Declanii: Part Two: The Twelve Lakes of Lareen

By Nathan Daniel Davini

Ashnayn flees from her home with Cael and the Silent, who sail toward The Twelve Lakes of Lareen. Saddeye's Orakal is imprisoned by the Emperor. Thieves continue undermining the disposition of Ideclan. The Warrior Queen, Andraste, rides North to defend Caibre Pass. And The Kinned Lands march for war.

Let it be known: There are medieval fi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ravenborne Publishing
• Release date: Mar 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781736181003

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Declanii Part Two: The Twelve Lakes of Lareen

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2022 by Nathan Daniel Davini

All Rights Reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, adapt, or transmit in any form or by any means.

Final Edit, Formatting, and Map: Nathan Daniel Davini

Published by Ravenborne Publishing

Cover art illustrations by Jana Westabrooks

Cover art design by Nathan Daniel Davini

ISBN# 978-1-7361810-0-3

First Edition: 2022

Revised: 2023

Acknowledgments

I thank David Lambert for his computer acumen and friendship through the finishing of these works, and Jana Westabrooks for the art that always surpasses my expectations.

Declanii

Part Two:

The Twelve Lakes of Lareen

Chronicle Twenty Two

I’m sorry. Segais and I did what we could and yet the Krig brana nag Kriskta has still been established.

The Orakal shall eventually be born and experience an upbringing with no love. I don’t know if the leaders here truly understand what they’re doing.

I’ll return to my mountains and begin preparing them so she may learn to discern their mysteries.

Again, I’m sorry. We did everything and still, the timeline of the Orakal of Life has been set.

Written by Bailart, Segais’ greatest friend,

And sent to Imogen, Bailart’s love,

Sometime during the middle of the Sixth Age

Chapter Twenty Three

The feared Emperor, Camulus Erra’Aulius, stood next to an Eastern window at the palace of Saddeye while looking out over the ancient city, rubbing one of the many claws hanging around his neck, taking in the morning Sun of Nees, the Third of Latewinter. His shoes were finely made and came to a point. His pants were black and of the highest quality. And his shirt was made of golden silk intricately adorned with white embroidery around the neck. He wore two sleeveless tunics over the shirt, each reaching down to his knees and open at the front. The outer dark gray tunic didn’t reach all the way around himself like the inner maroon tunic, leaving much of the maroon tunic’s beauty revealed. His brown hair was well kept and his face freshly shaved. And when he turned his attention away from the city his green eyes glared at the simply dressed Orakal looking down at the floor.

They were the only two people up in the room and Camulus had gone to the window to cool his temper. He was finding the young girl more full of wit and intelligence than he’d expected. And the fact that she wasn’t just some child to be manipulated grew more apparent with every word she spoke. He knew the strength of his army was already enough to destroy The Kinned Lands. So he wasn’t convinced he needed her to accomplish his goals. It’d been his father’s idea for him to be named by the Orakal, not his own. Yet still, the Orakal’s artful resistance over the last two weeks and four days had pressed him into trying more.

It’s been more than two weeks and you still haven’t told me your name, he said in a tender voice after calming down.

Why do you wish to know it? she asked.

You know mine. Don’t you think it rude that I lack knowing yours?

I am Orakal. You know the name you need to.

Do you even know your name? Do you have one?

I have many. No more of which shall be known by you.

You would die for something so simple?

It isn’t you that kills me, she answered while still looking at the floor.

That doesn’t sound like something a true oracle would say. A true oracle would know the lengths I’m willing to go. I don’t need you to name me. Look around your great city little girl. I’ve taken it without bloodshed. Think on what I can take with it.

It’s love that wins this Age…

You’ve spoken to me of love, Camulus interrupted. But how can someone who’s grown up without love truly understand what it is? I think you have me mistaken, Orakal. Look at the difference in the way I treat you. I spend time with you. I talk to you. I’m interested in showing you the world instead of having you being cooped in here only getting one perception. Yes, there are those who say I’m violent, but what violence have you seen me demonstrate?

The Orakal almost spoke but Camulus held up his hand so that she’d wait until he was done speaking.

These elders of your religion raised you without love, without ever caring for you. Feeding you only until you could feed yourself, giving you mixtures instead of mother’s milk. And when you were four they left you in complete solitude until you were seven, and then again for your tenth year, practically abandoning you. I wish for none of this. I wish for you to grow up like other children and have a full life, to have friends and interaction.

Your propaganda doesn’t work here, she declared while looking up at Camulus. Who now looked back with returning anger.

If you truly are the Orakal then you see what’s coming, yes? You see who I’ve promised you to if you don’t name me?

There are many pains I have yet to experience before this lesson is over.

All of which could be alleviated just by telling me your name. That’s a start isn’t it?

I will not name you, Camulus. Even you know you’re not the one spoken of in our scrolls.

The Emperor stared at her momentarily before looking away. He was disturbed at how much she looked like she could be one of his daughters. Then he yelled, Kase!

A short plump eunuch, leader of all Camulus’ eunuchs, ran into the room and bowed before him. To the eunuch, the Orakal looked like a friend from his childhood before he was taken as a slave.

Yes, my Lord?

Take her back to her room. And fetch me Fenric, Gragon, and Cypria.

Yes, my Lord.

As Kase left with the Orakal, Camulus yelled to her, There are far worse fates than naming me. Look to your future and see what they are.

She said nothing as the slave led her to her room while sending a string of messages through his eunuchs, alerting the three men to Camulus’ wishes.

Fenric the Thrice Scarred was first to arrive and he’d known Camulus for all the Emperor’s life. General Fenric was one of Camulus’ father’s greatest captains during the civil war between the Erra and the Aulius. His plate armor was battle worn and well fitted. His pale face had a scar from his left jawline all the way up to his balding head. His full helm with short black plume rested comfortably under an arm. And the colors of his House and Rank were green and black and draped in full regalia around and behind him.

Cypria was next to arrive. Taken as a slave from the hot lands of Unnba, the original command was for him to be thrown in the mines. But Cypria fought off nine men with his bare hands in front of Camulus and was then put among the front lines of the slaves in the army. While there he was supposed to serve as a shock troop or fodder for the brunt of an enemy attack, but he kept surviving. After a year of this he was given command of a unit among the shock troops. For five more years he survived in a unit designed to be lost. Then he was given the lowest position among the regular army and he excelled there as well. Camulus watched Cypria perform greater than even some of his infamous Lancers. And after fifteen years of enslavement in his army, Camulus bestowed a great honor on him in front of the entire army. There were seven Voices who relayed commands to different parts of the formations in battle and Cypria was named one of them. Not many liked having a slave in charge and indeed it was a test of Camulus’ to see what would happen with his slave as their hate for him grew.

Gragon was the last to arrive and he did so in full plate armor with Lancer sashes and cape, and a large piece of boar in his hand. The colors of his House and Rank draping around him were a rich combination of light gray and dark red. Gragon was the best of the elite Lancers; Camulus’ bodyguards and nobles who ran the provinces. Jousting tournaments were how these five hundred decided rank and Gragon was Champion and Lance Commander of all of them. Their next tournament would be held at the Twelve Lakes of Lareen where Camulus also had a council planned.

Kase then reentered the room after the three arrived but certainly not before.

Gragon, get the Lancers ready. We move for the Lakes, the Emperor ordered before the Lance Commander was halfway through the room.

Yes! Gragon yelled as he turned back and walked off with vigor.

Kase was fast to get out of his way.

Kase, have the Orakal, her man Binc, and two others brought with us.

The eunuch bowed then left, showing none of his frustration that he had to go back to where he just was.

Cypria, order the High Officers to make ready for leave. And inform Billek he’s in charge of the army here until I return.

Cypria hid his confusion by bowing, then turned and walked off to see it done. Normally someone higher than a Voice would’ve received that command.

Then it was only Fenric who remained with Camulus.

Why did you give Cypria that order? the General asked.

I’m impressed with all he’s achieved. And I’m also surprised he’s still alive.

The General chuckled. That’s what I mean, Sire. The men don’t like his continual advancement. He’s a slave and more than that, he’s an Ariek. The men hardly have any tolerance for a darkskin among their numbers and with one leading them, he’s likely to die.

His death is desired by most of my men and yet they follow him and his orders. Do you know why?

I may, Fenric answered.

Do you remember the siege where I promoted him from fodder to foot soldier?

Of course, the Siege of Stone. He charged a fortified tower by himself. And then dove underneath the inner keep’s portcullis and reopened it.

That slave has an aptitude for combat. And lately, Lancer Merrick is always around to save him from the sly blade. Merrick recently took his father’s position among the Lancers. What do the others think of him?

Merrick is disliked. He doesn’t tax his peasants for the jousting tournaments and instead spends his own gold.

A peasant pleaser? Keep an eye on them. If anything it will be a good show.

Is it your aim to get Cypria killed?

I’m curious to see how far he can go. But I’m more interested in the Vord business. Any word from the Drouknen?

None from the Drouknen, Sire. Which I say means the Vord failed to kill any O’Ronans.

You’re correct. Telemon would’ve wasted no time in reporting their success.

I still have a hard time believing the Drouknen found the Vords, Fenric stated.

Let alone got one to assassinate for them, Camulus added.

Sire! Sire! One of the eunuchs yelled as he ran up the staircase while waving a small piece of parchment that’d arrived by messenger bird. The eunuch left immediately after giving it to Camulus.

The Emperor read:

Five hundred left at Teranim dead by Declanii, only thirteen survivors.

We marched back to Teranim. No one alive in village when arrived.

Marching toward Tossark Western Outpost to re up numbers.

Camulus’ fury grew as he handed Fenric the note.

They even mock me by only leaving thirteen alive! As soon as the Spring monsoon lifts from the Hot Sands, I’ll march straight down the throat of The Kinned Lands! We leave for the Lakes now!

The Emperor stormed down the palace stairs and his General followed after finishing reading. Shortly past the stairs, Camulus was abruptly stopped in the hall by a eunuch in charge of others but lower than Kase. The eunuch had found golden armor in the palace and brought it out to show Camulus so that he could receive a reward; advancement or monetary, either was good for him.

Sire! My Lord, have a look at this!

Camulus stopped and looked for a moment, then stared at the eunuch with disgust. The Emperor’s raging green eyes frightened him.

My Lord, it’s pure gold! It’ll distinguish you on the battlefield and protect you greatly, the eunuch tried saying confidently.

I see, Camulus returned with a deceptive calmness. Put it on so I can discern how it looks.

The eunuch tried putting the armor on but it was difficult because he’d never worn armor in his life. And then Fenric caught up to them.

Help this fool, Camulus commanded, and the General quizzically assisted him into the golden armor.

How does it feel? the Emperor asked.

Wonderful, Sire! I feel protected. And I have a wide range of moveme...

Before the eunuch finished, Camulus drew one of his swords and pierced it straight through the armor, the man’s midsection, and also out the other side. He pulled his sword from the eunuch as he fell and then kneeled down to wipe it clean on the clothes underneath.

Gold doesn’t protect for shite. And it’s heavy.

He stood to sheath his sword and then walked off with Fenric to ride for The Twelve Lakes of Lareen, unconsciously fingering the claws hanging around his necklace.

Chronicle Twenty Three

The rocking of the boat, the creaking of the rigging, the sound of the water as it splashes against the oak of this vessel, and the wind that encompasses us all; these are the things that comfort me while I lament the loss of my Da. Back on land I didn’t have time to grieve as the current crisis with the Runidareeans escalates even though I sail away from it. But the open water has shown me the mirror of my mind and I wish to be with my father, Braddach, once more; to talk with him, and to ask of him his advice.

I’m sure my Da would be proud of my decision to undertake this voyage but I’ll be more than pleased if I survive it. My Da’s death taught me that without accurate and reliable information from trustworthy sources, one might as well go to the adversary for advice. So I, with the blessing of the Council of The Kinned Lands, have set sail with eighty sailors and twenty two Declanii toward numerous destinations. Our first is Teranim, and this will be the most difficult of all places to survive. Teranim is a most mysterious land, but if I’m to hire the best agents in espionage, subterfuge, and secrecy, then I must go to this land of enigma. The new unit we’re forming from the top ranks of the Declanii will not be assassins, this is as sure as I am O’Ronan. But assassins are the best at those skills with which we seek to instill in this elite force. Therefore, I find it necessary to brave the danger that is this place of assassins.

If my studies are correct, then surviving this encounter should be as simple as being polite and courteous to each individual Teran. But who knows what foreign customs may be offended when none of their ways are truly known. Which reminds me of something pressing I wish to write.

While at Philos I was conversing with the Ten and Seven about the wisest destinations for this voyage, and I came across something I can only say was not meant for me to see. I’ve been to Philos many times. The rock city cut from the mountains is a sanctuary for me. Yet after speaking with the Council and preparing for the short trip back to Ideclan I came across a door in the mountains I had never seen. I was all packed and walking toward the pass between our cities when for some reason I felt the oddest sensation pulling me to go inside the mountain through that door. Why, I don’t know. Most of the exquisite caves at Philos are storehouses but they’re also obvious. I had never seen this door before in all my time there and perhaps it was adventure guiding me in.

It became immediately apparent that this was no usual storehouse, but a tunnel. The Philos are unmatched in their ability to work with stone and they can shape it in such beautiful ways. And within this tunnel were the most astounding works I have ever seen. Whether they were symbols or phonetic letters or what they were I do not know, but the art and tunnel continued down into the mountain farther than I knew possible. There were no branching tunnels until I came upon a large hexagon room with tunnels branching out in all six directions. It was in this room where I realized I had traveled the entire way without firelight. The pathway and the room held an ambiance I couldn’t pinpoint but allowed me to see well enough. The strange carvings were ever present in this hexagon room except they converged with one another from each tunnel and traversed up the domed ceiling to its top in a beautiful dance that defies logic of stonework.

It was then that a Philosian man I’d never met before found me and though it still brings a smile to my face to think on it, he wasn’t pleased in the moment. I was treated kindly but immediately ushered out by the way I came without a word of explanation and also an attempt to bind me in secrecy. This man knew me strangely well, and also knew which words to use. I agreed to keep what I saw a secret, but should I die on this voyage and take my place with our ancestors I will make sure the Declanii gets this journal to my family.

So if any of you read this, know that something is going on in that mountain range with the Philos and more than they have ever let on. This is probably why they’ve been extremely precise about where the stone we use comes from, and even the aqueducts’ placements themselves.

Journal entry written by Tressach O’Ronan

During the month of Latefall, Year Ninety Five of the Ninth Age

Chapter Twenty Four

It was early morning and Cael sat at the stern of the Silent’s boat by himself, training his mind in the three different ways Segais had taught him. When he first started practicing these methods they were foreign to him. But now they were beginning to become relaxing. It had helped him to learn that early morning was the best time not to be interrupted. And also that doing them in brief intervals to start with, gave him a sense of completion and progression.

When he finished with the practices he opened his eyes and gazed down the boat to see some of the Silent still sleeping while Tristas was up in the rigging and a few others were cooking and conversing. Aislin was at the bow looking ahead. Roxgrin and Binneen were resting on the railing next to him. And his Grandmother, Aidee, was having a quiet conversation with Ashnayn that enveloped them both. He smelled the silversage Faolin Lahanbrey burned which made him smile. And the soft tune Ainmere played on his wooden flute pleased everyone, even those still sleeping.

For the last seven and a half days since leaving Hobaru the wind had been strong and filled their sails. In a few hours they’d leave the far Eastern segment of the bubble of sea between the Hilernian and Immramman Seas. It had no official name but was a clear buffer between the Erra’Aulian patrolled Immramman and Kinned Lands patrolled Hilernian.

At Aislin’s order, everyone awoke and prepared for Camulus’ patrols. How heavily the Emperor watched the Immramman was a secret to no one. And all were dressed in pants and coats the colors of earth to blend in with Erra’Aulian livery. The only things worn on the boat not typical of Camulus’ lands were the bit sticks tied to Cael’s waist. Aislin had long since talked him into tying the sunil wraps he’d found in his cloak pocket to a weight and sending them toward the sea floor. They were much too dangerous to have around.

Hey, Ashnayn, I was wondering… Rander called out once everyone was awake.

About what, Rander?

How do you hold on to those spears while diving from your cliffs?

With both hands under the spearhead. The spearhead breaks the plane of water instead of your hands.

Cael decided to ask a question since Rander interrupted her and Aidee’s conversation.

Ashnayn, there’s something I’ve been curious about as well. Before we reached your islands we sailed by another a small ways North. It was charred black, smelled foul, and felt foreboding. Do you know anything about that?

Gowgluni used his influence to take that island for himself. All Twenty Tribes used to swim there to test ourselves. Now no one is allowed near it except for him. And who knows what he does there.

You don’t have any idea? Cathasaigh asked curiously.

No, but he mentioned once that he and myself would go there after we were married. And I’ve heard he’s taken people to that island who’ve never been seen again. I haven’t seen this but I believe it. Everything about that man is evil.

Cael, Aislin called to him when she finished.

Yes, Woda?

Ask Roxgrin and Binneen if they’ll scout again. I want to know more about those clouds ahead. I think a storm is here.

Cael looked at the ravens who were now picking dried fruits from a feeder he’d made for them.

Do you two feel like another scout fly, this time for the clouds?

The wings must be stretched. This we will do, Waldron, Binneen thought, and then both flew up and off after eating one more piece of fruit.

Aislin nodded his head in thanks to the ravens.

Cael, Ashnayn called to him, and he looked at her. Is that all the ravens’ food you have in that feeder?

Most of it. Why?

On the islands, if we gave the dogs all their food for the day at once then they’d have none left by dinner.

If I rationed the ravens’ food, they’d ask me who I think I am to hold it back. Most of this was picked by them. They also dried it themselves.

They must be very smart, she remarked, and Cael nodded.

I learn a great deal from them, he told her, and she smiled before turning back to her conversation with Aidee.

The moment was peaceful for a little while longer until Tristas yelled from atop the rigging, Sails! West by Southwest!

Aislin lifted his eyeglass and found the ship shortly.

We can’t outrun that vessel. Prepare! he commanded.

Barely at the Immramman and we’ve already run into a ship, Ainmere declared with frustration.

Can you see its sigil? Astraeus asked.

They’re bearing down on us instead of shifting to give space. That’s sigil enough, Aislin insisted while looking through his eyeglass.

The Silent were fully armed in moment’s time.

Maybe we can talk our way through this, Aidee suggested.

That ship has at least two hundred men, Aislin said. Then he stopped speaking to Aidee and started commanding others. Stoke the stove, heat the tar, and prepare the fastfire.

His commands were carried out immediately.

What will you do with that? Ashnayn asked.

Aislin only glanced at her before turning back to his eyeglass and the approaching ship.

If that ship tries boarding us we’re going to set it on fire, Hanlan answered as he walked by.

Ashnayn’s eyes grew wide as Aidee said, Stay by me, dear. It’ll be alright.

Then Hanlan Mullquane, Aislin Mullquane, and Cathasaigh Aenenay, all joined Tristas Rorourke up in the rigging.

Get the tar torches ready and out of sight! Aislin yelled on his way up.

What if we continued with our story of merchants or climbers? Aidee asked.

If we let them get too close then our boat can catch fire from theirs. We can’t gamble on this one, Muirenn told her.

Aislin called down from atop the rigging, Two lions and a crescent moon sigil. It’s Camulus’ patrols. I see two ships. They hid one! Two ships!

Muirenn looked back at Aidee and a now frightened Ashnayn, then said to the young Princess, Don’t worry, this’ll be over faster than you think. Then he went to check on the tar torches.

The Silent waited. They knew the patrol would be upon them in two hours’ time and when that time nearly came, four hid aft so they wouldn’t be seen over the railing of the boat. In each of their hands were two tar torches. And Ainmere and Rander also hid with them, ready to grab buckets of fastfire.

When they were close enough, the captain of the lead patrol ship yelled through a cone, Prepare your vessel! We are boarding you! Prepare your vessel! We, are, boarding, you!

Currents protect us, Ashnayn prayed quietly.

The two ships aimed to come upon either side of the Silent’s boat as they closed the distance.

Aislin gauged the timing, too far and they’d miss with the torches and fastfire, too close and their ships could ignite the Silent’s. When they were twenty spans away he gave the signal to light the torches. Then Ainmere and Rander each grabbed two buckets of Philosian fastfire.

When they were ten spans away Aislin signaled again.

The four with lit torches stood and launched them at each ship. Some landed on the decks but one hit a sail starting it up in flames. Ainmere and Rander each heaved their buckets onto the ships and the concoction spread fast. Then another volley of tar torches was thrown. Both vessels caught fire quickly and within moments there was a wall of flames at each bow. The fastfire accelerated it tremendously and made the inferno near impossible to put out as water only spread the blaze further. The front sails became engulfed with flames as their rigging burnt apart.

The