Age of the Third Arcon: Adventures of Celoferania, Lady of Hawks: Age of the Third Arcon, #2

By S. C. Coleman

The Treaty of Molina has been broken, and shadows grow longer on the Greater Continent. In this next installment, following the Glass Empires, the Age of the Third Arcon will see the rise of a new general, a general of generals, to lead a coalition of forces against the enemies of Molina. The continent is growing more and more dangerous, as four champions set-out on their missions. The second of these champions is Celoferania, the lady of a noble house, which resides in a quaint village. On the periphery of the Molinese territory, Celoferania will be wrench from her home, and thrown into an adventure; which will forever change her life, in ways that she could never have imagined. She will encounter strange sights, and stranger companions, as she makes her way through foreign lands. Along with numerous perils, many wayward paths will present themselves; threatening to lead her away.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. C. Coleman
• Release date: Oct 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201527167

Book preview

Summary:

The Treaty of Molina has been broken, and shadows grow longer on the Greater Continent. In this next installment, following the Glass Empires the Age of the Third Arcon will see the rise of a new general, a general of generals, to lead a coalition of forces against the enemies of Molina. The continent is growing more and more dangerous, as four champions set-out on their missions. The second of these champions is Celoferania, the lady of a noble house, which resides in a quaint village. On the periphery of the Molinese territory, Celoferania will be wrench from her home, and thrown into an adventure; which will forever change her life, in ways that she could never have imagined. She will encounter strange sights, and stranger companions, as she makes her way through foreign lands. Along with numerous perils, many wayward paths will present themselves; threatening to lead her away.

Chapter One

Hawk’s Peak

Pocono dat Faren, Hawk’s Peak in Molinese, was a sleepy little mountain town; hidden among the snow caps of the Southern Mountains. Just south of Molina, Hawk’s Peak was insulated by a maze of impassible gorges and secret pathways. Therefore, the only visitors that ever came already knew of its location, and were likely residents. However, an odd stranger here and there might turn up, and mostly always consisted of a deligation from Molina. Eitherway, any newcomers would be spotted far-off, by the Mountain Hawks of both human and animal. These were the village protectors, bred in the hostile wild of the stone forest and a single team could hault the passage of a full army for many days. While the avian hawks could spot an enemy from above the clouds, their human counterparts could stop their heart beat from an unseen position. Together, beak and claw matched with gun and hook. Living in this environment, and watching Hawk’s Peak’s borders, the Mountain Hawks ensured the safety of the village and villagers. So, most residents went about peaceful and happy lives, caring little for what might take place outside their high, natural, walls. It was in this sleepy village that visitors arrived in the early hours of the morning. Light blankets of dew had collected on the roofs of the tan and lavender buildings, colored and style in the villages favorite hues. Slight ghostly clouds drifted through the alleyways, and in front of slumbering frosted window; while occasional mountain song birds would drop into the fountain square. There, splashing in the cool fountain water, the happy chirps would bring in the first sounds of dawn. However, the sun was barely visible behind the heavy clouds that hung above the peaks, but a few rays of angelic light pieced the cloud cover; in places, casting a magical glow over the sleeping village.

The main street of the sleepy mountain village, constructed from an elaborate network of stone tiles, was wide enough to support a troop of fifty horses, trotting side by side. On the other hand, it was unlikely the fifty horses could even reach the remote mountain village. Most travel was done on foot, and groups of visitors rarely numbered more than three. So, it was odd to see a group of thirty soldiers, bearing the uniform of the Red Skeleton guard. These soldiers from Molina were escorting a single woman, slender in build and average in stature. She bore the black robes of the order of Populla, with the red sashes and white undergarments. She wore a black hat, with two red stripes, and a shoal of black. Also, her heavy cloak was dyed black and bore two red stripes at the base. Equally, the ends of her habit sleeves bore the two red stripes. While unrecognized by the common folk, the young woman’s clothing denoted a high rank within the order, and she was very important to religious cooperation; with the Molinese ruling House Karolinda. Rare to see so many visitors at once, let alone guards from Molina, this young woman visitor was rarer still; as Populla’s high ranking officials rarely set foot outside the city, let alone wearing full ecclesiastical dress. The times were strange, and this stranger was in search of something extra-ordinary. The group of soldiers and the lady priest stolled towards the fountain center, which was the circular focal point of the small town. As they passed by many slumbering buildings, and different artisan shops, nothing appeared to catch their eyes. Then, they came into the fountain center, with the huge swan statue built in the middle of a stone pool. The stone swan was intricately carved, and stood proudly with outstretched wings, as if ready to leave its cold and watery roost. Out of its beak a gentle stream of water flowed; meaning there was likely an internal water system within its body. However, it was not this old piece of artwork that inticed the lady priest, instead she noticed a large house. Designed in the old fashion of the village, this house stood three stories high and boasted a range of windows. This building was made from a combination of stone columns, wooden walls, and reinforced metal bars. However, this architectural masterpiece looked welcoming, rather than forboding and unnerving; like most of the buildings in Molina. The tan coloring, with lavender trim, matched the theme of the other buildings; except this one had numerous hawk statues decorating it. The building stood like an island in the middle of mainstreet and was flanked by rows of large hawk statues; which contrasted greatly to the art style of the swan fountain, meaning the two were crafted by different creators. On the door to the building was a set of large hawks, carved intricately into the wood, with a background of mountain peaks. These large doors were wide enough to allow the entry to four people, and a large bell hung from the awning above. Pulling on the bell string, one of the priestess’s gaurds announced the party’s arrival. Then, they waited. Minutes passed by, and the group continued waiting patiently. Finally, after many minutes, sounds came booming out from behind the door. With a piercing screech, the old hunges of the large doors began to rotate, and the large structures swung outwards. Surprisingly, the host that had opened the building’s hawk doors was a slender woman, only slightly taller than the priestess, in fact. It was clear that the door attendant had been sleeping, as she was wearing a peach night gown and lavender shawl.

Lady of Hawk’s Peak! The Molinese guard that had rung the door bell began to announce, in a clear voice, the titles of his charge. This is Lady Harmonia of House Locune, Skeleton Aide to House Karolinda, and High Priestess of Populla! You! The guard was suddenly cut short of his announcement, as a cool slender hand passed over his should, and the priestess stepped forward.

It has been moons since our last encounter, I am humbled to stand in your presence, my child. The sickly sweet voice of the priestess made her stoic gaurds shift ever so slighty, as they attempted to retain their military composure. Although the priestess’s words appeared polite, there was a condescending tone behind them.

Indeed, priestess, you were a child when last I saw you! The half asleep Lady Celoferania retorted with a chuckle,