Rebuilding the Empire of Light

By M.A. Abraham

It is time for Endural to meet his Life Mate, this should be easy, right? Not even close.

In a state of total revolt, Eowen has decided she isn't going to accept the status quo. It doesn't go well for her. With their daughter out of control, Eol and Earwen send her to Gabriel and Eden for correction.

Eowen is not about to accept the dictates of her grandparents or her four aunts who are the same age as she is, but neither they, nor her grandparents are allowing her to get away with her attitude. What will it take to make her see the error of her ways?

The road to success for Eowen is rocky until she rises to face challenges she cannot resist.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.A. Abraham
• Release date: May 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215068168

M.A. Abraham

I don’t really know what to say about myself.I have been writing books since before I became a teenager. Most are still hidden in the closet. I used to make up my own stories as a child, everyone used to act them out while we were playing outside. As a teenager someone issued me a challenge. I told her that her stories stunk, she told me to do better.My job growing up was to play guardian to my little brother, keep him safe. That meant I ended up getting into more fights than enough – makes sense now that I write about warriors.My family will try to tell you that I’m not innocent, I have a personality that keeps them on their toes. Over my lifetime and theirs I have earn several nicknames – The Godmother, The Evil Christmas Elf (comes from making my nieces wrap their own Christmas presents), Mistress of Ambush. My favorite response to them when they try to get me into trouble is just to look at them with a wide doe eyed expression and say “Moi?????”I have a seal point Siamese cat named Snoop, named after my favorite cartoon character and hobby. I have a “healthy” but small collection of Snoopy memorabilia. He is a character alright; never met a cat who can talk back like he does. He expects daily dosages of adoration on his schedule when he wants it – not when it’s convenient for me and he HATES snow.I come from a very large family (mostly brothers) and I could outrun the whole works of them (I’m the shortest!). It was called survival.This book has been in the making for a long time now. Over a half a year to write it, about the same amount of time to edit it, and probably about the same amount of time to get the art work and website! I have learned you can’t control the timelines of other people – Murphy likes to step in.So for now I am setting up good luck charms everywhere... didn’t know I had that many stuffed Snoopy’s. *Fingers, legs, toes, eyes and anything else I can crossed*

Book preview

CHAPTER I

Timorean had spent a week traveling to the Kingdom of the Ancients to see his niece’s Life Mate. He was not only curious to know how these Elves were doing but wanted to check on Endural. Her Life Mate had never once gone to check on her since he first saw her as an infant, and he wondered why. Now he knew, or at least he thought he did. Endural had been working hard, first to help bring the training program he had copied from Gabriel to the same level as Gabriel’s then to build a home for his future bride.

The first thought that crossed Timorean’s mind when he saw the partially built fortress was to wonder what Endural was thinking. As he inspected the outer walls of the massive castle, he asked, Have you been working on this project alone over the last century?

Endural scrutinized the building that was far from being finished and answered, I don’t want anyone else to touch it. It is my bonding gift for Eöwen.

Timorean commented, You are aware of the fact that Eöwen is a powerful Tratchar warrior, right?

Of course. Endural picked up a heavy boulder, put it into place, secured it then gave Timorean his full attention. What does being a Tratchar have to do with needing a place to live?

Timorean slowly shook his head in disbelief at Endural’s words and admitted, We thought the Ancients knew everything about our people. Did you miss a lesson?

Endural laughed. We are not really Ancients, not in the real sense of how it is meant. Over the millenniums, the different talents kept a lot of information to themselves about what it meant to be a member of the sect that held their Talents. We know how to tend to the forest, but not much about the higher powers associated with the guardians for the forest. By those, I mean the Elves of power who we all call Tratchars. We know Tratchars can be dangerous if pushed. At the same time, they are considered to be peace-loving Elves who live and serve the forest. It is said that if you cross them, they are prone to mood swings. They are considered to be elusive and are not plentiful in this part of the Elven Empire. It’s not like they are in the Light Elven Kingdom, but that has more to do with your family members than any other reason. I doubt if I have ever seen so many of the blood congregate so closely as when I was visiting your homeland.

We thought you were Ancients in reality. In amongst those who had been be spelled, there were many Elves of power, Timorean informed him.

Endural conjured a couple of cool drinks and offered one to Timorean before beginning his explanation. There probably exists as much time between the Elves who came here with Askandar and me, and those who actually qualify to be called Ancients as there is between my people and yours. According to rumors, those we are descended from were a part of the home guard.

I don’t understand what you mean by that, Timorean admitted.

I doubt if any of us know the whole story or meaning of it, Endural stated. Even Askandar. And he is the elf who brought us here, although he isn’t sure where here is in connection to where we came from. I know there was no castle where we lived before, yet there is. When we arrived, it was looming over us. We had to move quickly to fortify the fortress against the enemy who already held this territory, for they greatly outnumbered us. We fought for a long time before we were finally overcome.

What was it like where you came from? Timorean wondered. There was a story here and he wanted to know what it was. He wasn’t as good at ferreting out information as his father, but Gabriel was forbidden to enter this land, so he had to do the best he could in his stead. He wondered why the Fates had forbidden Gabriel coming into this part of the Empire, but as the warning had come from the Fates, he accepted it for what it was.

Where we come from, our people were at peace, but we knew those we considered the warriors of our land had left our world to fight so we would be safe. Some of us felt left out, inadequate. It made us feel that our ancestors had been considered unworthy and this slight to our powers made us bristle. We were thought to be the best warriors in the land we lived in.

I can see where you might feel this was the case, but there is no shame in being left to provide protection for those who are considered weaker. It is thought to be an honorable position and is strategic in its own right, Timorean pointed out.

We didn’t see it in the same light, Endural sighed. Our ancestors had been left behind because they weren’t amongst the primary Elven warriors of the Empire. They had not passed the test as the others had, although no one explained what that meant. We got tired of being considered second-class citizens of the empire. Askandar and I trained more Elves to serve as a home guard, and when the time was right, we pooled our powers to create a portal to cross into this world during a time when we thought we might be needed the most. It was quite an undertaking. We arrived in this land to find this part of the Empire deserted and overrun with demons. We fought our way into the castle and used it as a stronghold. Eventually, it became our prison.

Now you are working hard to create another such situation for my niece. Timorean shook his head in disappointment. This man had no understanding of what living surrounded by rock would be like for a Tratchar as strong as Eöwen. He needed to be educated.

Tratchars need to be surrounded by nature, more specifically, the trees of the forest, Timorean clarified. As long as we are in a forest, we are never without a home. Watch. I will show you what I mean.

Timorean left the partially built structure Endural had been working on, walked to a massive oak tree, and sang as he placed his hand on the trunk. Immediately, a spiral staircase wound its way around the tree until it disappeared into the foliage overhead. Timorean motioned for Endural to join him. They climbed to the top, where a house was in the midst of being constructed by the entity. It was a part of the tree at this point, but before much longer, it would become a home.

Endural stared at the evolving interior in wide-eyed astonishment. How was he to make one of these? Were all his efforts for nothing? What could he say to express his feelings? What could he offer his Life Mate to let her know the extent of his love and worthiness? He sighed in disappointment as he realized he would never be able to compete with nature.

Timorean had a good idea what Endural was thinking and grinned. He could have been cruel and left him to believe the thoughts going through his mind were the way things were, or he could ease Endural’s mind. With any other Elf, Timorean would have been tempted to do just that. Endural, however, was his niece’s Life Mate and for Eöwen to be happy in her future life, they both needed to be.

Timorean placed an arm around Endural’s shoulders. We are all aware of the differences that exist between us and the rest of the Elves in the Empire. We also know that no one can improve upon nature. We can help the elements to enhance its beauty or to heal when needed, but we have limitations. Eöwen can do the same as I did only a few moments ago. You can be assured that Eärwen has trained her daughter well, I guarantee this.

Endural turned from the still-forming house and walked outside to sit on the top step. He sighed sadly. I have neglected my Life Mate for no good reason, haven’t I?

Depends how you look at it, Timorean replied, as he sat beside Endural.

How do you figure that? Endural asked. I have not gone to visit Eöwen since I first saw her as a newborn baby being held by her mother in a very protective embrace.

You remember well. Timorean chuckled. I think Eärwen would have gutted you before allowing you to touch her daughter at that moment. It is difficult for any woman to see a child of hers being acknowledged as a Life Mate to a grown Elven Male when they are that young. You probably made the best choice possible by keeping your distance for so long.

Does Eöwen know anything about me or of our bond? Endural worried.

Eärwen and Eöl have made sure Eöwen is aware of it, Timorean assured. I know for a fact Eärwen hasn’t left Eöwen ignorant of the fact that she has a Life Mate.

What else has Eärwen taught her? He had a feeling he wasn’t going to like the answer. Endural had heard a lot about Eärwen Eagle Claw over the last century. Eärwen was known to be a powerful Elf, an Eagle Claw daughter through and through. Her Tratchar powers were strong enough to earn her the care and protection of a Great Guardian in a troubled land. Few could claim to be her equal. The same could be said for her proficiency with a weapon.

Timorean could tell where this was going and he didn’t blame Endural for feeling insecure. Eärwen had taught Eöwen well and Eöl had honed what she was into a well-trained warrior. Eöwen was one of the best blade masters in the Elven Empire, even though she was only a century old. If she had followed the rules, she would be considered proficient enough to spar with her grandfather, Gabriel Eagle Claw. She would never be good enough to match him but was still rated to be amongst the best in the land. Did he dare tell Endural, or should he let him discover this on his own? He assumed the Elf would find out sooner or later, if he hadn’t heard the news from some wayward traveler already. Endural deserved to know everything about his Life Mate now, and it was his right to be told.

Eärwen has taught Eöwen all she knows. Eöwen is a master of weaponry as well as an extremely powerful Tratchar. She is not going to be easily tamed, Timorean warned.

I suspected as much, Endural admitted. Eärwen gave me the impression she didn’t particularly approve of the match when we connected. Eöl was slightly more receptive, but there was a challenging gleam in his eyes that told me he wasn’t going to make it easy for me to claim Eöwen when the time came.

Be happy you are not facing him on the field of battle. He is good enough to make my father break into a sweat. I doubt if there are more than two in the entire Elven Empire who can claim to have made Gabriel do that.

I have a feeling I should take the time to make a trip across the desert to see what I will be facing when the time comes, Endural decided.

Beware of the sand snakes, Timorean warned. Eöwen has taken it upon herself to rid the world of them, but they don’t die easily and the desert is a big place. She has taken on a huge challenge, and has a massive task ahead of her if she thinks she can do it on her own.

Endural grinned as he bragged, We used to kill them for sport. I know a few tricks that might help Eöwen up her game. She might appreciate knowing about those.

Eöwen is the type to listen to helpful advice depending on how well meaning it is and who it comes from, Timorean teased.

I think I know how to impress Eöwen, at least enough so she will speak to me cordially if not with respect, Endural replied.

I wouldn’t get my hopes up too much if I were you, Timorean warned.

Endural answered, I doubt if I have much to lose. Who knows? Eöwen might actually decide I am worth keeping, although she will not be ready to form a complete bond for several hundred years yet. I won’t overstay my welcome, but I intend to be around long enough to capture her attention. It will be a start.

Yes, Timorean agreed, it would definitely be a start.

CHAPTER II

By the time Timorean finished filling Endural in on the differences between Tratchars and the rest of the Elven people, it was time to leave. Endural watched his visitor walk away with the impression Timorean had come to see him for a definite reason. Endural also was certain it was time he took a trip to see his Life Mate. This probably had been the Eagle Claw Tratchar’s main reason to seek him out in the first place.

Endural liked the Timorean Eagle Claw. The Elf was lighthearted, and at the same time, lethal in the way of all Eagle Claw Warriors. Timorean needed to find a mate to call his own, but he knew his future uncle-in-law was hoping to meet a true-Life Mate, as the rest of his family had. This, of course, didn’t include his younger siblings. It was too early for the next generation to settle down to begin their own families. Endural had connected with Timorean’s niece when Eöwen was only a baby. This made things awkward for everyone. What made things worse was there were others who had been in the same position as he was in the past, and they had handled the situation a lot better.

When Endural had heard the stories about other couples who shared his predicament, and how the men had handled the situation, it made him feel selfish. Endiku made a point of talking to Endural about his connection with Ennacas, and his revelations had been the main reason Endural had stayed away. Now, Endural was thinking he had waited for too long to allow Eöwen to get to know him. It made him wonder what problems this was going to cause in the long run. Could his lack of attention destroy the bond he shared with Eöwen? Would Endural lose his Life Mate because he didn’t give Eöwen the attention she deserved? Would Eöwen turn to another in his stead? Was this what Timorean had come to warn him about? Endural decided he needed to tell Askandar what he was planning so his brother could find a replacement for him during his absence.

It was for this very reason that Endural was sitting in the waiting room in the outer chambers of Askandar’s office. As usual, his brother was busy with others, and so Endural watched Elves come and go until it was his turn to see the king.

When Endural’s turn to enter Askandar’s office came, he bowed and spoke. Your Majesty.

Askandar frowned. He was not impressed by Endural’s continued insistence of calling him by his title. He didn’t approve. As far as Askandar was concerned, there was no need for formality between them. They were brothers. They shared the same blood. Why didn’t you just enter when you arrived instead of sitting with the others in the waiting room and waiting for me to have time to see you?

This is not a matter of duty or state, Endural replied.

As if I care, Askandar snorted.

We mustn’t forget our way of life, Endural insisted. It will make us lax if we don’t follow protocol. Next thing we know, we will not act like the Elves we are.

Does it seem like the others we have come to know have lost anything by acting less formal? Askandar reasoned.

No, Endural agreed. You might notice, though, that they take special care to practice the old ways even more than we do. They chose an Eagle Claw for a High Lord General, and the kings from each kingdom are warriors in the way our history spoke of. It is more than we can say for how things were done where we came from.

We have a percentage of Eagle Claw heritage in our bloodline, Endural, Askandar reminded his brother. We are Warrior stock. We know how to hold to our beliefs so we can keep the faith with our ancestors.

Endural had to agree. He realized what Askandar was saying was true. His brother never failed to remind him that he needed the memories from their homeland renewed. I come for a boon from you.

Name it. Askandar watched Endural with interest. His brother had never asked for anything. If there was something Endural needed, Askandar made sure his brother got it and it was always done with the good of the kingdom in mind. It was time Endural got back something in return for all the good he had done over the centuries.

I need a leave of absence from the kingdom, Endural explained. It was brought to my attention that I have neglected my duties to my Life Mate. It is time for me to introduce myself to Eöwen, so she is aware of my continued existence. She is still very young yet but deserves to get to know me.

Askandar agreed. It was long past time Endural returned to the part of the Elven Empire where Eöwen lived. Askandar had traveled with Erdwen to other parts of the empire since Endural had last left home. He had seen his brother’s Life Mate often. Eöwen was proud, fierce, wild, and certain of her place in the world she lived in. Endural was not going to have an easy time taming her. Already Eöwen gave those around her the impression she wouldn’t think twice about denying any bond that might tie her to any man. By staying away, Endural risked losing her altogether. Yes, Askandar decided, it was time for Endural to stake his claim while she was still young enough to acknowledge it without much of a fight. Endural might not be able to act on their bond yet, as Eöwen was still way too young, but she needed to know her Life Mate cared enough to make the effort to allow her to become familiar with him.

You should have made this trip a long time ago, Askandar chided. Why did you wait so long?

I wanted to build a home to give to her as a bonding present. It was my way of letting her know I would be able to provide for her, and put a roof over her head when it was needed, Endural confessed.

I assume you have finished this home you plan to share with Eöwen?

I am approximately half finished, Endural reported. I was working on it when Timorean pointed out that Tratchars live in sentinels, not behind walls made of stone and mortar.

Askandar grinned at the disgruntled look on Endural’s face and could well imagine his brother’s chagrin. He couldn’t blame him. He hadn’t thought about this difference himself. The little he had learned from Tratchars in the past hadn’t educated him about their living practices. He figured he was going to need to do some research on the matter, or he would be exposed to some very embarrassing lessons when Endural brought Eöwen home.

Askandar wondered what Endural was going to do with the castle he had been building. Did you destroy what you had been working on?

No, Endural admitted. I am sure we will find someone to finish the building and make it into a home. To do anything less would be a waste. It is a beautiful place.

Askandar agreed. They had been working on the kingdom for over a century now, but they still had a long way to go to get it to the way things were before he had cast the conjuring to bring them to this part of the world. It would be several more centuries before they reached the point where their predecessors had once been. By then, they would need the services of an extremely powerful Tratchar to begin to restore the main parts of the forest. This Elven Tratchar, he assumed, would be Endural’s Life Mate, Eöwen. Would she be willing? Could Endural persuade Eöwen that life at his side in the Kingdom of the Ancients would be worth leaving everyone she loved? He guessed they would all find out soon enough. His brother might not be bringing her back with him this time, but the main impression Endural made on Eöwen should be done sooner rather than later.

When do you plan to leave? Askandar wondered.

As soon as possible, Endural informed him. I will make sure everything is in place before I leave.

There is nothing to do that I cannot see to in your absence. Askandar waited for his brother’s words of objection. They wouldn’t be long in coming.

Endural’s eyes narrowed and his voice was clipped as he commented, You need all the time you can spare to see to your own tasks. I will get Kashlien to take over for a while. I will fill him in on what needs to be done before I leave. A few weeks here or there won’t make any difference at this point.

Probably not, Askandar agree. You undoubtedly can’t get into much more trouble with Eöwen than you already are. Light Elven females can be like that, or so I hear.

Endural frowned. Thank you for telling me that. I am sure I needed to hear it just before leaving.

No doubt, little brother. Askandar grinned. If you were going anywhere close to Torendal, I would send a picture of Brindal to Loriel. Loriel is another male Elf who needs to be reminded that he has more responsibilities to see to than his duties to the Empire. The way he acts, you would swear the two of you share the same ancestry.

Anything is possible if you go far back enough into our past. Endural shrugged. The Elven race extends further back than we can probably imagine. There are no records that we know about to connect those we thought of as Ancients. We only know some of our beliefs originated with our forebears. The rules we live by were set over the ages and are irrefutable.

Askandar knew better. All it took to break any of the rules would be for their people to become lazy or lax. It would take time, but generations of uncaring Elves could cost their people the world they lived in. It would only take a short time thereafter for them to cease to exist at all. He had seen signs of it in the world they came from, and so had Endural. Elves like the Eagle Claw families kept the spirit of the Elven Empire young and definitely on track. The High Lord General of the Elven Empire would never allow their people to break faith with their forefathers. If needed, every Elf bearing that bloodline would drag the others back onto the right path kicking and screaming.

The faraway look in Askandar’s eyes told Endural what he was thinking about. He had stood at his brother’s side and watched their society become soft when their people needed to fight to stay strong. The only thing that kept the land they dwelled on from failing was the wills of the members of the Eagle Claw families. They had refused to allow their people to lay down their weapons and fall to the temptation of getting too used to magic.

When the warrior kings had disappeared from the land, there had been no leaders of power left in the lands to keep the kingdoms strong. The people strayed, and there were signs of corruption taking over in the world. They feared how fast it might lure their people from the ways of the Ancients. Elves were beginning to act in ways they once considered uncharacteristic. Children were