City of the Dreaded God

By Jo Fontana

It’s almost been a full turn of the seasons since Jericho Brightbrook and his companions separated in hopes of finding clues that would lead to the downfall of their dreaded former master. After the companions reunite, they are compelled to travel into the heart of the desert where the elves of legend once ruled and magic flourished.

Meanwhile, the Brotherhood have not forgotten Jericho and are determined to force his return to the temple to take his rightful place. Though Jericho would rather die than accept his fate, problems continue to arise in the form of the mercurial guardian of the library, demands from the Green Lady, his emerging powers, and growing tensions with Balan. It will take every ounce of focus Jericho has to stay one step ahead of the Brotherhood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JAF Productions, LLC
• Release date: Sep 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005126285

Jo Fontana

Jo Fontana resides in Denver, Colorado with her family and special needs pets. She is a genre-fluid author and writes fiction, mostly fantasy, horror, and young adult, but is also known to dabble in children’s literature. She is a member of the Colorado Authors’ League. The author won first place for her short story “The Plant Lady” at the Quid Novi Festival, 2014. Gods of the Bay is her debut novel and was a finalist in the 2021 CAL Awards. Her newest novel, City of the Dreaded God is available now. Please visit www.jofontana.com.

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City of the Dreaded God

Jo Fontana

Copyright 2022 © Jo Fontana

Cover and art design by Dillon Calkins

All Rights Reserved

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, are either the product of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the written permission from Jo Fontana or Turtle Monkey Books LLC.

Turtle Monkey Books LLC

Denver, CO

First Edition

ISBN-9781005126285

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

About the Author

Chapter One

Three quarters of a full turn of the seasons since he had settled in Mistvale, Jericho was outside Stig’s hut, preparing to cultivate an area of land. He was anticipating Stig’s return when he saw two familiar-looking men walking in his direction and raised his hand in greeting as they approached. The blonde man grinned and the older one remained stoic. Wordlessly, Gunnar walked up, opened the gate, and clapped Jericho on the back. Balan bumped Gunnar aside and pulled Jericho in for a hug which caught him completely off guard.

How do you fare? Gunnar asked.

I was faring well until I saw you, Jericho said with a smirk, hoping the jibe was

successful in masking his worry and surprise.

Is that anything to say to your greatest ally?

And as always, you have nary a greeting for me, Balan said, placing a hand on his hip.

Remember, you were both eager to follow me at one time, Jericho said chuckling slightly.

What happened to your disguise? Balan asked.

It was too much effort, Jericho said, running a hand through his hair. Besides, the past winter was far too cold to shave.

Aye, it was a harsh one. Where’s Stig?

He’s delivering remedies to the neighbors; he should return soon.

I’m guessing we can rely on Stig’s hospitality again, Balan said.

I’m sure Stig won’t mind, Jericho said, opening the door for his friends, dreading to learn the reason they had returned so soon, and hoped he could find an excuse good enough to avoid any further adventures.

Jericho thought it would be less painful to find out what was going on as soon as possible, so once they were inside, he said, It hasn’t been a full turn of the seasons. What brings you back here now?

Balan winced but Gunnar looked flat out annoyed and glared at Jericho for a minute. We’ve heard tales from villagers in the north about youngsters being taken in the night and no one being able to track them past the site of the disappearance.

Jericho pursed his lips debating whether to mention what he had seen. He was tired of hearing anything to do with the temple and its members. As far as he was concerned, it wasn’t his problem anymore.

A faction came through here in the fall and I’m almost positive they were looking for us. They were heading north but I haven’t seen them pass this way again, he said.

Maybe they perished out in the Banished Lands, Balan said.

Who knows. It’s been so long that I don’t think they’ll come back this way, but it’s not a guarantee.

I don’t think you should stay here, Balan said abruptly.

And leave Stig?

We can take him with us, lad.

This is the only home he’s ever known. I don’t know if he’ll agree to it at all, even if it is better for him.

Balan glanced at Gunnar before saying, The answer’s always no if you don’t ask.

Either way, you shouldn’t stay here much longer. It’s only a matter of time before the conflict catches up with you.

What are you talking about?

Gunnar half-grinned. We’ve seen you talk your way out of many perilous situations, but I think the time is coming when you’ll have to pick a side.

Have you picked a side?

Balan and Gunnar exchanged looks.

You know we have, Balan said watching Jericho intently.

Jericho knew this subject would come up eventually, he just wished it weren’t now.

Gunnar leaned over the table and looked Jericho right in the eyes. Right. We’ve been running around Galaria avoiding the fight that should have happened already.

Jericho’s blood ran cold. Are you suggesting I offer myself up to end this?

No. But I don’t think you’ve ever taken anything seriously in your entire life and it’s time to start fighting for the type of world you want to be living in, Gunnar said, glancing at Balan. It’s what we’re doing.

That’s easy for you to say. You have knowledge and skill. Aside from using the powers that surge occasionally, I’m still not sure of what I am capable. I haven’t healed anyone com-pletely since Albrenagen. I barely get by with the Green Lady’s help. It would be suicide to confront anyone from the temple right now.

Maybe you can develop your skills while we travel.

You can reach out to her as well, lad. I can only guide you so much.

Jericho hung his head.

We know you wanted to be able to heal without having to proclaim allegiance to anyone, but by now, I’m sure you’ve realized that no one can channel that kind of power from within, it has to have some outside source, Balan said gently.

Jericho looked down at his hands but said nothing.

Gunnar interrupted Jericho’s train of thought. I’d like to know how you garnered her help without pledging yourself.

Jericho smirked. That’s between me and the Lady.

I figured you’d say something like that, Gunnar said leaning back in his seat.

Gunnar was prying into dangerous territory, so Jericho quickly changed the subject. Do you really think we should drag Stig along with us? I think he should move somewhere else instead, he said.

Gunnar glanced over at Balan, who shook his head. What do you mean?

He might be able to stay somewhere like the library. It’s safe there and none of the Huskweaver’s minions would be able to breach the thicket, let alone the building. Not only do I think the magic would be too strong for them, Ruini guards the land around it.

How do you think he’ll respond to the suggestion of leaving? Balan asked.

I don’t think we should approach it as a suggestion. I think we should insist, Gunnar said.

Let’s try persuading him. I don’t think suggesting or insisting will work. Especially if the Lady hasn’t suggested it to him, Jericho said, barely concealing his annoyance.

And how do you propose we approach him?

I’ll handle it.

Gunnar and Balan shared a look once more. Jericho was beginning to feel left out and wondered if they had other worries that they weren’t sharing with him.

What really brought you back here? A few missing people is concerning, but not enough to return early, ready to whisk us away at a moment’s notice.

Gunnar looked uncomfortable and fidgeted in his seat. It was the first time Jericho had ev-er seen the older man react in such a manner.

Finally, Gunnar said, I had a dream?

Jericho burst out laughing. When he was able to catch his breath he said, You came here because of a dream?

Gunnar’s lips thinned. We never doubted you when you told us about yours. Why would you doubt me, lad?

You are the last person I would expect to receive any sort of message from the Lady.

Balan interrupted. I had the dream too.

The same dream?

Yes.

Both men having the same dream alarmed Jericho. Well, are you going to tell me what it was about, or do I have to guess?

The expression on Gunnar’s face almost made Jericho regret asking the question in such a flippant manner.

I saw you die.

Jericho wasn’t amused. You can’t be serious. Just because someone dies in a dream doesn’t mean it’s going to happen in real life. You were the most logical of us all. What happened to you?

It’s easy for you to forget when it’s convenient for you.

What’s that supposed to mean?

It wasn’t an ordinary dream. It was something I think was influenced by the Lady, Gunnar said. Then he paused and shook his head. You’ve been gone too long, and it shows. You’re lacking her influence.

Jericho considered his friend’s words. It wasn’t something he would have expected from Gunnar several seasons prior, but the green had a way of changing people.

Are you sure it wasn’t a threat from the Huskweaver?

Gunnar shook his head. Thinking Balan could give him more clarity, Jericho asked, Did you see the same thing, Balan?

Balan nodded.

And you’re sure it was from her?

Whatever sent the message didn’t feel threatening.

All right. Well, how did I die?

Balan looked away and Gunnar shivered.

Let’s just say, if the temple ever gets its hands on you, it won’t be pleasant.

Jericho was starting to feel as if he were back there again being forced to do something he didn’t want to. If he were honest though, he was a bit jealous that the Lady would visit his companions and not him. Deep down, he knew he wasn’t the only one working on the side of nature and reminded himself that deity didn’t work in the world like he wanted her to. He might really did need to return to the temple and speak with the elders. But something about their story didn’t resonate with Jericho.

I don’t know about that. They’re desperate for a powerful patriarch. I don’t think I’d be in as much danger as you were led to believe.

Gunnar scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest. Jericho noticed that he refused to look at him now.

So, it wouldn’t bother you to do what he will order you to do?

Jericho sighed and surrendered to the inevitable, which he supposed was to fight for the survival of the natural world. Though his friends were starting to worry him with all their talk about the Lady. He didn’t want history to repeat itself with followers on nature’s side.

Before we return to the temple, a visit to the library might be a clever idea after all. There might be something there that can help me figure out what to do with this energy.

Gunnar finally looked in Jericho’s direction. What energy?

Jericho leaned over the table and outstretched his arms, holding his hands about shoulder-width apart and then brought them closer together until green sparks appeared to jump from hand to hand.

Gunnar stood up so fast that he knocked over the chair. Balan moved so swiftly that Jeri-cho didn’t realize he was on the other side of the room until he followed Gunnar’s gaze.

It’s not what you think, Jericho began to explain. I get these bursts of power, but I can’t control it like I did with the blood. It doesn’t call to me; it flows through me.

Gunnar cleared his throat. Considering the circumstances, I agree the best course of action is to return to the library.

Good, because we can’t stay here forever, Balan said.

I wasn’t planning on it, Gunnar said.

Besides, we need to visit several other places afterwards, Jericho added.

What places?

We need to return to Green Temple and pay a visit to Adis and Fontayne.

We’d be walking right into their hands, Balan said.

Not if we travel around the Direwall. Besides, I need to ask Ruini a favor.

That’s a bad idea lad, even for you.

You’re just annoyed because she didn’t trust you. And she had good reason not to!

Gunnar folded his arms across his chest again. It’s not the point. I still don’t think it’s wise.

Jericho glanced over at Balan gauging his expression, but Jericho couldn’t decipher it, so he felt he was the only one in favor of the idea. However, it didn’t matter because he needed answers and the only way, he’d get them is through research. If what you say is true, we need to discuss it with Stig. You also must admit that even though you don’t like it, we should head south. There are too many places in the same area that might have the information we need.

How many places?

Four including the temple.

I know of the library, but what are the other two places?

The watermill and an old hermit who lives outside my village.

Do you trust these people? Balan asked, interrupting Gunnar.

Yes. They were the ones who helped us when we fled the village.

Aye, but you were caught.

That was Esmaralda. She wasn’t a family friend and I’ll never go back there.

The sooner we get you and Stig out of here, the better. How likely is it that he’ll leave with us?

Jericho shrugged and hoped Stig would return soon. He had a feeling that Gunnar was just itching to persuade them all to leave before dark though he knew Stig would only move as the green commanded.

Chapter Two

Stig returned at dusk and absolutely refused to discuss anything before dinner. Jericho had the unfortunate task to mollify Gunnar who was livid. Balan wasn’t much help either. If he didn’t know better, Jericho could have sworn Stig was amused by their frustration.

As they were eating, Stig said, So. You want me to leave with you.

The statement even took Jericho by surprise.

It only stands to reason that when the Brotherhood comes back here searching for Jericho, they’ll find you, Gunnar said.

Jericho remained silent watching the exchange. He was annoyed that Gunnar budded in where it wasn’t his place. Now he wouldn’t intervene unless the discussion threatened to devolve into a physical fight.

This is my home…

We really think it’s best because there’s no one here who can protect you.

You think that I’m without protections? Stig asked, his eyes flashing a deep blue.

Even with them, you’re still quite young, Stig, Jericho said recognizing the warning. I’d feel awful if something happened to you because of me.

Stig glanced sideways at Jericho. Had it ever occurred to you that I might be the reason you haven’t been found?

Jericho, at a loss, looked to his friends for help, but Balan just shrugged, and Gunnar appeared confused.

No, Jericho said after moment’s hesitation. Have the townsfolk covered for me this entire time?

It would be a disservice to leave them without medicine, Stig said.

There’s nothing stopping you from traveling back and forth, Gunnar said.

"That would be more foolish than staying here. Traveling alone has become much more dangerous. The Brotherhood have been grabbing people