House of Wizardry: The Swarming Death, #2

By Steffen Larken

Trapped in a spell-filled house with doors that lead into strange places... will he find his way back?

While seeking for more answers about his past, Veric finds himself dragged into a rescue mission that takes him to strange places.

But there is trickery in the air...

 

"House of Wizardry" is the second installment in a series of 12 high fantasy novellas that veers progressively into epic. Though it starts gentle, it grows in complexity and becomes darker with each new installment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ASG Worlds
• Release date: Apr 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9782493671028

Book preview

1.

There were days when I wished I'd stayed in bed. There were many such days as winter spread through the lands, sucking all warmth from the world... And there would be many more.

I had spent most of this time researching. I would use up all my options before I turned to my last resort—traveling to the Krymean Crowns.

Hundreds of books did mention Lord Kurhen, much to my surprise. However, the information I found in those volumes was always disappointing. The references were short and just said that the warlord's name had been stripped from all records. None of the authors ever bothered to explain why—likely they had not known themselves.

I sought out historians as well, but they could not say more. Though I could tell from our conversations that the topic puzzled many.

Have you talked to Raved yet? asked one of them.

I do not know who that is, I remarked.

Oh. Well, Raved Thurken is a renowned and respected scholar with extensive knowledge of the Krymean Crowns. He’s studied them for most of his life—even lived there for some years, I believe. I think his son was born there. Either way, he knows the splintered kingdoms like the back of his hand. If anyone knows anything about Kurhen, it’d have to be him!

That sounded like a promising lead. I had the historian write down Raved’s address, then hurried there.

It was evening and a chilling breeze engulfed me as I arrived at the mansion’s gate. The snows would soon be upon us, and with them the freezing winds of winter.

The mansion stood before me, two stories high, with dark walls of stone. Flickering lights shone behind the windows. I could hear agitated voices from within as I knocked at the door.

A servant opened. She was young, with a worried expression on her face.

Yes? she asked.

I wish to speak with Raved Thurken.

Is this about his son?

I could hear the hope in her voice.

No, it is not.

Oh. Well, I do not think he would have time...

The voices inside became louder, and I heard someone shout: We are wasting time!

The startled servant looked behind her.

This is clearly a bad time, I muttered, but could I at least see him for a moment, just to set a meeting?

I don’t know, she said distractedly, as her eyes shot back and forth between me and some spot inside, beyond my sight.

Despite her words, she stepped aside and motioned for me to come in.

Please wait here, she said softly, I will inquire.

I stood in the entrance hall as she closed the door behind me, then scurried into an adjoining room. I could now see that it was crowded with a dozen men, all of them heavily armed—I could see swords, spears, axes, bows...

The servant approached a tall bearded man, but just as she was going to speak to him, the man slammed his fist against the table.

Enough! I have not called upon you to bicker. If any of you have reservations, they are free to go. I need help, not complaints!

There were grumblings from some of the assembled men. As another argument erupted, the servant leaned over to whisper into the bearded man’s ear.

The fellow—who I surmised must be Raved himself—glanced at me for a moment, then looked back to his guests.

Gentlemen! he snapped. We will leave in five minutes. I ask of you to make up your mind within that time frame. I will not tolerate any further delays.

Without another word, he turned and walked toward me.

Ava says you wish to speak to me? Is this about my son?

I frowned. I know nothing of your son, sir. But I would like to talk to you about...

He lifted a hand to stop me. No! I don’t have time for this. My son is missing. I must go find him. Time is of the essence. I hope you understand.

Of course... When could we talk?

I don’t know! he said, throwing his hands up in the air. Check in again tomorrow. Hopefully, this will have been resolved by then...

He turned and headed back into the meeting room without waiting for my response.

The servant threw me an apologetic look.

I’m sorry, sir, he’s not usually like this, but he’s been on edge ever since Simar disappeared.

That’s understandable. I’ll try again tomorrow. I hope he finds his son.

So do I, sir, so do I.

I headed back out into the cold, idly wondering what had happened to the man’s son.

2.

When I returned the next day, I was told that Raved