The Broken Pyromancer: The Shattered Realm, #1

By Oskar Soderberg

Sarien yearns for a life of adventure, like his father's. Instead, he's stuck mucking out stables so the nobles don't accidentally get dirt on their polished boots.

 

His chance finally presents itself when a whole village's worth of people suddenly disappears. The noble house's oldest son needs extra men to hunt for whoever, or whatever, is responsible. Under cover of darkness, a ferocious beast attacks the group. In moments, they're all on the ground, wounded and helpless.

In a moment of desperation, Sarien discovers a swelling spark inside him. A flame dances in the palm of his hand, the flame of a pyromancer! Only, this one is stark white and cold, rather than burning hot. That's wrong, all wrong.

 

All pyromancers in Eldsprak are under the authority of The Burning Tower of Firemagi, even the broken ones. Sarien is finally getting the adventure he's craved for so long, but will he burn strong, or smolder away?

 

With otherworldly threats spilling into their world from somewhere beyond, Sarien and his newfound friends could be all that stands between this new threat and complete annihilation. If he doesn't come into his strange and broken powers, everything might be lost.

 

For fans of fantasy adventures, this book is a must-read! Join Sarien and his friends as they embark on a journey that will test their courage, strength, and loyalty. With high stakes, epic battles, and a dash of magic, this is a story you won't want to miss.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oskar Soderberg
• Release date: Mar 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9789198826128

Book preview

ONE

Wet grime trickled into his soft leather boots, soaking Sarien’s feet, as he slowly made his way through the stall, careful not to get too close to the horse. The horse snuffled, looked at Sarien blankly, and returned to sleep. He let out an exhale. This one liked to bite.

Sarien pulled on his foot and it came away from the muck with a sucking sound that sent a shudder of disgust down his spine. At least this time, his boot didn’t come off. Why do we have to get up before first light to muck out the horse crap? he muttered, reaching over the low wooden divider to grab a shovel.

Ben laughed from one of the other stalls. The noble Karm family might step in some dung during their morning ride if we didn’t!

What are you so happy about? Sarien grumbled. Ben hung a tiny lantern on a pillar in the middle of the stables. The light cast a small glow that fell short of the shadows lining the stable walls.

In the stalls, the two young men moved blindly, cleaning out the stalls by touch and the familiarity of having performed the same chore every morning for years. Shouldn’t you be in the kitchen helping out your mother, or at the mill? Anything would be better than this, no?

The dull thud of manure hitting the wheelbarrow told Sarien that Ben was just about finished in his stall.

I don’t mind the stables, Ben said. The horses are nice and the smell ain’t that bad, you know? Also, we get to work together! Perhaps your da will take me to train with you?

Well, yeah. I’m glad you’re here too, Sarien admitted. At least I’m not the only one smelling like dung all the time. He heaved a shovel load of manure into the wheelbarrow. Most of it landed where it was supposed to. Sarien sighed. But I’m not sure he’ll ever take me out hunting. Did you know he won’t even let me touch a bow?

Of course, I know. You keep whining about it. They let us ride sometimes, at least.

Ben’s relentless optimism never failed to put Sarien in a better mood. The short young man went through life seeing the happy coincidences and enjoyed every little nugget of gold found in the horse crap that was their occupation. Did you ask about riding today?

One of the horses snorted, as if making fun of them. I did, Ben replied.

And?

The gangly young man turned to give Sarien his widest grin. The stablemaster said we could as long as we don’t take Trillian’s or Hacha’s horses. Or your da’s. Imagine if we rode Talc’s horse, huh?

My father would skin us alive if we even tried to saddle his beast, much less ride it, Sarien said, edging out of the stall to get away from that very horse. So we can go when we’re done here?

Ben nodded. Sure. Your da won’t mind?

I’m sure he’s going off on some hunt, an errand for Karm, or something fun. Keeps saying he’s too busy to teach me anything.

Well, at least we get to ride, Ben said. Ever the optimist.

At least we get to ride, Sarien agreed. His father always said he’d teach Sarien archery, tracking, and bushcraft once he was older and more experienced, whatever that meant, but it never happened.

At eighteen, Sarien was already considered a man by most, except his own father. He knew he lacked the knowledge and experience to become a proficient huntsmaster like his father and worried about what would happen when he eventually retired from the post. It didn’t make any sense why Talc avoided training his own son. Sarien gritted his teeth. It was a waste of time thinking about it. No matter how much he begged his father to train him, his pleas fell on deaf ears.

Sarien continued on to the next stall where a fresh pile of manure waited for him.

Soft morning sunlight streamed in through the stable windows when the two of them were nearly done. Just one more stall, then they’d wash up and head for the kitchen and get some breakfast from Ben’s mother, Lilian. She was the estate’s head cook and always made sure they got plenty to eat.

Sarien’s stomach growled as he entered the last stall, where the horse belonging to Trillian waited. He was the oldest child and only son of Hacha and was next in line to inherit the whole Karm estate and the title that went with it, and he lived to remind Sarien of that fact whenever he had the chance. He was, without a doubt, a royal pain in Sarien’s butt.

The stable door banged open. Good morning!

Sarien winced and glanced up. Shit, he’s here, and he brought his friends. The two boys glanced at each other, a silent message passing between them, before they hurriedly went to work.

Trillian’s three large friends chuckled. They all looked remarkably alike with their wide shoulders, strong arms, and dull expressions, but they weren’t brothers. Ola, the redhaired one with the wide nose, was the son of one of the lumberjacks and helped out in the forest cutting timber. Perti was a little taller than the other two and worked in the mill carrying sacks of grain around all day. Both Perti and Hein, the third of them, had light brown hair. Hein worked as a blacksmith’s apprentice and was squat with thick arms like tree-trunks.

All three were commoners but hung around Trillian, because he didn’t have any other nobles to socialize with. Sarien once overheard him beg Hacha to send him to Fyrie, the capital, so he could make proper friends, but Hacha refused.

Just keep your head down, Ben whispered. Don’t let him get to you.

The two horse boys! Trillian said, a sneer in his voice so obvious Sarien didn’t have to look up to see it on his face. Saddle my horse for me, horse boys!

Sarien clenched his jaw so hard that it began to ache. The saddles are over there, he said, pointing at the far wall while keeping his tone as even as possible. I’m sure you know how it’s done.

Ben gave him a quick wide-eyed look. I’ll do it, hold on a moment. He opened the stall and guided the horse out before running across the stable to fetch a saddle.

Trillian waited patiently, watching with a smug grin on his face, and then patted Ben on the shoulder when he was done. That’s a good lad. At least one of you know how to respond to your betters.

Ben’s face turned beet red but he said nothing. Trillian turned to his friends with the horse’s reins in his hand. Let’s get out of here, the boys smell worse than the stables themselves!

Manure flew through the air and splattered Trillian, covering the entire right side of his body. His face was smeared with crap and his fine clothes ruined.

Sarien looked from his shovel, to Trillian, and then back again in wonder. He hadn’t thought. He’d just done it. There would be hell to pay, but he squared his shoulders and said, Don’t talk to Ben like that, or next time you’ll be eating it!

Ben, Trillian, and his three very large friends stared at him in silent disbelief for a moment, then Trillian’s blank expression turned into pure rage.

Oh shit, was all Sarien had time to say before the four men jumped onto him, tumbling him to the floor, and flattened him face first into the muck.

Worth it, Sarien mumbled as he stepped into the chilly water. The river started somewhere up in the mountains that separated their remote part of the kingdom of Eldsprak from the kingdom of Loft. He didn’t know much about the neighboring country other than how they used aeromancers, the wind mages, to sail their ships faster than any other kingdom’s. That speed meant they ruled over the oceans, though, nowadays it was mainly the merchants who enriched themselves with trade. No use for battleships in a time of peace that had lasted for hundreds of years.

Sarien sighed and dunked his head under water. They were far from such things here on the Karm estate and he wouldn’t ever likely see a ship in his lifetime.

Was it? Really? Ben asked when Sarien came up for air. He sat drying on a rock after having washed himself in a hurry.

Sarien winced. Sorry, I didn’t think they would come after you too.

At least they didn’t beat me, Ben said. Just the horse poop.

So much poop, Sarien agreed. Trillian was not prone to mercy at the best of times. He and his friends hadn’t been satisfied until Sarien was all but unconscious.

How are the bruises? Ben asked.

They’ll heal, Sarien said.

Do you think they’ll still let us go riding?

Sarien shook his head and water spattered from his short, light brown hair. I don’t think so. He swam to the edge of the river and pulled his clothes in with him. He scrubbed them vigorously. They’d need a good rinsing before he’d put them back on.

Ben ran a hand through his mop of brown hair. What do you think your da will say?

Guess we’ll soon know, Sarien said, pointing over Ben’s shoulder. Talc, his father, the huntsmaster, approached and he did not look pleased. Talc’s eyes made him look old beyond his years and the short-clipped dark beard only added to that image. With his impressive height and broad shoulders, the man could cut an imposing figure even if he looked a little thin.

I think I’m going to go. Ben hurriedly gathered his clothes and scampered off without waiting for a reply.

Talc walked up to the edge of the water and threw a bundle on the ground. Get out of there, Sarien. He sounded tired and exasperated, rather than angry. That was good, wasn’t it? On closer inspection, he looked a little disheveled, as if he’d been pulled out of bed to answer for Sarien’s actions.

Sarien pointed to the bundle. What’s that?

Brought you some clothes. Heard yours might be a little dirty.

A little. Sarien got out of the water and dressed without drying himself off. The warm air would take care of that soon enough. Late summer was turning into fall, but it was still warm enough in the middle of the morning. You spoke to Hacha?

He nodded. I did.

And?

What do you expect? He isn’t happy that you humiliated his son.

You know how Trillian is! He made fun of us. Made fun of Ben!

Talc sighed and sat down on the ground. Hacha knows his son well. That’s why there won’t be any punishments. They could have you whipped for this, you know?

Whipped? Sarien asked incredulously. You’re joking? He started it!

He is a noble. You are not. But like I said, that won’t happen.

Sarien narrowed his eyes. This is your fault, you know? I should be out there with you hunting, not cleaning out the stables!

Talc barked a laugh. My fault? You’ve really showed that you’re mature enough to handle something more than mucking out the stalls today. He sighed again. What I’m trying to say is it’s important to pick your battles. You’re never going to beat Trillian at this game.

So, I should just not stand up for my friend? For myself? Sarien was both taller and stronger than Trillian. Sure, most of that muscle came from shoveling crap, but he was pretty sure he could best the noble son in a one-to-one fight.

You should always stand up for yourself. Just pick your fights and your moment. You and Trillian have been butting heads for nearly all of your lives. You should both know better. That’s why we’re sending the two of you on a task. Both Hacha and I hope that this will bring the two of you closer together.

Sarien perked up. A task? He frowned. With Trillian?

Don’t mess up this chance, Talc admonished. You don’t know how uncommon it is to have a house ruled by a noble who doesn’t just trample on the commoners in his employ. This is your chance to prove that you can rise above the petty squabbles and show that you’re ready for something other than the stables.

So, what's the task? Sarien asked.

His father grinned. I knew you’d be interested. His smile faded away. We’ve had word from a nearby village, Kalstram. Some people went missing. A few were found dead, their bodies torn apart by large claws. The rest of the villagers have run off, refusing to return unless Hacha sends some people to investigate. We thought it would be a good test for you and Trillian, to make sure you can work together. If you’re to become huntsmaster in the future, you and he will need to put your differences aside.

People disappeared and were killed? Sarien fidgeted with his dirty clothes. Are you coming?

No, Talc said. I have some other issues that I need to deal with. This is probably nothing more than a bear who wandered too close to the village. We will send a few soldiers with you and Trillian, so there should be no issue. You can handle this, right?

Sarien stood. Of course! I’ll make you proud, father. What about Ben?

I talked to Griswold. He has agreed to let you take out the horses. Ben can accompany you. Just be careful.

Sarien nodded vigorously. We’ll be careful. So, what are we supposed to do? Find the bear and kill it?

Scare it off, if possible. If not, you have our permission to kill it. Bears can be quite strong and fast, so you better be ready for a fight. Trillian will take the lead so you will have to learn how to swallow your pride and take orders from him. He'll make sure you get proper weapons. Something easy to use, since you have no experience. Can you follow him in this?

Fine. I’ll do what he says. Where are you going?

Nowhere in particular, I’m just a very busy man. You better hurry. The others are already getting ready to leave.

I’ll be off then, father. Don't wait up!

The others were indeed ready to leave when Sarien returned to the estate. Ben sat quietly on a horse and waited apart from Trillian, three of his friends, and a young woman Sarien hadn't seen before.

Trillian greeted him with a sneer. So, you're finally here. My father said you have to follow my commands, so you better do as I say. Do you understand?

Sarien lowered his eyes. I understand. He glanced around. Where are the soldiers? My father said we would have an escort.

Trillian barked a short laugh, his friends joining in. We don't need soldiers. My companions here will be enough, of course. He turned to the young woman and his voice grew even more arrogant. You don't have to worry about your safety, dear. I will take care of you. I apologize for these two ruffians but I'm afraid my father did not leave me much choice in the matter.

She shrugged and replied, I don't mind. Just make sure whatever it is you're hunting does not come after me.

Of course. You're perfectly safe in my company. Trillian turned to address the group as Sarien mounted the lone riderless horse. It's a bit less than an hour's ride to the village. We’ll follow the road for a while then turn off and cross the fields to shorten the journey. Once there, we’ll search the village and deal with whatever we find. Understand?

Ben nudged his horse to close the distance between him and Sarien. Do you think it's a monster? I bet it's a monster.

I don't think there are any monsters in Eldsprak, Sarien whispered back. It's probably a bear, like my father said.

Ben shook his head. I bet it's a monster.

Once they’d set out down the gravel path from the estate that would take them to the main road, Ben handed over a paper-wrapped packet to Sarien. From my mom. The thought of you going without breakfast made her anxious. She said we couldn’t have that.

Sarien gratefully accepted and unwrapped the paper to find a bread roll stuffed with a thick slice of hard cheese and several strips of bacon. Sarien tore into it enthusiastically, relishing every bite. She takes care of me like I’m your brother or something. Can't fault her for that, right?

Ben shrugged. I guess.

When he finished, Sarien tucked the paper into his pocket. So, what about weapons? Sarien called out so his question would carry over to Trillian who rode some distance ahead.

Trillian ignored him, but Ben answered, There is a weapon cache near the village. We are going to stop there, according to Trillian.

I hope he’s not lying, Sarien said. They are all carrying swords. What are we supposed to use?

Spears, if they have any? Ben said. I won’t mind some distance between us and whatever we are supposed to fight.

Sarien shook his head. A spear would be fine. I wish I knew how to shoot a bow, that would be even better.

A little while later, they turned away from the road and started across a field of grass dotted by large boulders. Just as Ben said, they eventually made it to a cabin. Deer horns were affixed above the door and when Sarien peeked through a gap in the shuttered windows, he saw pelts and skins on the floor and walls.

What is this place? he asked.

Trillian sighed and gestured to a small shack right next to the house. My father said you’d find weapons in there. This place is used by the village’s hunters, apparently. Now hurry it up, I want this done before sundown.

Ben dismounted and hurried over to the shack. He opened the door then turned back. There are only staves in here.

So, take a stave, Trillian said. We four have steel enough to deal with whatever animal is terrorizing the villagers.

Sarien accepted one from Ben. Maybe there are more weapons in the house?

No, Trillian said. My father told us to grab what we needed from the shack. That was it. Let’s go.

But we can’t fight with these, Sarien protested.

Are you going to argue and disobey me? Trillian asked, his voice dangerous. Good luck following in your father’s footsteps then.

Fine, Sarien grumbled. I’ll just beat the bear to death with a stick.

TWO

The village was eerily quiet. Not a sound to be heard. Not from humans or animals, nor from whatever chased them away.

A thrumming began in Sarien’s chest, something more than a sense of unease. Something he hadn’t felt before. A beat. Almost like his own heartbeat, except it and his heartbeat didn’t match up.

Sarien tried to shake the sensation off and focused on what was in front of his eyes. Everyone is just gone.

Trillian waved for Sarien and Ben to approach the rest of the group where they’d stopped a little way off. Neither him nor his friends looked very bold now that they’d arrived. The strange quiet was getting to them as well. Check the nearest houses to see if anyone stayed behind.

You want us to go alone? With the sticks? Sarien asked, holding up the stave.

Trillian shrugged. You do as I say or when we return home, I can inform your father and mine how you willfully disobeyed me.

Fine, Sarien said. He thought it unlikely that a bear would be hiding inside one of the houses.

The village was tiny with only one main road and a smaller one running parallel. Three rows of buildings lined them, mainly homes. A few farms dotted the horizon, but their main concern was the village itself. At the end of the road sat an inn, the only two-story building in the village.

Sarien and Ben approached the closest house and knocked. There was no answer. Sarien leaned in closer to the door. Hello? Nothing.

They’re all gone, Ben said. They both looked back to Trillian and his friends, as if asking what to do next.

Well, go on. Try the door. Ben and Sarien looked at each other and shrugged. Sarien tried the door handle and it swung open without a sound. The inside was a mess. It looked like the people who lived here had gathered their belongings in a hurry before running off.

Do you really think a bear would have scared these people like this? Ben asked.

I don't know, but I don’t like this, Sarien said. He turned back to Trillian again. They all left!

Trillian released a heavy sigh and rode closer. Do I have to do everything myself? You two go down the side street and check the houses there. Every one, mind you. He turned to his friends You three, check the buildings on the main road. I’ll stay here with Lady Trishan to make sure she's protected. Return here when you're done, or yell if you find someone.

Ola, Perti, and Hein dismounted and drew their swords. They hurried down the road, splitting up and each disappearing into a building.

What’s the plan if we don’t find anything? Sarien asked, watching as Perti exited one house and shook his head in the negative before moving onto the next. What do we know about what happened here? My father mentioned claw marks. Anything else?

Just go and do what you’re told. Leave the thinking to your betters, Trillian answered.

The thumping in Sarien’s chest hadn’t stopped. If anything, it changed a little, or perhaps his sense of it was getting better. There was a direction to it now. Like a pulling force that wanted him to go east. He looked in that direction but saw nothing but hills and more rocky grassland. What’s over there? he muttered.

What’s that? Ben asked.

Sarien looked up, startled. What? Oh, nothing. He blinked and then turned to go. Let’s get this over with. I’m sure the rest of the houses will be empty too.

They were. All of them. Not a single villager stayed behind. The group gathered outside the inn.

Now what? Ola asked, his voice almost a whisper. Sarien wasn’t sure he’d ever heard the man speak before.

The young noblewoman hugged herself and kept glancing at the shadows between the buildings. I don’t like this, Tril. Why don’t we just ride back?

There is no need to worry, Lady Trishan, Trillian said, patting the scabbard at his side. Not as long as I have this.

What then? Sarien asked.

The last attack occurred at night. We’ll stay here and wait for it to return, he said, pointing at the inn.

You want to stay the night? Ben asked, his voice uncertain.

We will stay the night, Trillian repeated. And I don’t want any whining out of any of you. This has to work out.

Work out? Ben asked.

Never mind! Trillian barked. He waved to the inn. Just do as I say!

All they could do was wait for night to fall. Sarien thought they could have ridden out into the country to investigate the surroundings, but Trillian didn’t give that order and would probably have bitten Sarien’s head off if he tried to suggest it.

The group sat in the main room of the inn after raiding the cabinets for food. There was plenty to eat and even some opened casks of wine. Sarien drank deeply, the wine providing some much-needed warmth.

Ben came out of the kitchen with an excited grin on his face. He held up two large knives and a bundle of thin rope. Look!

Knives? Sarien asked.

That’s right!

What about them?

You said you wanted a spear, didn’t you? Ben proffered the items. Well, now we can!

Oh! Sarien said. Good idea, Ben!

Lisa always says you’re the pretty one and I’m the smart one.

Sarien raised his brow. She said what?

Ben laughed. Those big eyes of yours and the wide mouth. She says you’re pretty, like a girl.

I’m not sure that’s a compliment, Sarien said, accepting a knife and a length of rope. And I’m even less sure you’re the smart one.

Of course, I’m the smart one. You’re doing that all wrong.

Sarien was trying to tie the knife to the staff, but the knife kept slipping free. So, you’re an expert on spear making too?

It’s kind of obvious when you think about it, you can’t just tie the thing to the stick. You do it like this, Ben said and produced a hammer he’d found somewhere. He placed his blade against the top and struck it with the hammer so it dug into the wood. A few more strikes and the wood parted about a hand’s breadth down the middle. Once that was done, Ben placed the knife down on the floor and struck the handle a few times until it broke off. With the blade free, he placed it into the split wood and then tied the rope around it.

Sarien couldn’t help but be impressed. How did you know to do that?

Told you I’m the smart one, Ben said, handing over the spear and grabbing Sarien’s stave. My da makes a lot of things for the stables himself without asking the smith. It isn’t that difficult.

You are full of surprises.

Ben grinned. With this, we’re ready for anything!

Outside, the day was drawing to a close. They would soon find if whatever had haunted the village still lingered just out of sight.

The tugging in Sarien’s chest didn’t stop. It made him want to head east. His left hand tingled with pins and needles. Sarien held it out in front of his face and flexed it. There was no difference that he could see, but it was almost as if something occupied the left side of his body.

Are you listening? Trillian said, pulling Sarien out of his own head.

What?

You are on first watch. I just told you.

You want me to go out there alone? In the dark?

Trillian rolled his eyes. Do you have to question everything I tell you to do? He raised a fist in front of Sarien’s face. This is it. Show me, your father, and my father that you have what it takes. You have your little spear and I'm not asking you to fight anything by yourself. If you see anything, you yell for us. Don’t try to be a hero. He opened the fist and put it on Sarien’s shoulder, smiling. I don't want to have to be the one to tell your father you died.

Sarien looked to Ben who shrugged and gave him a weak smile. The three brothers remained silent, and the young lady was picking at her nails.

I'll do it, Sarien said. Sarien was terrified but didn't want to show it. He opened the front door of the inn and stepped outside.

Lamplight shone through the inn windows. The light only reached a few steps, before darkness overwhelmed the village. It wasn’t just dark. It was pitch black. Sarien turned away from the inn, putting the light behind him, and waited for his eyes to adjust. He gripped the makeshift spear until his knuckles whitened from the pressure.

Without thinking, he moved in the direction of the tugging inside his chest. The sensation soothed him. A sound brought him out of the daze. He blinked. It sounded like someone stepping on the dirt path and came from the other side of the house that stood directly in front of him. He heard it again.

He stepped back slowly and turned to face the comforting sight of the inn. He was about to break into a run when a single word broke the silence around him.

Help.

Sarien spun on his heels, his breath caught in his throat. Now he knew that whatever was out in the night wasn’t a bear. Unless it was an exceptionally clever one that could speak.

Hello? he called out softly.

Help.

A woman’s voice, but rough and flat. There was no fear in the voice. No emotion at all.

A cold shiver ran down his spine, but he shook it off and took a step toward where he thought he heard the voice last.

Help.

Sarien did not call out again, but he stepped forward. All he wanted was to run and get the others, but what if there was someone under attack? There were no sounds of struggle, but the person might be trapped.

With the spear held out in front of him, Sarien rounded the corner and peered into the darkness. He cursed himself for not bringing a lantern. He learned when he was younger that he possessed the ability to see better than others in the dark, on account of his large eyes his father said, but he struggled to make out the form before him.

Sarien squinted and saw the silhouette of someone crouching on the path. Are you well?

The person stood up and barely reached his waist. A child? Sarien took a step forward but stopped abruptly. Something was wrong with the child’s shape. Its arms dragged on the ground. Sarien took a hasty step back.

The creature’s strangely long, tapered fingers reached out to him. Help.

It followed as Sarien backed out of the narrow passageway between the houses and toward the inn. As they rounded the corner, light glinted off the creature’s fingers. Not fingers. Claws.

Sarien screamed and pulled back. He tripped and fell, then flipped onto his stomach and pushed himself up and ran as fast as his legs could carry him. A sudden sharp pain seared into his arm and he cried out, dropping his spear.

Sarien looked over his shoulder to find the creature standing next to a covered well.

Smooth, rounded face with no holes for eyes. A small mouth with lips curled back to reveal sharp, pin-like teeth. In one hand, it held the severed head of a young woman with her eyes rolled back, showing the whites against the monstrous pitch-black skin of the creature. The woman’s mouth bobbed up and down as if jerked on a string and said, Help.

Sarien screamed.

He turned to run the last few steps to the inn and almost cried tears of happiness when Trillian barged out of the front door with his friends close behind him. All four had their swords dawn. Ben followed with his spear while Lady Trishan peered out from the doorway.

What? Trillian barked, scanning the surrounding area. Did you see it?

Sarien almost fell as he turned to point at the creature. All he saw was the empty road. It was right there!

What was it? Ben asked, his eyes wide and his mouth set in a nervous half-smile, as if he didn’t know if he should be frightened or excited.

I don’t know. A monster! Sarien stammered.

Lady Trishan’s voice sounded shrill from inside the inn. We’re going right now, Trillian. Do you hear me?

Trillian waved at her. In a moment, dear, then pointed his sword at Sarien. Are you sure it wasn’t a bear?

Yes! Sarien yelled. It was right there! He pointed again, a flash of movement caught his eye off to his right. There! Did you see it?

Trillian turned in the direction he’d indicated. I can’t see a damned thing.

It’s out there, Sarien whispered. About the size of a child. It has claws, sharp teeth. Sarien pointed at his own face. No eyes!

I swear if this is a trick, Trillian said, his eyes scanning the darkness. His pale expression said that he wished Sarien was trying to scare him.

Sarien held up his injured arm. The cloth of his sleeve was torn and a bright red line marked his skin. The creature had only grazed him. I’m not!

I saw something! Perti exclaimed, pointing one thick finger into the night.

Trillian took a deep breath then let it out in a harsh shudder. Here’s what we do. If the stable boy isn’t lying, we need to get Lady Trishan to safety. Let’s get the horses.

The horses. They’d left them in the inn’s stable, a small structure beside the main building. What had they been thinking, leaving the defenseless animals all by themselves? Sarien ran back a few steps and grabbed his spear laying in the grass. They moved as one to the stable with Lady Trishan walking in the middle of their group. Her head swiveled back and forth like a bird’s trying to see in every direction at the same time.

Sarien breathed out a sigh of relief when he saw that the stable doors were intact and the horses unharmed.

Are we all going to leave? Ben asked.

Trillian shook his head as he backed into the stable. No. We came here with a job to do. We’re not leaving until it’s done.

You’re not going to have me leave by myself, are you? Lady Trishan shrieked.

The question seemed to stump Trillian for a moment, but then he settled on a decision. No, of course not. My trusted friend Perti here will ride with you back to the estate. The rest of us will return once this beast is dealt with. He turned to Sarien and Ben. You two, saddle the lady’s horse and Perti’s.

Sarien didn’t want to relinquish his spear. He knew it was the only weapon standing between him and a terrible death, so he saddled the horse quickly without complaint.

Sarien and Ben led the horses out of the stables. Trillian exchanged a few words with Lady Trishan and then smacked the horse’s rump, causing it to bolt forward. Be safe!

Sarien watched anxiously as Lady Trishan and Perti rode straight through the village. As they passed the first house, a shadow flew at the two riders, latching onto Perti’s horse. Perti’s body stiffened before slumping forward. Lady Trishan’s screams filled the air as Perti’s head slid free from the rest of his body and rolled into the dirt.

Sarien watched in horror as dark blood pumped from the decapitated body, soaking Lady Trishan as she grabbed the reins and veered her horse sharply away from the carnage. It looked like the creature was drinking from what remained of Perti’s neck, but it was difficult to tell in the dark.

Lady Trishan’s screams faded as she rode off into the night.

Now! Trillian shouted, drawing his sword. The five of them ran to intercept Perti’s terrified horse. It cried out, bucking erratically to shake off Perti’s body whose feet were still strapped into the stirrups. The creature held on tightly, focused only on its meal.

Sarien reached the horse and its riders first and thrust out his spear at the creature. He missed, the attack slow and clumsy, and struck the ground. He fell, the momentum too swift for him to stop.

Thankfully, Trillian and Ben fared a little better. Neither of them struck it, but at least they didn’t fall and embarrass themselves.

The eyeless monster slashed with its clawed hand and hopped off Perti’s body. It backed away warily. Trillian and Ben closed in and swung for its arms, but the creature darted away. None of them had even come close to hitting it when it fled behind the nearest building.

What in Eld’s name was that? Trillian asked, panting hard.

I told you, didn’t I? It’s a monster! Sarien said, forcing himself to stand. "Do we follow?

Trillian nodded, his face pale and his hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. You and Ben go left, Hein, Ola, and I’ll go right. We’ll corner it. As he spoke, he pushed Ben, almost throwing in the direction he wanted the young man to run. Sarien followed and tried to ignore whatever was happening inside his chest. Something was building in there, calling to him alongside the thrumming and the pulling. He felt certain that it had to do with the creature.

They rounded the corner and found nothing, not even Trillian and his friends. A flickering movement in the dark disappeared behind a building across the street.

Over there! Sarien shouted.

THREE

Sarien and Ben followed the creature, but slowed their steps as they approached the building.

I don’t like this, Sarien said. It’s like it’s luring us into a trap.

You think it’s that smart? Ben asked, bewildered.

It kinda looks like a human. Could be as smart as one.

Trillian, Hein, and Ola approached with their swords grasped tightly in their hands. Don’t stop, we have to kill it! Trillian said, panting hard.

Sarien nodded. Trillian was right. They could not let the creature escape.

He rounded the corner. The creature lashed out from its hiding place, where it sat silently waiting. Sarien raised his spear in the last moment, the creature’s claws slicing at the wooden shaft. The force of the attack tossed Sarien aside, flinging him against the side of the building. His head cracked against the wall, the pain blinding him before he collapsed onto the