Etania's Calling: Daughters of Tamnarae, #2

By M.H. Elrich

Etania has a big secret...

 

Six months after she saves Southern Tamnarae, Etania's father returns from hunting Jazel. He asks Etania to travel north with him and use her abilities as a Vexli to capture Jazel, but there's one problem. Etania doesn't have any Neuma. It's a secret she's kept from Keyel and Jakin while overseeing the Changed. 

 

Hoping she can deal with Jazel and return home without anyone finding out, Etania embarks on the quest. But the charming Prince of the north, Zaden, quickly discovers the truth. Can she trust this mysterious prince to keep her secret, or will lies lead to disaster? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.H. Elrich
• Release date: Feb 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201572228

M.H. Elrich

M.H. Elrich is a Christian Fantasy author, reader, otaku, and teacher who wears too many hats. In her spare time (if she has any), she watches T.V. with her husband, rides horses, and travels to places with lots of trees. You can find her and her books at mhelrich.com.

Book preview

Bible Verse for Etania’s Calling

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

-Proverbs 31:30 NIV

Chapter One

Etania ran. If she stopped, she would die. Leaves crunched beneath her boots, and her breath came out in huffs. Branches scraped against her skin, cutting thin lines against her flesh. The dark trees surrounded her as she sprinted toward the light at the end of the path. Etania could escape—if she could only reach that light!

Leaves stirred violently. Etania swore she could hear the trees speaking; whispering with indiscernible screeches. Goosebumps rose on her skin. She pushed herself faster, desperate to escape. She was too late!

Branches whipped out, binding her wrists and legs. She struggled, straining, kicking, twisting—trying to break free. Tears sprang to Etania’s eyes as the branches around her wrists tightened.

A blond woman stepped forward, carrying a torch that illuminated the forest. Jazel! Recognizing her, Etania trembled from head to toe. Jazel’s bright blue eyes filled with malice. Torchlight reflected off the gleaming silver gauntlet that covered her wrist. Jazel tapped the gauntlet, and a blade emerged.

With a wicked smile on her face, she lunged toward Etania.

Etania screamed, jolting into sudden wakefulness and scattering all the papers on her desk. She heard pounding feet as Keyel swept into the library, rushing toward her. She was shaking, and the Leici quickly scooped her into an embrace.

Another nightmare? he whispered.

She nodded, wrapping her arms around her suitor’s waist. Burying her face beneath his chin, Etania dared not look up at him lest she cry. So much for rest, she thought. They stood there for a few moments, hearts beating in synchronization.

Six months. Half a year had passed since Jazel had murdered Toren in front of Etania and fled north. Yet the nightmares of that horrible woman would not pass. If the citizens of Nova could see me now, they wouldn’t call me a Heroine of Tamnarae, Etania thought bitterly. Keyel alone knew about her nightmares and comforted her. Although, he doesn’t know about my Neuma...

Her thoughts trailed off as Keyel said, You’re working too hard.

Etania stepped back, looking up at him in protest. She realized she was inches away from his face and looked away. Heat rose to her cheeks.

I am not, she mumbled. Keyel gently stroked her cheek, forcing her to look back at him.

Then why are you falling asleep among books, your favorite things?

Etania’s breath caught at his gentle, blue-eyed gaze. She was about to explain—to tell him that her mother’s work was the only thing that gave her peace—when a voice interrupted their conversation.

Alpha Etania! Alpha Etania!

Etania and Keyel immediately stepped apart, Etania’s heart pounding in her chest. A young woman named Tamar trotted into the library, her wolf companion following behind her. Eponee was the only pet allowed inside the castle library.

How many times have I told you not to call me Alpha Etania? She protested, her brain adding, as if I don’t have enough titles to deal with.

I know, Tamar admitted, but living with the Eritam for so long makes it hard to break the habit.

Etania’s thoughts drifted to the first time she met Tamar. The healer and her companion, Sage, had voluntarily joined the Changed after the Battle of Khartome. Sage was a former Skazic whom Etania had changed with her Neuma, but Tamar was a normal Eritam with a wolf companion. She also had the right to stay with her pack, but was with Sage. Etania had gratefully accepted Sage and their assistance.

Scion is causing problems again, Tamar said.

That man will never learn, Keyel groaned.

Etania sighed in agreement. Scion, one of the Changed, didn’t like his new condition as a prisoner. He was even leading a gang of rebels who constantly caused chaos for Keyel and Etania. She hated dealing with him, but it was her responsibility. Walking past the scattered papers to where her crossbow and bolts hung, she grabbed both and motioned to Tamar.

Lead the way.

Etania and Keyel followed Tamar and Eponee out of the tower that contained the library and into the castle courtyard. The castle at the top of Khartome Island’s central hill now functioned as a barracks for the guards and officials in charge of the Changed.

The Changed lived in the Praytor district of Khartome, which had been evacuated of normal citizens. Walls surrounded it to keep the former Skazic imprisoned. Etania and Keyel quickened their pace, moving out of the courtyard and downhill through the gates.

As Etania followed Tamar, she heard the sounds of fighting: grunts, whacks, and cries of pain. Rounding a corner, she saw ten guards trying to suppress seven men. The seven Changed wielded makeshift weapons against the guards' shields and wooden clubs, which they used for crowd control. Tamar and Eponee plunged into the fray, trying to get the rebellious men to back down. Etania hung back, considering how she could help, while Keyel engaged Scion.

As a Vexli, Etania had several abilities. She could remove the Neuma of Skazic, rendering them powerless human beings, or she could disable the Neuma of Melchizedek-followers temporarily. However, Etania hadn’t been able to use her Neuma since the night King Toren was killed. She tried, as she often did, to conjure a flame. Nothing. Keyel couldn’t see her vain attempts. He didn’t know about her secret, and she wanted to keep it that way. Thank goodness they lived in a time of peace, when her Neuma wasn’t required for the Changed or for everyday living. That was the part of the reason she had kept her secret for so long.

Keyel wrestled with Scion, attempting to keep the Changed from wriggling out of his grasp. Before Etania could act, a man whacked her from behind with a wooden club. She cried out in pain as the wood hit her between the shoulder blades. Stumbling forward, she accidentally pushed Keyel off Scion. The Changed darted away, joining another man currently fighting a guard.

Are you hurt? Keyel asked, rising and helping to steady her.

Only a little. Etania winced as sharp pains traveled down her back. Sorry about Scion.

There's no time to worry about that. Watch out! Keyel pushed her aside.

Etania heard the loud thump of wood against Keyel's arm. Wincing in sympathy, she turned to see Scion returning with a companion, ready to team up on Keyel. Etania loaded her crossbow with a wooden bolt. Even without her Neuma, she could still use the weapon. Just as she prepared to fire, a voice yelled: Stop this! 

Mainly out of surprise, the Changed and the guards halted to look at the source of the command. Sage, with his short, white hair and bright, yellow eyes, strode into the street. Etania let out a breath of relief. He can calm them down, she thought.

What do you want, Sage? Scion demanded.

I want you to stop fighting! Sage declared. What good will this do?

We’ll gain our freedom, a man to Scion’s right answered. Scion nodded in agreement.

We’ll never attain freedom if we’re always fighting! Sage countered.

Why do you care? Scion spat. You’re allowed more freedom than us!  

That’s because Sage doesn’t storm the walls and kill the guards, Etania thought in reply. Sage sighed.

I care because I’m one of you. I was a Skazic; a toothbreaker. Now I’ve been changed by Melchizedek’s chosen one, the Vexli Etania. This change humbled me so that I was open to Melchizedek’s call. Are you open to hearing about Him?

I don’t want to listen to any of your hogwash! Scion looked away from Sage and glared at Etania, who stood ready to shoot the rioters with wooden bolts. He realized how few of his men were still standing and huffed. "Fine, we’ll leave. For now."

He took off down the primary avenue, the rest of the rioters scrambling after. Once they turned out of sight, Sage ran a hand through his hair. Without him, Etania couldn’t have handled the Changed. That thought unsettled her.

Thank you, she said.

Anytime, Vexli Etania, the former toothbreaker replied, bowing from the waist.

Etania blushed. What have I told you about bowing and that ‘Vexli’ stuff? I’m just Etania.

Of course, Sage replied, but he didn’t sound repentant. What are we going to do about Scion?

I think a night in a prison cell might change his mind, Keyel suggested.

I doubt that, Sage said. He seems determined to rebel.

Then what would you suggest? Etania asked.

Give Scion and his allies something to do, Sage said. They’re purposeless out here, and it makes them listless.

Work could keep them out of trouble. Tamar looked knowingly at Sage. Too bad I don’t have a garden like I did at the old den, eh Sage?

Sage reddened, and the two shared a glance Etania didn’t quite understand. She considered Sage’s words. Although allowed to roam freely in one district on the island of Khartome, the Changed were prisoners without occupation. The generosity of Nova’s citizens fed, clothed, and educated them. This didn’t compare to their work as soldiers in King Toren’s army. What meaningful work could they do now? Etania sympathized with them, yet the question stumped her.

I’m sorry, Sage, Etania said. I’m not sure what they can do.

If I come up with something, will you hear it out?

Of course.

Tamar interjected, asking if she could help Sage. He shrugged, looking to Etania for approval. The Vexli nodded and Tamar practically dragged the sheepish man away. Etania stifled a smile at the sight.

They’re awfully cheerful for two people who just stopped a riot, Keyel remarked.

Their smiles make it easier to bear. She reached over to touch Keyel’s arm. Yellow and purple bruises were already forming from where he had been hit. Will you be all right?

Keyel nodded. He reached over with his other hand and gently stroked her back, right where the club had made contact. His touch sent tingles down her spine that had nothing to do with the pain.

Are you okay? he asked.

Yes, Etania whispered.

Keyel cleared his throat, stepping back and offering his arm. I think you’ve been working too long. As your suitor, I feel it is my duty to take you on an outing. What do you say about having a picnic by the lake?

Etania smiled up at him, taking his arm.

I say you’re right.

Alright! To the bakery for food and then to the lake for some sunshine!

Keyel’s giddy enthusiasm swept Etania along so much that they almost forgot to speak to the guards before leaving the prison district. Once they did, they headed out into the city of Khartome outside the castle walls. They found a suitable bakery within a few kilometers. The plump woman behind the counter greeted them.

What can I get for you two lovebirds?

Etania blushed. Only months ago, she would have been extremely embarrassed to be called a lovebird. Now it still felt odd, yet she’d grown accustomed to it.

What is in this bread? Keyel asked, pointing to a loaf of rye that looked different from the rest.

It’s a speciality of mine. I put a lot of pepper and spices in that one to make it more flavorful!

Oh, I definitely want a slice of that, Keyel said.

Etania wrinkled her nose.

You don’t like it?

I’m not a fan of spicy food. But a few of those strawberry tartlets would be wonderful.

That will be ten silver coins, the baker declared.

Ten silver coins! Keyel exclaimed. That’s twice what most bakers charge.

I’m not most bakers, the woman said. I once worked for royalty.

Yeah, right.

Etania didn’t want him to argue with the baker. She leaned in and whispered. Please, for me. Just this once?

Keyel bit his lip.

I’ll throw it in a basket if you agree to the price, the baker added.

Keyel finally agreed, paying the woman the excessive amount. Food in hand, they headed out of the city. They crossed over the long bridge that connected the island capital to the shore. This journey took quite a while on foot, but Etania didn’t mind. She felt grateful to divert her mind from her nightmares and the pressures of leadership.

At last, they arrived at a secluded, grassy area. It spread right next to the shores of Lake Khartome, sparkling in the late afternoon sun. Etania munched on her strawberry tartlet, several crumbs falling onto her skirts.

You’re such a messy eater, Keyel teased. Do you have a handkerchief?

Etania searched her knapsack and pulled one out, handing it to Keyel.

Why do you need one?

You’ve got some strawberry jam on your cheek, Keyel said.

He dabbed her cheek, leaning in so closely that Etania thought he could hear her heartbeat outside of her chest. When he finished, he leaned back slightly and froze. Was he about to kiss her?

The roar of a dragon broke the tension. Etania looked up to behold the yellow belly of the creature, its scales glinting in the bright sunlight.

It looks like a messenger from Renata, Keyel pointed out. We’ve been expecting one for a while, and whoever it is will give us a ride to the new capital.

Etania sighed, wishing she could get the moment back. Squinting, she said, I think it’s Tevan. Keyel paled.

Of all the Draconians, why did they have to send Tevan to be our ride?

Etania stifled a giggle. Her suitor’s question sounded like a lament. The bright-haired rider loved to make his dragon, Flamir, somersault through the air—especially with passengers.

I’m sure you’ll be fine, Etania encouraged. She laced her fingers through Keyel’s hand. Come, we’d better see what Tevan has to tell us.

Etania and Keyel watched the red dragon swoop down from the sky, floating slowly until he landed in the grassy field a kilometer away from the couple.

There’s someone else with Tevan, Etania said. Who do you think it is?

We’ll find out soon enough.

Keyel and Etania could see both figures dismounting from the dragon. As they approached, Etania recognized the flaming red hair of Tevan, but the man next to him was cloaked. He lowered the hood of his cloak and realization dawned on Etania.

Father! she screamed, running to Jakin and wrapping her arms around him. Tears sprang to her eyes. Six months he had been absent, searching for Jazel. Now he stood before her, alive and present, though skinnier, and with more gray flecks peppering his beard and hair.

I missed you, too. Jakin smiled.

Master! Keyel greeted. Jakin shook hands with him, locking wrists.

You don’t have to call me that anymore, he reminded. Have you been taking care of this daughter of mine?

Of course! Keyel said.

What am I, the side dish? Tevan interrupted.

His comment made them laugh. How Etania had missed her father’s laugh! Once they calmed down, she greeted the Draconian male.

Welcome to Khartome!

Thanks, Tevan replied, and he cleared his throat. As a representative of the republic, I came to call you to a meeting at the new capital of Renata.

It’s that time already? Etania asked. The months since we formed the republic have passed by so quickly, she thought.

It is, Tevan confirmed. Now that I am finished, where can someone get rest around here? Flamir and I are exhausted.

That’s all you’re doing? Delivering a message? Keyel questioned.

Etania swore she could hear a little hope in his voice.

Of course not. Tevan slapped Keyel on the back so hard that the Leici stumbled forward. I’m going to take you to Renata the day after tomorrow, so you’d better be ready.

Keyel gulped, and Etania felt a twinge of sympathy for her suitor.

Well, we don’t really have anywhere to keep your dragon, Etania changed the subject. It might be best if he stays in the lake and catches fish.

I think he can handle that. Can’t you, boy? Tevan patted the dragon’s neck, causing him to purr in happiness.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a dragon do that! Etania exclaimed.

What can I say? Flamir is unique.

You can say that again, Keyel muttered. Tevan snickered.

So, where can I go?

Priest Alfred’s home is always open, Jakin suggested.

That’s a great idea, father, Etania agreed. You can lead the way—as long as you haven’t forgotten?

Oh, has my daughter gained a sense of humor since I left? Jakin teased.

Perhaps.

Jakin grinned and took the lead, walking through Nova and greeting the townspeople. Etania and Keyel held hands, following him, and Tevan brought up the rear. They reached Priest Alfred’s parish on the edge of town within minutes.

Jakin! Priest Alfred greeted him when they knocked on his door.

Alfred, my friend! Jakin patted the man’s back.

Where have you been? the priest asked.

Etania wanted to know about her father’s journey, too, and whether he’d caught Jazel.

I was tending to some business, Jakin answered.

Business? Alfred raised an eyebrow. "Your daughter has been exhausted juggling your responsibilities while you were gone, and you were ‘taking care of business’?"

Priest Alfred, it’s fine. Etania didn’t want her father to worry. After all, she was the Vexli. She could handle it. Tevan cleared his throat.

Ah yes, Jakin said, This is Tevan, the Draconian. He’s here to take the three of us to the council meeting and needs a place to stay. We’ll be leaving in a few days, so he won’t be here long.

Of course, Alfred said. He’s welcome to stay here. Come on in, Tevan. I have to tell my wife to expect guests.

Grace isn’t home yet? Etania asked.

No, she’s still at Beth’s place, working.

Ah. Etania felt a bit disappointed. Yet, she would probably see her best friend at least once before she left.

Tevan waved at them as they left Alfred’s house. See you later!

Jakin and Etania headed home, Keyel trailing behind them. As they approached the wooden fence, Jakin paused, his face pained. Etania put an arm over her father’s shoulders.

I know, she said simply. After all, she felt the same way every time she approached their house. The emptiness of knowing that her mother wasn’t there—would never be there.

I’m not sure I can do this, Jakin whispered. He looked over at Keyel. Is there any chance our old house in Khartome is still standing?

Keyel shook his head. It was a ruin after King Toren raided it, so we demolished it. I’ve been staying with Loren, a fellow guard.

Come. Etania grabbed her father’s hand and tugged him forward.

Jakin followed Etania into the house, where he had a tearful reunion with Barick and Serena. Serena decided to make them a feast that night to celebrate the Lehrling’s return. After serving all of them tea, she took Barick with her to shop for ingredients. With the servants gone, everyone settled in the cushioned chairs in their living area. Etania felt like she could finally ask the ever-important question.

So, what happened?

It's a long story, Jakin said, but I will tell you this—I found Jazel.

You found her? Etania’s voice quavered. Where?

In Northern Tamnarae, in the company of the Pyros.

The Pyros? Keyel repeated, and Jakin nodded.

When I finally found her, she was well protected. Only one man helped me.

Who’s that? Etania asked.

Prince Zaden Rapiro, second in line to the throne of the Pyros.

Something about the name made Etania both curious and apprehensive.

Who is this Prince? She wondered.

Chapter Two

Prince Zaden Rapiro untangled himself carefully from Princess Gwen’s arms. He needed to leave the yurt without waking her and before she could see his true plans. He grabbed a hand mirror sitting on the small nightstand and adjusted his black hair with his fingers, trying to cover the scars beneath his scalp line. Slowly, he moved the fur blankets over the cot he had shared with Gwen. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake. He tiptoed quickly to the front of the yurt, where his sandals lay alongside hers on a woven rug. Sitting on a nearby stool, he tugged on his shoes.

Zaden? Gwen called out.

Drat, I woke her! Zaden thought.

Yes? he said, not looking up.

Where are you going? she questioned, her sleepy voice tense.

To check on the unicorns, Zaden replied. We didn’t take any servants when we left the capital, so who else will do it?

Alright. Remember, my father will come to Hovhan at noon, so we have to be back there by then.

I’m aware, Zaden said, grabbing his cloak. This was part of the reason for his escape so early in the morning. Zaden and Gwen had set up a yurt outside of Hovhan for privacy, but King Brandt wouldn’t be pleased to find Zaden in Gwen’s company.

I love you, she called.

Looking back at Gwen, he felt a twinge of guilt. She looked stunning, with long brunette tresses and bright green eyes. He almost wished he hadn’t... he quickly suppressed the thought.

Goodbye, he said, slipping out into the pre-dawn light.

Zaden didn’t hear Gwen’s reply as he headed toward the line of unicorns to fetch his prize. Destro, a gray stallion of the Equus princess, was well worth his efforts to woo Gwen. With sturdy legs and a consistent offspring, Destro would be a perfect addition to his herd. Even better, the horns of his half-breed offspring could make healing potions.

That almost made Gwen’s confession of love easier to bear.

Zaden saddled the stallion and leaped upon him. The unicorn was sleepy because of the drugged feed the Prince had given him the night before. This feed made the unicorn fail to recognize its owner. Otherwise, it would automatically rebel, for Zaden didn’t have the Neuma of the Equus, which allowed unicorns to be tamed. With a quick tap of his heels, Zaden urged Destro into a gallop, leaving the yurt and Hovhan far, far behind.

Zaden made it unscathed and unnoticed through the vast grasslands of the Equus. Hardly anyone traversed the area because the Equus traveled with their King or stayed in Hovhan. Once he crossed the border into the land of his people, the Pyros, he released a breath. A few days later, his three-story sandstone house appeared in the distance. He rode over the long patch of desert in front of it that sustained his herd of camels and horses.

Thinking back to Gwen, Zaden figured she wouldn’t dare speak of what they had done. A small part of him wondered if her anger at his betrayal would open her mouth. Since no Equus had pursued him, she must have remained silent. He suppressed a smug smile. The thrill of his latest escapade would keep him happy for many days. 

Zaden dismounted after he pulled up to his stable. He handed the reins of Destro to his steward, Benjamin, an older man who oversaw his estate. If a parched piece of the desert could be considered an estate.

Where did you get this, your highness? Benjamin asked.

Princess Gwen gave him to me as a present, Zaden lied. See that he is well cared for, as I want to breed him to our mares. Also, feed him this powder once a day. Zaden handed Benjamin the ground herb that made unicorns placable.

Understood, your highness, Benjamin said. Also, there is a message from your father.

"What does he want?"

King Victor requests your presence at Gotha. He says that your relative visits and has an interesting proposition for the three of you.

Zaden rolled his eyes. "When does he want me to meet this relative?"

Tomorrow, your Highness. He said it’s urgent.

Everything with my father is urgent! Zaden groaned. Fine, I’ll be there. Is dinner waiting?

Yes, your Highness.

Zaden nodded at the older man and stepped inside of his sandstone house. The building was three stories high, with the ground floor housing the kitchen, dining room, and sitting area. The middle floor contained the servants’ and guests’ bedrooms, while the top floor was his personal bedroom. A bath and outhouse were separate; a bath was by his personal well, while the outhouse stood farther away.

Zaden headed for the dining area, plopping into a chair before his polished wooden table. Everywhere he looked, he could see paintings he’d acquired all over Tamnarae. He took a seat at the head of the table and the maid, Benjamin’s daughter, entered to set down dishes.

Brina, I’m so glad that you are here, Zaden said.

Why is that, your Highness? Brina replied.

Zaden winked and said, You are the best cook of all the Pyros.

Oh, you flatter me! Her cheeks reddened. I simply do the best I can.

With the ingredients of this Deo-forsaken land, you create water out of deserts.

Well, you’ll have to see what I’m serving tonight.

Brina exited the room to fetch the food. When she returned, she brought flatbread covered with meat and sauce, with a small side of grilled cactus.

Looks delicious, Zaden complimented, folding the flatbread around the meat and sauce before taking a bite. The mixture of spices delighted his mouth. He looked at Brina.

Should I ask where this meat came from?

Best not to, your Highness, she replied. After all, our wealth doesn’t come from livestock, but from selling our creations.

How well I know, he thought. Zaden’s father and older brother oversaw Gotha, which was the capital. The