To Rule by Right: A Dark Tale of Fantasy

By Wayne C. Hannis

Dark Tales of Fantasy. Tragic tales of classic fantasy, with a touch of horror. A light can shine in the darkness when Evil Things happen to Good People, and it seems like there never is a Happy Ending. Lives caught in circumstances beyond their control. Innocent lives seized by outside influences that will determine their fate. Lives unacquainted with Evil, changed forever.
Oril Ahern has been Regent of the Northern Kingdom of Tasmorea for the last fifteen years, since the mysterious death of this brother. But the time has now come that he has dread. All Oril wants is to hand the throne peacefully to his nephew. Prince Coel Ahern, Oril's nephew, has different ideas though. He believes it is his 'To Rule by Right' now that he has come of age.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wayne C. Hannis
• Release date: Jun 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005828981

Wayne C. Hannis

Wayne is a writer of Fantasy and Alternative History. He lives in the fantastic realm of the sunny Shuswap Lake in British Columbia, Canada and has called it home since he was a child. While growing up he played along creeks and in ravines, climbed ancient spruce trees and swam in clear fresh-water lakes. So it's no wonder his life is steeped with imaginative magic, and the world he's created has a lore as old as the mountains. Growing up, Wayne played Dungeons and Dragons, while reading authors like David Eddings, Terry Brooks and Piers Anthony, who instilled a love for fantasy in him at a young age. For awhile now Wayne has realized there's something wrong with our world, and has struggled to understand it. Wayne always had a passion for history and has come to think that the history we all have been taught is a lie (as well as most things we are taught) and a our real past has been hidden. Join Wayne as he ventures down those proverbial Rabbit Wholes in search of a lost kingdom.

Book preview

To Rule by Right

A Dark Tales of Fantasy

When Evil Things happen to Good People,

there never is a Happy Ending.

Wayne C. Hannis

Copyright ©2022 Wayne C. Hannis

©2022 Published by Goblinkind Publications

All Rights Reserved.

Names, characters, and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

Dedication

To: Colin Michael Soucy

My best friend since we were kids.

I wish you were here to read the final story.

To Rule by Right

A Dark Tale of Fantasy

Hobgoblins

Hobgoblins are nasty creatures with vile intent,

they raid and pillage just to see the blood.

Slaughtering entire families makes them happy,

just to hear the screams excites them.

Hobgoblins are loathsome brutes with a deceiving smile,

you will know if you ever meet one.

The last thing you will see is the Hobgoblin laughing,

as he cuts off your head with his rusted weapon.

It makes him euphoric just to watch you die,

and see you writhe in pain.

So don't go out of your way to make a Hobgoblin felicitous,

because he will surely revel in your blood.

Hobgoblins find their own merriment,

it's not hard for them to do.

If you ever encounter one of the despicable creatures you will know,

as he's dancing on your corpse.

Handbook on the Goblinkind, page twenty-seven.

Carfaren Wynrel:

Bard of Magical Secrets of the College of Lore.

Chapter 1

Oril Ahern- Regent of Tasmorea, made his way quickly among the throng of people and commotion on the streets of the city, as he kept to the back streets and alleyways. Oril hadn’t expect so many outside this early in the morning, Thebel hadn’t even risen above the Eastern mountains yet, but the weather was pleasant and the air warm for this early in the spring. Shop keepers were cleaning up, and couples were strolling down the sidewalk enjoying themselves in the predawn light. No one took any notice of Oril.

The population of Daloseos- the capital city of Tasmorea, had increased with the coronation of his nephew that was to occur in a few days, and the citizens were in glorious celebration. The Kingdom of Tasmorea had waited fifteen years for their young prince to come of age, that time had finally arrived. The years had slipped away so quickly.

For days now, whispered throughout the city, rumours of the return of the kings of old, and the incarnation of Daloseos himself could be heard muttered above the expectations of the crowds.

Oril looked behind him, up the hill to where he had just come. The tall spires of the twin towers of Yagor Ar-mown, the elevated citadel, ascended high above Daloseos. The towers were a constant shadow at Oril Ahern's back. Thebel was casting its bright light upon the grey marble, making Yagor Ar-mown seem to rise even higher.

Coming around the corner of a busy intersection, Oril almost ran into a group of people, so he pulled his grey hood lower on his face to conceal himself better, and tried to blend into the tall, stone buildings. He hardly noticed the colourful carving of a snow dragon breathing its frost on a group of dragon hunters that hung above the doorway of the three-storey building, when he promptly entered The Snow Dragon inn, even though the sign said it was closed.

Oril found it hard to see for a moment, when he came into the dim, contrasting light. He saw Alton, the owner of the establishment, nodding to him, and glanced towards the far corner of the room.

Two men sat at a table in the secluded section of the Bar. He had an appointment with the pair, and knew he could trust them. They were both dressed in plain clothes, similar to his own, not their usual uniforms. Oril was glad to see his friends had come.

Oril walked across the room, and sat in the chair with his back to the wall next to, Vaunder Iowerth. Alton brought over a cup of tea, Oril nodded his thanks.

Good morning, Oril, the man with short hair, and a clean-shaven, thin face said. His light blue eyes had a look of concern in them. Oril knew that look.

Vaunder, Oril replied back.

Vaunder Iowerth was older than Oril by a few years, but they had known each other for a long time. He was one of the most intelligent men Oril knew, having a sensibility he could always trust. His advice had guided Oril well over the years as leader of the Council of Ten Lords of Tasmorea.

Hello, Meogin, Oril said to the man across from him. The large man returned the greeting.

Meogin Kamil had come to Tasmorea from the deserts of Omral as a child, and had worked his way up through the ranks of the army. Oril vividly remembered meeting him at the battle of Bad Fairy mound, the last big Hobgoblin incursion five years ago- he had promoted Meogin with the field commission as general of the Tasmorean army at a crucial time, and Meogin led them to victory that day. They were now close friends. Oril would trust him with anything. His coppery skin and thick curly black hair always stood out among the blonde and pale northerners.

Its good to see you both. Thank you for meeting me at this time of morning, Oril said. But I needed to give you an update in private. He met their eyes with all