The Storm's Approach: The Records of Eleshar, #1

By Rich Inman

"Save her family or save the world; an impossible choice which enflamed her anger when she thought about the consequences of either."

 

A Young Woman with Big Dreams
El is a young woman from a relatively unknown island working hard to build her village's first official trading company. Life doesn't make things easy though, and soon she'll have to decide what's most important: Her dreams, her family, or the fate of humanity.

 

A World of Light, Darkness, and Color
The world of Eleshar rotates slowly, plunging it into alternating month-long periods of darkness and light. After the sun sets, plants supply people with bioluminescent light in the dark months. Without the sun's movement to track the days, the people of Eleshar have turned to the rise and fall of the moon.

 

A God Looking for Revenge
Nedon is the god of water who lost his powers when humanity stripped them away thousands of years ago. Since then, he's been on the hunt to restore those powers and enslave humanity as revenge for taking them. Closer than ever to achieving his goal, El became Nedon's primary opposition after she accidentally absorbed a small piece of his power. Rather than exterminate her though, Nedon has other plans for the meddlesome girl.

 

Throughout the course of El's journey she'll learn that even with magic powers she can't do everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rich Inman
• Release date: Apr 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215887103

Rich Inman

Rich is a part time author writing both historical fiction and sci-fi/fantasy stories. His main literary influences are Brandon Sanderson, Michael Crichton, Jim Butcher, and Brent Weeks.   Professionaly Rich is a highly proficient technical professional performing project and program management in the security, medical, education, automotive, food manufacturing, and telecommunications industries. His professional influences are Simon Sinek, Jean Tabaka, and Gary Vaynerchuk.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It took El five years to save enough money to buy a ship. She stepped out of her home on one of the upper terraces at the base of Mount Outu in the early morning, ready to do just that and take the next step toward her goal of starting her own trading company.

A chill breeze blew in from the cove on the west side of the island. The cold cut through her clothing and sent a shiver through her body. That day she wore leather boots, loose white pants, a white shirt, and a leather vest. It was a popular outfit among the Allakhanian traders on the eastern continent. El preferred it to the dresses worn by the other women on Kekkek Island. Being wrapped in a single piece of cloth, no matter how beautifully decorated, felt too restrictive. She did find the patterns of the islands flowers and palms on those dresses appealing though, so she had the village’s dye merchant add them to her pants.

From her terrace, El had a clear view of Baharkar Village. Her eyes scanned across the land to the southern tip of the cove’s mouth and the port that made its home there. Farmland that provided food for the village sat between the port and the housing terraces. Those farms acted as a buffer between the homes and the noise of the port and its surrounding shops.

The darkness the month of Jor brought to their part of the world covered Kekkek Island. Luckily, the darkness also brought out the polychromatic bioluminescence of the island’s plants. During the dark months the leaves, vines, flowers, and tufts of the plants across Eleshar glowed softly. Their elegant beauty often captivated El, leaving her hypnotized and staring into the forest on more than one occasion.

Jor was ending though, which meant the sun just barely peeked over the eastern horizon, announcing the approach of the next light month. It would be another week before it crept into a position where it would cast its light on the village. Until then, bioluminescence would continue to be the only source of light they could rely on.

El touched the coin pouch sitting in her pocket, an unconscious gesture to ease the anxiety she felt at having five years of savings on her person. She headed to the nearest stairway and began working her way down. The terraces had many such stairways to provide passage from the highest level to the lowest. Tall poles stood on either side of the stairs with potted vine plants hanging from the top. Their vines reached over the edges of the pots and cast a bright white light around them. The white vine lanterns were an ancient invention of selective breeding, and a pivotal achievement for the peoples of Eleshar. The dark months would never again keep ships in their ports, or caravans from crossing the vast deserts at the center of the world.

A few terraces down, El saw her friend Ki kneeling with her mother in their family’s garden. The bucket next to them was full of at least an hour’s worth of harvested vegetables. When Ki noticed El she waved excitedly. Morning, El! she said as bits of dirt flung from her hand and into her mother’s face.

Her mother held up her hands as a shield against the onslaught, but was too slow. Hey! she said as she spat soil from her mouth.

Oh! Ki said. Sorry mother.

Her mother gave her a reproachful look.

El chuckled to herself as she came to a stop at Ki’s terrace. Think you can get away in a bit?

Today’s the day?

Today’s the day.

Ki stood and put her hands on her hips. Don’t make me wait too long, then.

I can and I will, El said. She began to walk away, making a show of moving at a snail’s pace. I’llll beeee riiiiiight baaaaack.

If you’re going to be like, that then I don’t want to see it, Ki said, a hint of a smirk at the corner of her mouth.

Yes you do! El said, picking up her normal speed.

Ki huffed and went back to her gardening.

El took the steps two at a time until she was deposited on the dirt path that edged the cove’s southern beach. White vine lanterns lighted the dirt road as bright as they did the terrace stairways. The fact that this part of the road between the port and the terraces was made of dirt had always perplexed El. The explanation that they didn’t need to pave it didn’t make sense to her, either. If they didn’t need to pave that part, why pave any part at all? Everyone came to the island on boats anyway. The only carts or wagons travelling their roads were from the farmers who were just fine using dirt roads.

Ahead in the shallow waters of the cove was the empty husk of an Uklak. A huge creature, five times the height of a man and three times as wide as that. The animal had the general shape of the small crabs that often skittered across the beaches of Kekkek Island, and while it did have claws like those crabs, its claws could cut a man in two. In addition to that, the Uklak’s shell had spikes that protruded from it in all directions, and long membranous fins that stretched out along its side.

The people of her village were the only ones in all of Eleshar who knew where to find the Uklak, and how to hunt them. The hunt was still dangerous though, even for them. After generations they’d perfected the sport so it had been decades since anyone had died in the pursuit.

The Uklak in the cove was caught almost two months ago and practically picked clean since then. The bottom portion was all that was left as it sat in the cove like an enormous bowl filled with ocean water.

Tet Nadad, the island’s master smithy, stood knee-deep in the water and directed the work of his young apprentices. The men struggled to break off pieces of the dead animal’s carapace. It was one of the strongest substances on Eleshar, and while El didn’t know the exact method Tet and his workers used to break it apart, she suspected the lines of powder they poured on it played a part.

El waved at the man and called out to him. Looks like there might be more of that one left, eh Tet?

Barely, he said with the trademark stoicism everyone associated with the man. He was short but packed with the muscles of a master smith. He wore only a vest on top of his brown wool pants that let all the lines of his muscles show clearly. I’m just glad your father convinced the other hunters to sail out early.

While Tet was generally a humorless man, he was earnest and fair. El respected that about him. So am I, she said.

Usually there would be another Uklak in the cove by now. The hunts during the last light month hadn’t been successful though, and once darkness fell the hunts stopped. It was difficult enough to bring the animal down in the light of the sun. In the dark months it was close to suicide.

The village relied on selling the weapons and armor of the Uklak for most of their critical necessities. That fact created a fierce debate among the hunters about the timing of the next hunt. During their last meeting her father Hex—who was also the hunters’ captain—was able to keep the conversation civil and lead everyone to agree on a plan. They would sail when the first sliver of the sun peeked over the eastern horizon.

Leaving Tet and his men to their work, El continued down the road until it transitioned from dirt to cobblestone as she closed in on the port. It splintered off into a network of roads and buildings that formed what they called the Trade District. It was common for mainland traders to laugh at the name, but she’d learned to ignore them long ago. She was proud of what they’d built and she wouldn’t let outsiders make her feel otherwise.

Local businesses lined the roads selling everything from jewelry and trinkets to food and clothing. A line of shops that sold items crafted from the Uklak edged the main road, and an Inn sat across from the docks. Everything around the port facilitated the Uklak trade and encouraged tourism, bringing wealth that an island as small as theirs wouldn’t normally see.

El passed the port and walked south to the harbor. It was surrounded by a sturdy wooden fence that faced the road with natural rock barriers on either side. Together they restricted access to a single gated entrance. Inside consisted of a series of five docks that extended from the grass, over a thin beach, and onto the water. Those docks held the seven Uklak hunting ships—called Velels—currently in service, along with a myriad of others owned by both villagers and visitors.

A small building stood next to the harbor’s gate with a large window set in the side and facing the gate with its shutter latched open. This was the harbormaster’s cabin, where Wik Genon tended to the needs of the harbor and bought and sold ships. For a harbor the size of theirs, Wik was enough to handle its needs.

When El approached, the man was sitting on his stool inside the building. He was rail thin and stood taller than most men on the island. Balding on top, Wik shaved what little hair he had left. Instead, he allowed his snow-white beard to grow unrestrained to compensate. El steeled herself as she approached the building. Wik was known as a shrewd businessman who would take you for all you were worth and leave you to believe it was your idea.

Currently, he was hunched over a sheet of paper scribbling something. The man kept meticulous records on the ships in his harbor, a fact of which he was immensely proud. The man smiled when he saw El and stood up to lean over the window ledge. Good morning young lady. How’s the boat savings coming?

Fantastic, she said, not able to keep the smile off her face. I’m here to buy a ship.

You are? Let’s look at what I’ve got then! Wik reached out and unlatched the shutter then closed his window. A moment later he exited from a door on the other side of the building and walked around to the gate. I’m a bit low on available inventory today, Wik said as he unlocked the gate and swung it open. I’m sure we’ll find you something, though.

I need one that can sail cargo to the mainland and back.

Wik looked back at her as he led her through the docks, his beard flowing under his armpit and flapping in the wind behind him. I think my records showed a few options that might suit you. They’re always accurate, you know. He winked at her.

El absently touched the coin purse in her pocket. The archipelago she lived in was called the Yawdaw Islands, and like most of the world they used Kloren coins for trade. The nation of Kloren was the current economic power across Eleshar. It provided everything from precious metals and textiles to grains and medicines. Their currency was broken up into platinum, gold, silver, and copper coins. El had fifteen gold coins and five silver in her purse, plenty for an old ship.

Wik led her to a boat called an Unk. It was a small vessel used for fishing the waters around the island. This one here has been well cared for, Wik said. She should get you anywhere you want to go and won’t need much maintenance, either.

The Unk wouldn’t meet her needs, she knew it the moment she saw it. She played along anyway and went through the motions. While she’d never bought ships before, she’d been buying and selling things for years to save the money she had. It made this part familiar to her. There was a sort of dance to negotiating as a buyer, and El knew her steps.

There were some small problems with the Unk she brought to Wik’s attention. These opening steps were meant to show the harbormaster she understood what made a seaworthy ship. The next steps were the hardest and took her the most time to master, but the years of practice brought her confidence. El stepped back up to the dock putting the tiniest bit of interest into her expression, hoping he would think she was more interested that she actually was. How much do you want for it?

For something like this? he said as he stroked his beard. Fifteen gold is fair, I think.

Fifteen? El was in disbelief. She knew the man would try and overcharge her, but not outright rob her. You know this ship isn’t worth more than eight.

Well, Wik responded. The tiniest bit of a smirk flashed at the edges of his mouth. He’d immediately broken through El’s defenses and caused her to stumble. Worst of all, he knew the advantage he’d just created. I do want to help you build your trading company, so I think I can knock the price down to— He paused in mock thought again.

While Wik played his part in the dance, El tried to recover by looking out at the other ships. It didn’t take long before something caught her eye a few docks down.

He finished his thought, thirteen gold.

Not good enough, Wik, El said. But I’m not interested in that one anymore.

Well, I’m not sure I have anything else in your price—

What about that one? She pointed at a decommissioned Velel she’d spied a few docks over.

I wouldn’t let a ship like that go for anything under twenty gold.

El walked away as he spoke. The Velels were made for the Uklak hunt. They were strong, sleek, built for speed, and had a small hold in the aft for storage, but a single person could squeeze into it in an emergency. The ships had one triangular main sail and a thin head sail attached to a single mast. Both sails were rigged through an intricate system of winches and pulleys to allow a single person to trim them from the cockpit at the stern. Perfect for an enterprising woman who needed to sail alone across the ocean.

El boarded the ship and inspected it as Wik hurried to catch up with her. It seemed she could make him stumble too.

The aged Velel was seaworthy and had minimal damage. Though there was enough wear on the ship that El suspected it would need some repairs before she felt confident it could take her all the way to the mainland. As she did with the Unk, El loudly called out every problem she could identify. Nothing was too small to notice. Eventually Wik’s normally jovial expression began to waver.

That was the sign she needed. They were at the end of the dance now, she could sense it. Unable to stop herself, she let her eagerness rush the final steps. Nine gold, she said flatly.

Eighteen.

I’m going to put at least ten gold worth of repairs into it. She looked at the ship and pretended to think about her next offer. Ten gold.

Fifteen.

Eleven and two months of mooring.

Twelve, no mooring.

Twelve and one month of mooring, she said. A smile played across her face celebrating her victory before the dance even finished. It was a flaw in her technique that had cost her several times.

Wik shook his head, the jovial expression gone from his face. You’ll be giving merchants on this island a run for their money once you get going. You’ve got yourself a deal. Follow me. Wik brought El back to his cabin, then took care of the paperwork.

After her many years of carefully adding to her savings, it felt strange to hand over her gold. She managed it despite her reluctance, though. Then with a flourish, Wik signed her deed of ownership and handed it to her, along with an agreement to provide her with one month of mooring.

Thanks, she said, then hurried to find Ki. The excitement got to El adding a pep to her step that was difficult to hold back. By the time she found Ki and the two were headed back to the harbor El had practically been running. It left them catching their breath as they stood on the dock in front of El’s Velel.

So this is your new ship? Ki asked.

It is! El said while boarding the vessel. Want to take her out?

Go sailing with you, or do more work in the garden? She pretended to struggle with her options. I wonder what I should do. A smile stretched across her face as she boarded the ship. Where are we headed?

Chapter 2

The sheets—ropes used to control the boom arm the bottom of the sail was attached to—creaked as El trimmed the sails of her new vessel to catch the wind and pull them out of port. The ocean around them was calm and the ship rocked slightly as they got up to speed. El steered them southward along the western coast of the island. Once they were well on their way, she tied down the sheets, locked down the winches, sat down, and grabbed the tiller to keep them on course.

You did it El, you really did it. Ki’s smile put one on El’s face as well.

She let the cool breeze on her face steal her focus for a bit as she savored the moment. There were times when I didn’t think this day would ever come, she said.

I knew it would, Ki said. From that day when we were ten and you saw those trading ships docked at the port. You proclaimed you were going to start Baharkar’s first world-wide trading company, and I never once doubted you would do it.

Everyone else did. A defiant emotion rose up in her at that statement, but she let it pass. She didn’t want to ruin the moment. I couldn’t have gotten this far without your support, you know. How many times did you help me lug goods across the island as I tried to find someone who would buy them? How many times did you lend me money because I bought things no one wanted and was left with nothing?

Ki shrugged. I never felt like I could have a dream for myself as big as yours, but when I helped you I felt like your dream was mine too, if only for those short moments.

El stood up and made some adjustments to the sails that started to slack, an indication she was coming off the wind. Just know, this ship isn’t my success alone. She looked at Ki with a smile. It’s yours too.

Ki smiled back. What comes next, then? she asked as El tightened up the sails. Are you headed to the mainland?

Soon enough, she said, then retook her spot in the cockpit and grabbed the tiller. The thought of embarking for the mainland—despite her desire to leave—sent quivers through her stomach. I still have preparations to make, and honestly, I don’t even know where to start.

You should go to Shyal. There’s a lot of trade there, and it’s the closest major port, after all.

El thought about it for a moment. I have been working with one of the merchants from Wylsh in the last year. Maybe he’d give me some advice.

See, you’re closer than you think— Ki went on, but El’s mind was at a sprint as it drove her toward a developed plan.

She’d need at least five days of food and water, which might cost about two silvers. At that price El could afford to buy extra supplies in case of an emergency and still have enough to acquire a profitable amount of Uklak carapace, even considering the port taxes. Adding it all together, if she could pull it off, El might double her money in one trip. Quivers returned to her stomach as every bad outcome rushed into her thoughts.

El? Ki’s voice finally cut through El’s focus.

Huh?

You didn’t hear anything I said, did you?

Sorry, I got lost in thought.

I guess you did, Ki said with a smirk.

Another thought came to El’s mind and the words came out before she could stop them. You should come with me, she said. We could start the trading company together! Before her friend answered, El knew what she would say. It was written all over the sad smile she gave in return.

Like I was saying—

I know, El said immediately. She didn’t want to hear the rejection out loud.

They reached the southern shore of the island which gave El an excuse to turn her attention to sailing again. An adjustment to the tiller and a few turns of the pulleys swung the ship eastward.

I want to, it’s just—

It’s fine Ki. You’re courting Aja, and that’s been going well.

Well, yes, it has, but—

I wouldn’t want to ruin your chances at a family. Besides, you never wanted to galivant across the world.

El, it’s not—

She turned away to look over the ocean and into the distance. You always wanted to start a family, and you’re almost— Hands grabbed her shoulders and spun her around.

El! Ki locked eyes with her. I would go with you in a second, but Aja asked me to marry him, and I accepted. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.

Ki’s outburst gave El pause. She stared at her friend for a moment just trying to take it all in. That’s…quick? Good one El, your friend shared good news with you and all you can say is, that’s quick?

I know, Ki said as she sat down again, but I do like him, and he comes from a good family.

I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. If you’re happy, then I’m happy. She put on her best apologetic smile. At least he’s a farmer and not a hunter.

I don’t think I could marry a hunter, Ki said, not with my father still going on the hunts. I couldn’t handle worrying over two people.

Just then loud cracking sounded from the wood on the port side of the boat, then was followed by a sharp snap. The head sail fell as the sound of rigging zipping through pulleys sent out a high-pitched whine.

Ki dove toward the stern fast enough to barely miss being covered by the heavy canvas of the sail. What just happened? she asked eyeing the sail on the deck.

El stood up and inspected the head sail halyard and found the port-side winch that connected to the halyard had torn from the hull. It had slammed into the pulley at the head of the mast, then tore it from its bolt and caused the sail to fall to the deck. Small slivers of wood sat mixed in with the fallen sail. El shook her head and said, I missed a weakness in the hull when I inspected the winches, that’s what happened. She looked up at the top of the mast. I guess the pulley for the main sail is still connected. Somehow.

My father complains a lot about constant ship repairs, Ki said as she absently looked away from El and toward the island. It comes with the territory, he always said.

Mine said the same thing, El said as she folded the head sail and stuffed it into the hold at the stern, especially during my sailing lessons. I hoped to avoid major repairs until after my first expedition, though.

You can’t plan for everything, Ki said as she stood up and leaned over the side. She stiffened suddenly and pointed into the distance. What’s that?

El stepped up next to her and looked out. The tip of the sun peaking over the eastern horizon barely lighted the island, which made it difficult to make out anything more than undefined shapes in the distance. Its light shone dimly off the tips of the small waves around them adding texture to the inky black of the waters below. The normally colorful lights of the plants around the island were usually enough to see its shores, but where El looked, she saw only a hint of island ground. In the distance beyond the dark terrain were the green and orange lights of the Fenten Forest. The forest spanned from the northeast of the island to its southern shores.

El recognized the dark features as the Jurjur blowholes. As far as anyone knew, there was no other place in the world where lava rock met with the tides of the ocean in just the right configuration so water blasted through the holes of the rocks and high up into the air. She knew that area well and easily recognized it, even if it was dark and everything was still at the moment.

All but a white light bobbing near the shore, that is. It rocked back and forth among the crags as a shadowed figure waved frantically at them.

Who’d be hanging around the blowholes when it’s still dark? Ki said.

El turned, made some adjustments to the main sail, and steered the ship toward the light. I don’t know, but it looks like they’re in some trouble. She looked up in the sky to find the location of the moon. It’s almost midday, so they don’t have long before the tide comes in.

The rocks of the Jurjur blowholes created mostly cliff-like structures for the waves to crash upon. El didn’t want to risk bringing her ship in close where a strong current might pull it against the rocks. Instead, she dropped anchor a safe distance away. Time for a swim, she said.

I was afraid you’d say that. Ki stood up and prepared for the cold water.

They slipped into the water together, and El was reminded how cold the ocean was at the end of a dark month. Without the sun to warm the water, it was left to cool to frigid temperatures. Sometimes a warm current would find its way to the island from the other side of Eleshar where the sun would be out. Those currents were painfully absent as they swam the cold water toward the rocks. Once they got closer, a spot near the distressed man where they could climb out of the ocean revealed itself.

He ran over a craggy ledge as they climbed out of the water, cold and wet. Please, my master needs help!

El rung the water from her pants and shirt. Stay calm and tell me what happened.

He wanted to explore the blowholes before we returned home. We didn’t expect to find caves, he pointed to the entrance of a cave behind him, but when we did he didn’t hesitate to go inside. I begged him not to go, but he wouldn’t listen. He called me a coward and left.

El had been told about the dangers of those caves her entire life. Of men, women, and children who didn’t respect those dangers and disappeared, never to return.

About an hour ago I felt a rumble in the rocks. My master hasn’t returned since then, and I fear the worst.

El nodded to the man and said, wait here. She stepped toward the cave.

Ki grabbed her arm and spun her around. What are you doing?

El pulled her arm out of Ki’s grip. High tide is an hour away, and it’ll take at least that long to bring help from the village. If we don’t act now he could get trapped and drown.

You’ll drown with him if you go in that cave.

Look at the water, it’s as calm as it ever gets.

Ki looked out at the ocean but didn’t seem convinced.

I’m not going for fun, Ki. I’ll find the man and get us both out as fast as I can.

I can’t follow you into that cave, El. I— Ki’s eyes drifted to the mouth of the cave. She hugged herself and shivered.

El grabbed her shoulders gently. It’s fine, Ki. If I’m not back before high tide, go get help.

Ki nodded and her shoulders dropped as she breathed out a sigh. Don’t make me wait until then.

I won’t, El said with a wink. She turned to the distressed man and inspected him.

He was taller than her, but somehow felt smaller. His burlap clothing hung loosely off his body. El got the distinct impression a strong breeze would carry him away. His features were gaunt, emphasized by a patchy beard that was thickest in the deep crevices of his face.

Wait here with my friend, she said as she snapped off a vine from his lantern and wrapped it around her hand. The light from the vine would last for a little over an hour after being snapped off, which should be plenty of time to rescue this man’s master. She faced the man and her friend. I’ll be right back.

With the section of vine for light, El navigated her way over the uneven path of the lava rock and to the mouth of the cave. She couldn’t fathom the man going into the cave without a lantern of his own, but when she looked into it for a light nothing but darkness looked back.

Giving a final glance at the nervous face of her friend, El stepped into the cave. The floor extended halfway across the opening and dropped off to ocean water on her left. The light of her vine created stark shadows that undulated with the waves. The rhythm created by the peaceful push and pull of the water into the rock ledge covered El like a thick blanket while the water that lapped at the top of it urged her forward with the threat of the rising tide.

Further in, the cave floor extended to meet the left wall, blocking off the ocean from the tunnels beyond. The sound of the ocean gave way to the drip of condensed humidity that fell from the ceiling. A knot built in El’s stomach and tightened with each twist and turn of the tunnel.

Hello? she called. Sir, are you there? She felt short of breath as the silence stretched on.

Over here, came a voice from deeper in the cave.

It made El jump as it crept out of the silence. She pushed on faster, though. Eager now to rescue this man and be out of the cave. I’m coming! she yelled into the darkness ahead of her. El navigated through a few more turns, forced to duck, then crouch as the ceiling lowered to an almost uncomfortable position.

Around a corner where the cave opened up El found the man, lying on the floor in front of a collapsed pile of lava rock, his leg trapped underneath. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit that matched his carefully coiffed, white-streaked hair. By the look of the man he was older yet barely past his prime.

El recognized his fashion as from the eastern continent, most likely Kloren. He had gold and silver rings adorned with jewels of every color piled onto the fingers of his hands and his left wrist sported a thick silver bracelet encircled with opalescent jewels along the edges.

It’s about time that good for nothing slave sent someone down here, the man said, trying but failing to feign indifference to her presence.

You’re lucky he flagged us down or you might have died down here.

I don’t need your opinions, I need you to free my leg, the man said.

The way he twisted his features while he spoke made El want to turn around and leave. She came at the slave’s request though, and she didn’t want to admit she left his master in the cave to die just because the man was rude to her.

It wouldn’t kill you to be more grateful, she said as she stepped up to the pile and removed stones from the top. She worked quickly and had him free in moments. In a panic the man pulled himself away, sliding across the cavern floor while looking