Aeolian's War Book II: Mysteries and Mayhem: Aeolian's War, #2

By Jeff Brown

Immediately following the events of "Modal Shift," the story continues with the beginning of Aeolian's quest to bring unity and peace to the land of Atherra while avenging her father's murder and claiming her birthright, the throne of Atherra. While still being pursued by her sister, Locrian, new forces appear to bring her even greater challenges than merely escaping a small town on Earth. She travels with her companions across several of the realms that make up Atherra and encounters a variety of people, some who will assist her, and some she is desperate to avoid. While continuing the path laid out in the Prophecy of Mithra, they begin unraveling the mysteries of the prophecy as the world moves closer to war, farther into the conflict that will bring about a drastic change to the realm, a war that will determine the fate of every living being in Atherra. With danger on every side, Aeolian learns to rely on her companions and primarily the one who has taken on the role of her Protector, Jason Garrett, the man who is much more than she ever managed. Together, they follow the path and learn there is much more to it than they ever imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeff Brown
• Release date: Jul 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201687243

Jeff Brown

Jeff Brown is the author of more than 40 works of fiction. Based in the Deep South, his stories all have a connection to the area.

Book preview

Aeolian’s War

Book II: Mysteries and Mayhem

Special Recognition

This series would not exist without the inspiration, motivation, brilliant ideas, proofreading, and criticism of the person that has become my muse, my fellow excursionist, and much more, Karen Bates.

Special Thanks

This book would not exist without the presence of the following people. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Jamie Adams, Shane Adams, Jodi Albritton, DeAnna Allen, Jay Allen, Doug Arbo, Kevin Barr, Daniel Bartlett, Jo Renee Bass, Karen Bates, John Batte, Suraya Birkhoff, Lloyd Blailock, Rene Bordelon, Kayla Bruce, Ramona Burrow, Logan Campbell, Regina Cowart, Joan Cox, Paul Dancsisin, Stacey Day, Whitney Douglas, Valerie Easley, Rachel Fagan, Georgia Fleming, Dennis Freeman, Lynn Greene, Jennifer Harwell, Jerry Henderson, Monique Hibbs, David Higginbotham, Dorothy Howell, Melissa Jackson, Rochelle Jackson, Coretta Johnson, Jody Johnson, Angela Jones, Jobina Khoo, Dana King, Nicole Knight, Sharon Laird, Cleve Langston, Mary Larsen, Edward Laurent, Eugene Lee, Walter Manning, Hal Maranto, Reginald Matthews, Magan McClellan, Scott McGehee, Tommy McMorris, Steve Mercier, Victor Merritt, Jennie Moesta, Byron Montgomery, Pete Mullens, Susan Nealy, Raymond Polk, Carol Price, Chelsea Ray, Tom Redmond, Mandie Ritchie, Jackie Robbins, Linda Roberts, Tim Rochel, Francis Rodriguez, Jacob Rosenthal, LaTisha Rushing, Gary Sanders, Lynn Sattesahn, Bill Schlicher, Melinda Slemaker, Penny Slemaker, Susan Solomon, Robbie Stewart, Bailey Strickland, Melissa Summersell, Summer Tierno, Jimmy Turner, Polly Varnado, Steve Vowell, Rebecca Wallace, Chris Waller, Donna White, Sydney Woodson, Isabelle Wormser, Tammy Wright

The Support

There are a number of others that have supported my work and my efforts over the years. A special thanks to these people.

Braxton Rushing, Ray Hamilton, Jennifer Miller, Lissa Cruze, Lisa Bishop, Michael Graves, Catherine Farrell-Kelly, Jason Marsalis, Samantha Cummings, Eldon Blalock, Kim Chancelor, Judy LaBorde, Dee Freeman

OTHER WORKS BY JEFF BROWN

Aeolian’s War

Book I: Modal Shift

Book II: Mysteries and Mayhem

Book III: Antiphonal Resolution (forthcoming)

Vampire War series:

Nemesis

Corruptor

Dark Nation

Fallout

Resistance

Ascension

Redemption

The Last Mage series:

The Last Mage

In The Dark

Dawn of Night

Blood Sisters

The Princess Agenda series:

Revelations

Rescue

Exposition

Development

Recapitulation

Dead Time series:

Book I

Book II

Standalones:

Bride: The Hunter

Campus Crusade

Finding Suraya

The New Kid

Refugees

Retaliation

Reunion

The Revolt

Second Chances

Storm Warning

Thirst Vessels

The Veteran

Collections:

Another Slant

Blurred Visions

Seven Wishes

AEOLIAN’S WAR

BOOK II: Mysteries and Mayhem

A novel by

Jeff Brown

CHAPTER ONE

The Song Remains The Same

Waves crashed against the rocks bordering Valkar Isle and the gleaming white limestone and marble fortress that served as both home and prison to Mage Lord Kavalle. The sound of the waves roared across the smooth walls, climbing them, and echoed over the upper balcony as the Mage Lord stood at the waist-high balustrade and peered over at the white foam clinging briefly to the heavy gray stones below, a rocky barrier keeping ships of any size from approaching the island. His emerald green eyes narrowed in concentration as he ignored the view below to focus on some way to penetrate the magical barrier established by Mithra to keep him imprisoned on the island. He could feel the barrier weakening and, though he couldn’t yet physically cross it, his mind could reach out and influence, to a certain extent, those in adjacent Atherra, though he still thought of the massive realm, a huge continent, as Mithraheim. He hated the name and the images of the great Mithra, his former friend and ally, now the bane of his existence the name conjured in his mind.

He wasn’t interested in affecting or controlling anyone in the realm at the time. He only wanted to know a few details of one in particular, one had been keeping track of for some time, one betrayed by her own family and fleeing for her very life. One of her allies, her Guardian, had the ability to travel between worlds and had opened a portal to another. Now, he waited for a second surge in the magical energy imbuing the world, a specific pattern generated by opening a portal between dimensions. He was, after all, the Mage Lord and was more attuned to the use of magic than anyone in the realm at the time. He could have easily created a portal of his own, but the barrier still held his magic in check. It was completely impossible, at the time, for him to leave Valkar Isle in any way.

But he did have options, situations Mithra hadn’t considered, and he would use them to ensure the prophecies were fulfilled to finally grant his freedom.

After standing there for quite a while, anticipating the opening of the portal, feeling the energy begin to build, he stood up sharply and his eyes opened wide. He felt the surge of magical energy growing, the particular frequency used to create a connection to other dimensions. The sensation washed over him as if a thousand insects covered his body and left a taste in his mouth as if in the midst of a strong lightning storm. It brought a wicked smile to his face as he looked out over the Bay of Valdor, the expanse of deep blue water separating him from the mainland of Atherra. He knew exactly what had happened.

Aeolian had returned to Atherra.

She had not, however, returned to Valdora. She was much farther away, but it placed her closer to the first location indicated by the prophecy, Lahdersal, a shift in the portal to which he had given influence. After a few seconds, his smile faded a bit as he realized the difference in the passage of time between Atherra and the world she had visited. For her, little more than a day had passed while on Atherra more than two weeks had gone by. It would be a little confusing for her, but he had no doubt she would adapt easily. While he might not know her personally, having never met her, he did know her kind. She was a Modality, a powerful Mage, and something else. He’d felt her power before and, even if he hadn’t detected the opening of the portal, he would’ve noticed her particular power leaving the world. Now, she had returned and the plan outlined in the prophecy would commence.

He knew there would be obstacles along the way. It would not be a simple journey. She would encounter various forces and opposition on every side, but he would do everything he was capable of to ensure she succeeded. It was only her success and the fulfillment of the prophecy to finally grant him release from the prison and isolation of Valkar Isle.

Taking a deep breath, drawing in a heady draught of the slaty air, he turned around sharply and called out, Danaki, I require your assistance.

In an instant, a beautiful young woman with gleaming black hair falling perfectly straight to just below her shoulders, dressed in a pale blue dress fitting her lean, curvaceous form as if it had been painted on, strode from the shadows of the small structure on the opposite side of the balcony, moving quickly and efficiently, barefoot, her steps silent on the marble surface. Her pale green eyes were wide, set in a narrow face of angles both sharp and smooth. Her full lips were slightly pursed, an expression to reflect her position of being forced to follow his direction without interest in his plans or actions.

As she approached, he strode toward her, meeting her near the center of the balcony where they stopped less than two feet apart. She looked up at him and met his gaze.

What would you have me do? she asked, her voice rich and smooth.

It is time, he said. Bring Handros to me, fully armed and prepared. It is time to bring the quartet and begin their quest. I know little of these four and want to be prepared should they prove to be more, let us say, belligerent than I hope.

Of Course, she nodded once and took a step back. At once, my lord.

She turned and strode quickly back into the structure and Kavalle followed, stopping just a few yards before reaching the opening. There, he turned around and began focusing his energy on the four people he’d discovered with the abilities to handle what he needed done.

Once Danaki vanished into the structure, Kavalle faced the outer wall once again. He took a deep breath and began preparing the energy necessary to transport the four targets from various locations, through the barrier, and onto the balcony before him. Bringing four people to the island from four different locations was the easy part. The difficult and tricky part was to get past the barrier, breaching it in both directions at once. It would take only a few moments for him to build necessary magical energy required and to focus it properly. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back, letting the warmth of the morning sun wash over him and give him just a bit more power. He relished it and accepted it easily, the one facet of his power he had never revealed to Mithra.

As the power began building, a golden aura began to form around his body, giving his maroon robe a shimmering appearance, as if the garment was shot through with strands of gold. The glowing aura grew brighter, casting its light in a perfect circle on the marble floor centered on his body. With his hands down at his sides, fingers splayed with his palms toward the sea, the energy infused his entire body and began to intensify.

After a few moments, Danaki returned with Handros, Kavalle’s appointed Guardian, striding onto the balcony behind her. He was a massive man, much taller than even Kavalle, with broad shoulders, massive arms and legs, and a narrow, craggy face topped with short, brown hair and intense brown eyes that barely seemed to blink. He wore thick armor of brown leather over his chest and legs, leaving his arms exposed, with matching fingerless gloves and soft boots over the armor of his lower legs, rising almost to his knees.

As they moved into position behind Kavalle, the Mage Lord took a lunging step forward and thrust his hands toward the sea, unleashing the energy within him. It appeared as a flash of blinding electric blue light, a splash of colored intensity against the pale surface of the balcony. It faded quickly, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared, and revealed the presence of four men standing close to the rail in a straight line.

They all looked bewildered and looked around quickly. The tallest of the four, nearly matching the height of Handros, was dressed in a dark gray robe. His white hair hung limply and perfectly straight to well below his shoulders and fell across his thin chest. His narrow face, pale to the point of nearly matching the white of the stone around the balcony, appeared drawn and almost emaciated. His narrow eyes glowed a dark red, separated by a beak of a nose over thin lips pressed tightly together. His gaze focused on Kavalle instantly, recognizing one of his own ilk, but his jaw dropped after an instant as he recognized the identity of the man standing before them.

The next tallest, wearing a dark gray mail shirt held tight to his body with bands of hard leather over black leather pants. His light brown hair, lightly curled, reached his shoulders and framed a fairly soft face with wide, hazel eyes. He was the first to move, quickly drawing the sword at his left hip.

The shortest of them, standing to the right of the man with the drawn sword, wore soft leather, an almost colorless gray, supple and well-oiled, and draw a pair of slim daggers as he dropped into a defensive crouch an instant after the sword was drawn. His hair was a shade lighter and bit shorter than that of the man beside him. His small, gray eyes narrowed to slits and became almost indiscernible as he faced Kavalle.

The fourth, standing to the left of the tallest and dressed in soft leather, a dark brown mottled with splotches of deep green, wore a bow strapped across his back and took a step back as he saw Kavalle. He was taller than the man on the opposite end of the line, but still shorter than the other two. His hair was dark and short, his chin covered with a short, thick beard, and his brown eyes were wide with fear and confusion.

Kavalle, standing up straight, took a slow step forward and said, Have no fear. I did not bring you here to harm you. Rather, I have brought you here to acquire your services.

The man with the sword, Jaif, relaxed a bit, but he didn’t lower the sword. He glared at

Kavalle and said, I do not know you, sir. I would ask you to explain yourself.

Of course, Kavalle nodded and smiled almost beatifically as he waved his arms around slowly. I am Kavalle, lord of this island and nothing else, but I seek to do more. You see, I am a prisoner of this wretched slab of rock and certain things must take place before I can be released. That is why I desire your help.

Jaif nodded once and said, That tells me nothing.

Kavalle’s smile faded as he focused on Jaif and said, Then I will explain.

He looked at each of them as he spoke, addressing them and explaining the reason he’d chosen each one.

Jaif, he began. The great warrior of Aviar and former protector of the Stableford gate. You have proven yourself with your ability to observe and your quick reactions. You have never been forced to deal with the forces in the Waste beyond the gate, but you have seen battle and you have survived every encounter unscathed. I am in need of such an invincible warrior.

Vendren, the Tracker, he said and turned to him. Supreme Tracker of Khalad. You are familiar with the lands of Nuklaeve and Tanray while having led excursions into Valla and Malistan. These are place where I will need your expertise.

Fashlin, the undisputed master thief of Valdora, Kavalle said with a grin. Your ability to find the truth in matters, the proper path, and escape certain capture or death will be vital to my plan.

Zhagros, he said and turned to the Mage. The most powerful Mage in Atherra, power second only to my own and perhaps one other that I am aware of, and the perfect one for the task at hand.

Once he’d addressed them, calling them by name without having been told, they looked at him expectantly, slightly confused, and he paused for a brief few seconds before continuing.

I am the Mage Lord of Atherra, he said. I am bound to this wretched island until the prophecy of Mithra is fulfilled. At present, a quest is underway to see it done, though the ones participating in this quest are not yet fully aware of the consequences their actions will bring about. They see their purpose as only to remove the usurper king from the throne of Tumis.

Fashlin scowled and said, You are speaking of King Tocca.

Yes, Kavalle nodded and focused on him for an instant. He has taken the throne with the death of King Fortis. However, the designated heir of Fortis has not accepted his rule. The Mage daughter of Fortis seeks to have him removed and claim the throne as her birthright.

What would you have us do? Jaif asked, taking a small step forward.

Kavalle looked at him and said, I have specific tasks in mind for each of you, but I will first require your total commitment. Of course, you will be well compensated for your actions. If it is coin you desire, you shall have more than you have ever dreamed.

What are we to do for this compensation? Jaif asked.

Jaif, he replied. I would have you and Vendren go to Malistan and locate the princess. I have been alerted of her return to Atherra and she has arrived in Malistan. She must cross that land as well as Valla, the land of the Elementals, and I cannot send you there. I would have you follow her and the group with her, but do not interfere or make your presence known unless she is in danger. She must complete the quest and you will see that she does.

Jaif nodded and stepped back, A simple task. We will accept the offer.

Yes, Vendren added with a curt nod. We accept.

Good, Kavalle said and turned to the other two. Now, Zhagros and Fashlin, your unique talents will be more active. You will travel much farther. You will also deal with the Seer Egrandia. She will direct your journey. It will be your task to locate ten people, two disparate groups, and bring them here to complete a ritual to change the order of things.

Zhagros nodded once, slowly, then said, I will do as you ask.

Same here, Fashlin said and shrugged. And I will expect this compensation.

You will receive it, Kavalle said then glanced over his shoulder.

Zhagros and Fashlin, follow Danaki, he continued. She will take you to Egrandia and you will be given more details.

Danaki stepped back and turned toward the opening behind her. As she started forward, Zhagros and Fashlin followed. Once they were inside the building and out of sight, Kavalle took a step toward the other two.

Now, it is time for you to begin, he said and closed his eyes for a second, calling upon his power once again.

Within seconds, the brilliant electric blue light flashed across the balcony again and, when it faded, the two had vanished. Kavalle remained there a few seconds longer, smiling, then turned and followed the others into the building.

CHAPTER TWO

The Stranger

She rode into the town of Tumis, the Valdoran seat of power, astride a small white mare wearing only a pale green shift, open at the sides and held in place by a wide sash of matching cloth, thin and tight enough to barely conceal her tall, lean body. Her light brown hair, perfectly straight, fell along her back and brushed the brown leather saddle beneath her. The horse moved slowly along the cobblestones of the western road, taking her past the barracks of the Tumis militia on her right and their training ground on the left. Just past the wide field, along a slightly narrower road to her left, was the low structure of the realm’s school for Mages and Communers. Her narrow face showed no sign of interest in the building other than a brief smirk stretching her full lips as she passed it. Her dark green eyes remained focused on the road ahead as it led past the end of the wide lake occupying the center of the community, looking to the massive building at the end of the road, the point where it joined two others. The building known as Ankfel Hall was her destination and a meeting with King Tocca was her goal.

Her name was Jasmida and she had something to offer Tocca no one had so far presented to him. She was a Mage, more powerful than most, and had often been told she was second in power only to the now-former princess of Atherra. She had never encountered Aeolian, the Mage daughter of King Fortis, but she was considered to be the most powerful Mage of the Modality line. From what she’d been able to discern about Tocca and his newfound position, he had little in the way of assistance when it came to the use of magic. She, of course, knew of Locrian, the Magister, and doubted she had the power to handle the situation very well, if at all. Having her own issues with Fortis and his reign, Jasmida was there to help ensure Aeolian did not ascend to the throne. Her reign would only be a continuation of what Fortis had done and Jasmida would remain apart from the power inherent in control of the realm.

She had already passed through the town itself, a surprisingly small community spread around, a series of small housing collections with a few shops here and there, nothing to suggest it was the seat of power for the entire realm, with a few exceptions. Her travels led her from the realm of Baedric, close to the impassable mountain range separating it from the land of Tosc, and had recently visited Tanray and the border with Valla, hoping to find out more information about the Elementals. She found out little, just that the eight of them were preparing for something, but the citizens of the realm, remaining well away from the eight powerful beings, knew nothing specific. All signs pointed to King Tocca and she’d done more research, scrying, along the way to learn if he was indeed involved, but there was precious little information and it demanded a personal visit to learn the truth and to offer her assistance to the new king.

The area was practically silent so early in the morning, almost deserted and completely isolated from the nearby town, the only sound coming from her horse’s hooves as she made her way slowly along the wide road. She could see no activity and assumed the king had fortified his position and had little to fear. The silence gave her time to think and plan how she would arrange a meeting with Tocca. She knew it wouldn’t be easy to do so, arriving unannounced as she was, but she had ways of getting past most security measures, especially those of a king with little previous experience in governing even a small community such as Tumis, much less the entirety of Atherra.

She reached the far edge of the lake and the intersection of three roads before she saw the first of the people. Two guards, clad in deep red armor, stood at the corner of the small building adjacent to Ankfel Hall, the building housing the offices of the town’s administrative staff, those not associated with the operations of the greater kingdom. As she drew nearer, those two rushed forward with their right hands on the hilts of the swords at their waists.

She pulled back on the reins, slowing the horse to a stop, and waited for the two huge men to approach. A light smirk crossed her face as she watched them, not at all impressed with their physiques, just wondering how such massive frames would fare in combat.

They stopped in front of her, one on either side of the horse, and the taller of the two, though not by much, cleared his throat before speaking.

What is your business here? he asked. "No one is allowed closer to Ankfel