she could retrieve it, it would prove to Naranda that she was right and maybe between the two of them, they could overpower this mystery man and keep it.

If I don’t get to keep talisman, I’m not finding a whole lot we can agree on, she challenged.

You seek two things, Larianna, power and a chance to settle up with Naranda, the stranger answered. Am I right?

His level of insight stunned her. Strike the crazy option; this stranger was clever. If only she could touch him, then she could leverage his knowledge, but currently her best bet was to hear him out.

So, let me guess, you want me to track down the talisman and get it back for you? She deliberately ignored answering his assertion.

You’re so quick to jump to the end game that you would miss an opportunity to achieve so much more? The stranger moved around as he spoke.

Like what? She tried to locate the shadow based on the sound of his voice, but no matter how much she tried even though her eyes had adjusted to the darkness, she still could not identify the source of the voice.

Are you familiar with the Remnant? He asked.

Are you referring to the scattered remains of leaderless elf clans scattered throughout Dayspring? She wondered what a desperate group of leaderless elves had to do with the conversation.

Good, he continued, scattered and leaderless is no longer their state, at least not for the most part. The vast majority of them have assembled under two new banners. One group is practically on your doorstep in Ruiness Falls under the banner of the Millnots. The other is in Brigganoir under the banner of Arronunass.

Brigganoir, Larianna replied with alarm. That’s awfully close to Naranda.

True, but I should think your presence is not needed directly, the voice paused waiting for a response, but Larianna did not comment. These factions are fragile, but their influence has spread through Dayspring and the remaining families of elves are being drawn to one or the other slowly. If we wait much longer, they will have amassed enough strength to ward off all but an all-out assault from an army. But if we strike now, we could infiltrate their ranks using your unique abilities and take control of all but the larger cities of Dayspring.

You must realize that I cannot simply will my influence on the Elves. It will require that I touch them, and only the youngest among them would be ignorant enough not to know of me and my abilities, she explained.

And this is why your barbarian friends are perfect for the occasion. If you put together a strike team, I can provide for you the location of the leaders and, using some stealth, you can capture them. In their current state, they wouldn’t be expecting a sneak attack, the stranger explained.

Larianna shifted her position. His plan was not making any sense to her. Even if she were able to get Chestoff and his barbarian cohorts to kidnap the leaders of the two clans successfully, she did not see how this got her any closer to the Talisman. Where does the Talisman come into play? Does one of these factions control it? She felt like she needed to ask the question because if one of the factions did have the talisman, attacking them directly with anything less than her entire force would be a disaster. And even then, she did not see how her not being present was even an option.

No, of course not, he chuckled, it would be folly to send you if they did.

Then, I am clearly missing something, Larianna declared throwing up her hands.

The stranger laughed aloud, and this time it was directed at her. Shall I break it down for you?

Larianna seethed in her heart. For just a moment, she wished she had some of her sister’s abilities. She would teach this outsider to respect her even if she was banished; she was still a duchess. The sooner you get over being pleased with your cleverness and give me the details, the sooner I can decide whether to accept your offer or call in a hundred barbarians to teach you what funny really is.

The laughter subsided gradually. The Ladies of Ambelhand, if nothing else, share a defiance that is almost worthy of admiration. Very well, his voice became all business again. There is a Guardian of Fairhaven …

Guardians! Larianna exclaimed. She had one too many run-ins with those noble stalwarts, and she had no desire to encounter them anytime soon.

I assure you, it is only a single guardian, he replied calmly.

I don’t care, I hate them, she hissed.

So much more then will be the satisfaction when you order him to hand you the talisman as he pulls it off the dead heir’s corpse, he cooed.

There’s an heir? Larianna questioned in amazement.

You have long been in isolation, Lady Ambelhand, and your sister has, on several occasions attempted herself to kill the young elf and failed. What better way to humiliate your sister than to take control of two of the most prominent factions of elves in Dayspring, enchant the guardian that has foiled her plans time and time again, and kill the one person in all of Teradandra that she fears the most? The room fell silent.

Larianna considered what she had just heard. If the talisman existed, it made sense that there was also an heir. She had often considered why chaos had not taken total control of the five realms, if the last of the line of Silverwood was defeated. This would explain it. Therefore, not only would she show her worth and establish a level of control in Dayspring that would make her sister take notice, but also she could prove finally that she was the smarter of her father’s daughters.

Explain how the Guardian and the elves fit in, I don’t see the connection. She said with interest.

Simple. The Guardian is keeping tabs on the elves. When he hears of the leader’s capture, he will come running to investigate and bring the talisman to your doorstep, he paused, I think you can figure out the rest.

It was dangerous. Even one guardian could be a formidable adversary, and if this one had been harboring the heir to Silverwood, then he would be extremely dangerous. But Larianna’s numbers were great, and with the elves in her control, she should easily be able to force the guardian’s hand.

Do you really think plan will work? She was testing his response.

I wouldn’t be here and risk getting man-handled by your associates if I didn’t, he replied.

Very well, Larianna resolved, I’ll do it. It will take time to form a plan and organize the barbarians, but I think I can persuade them to hurry, she giggled under her breath. Now you’re going to provide to me specific locations of the camps and, more importantly, the leaders. I’ll want to know approximately how many we are up against and an estimate of their strength. Of course, I would appreciate any other information you can offer that will aid our infiltration. We only have one shot at this and even I can’t predict what the barbarians will do if they get into full scale battle.

Larianna waited for a moment to give the mystery man a chance to start providing some information, but there was nothing but silence. She scanned the darkness but much as before, she did not notice anything. Hey, did you fall asleep? Still more silence.

Chestoff! Larianna called out, and seconds later the massive man opened the door, his muscular frame filling the door.

Yes, Lady Larianna? Chestoff said.

Did you see the stranger leave this room? She asked.

No, he replied.

Realizing it was still nearly pitch black, she waved her hand, and the candles all over the room glowed softly. She had to squint until her eyes grew accustomed to the lights. On the windowsill, she saw a small knife sticking out with a parchment flapping in the cool night breeze that blew in.

You’ve got to be kidding me, Larianna sighed.

Do you want me to alert the guards? Chestoff asked.

No, just hand me that note, she pointed in the direction of the window.

Chestoff lumbered across the room and holstered his ax at his side. He reached out, pulled the simple knife from the wooden sill, and caught the parchment before it could fall to the floor. He looked at it slightly then turned it one way and then the other.

You know you can’t read that, Larianna chided him. Just give it here.

Three sizeable steps and the barbarian was beside her