The Shadow Labyrinth

By Thomas K. Carpenter and Rachel J. Carpenter

A new danger looms on the horizon as a murderous horde of warriors plan to invade the continent. With throngs of enemies approaching their shores, Terran must locate a black crystal and become the game's most powerful Crystal Bard if he has any hope of defending the Mother Tree and the denizens of Belwar. But the only known crystal is guarded by a creature whose awakening could threaten the entire world, leaving him with an impossible choice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Carpenter
• Release date: Aug 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005508081

Thomas K. Carpenter

Thomas K. Carpenter resides in Colorado with his wife Rachel. When he’s not busy writing his next book, he's out hiking or skiing or getting beat by his wife at cards. Visit him online at www.thomaskcarpenter.com, or sign up for his newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.com/trialsofmagic.

Book preview

Chapter One

The dusty road leading to Gneiss Glen wound through the trees, a canopy of oranges and reds providing shade from the bright sun. The spears of light that made it through forced Terran to squint whenever they hit him in the face.

Damn light, he muttered.

After Andelain had sacrificed herself to make him a demigod at the place of power, Terran had hesitated to return to the Glen. He would be much different than when he'd left. What would they think of him? Would they think that he'd taken his power from Andelain? They had to know that the Mother Tree no longer existed in the same way as it had before.

Rather than teleport directly into the settlement, he chose to land outside the territory and make his way on foot so he might see the changes wrought and formulate a plan on how he could explain what had happened. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell the truth, but he worried that the truth wasn't believable.

Terran sensed the guard long before he saw the Rock Leaf Elf perched in the oak, bow lying across his knees. It came as a surprise. It was like knowing where the sun was based on how it felt against his face. Was he connected to the trees and that's how he could sense the elf, or was it directly through the bloodline?

Lord Terran? The elf's surprise made him stand tall on the branch, and he nearly toppled in his haste. Why are you on foot? Am I in trouble? I've been keeping watch as Lhoris commanded.

Jarni, right? asked Terran, looking up into the young elf's face and remembering his name from rounds with the commander.

Yes, my lord.

Terran chuckled. Just Terran will be fine.

Jarni blinked as he stared down. Have you...are you...?

What? asked Terran.

The young elf screwed up his face. I...I don't know. You look...different.

As an NPC, Jarni couldn't see the tags and meta-information that Offworlders could, but Terran's demigod status was apparent to him. That could be a problem when he returned. He was planning on telling everyone, but in his own time. If they could see he was different, he'd have to confront the issue right away.

My journey was difficult and changed much. I will explain to the tribe in due time.

Jarni seemed a little confused, as he kept nodding his head repeatedly. Yes, my...Terran, uhm, that sounds, yeah, it sounds.

Keep up the good work out here. I'll let Lhoris know that you were alert and spotted me from a good distance, said Terran with a wink as he kept walking.

Jarni lifted his bow in salute. Thankyouthankyou, Lord Terran!

The encounter with the young elf highlighted another change. His charisma and leadership scores had gotten quite high. He'd seen the effects in Dagrath when he'd become Champion of the Arena, and within his tribe, it would be easy to use this to his advantage.

As Terran climbed the path that led to the front gate, he heard melodic whistling carrying through the trees. Moments later, the jovial elf Jondar appeared, a grin plastered on his lips, his half-lidded eyes signaling his contentedness. The state of his disheveled clothing made it clear to Terran where he'd been, and without trying, he could sense the lady elf heading the other way around the hill.

Jondar. Did you have a nice nap in the clearing? That's quite a lot of grass stuck to your knees, smirked Terran.

His former teacher's eyes went wide, first with a smile, then his lips flattened with worry.

My lord, said Jondar, dropping to one knee, gaze firmly planted on the ground.

Jondar, it's me, Terran. Shadows below, you used to torture me with your training exercises, I think we're long past honorifics, said Terran.

Jondar cleared his throat as he rose to his feet. I'm sorry, Terran. I wasn't expecting to see you, and when I did, uhm, it was quite surprising. You have a glow about you. His forehead wrinkled. Did something happen at the place of power?

Terran's chest tightened. Did Zara tell you I was headed there?

Of course. Was it supposed to be a secret?

No, said Terran. I don't know. It's been a weird couple of days.

The way Jondar was staring at him made him a little uncomfortable. If his former teacher was enamored by his change, how would the rest of the tribe react?

Forgive me for asking, said Jondar, keeping his expression and tone formal. Were you successful at restoring the Mother Tree?

Terran reacted immediately because he hadn't expected that they wouldn't notice. He glanced at the reds and oranges resplendent in the leaves. How would they know? He cleared his throat. It's complicated. I will explain it in good time.

Very well, said Jondar, inclining his head deferentially.

Jondar, please, he said, slapping his friend on the shoulder. I'm not royalty. You don't need to bow and scrape.

My apologies, said Jondar, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at him sideways. When I look at you, I feel like I've let you down, that I should be working for the good of the Glen rather than pleasing the ladies of the settlement.

As long as the ladies are willing, such pleasure is good. The events surrounding us are quite difficult, we should find things that make us happy while we can, said Terran, hearing the echoes of Zara's words to him about Della. He felt bad that he'd left Dagrath without saying goodbye, but his heart was still with Chanterelle and he didn't want to put her in any more danger.

Thank you, lord...sorry, Terran, said Jondar.

Just imagine me half naked, climbing out of the lake with that stupid rock. I'm sure that will dispel any illusions of grandeur that have attached themselves to my visage, said Terran, chuckling.

Jondar's cheeks were turning redder as they climbed.

Are you well? You look like you're about to pass out, said Terran.

The jovial elf wiped his forehead. You're moving quite quickly up the hill. I'm having a difficult time keeping up is all.

Terran realized the elf was right. He'd been churning up the hill with little thought to the effort. His newfound vitality was surprising. He could see how becoming a god would be enticing, especially if this was just his demi-status. Terran slowed his pace, glancing at the gate that led into the settlement, pausing.

Is there a problem? asked Jondar.

Just that I'm not sure I'm ready to cause a stir with my return. It seems the changes that have come over me are affecting people. Shame I had the gate installed before I left, said Terran.

Jondar bit his lower lip. I may know a secret entrance to the settlement, one that is very useful for extricating young ladies who prefer to let their healthy appetites be quiet. At least while they're in the settlement.

Terran chuckled. Lead on, my friend. Lead on.

After cutting off the main path, they circled the hill, finding a narrow ravine that led to the bramble wall. Even without looking he could tell no guards were currently patrolling the trees, which left them free to pass. Jondar hummed a song and the thorns and branches parted, revealing a person-sized hole.

Thank you, Jondar, said Terran on the other side.

The elf nodded. Shall I gather the others for a council meeting?

A whirlwind of emotions was spinning through Terran. He wasn't ready to face them yet. He had something he needed to do first.

No. I'll call them when I'm ready. But first I must...

Jondar's gaze flitted to the direction of the Mother Tree. I understand. I will leave you now.

The enormous tree had whitish bark and a trunk that extended higher than the surrounding canopies, creating an umbrella of bright leaves. To remain unseen, Terran moved into the central chamber, where he placed his hands on the smooth curved wood and closed his eyes, inhaling the fresh scent of the trees. There was a vibration deep within but it lacked the signature that marked it as the home of Andelain. It was alive, but not sentient.

She truly is gone.

During any part of his journey through the Rock Leaf Forest, he could have brought up the settlement interface, but it'd felt disrespectful to her memory to peruse the stats and information as if that's all the Mother Tree had been. Andelain had been an Offworlder like him, trying to do the best for the people around him, and now she was gone and her responsibilities were transferred to him.

Settlement: Gneiss Glen

Level: 3

Vassal State: Wunderlust Keep

The interface was different upon opening. No longer was there an option for changing the name of the settlement from Gneiss Glen, not that he would have ever, but it was locked in for good. The settlement was still level 3, but it no longer marked the number of essences that he'd returned. Ignoring the other information, he tabbed through the screens until he found the section that detailed what it would take to achieve the next level.

Resources required for Level 4 Settlement

248/300 population

24/30 seeds planted

14,431/20,000 Loam

602/1,000 Sap

3/10 Level 1 Buildings

2/5 Level 2 Buildings

0/2 Level 3 Buildings

The list wasn't as onerous as Terran first feared. The essences made it simpler to achieve new levels, but these requirements weren't unattainable, especially when he checked the status of his buildings, which was where the majority of the work would be needed.

Seeds grown: 28/30

Days until next seed harvesting: 2

Total Buildings: 24/30

Barracks (Level 2) 1/1

Fungi Garden (Level 0) 1/3

Shaman Hut (Level 0) 1/1

Chieftain Hut (Level 0) 1/1

Orchard (Level 1) 1/3

Leaf Armory (Level 1) 1/1

Weaponmaker (Level 2) 1/1

Crystalline Conservatory (Level 0) 1/1

Aviary (Level 1) 1/1

Archery Range (Level 0) 1/1

Inn (Level 0) 1/1

Trading Post (Level 0) 1/1

Healers Hall (Level 0) 1/1

Arborist Lab (Level 0) 1/1

Houses 10

Already he could see he had four seeds to plant. Thankfully, Elia, the elf in charge of keeping the trees healthy, could keep the seeds alive until he returned, unlike the early times when he'd had to get them into the soil quickly or they'd wither.

Lord Terran?

As if she'd been summoned by his thoughts, Elia appeared at the entrance, backlit by the afternoon sun filtering through the trees. Her tunic hung loosely on her slender frame.

I just returned, he said.

Her expression shifted from agony to adulation, as if she didn't know what to make of her own feelings. He should have known that Elia, more than anyone in the Glen, would have known.

The old elf looked ready to break in two. Is she...?

Yes. I'm sorry.

A brief stabbing glance felt like accusation, but then Elia averted her gaze. How could it happen?

He hadn't planned on explaining it yet, but the pain on her face told him he couldn't wait longer. When Grimchar took her essences and used them for his own regeneration, he stole' the last of her vitality. She was dying. Elia nodded as this was a fact she already knew. I thought there might be a way to fix her, return that strength through the place of power, but she gave it to me instead. What little she had left.

Elia's eyes widened with understanding, then creased at the corners. I see it, but there is a strange double glow. The first I sense as her remains, but there is a second, like a shadow over the first.

A breath caught in Terran's throat. I am shadow-touched. We fought the Lady of Shadows' minions in Dagrath.

May I approach, Lord Terran? asked Elia.

You were one of the first elves in the settlement, when I was a wet-behind-the-ears newb. Lord Terran is unnecessary, he said.

She approached and rested her fingertips on his face, staring into his eyes. Her touch was soft, but clinical. He felt like when he was checked out by the doctors on the Reliant. After a minute of examination, she said, I cannot see its purpose beyond the surface, but I worry.

How...can you see this in me? he asked.

She lifted a shoulder, spreading her hands. You are the tree. The tree is you. As it is my task to keep the Mother Tree healthy, I can see it's changed you, and just like the rot, I worry it has a nefarious purpose.

You have been offered a quest: Learn what's going on with shadow-touched.

I'm sure it's fine…totally fine, amiright?

I do as well, he said, mentally dismissing the pop-up. The Lady either means to destroy us or assimilate us into her empire.

Bad for sure, said Elia.

What should I do? he asked.

Elia shifted her petite mouth to the side. I will think upon it, consult with Ash. Maybe between the two of us we can find a solution.

Please keep this confidential. I don't want anyone to worry, said Terran.

Elia nodded. I will get to work on it right away.

After she left he scratched the back of his neck. He should call the council, but he wasn't ready to deal with the changes. Maybe he could sneak up to his hut in the canopy and take a nap before things got rolling again.

He'd made it ten feet from the base of the tree when he heard a familiar womanly squeal. Running from his right was one Della, owner of the Golden Kumquat, with her arms spread wide, looking like she was going to gobble him up.

Chapter Two

Terran! Oh, how I missed you, said Della, smothering him with kisses and running her fingers through his hair. She pulled back momentarily, eyes glittering with desire. Oh, I can't wait to take you back to your room.

Terran swallowed. What are you doing here? Who's running the tavern?

He glanced past her to see the redheaded Zara, Della's daughter, Isabella, and Newt, who had a thoroughly perplexed expression. They approached as Della explained.

I sold it for a tidy sum to help Zara with returning all those goods to the Glen. She said you needed someone to run the trading post. I thought you'd be so happy to see me, she said, searching his face for clues.

Terran put up a smile. I am glad to see you, I just wasn't expecting it. I worried something had gone wrong in Dagrath.

I thought it was a good solution, said Zara with a smirk. She wasn't talking about the trading post, but his happiness. You're okay with her running the post, right?

Of course. Happy to have you, Della.

With everyone watching, he felt a little strange leaning down and giving her a kiss. Newt wrinkled his forehead but said nothing. He'd heard all about Chanterelle, so he was likely confused about this new situation, but he said nothing.

Assign Della Dubois to the Trading Post?

You have completed the quest Find a proprietor for the Trading Post.

Trade route capacity has increased by 2.  New goods and services are available.

Della grabbed her daughter's hand. I should get things set up. Zara told me all about the what's happened since you arrived in these lands. Helping the settlement grow is important. She started to turn away, then smiled back over her shoulder, adding a wink for good measure. I'll see you later.

A triumphant Zara had her arms crossed, lips bunched, a glint of amusement to her gaze.

You're very proud of yourself, aren't you? he asked.

Quite, actually, she said, giving a girlish curtsey. You need a little happiness, and she seems quite devoted to you.

Newt had said nothing but his head was tilted.

A question, Newt? asked Terran.

The bookish mage glanced away, the corners of his lips tugging downward. I have yet to find myself in the arms of another, and you have acquired two.

Terran shared a look with Zara. She put her hand on his shoulder. "You might want to start with not ever using the word acquired. But I know what you mean to say. First we'll have to get you out of the Conservatory, meet some nice Rock Leaf Elf girl, or guy, whatever your preference."

I find many people in the settlement quite pleasing to the eye. Sanisar makes lovely mushroom soups and the arborist knows much about many interesting things, said Newt with his hands behind his back as they strolled amid the lush, colorful forest. His ebony skin shone against his light purple robes, which were cinched around the middle with a black belt encrusted with turquoise. But the one who tends the trees I find most interesting of all.

Elia, said Terran. She's quite a bit older than you.

Newt stopped and stared back, unblinking. Is similar age a requirement for good companionship?

Zara stifled a grin while Terran explained. No, not at all. I guess similar interests and companionship are all that matter, but I'm not an expert.

That's an understatement, said Zara, stretching her shoulder.

How should I go about inquiring about the compatibility of our interests? asked Newt.

Terran pictured their initial meeting with Newt confusing Elia with his overly formal diction.

Would you like me to inquire on your behalf? he asked.

Newt brightened, lifting his head, while the corners of his lips fought to curl upward. That would be acceptable. Thank you, Terran.

Zara grabbed his arm, staring at him intently. Now that that's out of the way, what happened on your trip? You were all cryptic about what was going to go down, and now you return, and you're glowing like Heavenly Death.

You can't see the tag? asked Terran.

Both his friends shook their heads. What tag?

Demigod, said Terran sheepishly. When I went to the hidden valley in the mountains, the Offworlder in the Mother Tree, Andelain, she sacrificed herself to give me the remainder of her power.

Zara took a step back. Shadows below, that's crazy.

It was. But I'm afraid even this won't be enough against Howling Wind. We need to build up the settlement, and fast. I don't know how long we have. Probably the only thing keeping them from overrunning us already is the ocean, said Terran.

We're here for you, for all of us, really, said Zara, puffing her up chest and making a fist, which she squeezed. The last time we saw the Wind, we had to escape into the desert. The next time, I'll be taking some bird heads.

I concur, said Newt, dispassionately. We are considerably more powerful. They might find our refusal to acquiescence to their demands disappointing upon a second encounter.

Agreed, but the four of us aren't going to stop an army, said Terran. Which is why we need to build up the settlement. I really need to call the council. There's so much to do.

Zara gestured past him. Good timing.

Heading towards them, taking long strides and giving them a perfunctory wave, was Petram, the Rock Leaf Elf shaman. Before he arrived, Terran muttered to his friends, Say nothing of my demigod status to anyone.

Better yet, we'll leave you two to discuss things until the council meeting, said Zara, taking Newt with her.

May I have a word, Terran? said Petram when he arrived, his forehead wrinkling with decision.

Finally, someone not calling me Lord Terran. He searched the shaman's expression. You can feel it too, can't you?

Petram closed his eyes momentarily. As the Glen's shaman, I am connected to its people. When she passed, I felt it.

I'm sorry, said Terran. I didn't know what was going to happen.

Petram's lips were squeezed tight. I know what happened that day, including that you tried to sacrifice yourself so that she might endure.

Relief flooded into his limbs. He hadn't realized how tightly he was holding himself, but knowing that Petram understood what had actually happened took a weight off his shoulders.

As painful as that memory is, I'm glad that you shared it, if only for the selfish reason that I worried our people might think I took what's left of her by force, said Terran.

No matter the circumstances, it is still a tragedy, but if her power had to go to someone, it should be you, Terran the Tenacious. After all, it was you that freed the seed in the first place, said a dour Petram.

I'm sorry for your loss, my friend, said Terran.

Petram touched his chest. It is not the loss that concerns me. He shifted his mouth to the side. How we might grow the settlement again, for one, but there is a more immediate problem.

Please, I'm here to help.

Petram cleared his throat. Do you know about our new blacksmith?

No, said Terran. But a new craftsperson is good news. We'll need all the help we can get.

Petram screwed up his face. The new blacksmith is a Crag Troll.

Ohhh...Granite Mountaineater. Zara invited him to the settlement, didn't she?

Petram nodded. This is quite distressing to the clan. Crag Trolls are our mortal enemies. They've been responsible for more death and destruction than just about any other group in these lands.

Where is Granite at?

Petram gestured towards the hills. He's set up camp at the old caves where the Crag Trolls once lived and kept the seed hostage.

Does it help to know that he doesn't care about the animosities between our peoples, and just wants to make good weapons and armor?

Petram sighed. You know that I trust your word. If you say he will be a good member of our settlement, then I will give him the chance, but the other Rock Leaf Elves are not happy.

You have been offered a quest: Deal with the Crag Troll situation.

Reward: Repair the morale penalty and open up armor and weapon options.

You might want to deal with this quickly before they decide to lynch him.

After checking the settlement sheet, he found an 8% penalty to all outputs due to Granite's presence in their settlement.

I guess that means I need to have the council meeting sooner rather than later. We have a lot to talk about, and we can't afford to have this negative on our output, said Terran.

Petram nodded. I'll gather the others. We'll meet you in the chamber.

Chapter Three

Back inside the Mother Tree, Terran paced while the leadership of the settlement took their places. He looked across the room to see Petram talking quietly with Kumotake. Terran wondered if he should tell the head loamer about his daughter, but he didn't want to cause him distress. There was also Lhoris, the captain of the guard, chatting with Ara. The two kept touching each other on the knees, smiling at each other with their whole bodies. It seemed Lhoris' courtship was successful.

On the far side of the space, Zoras was speaking loudly to his assistant, Jondar, and anyone else who would listen about how he'd been the one to train their very first Crystal Bard in decades and the benefits that it'd brought to the Glen. There were a few others in attendance, and his friends, Zara and Newt, but he didn't see Flynn or his girlfriend, Darkness Sighs, the Shade