Savior of Dayspring

By Wm. Matthew Graphman

The end is near. The mastermind has decided to reveal himself at long last. Spire Tree, the fortress of Silverwood, has been destroyed. An invading army of Talicrons, like no one has seen before, is marching toward Dayspring’s capital city, Fairhaven. With the Guardian Corps destroyed, nothing can stop the forces of darkness from overrunning Teradandra. Guntharr, Firebane and the other’s attempt at locating the last piece of the talisman has stalled. Rift and Raskin have returned home, their adventuring and fighting days behind them. Taya alone still has hope and a good guess where to go next. Striking out on her own, Taya sets out to prove to herself and the others that she is ready to take on the title of Silverwood’s Heir.

Traveling back to her and Guntharr’s original home, Taya encounters the unlikeliest of allies in the form of a young red dragon. But even the dragon is not cunning enough for Wilstrom and his conspirators as they intercept Taya just as she recovers the final gem.

Imprisoned and alone, Taya has only one hope left, faith that her companions can find her. But how will they do that, when even she does not know where Wilstrom has taken her. With the looming Talicron threat, time is not on their side. For one member of the group, time is up.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781663209382

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 As a result, he wrote his first - still unpublished - fantasy novel.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.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

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T aya lay awake on her makeshift cot in a side room of the massive library built by her ancestors into the side of Mount Eddiforth some centuries ago. The nightmare had come and gone as it had every night now for the last week or so. Again, tonight she was unable to recall a single detail of the sleep-disrupting event. Still, whatever it was, it had left her shivering and her long silver hair soaked with sweat. She had not told anyone about the events thinking that they were some leftover anxiety from parting with so many of her longtime friends. But now she was beginning to think something real, something terrible was about to happen or had happened.

The door inched open slightly and the silhouette of a female stood in the crease of light shining from the lanterns hanging in the hallway beyond. Arnethia was checking in on her. While Arnethia did not possess the enhanced senses of an elf, she did seem to come across as a very light sleeper. Even the slightest disturbance would often bring her running. Arnethia was the closest thing to a mother that Taya had ever really experienced. Taya imagined that when she became a mother herself, that she would like to be as understanding as Arnethia generally was.

Is everything all right? Arnethia’s soft voice came through the opening in the door.

Of course, Taya lied. Well, she considered opening up about the nightmare. Can we talk?

The door opened slowly, allowing light to flood this interior room. Since Taya, Guntharr, Arnethia, and the others returned to the Library of Ponder, which was its official name, their focus was to research the location of the last gem to the Talisman of Alterian. Blaktosh had made special arrangements to give each of them some personal space. Blaktosh was an elf of Silverwood who had been a librarian here for almost one hundred years. He was a kind elf, and he would often tell Taya stories about her father, Lord Krestichan. Every story that he recounted with her, whether it was simple or magnificent, squeezed her heart for wanting to have known him.

Taya had grown accustomed to her sparsely furnished room. There was the cot that Taya had called her bed for the last month. There was a rack where Taya hung up her gear, which there had been no need for in more than a month. And finally, a small table where a water pitcher and basin sat next to a lone chair.

Arnethia slipped into the room and closed the door, leaving it ajar just slightly so that enough light could seep through, allowing her to navigate the room. Bypassing the chair, Arnethia sat down softly beside Taya and reached over and touched her reassuringly on the leg. What is on your mind?

In the nearly seven years that Taya had known Arnethia, she never truly understood why she stuck around. She, of all of Taya’s companions, had no obligation to her. Recalling to when they had rescued Arnethia from a group of bandits, it was then that Taya thought that Arnethia would have gone back to a somewhat average life. But after they visited Spire Tree and Arenthia’s traumatic experience in Nightfall, Taya realized that there was no short road to normal for any of them.

Why have you stayed with us? Taya asked quietly.

I don’t understand? Arnethia replied.

I’ve never fully understood why you stayed with us after Guntharr freed you from Manni and the bandits. I’ve gotten used to running from place to place. It seems like I’ve been running most of my life, Taya paused, thinking about all of the places she had called home.

Most recently, she had lived in the bowels of a dead volcano with a wise old dragon. Before that, she had spent a long time as a guest at Father Firebane’s church in Brittle, which Guntharr, under the influence of the enchantress Larianna, destroyed. But where she had spent the most time and had some of her most innocent memories was in a small village in the realm of Dayspring. Her thoughts drifted back to the little cottage just outside of Hydesvalley, where Guntharr had taken care of her for most of her life. Part of her longed to return to that little place where life was simple, and no one was trying to kill her and her friends. There were no pieces to a mystic talisman for her to find; it was just her and the Guardian.

That is a fair question, I guess, Arnethia answered. I would have to say that I have stayed, because it always feels safe being with you and Guntharr, Arnethia offered. Crazy, right?

Taya considered her answer, and it sounded crazy. Being safe was anything but what their life had been. The dangers and challenges they had encountered together combined with the number of times that they had all nearly died was no rational person’s definition of safe.

Let me see if I can put it a different way. Up until I met you and the others, I had never known what a real family was like. I know you’ve been on the run your whole life. Still, you’ve never really experienced what it’s like to have no control, Arnethia chuckled softly. There was tenderness in her laugh that struck Taya as warm and affectionate. Being with Guntharr and to some degree, Firebane, everything, no matter how dangerous or crazy, felt under control. Guntharr just seems to have something about him that makes you feel at ease no matter the situation.

Taya understood that feeling about Guntharr. She knew that no matter what, he always seemed to know the right thing to do. He continuously had a plan, and he consistently came through. There was something more in Arnethia’s response, though. You care for him, don’t you?

In the shadows, Taya saw Arnethia nod and turn her head away. Yes. Yes, I love him very much.

When did you first know? Taya wondered.

Remember when he came to attack Speedsting’s lair? Remember how he looked under Larianna’s spell? Arnethia recalled.

Taya reflected on that scene for a moment. Guntharr had been missing for weeks. When they first saw him, he had looked so thin compared to his usual self. His eyes were hollow, and they showed no signs of recognition when they looked upon Taya and the others.

I’m pretty sure it was then. I had never felt so much pain and anger at the same time, Arnethia turned back to look at Taya. I wanted to do anything to take that from him. I prayed that the torment would pass to me so he would be spared. I just wish he knew how much I cared. I wish I knew if he cared for me the same way.

He does, I know it. It’s just…, Taya decided that she had better not say any more.

What? Arnethia prodded.

Taya shook her head in opposition.

Come on, tell me, Arnethia slid closer to her and took her hand in hers. What is it?

In the dim light, Taya tried to avoid making contact with Arnethia, but the Spy’s piercing gaze was unavoidable.

Oh, I see, Arnethia let go of Taya’s hand, slid off the edge of the cot, and stood. It’s the whole faith thing, isn’t it?

Arnethia, the One True God loves you and wants a relationship with you. Guntharr will be free to be open with you once you accept that, Taya explained.

I know, I know, I’ve heard it a thousand times, Arnethia growled. Was there anything else you wanted to talk about? The tenderness in her voice had left, and Taya wondered again why she really stayed.

I’ve had a terrible nightmare, Taya changed the subject.

So, everyone has those. It happens, Arnethia waved a hand.

That’s what I thought, but every night, it has woken me about the same time. Each night it has gotten more and more intense, Taya reached out and touched Arnethia’s fingers.

How long has this been going on? Arnethia extended her fingers slightly so that Taya could grab hold.

More than a week now, Taya answered.

Is it the same dream? Arnethia wondered.

I don’t know, I can’t ever remember it, I just know when I wake up, my heart is racing, I’m shaking and sweating, Taya described her most recent encounter.

A loud commotion echoed down the hallway interrupting their conversation. Arnethia pulled her hand away from Taya’s and stepped over to the door. She opened the door enough to stick her head outside, and she looked one way and then the other. She continued to stare to her left for some time as footsteps and voices made their way through the opening. The sounds, Taya realized, were Guntharr’s, Farrian’s, and someone she had never heard before.

What’s going on, Guntharr? Arnethia asked.

Guntharr responded with a single word, Trouble.

Arnethia looked in at Taya and then slipped out the door. Taya decided that if Farrian was involved and there was trouble that she needed to be there to hear what it was. She and Farrian had grown very close over the last several months. Anything that affected him, she wanted to know about it. She jumped up and made sure that her tunic was fastened and then dashed out into the hallway.

No sooner had she stepped out, then she saw Arnethia disappear through the doorway into one of the reading rooms. Taya raced down the hallway and went in. In the middle of the room, a large wooden table stood and on it, stacks of dusty old books that Firebane had piled on it for the day’s research. At one end stood an older elf that Taya vaguely recalled seeing at some point in time in the past. Farrian’s head hung low, and there were signs of tears running down his face. Guntharr stood next to Farrian with a hand on his shoulder, and Arnethia was on the other side of Farrian, her arm wrapped around his waist in a tight hug.

What has happened? Farrian, what is wrong? Taya begged earnestly.

At the sound of Taya’s voice, Farrian broke away from Arnethia and Guntharr and ran around the table and took Taya into his arms. Sobs seeped out of his mouth as he held her.

I’m afraid, Farrian’s father was killed in battle, Guntharr reported solemnly.

Taya could feel her heart break. What happened?

Princess Taya, the elder elf bowed slightly. You may not remember me, but I am Traft. I was the advisor and longtime friend of General Alderthorn.

Taya had to think for a moment before the name came to mind. She had met Traft when they were over in Rayadorn’s Pride near Nightfall. I do, now that you mention your name.

Shall I? Traft asked Guntharr with a questioning look.

Guntharr nodded silently in approval.

Shortly after your visit to Rayadorn’s Pride, the General had decided that Spire Tree had sat in enemy hands long enough. With the renewed interest in Rayadorn’s Pride, he was able to secure a sizable force between the various factions of elves, and he launched an attack against the Talicrons. He was largely successful and pushed them out of Spire Tree and away from the Circle of Fire, Traft paused and looked over at Farrian who was struggling to recover from the sudden news. It would seem that we underestimated the strength of the Talicrons. A few months ago, they launched a counter-assault.

Guntharr crossed back over and stood over Taya and Farrian like a father sheltering his children. The attack was overwhelming judging from the reported dead on both sides. Tamell Alderthorn waged an impressive defense, but in the end, the opposing army overran them.

This last statement sent a new wave of grief pouring over Farrian. Farrian wailed uncontrollably. Taya found herself so caught up in the emotion that she too began to weep with him.

Everyone stationed at Spire Tree is assumed dead, Traft concluded.

But how do you know Farrian’s father was among then? Has no one been there to see? Taya asked, hopefully.

Tamell’s remains were sent back to Rayadorn’s Pride by an anonymous source, Traft answered.

Taya felt a wave of anger wash over her at the news. She drove her fist into the nearby table, causing a loud bang! Why do the Talicrons hate Silverwood so much? What have we ever done to them to deserve the kind of unforgiving attacks that they have waged against me and my kind? Taya shouted.

I assure you, Princess, Traft began.

Stop calling me that. I am not a princess. I am nothing but a helpless little elf girl. All I’ve done is sit around and watch the people I care about, die, for reasons I cannot begin to understand, Taya shouted back.

It is odd that the Talicrons would honor the dead such that they returned his remains, Guntharr considered, ignoring Taya’s rant.

You are correct, Guntharr, Firebane stepped out of the shadows of the room. He had been lurking in a corner listening quietly to the report. Talicrons have no respect or honor to speak of, which is what makes them so vicious an enemy.

It also makes them very predictable, Guntharr continued. This noble act does not fit their normal behavior.

Maybe they’ve grown a conscience in the last few years, Arnethia suggested smartly.

Or, there is still someone else behind all of the attacks, Guntharr raised a hand to his chin and pinched it slightly.

But Naranda is dead, you said so yourself, Guardian. You saw her fall into the volcano, Arnethia countered.

It couldn’t be the goblins, Firebane considered. They can be an effective weapon, but they are hardly qualified to plot some of the events that have taken place over the last several years.

Agreed, Guntharr nodded.

Then who? Farrian asked, regaining some composure. Has it been the Talicrons all along?

No, Traft answered. "They are much like the goblins in that they are a tremendous and disposable weapon, but only when wielded by a master.

I have long suspected another, Guntharr admitted.

Dravious! Arnethia clapped her hands as she recalled the wizard turned zombie. Larianna successfully restored him. He was involved in the beginning with the Talicrons at Spire Tree. Maybe he and Naranda were working together.

He was absent during the conflict with the Hawk Lords and Battle Wolves, Taya remembered.

That’s as good a candidate as I can come up with, Firebane admitted to the group.

That makes sense, Farrian decided. After Drifmarklow, he must have gone back to the Winding Sea to gather new troops before returning to Spire Tree. He would have known at some point that my father had taken it from the leaderless Talicrons, and so in his lust for control, he went back and killed my father.

How powerful is this wizard, Dravious? Traft questioned.

Taya and the others stood around, looking at each other for a time. While they had only directly fought him once, he seemed pretty powerful as he nearly killed all of them single-handedly. But, he possessed a part of the Talisman at the time. While it had restricted him in some ways, it did seem to grant him more control and energy.

Your theory is sound, Lieutenant Farrian, but I am not convinced, yet, Guntharr added. While Dravious is powerful, his actions at Spire Tree did not come across as a master strategist. He was sloppy in his execution, and someone with half a wit, such as myself, would have killed us wielding as much power as he had.

Guntharr’s candor brought out a chuckle from everyone. He clearly missed the joke and looked around for an explanation. His gaze finally landed on Firebane, who seemed to be enjoying it the most.

Firebane waved off Guntharr’s gaze. No one in this room or who has ever spent more than five minutes with you, my friend, would ever consider you a half-wit.

Oh, well, what I was trying to convey, Guntharr tried to explain.

Just leave it, Arnethia moved over to him and patted him warmly on the shoulder. Taya had recently seen her do this on several occasions. As best as Taya could tell, this seemed to be as close to a form of affection as the Guardian would allow from Arnethia.

What I’m still confused about is how Traft knew where to find us? Farrian wondered.

That is my doing, Guntharr readily admitted. After the events with the Alpha’s, I felt it important to send word via one of the Hawk Lord messengers to General Alderthorn. It was imperative that he monitor his current crop of alleys. There was a possibility that there was a deeper collaboration between Ultmark and one of the elvish leaders.

Wasn’t that a bit risky, my friend, Firebane challenged Guntharr.

He nodded. It was, but considering the fractions we have seen even within seeming allies of Silverwood, I felt it best to warn the General and to provide an update on our progress.

As soon as the messenger arrived, I set out immediately to come and convey the news to Farrian, myself, Traft bowed slightly.

What of my friends, Delstar and Strathford? Did they also follow my father to Spire Tree? Farrian wondered.

The question caused a slight smile to creep across the elder elf’s face. Your friends begrudgingly stayed behind. Only by the threat of treason and imprisonment from General Alderthorn did they stay behind.

Farrian surprisingly let out a slight chuckle. Seems like my father was having a hard time controlling some of us more than others.

Traft’s face grew solemn. Farrian, your father knew, better than any of us, what was at risk by trying to take back Spire Tree. He understood that should things turn out for the worst, you would need some strong friends to help you stay the course. Delstar and Strathford are to you, what I was to your father. But I did not come here to brow-beat you. I have also come bearing a request.

A request? Farrian looked surprised.

Traft nodded. Farrian, besides being an expert tactician and skilled fighter, your father was my friend. Shortly after you left, Tamell confided in me regarding his true motivation behind banishing you. When he met your companions, he recognized the importance of the mission that they were on. He was concerned that they have every possible resource necessary for success. Yet, he knew you would never willingly leave your men.

I’m not following you, Farrian looked over at Taya.

Your father knew you and respected you as much as a man has ever respected their child, Traft walked over and put a hand on his shoulder. He saw the intrigue and fascination with Taya, here, and the quest. He wanted you to have a part in all of it, not stuck behind a desk running drills and fighting an occasional skirmish against mediocre opponents.

But that is important, too. The protection of the village, the protection of Silverwood’s borders was important, Farrian protested.

Traft smiled. Do not mistake what I am trying to say. Tamell never thought for a moment that what he and your comrades in Rayadorn’s Pride did was less important. I’m only telling you that what you have ventured into has been critical to not only Rayadorn’s Pride but all of Teradandra.

So, what’s your request? Farrian asked.

Tamell Alderthorn was, as you know, never lacking in his preparations even when it came to contingency planning. Before he left to retake Spire Tree, he left with me a envelop to be opened on the occasion of his death, Traft explained.

What was in it? Taya asked, jumping ahead of Farrian.

Traft pulled the envelope from his pouch and handed it to Farrian. On the back was a wax seal bearing the insignia of General Alderthorn. This envelope, along with a brief note, was to be delivered to you unopened.

Farrian looked at it for several seconds, and his hands began to tremble. I, I can’t. Farrian turned to Taya and handed her the envelope. Please, will you read it to me?

Taya nodded. She could see that Farrian was on the verge of breaking down again. This envelope contained the last words he would ever hear from his father. She carefully broke the seal and pulled out the crisp parchment, which had elvish letters inscribed in vibrant black ink. Deciding it better to read in the common tongue, Taya translated in her head as she read.

My dearest son. If you are reading this, then I most probably am dead and passed on to the next life to be with our Maker. Do not grieve for me, for the One True God has given me a complete life. You and your mother made it the best life. These are not the things to grieve over but to celebrate, knowing that we too will enjoy each other again one day in that great beyond. This is our hope and His great promise. I can only hope that Traft was around to deliver this, but just in case I must first clear the air regarding our parting of ways. I know how much you loved Rayadorn’s Pride. I know how much you loved the cause. Still, I saw an opportunity with the arrival of Guntharr and Princess Taya to fulfill a greater commission. You saw it too, I think. Bound by duty, you would not willingly surrender to the greater cause. Not because of fear or doubt, but out of humbleness.

Taya paused as everything she was saying began to sink in, You, to my knowledge, never thought of yourself more highly than you should. In most cases, this is appropriate, but on occasion, this constraint causes us to miss opportunities that were meant to be. I saw this, and it compelled me to act. I acted in a way that would make you the least susceptible to deception. I banished you only because I knew you needed to be with Taya and the Guardian, Taya paused in her reading to look at Farrian. He was maintaining his composure admirably at this point. He nodded in acknowledgment that she should continue.

I now lay two grave tasks upon you, which I would offer to anyone else willing to take, but none can handle as well as you. First, seek out your mother in Fairhaven and share with her my love. Take time to grieve with her and reflect on the life that we shared over so many years. The next thing I ask of you, only because I know no other individual better qualified than you. Return to Rayadorn’s Pride and reunite the elvish troops in hopes of withstanding the coming darkness. If Traft is still alive, he will prove to be an excellent guide and resource. If not, I believe you may yet have comrades in the camp who will be adequate to grant you council. I would not ask this of you if it were not important to me. I would not distract you from the Princess’s mission if I did not think it key. On the day that Taya returns to Spire Tree, she will need the army at Rayadorn’s Pride. You will return to her and be her sword, sharpened with an edge of fire. Finally, never forget my love for you. Until the One True God comes or in death, we are reunited, I remain your father, Tamell Alderthorn, General.

He can’t possibly be serious, Farrian remarked in bewilderment. There is no way I can do as he asked. I’m not a general. Nobody will follow me.

Traft nodded sympathetically. A general, you are not.

Nevertheless, Guntharr interrupted, the men will follow you, because you are a leader, Farrian. And right now, that is exactly what they need.

Guntharr’s correct, Firebane added. They have had their very foundation ripped out from under them. An army needs someone to be the focus, to guide and direct. You have that in you. I saw those men when we were in Nightfall; they love you and would follow any order you might bring down.

I don’t know if I can do it, Farrian turned and looked at Taya. What about the mission, the final gem?

We will find it, in time, Taya added softly, her voice a mixture of soft melodies and tears. And like your father said, just because we find it doesn’t mean that the Talicrons and Dravious or whoever is in control of them, will just turn it over to us. There is going to be a fight. Probably one like we have never encountered before. At that time, I will need you, Taya took both of his hands into hers. More than ever, I will need you beside me and in all of your strength.

But I don’t want to leave you, Farrian’s face flushed. His feelings were exposed, but it was clear from his tone, he did not care.

Taya considered the struggle Farrian was facing. She, too, felt the urge to reject the real need and focus only on what she wanted. But, she had to consider her life. She and Farrian were both descendants of Silverwood. Their lifespan exceeded all but the dragons in the Outerlands. The few months or even years that they would be separated would be a grain of sand in an hourglass compared to the life they could have when all of this was over. Taya found a strength inside of her that she rarely felt and tapped into it. She needed to so that Farrian would understand that there was nothing to fear.

I know, Taya looked deep into his eyes. I don’t want to let you go, but I need to. Your mother needs you right now. The men in Rayadorn’s Pride need you.

And you, what do you need? Farrian asked.

Taya had nothing to say. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. I need to think of others instead of myself, and right now, those elves are more important than I am.

Farrian straightened up, standing to attention, and took a deep breath. Then I shall emulate the one I love and focus on the needs of others until she requires me again.

Taya bowed in appreciation and humility. Farrian had set aside the role of companion and friend, to be her soldier for a time. Thank you. And I will call, I promise.

I must prepare to leave then, Farrian bowed to her. If you will excuse me. Farrian turned to his new advisor, Traft, I will be ready to leave within the hour.

Traft was taken off guard by this sudden shift in Farrian’s demeanor. Well, certainly. Do you have a steed?

Farrian considered the question for a moment before turning toward Guntharr.

You may take Blurr if you wish. I believe Blaktosh may have a more suitable ride, given the urgent circumstances, Guntharr turned a hard stare at the librarian.

Blaktosh thought for a moment. I suppose you can borrow Stormrage, Blaktosh offered reluctantly. I believe you’ll find him more than up to the task at hand.

Farrian bowed in respect and thanks. He turned to leave but stopped and turned to look into Taya’s eyes once more. Taya could see that underneath this new façade was one last plea for her to release him from this task. Taya forced a smile, but inside, her heart broke. May the speed of the One True God be at your back, Lieutenant. I will miss you.

Farrian forced a smile. Apparently, he saw the pain Taya was feeling and realized that he should not make it any worse for both of them. Farrian turned and went down the hall and turned into an adjoining corridor, which led to where he had been residing with Lightning Fang.

Please, take good care of him for me, Taya looked up into Traft’s old, wise eyes.

You have my word, Traft tilted his head downward.

Thank you. Now, if you will please excuse me, I know there is much to discuss in the morning, and I would like to try to go back to sleep now, Taya turned to leave forcing back another stream of tears from falling.

Taya, Guntharr reached out gently and touched her shoulder. There is one more thing you should know.

Taya sighed. She was not sure how much more she could handle tonight, but she turned and faced the Guardian. Emotionally drained, she offered no reply.

Guntharr made sure he had everyone in the room’s attention. Spire Tree has been destroyed.

CHAPTER 2

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W ilstrom posed in front of a large mirror that stood smartly on one side of the large and lavish bedroom. He was fussing with his shirt to make sure everything looked just right. He had not been home for some time, given his busy schedule.