End of Cycles: Book 3 of the Moon Cycle Trilogy

By J.R. Shepherd

Shadows grow to cover Galbrea as the world twists and heaves. 

Vesth, traveling alongside a new companion, searches for Rielle,

seeking to reunite with her before she reaches the Temple of Water.

Their strength grows steadily as they race onward, preparing to

face that which seeks to destroy them. But wil

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.R. Shepherd
• Release date: Apr 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9781736979358

Book preview

Prologue

Rielle stood in the center of the town square, sword drawn, her eyes crazed. Her skin was pale in the faint moonlight, and her face was gaunt with hunger. The villagers stood around her, watching in fear, as she lashed out at any who moved.

Several guards stood between her and the people, trying to keep her at bay with their spears. Vesth clenched his hands and reached for his own sword. A dark hand grasped his wrist.

You cannot stop her. Vesth growled and tried to shake off the hand.

Let go of me Keliter, I have to try. The hand did not loosen it's grasp.

You don't have the strength to beat her. You cannot open enough gates to match her yet. Vesth glanced back at the Telatian in mild surprise.

What would you know. Keliter met his gaze coldly.

I know that you would need to open at least your fourth gate to match the speed of the Cloak of the Wind. As of now you can only control your strength up to the third. I also know that you are likely the only one who can get to the last remaining scraps of her sanity. But in order for you to speak to her, she would have to be subdued. Vesth once again pulled at the hand that held him.

Then let me do this.

No. Keliter commanded, pulling him back into the alley. Then the Telatian stepped forward, drawing the long knife from his belt, the rearing dragon on the blade brightly reflecting the moon and stars.

Let me.

1

Chapter One

Using this formation a small group can hold a much larger force at bay. Segine pointed out the position of each soldier on the battlefield map laid out on the table.

Creating the wedge will force a charging enemy force to divide and weaken their front line. However, this tactic should not be used while strategic retreat is still an option, since the group becomes surrounded and must either win the battle or die trying. The men around him nodded their understanding.

Sergeant Memoria. A man wearing a messenger sash trotted into the training yard and approached Segine.

What is it? The man pressed his fist against his chest in salute.

Brother Aegis wishes to speak with you and your companion once you are done for the day. Segine nodded and waved to dismiss the messenger. The man nodded and quickly carried on with his other tasks. Segine turned back to the men around him.

Be sure to teach your men these formations and how to use them. Holding mock battles in different scenarios would likely be a good way to begin. I want them proficient so that if I give the order they can move without hesitation. Hesitation on the battlefield will end in death. The men around him nodded their understanding. Segine nodded in return and then waved his hand.

Good, you are dismissed. The men left the training field and each went their separate ways. Segine sighed and cleared the figures from the table, glancing across the field as he did.

Nysisset stood at the other end, sword in hand, instructing a dozen or so men in its use. She drilled them over and over again, forcing them to repeat each set of movements until she was satisfied that they understood.

Segine finished as the sun was setting and watched as Nysisset sent the battered and exhausted men away. She slammed her sword into it's scabbard and stomped towards Segine.

I cannot believe that men who claim to be warriors can be so incompetent with a blade in their hands. She complained once he was within earshot.

I had Hoped when the High King told us we would be training with the army of the Brotherhood that there would be at least a few proficient warriors. But no, of course not. They are all as useless as children. They have no discipline, they are far from physically powerful, and they probably wouldn't know which way to point their swords if they were in actual combat. Nysisset dropped herself into a seat near the table and frowned. Segine tied off the bag that held the figures of the soldiers and set it beneath the table.

At least you have gotten it through their heads that you are a skilled fighter, even though you are a woman. Nysisset scoffed.

Narrow-minded dullards, the lot of them. Segine shrugged and picked his sword up from its place beside the table and tied it to his side.

Perhaps we should have a Dragon's Blade crafted for you, I am sure Brother Aegis could convince the High King to grant you one. Nysisset frowned again.

I have no need for such trinkets. I see no point in such a frivolous decoration. Segine finished tying his sword on.

But if you had one, even the men would not be able to deny your skill, and they would likely take your instruction more seriously. Nysisset sighed grumpily.

What a hassle. Segine shrugged.

It probably wouldn't be difficult to convince the High King. As far as I have seen you are more skilled with a blade than I, and likely almost as good as Vesth. Nysisset glared at Segine from the corner of her eye. A few weeks ago, he might have hurriedly apologized for being rude, but he had since learned that it just made things worse.

I mean you no disrespect, But I have seen Vesth's skill first hand, and as good as you are I still think Vesth would win a duel between the two of you. Nysisset stuck her nose in the air.

Well that just shows how much you know. She stood up and straightened her tunic. Well, I am hungry. I am going to go find something to eat. Segine nodded and stood aside for her.

Oh, once you are done with that, Brother Aegis sent word that he wishes to meet with both of us. Nysisset let out an aggravated sigh.

What does the Old Coot want now? Segine just shrugged.

I was not informed why, only that he wished to speak with us once the day was through. Nysisset grumbled.

Fine. I will find you after I eat. She slipped away into the fading evening light and Segine turned to go in search of his room and a wash basin. Once he had washed and found a fresh shirt, he stepped outside and looked up at the starlit sky. He looked over the constellations, remembering his father teaching him each of their names and the time of year they appeared in the sky.

You look like an idiot staring straight up like that. Segine looked back down and his eyes followed the sound of the voice. Nysisset stood in the shadows of a building, chewing on a heel of bread.

You really shouldn't hang your mouth open when you look at the sky, you look like a fish out of water. Segine frowned. Nysisset half smiled, obviously enjoying teasing him.

Well let's go, Knight. I don't want to be waiting around all night to see the Old Coot. Segine sighed and followed quietly. They walked around the small buildings and narrow streets, heading towards the center of the makeshift town where the large command building was located. When they entered, they were led down a few halls to a large room with heavy oaken doors and told to wait until they were summoned. Nysisset grumbled, her eyes fading between light and dark shades of violet. Segine carefully reached out and pulled her hand away from the amulet that hung around her neck. She didn't seem to notice.

It was not very long before the doors opened and several men left the room and went their seperate ways.

Come in Sir Segine, and please close the doors behind you if you would. A tall man with gray hair and a well trimmed beard waved to them from his place behind a large desk. Segine nodded and followed Nysisset inside, pulling the doors shut behind them.

What did you wish to discuss with us Brother Aegis? Segine asked politely.

Yes, Nysisset scowled. Please enlighten us. Brother Aegis nodded. He was a fairly serious man, and nothing seemed to bother his cool exterior.

There were a few things, actually. First, I received a package for the two of you. An old gentleman delivered it this morning when he traveled through town with his cart. He said to tell you that it was from the temple, though he did not specify which temple it was from. Nysisset grumbled.

Did he have a beard, gray hair, claim to be a traveling salesman, and have a mischievous glint in his eyes? Brother Aegis nodded.

He did. Nysisset groaned. Segine frowned at her and then nodded to Brother Aegis.

We know where it came from. Brother Aegis nodded and pulled a long slender package from beside the desk and held it out to them. Segine accepted it and noticed a small envelope tied to the top. Nysisset took the envelope and slid a note out, quickly reading over it. Grumbling she held it out to Segine and took the package from him. Segine read it over once and then, with a nod from Brother Aegis, read it aloud.

To Segine and Nysisset, I bring this package to you at the request of my elder siblings. Inside you will find two items for Nysisset, forged by Marina and enchanted by Solidus. In time Marina also plans to forge a new set of armor for both of you, which you will receive in due time. One of the two items is to prepare Nysisset for the coming Dark Moon Cycle. The other should be self explanatory. Also included are two letters penned by Solidus. One for you, and one for the man called Brother Aegis. Be sure he gets it please and thank you. Signed, Delgorin. Nysisset broke the string that tied the package shut and pulled off the outer cover to reveal a polished wooden box.

She pulled off the lid, handing it to Segine and frowning at the contents. Segine took the lid, then the two letters that Nysisset held out, uncomfortably close to his face. Segine took the first letter and handed it to Brother Aegis and opened the other. With another nod from Brother Aegis, Segine read it aloud.

Greetings to you Segine and Nysisset. Within this box you will find a small silver cage and a Dragon Blade. Segine paused and looked at Nysisset. She tilted the box so he could see inside. At the bottom sat two white velvet bags, one the length of the box, the other only a few inches long.

Strange that Master Solidus would send us a Dragon Blade on the same day we considered having one made for you. Nysisset sniffed spitefully.

Not surprising at all. Master Solidus probably thought about it when he decided to send us here in the first place. Segine shrugged and looked to Brother Aegis.

Am I to assume that the sword was created by Forge Mistress Marina? Blacksmith for the Temple of Fire and Earth? Segine nodded.

Yes sir. I hadn't realized she was so well known. Brother Aegis nodded.

She is the one from whom the Four Countries request the Dragon's Blades. Her smithing skills are unmatched, and no one else remembers how the Dragon's Blades are forged save her. Segine felt his eyebrows rise, though he didn't feel like he should be all that surprised.

Continue Sir Segine. Segine nodded and continued reading.

The silver cage opens from one side and should be placed around the amulet. Once closed, it will not open again, and it will prevent the dark power in the stone from taking control during the Dark Moon Cycle or in places of darkness or strong taint. The power will still be accessible to Nysisset so tell her that she may stop frowning now. Segine glanced up out of the corner of his eye to see that Nysisset was indeed frowning deeply at the letter. Segine quickly continued.

Also, once you receive this, things will be set in motion. The army of the Brotherhood should move and make their main camp at the Great Southwestern Gate and wait until the time is right. They will be joined there by armies from Hortaal and Laytrow. The two of you will need to take your leave of them once they make camp and travel east along the Serpent Tongue mountains until you reach the path to the Temple of Fire and Earth. Make your camp in front of Tiamat's cave and wait there until told otherwise. It will not be too long. Other details will be in the letter I have written to Brother Aegis. Signed, Pravin Solidus. Segine looked up from the letter. Brother Aegis was obviously not very pleased, but thought silently to himself for several minutes before speaking.

How well do you know this Solidus? The older man watched Segine fidget uncomfortably.

It is a difficult question to answer. I myself have only known Master Solidus for a short while. I have simply followed the orders he has given, and though there have been times when I did not understand his actions, he has yet to lead us astray. Brother Aegis nodded and looked to Nysisset.

And you? I assume you know more than Sir Segine. Nysisset huffed.

What makes you think that Old Coot? Brother Aegis opened a drawer in his desk and reached inside.

It should come as no surprise to you that I have studied many things in my lifetime. I have read books stored in the Great library in Serriana, and a few from Terramine that predate the Purge. I recognize the Brand of Khornal, Deity of Darkness, that you try to hide on your neck. Nysisset's eyes narrowed.

What of my Brand? Such a thing has not been seen since long before the purge. How would you know of it? Brother Aegis pulled a small, and obviously very old, book from his desk and placed it in front of him.

I received this book some few weeks ago from one of my oldest students. It was accompanied by a letter stating it was from one, Pravin Solidus, and should be thoroughly studied. I went through the effort of looking into his background, but the only Solidus I could find was the Teacher of High King Hortaal. Nysisset eyed the book carefully.

He is the same. Brother Aegis studied her face.

How is that possible? Nyssiset's eyes shifted and finally met with Brother Aegis.

You are meddling in affairs not meant for mortals. You should stop digging before you find something that should not be found. Segine did not like how serious Nysisset's voice had become. Brother Aegis met her gaze calmly.

I do not intend to take orders from a man who I can, in no way, prove to be just. If you cannot give me the information I need to make that decision then I will be forced to treat him as a threat. Nysisset's eyes grew dark and the air in the room became heavy. Whispers filled the room when Nysisset spoke.

"Grandmaster Silver Mage, Pravin Solidus was born in the Age of Creation in the Kingdom of Alenon. He was raised in the High Temple and found to have the potential for becoming a Balance Mage. When the People of Alenon attacked the other kingdoms in an effort to stamp out evil and bring all into their righteous control, The Deity of Good destroyed Alenon and sank it into the sea. Only four survived, the closest servants of the Deity of Good herself. The eldest was Pravin Solidus.

They were given tasks to perform and were sent out into the world. Master Solidus is tasked with protecting the Balance of the world. He directs those who can change the Balance so that they may keep this world from destruction. His power is unfathomable, his intellect unmatched, and he is far beyond your mortal power to oppose.

If his intention was to destroy you, he would have. And you would not be able to stand in his way. I suggest you follow his orders or he will find someone else who will and he will leave you by the wayside to face the demons and their hosts on your own." Nysisset turned to leave and paused at the door.

Segine, finish your business here, we must speak. With this said, she opened the door and left. Segine was slightly stunned, and was unable to move until Brother Aegis spoke again.

Does she speak the truth? Segine took a deep breath and straightened, standing to fill his large frame.

I cannot speak for everything she said, but I have been to the High Temple in Alenon and met the four mages who called Alenon their home. I have stood in the Presence of Lord Tiamat and Lord Leviathan. I have met the four rulers of the Kingdoms and I have even laid my eyes upon Necrotic Dracolich Khornal. All of them hold Master Solidus in the highest respect. If a man of such great influence and power asks me to act, I will gladly lay my life down on his behalf. As he spoke, Segine's eyes and expression hardened like stone. Brother Aegis looked back down at the unopened letter on his desk.

And you are positive he fights to protect the world? Segine nodded.

I have also been to Tyr' Anon and stood before High Priest Borsa. The Taint he brings into this world is most foul and he will stop at nothing to destroy everything that stands in his path to power. Master Solidus knows how to fight him, and I fear his power will likely be the only thing that saves us in the end. Segine turned to the door and paused as his hand began to pull it open.

I trust Master Solidus... And So does Vesth. Brother Aegis looked back to Segine. "You may not trust Master