A Gathering Storm

By Lucas Fischhaber

A past long forgottenLegends return to lifeA reputation to restore In 500 years, civilization has come far since the time known as The Great Event.  Ancient ruins remain scattered across the world of Solaris, echoes of a long-forgotten past. Siblings Amber, Zander, and Quinn have known only peace growing up in the mountain town of Thunder Ridge.  Each works diligently to master their talents.  Their futures seem secure.  Until... news from Thunder Ridge sends shockwaves across the land.   A creature of legend has been born.  Drawing unwanted attention, the mythical creature becomes the target of a syndicate group known as the Dragon Clan.  With a recent failure, clansman, Rex, has a reputation to restore.Worlds collide as Amber, Zander, and Quinn find themselves thrust into the middle of something far larger than themselves.  As their environment transforms from a peaceful life at Thunder Ridge, a tempest brews on the horizon threatening to dramatically alter life as they know it.  They begin to wonder if they have stumbled into the midst of a gathering storm.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098015329

Book preview

Chapter 1

Punishment or Reward

21 April year 502 GE

The seat of real power

Piercing the late morning air, a deep and rhythmic booming noise could be heard from just beyond the edge of the fog.

Like a trumpet being used to signal to a camp something important, the servants pounded on enormous drums in perfect unison. The skills they used demonstrated that this was their only purpose in life, the way they served the Clan.

The traveler strained his eyes to see clearly through the patchy fog to get a better look at where the sound was coming from. This was the first time he needed to travel to this place. It was the kind of place people would only want to go to if it was for a good reason; however, in his case, he didn’t have a choice. He had heard plenty of people tell stories, except that no matter how well they could describe it, the eerie fog, the ancient twisting moss-covered tall trees surrounding him, and the drums made this place feel almost detached from reality.

He felt as if he had left Solaris and stepped into an entirely different world.

The rhythm of the drums announced to all in and outside of the Clan’s Guild Hall that someone had arrived. That the traveler and the two individuals that he was with had crossed the threshold of the Clan’s domain.

This was the seat of his Clan’s power. It was the place where the rule of law was determined by its leader, the Khan, and not challenged by any outside influence from the large cities of Solaris who might try to seek justice for the long and endless list of wrongs committed by the Clan. To members of the Clan, the mere idea of justice was laughable. They did what they thought was right in their own eyes and took whatever they wanted, when they wanted it.

A large and tall structure made out of enormous dark gray stone with streaks of emerald materialized as the fog continued to disperse. Resembling a fortress, the Guild Hall was said to be built centuries ago on the foundations of an ancient ruin. On top of the Guild Hall ramparts, the source of the pounding could be seen. Drums slightly larger than himself at about six feet tall were arrayed in a line and positioned in a way so that the sound of the drums could reverberate throughout the entire area between the two mountain ranges. Intimidating in size, the fortress was a marvel to behold.

However, for the traveler, the fortress was a place of dread. The traveler normally stood at an average height for a young man of twenty-four struggled to keep himself from slouching, which would make his head hang low as if in disgrace. He forced himself to hold his head high in an attempt to hide the feeling within. Instead of appreciating or taking this time to remember where he was, he did his best to avoid anything that would remind him of what would happen here. In his mind, he would rather be anywhere else in the world like being stranded in the barren landscape of the Icelands. That would have been far better than here.

Despite wishing to be somewhere else, he had to face the disappointing fact that there was no way out of what was to come. Within the finely polished marble halls, a person of interest would receive something. This person would either get a reward from some great act of loyalty to the leader or be given something else entirely different.

Today, Rex was the person of interest; and based on the events of the previous week, he knew without a doubt that there wasn’t a reward waiting for him inside. In fact, he wasn’t sure if he would be coming out of there the same person. He knew he was responsible for what happened. Even though he was going to be treated today as if he was the only one responsible, he knew this was far from the truth. Deep inside, his anger burned against his partner that was with him. The unfair treatment was the reason why his brows where constantly knitted, contorting his face into a continuous scowl.

Pausing for a moment, his sienna brown eyes drifted up to look at the wooden arch above him. Ornately carved beams marked the beginning of the well-worn path that went high into the forested mountains. However, for him and the two he was with, it marked the end of the journey. In addition to the arch was a stone pillar on each side of the path.

Like one of the unmovable stone pillars guarding the path, to one side of him stood a tall and powerfully built man. Rex had always imagined from a very early age that his commander, whom he also referred to as his master, would be able to withstand any force of nature. That from sheer size and force of will, Zane could stand firmly on his own two feet in the midst of any storm.

Glancing at his commander, Rex saw the same look Zane almost always had no matter what the situation was. With his heavy eyebrows slightly drawn together and a distant stare, Rex could tell that his master already had his mind focused on what was next. Whatever the next mission may be, it would be within the will of the two khans, who ruled the Clan together.

Rex could tell Zane was soaking up the moment and savoring everything about it. Soon he would be following the master of his life into the gem-encrusted halls of the stone fortress to face the unknown. He knew what he would have to do inside. Rex wanted to prove his usefulness. To show he wasn’t a failure. But would it be enough?

Glancing to his other side, he glared at the other figure who, unlike Zane, was smaller. This lanky figure of a man was a distant cousin to Rex, a couple of years younger. The annoying weasel was gifted with the ability of finding any and every way to inflict more pain and in the process took the idea of no mercy to a whole new level. If Rex’s current situation hadn’t completely deflated his hope of walking away from today in one piece or being the same person, Bane’s constant sneering and display of pure enjoyment of what might happen would do the job of finishing Rex off the rest of the way.

Already moving on to the next thing, Zane plotted a course for the entrance to the Guild Hall and, without a word said, set off. The day was passing by, and there were things that needed to be done.

When Zane was beyond the range of hearing, Bane spoke softly to Rex. The tales do not do this place justice. This is more than what I had expected. Bane’s abrasive tone did its best to rub Rex’s nerves raw. I bet you can’t wait to get inside, cousin. Bane’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

Without receiving a response from Rex, he continued. I bet I know what you will find. Bane paused for dramatic effect. The only response he received was a glare from Rex.

Noticing that Rex wasn’t taking the bait, he took pleasure in answering his own question. It is a good thing we are here. Bane’s tone turned into a mocking concern. You might find a part of your common sense in there. It might be a little mangy looking, but I am sure you can get at least half of it back.

If I had any common sense, I would beat the arrogance out of you in that arena over there. Rex motioned over toward an empty arena built for one-on-one fights.

Appearing to be hurt by the suggestion, Bane sounded like a victim of a threat. Why would you think of such a thing to do to your only cousin? I am looking out for your best interest. You may not realize it, but you need my help.

His cousin’s ability to twist words made his head ache. With nothing else to say and anger smoldering inside him, Rex set off, following his master to the entrance.

The drums that were used to signal their arrival had now gone silent. It was time to enter into the place where on a rare occasion rewards were given and on all the other days punishment was dealt. Today was bound to be like all other days. For the first time in his seventeen years of service to the Clan, Rex would be entering the Dragon Clan’s Guild Hall.

Despite the thick walls of the Dragon Clan’s Guild Hall, muffled booming sounds of the drums could be heard.

Even within the most guarded and secretive place of the Guild Hall where the walls were the thickest, the drums announcing the arrival of an expected group permeated through the stone.

Standing within this expansive chamber where the most sensitive secrets of the Clan were kept was one man clothed in dark leather armor trimmed and studded with silver. Positioned toward the middle of the room where a pedestal was, his hand rested on an empty socket in the rough cold colored stone. The socket was a symmetrical shape with twelve straight sides and angles where a tablet of the same shape rested only a day before.

The sudden sound of the pounding drums did not make him flinch or react in any way. He was in complete control. The only thought that he allowed to enter into his mind as a result of the drums was knowing he would soon be dealing with an act of disobedience. Something that would not go unpunished.

With jet-black hair pulled back into a tight braid that fell down his back like a thick black rope, the Khan of the Dragon Clan stood motionless while examining the etchings surrounding the socketed area where the tablet once rested.

The evidence before him within this secretive chamber meant nothing to him until a few days ago. Reports came in from several different sources that told fanciful stories that a creature of legend had appeared in a town far from here within the Rushing River Valley. An unexpected place called Thunder Ridge.

Jin’ta, one of the two Khans of the Dragon Clan, didn’t believe any of the reports. A creature of legend suddenly appearing after not being seen for a very long time raised doubt within him. Some people would claim that it had been at least three centuries since one had been spotted. And now, after years and years of nothing, one turns up in the peaceful and unsuspecting Thunder Ridge. To make matters even more fanciful were the claims that the creature had something with it even more rare and unheard of.

However, it was the one whom he ruled the Dragon Clan with that convinced him the reports were more than just an annoyance. That it was a sign that the time had come. Possibly the only reason why Jin’ta had listened to this person was because it was his twin. They shared an unbreakable bond that they had used as a foundation to rule the Clan. He completely trusted Jin’ko. The discussion they had, before Jin’ko left yesterday, filled his mind.

Materializing the events from yesterday in his mind, he could see his twin with the same jet-black hair enter through the only doorway into the chamber. With shoulders back and head held in a constant position of confidence, his twin entered with a strength that came from years of ruthless success. Brother, we must discuss these reports that keep coming in within the last few days.

Walking with a strong gait over to where the pedestal was, Jin’ko didn’t waste time glancing at the many portraits of past Dragon Clan leaders that lined one wall or the mysterious tapestry that hung on another depicting a scene yet to be understood, or the many other objects and items. For the twin, the entire contents of the chamber, once understood, together illuminated a future where the Dragon Clan would be unopposed and able to operate out in the open and the entire world of Solaris would be their footstool. This was a future that the twin rulers and every other past Dragon Clan Khan had sought to turn into a reality.

Jin’ta’s narrow eyes responded with doubt. The narrow face and high cheekbones added to the look. There is nothing you can tell me that will convince me that the mythical beast has suddenly appeared in a very unlikely place. His voice was measured and in control. Even you remember past reports years ago that claimed something similar but—

Turned out to be false and a waste of time. Jin’ko finished the thought, which, from the twins having such a close bond, was a common occurrence.

Exactly, a waste of our time and resources we could have put to use elsewhere. Jin’ta used the same measured tone. Even though the expression he remembered on Jin’ko’s face didn’t change, Jin’ta knew his twin didn’t forget the risk involved. We almost lost our most trusted commander in the process. As a result, our influence in the area to the West of the Rushing River Valley past the Royal Mountains would have been in serious trouble. However, thankfully, that region remains tightly in our grasp today.

You cannot compare the reports of today with that time years ago. Jin’ko’s tone was sharp and matter-of-fact. The statement was simple and cut to the heart of Jin’ta’s defense.

Not wanting it admit it, Jin’ta knew his twin was right. Yes, you might be correct. This time is much different and for some reason, unknown to me, shockingly easier to accomplish.

Folding arms across the chest, Jin’ko pursued the matter further. Brother, do not worry, there is no reason the past will repeat itself. Do I need to remind you what is at stake? What our cause will gain if we are successful?

This caused a sharp and mocking laugh to escape Jin’ta’s lips. Few believe those stories, and I am not one of them. You have been alone on this since the first day. Despite his mocking tone, this had no effect on his twin.

Glancing over at the expansive tapestry on the wall, Jin’ko’s smooth voice was soft. Over the past centuries, many of our Dragon Clan members have gone searching for the place and all have failed. Staring at the tapestry, Jin’ko appeared to be looking at it as if already there. I am not most people, and I will find it. Jin’ko’s intense, narrow gaze shifted back to Jin’ta. It is my destiny.

Jin’ta knew there was a sliver of truth to what his twin said. Among all the other Dragon Clan leaders from the past, he knew that they were both considered by the Clan today to be two of the most ruthless and successful that had ever taken the mantle of Khan.

Knowing there was nothing more to be discussed, Jin’ko offered a plan. Considering the situation, brother, it does not hurt to investigate. We need to send two of our own to Thunder Ridge. If they find this creature, they will take it. If they don’t find anything, then all we have wasted would be the time it took to check.

Mulling the plan over in his mind, Jin’ta considered this. However, there seemed to be more to this plan that his twin had not yet explained. But he knew what his twin was going to say. And you think, by yourself, you can search the barren mountains of Solaris and find it? You will leave on this fruitless mission into the mountains to find this place that others have searched for in vain? The place where for centuries our clansmen have looked and combed the mountains and have never found?

If the reports of the creature from Thunder Ridge are true, then I will need that tablet. I will fulfill my calling. He will be found. Jin’ko’s voice was filled with confidence, and the storm-gray eyes were full of lust of something not yet seen. There is a connection between this creature of legend and the place I need to find. I will find.

Thinking about his twin’s demands, Jin’ta knew there was no real risk to at least investigating the reports that came from Thunder Ridge. Not wanting to waste his best on this task, he immediately knew who he would send. Have it your way. You will get your wish.

Without wasting a moment, Jin’ko grabbed the twelve-sided tablet inscribed with, among other things, a unique form of the Dragon Clan symbol. Able to be held with one hand, the twin stuffed it into a dark pouch.

Before leaving the chamber that only the worthy may ever see, Jin’ko paused by the entrance and spoke without looking back toward Jin’ta. "I will send word when I have found it."

These were the last words he heard from his twin. As Jin’ko disappeared through the doorway, the memory faded and he returned to the present. His next task was to deliver punishment and, contrary to what he was thinking two days ago, he would give a rare second chance. We will investigate these reports and in the process this servant can prove his worth.

The sounds of the drums from outside on top of the Guild Hall had subsided. Allowing his hand to linger on the stone pedestal, he touched the etching of the mythical creature. Feeling the grooves of the cold blue stone, he read words inscribed on the pedestal below where the socket was. The words were of an old dialect from the early years that immediately followed the Great Event.

Warden of the sky lets forth a roar, Shall herald an alliance, joined as before

In all forty years of his life, searching the messages from past Dragon Clan leaders or traveling to other ancient ruins, had he ever seen these words. Maybe he and his twin will find out the meaning to this phrase. Maybe Jin’ko will find this place of power. Maybe.

Preparing to exit the secret chamber, Jin’ta walked across the entire length of the wall where portraits of every Dragon Clan Khan since the Great Event hung. Pausing at the first was a faded picture of a shrewd-looking man—Burilgi the Destroyer, who was remembered as the one who carved out an existence for the Clan in the early years between year 25 and 50 After the Great Event.

Even though it was year 502 GE, there were only about twenty portraits on the wall of Khans who have led the Dragon Clan. Some had ruled for fifty years or more while others for only a few years.

After about the tenth Khan, Jin’ta came to the one whom he respected the most. Qara the Ruthless who ruled for sixty years starting at 280 GE. In addition to Jin’ta sharing similar facial features of the ruler from the past, he also shared the same thirst for absolute power at any cost. There were many stories of Qara that after a few centuries of being told and passed down had blown up into epic tales. The object of discussion between Jin’ta and his twin the day before, the unique tablet, was discovered under the watchful and critical eye of Qara.

As Jin’ta continued to walk along the wall of portraits, he considered what was known about the time when the tablet was found. It was said that the tablet was found deep within a ruin that existed under the very place he was standing in at this moment. The ruin was claimed to have been from some time before the Great Event. A time before when the ruin must have been the site of an impenetrable fortress dedicated to the Dragon Clan. No one knew for certain. The little they knew about the Great Event was pure speculation and nothing more. After finding the ruins, the Guild Hall was expanded to its current state built on top of the ancient ruin. All that was left from the ruin was put into this chamber for safekeeping.

Jin’ta ended his walk at a reflection of himself and his twin. Beyond that was empty space. A place where future Khans will be displayed. Dragon Clan lore spoke of a hero that would one day rise again to take the rightful position as Teno-Khan of the Dragon Clan. His power is said to be so great that he would become Executor and Emperor of all of Solaris. Jin’ta would accept his position under the authority of this hero. But would that time come? Or is that legend just that, a mythical tale?

Walking toward the same doorway his twin exited the day before, Jin’ta knew that his twin was one of the only handful to believe this tale. Jin’ta didn’t have the time to consider tales. Zane was here along with his servant who would no doubt be willing to do anything to prove himself worthy.

Prior to exiting, the Khan of the Dragon Clan slipped on a metal-encased gauntlet to cover his hand, a tool used to punish, and left the chamber to make his way to the gem-encrusted Grand Hall.

He knelt on the cold ground, doubled over with his face to the floor, eyes barely open gazing at the rich and spotless marble. There wasn’t much energy left within Rex as he received the punishment he deserved.

There was nothing to say since excuses were of little use. The fact was that Rex and Bane had been given the task. The task—assassinate an important official of the Veritas Trade district.

What happened the night that Rex and Bane were supposed to eliminate their target was unclear and confusing. Rex had overall responsibility for the success of the task. From anyone’s perspective, it appeared that Rex was incompetent to accomplish something that should have been simple and quick. This was the first time Rex had been given a job like this to kill someone in cold blood. The first time the target was unaware of the danger and could not put up a defense. No doubt that people with names unknown to him had perished from his hands in the past. In those cases, it was a fair fight where his enemy knew he was there.

Although capable of taking another life, Rex wasn’t sure the reason he failed was because he was incompetent. If he was true to himself, he would have noticed how he allowed his target to escape, to get away. Or was it because Bane didn’t do his part of the job? However, Rex didn’t want to admit blame for it even if it was all because of him. He wanted to prove himself useful and worthy to the Dragon Clan and earn the right to keep his life and the tattoo engraved across the side of his neck.

With his thoughts racing back to the present, another blow to his chest landed heavy upon him.

For a moment, he thought he was staring at small moving stars, but they weren’t the kind of stars he enjoyed searching for at night. These were the kind that came from extreme pain to the body. His chest burned with pain as if one of the gigantic beasts with the nine horns had trampled him. His breath came in short ragged gasps as he attempted to suck in enough air.

He had failed, and this was the punishment—humiliation from the hand of the Khan in front of his master and partner.

He could hear Zane’s lack of concern as his master let out a low, short, and cold satisfying laugh

The partner Rex was supposed to trust stood there without taking any of the blame. They both knew Bane shared some responsibility for the failure. In Rex’s mind, he could see Bane grinning while watching his beating.

Clan code was summed up in one phrase, Do what thou wilt, as long as it is within the will of the Khan.

Compassion is a sign of weakness, and wrath is the true source of power. These lessons were drilled deep into him from an early age.

Rex glanced up, eyeing the many gold and jewel-encrusted objects scattered in the clan’s hall. This was the center of power for his clan. The place where rewards are given or punishment dealt.

As his gaze went farther up, it stopped at a massive fist encased in a cold metal gauntlet. The words You are a failure came from the same deep and controlled voice of Jin’ta.

Those words rang in his mind, repeating again and again.

The fist of Jin’ta hovered for only a second. Then before he realized what was happening, he saw the gauntlet move quickly, smashing down the side of his face, crashing into his temple.

Pain erupted, sending more stars flying across his vision.

I will not fail next time, he heard himself say inside his head. The details of the next job were running through his mind. Thoughts about Thunder Ridge and a creature of legend.

But before he had the chance to say these words to prove his commitment, darkness quickly closed in on his sight.

The pain was too much for his body to take. Slumping to the ground, all went black as he passed out on the floor. With his punishment complete, Rex, accompanied by Bane, would prove his worth or die trying.

Chapter 2

Shattered Glass and Lost Places

2 May year 502 GE

Thunder Ridge

Morning

The fire within the furnace burned hot. The intense heat radiated out through a hole about the size of an oversized orange from Trader Town.

In the workshop, where the window shutters were closed to make the room darker, eyes that appeared to be a maze of blue and green watched the bright flames dance about within the furnace.

Filled with everything that a craftsman would need, the young apprentice was surrounded by more than just a furnace full of molten glass and a bench to work at. In the room was an area to work with metal and a separate place with tools for woodworking. For hundreds of years, this workshop has been around, an important part of Thunder Ridge, passed down from one generation to the next. Only within the last couple of decades had it come under new ownership.

Behind him stood an older man, his mentor and owner of the workshop, who watched from under a heavy and unruly white brow. Patience, young man. His voice was rough, but full of kindness. You must have patience. Wait till you see the color you need. His mouth remained half open as he waited anxiously at this critical part in the process.