Life'Sehen

By Raymond Jennings

Life'Sehen continues the story of Sethalis Fielder and his love, Queen Jezzalia Terrantis. Set in the fantasy country of Reshania, Sethalis Fielder must come to terms with his newly discovered powers, and what the might mean for the world. Will he become the tyrant that some fear, or can he use his abilities for good? Either way, the cost will be heavy to those around him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raymond Jennings
• Release date: Dec 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005094751

Raymond Jennings

Raymond Jennings was born and raised in England. He studied Applied Physics at Lancashire Polytechnic and worked in the British civil service for twenty years before moving to Tucson, Arizona where he now lives with his wife and their two cats.His interests include science (with a special emphasis on space exploration), military history, war-gaming (most notably Advanced Squad Leader) and travelling.

Book preview

Life’Sehen

Sehen: Volume 3

By Raymond L. Jennings

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2022 Raymond L. Jennings

All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover image

Copyright © 2022 Raymond L. Jennings

Other books by

Raymond L Jennings

The Crineal Chronicles

In Hera’s Service

Imperial Citizen

Lady of Glenxanie

The Early Years

Ashes to Empire

Empire to Earth

Imperial Tales

The Shizzak War

Fantasy Novels

Sehen

Dai'Sehen

Necro’Sehen

Gods of the Northern Continent

Gahn - Father of the gods

Trier - Mother of the gods

Denek - Goddess of Light

Yenesh - God of Darkness

Kollam - God of Fire

Marrath - Goddess of Water

Banorth - God of Earth

Quond - Goddess of Air

Issel - God of Death

These nine deities comprise the major pantheon. There are also many demi-gods covering minor aspects of the world.

Calendar

The year is 362 days long, 12 months to the year, 3 weeks to a month, and 10 days to a week. The 6th and 12th months each have an extra day: Mid-Summer and Deep-Winter’s day respectively. The months are Lare, Toun, Doir, Cant, Falf, Trinere, Pund, Sall, Venk, Driz, Lish, and Unduin. The days of the week are Gahnsday, Triday, Denday, Yenday, Kollday, Marrday, Banday, Quonday, Issday, and All Gods’ Day.

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

Epilogue

Note to the Reader

About the Author

Chapter One

Camanden, Reshania, Year of the Light 405

As Sethalis entered the royal apartments, Jezzalia looked up from where she was working at her desk. Cleaning the nib of her pen, she studied her husband-to-be's expression.

How did it go? she inquired after receiving a kiss from him.

Message delivered, replied Sethalis, going over to the tea tray and accepting a cup from Missanne, giving her a smile of thanks. We'll just have to see what happens. You sent out the invites for this afternoon?

Yes, confirmed Jezzalia. Everyone will be here. She turned to her maid. That includes you, Missy. You're to be a guest, too, not merely an onlooker.

Baroness Missanne Varrette was Jezzalia's chief maid, confidante, friend, and, when needed, co-conspirator. Normally, she attended Jezzalia during most of the queen's meetings, unobtrusively observing, so as to give her opinion to Jezzalia later, in private. It was unusual for Jezzalia to make the distinction of her status at such a meeting. She raised an eyebrow.

Oh? What's going on that's so special? Missanne inquired.

I'll explain everything when everyone else is here, answered Sethalis. It's really my meeting.

Sounds fascinating, offered Missanne, wondering. She was privy to most of Jezzalia and Sethalis' secrets and she couldn't imagine what they were withholding from her.

That afternoon, Sethalis sat looking at his guests in the sitting room. Few, to be sure, but he valued each for their honesty and loyalty, a loyalty he was about to severely test. Each had their own measure of power, from the queen, down through to her maid. These were the powers in Lanshan Palace, and no one brooked them.

Well, dear sister, are you going to tell us what this is about? inquired Princess Shazzelle.

Jezzalia shook her head. No. Although I issued the invites, this is Seth's meeting, and he has my full support.

The group turned to look at Sethalis.

He cleared his throat. I have a problem, one that may set some of the most powerful people in the land against me. Rather than wait to call for help when I'm in trouble, I thought it best to start gathering my allies now.

Shazzelle's eyes gleamed. Oooh, intrigue already. You have my attention. Apart from being Jezzalia's half-sister, Shazzelle was also her chief advisor and head of the Reshanian Intelligence Service.

Arms Commander and Lady Aleila Frishomme smiled and shook her head. Of course he does. Shazzelle gave an unrepentant shrug.

I must admit that I'm curious as to why I'm here amongst the great and the good? asked Baroness Trudenia Kallwell, aunt to Jezzalia and Shazzelle, and owner of the most exclusive bawdy house in Camanden.

Because you don't visit us enough, Aunty, replied Jezzalia in a teasing tone.

Smiling, Sethalis continued. I've asked you to be here because you are the people I'm closest to, the ones I feel I can count on. My friends, I suppose.

Missanne smiled at this, whilst Royal Guard Captain Davan Sunwise looked a little uncomfortable. Recently promoted to head of the Royal Guard and taking over some of Frishomme's former duties, he was the most junior person there.

Where to begin? pondered Sethalis. Some of you know of the secret history, so I'll start there for those that don't. He briefly related the story of the end of the Age of the Dead and the War of Darkness, where the old rebel sehen masters had risen against their necro'sehen overlords, creating dai'sehens to fight for them against the undead armies of their masters. Trudenia, Missanne and Sunwise listened with interest, not having heard this before. Once the war was over and the land and people began to recover from the devastation, the Age of Light began, and society started to reform once more. It was then that the priesthood discovered that the necro'sehens were not gone, as we found out recently. A child was found with the aura of a necro'sehen. The girl was a mere six years old, but she terrified the priesthood, who vividly recalled the tales of necro'sehen slavery of the lands. They summoned the sehen masters of the time and created a secret sect called The Watchers, whose task it was to monitor children and discover any new necro'sehen. They would then summon a member of a sect within The Watchers, people called Sleep Bringers, to verify that the child was a necro'sehen and once that was established, to kill them. Sethalis paused here to study the expressions on Trudenia, Missanne and Sunwise. All looked shocked. For the last four hundred years, The Watchers have been killing children, on the justification of protecting all of society from the re-emergence of a new necro'sehen empire.

How many? whispered Missanne.

Hundreds every year, according to The Watchers, Shazzelle answered for Sethalis.

Sunwise shook his head. A grim task. I'm not sure I could do it.

Yes, agreed Sethalis. I know what you mean. To continue, The Watchers had another task, to seek dai'sehens and train them, in case a necro'sehen managed to evade them and come into power.

It's a good job we had you to call on, said Shazzelle, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Sethalis shrugged. Well, I like to feel that I'm useful. However, The Watcher representative also admitted that they fear dai'sehen, too, because their immunity to other sehen makes them a potential danger. They conceal the truth from dai'sehen that they worry might misuse their power. They fail to fully train them, and tell the dai'sehen that their powers are weak. Of course, in a crisis, such as the one we have just weathered, they would hastily bring the dai'sehen into full training before sending them off to fight the necro'sehen. And that's the picture they paint for outsiders when they are forced to reveal themselves.

Trudenia smiled in understanding. Ah. And how much did they lie to you?

Just a little, replied Sethalis. A little, huge steaming pile of manure. Whilst I was off fighting the necro'sehen and his undead soldiers, I discovered a few things. Working with Sehen Master Allsmith and her fellow Battle-Masters, I found that my powers aren't adept rated, as stated by High Priest Treeson, they are master level, and not just air and fire, but water and earth, too. Allsmith was appalled that I hadn't been sent to train at the sehen Battle Chapter with her. I am, too. I could have far better abilities with which to protect Jezzi in my role as her bodyguard. By concealing the truth, High Priest Treeson put her life in unnecessary danger.

His Grace is a Watcher? inquired Sunwise, finally putting those pieces together.

And a former Sleep Bringer, confirmed Sethalis.

I may want words with him, muttered Frishomme. What he did was criminally dangerous to our queen.

He had another reason to be frightened, put in Sethalis, and you may find yourself agreeing with him over this. The real reason The Watchers fear dai'sehens isn't their immunity to sehen, but their other powers. Sethalis looked down. What I'm about to tell you will be difficult for me to say and even harder for you to accept. I can only hope that I've proved myself to you. Jezzalia reached out and squeezed his hand as he took a deep breath. Whilst dealing with the undead, I discovered that I could see the bonds between them and their sehen handlers. None of Allsmith's people can, not even Allsmith herself. This, along with a few hints from the necro'sehen, lead me to one conclusion. I have some measure of necro'sehen power.

There was silence around the room as everyone absorbed the information. Sethalis waited.

Shazzelle was the first to speak. And yet you don't behave like some despotic madman, eager to raise undead armies and crush the nations under your boot, she suggested, a cynical smile on her lips. Are you having those sorts of urges?

All the time, Your Highness, said Sethalis in a serious voice.

Missanne giggled at the absurdity of his reply. Don't be silly. You're Seth. Not quite as naïve as the boy who turned up here three years ago, but still Seth.

Sethalis gave her a grateful smile. Thank you, Missy.

I agree, declared Trudenia. You're still you. Powers don't define a person, their actions do.

Sethalis looked at Frishomme. I admit that it's a little unnerving and my paranoia is screaming at me to build a bonfire for you and grab a pitchfork, she replied to his stare. Can you actually raise the dead?

Sethalis spread his arms wide. I have no idea. I wouldn't even know where to start, even if I wanted to. But if, as Shazzelle asked, I start getting the urge to visit graveyards and dig up bodies, then you'll be amongst the first I'll tell, so you can get that bonfire started.

I'd appreciate that, answered Frishomme, solemnly.

Finally, Sethalis' gaze went to Sunwise, who looked down at the floor and shook his head. I've trained many people, and I can tell the dishonest ones from the way they fight. I've never had dishonest fight with you. I don't believe that you're any eviler than I am. He looked up at Sethalis. These powers worry you?

Yes, but I don't know what to do about it, admitted Sethalis. I don't know how extensive they are or how they might affect me.

You're sure you have them? pressed Trudenia.

I confronted Treeson earlier, and he didn't deny it. Sethalis shrugged. He didn't admit it either, but then he had to know I was truth-reading him.

Shazzelle studied him, thoughtfully. Interesting, though. We've always assumed that necro'sehens are inherently evil. I'll want to give that some thought.

So that's my confession, and my first request is that if I do start to act like a typical necro'sehen, I expect you people to put me down without hesitation. Sethalis looked at each of them in turn. Between you, you have the skills and resources to achieve it.

That's the most convincing thing you've said, offered Frishomme into the following silence. I'll stand with you. The others nodded and murmured their assents, too. What are your other requests?

Sethalis gave a twitch of his head. If The Watchers are prepared to mobilize entire countries and threaten monarchs to fight a necro'sehen, what will their response be to a dai'sehen aware of his necro powers?

Missanne pursed her lips in thought as Trudenia and Sunwise looked worried. Only Shazzelle seemed unaffected by the question.

You're taking this calmly, Shazz, suggested Jezzalia, a little concerned at her sister's attitude.

Oh, I'm just pleased that my protégé is starting to think ahead, replied Shazzelle, smiling.

Sethalis returned the smile with a grim one of his own. Sometimes learned the hard way.

So, what are you expecting? asked Frishomme. Marching armies into a hostile Hanadar controlled by a necro'sehen is one thing, trying to convince others to march into a peaceful Reshania is quite another.

Sethalis nodded his agreement. Yes, I don't see them using that tactic except as a last resort. They'll also be reluctant to act under the current conditions of me being proclaimed a national hero and betrothed to the queen. I think they'll take their time and work in secret.

Assassins, then, suggested Sunwise, with a heavy breath.

Yes, said Sethalis, nodding again. They already have their sect set up for that, but then I don't imagine the Sleep Bringers would fancy facing a necro'dai'sehen in his full power rather than a child, as they usually do. They'll be cautious, but then they can afford to be. We have no idea who they are, except for Treeson.

Shazzelle gave a cough. That's not quite true. You may have no idea who they are, but I do, she said with a self-satisfied smile. Everyone turned to look at her. When His Grace informed us about The Watchers, my hackles went up. I don't like any secret organization operating in Reshania without me knowing anything about it. So, I had some clerks pull lists from the public records of all the village priests, priestesses, and town and city sehen teachers for the last forty years. That gave me a good foundation of names of people to start tracking their movements, and whilst I might not know every Watcher in the country, I know most of them. I have the details of their organization in a special file. She sat back smugly in her chair.

Missanne laughed and Sethalis shook his head. I might have known, he said You're a treasure, Your Highness.

Yes, lots of people think I should be buried, admitted Shazzelle, drawing laughter from everyone. Leave The Watchers to me for the moment. I don't think I'll be able to infiltrate them, but I can at least identify their command structure. It's always easier if you can cut the head off the snake.

By the time the meeting ended, Sethalis felt reassured that he wasn't alone, even if he was still worried about what measures The Watchers might resort to in eradicating him.

Jezzalia sensed his lingering unease. Don't worry, my love, she said, snugging against his side as he stared out of the window. You've more important things to think on, such as our betrothal, and the arrival of your family. They'll be here in a few days. You'll be pleased to see them, won't you?

Sethalis turned his head and kissed Jezzalia. Of course I will, and marrying you is all I've wanted these past few years.

Then stop worrying and try to look happy… at least in public, or else people will think that I'm forcing you into this, Jezzalia chided him.

Well, everyone knows what a bully you are… said Sethalis, earning himself a punch on the arm.

Two days earlier at the Fielder Farm, Willow Ford

The farm hands watched in amazement as the carriage entered the farmyard, escorted by a squad of Royal Guards. It didn't take long for word to reach Sharlotte, and she came bustling out of the farmhouse to greet her mysterious guests.

The lieutenant in charge of the soldiers bowed to her. Madam Sharlotte Fielder?

Aye, that be me, Captain, she agreed, mistaking his rank. What can I be doing for you?

The lieutenant reached into a pouch and pulled out a letter, offering it to her. This is for you, Ma'am, and I have orders to escort you and your family to Camanden, without delay. Lieutenant Dewden at your service, Ma'am.

Be something wrong? demanded Sharlotte. The whole village was abuzz with the news that a necro'sehen had appeared in the east, and that the country was preparing to defend itself against the menace. She was worried for her son, of course, as it seemed the royal family relied on him to solve their problems. Be my Seth well?

Nothing is amiss that I know of, Ma'am, replied Dewden. The news from Hanadar is that the necro'sehen has been defeated and steps are being taken to destroy the remains of his army. As for Ser Fielder, he's been away from the palace for some time. He pointed to the sealed letter. I'm sure that Her Majesty has explained everything, Ma'am.

Jerkily, Sharlotte nodded, her worries not assuaged one bit. Aye, be sure she has. When be we leaving?

I thought the morning, if that would give you time to prepare, Ma'am? suggested Dewden. My people would appreciate a rest and a hot meal.

Of course, agreed Sharlotte, be looking after them, right enough. Quickly she began issuing orders to the farmhands to see to the billeting of Dewden's men. With that done, Sharlotte retired to her study to read the letter.

She was still there when Maddelein found her. Ma, I be hearing about the carriage and soldiers. What be going on? she inquired, and then stopped at seeing the utter fury on Sharlotte's face.

Sharlotte held up a letter in her hand, a death-grip on it. That…that god's blasted brother of yours…. she snarled. You be knowing what he be doing?

Maddelein took a step back at her mother's vehemence. Seth? Can't be imagining he be doing anything.

The queen be saying he be getting a girl with child and be running out on her! shouted Sharlotte. He be shaming us in front of the queen herself!

Shocked, Maddelein's jaw fell open. It can't be, Ma, she managed at last. Seth not be like that. You be knowing he be loving the queen.

Aye, and you be hearing what he be saying before he left to go back to Camanden, Sharlotte raged. That she not be loving him anymore, and he be seeking his future elsewhere. Well, be seeming he has. The officer that's here be saying that your brother be gone from Camanden for months. That be sounding like running out to me.

Carefully, Maddelein took the letter from her mother's hand and read through it. It was a demand from Jezzalia that the Fielder family appear before her and ensure that Sethalis make things right and marry the wronged girl. Slowly, the reality seeped in and with it, an anger to match her mother's. That cow-brained fool! she screeched at last. You wait 'til I get my hands on him!

Outside the study door, Frankel heard the rising tumult and decided to find Jon and Billath and make themselves scarce.

In a private family conference that evening, it was decided that Frankel would stay at the farm with Jon, to oversee the harvest, whilst Sharlotte, Maddelein, and Billath would travel to Camanden to face the queen. They told the farmhands that the carriage was there to take them to Sethalis. After a hasty packing of clothes for the journey, the Fielders boarded the carriage the following morning, their luggage being loaded by the coachmen. Maddelein waved goodbye to her husband and son as the carriage left the farmyard. She wondered if she would ever see them again. As they passed through Willow Ford, the three Fielders kept out of sight, not wanting any of their neighbors to see them. Billath found the journey frustrating. He was excited to be travelling by carriage for the first time and to see new places, but the obvious unhappiness of his mother and sister forced him to remain quiet, lest he draw their ire. Having never visited Lyend before, Billath was agog at the size of Western Reshania's main city. The scale and quantity of the buildings left him speechless, as did the inn in which they were staying. Situated on the main square, the Lyend Arms was a three-story brick building, with separate tap and dining rooms. Lieutenant Dewden had ridden ahead, so by the time the carriage arrived, their rooms were booked and ready, along with their evening meal. As they ate, Billath couldn't contain himself and began to talk about the things he had seen in Lyend.

Eventually, he drew a sharp rebuke from Maddelein. For heaven's sakes, Billath Fielder! Will you be stopping your chattering? This be no picnic jaunt.

Aw, c'mon, Maddie, protested Billath. I don't reckon that the queen be that mad at us if she be paying for all this. He indicated the remains of the fine meal they had just enjoyed, as well as the Lyend Arms in general and their rooms, which were the best that the inn had to offer.

Sharlotte and Maddelein shared a look, suddenly wondering if Billath had a point. At last, Sharlotte sniffed. Well, that's as maybe, but that don't be excusing what your brother be doing. We be needing to treat this seriously and be making sure that Seth be doing what's right.

Feeling that he'd achieved a small victory, Billath fell silent, eager to see what the following day's travel would bring.

Billath's point about their treatment had eased the worry for Sharlotte and Maddelein, as did Dewden's friendly courtesy to them, along with their accommodations and meals along the road, all being the finest each stop had to offer. The tension returned as they approached Camanden. Billath hardly noticed as he gawked at the city whilst they passed through it. Even Sharlotte and Maddelein seemed to forget their troubles for a while, and joined Billath in staring at the city. Soon they were in Royal Square and turning north to climb Royal Walk.

Head poking out of the carriage window, Billath let out a whistle at the sight of Lanshan Palace. Ma, Maddie, you be having to see this! The pair joined him and were instantly struck breathless by the size of their destination. I never be thinking a place be so big, declared Billath.

Aye, well, be where the queen lives, so be having to be a suitable place for her, said Sharlotte, settling back into her seat, unwilling to admit how much the palace had impressed her.

Now the worry about what they were to face, returned, and as the carriage came to a stop in the inner courtyard, a feeling of dread fell over Sharlotte and Maddelein once more. Stepping from the carriage, the Fielders found a man dressed in fine livery waiting to greet them.

Madam Fielder, Madam Fielder, Master Fielder, he said, bowing. I am Housekeeper Glenvor, Welcome to Lanshan Palace. Her Majesty sent me to greet you and she invites you to join her as soon as you feel rested. I've prepared suitable rooms for you, and your luggage will be taken there for you. May I show you to your rooms?

Sharlotte stood there uncertainly for a moment, unwilling to face Jezzalia, but not wanting to delay it any longer. She braced herself. Be thinking we not be keeping Her Majesty waiting.

Glenvor bowed again. Of course, Ma'am. I'll take you to see her. With that, he turned and led them into the palace. Did you have a good journey? We've had some hot days recently and I can't imagine that it made the carriage ride very pleasant.

Sharlotte still couldn't understand the courtesy they were being treated with, and it took her a moment to reply. Aye, well, we be used to working under the heat of the sun, so not be paying much mind to it.

Glenvor smiled. Of course, and you were provided with everything you needed? Lieutenant Dewden was under the strictest instructions…

Can't be faulting him, said Sharlotte. Always be having rooms and meals arranged for us and be checking on our comfort at all times.

Excellent, Glenvor led them up the main stairs and to the right. He was honored to be entrusted such a mission by Her Majesty, herself. It was a chance to prove himself. Oh, your rooms are down here at the end of the corridor. Madam Sharlotte, yours is at the end on the left, Madam Maddelein, yours is the one opposite, and Master Billath, you have the room on the left before that. As they approached, Glenvor pointed to the appropriate doors.

They were continually passing servants going about the business and Sharlotte was surprised as they always stopped and bowed or curtsied to her. She found herself nodding in reply and feeling stupid for doing so. Glenvor led them into another stairwell and up another level. At the exit stood two guards, who immediately stepped aside, saluting as they did so.

This is the Royal Wing, explained Glenvor. Off limits to all except the royal family, their guests and senior servants. He pointed down the corridor to where four guards stood. And those are Her Majesty's apartments. Arriving at the guards, Glenvor identified the Fielders to them, before bowing and leaving.

One of the guards opened the door outside which they stood and called out, The Fielder Family, Your Majesty.

Oh good! Send them in, came Jezzalia's voice, and the guard pushed the door wide, stepping aside.

Steeling herself, Sharlotte walked into the room, Maddelein and Billath behind her. She was about to curtsey to Jezzalia, when she saw Sethalis, getting to his feet from where he was sitting.

Ma! she heard him say as her entire focus locked onto him.

She stomped over to him and slapped him on the cheek. Don't you 'Ma' me, Sethalis Fielder, she yelled at him. You be bringing shame on the whole family with your doings.

Shocked, Sethalis rubbed his cheek. What are you talking about, Ma? I've not done anything wrong, he protested.

Not done anything wrong? shrieked Sharlotte. You be calling getting a girl with child and running off, not wrong? Be ashamed to be calling you my son.

Sethalis groaned, understanding at last. He turned to Jezzalia. Jezzi, this isn't funny. What did you tell them?

A giggling Jezzalia tried to appear contrite, and failed. Sorry, I was in a mood that day and I thought it would be a good joke on you.

Sethalis rolled his eyes at her. Well, it isn't a good joke for Ma. She's obviously been worried out of her mind.

Confused, Sharlotte looked from Sethalis to Jezzalia. He… he not be getting a girl pregnant?

Oh, he very much has, a smiling Jezzalia informed her, getting to her feet, but he didn't run out on her. You see, the girl is me. Jezzalia patted her stomach for emphasis. And as soon as he found out, he agreed to do the right thing and marry me.

I… you, Your Majesty? stammered Sharlotte, feeling overwhelmed with the news.

Jezzalia nodded, taking Sethalis' arm. Yes, me. I'm carrying our baby, your grandchild…the heir to the throne.

This was too much for Sharlotte, whose eyes rolled up and she collapsed to the floor.

Ma! came from three throats as the Fielder clan responded to their mother's distress. Sethalis managed to catch her with his air sehen before she hit the floor. Easing her up and onto the couch where he had been sitting, Sethalis glared at Jezzalia. Not funny at all, Jezzi.

Jezzalia had already reached for the bellpull and a guard stuck his head inside. Your Majesty?

Send for Healer Rechel, immediately, ordered Jezzalia, concern in her voice as she joined Sethalis and the others to see if Sharlotte was all right.

Sethalis took his fingers from Sharlotte's neck. "Pulse is strong and