The Swarming Death (Books 1-3): The Swarming Death Boxed Sets, #1

By Steffen Larken

Humans think he's a freak, he just wants answers about his past... but answers are hard to find in a world that's slowly drifting into chaos.

 

After witnessing as a child the death of his parents, burned alive by dragonfire, Veric seeks for answers about his past in a world of humans that slowly falls into chaos and war.

 

This volume includes the first three novellas in the series:

 

1 - Of Dragon Bones and Ashen Tears: Veric finds his first lead in over twenty years. To get an answer, he must retrieve a magic orb from a dark and dangerous place--but he would risk everything, even his own life, to get that answer! He ends up braving a storm, hungry orcs, visions, and a lunatic centaur...

 

2 - House of Wizardry: While seeking for more answers about his past, Veric is dragged into a rescue mission that takes him into a spell-filled house with doors that lead into strange places... This story introduces two recurring characters: Veric's historian friend Raved, and the wily Devan.

 

3 - A Kingdom to Die For: While war brews, Veric helps catch a madman who runs an illicit army. An action-packed story, where Sandrin reveals a new side of her personality.

 

These three stories are the foundation of the series, setting the mood and building up to future events.

 

"The Swarming Death" is 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: Oct 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9782493671165

Book preview

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OF DRAGON BONES AND ASHEN TEARS

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1.

Amid a raging sea, with roaring winds pushing our ship further toward the whirlpool, I considered jumping overboard.

The humans meant nothing to me—just like I meant nothing to them. My odds would be much better on my own. The sea did not scare me—not even when agitated as it was now.

Only one thing held me back.

Sailing was quicker than swimming, in much the same way that riding a horse was quicker than walking. I could swim, but it would take way too long. Not to mention, I would be exhausted by the time I reached the coast.

The captain was barking orders and the crew scurried around the deck. An inexperienced eye may have read this as panic, but I did not. These people knew what they were doing. This was not their first storm. Focus and determination were in their every gesture. Urgency, as well, but that was to be expected.

I decided to wait. I could always jump later, if things turned sour.

There were things I could do to help. They didn’t ask for it—and I normally wouldn’t have bothered—but considering the circumstances, I deemed it best to lend a hand. So I did.

It was thankless and exhausting work, but we did eventually steer the ship away from the gaping hole in the ocean. At the same time, the rain started to ease up—as did the winds.

Within an hour, we had resumed control of the situation.

I returned to my cabin—suspecting no one had even noticed my contributions. But that was just as well.

The cot was a welcoming haven. I dropped into the bed and instantly fell asleep.

2.

Three days later, the ship dropped me off at a coastal village.

The men had largely ignored me after the storm. Which, I suppose, was better than the hostile looks I’d been given previously. Perhaps they had noticed, after all.

After purchasing a horse from a farmer, it took me another three days to cross the plains and reach Aruvan.

As the largest city of the kingdom, the capital was bustling with activity.

I made sure my hood was up, tilted my head down, put on my gloves, and headed down the street.

Though I usually prefer solitude, there is something to say about crowds and losing oneself in them. You become near invisible.

And somewhere in that crowd was someone with answers. There had to be.

The broken symbol had been haunting my dreams for so many years... To see a faded representation of that same symbol drawn on the surface of an antique vase had been a shock.

And it was here, in this city, that the vase had been found.

The answer had to be here. How could it not?

But first, I had to find Karan. As the digger who had discovered the vase, it made sense to start with him. Not like I had much choice, anyway, as he was my only lead.

I spent the entire day looking for him—asking questions and getting nasty glares for my trouble. I eventually learned that he was out of town—he had left three days ago for a dig site further to the north, near the Tressian border. It sounded like he might be away for a couple of weeks.

It was disheartening news.

By then, the sun had started to set. Tired and hungry, I decided to find an inn, eat some food, and get some sleep. There would be time in the morning to consider my options... once I was well-rested.

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I did not hear the commotion until it was on top of me.

Something struck me and I fell to the ground. My hood came down. I turned and saw a large man, with sword in hand, turn to face me—it was his back that had bumped into me. Beyond him, I saw a woman fighting against two other men.

Sorry about that... started the ruffian. His words caught in his throat as he looked me up and down. What the mard are you?

The disgust in his voice made my blood boil. I stood and dusted myself.

You should finish your apology and get on with your business, I said coolly.

He stared at me and laughed. You got some nerves! Monsters have no say here. You should crawl back into whatever hole you came out from before I cut your hand off and jam it down your throat.

There was a world of difference between putting up with a disdainful attitude and letting some lowlife insult me to my face. Though under normal circumstances, I would likely have let it pass... it’s often not worth the trouble. But it was late, I was tired, I was hurt...

I drew my sword.

You might want to reconsider that before it’s too late.

He sneered and took a swing at me.

Our swords clashed and I heard the woman swear as she dealt with the other two—from their clothing, I guessed they must be friends with my foe. Such a lovely bunch.

The first thing I noticed was that despite some obvious experience, the man was not very talented. His moves were very basic, lacking both style and rhythm. I could see all his blows coming, which made them very easy to block.

I’ve learned though never to underestimate an enemy, as it is easy to feign inaptitude—I often do so myself. So I tested him and examined his gestures, likely longer than I should have.

When I started getting bored, I ducked when he expected me to parry and used my left foot to kick at his knee. My blade plunged into an opening, piercing through his chest.

With a yelp of pain, the man stumbled back and hit a wall. I considered finishing him off, but decided he’d had his lesson for the day.

I turned to see how the woman was doing... one of her two aggressors was lying on the floor—either dead or knocked out—while the other seemed in terrible shape, bleeding from several wounds. He panted as he tried to keep his opponent’s blade from slashing his skin again. But he was no match for her. With a flick of her wrist, she hit the man’s sword out of his hand, then stabbed him in the chest.

As he slumped to the floor, the woman spun to face me.

What the shess was that? she yelled at me. I don’t need your marding help! Damn it! Why do people always think they need to stick their noses into my business? I don’t need to be rescued! Got it, lady?

Her reaction startled me, to say the least.

That was not my intent, I replied as I sheathed my sword. He bumped into me, then insulted me. I shrugged. It had nothing to do with you.

I don’t care what your excuse is. You gotta learn to respect boundaries and... Hang on! Are you saying you wouldn’t have helped someone in need? She looked even more outraged now... until something clicked in her head. Hey, you’re a guy! Then her eyes grew wide as anger stopped clouding her perceptions. Wait—you’re orange?

Now all that I was sensing from her was confusion. It was interesting, because unlike other humans she did not feel fear or disgust, just puzzlement. I could work with that.

Correct on both accounts, I said with a chuckle.

She grumbled. Well, that’s no excuse. You messed up my audition. Now I’m gonna have to start all over again!

It was my turn to be surprised.

Your audition?

She gestured with disdain toward the three men. I applied to join the militia, and my first test was to take out three notorious thieves. I was supposed to do it on my own, though.

It’s not like there were any witnesses... I remarked.

"Are you seriously suggesting that I lie my way through an audition? She seemed offended by the mere thought of it. How would I live with myself? No. I’m just gonna have to start all over again. Thanks a lot."

Oh... Sorry?

She grunted, turned, and walked away without another word.

I watched her go, still sensing the annoyance in her.

With a sigh, I put my hood back on and continued my search for a decent inn—and some food to satisfy my rumbling stomach.

3.

I sat in a dark corner and kept my hood up while I ate. It got me a few curious looks, but those I did not mind. At least the humans left me alone.

Someone at a table nearby slammed his foot on the ground.

Damn spider! he groaned.

I hear they’ve found some rather large ones up north, said one of his companions.

The first man spat. "That’s nonsense. They keep making stories about large insects. It’s been going on for years. Have you ever seen one? Didn’t think so."

Their voices were drowned by the ambient noise.

When I was done eating, I brought out the parchment, unfolded it, and set it down on the table before me.

Staring at the broken triangle, I wondered for the thousandth time what it could mean.

I took a swig from my mug of ale.

Should I wait for Karan to return, or should I go to him? That was assuming I could determine his exact location.

It’s you, isn’t it?

The room was so noisy I hadn’t heard her approaching.

I looked up and recognized the woman from the fight.

She smiled, looking a bit embarrassed.

I thought that was you. Just wanted to apologize for my behavior, earlier. I was upset.

An apology? To me? From a human?

Now that was a first.

It’s alright, I said softly. I’m used to it.

Used to it? What do you mean?

People don’t take kindly to how I look, I said with a shrug.

She seemed about to say something, then paused. Frowned. Nodded. I suppose I should not be surprised. I’m sorry you have to put up with that. People can be jerks.

I chuckled. That’s one way to put it.

I’m Sandrin, she said after a moment of hesitation.

Veric.

Well... Alright. Sorry again. I’ll leave you to your meal... She paused as her eyes fell on the parchment. Hey! What’s that?

She pulled a chair next to me and sat down without an invitation. Not that I minded, but it was yet another unusual move from one of her kind.

Something that’s been with me for a long, long time...

Did you draw this?

I did.

She ran her fingers along the outlines of the symbol.

What’s the other half like? she asked.

I don’t know. This is all I’ve ever seen of it.

It looks familiar.

That got my attention.

It does?

I think so. Though I can’t recall where it was that I saw this...

It would really help if you did, I said hopefully.

She glanced at me. What does it mean?

I wish I knew, I muttered.

But... I mean, why is it important to you?

I considered her for a moment.

There was curiosity in her eyes and genuine interest. I did not feel deceit or even ambition—which could have been a sign of ill intent.

The symbol is inscribed on the cover of a box I own. I copied it because it is easier to show and carry this. But I do not understand what it is supposed to represent.

What’s inside the box?

I don’t know.

She sat back in the chair and stared at me.

How can you not know?

I’ve never been able to open it.

How long have you had it?

Twenty-two years, I muttered.

And you haven’t been able to open it? she asked in amazement.

There is no seam, no apparent opening. You’d think, from just looking at it, that it was a block of painted black wood... except I can hear something moving inside when I shake it. I paused, then added. I say wood, but I don’t know that it is. It feels different. The material is odd in itself.

Huh. That is weird.

We fell silent for a moment as she considered the drawing again.

There’s only this half of it on your box?

I nodded.

Hmm. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it whole. Oh! Her expression brightened. I remember now. It was at the palace.

Hope flared inside of me. Could I be this close to an answer, after all these years?

Here, in Aruvan?

Yes. When I first applied to the militia, the head officer summoned me for an interview. She paused as she tried to remember the details. We walked through a little lit hall and there was a banner there, in a corner, with that triangle on it. It was whole, but it was dark, so I could not see the details. It struck me though because I had never seen it before and I wondered why it was there, as it did not match the colors or emblem of Luksia.

I need to see it! I said excitedly.

That might be difficult, she remarked. You’d need to enlist, and I’m not sure they’d want someone of your skin tone.

I frowned. Is the banner in the barracks?

No, it was in the palace itself, a hall we went through to reach the barracks.

Then I could just walk in there...

She laughed. "You can’t just walk into the palace like that, Veric."

I crossed my arms