Solsignia: Lord of the Unchained: The Solsignian Trilogy, #1

By Nicholus Schroeder

Elia, a young elf, is in a race against the falling grains of time on her quest to save her village. On her journey she meets Aldric, a knight suffering from amnesia and together they traverse the lands of Solsignia, the fates of one fighting to protect her family and another driven by memories of his past regrets are intertwined in this story of steel, magic and dark arts. They're not the only ones roaming the untamed lands of Solsignia, however, as Lucian, a paladin of the Citadel, ventures forth with his companions into the jaws of death time and again on their arduous journey to save Solsignia from the Witch Queen's advancing army.

 

The northern Stronghold can't keep the hordes of monsters at bay for much longer, and only Lucian's party has hopes of retrieving the weapon that will turn the tide of war in their favor. Step into the world of Solsignia and join the brave soldiers of the Frontlines and their fearless commander as they overcome unsurmountable odds in The North, experience the adrenaline of soaring through the blue skies atop a gryphon while holding on for my dear life or scream out in terror as Elia comes face to face with a snaketooth. Step into the definitive fantasy experience!

 

*Only two profane words are used in my book. Bastard appears twice and whore appears once. There is no erotic content but keep in mind that this is an adult book, not a YA novel, so expect some strong scenes.

 

**This is the 2nd edition of book one under, The Solsignian Trilogy and its length is 94,000 words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicholus Schroeder
• Release date: Sep 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215544211

Book preview

Prologue: Year 775

An old man strolled the paved streets of Lidial alone. Moths gathered around the alluring-pale-orange glow of a lamp post, their beating wings casting shadows as if made by swinging blades. The old man ignored the eerie silence of the night and followed his scarcely lit path with purpose. The citizens of Lidial knew better than to wander outside during this hour. Be it madness or bravery, only he knew what drove him forth.

The bounty had just laid down when he heard banging on the door. The bounty made for the door and opened it to the sight of a frail old man. He didn’t like visitors nor old men but before he could slam the door shut, the old man walked in. I am here on urgent business from the Citadel. The bounty stared into the dimly lit emptiness with heavy eyes. The days were getting shorter.

Syterm Ligovia, a sage from the Citadel, he said, in his raspy voice as he inspected the small house that contained only a bed in the far back, a table with a lit candle to his right, near the window, and a dilapidated shelf opposite the table. And you my mute friend must be the one called Legion.

Legion slammed the door shut. Low rattles came from beneath the wooden floor. He faced Syterm. Are you here for my head? A draft forced the window open.

Creak, bang.

Afraid so lad. Syterm inspected the shelf’s contents. The Citadel can not let your crime go unpunished. Your day of reckoning has come. Syterm concealed his right hand under his robes. All evil must be purged from our kingdom in accordance with our Lord’s will.

The dim candlelight revealed Legion’s smile as he had seen the old man conceal his hand. And what crime do you speak of? I have committed no crime to my knowledge.

The wrinkles on Syterm’s face arched as he turned away from the shelf. Don’t be coy boy, Syterm’s voice rose, the Elders stripped you of all titles and branded you as Legion, a servant of darkness, for the atrocity you committed.

Legion brought his fist against the wall. My name is Leon.

Creak, bang.

Syterm gathered more mana in his hand, the spell would be ready soon. Not after what you did. You forfeited your humanity the day you fought for a demon. Dissonant clinks sounded from below the floorboards.

The sputtering candle lit up Leon’s exhausted face but beyond the exhaustion lay a deep rage. She was not a demon. Leon let the chilly air fill his lungs and cool his building rage.

You poor fool, you must have been put under a spell of sorts. Forced to use your own demonic magic, to the whims of a demon. You are a disgrace to we mages. A mere pawn of the demons.

Leon took a step forward. I have no regrets. My conscious dictated I act. Anger hang heavy in his tone. That I put an end to it, another step, they left me no choice.

Syterm scoffed. The reasoning of one bewitched by demons. You were irredeemable til your very end.

Leon walked toward him. Enough. Let us end this farce.

Creak.

The draft blew out the candle.

Bang!

Syterm revealed his right hand and on his palm shone a bright-dancing flame that illuminated the room. Leon called on his own power. That spark will not save you old man. The floorboards groaned. Syterm faced his palm at Leon. Chains shot out from below. The numerous chains ensnared Syterm before he could unleash the flames. The chains, darker than the night sky, held him firmly.

We should’ve purged this demonic power from our kingdom years ago, Syterm said, between breaths.

He drew near the archsage. How did you find me? Dim moonlight filtered through the dusty window.

You are wasting your— The chains tightened their hold on him. Syterm, not wanting to show any weakness, stifled his scream.

Leon stood a few paces from him. Are there more of you here? Syterm took deep breaths then opened his mouth, as wide as possible, and clamped down on his tongue. He grunted after severing his tongue and spat it out on the floor.

Leon walked up to him and stood on the blood at Syterm’s feet What was the point to that? You can tell me all I need to know, he placed his thumb over Syterm’s left eye, without it. Syterm grinned and braced himself. Are you alone?

Syterm inhaled long and deep. Leon slowly pushed his thumb in. Syterm squirmed. Blood oozed out. Syterm thrashed against his restraints. The finger went deeper. Answer me. He tried to speak but gurgles escaped him instead. Syterm screamed and nodded vigorously.

Leon retracted his thumb and wiped it against Syterm’s robes. Syterm moaned as Leon stepped away. How did you find me? Syterm looked at him with a pleading look for he had no tongue to answer such a question. Syterm gurgled. Leon searched the moonlit room’s shelf and found the tools needed.

Syterm begged for mercy but his words were unintelligible. Leon handed Syterm the quill and held out paper. Syterm stared at the paper with a look of relief. Leon raised his bloodied hand over Syterm’s right eye. He began writing.

Stirs from outside caught Leon’s attention and while he listened to the roused citizens, Syterm placed his other hand on the paper. A faint glow traced across the paper. Leon, convinced the garrison hadn’t been alerted, checked on Syterm. The sage’s grin returned after he finished writing. Leon flipped the paper and expected an answer to his question, but Syterm had written nothing but runes. Runic magic. A bright light of pure white emanated from Syterm. Leon’s chains rushed to shield their master. The light enveloped all.

Chapter 1: The Forest of Whispers

A lone figure ran through the forest’s undergrowth. Dry leaves crunched and crackled underfoot. The figure stopped to hide behind a tree as she caught her breath. Have … to keep moving, her voice kept her knees from giving out, before it—

Crash!

A deafening crash came from the direction she had fled. Her pursuer hadn’t given up the search. I can’t die that way, please not like that. The elf began sprinting toward what she hoped would be the edge of the forest. A startled fox hid in the underbrush, not from her rapid gait but from the encroaching thunderous steps in the distance.

She had put a considerable gap between them when her right foot caught a root and tripped her up. She heard a high pitched scream, the likes of which she had never heard before, as she got up. Her burning legs propelled her even faster toward the edge. She didn’t dare to look behind her as she dashed through the forest. After running til her lungs burned, she emerged breathlessly at the forest’s edge.

Made it. She rested her palms on her knees and tried catching her breath, but when she looked up, the sight before her shocked more than what she had witnessed just only moments ago. She stood overlooking a massive crater near the boundary of the Forest of Whispers. Looks recent, so that’s what last night’s boom was. But what could’ve destroyed an entire city? What should I do now that Lidial is destroyed? The elf’s eyes were fixated on the crater. She didn’t realize she had a visitor. Her visitor emerged from the forest and moved with grace uncommon for hobgoblins.

The elf hunched over to calm her breathing, and was within striking distance, or rather biting distance, before she realized the danger fast approaching. She looked behind after noticing the encroaching shadow, and froze in place at the sight of the disgusting creature before her eyes.

It snarled as clumps of drool fell from its mouth. The beast wasted no time in pouncing on its petrified prey. Someone pushed her out the way. I apologize, the man said, after pushing her. I fear you are not equipped to deal with this. He blocked the attack and knocked the hobgoblin back. Allow me. The man assumed a fighting stance and pointed his sword toward his enemy.

I would be dead by now if he hadn’t stepped in, but honestly, does he believe he can slay it with that sword? Wondered the elf as she took in her rescuer. The man had nothing but worn leather armor for protection, a sword chipped in several places, a tattered cloak draped over his shoulders and appeared to have a rag fixed to his right eye as an eyepatch.

His foe became enraged as he had interfered with its game. This hobgoblin had perfected the art of hunting its prey unseen and enjoyed sneaking up on and ripping their head off just as they turned. It had been stalking the petite elf ever since she and her party entered the forest. It was glad she slipped away from the Guardian but now everything was ruined.

The enraged hobgoblin let out a guttural roar and charged the tall knight, but before it could tackle him to the ground, he sidestepped away from the lunging mass and brought his sword down on its neck with remarkable speed. The beast fell with a small thud.

Elia got up to dust herself off. That was incredible, I’ve never seen a knight stand his ground against a hobgoblin, let alone one who can slay it with a single strike. The man dislodged his blade from the kill and wiped the blood off on the corpse. I am Elia, and you are?

The man returned his sword to its scabbard. Aldric.

Thank you Al-dric, for saving me. I would’ve been in trouble if you hadn’t stepped in.

He sighed. That you would. Now hurry along and rejoin your family, we’re near the jaws of death child, it’s not safe to venture far by yourself and if you’re not careful, he pointed to the hobgoblin, you may fill the belly of a beast.

Elia shifted her weight between her feet. Thing is, I-I’m all alone … my group didn’t make it. The Guardian … it ambushed us at dawn and … Elia’s stomach churned as she relieved those brief moments, and it … She nearly heaved up her breakfast.

Aldric put a hand on her shoulder. "You don’t have to explain, just try control your breathing. You’re safe now, I promise. Deep breaths in and out. Once you feel better, keep following the road south til you reach a village.

She looked up at him. "What about you, where’ll you go?

He looked ahead, toward the looming forest. Through the forest.

Take me with you. With Lidial destroyed, I have no choice but to return empty-handed. Running away to save myself isn’t even an option.

I’m sorry but I can’t do that. This forest is no place for a child. You should start heading south, Aldric headed for the forest, the more distance you put between you and the forest before sunset, the better.

I know this is a dangerous place but I can’t turn back. Elia followed him. What I don’t get is why he keeps calling me a child. I’m seventeen, and I’ve given him my name. He stopped when he heard Elia’s unsteady gait behind him. Why are you following me?

I’m going with you.

The last thing he wanted was for her to go into that forest again, but her tone told him she’d follow regardless of his protests, and if she would follow regardless then it’d be safer for her to remain close. I’ll allow it, but let me lead and stay by my side, no wandering off or making loud noises.

Elia smiled and matched his pace as they crossed the threshold and entered the Guardian of the Forest’s domain. A distant scream welcomed them. Someone had just met their end in The Forest of Whispers.

Elia’s heart began racing. Is it still coming after me? Her palms were laced with sweat. A shrub to her left rustled, she shrieked. The startled birds left the shrub and took to the skies. He sighed. Are you trying to get us eaten?

Elia mouthed sorry with a smile. I thought it was a monster! She walked faster to be by his side.

He gave her a stern look and placed a finger on his mouth.

Elia stopped talking and stared at the dry forest floor. I can’t help it. This forest is too much for me. Her gaze never left the decaying leaves underfoot as she followed behind him.

Her silence soon unnerved him more than her earlier shriek. He sighed. Please try to be more careful, that is all I ask.

She looked ahead with a slight smile. Okay, no more screaming. I promise.

The Forest of Whispers is in the southern region of the Kingdom of Solsignia. The only cities in the vicinity of the ancient forest, are Safreya to the west of the forest and Lidial to the east. Rugged terrain teeming with bandits lies to the north and south of the forest. Sale of timber to other regions allowed these once backwater villages to transform into the twin pillars of the south and these cities continue to prosper despite frequent late night raids by bandits.

The size of the forest made travel between the two cities difficult and time consuming, so to make the trek much quicker and to facilitate better trade between the cities, builders from the two cities paved a road through the forest. Traveling on the Road of Trade makes it quicker to go through the forest instead of around it, when traveling between these cities.

Most travelers, however, prefer to circle around the forest as wolves, minotaurs and other creatures have made it their lair. Those who circled around it considered the possibility of being stabbed to death by a band of bandits a more favorable way to die, when compared to the various alternatives the forest presented.

Blazing afternoon rays weaved through the once dense canopy, lighting the traveling companion’s trail. Elia and Aldric made their way deeper into the forest on a side trail. They strayed farther and farther away from the main road, til it disappeared from view.

A gentle breeze carried the musty scent of the yellowing forest their way. Elia inhaled deeply. If there’s one thing I like here, it would be the smell of the forest. Wish I could see its flowers in full bloom one day. Bees buzzed overhead collecting what little sap they could as they diligently prepared for the coming season. Elia stopped to admire the bees. If we get snow this time round, will the flowers still bloom?

Aldric grumbled something under his breath. We haven’t had snow for decades. This time won’t be any different. Now keep your guard up. He navigated through dense shrubbery. He began walking faster as the day dragged on. The fallen leaves left them without much shade and the humid south added to his discomfort.

Elia had to lengthen her gait to match his pace. But what if we do get snow?

Her persistence forced a smile out of him. Your flowers will bloom even after the snows. Now enough talk about flowers, keep your guard up. They cleared the shrubbery and now walked between giant trees once more.

Elia observed her surroundings and noticed something strange. You seem to know where you’re going, but why aren’t we on the main road? It’s faster right?

"The monsters scout out the road for small groups to attack. We’re safer sticking to the side trails, at least that’s what my instincts tell me.

Following your instincts, I thought knights were nothing but bloodlust-crazed brutes.

I never said I was a knight.

What else could you be, a blacksmith? Elia giggled.

I’m … a mercenary.

Elia skipped ahead of him. Is that so, well I just had an amazing idea, how about working as my escort? She began walking backwards.

Aldric grinned. You can’t afford my services.

Elia frowned at him. You don’t know that, Elia tapped her satchel, I could have a pouch of coin in here.

Perhaps, but what would you need me for? You have already survived a trip through the forest by yourself. Surprisingly.

She kicked up dirt at him but he dodged it. She giggled. You didn’t have to say it that way. Besides, my previous escort got me this far, they did all the fighting. Elia’s eyes dropped to the dirt.

Sorry, didn’t mean to make you think of them.

She turned around. No it’s alright. I’ll have to have get used to seeing and thinking about such things at some point. I’ve got a long journey ahead of me and I know I’ll see a lot worse before it’s over. Her somber tone pained him.

Was Lidial one of the stops you’d make on this journey?

She gave off a mm-hmm. But who’d you know that?

Only those traveling between between the two cities would go through the Forest of Whispers. Everyone else would rather deal with the bandits or take the winding path. So were you visiting a friend or family?

She shook her head and faced him. I was on my way to a craftsman but was too late. Elia stumbled on something but regained her balance.

Aldric wished she’d stop walking like that before her inevitable fall. They say walking backwards in a forest is the quickest way to break your neck. Elia giggled and continued walking backwards. Elia could tell where to walk by watching his eye spot obstacles in her path and plot a way around them which she took.

Think anyone got out of Lidial in time?"

I kept my distance, so I can’t say for certain. But it’s unlikely someone survived that. Elia turned and looked ahead. All those lives lost in a sea of flames and destruction was a haunting and frightening one for her.

Elia walked backwards once more. What do you think could’ve done that? I say a dragon.

Dragons haven’t flown over our skies for years.

But what else could make such an impression on the land?

Aldric considered her words. It could be.

Her face lit up. Imagine getting to see a dragon in person. A majestic beast that has the strength of a thousand armies and wings that can carry them anywhere. Her hands cut through the damp air as if in flight. A beautiful sight, no doubt.

He smiled. I don’t think you’d have time to admire it, not with it trying to eat you.

That may be, but I’d still like to see one.

Her unwavering curiosity made Aldric chuckle. Few wished to meet a dragon in the flesh. The paintings were as far as most would like to get in knowing the beasts. Do you find other monsters as interesting?

Elia shook her head as she smiled. The rest are too—

He crouched suddenly and motioned for her to follow, Elia compiled. He moved over to her and whispered, I hear something up ahead. Wait here. He made for a felled tree ahead, toward the sound.

Elia grabbed him by the arm. Can’t we just go around it?

We can’t risk whatever is ahead hunting us through the night. He pulled his arm free.

Fine but I’m coming too. She felt safe around Aldric and wouldn’t leave his side til they left this accursed forest.

He sighed. Stay behind me and be quiet. They crouched up and hid behind the felled tree. He peeked above the rotting stump and saw a large wolf gobbling up a carcass. It tore the meat from the source of the scream they heard upon their entry. He crouched again and whispered, Wolf. Its pack must be close, we’ll go around. Elia nodded. She wanted to pinch him for not listening to her earlier suggestion but decided against startling him.

Snap, crunch, crunch.

They crept away from the feeding ground. A twig snapped underfoot. The chewing stopped and the wolf began sniffing the air. They moved slower. The wolf growled softly. He gestured a stop but the growls grew louder. Elia covered her mouth. He grabbed his sword’s hilt. Dry leaves, shed from their home, crunched under the wolf’s paws. Aldric slowly pulled on his sword. Claws found purchase in bark. He took her hand. The wolf looked down on its dessert atop the felled tree. Elia’s heart raced. The wolf howled. They ran.

The wolf pounced from the stump. Aldric let go her go and pivoted backward whilst drawing his sword. He ducked under the lunging wolf and slit at its underside. The wolf crashed with a whimper. Elia ran on. Another wolf came from his right and lunged at him. He kicked its open maw causing the wolf to stumble backward. He then drove his sword through its heart.

Elia shrieked. A wolf stalked her, ready to pounce. He pulled on his sword but it was stuck. The wolf lunged at its prey. Elia was pulled away and to the ground by Aldric. The wolf’s sharp teeth latched on to Aldric’s left forearm. He grunted and tried fighting it off. The wolf bore down tighter.

Take my dagger, he said, stretching out his leg, while keeping the wolf at bay. Elia found her courage and pulled his dagger from the boot. She drove the dagger into its belly. The wolf let go and staggered away.

Aldric grabbed its neck in a choke hold. The wolf howled, he bashed its muzzle. It squirmed and howled louder, more desperately. He brought his fist down harder, it closed its bleeding mouth and thrashed about, but he never let it go. He tightened his grip, the wolf’s whimpers died down, it went limp in his lean arms.

Elia walked up to him. I’m sorry, you got bitten. I should’ve—

The leather took the brunt of it. He took his dagger and went for his sword. Now come on, before more answer the call. They left with haste after he retrieved his sword. They ran til their lungs could take no more of the abuse. I think we’re okay, they stopped to catch their breath, nice work with the dagger. I’m impressed.

Elia sat down to rest her burning legs. Twice you’ve saved me now.

The third time will cost you. Elia giggled. The fading rays came at an angle on his face. It’s getting dark. By the time we realize how dark, we’ll be plunged into darkness. We should begin setting up camp while we can still see. Telling time of day in the forest was tricky even with the shedding canopy. Aldric wiped down his sword before returning it to its scabbard. We’ll need wood for a fire.

Elia made her own suggestion, Maybe something to eat too?

He smiled. And something to eat. You’re in charge of gathering enough wood for the night, while I hunt our supper. We might get lucky and feast on a deer or boar. He picked up a dry branch from the ground and knocked it a few times to rid it of the dust and soil. Around this size should be good. He threw it at Elia. She caught it but dropped it when a worm crawled out. He winced after the toss, but for a brief moment.

Does it hurt? Elia walked up to him searching her satchel. Let me have a look at it, I have a healing kit. She reached for his arm.

He pulled it back. I’ll be fine, just focus on finding the wood, and remember—

To keep my guard up, she said, smiling. He grinned and set off on his hunt. Elia set about gathering the wood and once she could carry no more, she headed back to their resting spot. The trees’ shadows stretched longer now yet Aldric hadn’t returned from his hunt.

She dropped the wood and began prepping the campfire. He got hurt badly because of my carelessness. She cleared a patch of the dry leaves for the base of the fire. I’m a burden to him like I was to my escort party. She made a small pile of twigs. How can I help him? She added the dry leaves to her kindling. That’s it!

Aldric returned. Is collecting wood that exciting?

Elia reeled in her smile. No, was lost in my thoughts is all.

How do you keep your—

Please don’t say it.

He chuckled. I found us some rabbit. One for each. He slung them off his shoulder and set them down. Big game wasn’t easy to come by. He moved over to help her with the fire.

I can handle the fire. You skin the meat. He looked at her with a doubtful expression. I can start a fire okay. Aldric put his trust in her and focused on skinning the rabbits. He put a large leaf on the soft dirt and pulled out his dagger. He skinned one rabbit before long and laid the tender meat on the leaf.

Elia stripped some bark from the driest wood and placed it in the center of her kindling. She smeared a blob of pine sap on the bark and asked for his dagger. She struck her flint stone, bringing the fire to life.

Aldric placed the second rabbit on the leaf and reached for a few twigs. Nice work, you’re full of surprises it seems. Elia smacked him on the shoulder. He chuckled. Aldric used the twigs to skewer the meat and passed them to Elia once the fire settled down. His faith in her lit a smile on her face. Darkness encircled them now. Their fire was all that lit the eerie forest as the canopy blocked out the night sky.

The forest came alive with all manner of sound come nightfall. A cacophony of cries, screams, growls and a multitude of other unpleasant sounds would fill the cold air. This loop lasted til dawn. It stopped when the monsters retreated from the rising sun and would resume come nightfall. Many have lost their lives not only to the monsters but also to madness in the Forest of Whispers.

A trip through the forest would normally take three days, but after spending a night in the forest most travelers would clear it on the second day. Elia had her hands full with the meat, but couldn’t ignore the night’s chorus. Her curiosity offered a distraction. Why do they call it the Forest of Whispers? She rotated the skewers.

Crackle.

The fire crackled its interest in knowing as well. It too wanted something to drown out the sounds reverberating around them.

He chuckled and sat down across from her. A long time ago, a lord was passing through the forest. His caravan headed to Lidial for a banquet and the entire caravan had been indulging on the lord’s fancy wine, even the drivers had a sip or two, on their ride over. You could hear them from Solsig’s throne room after they had their fill of the wine. They were midway through the forest when the lord told them to stop, as he had to take a dump.

Elia turned the meat. That caravan must have drawn the attention of every beast in the forest with their drinking fest and to top it off, the idiot stopped to take a dump. In this forest of all places. Elia giggled. After the caravan never showed up at the ball—

Elia interrupted, Was it a banquet or ball? The fire added even more warmth to her beaming smile.

He smiled before clearing his throat. Either one will do. After the ball, the mayor sent out a search party for his missing guests. Elia’s stomach growled as the aroma of their rabbit began filling the air. Her cheeks reddened. He smiled as he too was famished, and waiting on the meat while its aroma wafted through the air was torture.