Talon

By Peter C. A. Olsen

An epic fantasy perfect for fans of Eragon and Assassin's Apprentice...

Young lord Malik is heir to the crumbling manor of Shalor. His people have long been complacent in an era of peace. But Malik has a fractured memory, and his past is a secret to even him. When he develops a hidden ability to shift

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ballad Press
• Release date: Sep 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9780648948049

Book preview

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Copyright © 2022 by Peter C.A. Olsen

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

www.BalladPress.com

First Edition

ISBN 978-0-6489480-3-2

Cover design by Søren Nordskov

www.NordAndKo.com

For my grandson, who inspired and supported me to journey into the realm of fantasy.

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Book 1: Talon

Book 2: Fang

Book 3: Claw

Book 4: Scale

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Contents

1. The White Wolf

2. Return To Shalor

3. Ninth Nameday

4. The Hunt

5. Temple Of The Sun

6. The Young Lord

7. The Cycle Of Kings

8. The Duke’s Defence

9. The Road To Slimond

10. Rutror's Games

11. Archer's Challenge

12. Warhorses

13. The Messenger

14. Transformation

15. The Singing Sword

16. White Owl

17. The Tunnels

18. The Burial Chamber

19. Big Bear

20. The Invaders

Glossary

Acknowledgments

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1

The White Wolf

It was a freezing, fireless night. The evening sun cast long shadows over the ground. The sky was a darkening red.

In the Western Kingdom, a short distance from the narrow track travelling south from Port Wrol, the travellers had found shelter. The campsite was on an outcrop, amongst a ring of small trees. The horses were tethered close to the rocks. This gave the group a small degree of protection on all sides.

Gam the Forester couldn’t sleep. He kept pacing up and down the campsite, one hand on his short sword. Over his shoulder was slung his well-worn bow. He was middle-aged, with shaggy brown hair and a firm but severe face.

Gam had insisted on silence throughout the camp. No fire could be lit in case they drew the attention of pursuers.

The trees were between the hills and the sea. In the afternoon light, the remains of old farm huts and crumbling rock walls had been visible.

In better times, it would have been prosperous farmlands. Now, the area was abandoned.

Mist fogged the air, and Gam felt it through his heavy leather armour, green jacket, and trousers.

This was not like the Northern Confederation the visitors were accustomed to. There, the land rose quickly from the sea to the foothills of the mountains.

Gam was more cautious than the other small group of travellers. He worried about the approaching Southern invaders, as well as local brigands and hungry wild animals. His pure black eyes darted back and forth over the outcrop, trying to sense if danger was close.

The Port Wrol guards stood under the trees with their gaudy, ornate bronze-plated armour. None of them carried a bow and arrow. Gam didn’t think any of them had ever lifted their swords in true combat. They huddled together, muttering. Gam heard the loudest say;

This isn’t what we were paid to do. We’re escorts, not fighters.

When Gam walked close, they fell silent. He knew they were worried, ready to run at any moment.

Gam kept walking, past the group of snoring, huddled nobles.

Forester, may I offer you three of my arrows? A silvery voice spoke.

Gam stopped, surprised.

A young woman sat outside of the group. She rested on her side, with a strong hand by her sword. Gam felt her pale yellow eyes following him as he neared.

Gam bent down. He was tall and wiry but not muscular.

He took the arrows from the girl gratefully. His quiver was empty.

Many thanks, Mistress. I am greatly indebted to you. He said quietly.

Take care of yourself, Gam. The girl replied in the Western dialect.

She was more sensibly dressed than her noble companions. She wore leather riding trousers and a jacket over a matching cloak of calf fur.

I am Juliana, of House Slimond.

Thank you, Miss Juliana. Gam nodded. Can you not sleep either?

I must admit... I am afraid. I’m not sure what to expect. I’ve never faced this kind of danger before. All my life, I have been protected by the walls of a castle. I was taught the different dialects, of course, so I learned of the troubles in the South. But no one told me it had reached this close to the North.

She shifted uncomfortably.

At every slight sound, I don’t know whether to run or to fight. She glanced behind Gam. She paled.

What was that? I thought I heard some sort of animal.

Don’t worry, Juliana, assured Gam. In a situation like this, anyone who says they are not scared is lying. This will not be like Rutror’s Games, where the only risk is gaining a few bruises. In a fight to the death, you never know who will win.

Juliana was still. The distant sound of waves mingled with the snores of the sleeping group. The bulky shoulders of Gam’s employer, and old friend, Duke Tanz, rose and fell.

Will it be a fight to the death, Gam? she asked in a small voice.

Perhaps. But if we can successfully arrive in Port Wrol tomorrow, we will be safe.

Juliana stared at the ground. I regret ever travelling to the South.

Gam watched a young boy, still awake and huddled next to the main group. He turned over a long-bladed knife in his hands.

Gam spoke quietly. ‘I’ll be keeping my eye on that boy. He’s like a compass to danger. He always senses when the enemy is near.

Your boy is very quiet for a six-year-old. He’s neat and tidy in spite of everything that has happened. Does he really know how to handle that knife?

The forester leaned back. Certainly, Juliana, he does. He’s been bloodied before. He has a hatred for these invaders. He’s seen what they’ve done to the families of the West.

Juliana flinched.

Choosing his words more carefully, Gam added,

Now, if I may presume to give you a little bit of hard-earned advice… When we are attacked, do not hesitate. Act immediately. It will calm your nerves, and allow you to think clearly.

A smile lit up her face.

Thank you, Gam. Your guidance is greatly appreciated,

It would be best if you shoot your arrow at their faces. Some may wear a thick covering of clothes to minimise the effect of incoming arrows. Others have heavy leather vests. They like to wear metal or leather caps, but their faces are always exposed. That face is the only worthwhile target.

Gam, you speak like a noble who has seen the worst.

"Thank you, Juliana. A former noble would be the best way of putting it. Many years ago now. Gam stood up again to resume his pacing. Sleep well. I’ll give you a call before first light."

When the night showed signs of ending, a few escorting women and their young charges complained bitterly. In loud voices, they said,

Where’s our blasted fire? We’re freezing!

For your safety, I cannot allow a fire, Gam said sternly.

Without warmth, our fingers are unable to move, let alone hold a heavy sword!

Finally, Gam relented. Damn, alright. You may light a small fire. But do not relax.

He turned his back on them and continued to keep watch over the boy.

It was nearly dawn when the boy stirred. He rose and suddenly shouted;

Over there!

The deafening sound of horses thundered out from the glimmering predawn light. The heavy blanket of morning fog obscured everything. Motion seemed to surround them.

The badly-injured Duke Tanz woke with a start. His eyes were clear behind his long dark beard, striped with white. The Duke forced himself to his feet, drawing his sword. He moved slowly, his normally immaculate clothes replaced with bloody bandages. Gam rushed to his side.

To arms! To arms! He yelled.

Some men had been sitting around the glowing embers of the small fire, holding steaming mugs of mead. All rose and drew swords. Those too slow or looking the wrong way never had a chance in the melee of trampling hooves and slashing scimitars. Black-clothed and plate-armoured warriors surrounded them. A masked few, still on horseback, directed the attack of the on-foot warriors, swarming the small group of defenders.

Lady Kaydence, her two valiant sons, and her close retainers collapsed, wounded.

Gam’s three arrows found their targets, and the invaders fell. He noticed Juliana a distance away. She was shooting well, and another six riders fell with arrows to their faces. Gam drew his sword and used his bow to fend off the attackers. Duke Tanz was by his side.

But Duke Tanz and Gam were well and truly outnumbered. They couldn’t last long. They both crashed down to the trampled, grassy ground. Gam’s leg was badly gashed and bleeding. The Duke lay next to him and whispered, Sorry, old friend, you’ll have to look after the boy again.

Then he closed his eyes and didn’t wake.

Gam spent the rest of the fight on his back, in agony, unable to move. All he could do was wave his sword at anyone who approached.

He watched as his old friend Seah, attendant to Lady Kaydence, tried desperately to protect the Lady and her dying children. Seah screamed in pain as she held back the blade thrust at her by an armoured warrior. She fumbled for her weapon. Then, her wooden cudgel struck and broke the attacker’s arm. The blade dropped, and she caught it. She backed towards the Lady’s sons and swung the cudgel and sword above their bodies as a protective shield.

Leave her. yelled the masked leader roughly, from atop his horse.

The nearing warrior stopped.

They ain’t worth taking as slaves. I’ve got the girl. Get the Duke’s boy out of there. Kill the rest.

The attackers surrounded the armoured Port Wrol Guards. The guards huddled together, round shields lifted. They stood strong until more and more attackers swarmed down upon them. Then, only a few were left standing in the fierce battle. The tumult was deafening. Friend collided with foe. The stench of fear and metallic blood was overpowering. Death surrounded them. The attack would soon be over.

Gam had momentarily forgotten about the boy standing by the Duke. He looked around frantically but couldn’t see him. Gam watched in fascination and gratitude as Seah ran fearlessly back into the fray. The boy was lying on the ground, bleeding from his head. A warrior was near. Seah was determined to save at least one child.

Nobody would forget the smirk on that warrior’s rough face as he lifted his bloodied sword over the unconscious lad at his feet. His battered shield easily warded off Seah’s cudgel. He taunted her.

Yer wanna keep him?

He cut his sword up and down the boy’s jacket, drawing a sliver of blood from his arm each time.

Leave the boy alone. He’s already bleeding! Seah’s screams were lost in the frenzy as she lunged.

As she did, there was movement from the trees.

A huge white shape flashed past.

The attackers paused, startled.

A monstrous white wolf, taller than even the largest horse, stood over the dying raider’s body. The ground was splattered with the blood of Seah’s opponent. It was hard to see where his head had once joined his body.

Seah carefully bent to the fallen boy. She pulled him into her arms and stepped back from immediate danger.

The wolf turned its head. It looked down at her with bright yellow eyes. Its huge, open jaws were close to her face.

My Gods, no. She’s going to be next. Gam thought in panic.

Nobody could move. There was shocked silence from friend and foe alike.

The wolf turned back. It raised its massive paw over the attacker’s head.

A hideous sound came from the writhing body. His skin began to darken and melt into a thick, black slime. A whirling shadow rose from it, exuding the acrid stench of decay.

Tendrils of dark cloud overtook the fleeing attackers one by one. They were screaming and crying out in their own language, falling over each other. The only distinct word Gam caught was Jinju—dark magic. Those who managed to climb onto their horses raced away. The leader had a wriggling girl in brown leather slung over his saddle.

Juliana.

One or two horses stumbled. Their thrown riders collapsed and were consumed by the dark cloud. The horses stood dazed but unharmed.

The entire group of travellers were paralysed by fear of a terrible unknown. Was it coming for them?

But in the blink of an eye, the wolf had disappeared.

It left not the faintest track on the damp, trampled ground.

The travellers looked around in disbelief.

A few survivors gave a faint cheer.

Gam shivered with cold—or shock.

None of the group had ever been so close to death.

The mist rose, and dawn’s first golden light appeared over the deserted farms and peaceful woodlands.

The fresh breeze brought the smell of the sea.

The morning birds chirped.

Gam sighed with relief.

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2

Return To Shalor

Sava rushed to a window of Shalor Manor, shortly after a panicked voice shouted, Call Lord Sava. Her Ladyship is coming.

From over the second-story battlements, Sava could see a covered dray escorted by only a few riders. Winding slowly up the hill of the entry road, it crawled along like a funeral procession half-obscured by bushes and twists in the road. The horses and men were bandaged and seemed weary enough to fall off their saddles without warning. Half of the side-riders were strangers. All wore black armbands. Sava saw his wife on horseback, but not their children. In the far distance, riders galloped out of Bayard Castle, heading straight towards them.

Sava was halfway down the stairs when a servant yelled, Lord Sava, Lord Sava. Please hurry. Everyone is wearing black.

Sava and all the servants of Shalor Manor hurried to the front gates. A knot formed in his throat.

Please, may they be alive, he prayed, his voice drowned out by the lamentations of the women around him.

Then he saw Kaydence.

Her pale skin was sunburnt, and her fine gown was ripped. Her long blonde hair was tangled. Her blue eyes were dull.

It seemed an eternity before she was in his arms. He held her tight, and she winced in pain. He realised she was badly wounded.

Forgive me, Sava, sobbed Kaydence. Our children... Bartholomew, Terricus... are dead. It’s all—my fault. I should have—listened to Seah before we left.

Sava held her gently as tears welled in his eyes. He asked, with a quavering voice: What happened?

Kaydence calmed herself. Please not here, Sava. Let us go inside.

She turned and looked at Seah. She stood next to a stranger, holding in his arms a young boy with a blank look on his face.

The lithe man bowed. He was wearing blood-splattered foresters’ green, a bow, two quivers and a short sword.

Sava, I’ve asked Gam, the Duke Tanz’s Forester, to work for us now, she said softly. I hope you agree.

Sava nodded distractedly.

Seah, can you and Gam come to the Manor House? And bring the boy.

Certainly, my Lady, Gam then turned and spoke loudly to the onlookers;

Make way for the Lord and Lady Kaydence. Give us space. Make way, make way, and the serfs moved back at the sound of authority.

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Kaydence sat in a wooden seat in the antechamber of her manor bedroom. She looked up at her husband with tears in her eyes.

Thank the Gods I’m back, Sava.

Thankfully you are. What happened? He asked gently.

It was a blur to me.

Seah bustled to the large chest and took out a clean deer hide rug. Gam gently wrapped the sleeping boy in the rug and laid him on the bed.

As she watched, Kaydence broke down again, tears flooding her cheeks. Sava rose and sat next to her, holding her tight until she recovered.

We had a rough trip across the Kloihm Sea because it was so close to winter, Kaydence murmured. The boys were prancing around on deck with their swords, pretending to save Juliana from the enemy. You should have seen them, Sava. So brave.

After a moment, she continued, "We stayed in Port Wrol for a day to recover. Seah passed on to me that there had been trouble brewing in the south of the Western Kingdom. We should have remained there for the two weeks until our ore vessel had returned from Slimond—but you know me, I was impatient.

We left the port. That afternoon we met Duke Tanz’s bloodied retinue. By then, it was too late to return to the safety of Wrol before the gates were locked.

After that, it becomes a bit of a blur, Kaydence stopped and held her head as if she was in pain. I do remember it was a freezing night without fire. We couldn’t predict the enormity of what was about to happen.

Seah held her left hand tightly. She winced with pain, and broke in, I tremble even thinking about it. It was supposed to be a peaceful visit. And it was, even when we stayed in Port Wrol, Seah broke into a sob. I am sorry, my Lady.

Kaydence stroked Seah’s bandaged hand. Kaydence looked to Gam, and he knew he was meant to continue.

Gam rose with some reluctance and hesitation. He paced up and down the room.

The fighting started in the South over thirty years ago. Gam hadn’t spoken in the Northern Dialect in a long time, and his voice was accented. Slowly, like a fire over wet grass. Slow and easy to stamp out—but, by the Gods, if left alone... it will become an inferno.

"Two years ago, myself and my master, Duke Tanz, alongside a four-year-old boy, had to escape from Castle Ferentas on the Southern Kingdom’s Border. It was under attack by a large group of Stone Mountain Warriors. Their might was overpowering. We managed to set the buildings alight. By keeping the gates locked, we, along with all of the small castle’s inhabitants, were able to escape underground into the forest.

Once they finally broke past the gates, the Invaders, in their frustration, destroyed and pillaged every belonging. They believed we had perished in the fire. They returned South with the news.

"Once they had gone, our farmers went back to what was left of their crops and farms. Later, only a few of the serfs managed to travel north. The rest were either killed or joined the roving robber gangs who had become increasingly