The Fading of The Everglow

By Tyler R. Renfro

This is a tale of a brave knight named Amadan. He lives in a kingdom, once prosperous thanks to the power of the Everglow. The Everglow is a tree that is as mysterious as it is powerful, and using its power, the land has prospered, but one day, it begins to fade, forcing Amadan to leave his kingdom and embark on a journey to a mysterious and dangerous land that nobody has heard of for thousands of years to find a way to save his people. He will face unknown dangers and unthinkable obstacles that seek to stop him. Will he prevail, or will his kingdom wither and rot like a dying oak?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662483141

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The Fading of The Everglow

Tyler R. Renfro

Copyright © 2022 Tyler R. Renfro

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-6624-8315-8 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-8314-1 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Part 1

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Part 2

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Part 3

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Part 4

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Epilogue

Author's Notes

About the Author

In memory of Howard and Ray Renfro

Part 1

The Beginning

Introduction

In a faraway land, distant from yours, there existed a kingdom—a kingdom that shunned dark magic, witchcraft, and all things supernatural that wasn't one of their gods. Though it is ironic, for the most magical thing happened to be what kept the kingdom alive. This kingdom was known as the kingdom of the Everglow, for in the very heart of this thriving society, there existed a tree simply known as Everglow. It got its name from the faint blue glow that it emitted through a strange and unknown energy. The Everglow, in more ways than one, was the life essence of the kingdom. People gathered around it to pray to the gods and to nurture the tree, for this tree's roots stretched throughout the ground beneath the kingdom, giving life to once barren lands. The Everglow turned barren deserts into thriving farm lands. The people of this kingdom were happy. Food was bountiful; everyone had wine in their cups and a home to call their own. Families grew larger and larger with each passing year, as did the kingdom itself. It was a golden age…but as we all know, every golden age must come to an end…for the Everglow was dying. Its once beautiful blue glow was beginning to fade, and the farms were beginning to wither, as was every tree, flower, and crop in the land. I am here to simply set the stage… I shall not be your narrator for this story; instead, you shall hear the story through Amadan's voice. Amadan was a noble knight, tasked with guarding the kingdom's grand cathedral of knowledge, home to some of the greatest sources of knowledge and scholars on the continent, and today it was busier than ever, for every scholar, educated man, and thinker was scrambling to find a way to stop the fading. This is where Amadan's tale begins…

Chapter 1

The Fading

It was a normal day, nothing out of the ordinary or odd. That's why I loved working at the cathedral of Cognitio; nothing ever happened because who would want to steal books? Oh! My name is Amadan, by the way. Amadan Warglow. Warglow isn't a last name; it's a title I earned for my service in the military. As I was saying, it was always peaceful at the cathedral. The only people who went there were scholars, thinkers looking for books, and the other guards, but today was a different day. The cathedral was the tallest point in the noble district, which is the west part of the kingdom, and because it was so high, it gave everyone a perfect view of the Everglow. The view was stunning…it made the long climb to the top of the hill worth it. And because of that view, I was the first to notice the terrible tragedy. The Everglow's once wondrous blue glow was growing fainter and fainter, and its snow-white leaves were beginning to wilt and turn brown.

The king gave all the royal elites an urgent order to close off access to the area around the Everglow. I was one of the last to arrive. There were fifty different paths to the Everglow, in addition to four large entrances meant for knights, monks, nobleman, and caretakers of the park, that stretched through each of the four districts, and each and every one of them was blocked up by barricades, knights, and civilians who could see what was happening from their homes. What had happened was no secret, for the Everglow was so massive it dwarfed the king's castle through comparison. It took almost an hour to push through the crowded streets, and as I was passing people, I could hear them all shouting things like What's going on? said a confused woman, and another man grabbed me, looked me dead in the eyes, and said, Please tell us what's happening! We all have a right to know! I was able to free myself from his grip. After that, I decided to take the alleys so as to avoid the confused crowd. As I walked by, I could see children looking on in startled confusion in their upper windows. Once I finally arrived at the gate, the guards let me in, but they had to try their hardest to prevent any of the people from getting in. The people were getting restless.

As soon as I entered the park surrounding the tree, I heard a voice calling me over. Amadan! Over here! I looked over, and I saw my friend, Gregory. Gregory was the captain of the guard regiment who kept watch over the business district on the eastern side of the kingdom. He was shorter than I am, but then again, I was taller than most. He was one of the strongest guardsmen in the eastern district. He usually took care to keep his jet-black hair and armor in a clean and neat condition, but today, and understandably so, both were a mess. His face was blood red, and he was quickly pacing back and forth in front of two horses. He was alone, so I assumed one of the horses was for me, as the park around the Everglow had a circumference of almost thirty thousand acres, so most people chose to travel by horse when they visited the park. Under normal circumstances, I would stop to take in the beautiful scenery around me, as most of the park was covered in lush forests, and the rest was rocky hills, cliffs, and rest houses for monks on pilgrimage, but the effects of the fading were already apparent as all the trees were beginning to die.

I hurried over to Gregory, and before I could react, he grabbed me by the shoulders and began to frantically speak with his teeth clenched and said, This is a complete disaster! The whole kingdom is starting to panic! Hell, I am starting to panic!

I pried his grip from my shoulders and put my hand on his shoulder and said, Calm down, we are trained to keep the peace, and it's hard to do that if we are the ones panicking. Hearing this seemed to calm him down.

We started walking over to the horses, and he pointed to the cream-colored one with the white stockings and said, That one's yours. Prince Harrison told me you'd come through this gate and had me bring you a horse.

It's a good thing too, I responded. I had to leave mine behind as the crowds were too big and they would've spooked her.

I climbed onto the horse. Gregory climbed onto his, a black mustang with gray stockings and a white mane, and he said, The prince figured that would happen. Gods help me, this is scary. No amount of training has prepared us for something like this. The priests and priestesses can't even find any prophecies that said this would happen, let alone an answer about how to stop it. After he said this, we set off toward the Everglow…it was hard to call it that now. It looked like death incarnate, and everything around it was feeling the effects. Trees were losing their leaves and dying, and the once crystal-clear ponds and streams were now blacker than dried blood.

Chapter 2

The Everglow

We began to approach the tree. There was a temple at the bottom where people prayed and paid respects to Máter, the goddess of life, and the statue of Saint Cor, the first king and the one who discovered the Everglow, but now none of that meant anything, as the once beautiful and holy site was in turmoil. Gregory and I were on approach when he spoke up and said, This is horrific. I was trying my best to keep a professional and calm demeanor, but on the inside, I was like a scared child. I was hoping with every fiber of my being and the flame that was my soul that this would be some horrific nightmare and that I would wake up and everything would be normal again, but this was no nightmare…and nothing would be the same ever again. I chose not to comment on his words. The path we were on was elevated and ran along a cliff overlooking the temple grounds, and a crescent slope stretched down to the gate of the temple, but before we reached the slope, I could see some of the soldiers gathered around several wolf corpses.

We rode over to them. This part of the forest was usually dark due to all the trees in the area, but now that all the leaves had fallen off, the place was barely shaded and the sun was beating down on us all. I went over to the tallest of them and asked, What happened here?

Captain Amadan! he said in surprise. I'm sorry, we know that killing any of the animals in the park is strictly against the law, but the animals have become highly aggressive, and they have been attacking us ever since we got here! Please forgive me!

At ease, friend. Keep your composure, I said, trying to calm him down.

Thank you for understanding, sir…this whole place has gone mad, he said as he walked off to his comrades.

Even the animals are being affected by the fading. Usually, the wolves that dwell these woods are completely docile. Some of them even let you walk up to them! Gregory said in frustration.

Calm down, my friend. Maybe they've got some sort of solution by now, I said as we approached the temple. The temple was a sign of hope and peace before this happened, but now, it was surrounded by guardsmen and monks who were praying to the gods in anticipation of the end. We entered the massive oak gates and proceeded to the central chamber that was housing the statue of saint Cor. That's when we spotted the prince.

Prince Harrison…I watched that boy grow up. I remember the way his eyes used to be, bright blue and filled with potential, but now a scar marked his left one, but that same spark of hope was in them even in the darkest of times. I was usually the one who watched him while the king and queen were away when he and I were much younger, and anytime he wanted to play hide and seek, I would look for his almost white hair that was easily noticeable in any light. His hair still kept that color, though he chose to let it grow out now. His father didn't like it, though. He would always say, You are a prince. You should look like one, not like some dirty barbarian! The king would never win those arguments, but to keep his father at bay, Harrison shaved any hair that grew on his face, and his father seemed content with that. I had to stop looking back on these old memories as Gregory and I moved toward the prince.

There was a balcony overlooking a waterfall past Cor's statue. The prince was leaning over the railing, watching the black pool of water below. Gregory and I approached him. War had sharpened his senses, so even though there was a roaring waterfall inches away from us, he still heard us coming and turned around to look at us. He was wearing his regal armor, overlapping dark steel plates with a silver and gold trim. Amadan…it's nice to see you… he said with sadness and defeat in his voice.

It's nice to see you as well. You wish you were out there, don't you? I asked, taking note of his frustration.

Of course, I wish I was out there! My father told me to stay behind like I'm some child! I should be out there making sure nobody tries to tear through the guardsmen! he said angrily before regaining his composure. Harrison grew more hot-headed than his father as time went by, but that proved to be a useful trait in commanding the military, as he led us to victory on several occasions, though our most recent war had cost him his eye.

You know your mother and father are much better at talking to their subjects than any of us. Just let him do what he needs to and please stay calm, I said, worried that he might try something rash.

I know, I know…it's just this whole situation has me on edge. We had to cancel the monks' pilgrimage, the wildlife is starting to attack people, and what do you think will happen when the Kampe soldiers to the north learn about this? They'll attempt an invasion…there's no doubt about it! he said as he turned back to look over the railing.

Gregory, who had been silent this whole time, spoke up to the prince and said, My liege, believe me we have more than enough man power to hold off any attackers, and even if things do seem bleak, we can always send word to our allies in the west. Harrison was silent for a long moment, pondering how to respond.

When he finally figured out what to say, he turned to us and said, I suppose you're right. I'm just so scared and I'm praying to every god, goddess, and deity imaginable in hopes that one of them will give us an answer to this… The kingdom knew that Harrison was not a very religious person, so hearing him say this hit me and Gregory hard. We looked at each other, unsure about what to say or even think.

Hearing these words meant that for the first time in his life or for as long as I could remember, the prince was filled with uncertainty. Tears began to form in Harrison's scarred eye. His injury caused his eye to water at random times, though I'm not sure if that was what was causing it. I could feel a weight in my chest. I wanted to say something, anything, to him, but I just couldn't form the words…all I could do was look at the ground. Harrison turned and started to walk away and said with a somber and soft tone, I'm going to address the guardsmen. You can come with or you can help the scholars find a solution… He walked away at a brisk pace without looking back and disappeared behind the oak gates.

What do you want to do? Gregory asked, turning toward me.

I stared at the oak gates, studying every intricate detail and carving in the large doors, then I turned toward the library to my left and watched the scholars running around, trying to find and read as many books and scrolls as possible. I'd better go and make sure Harrison doesn't say anything he shouldn't, I said, turning my attention back to Gregory.

All right, I'm going to help the scholars. You can join me when the speech is over, he said as he walked toward the entrance to the library.

Chapter 3

The Speech

I exited the temple to see all the guardsmen lined up in rows, with Harrison in front of them, along with Bellator, Harrison's personal bodyguard, just behind him, to his right. He half-turned his head toward me then turned back to the men and women in front of him. How are things, Tor? I asked.

It's Bellator, not Tor, and things are fine, except for the fact that our way of life is about to die. Bellator said. He hated being called Tor, though many people called him that. Bellator was very…bull-headed. He was rough and quick to fight and scoffed at any attempts to prevent a confrontation, unless confrontation would lead to the harm of those he cared about. In a way, he was opposite to Harrison in appearance. His hair was dark, and he had grown a goatee while keeping the hair on his head short. His weapon of choice also reflected his personality: a battleax. It was a heavy and foreboding weapon, one that most would fail to even lift, but Tor wielded it like a toy with his strength, which he developed on the battlefield where we first met.

I stood to the prince's left, slightly behind him, and he began to speak. Men and women of the royal guard, I ask you all to lend me your ears. I know you are all scared and confused, and you all want answers to what's going on… He paused for a moment to collect himself and to think about what to say next. I'm sorry…but I do not have the answers you seek. But I can assure all of you that every scholar in the kingdom is trying their best to find a solution. All the guardsmen and guardswomen began to shout at him.

What if it's not enough? said one guardsman.

What'll happen if we can't find a solution? said a guardswoman closer to the front of the crowd.

Bellator turned toward me and whispered, I think now would be a good time to step in. Bellator was right. If I didn't step in, things would get ugly. I approached Harrison and put my hand on his shoulder. He turned toward me and looked at me for a moment, then I stepped up to speak to the people. I raised my hand to call for silence, and the crowd went silent. I was one of the most influential people in the kingdom, just under the king and his family. I was a sort of war hero in the kingdom. I had been in three wars and succeeded in all of them.

Is this any way for any of you to act? I asked with a calm but firm tone. Is this how you were trained to act in a situation like this? We were all trained to keep the peace, and yet you are all here stirring up chaos! Most of them looked away from me or simply looked at the ground in shame.

One of the guardsmen calmly raised his hand to get my attention and asked, Have you been helping with the search? You stand watch at the cathedral. Maybe you could get access to the Shadow Collection. The whole crowd gasped, and the guardsmen and women closest to him backed away, and my eyes went wide in surprise.

Bellator shoved me out of the way and yelled, Bite your tongue before I cut it out! He unsheathed his dagger as a threat.

The prince grabbed his arm and pulled him away before he turned to the people and said, Everyone, calm down! We are all desperate, and I'm sure that there's more than a few of you who had the same idea in your heads, but I'm going to ask all of you now to get it out of your heads! We all know that the Shadow Collection is forbidden to all eyes including yours and mine! The Shadow Collection was where we kept all blasphemous and heretical texts and teachings. It was in the cathedral that I guarded.

We did not believe in book burnings or the destroying of any source of knowledge for it was deemed a deathly sin by Cognitio, the god of wisdom and knowledge, so we stored it all inside the Shadow Collection. The door wasn't locked, as most people truly and wholly believed that so much as walking into the place would cause a horrible curse to befall you. Even though I patrolled the cathedral grounds every day, I almost totally forgot about it, but now that I heard that man's words, I couldn't get it out of my mind, and the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like our last and only option.

I couldn't continue that thought as a soldier ran toward us screaming, Wolves! Wolves! They're coming! Ru— He couldn't finish that thought as a wolf tackled him, knocking him to the ground and then proceeding to tear out his throat.

Protect the prince! I shouted, unsheathing my sword and stepping in front of Harrison.

Get him inside the temple! Bellator shouted, gesturing for the men to open the gates.

Damn it! Let me through, I need to help them! Harrison shouted. I was trying my best to hold him back. He almost managed to get past me, but Bellator grabbed him and threw him into the temple. The men operating the gates quickly shut them, and Bellator ordered them to not open them until the danger passed.

There were a few dozen of them, and they were beginning to surround us. They were quick and maddened by hunger. The soldiers were swinging frantically at them. These men may be trained, but they were no hunters. Once Bellator and I knew that the prince was secured, we joined the fray. I ran toward a trio of men that were being surrounded by six wolves. I was able to catch one by surprise and take it out quickly without any issues. Two of the remaining five turned their attention to me and charged. I quickly stepped out of the way of one and slashed its side, creating a sizeable wound. I watched it as it ran off.

To my shame, I turned my attention away from the other, and it leapt toward me. Luckily, Tor was there and swatted it out of the air with his ax. What's the matter? You stand out here talking about discipline and training, yet you forget the most important rule. Never turn your back to the enemy! Bellator chanted, trying to mock me.

I suppose I'm getting rusty. It's sometimes hard to believe our last war was only two years ago, I said, trying to save face.

I know…it's been so boring, Tor said as we ran back to the trio who were fighting three other wolves. Not that I've been counting or anything, but I believe I have already killed four wolves and you've only managed to kill one and injure another. I think that means I'm winning! Tor said as he began to laugh. Bellator is notoriously competitive, and he would never miss an opportunity to prove that he was stronger than you.

This is not a competition. We are trying to save these men! I said as I struck down another wolf. The remaining two saw that they were outnumbered and ran off. Tor tried to run after them, but I yelled at him. What? You're going to run away with your tail between your legs like they are? I knew that was the only way I could stop him; his sense of competition was too strong for him to ignore those words. He immediately stopped and ran back toward me. His face was bright red.

Did you suddenly grow a pair, or are you just tryin' to piss me off? he asked angrily.

Find out for yourself. There are more wolves to kill.

We took off toward the other soldiers and started fighting more wolves. There were even more where we had stopped, but we began to push them back toward the dead forest to the east of the temple. I looked toward where Tor was. He was killing wolves like he was swatting flies, laughing as he struck them with his ax, but as things were beginning to look more in our favor, we all heard a bloodcurdling howl that echoed through the trees and off the temple wall.

Tor was searching the trees, trying to find the source of the howling, but…it found him first. A wolf with pitch black fur that was twice the size of him leapt out from the trees and stood on top of Tor, knocking his ax away when it collided with him. Bellator tried to stab it with his dagger, but it caught his arm in its mouth. I tried to run as quickly as I could. Tor! Tor! I screamed as I ran, but I could do nothing as the beast tore his arm off.

Before it got the chance to strike again, I slashed my blade across its face, cutting open its eye. It turned its attention away from Tor and onto me. You're the alpha, aren't you? If I kill you, all the other wolves will run away, won't they? I said, and it growled, trying to intimidate me, but I was too pissed off to feel fear. This thing had harmed one of my comrades, and I wasn't going to stop until it was dead! I charged it, and it backed off for a moment; it had never seen a creature brave enough to charge first, but then it jumped toward me. I jumped out of the way, narrowly avoiding its jaws.

Tor was on the ground whimpering, and if I didn't finish this quickly, he would bleed out, so I taunted the wolf. I screamed at it and beat my fist against my chest plate, making a loud metal clang. It jumped at me, but instead of jumping out of the way, I stepped forward and ducked, plunging my sword into its chest. It fell on top of me, and I was almost crushed by its weight, but I managed to free myself. All the other wolves saw that the alpha had died and ran into the woods.

I rushed over to Bellator. All of you, get over here! I need help! We need a healer! I screamed to the other men, who rushed over to me. My…ax…bring me…my ax… Tor said quietly. His voice was faint and weak. I handed him over to the others and ran to his ax and retrieved it. Just beside it was Tor's arm. I could barely call it an arm anymore. They had brought him inside the temple, and brought him to the western wing where they held several bedrooms for travelers and visitors. He was unconscious.

Several healers had come over and began tending to his wounds. Harrison grabbed me and turned me around to face him. This is your fault! If you had let me stay out there and fight, maybe I could have saved him! he said in a blind rage. I didn't say anything. I just stared at Tor's ax as I gripped it tightly in my hands, feeling anger surge through my whole body. I looked at Harrison with fire in my eyes, and he backed off. I placed Tor's ax at the foot of the bed and left without saying a word.

Chapter 4

A Blasphemous Plan

Gregory ran over to me frantically. What happened? Everyone's scattering. All the healers ran off to the western wing! he said.

I know… I answered without looking him in the eyes. We were attacked by a large pack of wolves, and…Bellator got attacked by the alpha. It was a monstrous beast, and it…tore off his arm.

Oh, dear gods… Amadan, what are we going to do? Gregory asked.

I don't know, but I'm heading home. I need to see my wife and son, and I need to collect a few thoughts, I said in a somber tone.

I understand, Amadan, I'll tell the prince. I nodded a thank-you and headed out.

There were a thousand things running through my mind as I rode toward the exit gates. Was Tor going to survive his injuries? Was my family going to survive this chaos? Is there a solution to this? Would I dare to go into the shadow collection? I had to shake those thoughts out of my head as I approached the exit gates.

Most of the crowd dispersed, so getting out was easier than getting in. There were only a few guards left at the gates. We exchanged a few pleasantries, and I headed out toward my house. I lived at the base of the hill that the cathedral lay on. After making it there, I put my horse into the corral—more of a fenced-in square to the right of my home—and I walked in. My wife, Lydia, had already tucked in my son, Harold, for the night. She quickly walked to me, kissed me, and hugged me tightly. I stroked her beautifully dark hair and stared into her brown eyes. You have no idea how happy I am to see you right now… I said.

Amadan, what's wrong? Lydia asked, her voice like silk.

Bellator has been injured. I don't know if he'll make it… I explained.

Oh gods… I'm so sorry… I went into our room and began to take off my armor. The armor of a normal knight would require assistance to take off, but I was a captain. I had been given armor that was cleverly designed so it could be taken on and off with ease, but it still protected me from injury.

Amadan…be honest with me, have they found a solution to this? Lydia asked. She was terrified of this whole situation.

They're trying their best… I said, trying to avoid answering directly, but she held me by the hand and locked eyes with me.

Please, I'm your wife. You know you can't lie to me. She was right.

We don't have anything… I'm sorry. I was trying my best not to, but I began to cry. The thought of failing my family pushed me over the edge. Lydia hugged me and started kissing me.

Amadan, it is okay, I—

No, it's not! I failed you. I can protect you from thugs, beasts, but this…this is just madness… I said.

Amadan, you are the bravest and smartest man I know. I know that given time and patience, you will find a solution to this. Now come to bed. I think a nice night with me is just what you need to get your mind off things. She said this as she took off her dress and went toward the bed.

I couldn't help but smile and say, I love you, Lydia.

After our nice night, I lay in bed, thinking about what that soldier had said about the shadow collection, and the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like our only option. I had access to the cathedral every day, and the shadow collection wasn't too terribly secure, but there are a lot of guards that patrolled close to the entrance, which was in the central terrace of the cathedral. I would need someone to help me with this, but whom…? Gregory.

Gregory and I had known each other since we joined the royal academy of sword arts together when we were both much younger and dumber men. If I could get him on board with this, he could cover me while I got into the shadow collection! I just hoped he'd hear me out… I eventually forced myself to go to sleep, though it wasn't a very restful sleep.

I awoke the next morning, dead tired. Lydia and Harold had woken up before me and were already eating breakfast. I walked over and kissed Harold on the head and said, Morning, son. Morning, Lydia. Sorry for oversleeping.

That's okay. You looked like you needed the rest, Lydia said while handing me a plate of food. I had sat down to eat, but I heard a knock at the door.

I'll get it, I said as I got up from the table. I walked over and opened the door; it was a messenger.

Captain Amadan, the prince has ordered you to return to the Everglow at once! he said as he raised his right fist to his chest in salute. I looked over to Lydia and Harold; they were looking at me, disappointed that I had to go so soon.

All right… I'll get my armor and leave at once, I said. He walked away, pleased with what I said.

I walked upstairs, to my personal room, and got my armor and sword and sat down to talk to Lydia and Harold. Harold, you better get ready, or you'll be late for school. Lydia said. School was a…new concept for us. It wasn't around when I was his age. Sure, there were academies and things like that, but school was to help him become smarter, starting at the very basics. I kind of wish it was around when I was his age. I didn't learn to read until I was sixteen. I had heard an academy was teaching people, and I thought, Why not? In any case, Harold got his things together and headed out. This was a chance for me and Lydia to talk alone.

Last night, I asked you if the scholars had any ideas on what to do… I suppose I should have asked if you had any ideas. Lydia said this with a questioning look of curiosity.

What does that mean? I asked.

Please. I know you, and I know you get that look on your face when you're planning something. She was cleaning the kitchen, so she wasn't looking at me.

Well, you know how I patrol the cathedral at the top of the hill, right?

Of course, she said. I'd been guarding the cathedral since the end of our last war with the Kampe, the soldiers to the north. For outstanding service, the king allowed me to choose where I wanted to guard.

And you know about the Shadow Collection, right? I asked.

Yes? She was looking at me now, and she had this look of fear on her face in anticipation of what I might say next.

I was thinking…what if the reason they can't find any answers to this is because the answer isn't in any legal texts…? I said, and Lydia didn't like this idea.

Amadan, what you're thinking of is treason! If they find out you have been trying to get into the Shadow Collection, you'll be executed or exiled! Lydia said in a quiet shout. She spoke as if someone was listening to us right now.

Lydia, this may be our only option. The scholars haven't thought of any solutions, and even if they do find one, we have no idea if it'll be in time! She still didn't budge. I walked toward her, got on my knees, and held her hand. You know that I wouldn't do this if it wasn't to protect the ones that I love and care about. She knelt down and hugged me.

Please don't get yourself killed. If you did, I would die of the shock, Lydia said.

I held her hand tightly and said, Don't worry, you know me. It'll take more than half of hell's army to kill me. I'm going to try to get Gregory on board with this plan, and if he says no, I'll drop the whole thing…okay? She seemed pleased with this.

I'll hold you to that! she said, letting go of my hand.

I'm going to head to the Everglow now before the prince gets anxious, I said.

All right, and be careful. If you're going to die it should be while you're saving the kingdom, not while you're riding to a tree.

As you wish. I love you. I walked out the door, got my horse, and headed out.

My sword was in need of repair from the battle yesterday, so I stopped by Malikai's forge. Malikai was the local blacksmith, and he was the only one I trusted with my sword. His forge had no walls and was open to the streets. The once crowded streets were now empty, so Malikai saw me immediately. Amadan! It is good to see you, my friend! Everything has been so boring! He rushed over to me. He grabbed my hand in a tight grasp. It hurt even though I was wearing my armor. He's much bigger than I am, and he spent every day of every week swinging a heavy metal hammer, so it was no wonder he had a tight grip.

So…what can the great blacksmith of legend Malikai do for you, eh? He said this while puffing his chest out.

My sword is in need of repair. Can you do anything about that? I asked while handing him my sword.

Amadan, my friend, this thing is duller than my iron tooth and my mother-in-law's brains. Ha! he said as he turned toward a rack of swords he had just prepared. I think it's high time you got a new blade. Might I suggest this one? He brought me a shiny, finely sharpened, steel broadsword with a gilded hilt. I pushed it away.

You know that I won't part with my blade. It's the blade I received upon graduating the sword art academy.

Oh, by Oric, the great Titan god of iron and fire, would you stop being so stubborn! That's my job! Malikai put the blade back on the rack.

Malikai, it's either you fix my sword or I'll go swordless. He knew that I was serious.

Humph. Fine, I'll fix your blade, but this'll probably be the last time I'm able to do so. Any more sharpening jobs and you'll have to start calling your broadsword a rapier! He took the blade over to his tools and got to work. When he finished, he brought it over to me and laid it on both of his hands. Here you are, your swo—wait a minute…is that a gray hair I spy on your head? he asked.

I don't know. There's no mirror here, I said sarcastically.

That child of yours, what's his name? Harold! He must be taking a toll on you! Ha!

He can be a handful at times, but I love him all the same.

He looks nothing like you, you know? Malikai said bluntly.

That's probably because he's adopted.

Ah! That's right, you can't sire your own children, you're infertile, Malikai said. When Lydia and I had adopted Harold, he was too young to remember his birth parents but still old enough to realize he was adopted.

Indeed, I am, but Lydia wanted a child so badly, so we adopted Harold, I said.

You know, if you shaved your head like I did, you wouldn't have to worry about gray hairs. Malikai said with a chuckle.

Are you sure that's why you shave your head, or is it because it serves as an excuse to not wash?

You wound me, sir. You really do. I looked at the sky, it was almost noon.

Well, as much as I'd love to stay and chat, the prince has ordered me to the Everglow, I said.

Hmm, nasty thing that. Well, you'd better be on your way, I have work to do myself. Goodbye, Amadan. I nodded and headed out toward the gate. It wasn't far from Malikai's home.

Chapter 5

Not for Glory

It took a while, but I finally made it to the Everglow. The prince was waiting for me at the gate with his father and mother to his left and right. I tied my horse to a nearby pillar and approached them. You're late, Amadan, the king, Mortdecai, said with a stern voice.

My apologies, Your Highness. I bowed to them as I said this. I had to stop at Malikai's to have my sword repaired.

Malikai huh? How is he? King Mortdecai asked as he gestured for me to rise from my bow.

He's good, sir. Even in a horrible situation like this, he keeps his odd sense of humor, I said as I looked up at the tree. It was even worse than yesterday. Its bark was no longer its light jade color. It was now a black color, and the bark was beginning to crack and fall off. The exposed wood was an unsettling dark shade of purple.

Open the gates! shouted Harrison. The gates slowly opened, and we all walked inside. I looked over to the hallway leading to the western wing and immediately began to think about Bellator.

How is Tor doing? I asked. All the while, Harrison is completely silent. I sensed he was still angry at me for forcing him back into the temple during the confrontation yesterday.

Tor is unconscious, but the healers were able to prevent an infection. The queen, Matilda, said this as we walked toward the library in the east wing.

Amadan, I'm afraid things are dire. The king said this with a quiet tone. Our greatest scholars have been unable to find any answers, and our allies on the western coast have no means of helping us. We made it to the entrance of the library; I held the door open for them, and walked in after them. Upon entering, I saw many books rigorously searched and several just lying on the ground. Many of the books that were once on the many tall and foreboding bookshelves were now stacked on top of the tables and desks like it was part of some game for children.

Gregory was passed out, using a large encyclopedia of botany and plant physiology as a pillow. I walked over to him and said, Gregory. No response. I looked at the king. Should I? The king nodded. I gave Gregory a good slap on the head, and yelled, Wake up! Gregory suddenly jolted awake, almost falling backward in his chair, but I held it in place.

"What? Who? Oh, it's just you," Gregory said.

He was here all night last night, helping the scholars. Harrison was the one who said this. Those were the first words he said to me since I got here.

You look dead, Gregory, I said.

When I finally get the chance to sleep, I'll probably sleep like a dead man, Gregory said, rubbing the tiredness from his eyes.

Why was I called here, my liege? I asked the king.

The scholars have split up and moved on to the other libraries and cathedrals around the kingdom, and we wanted you to help us search the library to see if there is anything that may have been overlooked, the king explained.

I'll help as best I can. Gregory, I want you to come help me, I said.

Okay, I haven't looked over there. He said this as he pointed toward a section of bookshelves on the far end of the library.

We will search the other sections, the prince said as they disappeared into the other sections.

Follow me, Gregory, I said.

Amadan, what's this about? Gregory asked, sensing that I had a reason to split us up from the others.

Just…follow me. We headed into the section at the far end of the library. Gregory was having a hard time keeping up with me, as I was moving at a brisk pace. I was careful to make sure that nobody was around. All right, Gregory, I'm going to tell you something, but please promise me that you won't freak out, okay? I asked, and Gregory became worried.

Amadan, what is this about? he asked.

Promise me, I said in a stern tone.

All right, all right. I promise. Now will you tell me what this is about? He was getting a little frustrated with how secretive I've been.

Gregory, old friend, I need your help, I said, getting very close to him.

With what? Gregory asked as he backed away from me.

I need your help to get into the Shadow Collection, I said, and Gregory started to shout.

Dear gods, have you—!

I put my hand over his mouth. You promised you would not panic. Now I'm going to take my hand off your mouth, and you're going to be quiet now, right? He nodded, and I released my hand. He spoke in a whisper this time.

Have you gone mad? Something like this could get you executed for treason and heresy!

I know, I already had this conversation with my wife.

Lydia knows?

Yes, she knows, and I promised her that if you said you wouldn't help me, I'd drop the whole thing, I said, and I felt like that may have been a mistake.

Well, you'd better keep that promise because I'm not helping! Gregory said.

Gregory, please hear me out. The scholars have searched every book in this library, and even if they do find a solution, it'll probably be too late, and if this tree dies, so does the kingdom! I was trying to think of anything to get him to help.

Amadan, I understand that you feel helpless, but you must have patience. The scholars are the smartest people on the continent—hell, maybe even the whole world—and…

You don't know if they're the smartest in the world, nobody does! Everyone is too damn afraid to adventure in the open waters of the ocean, I said.

Amadan, please have patience. I promise you that we will find a solution, but you must help us and get these terrible ideas out of your head. Look, I'm going to search the other bookcases. Feel free to help me when some sense gets knocked into you. He started to walk off. If he was going to help me, I needed to say something to convince him that this was the right thing to do. Gregory and I had been the closest of friends; we were like brothers ever since…that was it!

I looked over to him and said, Not for gold or for glory! He stopped immediately. He whispered to himself.

What? I asked.

But to protect the weak, the innocent, and the old, he answered. This was the motto of our academy.

That is why we serve, Gregory. To protect the ones we love, the ones we cherish, and the ones who can't protect themselves! Everyone is afraid, Gregory. I'm afraid, Gregory. I have just as much to lose as you do, and we could just sit around, reading books, or we could actually do something about it! I said. He grew silent. For a good, long moment, he was dead quiet. He had sat down on a nearby chair.

Fine, I'll help you, but…what do you want me to do? Gregory asked.

Thank you, Gregory. All I need you to do is distract the guards at the cathedral so I can sneak into the collection, I said.

What about the curse? He was talking about the myth surrounding the Shadow Collection.

You know that's just superstition, and even if it was real, then I think the gods would allow me through because I'm doing it to help this kingdom.

I suppose you're right. When are we going to do this?

Tomorrow, first thing.

Okay, but how am I supposed to distract an entire cathedral full of guardsmen? Gregory asked, and another voice joined the conversation.

I think I have an idea. We were shocked at the origin of the voice standing at the end of the aisle.

Chapter 6

A Third Conspirator

Gregory was dumbfounded. B-Bellator? he said in shock. He was a mess. His torso was covered in bandages, and blood had soaked into them, staining them with a crimson hue.

I finally found the words to speak. B-but I thought that you were—

In a coma? Ha, hardly. Amadan, you should know by now that it'll take more than a separated arm and severe blood loss to kill me! he said with a laugh.

Bellator, please don't tell anyone about this! Gregory pleaded.

Why would I tell someone about this when I'm involved? Tor asked, and this confused us.

What do you mean? I asked.

It means I'm going to help you. You daft fool, Tor said, and Gregory spoke up first.

But…why? Tor looked at Gregory, confused.

"Why? Why? Because I refuse to lie down and do nothing. Because I don't want to die lying in my own filth. Because I'm not a stuck-up royal pain in the arse who would rather watch the world burn than actually try to put out the fire, because I'd rather go down kicking and screaming, that's why!" he said with a renewed energy.

So how do you plan on helping us? I asked, and he puffed his chest out, proud of his idea.

Well, when I walked over, I heard Gregory questioning his ability to help, and I got an idea. Gregory here is in charge of the guardsmen in the financial district, right? Tor asked.

Yes, I am. Gregory said.

Well, that also means he has access to the prisons, correct? Tor asked, and Gregory began to look worried.

Yes, but where are you going with this? Gregory asked fearfully.

You've made a recent arrest of someone high up in the criminal hierarchy, am I right? Gregory and I both realized who he was talking about.

No! No! No! I won't do it! I know where you're going with this, and I refuse! You just want me to release your brother, but I am not letting that madman out of that prison! You can't make me! Gregory argued.

Watch your tongue. It's not nice to go around calling people mad. You keep doing it, and they might just show you how mad they are, Tor said, trying to defend his brother.

Go ahead and test me because I can assure you that you'd have a tough time taking me on even if you had both your arms, Gregory said.

You little—! I pushed them both apart from each other.

All right you two, that's enough! I looked toward Gregory. Gregory, I'm afraid this is our only option, I said.

Give me time and I'll think of a better one! Gregory argued.

We don't have time! He was silent and began pacing back and forth. He kept rubbing his hands on his face in frustration until finally he made up his mind.

Fine! I'll get your brother out of prison, but if he ends up in there again, which he will, don't expect me to help you, Gregory said.

All right, then it's settled. Gregory, you'll get Reginald out of prison, and in return, he'll get his crew together and cause a distraction at the cathedral to draw the guards away. We will all meet at the Ruby Dragon, I said, and Tor approached me.

Okay. I'll meet the two of you there, but right now, I'm going to hide back here and wait till you two and the prince and his family leave. I'm not supposed to be out of bed, Tor said.

Fine, but Amadan, I don't think it would hurt to actually check some of these books anyways, at least so we can look like we're doing what we are supposed to be, Gregory said.

Sure, you check over there, and I'll check around here. Tor, do you feel like helping? I said.

I don't know how to read… Tor said as he sat back on a chair and shut his eyes.

Oh…never mind then, I said.

Hours of searching books did nothing but make my head hurt. I found dictionaries and almanacs, and old plans for buildings that were never built. The most interesting thing I found was a large book, about as thick as my arm, containing a history of the kingdom, including the tree, but it turned out to have nothing useful. After hours went by and the moon was high in the sky, Gregory and I met back up with the king at the entrance to the library. The king spoke to me. Did either of you find anything? he asked.

No. Did any of you? I asked. The king let out a sigh.

No, we didn't. It pains my heart to see the kingdom in such a sorry state and not being able to do anything, the king said in a solemn tone. I didn't say anything in return. After a moment, the king looked at me. Amadan, can you do me a favor? The king asked.

Yes, of course, I said.

Go home to your wife and child and let them know that you love them. From now on, you are relieved of duty if you so choose.

Yes, my liege, I said with a bow. We walked outside; the king's chariot was waiting there. They all climbed in and left. Before Gregory and I parted ways, I turned to him and said, Will you be ready for tomorrow?

Yes, I will, Gregory said. We then headed for our