In The Shadows

By Susi Pearson

There was a great war in the land of Arguroq a hundred years before, where a dark sorcerer wanted to rid the land of all magical beings, but a champion for those magical beings stopped him. Both seemingly perished in that grand fight. Now it appears a shadow has return to claim what it needs to rise again and once again a champion will rise to put an end to it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susi Pearson
• Release date: Oct 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215317976

Susi Pearson

I have been writing stories since I was in elementary school. The Immortal Trilogy is my frist complete series. To me, writing is more of a hobby and therapeutic. It is something I simply most do.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End..............................4

Chapter 2: Starhallow..............................................................7

Chapter 3: Trouble Brewing...............................................14

Chapter 4: Fairy Woods........................................................27

Chapter 5: Camping................................................................41

Chapter 6: Darkness In the Woods...................................45

Chapter 7: Fetch Quest.......................................................54

Chapter 8: What Now?..........................................................77

Chapter 9: Falstaren...............................................................88

Chapter 10: Conversations...............................................112

Chapter 11: Nothing Good Here..................................123

Chapter 12: Rockmere........................................................155

Chapter 13: Down the Mountain Path.........................179

Chapter 14: The Fallen Kingdom..................................192

Chapter 15: New Journey.................................................214

Chapter 16: Getting Out..................................................218

Chapter 17: Darkhaven......................................................225

Chapter 18: Train Ride......................................................231

Chapter 19: Meeting The Family...................................250

Chapter 20: Celebrations..................................................267

Chapter 21: Dinner Party..................................................286

Chapter 22: Masters Of The Elements.....................309

Chapter 23: All Grown Up..............................................327

Chapter 24: Travel By Sea............................................346

Chapter 25: Another Gem...............................................349

Chapter 26: Back On Arguroq.....................................354

Chapter 1: The Beginning of The End

Hundreds of years ago in the land of Arguroq sat two very different Kingdoms. Both on either side of the land. The welcoming Talcoth, who themselves were all mages baring different elemental powers. They believed in a world where magical beings and regular folks could live together fairly. They were so welcoming to others with a dock that folks from different lands would come to visit. The other Kingdom however did not. The Siertis Kingdom did not trust anyone with powers. They wanted to protect their people and their land from such folks. Magical beings and people alike had to watch themselves when in the north western part of Arguroq for the Siertis Kingdom did not make light of their opposing them.

One half of Arguroq shared in the same hatred that the Siertis Kingdom had while all the magical beings stayed to the other half. The mermaids of Crystal Beach in the south would hide from any visitors after a while. The fairies in the Fairy Woods became more veiled to the outside world where they ended up making a barricade around their home and barely anyone was allowed in. The Talcoth Kingdom tried reasoning with anyone who would listen but all fell on deaf ears, until one day changed and a new ruler was crowned in the Siertis Kingdom. He wanted peace and harmony. He made a peace treaty with Talcoth and all magical beings.

Everyone started to feel more welcomed into the place they called home for so long. The Talcoth wanted to show appreciation for this new ruler and his good faith. They asked all the magical beings to craft something special for this occasion. The Talcoth along with the elves pooled their magic together to craft the Pater Spear, which was a sharp smooth gem that consist of the colors of black, red, and blue.

The mermaids happily made the Mater Sphere, which was a medium circular gem with colors of green, yellow, and pink in constant swirling.

The Fairy Queen, Tierda, was a little apprehensive of this new change, being so used to the old way, but was eventually convinced by the other fairies to craft the Life Crystal from the Tree of Life. It was a small wearable multicolored gem.

These three gems became precious to everyone in Arguroq, but they also contain powers when all three were together, for it brings a person immortality or brings life that was once lost.

For years there was peace amongst the land and everyone forgot about the past until it came crashing down. The beloved ruler had died and instantly a new one rose to power. He was everything the old one wasn’t. He was cold and heartless. He wanted more and more power than was given to him. This new ruler gained power beyond anyone had seen. He embraced the dark side so much that he chased away his own people. He wanted nothing more than the three gems. He summoned and controlled an army of evil at his side to fetch the three gems. He was becoming unstoppable in his pursuit of power.

Talcoth took a stance against him with any other magical beings that was willing to fight. Tierda did not allow any fairies to fight right away. She didn’t want to get involved when she should have. This made a rip in trust with the Talcoth and others. What they didn’t know is she had a champion she was training. A mere mortal this champion was but a fierce warrior who always seemed to be an ally to any person of magic.

This battle that ended up in Talcoth was finally a success when all came together and used their power of light to banish the dark away, but this cost Arguroq greatly. Talcoth was destroyed, the champion had died, the Siertis Kingdom was no more. Arguroq was shaken but not gone. The land stood somewhere between the good they had and the evil that preyed on it.

Everyone that survive had to move on hoping that was the end of it, but the Evil Empire stated with his final breath that he would be a shadow on the land.

Chapter 2: Starhallow

A hundred years had passed from the great battle and nothing much seemed to change in Arguroq. Talcoth was now known as the Fallen Kingdom and any person from there was now few and between. No one dared entered the Forbidden Kingdom that was once the Siertis Kingdom, not that anyone was brave enough to enter such perilous place, is what many people thought.

A new champion had risen from the slain one, Feniks Omisha. She was raised as a baby by the fairies, then when of age moved to Starhallow, which was not far from the Fairy Woods. She was now the keeper of the Life Crystal which was sealed in a temple between the two. It was her job to watch over to make sure nothing happened to it. By being the keeper of it, it gave her some sort of power where she stopped aging. Feniks was not immortal but seemed like it when she stopped growing old in her early adulthood. Her age may be up there, but her looks and mind set was still stuck in her twenties.

Feniks not only cared for the Life Crystal, but for the people in Starhallow. She had no true family but to her everyone in this small village surrounded by the forest was her family.

Feniks stared into the temple before closing the double wooden doors, then locking it. She put the key back into her pocket. She turned around and walked down the long staircase.

The temple was a tall black structure with only one way in and out and only one thing in it. Feniks would come to this temple outside of Starhallow every day to ensure the precious gem was still in its proper place.

Feniks hurried down the stairs when she saw her horse rearing up to try to get an apple off a branch in a nearby tree. Lyrsa! Easy girl, she ran up to her horse. Lyrsa neighed at her as it came back on its front feet. Feniks snickered as she petted her horse before climbing the tree to fetch the apple. She waited for her horse to eat it before getting on and riding back into the village.

It was a good twenty minutes ride from the temple. Feniks enjoyed this quiet alone time, for her village almost always seemed boisterous with merchants trying to sell or trade with others or people entertaining to get coins.

When she arrived in her village, Feniks got off her horse to walk through. Her hut was located at the far end of Starhallow on a hill that overlooks the village and she could just barely see the top of the temple.

Hello there, young miss! a merchant exclaimed.

Feniks looked over to the old man and nodded as she smiled at him.

Could I interest you in potions and protective crystals? the merchant asked.

I already have a protective crystal, Feniks told him. She continued to walk away.

Of course, an adventurer like you must always be prepared, the merchant smiled a creepy smile with some of his teeth missing.

Feniks stared at him uneasily as she continued to walk through the village.

Good day, Feniks, an older woman happily greeted her.

Oh! Feniks gasp as she nearly ran into her. Morning Mrs. Millson, she acknowledged with a smile.

Would the temple ever be open to see the Life Crystal? Mrs. Millson asked as she followed alongside Feniks a little too closely.

The Fairy Queen would never allow it, Feniks replied.

She should think of the profits we could get from visitors, Mrs. Millson beamed.

That is why she wouldn’t. Something is bound to go wrong, Feniks stated as she looked at her.

You could take care of anyone that misbehaves, Mrs. Millson mentioned cheerfully.

Feniks chuckled. Let me know if you have any extra fruits. She continued to walk towards her hut.

Alright dear, Mrs. Millson responded as she stopped and watched Feniks walk away for a moment. She returned to her cart of fruits to continue selling.

Feniks finally felt like she could take a deep breath and sighed and continued to her home with a little more haste. She loved her village and the people, but it seems everyone needed her for something.

Feniks! a seamstress called out.

Feniks stopped to look over to see Callie walking to her. Callie looked older than Feniks but technically Feniks was older than everyone in the village.

It seems you lack the care I put into sowing your clothes, Callie scolded.

No, no, Feniks stated nervously as she quickly inspected herself to see what Callie was referring too.

I am sure I made you brown pants not black and surely not a pair of holey ones, Callie stated with her arms crossed.

You know how I like adventure, Callie, Feniks told her.

Ms. Thompson.

Feniks lowered her head.

Callie stared at the few rips on Feniks’ pants, then back at her. She walked into her shop for a moment before coming back out with another pair of dark brown pants. I best not see this become holey as well.

Yes, Ms. Thompson, Feniks said while taking the pants.

Give me your old one for me to patch, Callie told her.

Feniks nodded.

This is why I make an extra pair for you every time, Callie stated, then returned to her shop.

She is pretty tough, but secretly nice, Feniks said softly to Lyrsa.

Her horse neighed as she nodded.

Feniks stroked Lyrsa’s snout. Don’t tell her that. She giggled then continued to head to her hut.

When they finally arrived, Feniks guided Lyrsa to the covered stall to remove the saddle and bridle. The horse had free range to move about in the forest between Feniks’ hut and the creek.

Feniks walked back into the village and went into the small tavern. She went to the counter to sit. Hello George.

Ah Feniks, George smiled. The usual?

Feniks nodded.

George prepared her a cup of tea and some biscuits. Is Molly still asking about the temple?

Still? She will never stop, Feniks replied.

She means well, George said as he put down a plate of biscuits. I think Molly wants more visitors to see our quaint little village.

Feniks broke apart the biscuit before eating it. Maybe she is creeped out from that crystal seller too.

George put down a cup of tea in front of her. He is just eccentric.

Creepy. The right word is creepy, Feniks partly smiled, then gently blew on the tea before sipping.

George slightly chuckled as he wiped down the counter.

Feniks didn’t spend to much time in the tavern. She returned home to practice her fighting with a large stick like a staff for several hours.

Chapter 3: Trouble Brewing

The next morning Feniks woke up while still wearing the same clothes. She had plopped herself on the bed the night before. She got up and went over to the other side on her hut to start a fire in the kitchen to boil water for her tea.

Feniks went outside to check on Lyrsa. Her horse was walking to the nearby creek. She watched her for a moment, then went back inside to cook some vegetables and the last of her eggs.

After breakfast, Feniks went upstairs with her teacup to look out. There wasn’t much on the second floor but a little space and a window looking out at Starhallow and the top of the temple. It didn’t give her the greatest view if something was happening there.

Feniks went back downstairs to place her teacup down on the table, then grabbed her bag and left the hut. She headed to the covered stall and whistled loudly for her horse. Lyrsa ran back to her. Feniks put the saddle and bridle on her, then hopped on. She rode her horse into the village.

Morning Feniks, a gentleman greeted while placing eggs carefully on a table. Ran out of eggs yet?

Hello Mr. Tawney, and yes I just used my last two, Feniks mentioned as she stopped her horse.

I will swing by your place to drop ‘em off, Mr. Tawney smiled.

No need, I will pick some up on my way back, Feniks told him.

Nonsense, just get me some apples by the temple and we will call it even, Mr. Tawney shared.

Okay, Feniks agreed with a smile. She pushed in her legs against Lyrsa to get her moving again. Once they were out of the village, Feniks got her horse to gallop towards the temple. As she was riding, she noticed another saddled up horse in the distance. Feniks did find it sort of odd but figured it was a traveler.

Feniks got off Lyrsa and went up the stairs. When she got to the top, she saw the door was partly ajar. Feniks worried someone was in the temple trying to steal the Life Crystal. She gently pulled the door further open just enough to squeeze through. Near the entrance was a wooden staff that she spent a long time crafting to be used for this very case.

Feniks quietly walked down the path to the Life Crystal in a case. She didn’t see anyone around it and the gem was still where it should be. She stood there for a moment just surveying the area when she heard a sudden shuffling noise. There were four pillars inside the temple someone could hide behind. She slowly walked down the path while keeping an eye out.

Suddenly, a man with a long black coat emerged from behind a pillar and ran towards the door. Feniks was quick to give chase. The man managed to get out the door but Feniks swiftly moved her staff to his feet to trip him. The man tumbled down the stairs. He groaned loudly when he fell to the bottom on his back.

Feniks ran down the stairs and put the end of her staff to his face. Who are you?

No one, the man mentioned breathless and in pain.

Why are you here? Feniks asked.

Thought that would be obvious, the man grunted as he got back up.

What were you going to do with the Life Crystal? Feniks questioned as she took a step back and position her staff to fight.

That is none of your business, the man told her. He whistled for his horse. The same horse Feniks noticed earlier.

It is my business, Feniks mentioned harshly as she moved the staff closer to him.

Didn’t think there would be a keeper of it now, the man said.

His horse ran to him and he jumped on.

I better not see you back here! Feniks yelled. She went back upstairs to the entrance of the temple. She placed her staff away, then closed the door. Feniks was surprised that she didn’t notice the burn marks on the edge of the door. She then saw the key hole melted. What the...? She looked back to the woods where the man went, then back at the door.

Feniks wasn’t sure what she could do now other than wait around to see if he would return. She sat on the bottom step and waited.

Several hours went by and still no sign of anyone but Feniks and Lyrsa. The only noise that was heard was her stomach growling.

Well, Lyrsa, I think we should head back, Feniks stated. She got up and went to get some apples for Mr. Tawney.

As Feniks was climbing the tree, the area got darker but the sun was still out. She stopped and sat on a thick branch and looked around. The air got thick.

Lyrsa started neighing and getting nervous.

What’s coming girl? Feniks asked as she looked down. She looked around again and started getting nervous herself. She quickly grabbed two apples and got down. Feniks got on her horse and hurried out of the area and back to Starhallow.

The closer Feniks got to the village the lighter and normal everything became. Even Lyrsa seemed to be calmer.

Feniks stopped in front of Mr. Tawney’s hut. She knocked on the door and Sara, his adult daughter answered.

Hello Feniks. My father went to drop eggs at your place, Sara told her.

Ah, yes. Here are the apples he asked for, Feniks responded while handing her the two apples