Arbitrium: Bone, Stone, and Wood, #2

By Blake R. Wolfe

After unimaginable torture, Nox and his companions make a daring escape. But now their journey is just beginning and the world itself is at stake.

 

Nox has just lost everything he ever cared about. In his injured state, he can think of nothing but revenge and making it back to Kald, even if it costs him his life. However, when the old witch Almira tells him she communicates on the god's behalf, she makes him an offer he can't refuse. He accepts the power of the clavis with the promise that the gods will resurrect a single person should he succeed in his quest.

 

Now, with nothing but anger in his heart, Nox sets out through Lycoris, wandering aimlessly in search of the beacons left by the gods. With their divine power once again released, Nox will have the ability to save all of Lycoris from the seed of evil that has taken root over the world. Blindly led by rage, Nox makes a mistake that not only gets the group kidnapped, but trapped on a deserted island. However, it seems there's more to that place than he expected.

 

Can Nox escape the island and find the beacons or will he succumb to his anger and lead everyone to their dooms?

 

Buy Arbitrium and continue your adventure today!

 

Arbitrium is the second novel in the epic fantasy adventure series "Bone, Stone, and Wood". If you like sarcastic characters, magical animal companions, emotional twists, and powerful reveals, then you'll love Blake R. Wolfe's adventure-packed story. Great for fans of Dungeons and Dragons, Critical Role, and Vox Machina

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blake R. Wolfe
• Release date: Sep 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201689001

Blake R. Wolfe

Blake spends most nights with his laptop pulled close, clacking away on the keyboard to get the next great idea written down. Surrounded by piles of notebooks, journals, and a cat of course, he does his best to keep his brain on the task at hand. Blake has published across multiple genres, but prefers the fantasy realm to all others. He is a beach bum during the summer, a wannabe yogi, and an avid Muppets fan. Seriously. You can sign up for new releases, giveaways, and freebies on his website.

Book preview

One

Two Weeks Later

Nox sat up in bed, sweat dripping down his face. Another nightmare. In fact, the same one he’d had every night since that day in his cell with Captain Ragvir. He could still feel the leather straps cutting into his arms and legs, the blood running down his body from hundreds of tiny wounds. The knife would flash in the torchlight, slitting his mother’s throat open, her blood spilling out in torrents across the stone floor. Recently she’d taken to speaking to him after she died, asking why he let it happen and why he was such a bad son. Every night he had to relive the torture and somehow when he woke up, it felt as if it was the first time it had ever happened.

Tears gathered in the corners of his eyes and he forcefully wiped them away. Anger filled the hollow space inside his chest as he pushed himself out of bed. Without trying to be too quiet he hobbled out of his room and pushed open the front door, walking outside into the misty early morning. Hehobbled along for a few minutes, ignoring the burning pain still in his legs from the multitude of wounds that were only half healed. The grass around his legs was wet with dew, soaking into his pants. The sun was not yet up, the early morning gray before dawn filling the sky. Here and there a few stars still shone, but he ignored them, his eyes unfocused as he walked aimlessly. When he reached the top of a nearby mound he tilted his head back staring up at the expanse of sky above him. Anger swelled inside him as he thought of the gods that had chosen him in the Hollow and destroyed his life.

FUCK YOU! he screamed up into the sky, tears of frustration flowing despite his attempts to hold them back. This is all your fault! His head tilted back down as he slumped to the wet grass. "None of this would have happened if you hadn’t cursed me with this fucking thing... He pulled at the ring again, knowing it would never come off. She’d still be alive if I hadn’t..."

Rage faded into anguish as he pulled his knees up to his chest, rocking back and forth on the ground as the emotions overtook him. It had been like that for the past two weeks while he was trapped in the old woman’s hut recovering from his wounds. If not for her he would be dead and every day he wished she would have let him die. At least then he wouldn’t have to deal with the overwhelming grief that consumed him every moment of the day and night. And then, in those few precious moments where he forgot about his mother, he remembered Abi. Her brothers and sisters would have no one to care for them and her father would have come home to find her missing, never knowing what had happened to her. He hoped her father would never know, because if he found out he’d surely kill him if he ever came back, not that Nox could blame him.

Zyk had attempted to keep him company over the past couple of weeks, but Nox was inconsolable. More than once he’d been downright mean to the little black fox, but he couldn’t bring himself to apologize. Any emotion that wasn’t anger seemed to quickly transform inside him and feed his fury. Even the Bledig had kept a wide berth where Nox was concerned. Why he hadn’t left, Nox didn’t know, but he wished him gone every chance he got, typically vocalizing it loudly so there’d be no mistake of his meaning.

The old woman, on the other hand, was quiet and patient with him. Nothing he said seemed to bother her. She would just look at him with her soft brown eyes and nod, accepting his grief and moving on without judgment. It infuriated him. He wanted her to scream, to strike him, to kill him on the spot, anything to make him feel justified. But she never did. For two weeks she had dutifully cared for him, nursing him back to health against his will and he still didn’t know her name. Not that it mattered. As soon as he was strong enough he planned to sneak off anyway. The cliffs were only a few miles away and if he couldn’t bring himself to jump, he was sure some bandit or monster on the road would eventually take care of it for him. His only goal was to no longer have to draw breath and deal with the pain that threatened to consume him from the inside.

You’re up early this morning, a raspy feminine voice said from behind him.

Nox jerked his head over his shoulder. Standing there was the old woman with her gnarled wooden staff and the purple stone set at the top. Her gray hair swirled in the breeze. Behind her the eastern horizon was growing lighter, the dim blue gray before dawn reaching further across the sky. She smiled at him softly, the wrinkles on her face increasing.

I want to be alone, Nox replied harshly, turning away from her.

You must be feeling better. I don’t think you’ve wandered this far before, she said, ignoring his declaration. I’d say that’s a good sign.

Nox scoffed. As soon as I can walk I’m going to the cliffs. He didn’t care who knew his plans to kill himself. Then I won’t have to deal with this anymore, he said, gesturing to the world around him. If the jump doesn’t kill me the water and stones will.

The old woman merely nodded, her expression unchanging. An interesting plan, although not the most thoughtful. After all I did to keep you alive and you still wish to throw it away. I wonder what your mother would think about that?

Don’t you fucking talk about her! Nox yelled, his voice echoing over the hills in the early morning stillness.

She didn’t react, she only smiled. You’re in a lot of pain, that’s understandable. She turned her gaze to the horizon. But you’re being foolish. Even more so than you have been for the past two weeks.

I don’t care what you think.

Suddenly her face was only inches from his nearly causing him to tumble backward. She stared into his eyes for a long moment, searching for something. You were touched by the gods, something many in Lycoris pray for every single day, yet you deny their gift. She glanced down at the ring. You’ve survived impossible odds and awakened a celestial creature, the likes of which have never stepped foot in our world.

Yeah and look where it got me, Nox muttered into his knees as he pulled them close. Everyone I care about is dead. I have no reason to keep on living.

No reason? Ha! She leaned away from him. You hold the key to saving all of Lycoris and you have nothing to live for?

I don’t care about Lycoris... this world is dying anyway. Everyone can feel it, they just won’t say it. Even the orcs know it’s happening. He glanced up at her. Tell me, why should I save something that has nothing I care about in it? If it’s going to die, then it had better get on with it and save me the trouble.

She stared for a moment, her eyes locked onto his. Giving her staff a tap on the ground the crystal at the top began to glow a brilliant violet, the air around them suddenly growing warm. Her eyes went black, scattered with specks of light that looked like stars. Nox scrambled backward. He didn’t know she could do magic, but he recognized those eyes.

The gods don’t ask you to perform a selfless act, she stated, her voice reverberating in multiple octaves at the same time. The ground underneath them lit up as a bright violet circle appeared around them, gold runes and shapes dancing through the air. We are willing to grant you a request in return for your help, if that is what you wish.

Who the hell are you? Nox managed to say, crawling backward a few inches.

I am the conduit and the immortal, the last of my kind. I’ve been waiting for the clavis to show itself for the past thousand years.

That scroll... that was yours?

Yes. I was the last living person to touch the clavis before I sealed it away with the help of the gods. But now it seems the time is at hand for it to appear once more. Fate has chosen you Nox Vitalis and you alone for this task. She paused for a moment, the black eyes focusing on him. Will you accept it?

Nox was terrified of the transformed old woman in front of him. She no longer looked ancient and kind, but dark and powerful, like some sort of evil creature summoned up from the Hollow. For a moment he was worried she might kill him, then he realized he didn’t care and his fear melted away. Instead of cowering he slowly pushed himself to his feet and faced her head on.

Why should I? he asked, his fists clenched at his sides. Why should I give a fuck about what the gods want? What’s in it for me?

The magic around her began to soften, although her eyes remained dark voids. What would you ask of us?

I want my mother back and in good health, he replied automatically. And Abi too.

She stared at him for a long moment, her eyes searching his. At last she shook her head. We can bring back one, but that is all. Recalling a fallen spirit is no easy task.

That’s not good enough!

The old woman waved her hand over him and he felt the ring on his finger swell. It was so loose he nearly dropped it as it slipped down his finger. He lifted his hand and easily pulled the silver band off, holding it in his palm.

Then give it back, she said without wavering. One favor for one favor. That is the deal. If you don’t want it, return the clavis and you can do whatever you want with the rest of your life.

Nox stared at the ring in disbelief. It was finally off. He could leave it behind if he wanted to.

However, whatever you choose is final. There’s no going back. She tapped her staff to the ground once more and its light went out along with all the violet and gold magic surrounding them. Slowly she shrank back to her wrinkly self, her eyes returning to their normal brown. Take your time with the decision. You need not make it this moment.

With that she turned and walked away, leaving him standing at the top of the mound with the ring resting in his hand. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. After all that time in the Hollow and running from the guards, it had taken the old woman mere moments to remove it from him. He turned over his shoulder, watching as she hobbled away. What was she? Was she really connected to the dead gods? Even after two weeks of living under her care he knew nothing about her. He’d written her off as a strange old woman that he thought he’d seen in a dream once. Until now he hadn’t believed it but as he watched her go he realized she really had been waiting for him just like she said.

For a long moment he stood there, still staring at the ring. At last he curled his fingers over the cold metal and reeled his arm back, ready to throw it out into the tall grass to be lost forever. But something stopped him. He pulled it back down and glanced at it again. Would they really bring his mother back? It seemed impossible, but then again, he knew nothing about magic. For a brief moment he wondered if he should bring Abi back instead. She had a family to care for and a father that depended on her. Nox had always been fine on his own. But his grief brushed the thought away. As much as he cared for Abi, his mother was more important. She’d spent her life taking care of him and it was his turn to repay her in kind.

He slipped the ring into his pocket, knowing he’d already made his decision, but not yet ready to commit to it. Glancing back at the eastern horizon he saw the first glimmers of golden sunlight breaking over the hills. The rage inside him churned and roiled, setting his guts on fire. A new day was dawning and for the first time in his life he was going to meet it head on, to hell with the consequences.

Two

The walk back was more difficult, Nox’s legs already tired and sore from earlier that morning. It took him nearly twice as long to get back, but the small plume of smoke rising from the cottage chimney marked his path as the warm sun spilled across his skin. Something about it made him cringe. Zyk sat outside the door waiting for him when he finally reached the house.

I need to talk to the old woman, Nox said, cutting off Zyk before he could ask anything.

You mean Almira? Zyk asked, frowning slightly. She saved your life, you know? You could show her a little more respect. At least use her name.

Whatever, Nox said, dismissing him with a wave of his hand.

Zyk’s ears dropped and he turned away, stalking off around the side of the house. Nox scoffed. He didn’t have time to worry about the fox’s feelings. There were more important things to take care of and decisions to be made. But first he needed more information. Stepping through the door he found the old woman standing near the hearth with the Bledig bent over a long handled pan, cooking up breakfast.

You must be hungry after your long walk, she said, not looking up from putting the kettle over the fire. That’s more excitement than you’ve had in a while.

Cut the crap, Nox replied harshly. We need to talk about what happened back there.

Breakfast is more important right now, She gave him a small smile and slowly walked over to the cupboard, pulling bowls down for their food. Besides, you scared your fox friend away. Why don’t we wait until he comes back to discuss everything? I’m sure he’ll want to hear it too.

I don’t want to wait.

She turned back, her dark eyes piercing through his. "You will wait and that’s final."

They held each other's gaze for a long moment, each waiting for the other to give in, to show any sign of weakness. Nox was the first to break, crossing his arms and slumping down in a chair.

Fine. Whatever. He glanced over to the fireplace, noticing the Bledig staring at him from his crouched position. "Is there a reason you’re letting that monster touch our food."

He’s not a monster, she replied, the kindness in her voice gone. And his name is Erra. You will address him with respect and courtesy while you’re in my home.

Nox glared at him but the man just offered a weak smile and went back to cooking. That old hag wouldn't be so keen on letting him in her house if she knew what he was, but it wasn’t his place to argue. She could do whatever she wanted, he wasn’t going to be there long anyway. He watched as she arranged the bowls and cutlery on the table, making sure even Zyk would get his own seat when he got back. A fresh loaf of bread was pulled from the cupboard, baked only the day before, and placed alongside with a small pot of honey. Several eggs and meat were frying in the pan on the fire and the smell was driving Nox crazy with hunger. Unable to resist it any longer he pushed himself up and over to the table, taking a seat and reaching out for the bread. Before his hand got halfway he felt a sharp slap on the back of it.

No no, the old woman chastised, pulling her staff back. Not until everyone is here.

Why should I wait for them? he asked. I’m the injured one!

You are a guest in my house and you’ll abide by my rules. Her eyes burrowed into him again. It was becoming clear he’d overstayed his welcome. Now, if you want to be helpful, go get your fox friend from the garden. I think you’ll find him sitting on top of the coop and terrifying my chickens although he doesn’t mean to.

Just yell out a window for him. I can barely walk!

And yet your mouth runs just fine, she nodded. It was you that drove him away and it’s you who’ll go get him. She gestured to the food on the table. If you want to eat, you'll apologize. Until then, you can starve.

Nox glared at her for a long moment. Finally, realizing she wasn’t going to back down, he forced himself up from the table and limped out the door, making it a point to look in more pain than he was.

Faking it won’t make me change my mind, she called from inside the house.

He’d already decided he didn’t like her, but with every passing moment it was leaning further toward hate. Growling under his breath he wandered around the corner of the house to the back garden. There were several small garden beds, each surrounded by a woven wooden fence made of willow canes. They were bursting with life, the vegetables and flowers in full bloom. Already there were several cucumbers hanging off a wooden trellis and much of the summer squash was already coming into fruit. Bees and other insects buzzed around the flowering herbs, especially the blue star shaped flowers with fuzzy leaves. Their conical hives were located near the cottage, giving them shelter from the weather. Half a dozen trees stood in a circle around the gardens, their limbs already filled with tiny green fruit.

It was the most lively place he’d seen in years. He hadn’t seen more than a handful of flowers in one place since he was a child and actual vegetables were even harder to find. Many of the local farmers around Kald stuck to grains, trying to produce as much as they could even though their yields were continually decreasing. At first he didn’t understand why her gardens seemed to be doing so well but then he remembered the violet stone and the arcane circle. If she was half the person she claimed to be, her garden was sure to be fed by magic.

On the far edge of the garden was a chicken coop with an angled roof. The chickens however, were nowhere to be seen. Atop the roof sat Zyk, his tail curled around his legs. He stared off toward the eastern sky, his ears