The Heart Of The Sword His World Ablaze

By Franklyn M Thomas Jr.

Sanch was born to a succession he knew nothing about, to a world filled with those who wanted to see him dead to keep him from it.

His father, a great man, fought to keep his son safe and his people out of the hands of evil. After the death of his father, the young Sanch was in no way ready to pick up where his father left off.

• Language: English
• Publisher: In The Mind Of Thomas
• Release date: Jan 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9780998790534

Book preview

The

Heart

of The

Sword

His World Ablaze

Franklyn Thomas Jr.

Copyright © 2022 by Franklyn Thomas Jr.

Cover by INCO Designs

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in an information retrieval system in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, and recording, without prior written permission from the author.

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination and experiences or used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales, or divine beings, is entirely coincidental.

CHAPTER ONE

With an army bent on its annihilation closing in, the people of the village prepare to fight to keep their freedom. In search of Sanch and the sword known as Shallin, Alshin will stop at nothing to keep Sillack from failing again. For this time, it may cost him his life. Young heroes positioning themselves behind the opposing army find they are greatly outnumbered, but press on, hoping to be joined by a greater force.

Back at the village, Ralyn, Kess, and Thrant await the pending danger that will soon be at their gates. Will they be ready? Will Sanch, Menis, and the daughters of the village? Traveling through the treacherous Thorn Forest with all its dangers, Kess holds onto her husband. He kisses her on top of her head, taking in the flowery smell of her hair. She closes her eyes and whispers a prayer to the Gods for Bethany’s safe return.

Do not fret, my love. Our little girl will make it back home to us. Ralyn held his wife to his chest.

I just hope we still have a home for her to return to, Kess said.

Ralyn looked down at his wife. Her honey-colored skin and light brown eyes contrasted against the darkness of the forest. He could see her full lips curving downward, into a frown. He brushed a lock of hair from over her right eye. He wanted nothing more than to tell her that everything would be ok, and at the end of this day, everything would be just as it always was. They would all go back to their lives as it had been.

Let us see how Thrant is doing reintroducing himself to Kanten’s sword, Ralyn suggested.

Kess and Ralyn made their way to the marble table where she thoughtfully laid out Thrant’s old armor and his brother’s sword. The armor was a matted gray. His family crest was etched into the breastplate. The guards on his shoulder were scaled plates that protected but were still flexible enough to move as he did. The armor that covered his legs pointed upward into a spike. It came in handy to impale the enemy. It all was held together with thick leather straps fastened with silver buckles. Quietly approaching from behind, they both stopped and looked on as Thrant removed the sword from the table. A great sword that his brother, Kanten had swung with deadly accuracy.

You know, Ralyn, Kanten would never have let me touch this thing no matter how much I begged him. Thrant brought the blade up to eye level and looked at the straightness of its edge. A smooth beam of light entered through an open window, bouncing off of it. The pommel was made of a strange stone that he and Ralyn acquired as boys while out hunting. Thrant found it after falling on it as they were running after deer. He loved it so much that he built it into the pommel of his big brother’s sword. The hilt went out to a point on either end. They were weapons all their own. It was a two-handed sword that had been balanced in a way that it could be wielded with one. The blacksmith made one identical for Thrant, except for the pommel. Sillack had it taken from him when he imprisoned him.

Yes, and if he knew you had it now, he would probably kill you, Ralyn replied as he scratched his salt and pepper beard.

I do believe he would not be too happy with me, but now my greatest problem is fitting into my old armor. Stay close, I may need some help getting into this old thing. Thrant patted his small round belly.

Both Kess and Ralyn laughed and moved in closer and helped Thrant put on his armor. Some straps were worn but still strong. The dents from past battles still proudly showed themselves. Right along the shoulder piece of his armor was a clear and deep sword slash. Proof the armor worked. Without that piece of armor, Thrant would be missing an arm. When they were complete with their task, to their astonishment, the armor fit well!

Now, Thrant, are you ready? Ralyn turned and faced Thrant.

Kess placed her hands on the shoulders of the battle-readied men. Are you ready to face your people in a time when they need you the most? You may not know this, but your presence will make a difference, and give them true and real hope for victory. Let us see who has returned and will stand and fight with us. We are wasting what little is left of daylight. Kess dressed herself for battle. It was lighter armor that gave her unlimited movement so that she could send her arrows flying straight and fast.

They made their way to the stables and mounted the newly rested horses, then rode off to the village gates, where they hoped they would meet an army. When they arrived at the gates, they did not meet an army; they met people who would stand and fight to keep their homes and land free from Sillack and whatever evil he planned to unleash onto them.

Out front stood the young man who earlier swore to fight at Ralyn’s side. He possessed a thick build and was wearing armor that was clearly not made for him. It fit loosely in some places, and tight in others. But it was secure enough and would protect, as it should. Hanging at his side swung his grandfather's sword. His grandfather would fight himself if not for being blinded in the final battles with the Xyles. Caught in the eyes by shards of bones hacked loose from one of the creatures, he was one of the many men who fought in that noble battle against such great evil. Now his sword would join other swords that would share its honor. They would share the honor of defending their people from a new enemy threatening their way of life.

His grandfather’s sword had some wear on it, but from first glance, it was clearly a warrior’s blade. The handle was swathed in black leather. The pommel was flat and resembled a hammer. The hilt stretched out with two more hammers, one on each end. Evian was trained with a sword like all other boys his age in the village, but a seasoned warrior, he was not.

Evian, I see that you have returned. I feel at rest now knowing I will have a warrior fighting with me, Ralyn said as he approached the multitude.

Kess jumped down from her horse, her quiver of arrows settled on her back. She made her way over to Evian. Just as she did for Thrant not too long ago, she did the same for Evian. Kess adjusted his loose armor to fit and protect better. She, like the others, was a warrior, but a mother first. It showed in the care she took with straps and buckles.

Did you think there would be so many that returned, Ralyn? Kess asked as she walked back to her horse.

No, my love. I thought it would only be the four of us.

The four of us? What do you mean? Thrant was confused as to how Ralyn came to the count of four.

Yes, us three and Evian. I knew that young man would wait here for us if no one else would join us in this fight. In his eyes, I saw fight and the need to protect his people and his home. This is indeed more than I’d hoped for. We may just have a chance after all."

Our village has grown since I was here last. Thrant’s eyes worked their way through the crowd, looking for familiar faces.

Thrant, you have been gone for too long, but it is good to have you back, Kess said as she stroked her horse's neck, giving him a firm pat.

Thank you, Kess. I just hope you still feel that way when this is all over. Thrant pulled back his dark brown hair lined with gray streaks.

Why would the outcome of this battle change the fact that you are welcomed? This has, and always will be, your home, Kess said.

Why? Look what I have brought to you and this village, my home. This is all because of me, the things I have done, and the poor decisions I have made in my life. Now, the guiltless people of this village will be forced to pay for all I have done. You could hear the breaking in the old warrior's voice.

All that we are is the first to fight one battle of many more battles yet to come, Ralyn said, trying to comfort his old friend. Ralyn then rode out amongst the multitude, drawing their attention to him.

We are all here for the same reason, and that is to fight for the people of our village—the people we so love and who can’t take up arms themselves. My friend here thinks he has brought this upon us, but I do not see it that way. My friend, our brother, has given us the chance to set the stage for a war that was destined to start with or without him.

All eyes were now on Ralyn.

Thrant brought us something. He brought us hope. He brought us Sanch, The Son of Lackshin, who now wields the sword known as Shallin. Sanch is only one boy, and we are a village of warriors Alshin will meet when he arrives here. Out of the two and a half thousand people of the village, it looks like fifteen hundred of you that can fight have answered my call to arms. For the ones that are not here, I know it is because they are too old and have seen too many wars and wish not to see another. The others are too young and need not see war now. I hope they will never see war in their lifetime. The ones of us that are here will see to that. Our elders have seen their last battle. Now, let us prepare!

Ralyn then rode over to where he left Thrant and Kess. They still had to devise a plan to keep Alshin’s army from overrunning the village. There was only one direction in which they could attack: the front gate.

Some of those who came to fight were women who had come to the village with Kess years ago. Their homes had been destroyed at the hands of Daren and the Xyles that followed him.

Like Kess, they were welcomed. They became wives and mothers and made sure the art of fighting was shown to boys and girls alike. The men and women were trained to fight with several weapons and now have risen to use those skills.

Turning to Kess, Ralyn started a plan in motion. Kess, get four of your sisters’ bows, then take them to the village walls. Devise the best plan to keep our walls safe. Thrant, Evian and I will take the men, partition them into units, and prepare them to defend against a frontal attack. We must find several horses to ride into battle, and we must hurry, for we have little time.

Thrant and Ralyn rode off toward the armory.

Ralyn was correct. Alshin and his army had been closing in on him and his people. It was dark and morning was still hours away. The night’s cold air brought thick fog with it. They prepared and hoped that Sanch and the others would make it before dawn when this attack was expected.

CHAPTER TWO

The darkness had been slowly devouring what little light remained. Cold air blew in from the north, bringing with it a nefarious chill. Sanch and the others approached the Thorn Forest that would take them to the base of the mountain that overlooked the valley. Alshin and his army would have to pass there on the way to the village. They suspected they would probably set camp in the valley below. They looked down on a vast, empty valley. Fires were still smoldering where camp was broken in a hurry. It was clear they were too late to do anything that could disrupt Alshin or delay his attack. They were gone now, and clearly on their way to the village.

The valley had a faint fragrance of fresh soil churned up by galloping horses. Some campfires were still smoldering. Some still had carcasses of half-eaten animals hanging from spicks. Tents were pitched but vacant. By the look of things, there had been a much larger force than they expected. Sanch tried to keep his composure and turned away from the valley, his lips tightly pressed together. Heat filled his face. If it could turn red, it would have.

Bethany, did you not say they would be here? Where are they! Sanch roared, not sounding like his normally soft-spoken self. Alshin and his men!

It felt as if a bottomless pit had grown in her chest. The army was gone, and Bethany knew her home was where they were heading.

I thought we had more time. I did not think they would attack before dawn. A night attack will prove more difficult for our people, Lisha, Bethany said, feeling as if she let her people down.

Everyone here knows the plans, Lisha interrupted before Sanch could say anything else that would make her cousin feel any worse than she already did. We still plan to get there just as they do. Them being in that valley or not does not help our chances any less. There are still just a few of us, and our attack from the rear has the same chances it had a minute ago. So, if we are done wasting time ... Lisha turned to look at Sanch. Son of Lackshin, are you ready? Her honey brown eyes reflected the sun setting in the distance.

Yes, yes, Sanch said. He closed his eyes and shook his head. You are right. He bit his lip. I have a date to keep, and I do not intend to be late. I am certain Alshin has missed my smiling face as well as the edge of my sword. And you all know I do not want to keep him waiting. Sanch then turned to Bethany with sorrow-filled eyes. Lead the way, little princess. A little calmer, his voice returned to its normal tone.

Bethany gave an accepting node. This way. She motioned her head to her left.

They followed Bethany down the path that she knew would help them catch up with Alshin and his army. They picked up the pace, moving with purpose. The darker it got, the colder it became. With the speed in which they moved, sweat found its way on their brows. They knew they might not get to the village at the same time as the army, but they were determined not to be too far behind. Now, all that was left was for Dagger and the Elargun army to join them to help even the odds. They hoped the added force would give the village a better chance of survival.

Sanch played his earlier actions over in his head. He always had a bad temper, but still prided himself on control. He thought back to when he interrupted Sillack’s men trying to have their way with Helen on the way into town. The rage he felt when he saw that showed in his actions but stayed hidden on his face. Sanch watched Bethany as he tried to find the right words. He noticed the discomfort in her walk. At sixteen, Bethany was considered a woman in her village. She carried her weapon of choice; a tempered bow staff that was as strong as any sword. Ralyn and Kess both insisted she also carried a sword. Although the staff was an effective weapon in battle, the sword had always been the better tool for killing men.

Sanch increased his stride to catch up with Bethany. He chewed on his bottom lip for a moment before he spoke. I did not mean that, he whispered. I did not mean to shout. I am sorry. He glanced briefly at her. The light brown, almost hazel eyes of Sanch showed his shame. Shame from what he brought to these people. Her people.

What was that? Bethany asked. She had not intended to let him off easily. You did not mean to do what? she asked, acting as if she hadn’t noticed him looking at her with those eyes of his. Sanch had thick ebony hair that was locked and hung down right above his shoulders. Being only a little shorter than him, Bethany looked over at him just to get a quick look at those eyes of his.

Shout. I am sorry that I shouted at you. That was wrong of me to do. I hope you can forgive me, Sanch said humbly.

Is it that you are sorry, or is this an attempt to keep me from mentioning your outburst to my mother? Bethany let a half-smile creep onto her face. Her green eyes glittered.

No. I am sorry for that. It is truly unlike me, he quickly replied.

Do not worry, the little princess said as she increased her speed, leaving Sanch behind.

Now that you mentioned it, I don’t see reason to say anything to your mother about what took place, Sanch said nervously.

Afraid of my little aunt, Son of Lackshin? Lisha asked, overhearing all that had been said between him and her cousin. Lisha used the conversation as a chance to speak with Sanch. She placed her hand on the small of his back to get his attention without others taking notice. Do you feel we can trust them? she whispered. What do we even know about them?

The Elarguns resembled men just fine, although their scales betrayed them to actual men. Green, blue, gold, and shiny gray scales covered them from face to tail. Their hair had been just as colorful and beautiful as their scales. Their human features showed best when the sun was no longer in the sky. Darkness hid their true appearance.

I do not know, Lisha, but what choice do we have? Let’s just hope they were loyal friends to my father, and can now be loyal friends to me—to us.

Let us hope, Lisha replied.

CHAPTER THREE

In the cave, the darkness was as thick as melted gold. It seemed the deeper they descended, the darker it became. Dagger moved through the darkness with confidence and without hesitation. He was in his element in these caves, in this dark. He was at home here. Silma continued to suppress her glow to keep them hidden from what else could still be out in the thick of it. The one Dagger dubbed with the name Hush held Silma in one hand and kept the other firm around his bone-handled short sword. They came to a cave that had a faint light flickering at the end of it. Hush tried to adjust his orange eyes to the first light he had seen in a while.

Is that a light I see? Silma asked Dagger as she spread her wings.

Dagger’s yellow eyes glowed from the small beams of light cutting through the darkness.

Welcome to the Elargun City. Here is where we will need to convene this land’s greatest army to come with us, Dagger proudly bragged to Silma and Hush. Follow me. We must quickly find my father.

Silma was annoyed and confused why they needed to stop for family visits. Dagger, for what reason must we stop to see your father? How is he going to help us get this army you speak so highly of? Silma fluttered over to him.

Why? Well, because only the king can order the army to be called to arms and to go off to battle.

Why would he allow you to take his army off to war, a war that may never find you and your people down here? Silma inquired.

There are two reasons I think he will allow this. For one, The Son of Lackshin is the man who calls for his army. Then there is the most important reason that will ensure our involvement in this battle.

What is this leverage that you hold that is going to compel your king to allow his army to join us? Silma asked the Elargun boy.

His son, the heir to the throne, is already on his way to this battle.

Are you saying that Deem, your brother, is the king’s son?

Yes, Dagger said, nodding his head. And that is why this battle not only has to be fought, but it must be won. We must ensure the safety of our prince. I must keep Deem safe so that one day he can be king. Dagger picked up his pace. Hurry, you two. Come on, this way. Dagger motioned for them to follow. We must make haste. I do not want this battle to be over before we can get there. Deem will never let me live it down.

Silma and her protector stayed close behind Dagger so as not to lose him. The closer they got to where the king was, the more guards they encountered. Each time, Dagger had to give them the okay to allow Silma and Hush to go further. When they passed the last four guards, they entered a room that seemed to be illuminated by the rocks in the walls themselves. The ceiling of this vast chamber had rocks that shined as bright as the midday sun. It was simply a world of its own. Statues of kings long gone decorated the path leading to the throne. Each statue looked down with glowing eyes. There were glow stones set inside of them. As they got closer to where they expected to see the king, they saw a figure advancing on them instead. It was clearly one of Dagger’s people. The closer the Elargun got, Silma and Hush realized it was the king. What took place next was not what they expected. Dagger turned to his guest.

You two remain here. I will be right back. Dagger’s eyes reflected the lights from the eyes of his ancestors.

Dagger continued towards the approaching figure that now had his weapon drawn. He closed his teal green hands firmly around the handle of his daggers. The sound echoed when he removed the two curved knives from their place of rest. Dagger picked up his pace. He jogged slowly which soon changed into an all-out sprint. Hush and Silma, as well as the guards at the entrance of the throne room looked on, amazed by his speed and agility. It was as if he would disappear and reappear in his next location. The figure was now moving faster toward Dagger with two very unusual weapons. His weapons resembled swords, but how he held them was peculiar. The handles curved down and around and ran parallel with the blades. He held the sword along his forearm, using it as a shield. The other he used was almost like a normal sword. Dagger’s opponent wielded these eccentric weapons as skilled as anyone with a traditional blade.

When their weapons finally met,