Populla's Shadow: Adventures under the White Swan: Populla's Shadow, #4

By S. C. Coleman

Following the events of the Glass Empires and Age of the Third Arcon, Populla's Shadow follows the exploits of the Greater Continent's champions; seeking to save the world from spirits of destruction. The continent is in turmoil, and new forces are rising to stake their claims. The Treaty of Molina is broken, and the Third Arcon is slain. So, the continent enters a new period of shadow, which will bring destruction to all. Celoferania, accompanied by a few trusted allies, will infiltrate the territory of the White Swan, and make her way to the ancient mountain city of Molina.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. C. Coleman
• Release date: Mar 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201246297

Book preview

Summary:

Following the events of the Glass Empires and Age of the Third Arcon, Populla’s Shadow follows the exploits of the Greater Continent’s champions; seeking to save the world from spirits of destruction. The continent is in turmoil, and new forces are rising to stake their claims. The Treaty of Molina is broken, and the Third Arcon is slain. So, the continent enters a new period of shadow, which will bring destruction to all. Celoferania, accompanied by a few trusted allies, will infiltrate the territory of the White Swan, and make her way to the ancient mountain city of Molina.

Chapter One

Ice Town

The bright round face of the midnight moon rose high over the southernmost edge of Pagul’s lake. Casting its gentle light over the calm waters, a small host of travelers lounged among the wooden boards of a river boat. This boat was like many that could be found in the northern region of the continent, but few dared navigate the treacherous, icy, winter waters. This boat was special, in that regard, as it carried seven desperate refugees, from the recently conquered city of Pagul. The group totaled seven, but the boat was piloted by only one of them. An old man, with a long white beard, conducted the boat at its keel; while, every so often, he would get up and exchange some knots at the positions of sail guides. In fact, the boat was usually piloted by sail, but, with little wind, the vessel was forced to glide through the waters at an aggravatingly slow pace. Furthermore, this old man, while boasting a long beard, held up a bald head that, likely, had not seen hair in many moons. In fact, the man’s bald head was as round and reflective as the moon, itself. On the other hand, the rest of the company was much younger. Although, one of them looked to be approaching a similar age. This was the Trade Prince of Pagul, whose years of failed service to the city had brought wrinkles to his skin, and drooping flesh to the area around his eyes. He looked nothing like a prince, and appeared as the image of a tired bureaucrat; finally driven from his gilded prison, and with no general purpose to his life. Meanwhile, he was joined by the Lady Celoferania, of Hawk’s Peak. As her long black hair fell around her shoulders in a wild manner, she curled up on one of the boat’s seat planks; drawing up the corners of her cloak so tightly that her shivering could be seen through the heavy material. Despite their heavy winter clothing, none of the companions could get warm. All were shivering, which was exacerbated by a wind-swept spray; which seemed to freeze almost on contact with any surface.

Now, these companions had been inside the boat for a long time. An uncountable number of moons had passed, since they set their sail into the wind at Pagul. The journey was wearing them down, more so than the cold; but few havens were left to them. The Hohen Crown Prince, and his companion Brouder, had decided to venture north; almost at the outset. Meanwhile, Jaggar and Kenggurr took the first opportunity to head west. Subsequently, Jaggar had decided to return home; his village at Kugum, or the Gates. Kenggurr, on the other hand, had no real home to return to. He was simply accompanying Jaggar because he held no apparent purpose in his life; and thought seeing the Gates, and laying eyes on Jaggar’s village, might prove a fortifying quest. Either way, all were subject to the frigid cold of the Continent’s northern winter; which ominously foretold of worse days to come. In fact, Celoferania and her companions were probably in a better situation than the others; although, it did not feel like they were better off, currently. Apart from the old man, Celoferania, and the Trade Prince, four other companions resided in the boat. One was the companion of Celoferania, a Sword of Midnight, who appeared unaffected by the cold and carried an intimidating saber. Meanwhile, the other three were extremely suspicious looking characters. All three hailed from one of the Fox villages, but none wore any colored armed bands; a standard practice for identification among their borderless, and leaderless, nation. It was an all too common sight to spot Fox people refugees, driven out of their villages by forces from Ulgar, but it was strange to see three of them that were ashamed to wear their colors. Celoferania had grown used to the company of these three, while Oaul, her saber carrying companion, never appeared to notice them. At first, the boat conductor had not turned south. This action was spurred by encountering a Xebec ship along the eastern coast; flying the White Swan ensign. Unable to contend with cannon, the intelligent boat guide was barely able to escape the enemy’s clutches.

Originally, the group’s plan was to disembark along the eastern lake coast, and continue toward Torburgen, the City of Fruit. However, it appeared that their original intentions would be thwarted for the time being; at least, those original intentions of the others would be thwarted. Celoferania had no plans to continue with the group onto their final destination. On the other hand, while the passengers had managed to disembark near a few fishing towns, they always had to quickly return to the boat. Strangely, many White Swan patrols traveled the coast, clearly on the hunt for refugees from Pagul. It appeared that the harsh winter winds did nothing to White Swan soldiers; while it chilled the bones and skin of anyone else. It seemed that only desperate fellow refugees and the enemy could be found as road companions; although White Swan soldiers would kill a passerby, rather than offering assistance. On the other hand, fellow refugees were no better aides to ask for assistance, as they were in the same desperate circumstances. With no-where else to turn, the group continued a perilous lake voyage; with no visible end in sight. However, they were running out of lake to travel on, as they had been pushed to the furthest southern corner; by the ever vigilant Xebecs of the enemy. Finally, another village came into view off the southern coast. On the other hand, this village only promised to be like the rest; empty and abandoned. They would only be able