Spring Renewal

By Sarah Dawn

A calling deep inside.

A dream that no other can see.

Revenge on the man that ruined her life.

Aviva loves her land and her people, but treachery from eleven years past has etched bitterness deep inside her soul. Forever dreaming and royal to the core, she sets out on an adventure she deems to be right--an adventure that will lead her to victory or death.

But when she meets her enemies, she knows her life has changed forever. Will she be able to continue on her quest for revenge or trade her bitterness for renewal??

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886852424

Book preview

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Spring Renewal

Sarah Dawn

Copyright © 2022 by Sarah Dawn

All rights reserved. This book or any portion of it may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.

Cover illustrated by Lillian Page

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

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

Dedicated to Emma

My first fan, best friend, and sister

Acknowledgments

I want to thank everyone for making my dream to publish my very own book possible. First off, I want to thank my mom and dad for educating and always supporting me no matter the path I set off on. Their prayers and encouragement mean the world to me.

I also want to thank Lillian Page for the amazing artwork she did for my cover. I couldn’t be more pleased with the time, detail, and emotion poured into the cover for Spring Renewal.

Most of all I want to thank Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, for redeeming me as His daughter and allowing me to have the joy of creating stories and sharing them with others. I hope this book glorifies my Lord and is a sweet offering in some way.

Sincerely,

Sarah Dawn

1

There’s no time for that! Keep moving! my father exclaimed. His words echoed off the dirt, rocks, and roots.

But, Father! I protested.

No time! Father kept running, pulling me with him. In his other hand, he carried a lamp. A dark dampness shrouded us.

Here, sis. Shiloh, my little brother, handed me the bag I so desperately wanted to turn around and get.

Thanks, Shiloh, I told him.

In here! Father exclaimed. He pushed us both into a trapdoor. The slamming shut of the trapdoor behind us echoed on continuously, signally the ending of our lives.

The stone steps were cold against my bare feet. Every twist and turn of the dark tunnel led me further into an unknown territory. My heart beat a hundred miles an hour. Panic enthralled Shiloh’s face. Even though Father had kept his cool well, his sweat dripped off his brow.

This way, children, Father commanded. We followed Father to a stairway that led us up and out into a dry well. Cautiously we crawled out of the well.

Should we look back? Shiloh asked.

Father nodded. This will be the last time you—or I—will ever see the capital of Sharptine.

The look on Father’s face was so sad that my pain doubled. His clothes were wrecked, and his grey mustache drooped in sorrow.

Tearfully, Shiloh looked back at Nikae, capital of Sharptine. Fire and smoke billowed out into the black sky.

Sharptine is lost, Father said.

A teardrop lands onto the page. I look out the window. People are bustling around and working hard. There are many Bifune soldiers keeping the people in line. My people, I think resentfully.

The journal entry I just read was from eleven years ago. My father, brother, and I were running for our lives. The words that I had written so long ago on those pages couldn’t describe the hurt of that night.

Sharptine is the best country in the whole world—was anyway. My heart still aches with pain to see my countrymen being treated like dirt.

I flip through several more pages of my journal. Each page is a heart-wrenching account of the adjustments my family had to make. At least we are still alive, I remind myself.

Adjusting to common living was and is very difficult. If Father had not already been a skilled man, I don’t know how we would be surviving. It’s not that we don’t get waited on anymore nor that people don’t hold us in high regard; the problem is that we can no longer do anything to help our country. I know it hurts Father deeply. The country ran so smoothly before the Bifunes overtook the kingdom. If I ever get a hold of Father’s right-hand man, he won’t make it out alive.

I slam my old journal shut. Father had been king of Sharptine. He was Nosh the Superior, or Nosh III. Hammond was Father’s right-hand man. He chose greed and wealth over his country and friend. It was Hammond that let the Bifunes take over. My cheeks burn. Slimy, filthy—

Viv, I need your help! Shiloh calls.

Slipping my old journal back into its drawer, I hurry to find Shiloh. As I enter through the kitchen doorway, Shiloh and I nearly collide. The stack of bowls he is carrying wobble. Carefully I take some of the bowls and set them on the counter.

Shiloh, what are you doing? I ask. Shiloh’s blond hair stands on end, his brown eyes shining.

I made these! Father let me.

The enthusiasm in my brother’s voice brings a smile to my face. Shiloh is trying to learn how to make horseshoes and shod horses. He does well, but his creativity and imagination always take him further. Shiloh was born to be king of Sharptine. It’s molded so deeply into his veins, but he never talks about it. He doesn’t even care about it!

He holds out one of the metal bowls to me. I made this one for you, he says proudly. The silver bowl is covered with a flower-pattern indention.

I love it! Thank you! I praise.

Smiling modestly, he shrugs. Have you started on lunch?

I grin. No, but I will now.

Shiloh, where are you? Melchon is waiting! a voice from the other room calls.

Shiloh turns from his handiworks to leave. I’ll be back, he says with a sigh.

How are we going to get the kingdom back? How are you going to rule Sharptine? I blurt out.

Shiloh has always been the thoughtful and wise one even at fifteen. He gives me a sad smile. I don’t even think we have to go through this one, do we? he asks sympathetically.

Nodding, I say, Yes. Shiloh, you were born to be Nosh IV. It’s in your very blood.

Sister, you have been dreaming again, haven’t you? Shiloh laughs.

I shake my head. It’s not a dream. It’s a fact—a truth, I state.

Klavell comes walking into the kitchen—all business. Shiloh? he repeats in frustration.

You can blame her, Shiloh says, pointing to me.

Oh, go on. I’ve got work to do, I relent.

I’m coming, Klavell, Shiloh says obediently.

Klavell cracks a slight smile and leaves with Shiloh. Off to work at some farm, I’m sure.

As I boil rice, I get my current journal out and make myself comfortable at our table in the kitchen.

Here we are. We’ve lived like peasants along with every other Sharptine citizen. It’s awful and wrong. Those Bifunes need to be taught a lesson!

Noises from the street reach my ears before I can write further. I have to stand up to look out the windows. Seems to be a skirmish between some Bifunes and… Shiloh!

I drop my journal into my pocket before dashing outside. Let him go, I demand.

The soldiers raise my brother to his feet by the ear. This boy needs to be taught a lesson. You should know better than to get into an officer’s way! The soldier shoves Shiloh back down.

I move in front of Shiloh. Now! Move along! This is a place of business, and we have work to do. Maybe you guys should work rather than push down young men, I say stoutly.

You, a Sharp woman, dare talk to me in this manner? The officer glares down at me.

Yes, sir. Now go on. I nod, attempting to get the officers moving in the right direction.

Stop it, Viv, Shiloh says, pulling on my skirt.

No, they need to stop it, I say. My hair is coming out of its braid as my anger rises.

Take her away—immediately. The commander will have something to say about her.

Excuse me? I have work! I protest.

It doesn’t stop the soldiers from binding up my arms and leading me away.

Please! She didn’t mean it. She really didn’t, Shiloh begs.

Yes, I did! I respond.

The officers keep me walking without even looking back at my brother.

Shiloh, what happened? I hear Klavell on the scene now. Their voices fade as we make our procession to the jail.

Fellow Sharps clearly sympathize with me but avoid any eye contact. I’m a warning for them not to mess with Bifunes. My people…cowering before Bifunes. We were once a proud, peaceful nation with mighty warriors.

* * * * *

The town of Monos fades as we reach the jail. Darkness blocks out the sun. The jail is underground.

Once in my cell, the Bifunes leave me alone. I sit down and pull my pencil and journal out of my inner pocket. The only way to ever truly describe my feelings and thoughts are to write them down on paper.

This is my first experience in jail. It’s cold, clammy, and made of stones. Other than the fact it stinks and there’s nearly no light, it’s not so bad. The guards aren’t around. They probably don’t believe that I’m a threat. Little do they know I am the biggest threat they will ever face again.

Setting my jaw in determination, I quickly scribble out:

I will restore the country of Sharptine.

* * * * *

You’re back! Oh, Viv, I can’t believe you were so foolish! Shiloh scolds when I sneak into the house. He glances behind me. Where’s Klavell?

Klavell? What about him? I ask, confused.

Wait, you didn’t come here with Klavell? Shiloh asks.

I shake my head. No, I didn’t. What are you talking about?

Oh no. I see that look in your eyes. You escaped, didn’t you? Shiloh studies my face.

A faint smile that I can’t control appears. Yeah. It was pretty easy.

Why are you doing this, Aviva? Why? he protests, shaking his head.

Do not use that name! Father’s voice thunders from the doorway.

Shiloh takes a step back. He looks ashamed. I’m sorry, sir, he says with his head hung low.

Father’s intent eyes haven’t stopped blazing. What is this I hear about you escaping? What are you trying to do? Bring our family into the ground? We’ve already been ruined. Do not take our meager survival away! Father despairs.

I take a step back—in line with Shiloh.

Father marches toward us. This isn’t how you want to be, Viv. At least we are still alive.

Yes, but what is this existence if we do not do what we should have done a long time ago? I’m sick of hiding! I’m sick of letting the Bifunes swamp our land and murder our brothers and sisters, I blaze.

Father sits down at the table. Viv, I am an old man. I cannot do anything about this kingdom. There is no way we could win. The Bifune soldiers outnumber us.

If Father still had his mustache, it would be drooping. When we went into hiding, Father shaved his mustache and his hair. That’s how he wears it now so he won’t be identified.

It doesn’t matter, Father! We should be doing something. They not only took away our freedom, but they took away our mother, I say angrily. They must not get away with that.

Your Majesty, I have never seen such a strong-headed maiden—besides my sister, of course—than the princess.

Father looks up at Klavell seriously. You must never address us as that! You said you understood, Klavell. Don’t you see? We are both equals.

Klavell was with us when we were in power. So was his father.

I’m sorry, sir, apologizes Klavell. Turning to me, he says, You must be more careful! You escaped jail…how? And why? Did you think we wouldn’t come and get you?

Shrugging, I say, It was too easy to pass up.

Klavell shakes his head in disgust. Shiloh, we must go make sure that the shop is locked up. I will then retire, he announces.

I start to leave the kitchen for my room, but Father stops me. Sit down, Viv, he commands.

Ashamedly, I obey. I know you are mad at me, Father, but I cannot help it. I cannot seem to stop causing you and Shiloh problems.

Father holds up his hand, instructing me to listen without speaking. I probably have been too harsh. This new life hasn’t been an easy adjustment for any of us, especially you, but I cannot lose any more. I already failed my fellow countrymen as their leader and as a husband to Hania.

I shake my head and open my mouth to protest, but Father continues to hold up his hand. To speak would show great disrespect.

Why do you want to go back so badly? Do you crave power that much? he asks.

I shake my head vigorously. I don’t care for any power at all. I could be a peasant and live just fine that way—it’s for all the others. Don’t you see the suffering of our fellow Sharps? They live in poverty and slavery. How can I stand by and allow it? I question.

Father nods wisely. You are just like your mother was. The Bifunes did not kill her, Viv. You know that.

I don’t say anything.

Your mother was sick ever since she had Shiloh. The stress of running a country and having another baby just made her worse. Father looks so sad.

Anger kindles inside of me. Yes, and the Bifunes took my little brother! I lash out.

We don’t have proof of that, Viv.

No matter what, my mind is already made up. I know that I cannot change it. Yes. They killed my mother and took Shadow, I say stoutly.

Viv, you cannot cause any more trouble. None at all, okay? If you want to keep the little brother that you have with you, then you will just perform your duties as an excellent daughter and housekeeper. Father looks off at the door. Besides…you’d make a lovely wife for someone.

You mean Klavell? I ask.

Father nods. Klavell is a good man, Viv. The two of you would make a great family—if you can put aside this nonsense.

I sigh and clench my fist. I will leave then.

Father looks at me in shock. What do you mean leave? he asks.

I won’t let you guys down, and I will keep you guys safe by leaving.

Father shakes his head. You can’t leave, Aviva, he says, slipping up on my name.

I grin. Thought the name was Viv, I say.

It is. You mustn’t use your real name.

Getting up, I start raiding food for the trip. Except I am not Viv. I am Aviva.

Father looks totally confused. He looks toward the door where my brother is now standing. Shiloh and he exchange places.

Viv, you can’t leave. I won’t let you, Shiloh implores.

I’ll be back. You take care of Father, and I will take care of your future.

Shiloh shakes his head. Viv, I don’t care about my future—not as king anyways. That just won’t happen. You have to face reality. What can you do? You weren’t a soldier. You were just a princess, Shiloh tries.

I light a candle from the lamp sitting on the kitchen table. Follow me, I say softly.

Shiloh follows with a sigh to the cellar. I open a chest that has my belongings. Lifting out a sack, I set it onto the ground with a sigh. Remember this? I question.

Shiloh nods. Of course. This is what I grabbed for you the night we were running for our lives.

I nod. Indeed. It is time for you to see what is on the inside. I take out the contents, revealing an outfit, dagger, and bow and arrows.

Shiloh’s eyes open wide. How…where did you get these? Whose were they? he asks breathlessly.

Mother’s. Before Mother had you, she was a skilled warrior, I say.

Shiloh looks at me in shock.

These were Mother’s? he asks.

I nod. Yes. Mother gave them to me before she died.

Do you really believe Hammond took our little brother? Shiloh asks thoughtfully.

I nod. Setting down the candle, I look straight into Shiloh’s eyes. After Mother had you, she was always weak. As you know, when you were five, Mother had Shadow. That weakened her even more. Do you remember when she was very sick, but the baby seemed fine? A year later? I ask.

Wait, that’s not right. Shadow was sick too. The doctor said so, he says. His eyes scrunch up in confusion.

"Yes. That is what the doctor said. According to Mother’s journal, though—"

You have Mother’s journal? Shiloh asks in shock.

Only the last half of her last journal, I explain.

Shiloh shakes his head in disbelief and wonder.

"According to Mother’s journal, there was nothing wrong with Shadow, but there was something wrong with that doctor. She had many notes on how suspicious she actually was of the doctor’s medicine. Mother knew that she was getting weaker and wouldn’t be around much longer. This was the time when the Bifunes started attacking us—which they did all the way up until Hammond gave them the kingdom. The night Mother died, she had written in her journal a few hours before. Here, I’ll read it to you," I say, pulling out the pieces of paper.

Shiloh just stares in awe.

I know that my time is running out. The doctor has convinced everyone that Shad and I will die, but Shad is in perfect health. I do not know how to save my youngest prince. I am afraid that his fate will be much different than any of my other children. Nevertheless, something good will come from this. I stop reading the rest of her last words. I know them by heart.

Is that all? Shiloh asks.

Enough for now.

My mind automatically reads the very last of Mother’s journal:

To my one and only daughter, Aviva. To her I give my bow and arrow, dagger, and warrior tunic. She will know how to use it when the time is right. If Aviva the Warrior ever needs help, she must go to the country of Atarakia. The Power there will help her.

I choose to have Mother’s words etched into my head so I can be successful on my journey.

Viv, you’re not really going, are you? Shiloh asks, realizing what I’ve chosen.

Yes. Keep your bright mind and help Father all you can. I will not be returning until Sharptine is freed…or until I die. One of the two.

You won’t return? There’s a chance I won’t see you again? Shiloh asks in horror.

I nod. Yes. I can’t lead anyone back to you or Father.

Shiloh shakes his head. Or you could just stay here and marry Klavell. He’s a really good guy. I think you two would be perfect for each other.

I stand up. No. I know what I have to do. Father is too old, and I have to keep you safe. I am the only one that can do this.

Shiloh shakes his head. You’re protecting me? Why? I should be protecting you.

Because you are the heir. I put all of Mother’s belongings back in the sack.

* * * * *

Back up in my room, Shiloh leaves me to pack and change. I check my outfit in the glass. Shiloh’s pants go well with Mother’s tunic—though the whole outfit is a little big and baggy. I hide the dagger on me and put the bow and arrow on my back. I am ready. I tell the girl staring at me in the reflection.

Out in the kitchen the lamp is lit, and Bethanne is sitting at the table nervously.

Bethanne is a lovely older woman that was with us in the castle. She was one of our outstanding cooks. Not long after we went into hiding, Bethanne showed up and has stayed ever since.

She stands up as soon as she sees me. Viv, I implore that you don’t do this. Don’t be foolish, she begs.

I’m not. No one ever thought Mother was.

But your mother was different. Please don’t. You don’t even have the proper training, Bethanne implores.

I have more than you think, I retort. I grew up with brothers, not sisters, so when I was younger, what do you think I did? I hung out with the young soldiers and acquired training. Mother insisted that I at least completed basic training.

Bethanne looks tragic.

Will you take good care of Father and Shiloh? I ask.

I have for years, she says with a reserved sigh.

I nod. Yes, you have. You did a fantastic job at the palace, and if you ever need any help, Felista lives just down the street. She’s a wonderful girl and will always give a helping hand. I instruct. Though younger than me, Felista has been one of my dearest friends that I’ve made in captivity.

Bethanne nods. So where are you heading first? she asks.

I cannot say. If for some reason anyone ever got questioned, you and my family can honestly say you do not know. I grab a good load of apples while I continue to instruct. Get Vevivia to come live here. She can take my spot and become something of a daughter to Father. She can also help you, and since her name has Viv in it, you can call her that. Viv is sweet and good. She just needs a little polishing.

Vevivia is an orphan that lives with another family, but they are looking to rehome her since they are having twins and moving. I know Viv would love to live here, and good old Bethanne would do wonders for her.

You never know—maybe she can marry Klavell, I mutter.

Something of a snort comes from Bethanne. I don’t know how well that’d sit with Klavell. He’s been eyeing you since you were growing up in the palace. I mean, you did grow up together.

I nod. Yes. Viv would make a better match for him then I ever could. Besides, what Sharp man would let his wife do what I am about to do?

No one, Bethanne admits.

Precisely, I say.

Father and Shiloh come in now. I cannot stop you, can I? Shiloh pleads.

No, I admit.

I give Father and Bethanne a kiss on the cheek, and to Shiloh, I pull his hair. He has tears in his eyes. Father does too.

I am leaving for your sake and Shiloh’s, Father. I do not want to bring you trouble, I try to reason.

Father opens the door to the house. I brace myself for words of disgrace. And you leave with a blessing. May your adventures be fruitful, daughter.

Now I have tears in my eyes.

Bethanne speaks up. Don’t forget, dearie, revenge isn’t yours.

Shiloh kicks his feet around. I support you, but I don’t advise what you are about to do.

I smile at each of them. Thank you, each of you. Give my best of luck to Klavell, I say tearfully. Shutting the door, I race out into the darkness, allowing the moon to be my light and guide for the night.

I must reach the country of Atarakia. This will be an adventure of a lifetime…if I live long enough for that!

2

I have been traveling now for two days. The woods seem to go on forever, almost as if I am lost. All I can do is follow