Shadow’S Honor

By David Lee Brooks

10,000 years have passed since the Second Great War destroyed the Earth. A new world has risen from the ashes. A young assassin finds himself trapped in the middle of a war that will change his destiny forever. An ancient evil has risen and the minions of the Dark Lord move to destroy the balance of the world further. One such minion known as Moraseth has declared war on Olroo and will strive at nothing to satisfy his Dark Master. The demons of the Abyss known as The Riv'Noss rise from the shadows to wage the war their Dark Masters have started. Can a rag tag band of heros restore the balance to the world and revive The Old Religion and defeat the evil that now festers like a plague on the world, or will Moraseth and his minions destroy everything that the people of the world have worked so hard to forge?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 29, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984549709

David Lee Brooks

David Brooks always wanted a career to be a writer since he was a kid. David is happily married and has two boys. He officially started writing on the last two weeks of his boot camp training in the Navy. David is pleased that he found a publishing company and that his dreams of becoming a writer are coming true. The author is a strong Christian and currently works as a truck driver at Performance Food Group.

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Copyright © 2018 by David Lee Brooks.

ISBN:                  Softcover                     978-1-9845-4971-6

                            eBook                           978-1-9845-4970-9

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. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 08/27/2018

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Contents

Prologue

Hero’s Crest

About The Author

I want to dedicate this novel to Jim Stoker a wonderful friend and grandparent that encouraged me to follow my dreams and never let anyone or anything stop me from achieving my dreams and reaching for the stars and keeping my faith in God all through my life may he dance with angels forever

Prologue

A time of great unbalance has fallen upon the land. Weather patterns are all off balance and a new world has formed from the ashes ruled by monsters, demons, and unthinkable nightmares. The dragons have all but perished or vanished from the world. A reluctant hero rises from the bowels of the shadows. Little does this being know that he has been the subject of an ancient prophecy since the dark ages of the old world. Many dragons perished seeking this unsung hero and with World War III destroying the old world a new threat has surfaced. In a twist of fate this reluctant hero takes the burdens of the world on his shoulders and his fate shall decide the fate of the world and whether or not The Old Religion can be restored to the world. The worship of dragons and other ‘Mythical’ creatures destroyed the world more and made it into what it is today. So starts the Olroolian Legacy may it be remembered for generations to come.

Chapter I

ANOTHER PAID DREAMER

The rain fell steadily upon the town of Ash’Nere as its residents scrambled about in their daily activities. Upon the roof of The Community Center, a shadow knelt and watched the market where most of the activity was at. As it watched a smile crossed it’s masked face in silence. The being slowly stood up a flash of lightning briefly illuminated it’s form. The being was clearly male by the well toned body and chest. He was six feet in height and weighed 250 pounds pure muscle. His hair flowed to the small of his back and was spiked on top and bore the color of the raven. Upon his head he wore a full hood and that shadowed his eyes when the light hit it. His eyes were a cold, emotionless emerald green and his flesh a smooth, flawless, tan color. Covering his nose and mouth was a heavy leather mask that resembled the open maw of a dragon. Upon his neck and tucked under a heavy leather black tunic was an amulet that resembled a dragon’s eye with a flawless sapphire set in the center. Over his tunic in an X pattern he wore twin throwing dagger belts each made of heavy leather and holding three daggers. His pants were black and also heavy leather with a red sash tied about his waist. His boots were black, heavy leather and resembled the talons of a dragon. His gloves were just as the other leather he wore but resembled the dragon’s claws. Strapped to his wrists were wrist crossbows that held tiny bolts all carved in the likeness of dragons one of each species of dragon. His trademark however were the twin daggers that he wore at the small of his back crossed exactly right. Both daggers had been crafted by Shi’Naar the Gold and Tre’Mene the silver. Both dragons of the ancient Olroo and leaders of all dragon kind. This being was Darke’Shade WraithBlade, assassin of assassins and First Lieutenant of Shi’Naar and Tre’Mene. Many tales have been woven about Darke’Shade but the best one told is one that was experienced.

Darke’Shade hadn’t always been the renown assassin he is today. At one point he was a respected knight and general for King Wremnon Viscoss. Shadow’s Honor is what this tale has been titled by all who hear it. I shall start from the beginning. It was a time of great turmoil for Olroo. Many battles had been fought some were won some were lost. The demons of Baal’Gaard had opened a portal to their realm and had launched a counter offensive against Wremnon’s forces. As a fearless Darke’Shade battled the demons his troops began to lose their morale. As the bloody siege reached its peak, the sun began to darken and the whole of the land was consumed in an eternal darkness. The demons more adapted to the darkness took this as a sign of victory and pushed their siege forward. Little did either side know of the creature that darkened the sun. Wremnon in a last effort to save his kingdom, had prayed to the darkness of Baal’Gaard to rid the land of the demons. The demons were destroyed by their own realm which saved Wremnon’s kingdom but at a disastrous price. All of the followers were tainted by the Baal’Gaard darkness even Darke’Shade and became a new demon race called the Riv’Noss. Wremnon became Namlawe BloodSabre and a Demonic God which the Riv’Noss worshipped. Darke’Shade did not follow Wremnon like he had in the past and was thus banished to the Isle of Na’Raam the home of the dragon clan called Raven Claw. It was here that Shi’Naar and Tre’Mene accepted Darke’Shade and trained him to be as they say Shadow’s Honor. For many years he trained with the dragons and honed his skill and body. Word had gotten to New Baal’Gaard and the Riv’Noss that many Riv’Noss generals and representatives had gone missing. An uprising occurred within the Riv’Noss ranks and several thousand Riv’Noss were banished to the four winds. Units of Riv’Noss, lead by an archer called Sha’Darr, stumbled upon Na’Raam and were the reason for all the Riv’Noss disappearances. Darke’Shade lead them to Shi’Naar and Tre’Mene who welcomed them with open arms and placed Darke’Shade in command of these loyal followers. Many years later Darke’Shade lead his new unit, now called The Dragon Brigade, to the four winds to reclaim those banished Riv’Noss. When all had been gathered they returned to Na’Raam. What they found there crushed their hopes, however despite the destruction of the dragons a new light found its way into the hearts of those with Darke’Shade. After building the stronghold of Castle Olroo, Darke’Shade renamed the land and the castle. The land became Olroo and the castle became Castle Lightforge after the dragon god of Clan Raven Claw. Darke’Shade named himself Lord of Olroo and took his place on Castle Lightforge’s throne. Darke’Shade spent years building his empire until the North began to darken and become an eternal storm. He deployed his troops to the far North and what they found there made it clear that a new war was about to begin. Despite his every effort Wremnon failed to win the war and was thus imprisoned in a Crimson Altar and New Baal’Gaard was razed to the ground sending the Riv’Noss under Wremnon into hiding.

To this day Wremnon is still imprisoned in his stony tomb. All that is left of New Baal’Gaard is a cathedral that was built in those years long past. To be precise it was one thousand years ago when all this happened.

Darke’Shade leapt over the rooftops and down into a narrow alley. He turned to his right and opened the door of The Broken Raven Tavern and entered. The main chamber was full of tables that all occupied. As he glanced around a silence fell upon the tavern. He moved to the bar and took a seat silently and waited. A fat man with a halo of hair around his head stepped into the room from behind the bar and said What brings you here my lord?

Darke’Shade said silently, I’m supposed to be meeting Priestess Ash’Enza here. Give me the usual Bartelli. The bartender nodded and poured a glass of Fire Wyne 668 and placed it before Darke’Shade as well as the bottle. As he sipped his ale his gaze moved about the tavern as he watched all the patrons. His gaze fell upon the door as a cloaked figure entered. The figure glanced about silently and after a few minutes moved to his table and sat down. Darke’Shade said softly, Did you bring it?

The figure removed a bundle of silk from under its cloak saying, If the bounty hunter found out I had this he would kill me and all those at the Cathedral. Are you sure this is a good idea my love?

Darke’Shade said, It is the only thing that kills Galvitt SilverArrow the demon king of Silver Hall.

Ash’Enza leaned in saying, I have a bad feeling about this job you took. I feel like something serious is about to start.

Darke’Shade said, I have the feeling too but I must do this to find out what is going on behind the scenes. I must know who is behind the destruction of our home and our people.

Ash’Enza leaned is again saying softly, Be careful my love I am not the only one that has felt the tremors. Many of the priests and priestesses have locked themselves in the Holy Chamber and have begun to pray constantly to Shi’Naar and Tre’Mene Lightforge. I do not wish to be a coward like them. Do what you need to do and hurry home. Again be careful my love, my king. With this she kissed him tenderly on the lips and vanished in a puff of smoke. Darke’Shade took the bundle of silk in his hands and left the tavern. He leapt up to the silent, moonlit roof and sat down in silence. He un-wrapped the bundle and smiled as he glanced at the item. The blade that had been wrapped in silk wasn’t a sword as he had thought. It was a double bladed lance that had only been written about in legends. Darke’Shade had gotten the information from one of his intended victims whom he actually let live. As he held the lance in his hands a disturbance arose from the market. A silver arrow thudded into the roof just inches from his feet. Darke’Shade flipped off the roof and landed on a lower roof. He sent two crossbow bolts crashing into the wagon completely shattering both wheels toppling it over. The horse stumbled at the sudden stop and fell. Two men armed with crude long swords rushed at Darke’Shade. He caught one of the men by his sword arm and sent a knee into the man’s gut and threw him into one of the stone pillars in the square. The man fell to the ground alive but unconscious. The second man dropped his sword and turned and fled from Darke’Shade. A raspy moan came from the crashed wagon and Darke’Shade kicked in the door and smiled. Well, well, well if it isn’t Galvitt SilverArrow. He reached in and grabbed the lizard by the front of its tunic and tore the beast from the wreckage saying, It is very ironic that we meet again after what you attempted!

Galvitt groaned saying, How wasss I sssuposssed to know that wench wasss your love!?

Darke’Shade held up the newly acquired weapon saying, Strike one serpent. You knew damn well who she was since you attempted to rape her in my Castle.

Galvitt cringed saying, I honessstly thought ssshe wasss one of your ssservantsss. Have I not been loyal to thee all thessse yearsss?

Darke’Shade said placing one of the blades to Galvitt’s throat, Yes you have but that was a crime that I… People went running in all directions as the sky began to darken and large hailstones of fire crashed into the buildings setting them ablaze.

Galvitt said hissing, Isss there anyway I can make it up to you Lord Darke’Shade?

Darke’Shade said clutching the lance in both hands, We’ll discuss that later right now get these people to safety and make it quick. I’ll need your bow and blade.

Ash’Enza came running up to Darke’Shade saying, My love, you have to forget the past with Galvitt. He is the best archer and swordsman next to you. He has always been faithful to us both.

Darke’Shade said, I know Ash’Enza you have to remember I walk a thin line between good and evil.

Ash’Enza said as she removed her buckler and scimitar from its sheath, Besides I like watching you two bicker over me. She smiled at this and waited.

Galvitt said as he drew forth his long bow, Forgive me my trespasses lady Ash’Enza. As he said this a twister of flame erupted forth and admitted a legion of Riv’Noss faithful to Wremnon. Ash’Enza and Darke’Shade rushed forth weapons leading. Galvitt spun to his right and pulled his bow apart. He finished the spin and two Riv’Noss fell dead heads fully removed and Galvitt’s face splattered with blood. He leapt and turned left blades leading and his blades met the double bladed lance of Cowen BloodSpark. His face blanched at this and he froze in fear. Before he knew it a lance of light struck him and he rolled left narrowly missing Cowen’s weapon. He shook the impact off and noticed Ash’Enza looking at him and nodding. He knew everything would be alright but for now they had to survive. He rolled to his feet and met Cowen’s lance again sending sparks flying. He hated the thought but knew his friend was corrupted by the influence of Baal’Gaard. He knew the only way to free him was to kill him no matter his thoughts on the matter, he was an enemy and that was that.

Darke’Shade circled with one of the Riv’Noss and it rushed at him. He caught the beast by the weapon arm and sent a knee into its gut and it buckled in pain. In one swift movement he spun about and drew forth a dagger and sliced the Riv’Noss’s throat. The beast fell to its knees looking up at Darke’Shade as the blood flowed to the ground like a river. It fell dead and the others fled in terror.

Galvitt flew back and slammed into a cart of fruit shattering it completely. Just as Cowen was about to strike Galvitt down his lance was stopped by a buckler. He back handed Ash’Enza and she crashed through a stained glass window of the town Abbey. Cowen went to kill Galvitt again but was stopped by Darke’Shade’s lance. They locked eyes as an eerie silence fell upon the town square. Both men stepped back and spun their lances catching the shaft under their arms. Both men raised their index fingers while holding their palms out. Both men rushed one another and their lance blades met with a loud, ominous crash that shook the whole of the Earth. Lightning erupted from the impact and both men stumbled back. They rushed again but it was Darke’Shade that scored the first hit. He landed in a crouch as Cowen flew through two merchant tables scattering the contents. Cowen stood up and in a terrible rage let forth the loudest roar any man had ever heard. It would have paralyzed a common man but Darke’Shade stood firm and fearless almost amused. He said with a smirk, Drop the guise you filthy vermin. As he said this the figure shimmered and its true form was revealed.

The beast said with a smile, The three of you have come a long way since we first met. As you all know I am the last of my race. I am called Tera’Gonn and I am the son of Tre’Mene and Shi’Naar. I have need of your skills.

Darke’Shade said coldly, I had the utmost faithfulness and love to your parents but this trick is not funny in the least. We thought you were the Riv’Noss and would have killed you!

Ash’Enza dusted herself off as she stepped from the Abbey saying, You shouldn’t have hit me like that or Darke’Shade would have gone to all lengths to see you dead for that.

Galvitt said, You better hope my brother doesn’t see you Tera’Gonn. That guise you used was my best friend and the Riv’Noss tortured and executed him in public.

Tera’Gonn said, I am sorry that I had to deceive you but I had to see for myself. Wremnon stirs within his tomb and his Riv’Noss have multiplied. War is imminent and I need you three and one other to destroy Wremnon for good. To the East is a town called Revenant, it is there that we meet with our allies and discuss our options there. We must head East as soon as the sun sets. Wremnon has sent out his Shadow Battalion to destroy Olroo and they are lead by a dragon rider called Mora’Seth BloodLance.

Darke’Shade said, I have heard of this one, your mother told me the story of how he overpowered Tre’Mene and enslaved him. He is said to be the best fighter and magician in all the planes. It is said he destroyed entire armies with just a snap of his fingers.

Tera’Gonn said, As we speak he hunts for WraithBlade the lance you now hold. In times long passed that lance was forged in dragon fire and dragon blood. It is the only weapon that can defeat the demon god. You were chosen to wield it by my ancestors Darke’Shade. In time it will reveal to you your destiny. The same goes for your and sword Ash’Enza and your long bow Galvitt. The final being who will meet us in Revenant is a woman named Alariel SilverWind.

Galvitt said, I know of thisss woman, an elf of Ssserpant’s Window and very skilled in the blade. Ssshe wasss the reassson I learned to make bowsss. I had a dream once of her and the next day I crafted thisss bow and the bladesss it changesss into.

Tera’Gonn said with a smile, I know this will sound strange Galvitt but she is dying to meet you. She heard of your exploits from the wind serpent just before it died. She wants you my scaly friend. She has refused to leave Revenant until she has met you.

East of Ash’Nere a young elfess sat upon the balcony of her flat. Her sapphire eyes peered out at the sprawling, glasslike surface of Salamene. The moon danced upon the ocean surface like some endless stage. The flawless beauty that was Alariel SilverWind was revealed in the gaze of the full moon. Her hair flowed well below her buttocks and was pulled back in a loose ponytail. Her bangs flowed over her crystal blue eyes like a veil of beauty. Her facial features were flawless and sharply angled to reveal her Elvin heritage. Her arms and body curvaceous and well toned. Her breasts were as large as grapefruits and solid. She wore a simple silk gown that was semi-transparent and the color of an emerald forest. She wore no shoes and her legs were well toned. Her most succulent feature was her silky blonde hair. She folded her hands on her lap and let her thoughts wander. She was truly a lady above ladies. The night the wind serpent Aligarr came into her dreams had changed her and her life. Her thoughts were always on the half dragon Galvitt. That night she became more than just an elf. She infused her soul with Aligarr as requested and became half dragon with skills she would not have learned from her noble bloodline. She left her court life and became a skilled warrior under Tre’Mene and Shi’Naar. It was here she met Darke’Shade and for a time they were lovers until Aligarr’s spirit revealed Galvitt to her. Darke’Shade was furious at this and took his unit North to seek out the remaining Riv’Noss rebels. This kept him away for ten years which crushed Alariel’s spirit. However Aligarr sent her from Na’Raam and two days later Wremnon’s minions destroyed Na’Raam and all within it turning it into a necropolis for the newly acquired undead slaves. Tre’Mene was spared but enslaved by the Riv’Noss Mora’Seth Bloodlance. This unit became the shadow Battalion with Mora’Seth leading the charge.

The door crept open and Alariel was drawn from her memories. A gentle voice said, I am sorry to disturb you my lady but a courier has arrived from Ash’Nere he said it was urgent.

Alariel said, Show him in Philesia. The servant hurried away and a young man no older then eighteen entered.

He bowed saying, Your grace, I bring word from Tera’Gonn. He says Lord Darke’Shade, Lady Ash’Enza, and Lord Galvitt are coming here. They will be at the city gates within a week. He also says that Lord Darke’Shade bears the legendary lance WraithBlade.

Alariel said with a nod, Thank you Codie for the message. Go now and be with your love Philesia. The boy nodded and hurried away. When the boy was gone she said, So our paths meet again Darke’Shade? I also finally get to meet the half dragon in my dreams. Things are going as Aligarr predicted and the war is nigh.

Upon a roof not far from Alariel’s flat crouched a shadow all clothed in black leather and an ankle length cloak. Its target was indeed Alariel but it waited. This being was hired to destroy the four heroes. It would wait and its patience would never wane. Thunder rolled and lightning struck and in the next instant the town of Revenant was blanketed