The Fallen One's Thorn: The Antediluvian Chronicles, #1

By Arthur Drake

All Gidon wanted was to get his father's blessing and the hand of the woman he loved, he never thought that'd mean tangling with a fallen angel in hand to hand combat.

Gidon is the son of Melek, the tribe's chieftain, and is soon to choose a wife. He has his eyes set on the lovely Mira, the most beautiful girl in the village. But all this changes when there's an attack in the night and Mira goes missing. Now Gidon must go after her across a hostile land filled with enemy tribes, abominations, and worst of all...the fallen. But the honor of his tribe and his desire for Mira press him on.

But what if Mira wasn't captured and something else is going on? And what if the enemy that Gidon faces turns out to be none other than the most feared creature in the land...a fallen angel? And what would happen when Gidon finds himself outmatched and with no one to turn too? Will he be able to win his father's blessing and secure his future as head of the tribe? Will he be able to rescue Mira from the clutches of an evil foe?

Or will it all fall apart before his very eyes?

The Fallen One's Thorn is the first book in The Antediluvian Chronicles, a sword and sorcery dark fantasy series set in prehistory, during the days of grand mystery and unspeakable horrors. If you're a fan of strange worlds, high paced action, and heroes that have no quit in them then you'll enjoy this latest series by sword and sorcery's hottest newcomer Arthur Drake.

Pick up your copy of this tale filled with epic action and conflict to get that sword and sorcery fix you can't get anywhere else today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arthur Drake
• Release date: Mar 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9798223911920

Book preview

Chapter 1

Gidon studied the encampment before him. He studied the creatures crawling around the small fire that blazed in the middle of the camp. Their green eyes glowing in the early morning light, their grey black bodies almost invisible in the dark.

Gidon shifted and loosed his grip on the spear at his side. He made a quick swipe along the haft, wiping the sweat off. They’d attack soon. The Ashen, the creatures before them, were an abomination, an affront to God, and therefore they were to be eliminated

That and they had taken livestock. Gidon glanced over at the goat they had stolen, its entrails spilled out onto the sand.

He looked over to his companion Kaleb. Kaleb looked at him and nodded. Gidon looked down to the other two youths he had with them. They looked ready as well. He turned back to the Ashen encampment counting them.

Six in all, he saw the alpha Ashen standing up and sniffing the air, looking over in Gidon’s direction. Gidon hunkered down, wondering if it had seen them. He peeked back over, the alpha had crawled over to the goat and taken a bite out of its guts. Gidon thought of what his father would think when he brought him the alpha’s head.

He might even get his blessing.

He turned back to the others, they were ready, waiting. Gidon nodded and got to his knees, the others following. They slunk out of the dunes as quiet as they could. The Ashen caught wind of them and leaned back on their haunches.

Gidon rushed forward letting out a war cry. He ran straight for the alpha. It turned to him and snarled, the others rushed forward. Gidon was struck from the side, his vision whirled as he spun to the ground, crashing against the sand.

One of the Ashen was on him, tearing at his face with its claws. He used the shaft of his spear and rammed it up into the Ashen’s jaw, jerking its head back. The Ashen’s assault weakened and Gidon surged up. He flung the Ashen off and swung his spear in, stabbing it into the Ashen’s ribs.

The spear split through and the Ashen let out a pained growl as Gidon twisted. With a quick motion he ripped the spear out and sent it through the Ashen’s neck, cutting off its growl. He turned his attention to the camp.

His men were fighting but being driven back. The alpha stayed in the background, rushing in here and there to offer aid or fend off a killing blow. Gidon raced over to them.

He tried waylaying an Ashen from the side but the alpha rushed forward and drove him back. The alpha shot out again, this time trying to get around them.

Careful, said Gidon. The alpha is trying to flank us.

Gidon wheeled around and stood in their flanks. He watched the alpha run out into the dunes, out of sight. What was it doing? Were there more in the area? Gidon rushed forward going off after the alpha, it couldn’t be allowed out of sight.

He went over the dune and scanned the land beyond. He saw the glint of its eyes as it rushed, ape like, across the sands. It turned toward Gidon, staring at him. It let out a howl and turned, rushing towards him. Gidon lowered his spear and prepared himself. Better to take it out here away from his pack. He had to trust that his men could handle the others.

The alpha raced towards him kicking up dust in the still visible moonlight. It snarled and closed in. Gidon took a deep breath and prepared himself. It was going to pounce, like they always did, he just had to be ready for it.

Gidon waited, the alpha was almost there. It let out a final snarl and shot itself through the air at Gidon. Gidon braced his spear and let out a great yell that echoed across the dunes. The spear struck and Gidon felt the reverberation through the shaft. The alpha’s screech was cut off and it hung, limp, at the end of the spear.

Gidon stared at it, he felt it was still alive, just waiting for him to drop his guard.

Gidon shoved the spear forward trying to detach the alpha, as he did the alpha roared to life and tried slashing at Gidon with its claws. Gidon held the spear steady. It couldn’t work itself down to Gidon without killing itself. It stared at Gidon, hate in its yellow green eyes.

Gidon took a step back and ripped the spear out, preparing to strike again. The alpha fell to the ground, twitched a moment, then lay still. Gidon slung the point through the alpha’s neck, ensuring it was dead.

He turned to his companions, the fight was still going. He rushed towards them, joining in. Two of the Ashen had fallen but the three remaining had worked themselves into a frenzy. They flung sand and tried rushing around the men.

Kaleb stepped forward and jabbed his spear at a passing Ashen. The creature ducked under the blow and kicked up sand behind, slapping it into Kaleb’s face. Kaleb groaned and turned away as another Ashen shot for him.

Gidon ran forward and thrust his spear towards the Ashen, it stopped its assault and turned running away. Gidon ran after it as another Ashen raced out of the dark and leapt at his side.

Kaleb’s spear shot forward and slammed into the Ashen’s side. Gidon pivoted and sent his spear through the Ashen’s chest. They both pulled the spears free as the other Ashen rushed in. They warded them off as the wounded Ashen convulsed then ceased to move. Kaleb sent the blade through its neck before returning his attention to the others.

The two remaining Ashen saw that they were beat. They snarled at the men then turned and raced for the desert beyond. Kaleb gave a shout and rushed forward but they’d never catch them.

Gidon turned to where the alpha had fallen. He jogged over to it and bent down, drawing his knife. He started cutting, thinking of his father’s face when he showed him the head. He’d be proud, proud of what his son accomplished.

Proud of him.

Chapter 2

Gidon made his way through the village towards his father’s home. It sat in the center, being the chieftains hut it made sense. He smiled at a few of the warriors and other boys as he passed, brandishing the head of the alpha Ashen as he went.

He saw a few of the girls come out and look at him. He beamed a smile as he made his way through. He saw Elior, his father’s guard, standing outside the hut, smoke billowing up from the stone column in the middle. That meant they were having a meeting.

Elior looked up and shielded his eyes from the sun, a smile spreading across his face. Well if it isn’t Gidon and his band of merry warriors.

Gidon laughed. Elior, he extended his hand and the two embraced.

Elior looked down at the head. You’ve been walking around with that thing all night?

Gidon nodded. We tracked them down after they got Shimon’s goat.

Your father was worried when you didn’t come in for the night. I told him he didn’t have to worry, that his boy could survive in this world.

He thinks I’m still a child sometimes.

You can’t blame him. You’re his only one.

What’s going on in there?

What do you think? They’re preparing for the feast tomorrow.

The feast... I didn’t think about that.

Hah, your father will be expecting you to help with things.

Gidon held up the head before him. Is this not helping?

The shepherds will sleep sounder at night, that is for sure.

Can I go in?

Sure, Elior stepped out from the door and motioned Gidon through.

Thanks, Gidon walked into the darkly lit home.

He saw a crowd of men around the fire blazing in the middle. They all turned to him as he entered, the heat rushing over him.

Gidon, said an older fat man to his right.

Yehial, said Gidon.

No uncle anymore?

Gidon laughed. Uncle, he said, giving a nod.

My son, Gidon looked across the fire to his father.

He stood, his eyes fixed on Gidon, his arms crossed across his broad chest. Where have you been?

I was out, tracking down the beasts that slew Shimon’s goat.

Gidon heard a murmur of approval from the crowd, it cut off as Gidon’s father stepped forward. You are needed here.

I know, father. I was not gone long and I have returned to help in whatever way I can, and look.

Gidon held the Ashen’s head up to the fire so that all could see.

Gidon smiled, looking at all the men crowding in.

You killed an Ashen alpha, said one of the men.

Look at that, said another.

You must be proud of your son, Melek, look what he has done.

Gidon looked to his father. He saw a faint smile there, but nothing more.

This is a good thing that you have done, Gidon, his father walked across the fire to him. The shepherds will sleep more sound knowing there are less threats out there, we all will. You have done well.

Thank you, father.

That was it?

His father turned away and back to the men. We have preparations to make. There is still much that must be done before the feast is ready and we have little time to prepare. With the slaying of Shimon’s goat we’ll need more meat.

I have many goats to offer, said Yehial.

Keep your goats, Yehial, we will take from what the desert offers. Gidon, I have need of you.

Gidon walked forward by the fire, the Ashen head hanging limp by his side. Yes father?

We need meat, can you hunt a gazelle before tomorrow.

Of course, father.

That was it?

Melek turned his attention to the rest of the room. Good, with the gazelle we will not want for meat nor will we dig into our own stores.

Melek, Yehial spoke.

Yes?

I know we are speaking of the feast today but there is another matter that needs to be discussed.

What is it?

My report of the Amakalites.

Go on.

We’ve no word of the Amakalite movements or their intentions against us. For now, we’re to assume that they don’t mean to attack. At least not at this time.

Thank you, brother.

If anything changes word will be spread throughout the village. But for now we feast and we honor God with it.

I have heard another rumor that has disturbed me so, said another man in the assembly, Gidon couldn’t see who.

All these rumors, Melek shook his head. You’ve all been gossiping like women in here.

I heard that one of the fallen ones walks among the Amakalites, said the man.

Maybe one does, maybe one does not. What does it matter? They’re all of the fallen and they’re all enemies of our God. Where did you hear this?

A cousin to the West.

Melek shook his head. Do not concern yourself with who walks among the Amakalites, they’re all the same.

Of course, Melek.

I think we’ve spoken enough. Let’s get out where the air is still fresh.

Gidon went out the door to the bright sun beyond. He waited as the men filed by going to their various duties. Melek was the last out, he smiled and clasped a hand on Elior’s shoulder.

The feast will be here soon.

Elior smiled. So it will.

Melek turned to Gidon, he glanced down at the Ashen head by his side. You’ve done well son. The Ashen would have taken more goats before we could route them out. Now go and toss that head to the jackals, there is work to be done.

Yes, father, Gidon watched as Melek went out to the rest of the village.

He felt Elior’s eyes resting on him. Suddenly he felt embarrassment burning up in him.

What? he glared at Elior.

Elior’s eyes softened for a moment then went back to their normal alertness. You want someone to accompany you on the hunt? I have nothing else that needs to be done.

Kaleb will go with me.

We could use Elior’s eyes and experience, said Kaleb, who had been waiting outside the tent.

So we could, Gidon felt the embarrassment wash away. Faster we get the kill, faster we can come back here and relax.

Do not be so hasty to return to your bedroll young hunter. The true learning happens out there, Elior pointed out beyond the village.

Chapter 3

Gidon looked at the splotches of green dotting the hills to his left. He looked off to his right at sandy reaches stretching out back towards the village. Elior walked ahead of him scanning the hills as they went.

He had sharp eyes and would be able to spot a gazelle or wild goat before they did. He heard a grunt and turned to Kaleb walking a few paces behind.

Everything alright? asked Gidon.

Kaleb nodded, Thirsty is all.

Go ahead and take a drink, said Elior, still scanning the hills. We won’t be out late, we’ll be where the gazelle gather soon.

Gidon heard Kaleb knock back the water flask he had been carrying.

We’re not that far from the village, Kaleb. You don’t have to be so stingy with the water, said Gidon.

Kaleb shrugged. Not a bad habit.

No, it’s not, replied Elior.

You’re taking us to the river? asked Gidon.

There was a river that came out of the hills and skirted the desert. Good hunting grounds.

Elior nodded. Close by.

They continued towards the hills. The sun was starting to drift down and the land was cooling. Gidon looked up at the purpling sky as they neared the river. They crested over a rise and looked down at the river flowing in the distance. Below them, towards where the river flowed, a small group of gazelle was headed towards them.

Elior squatted down, keeping his eyes on the gazelle. You two stay here. I’m going to see if I can scare them towards you, Elior turned around. Think you can handle that? he flashed a smile.

We’ll be fine, said Gidon, returning the smile.

Elior nodded and sunk off towards the gazelle. Gidon and Kaleb found a spot behind rocks to hide and waited. The purple seemed to hang in the air as they sat behind the rocks.

Gidon’s thoughts drifted to the feast, to his father. He wondered if he’d ever give him his blessing. It seemed no matter what feat he did, what he achieved, his father ignored it.

What had he done wrong? He was past being of age, what was his father waiting for? What would it take? He had thought the head of the alpha would be more than enough, yet it did little more than get a nod.

Gidon was gritting his teeth when he heard Kaleb hiss at him. He looked over. Kaleb nodded down towards the gazelle. Gidon glanced through an opening in the rocks and saw they were headed up towards them.

He readied his throwing spear and set his striking one by his side. He watched as the gazelle got closer. Kaleb rose from his spot and Gidon raced over the rock and readied to throw.

They each tossed their javelins at a gazelle. Gidon’s sunk into the ground. He cursed and grabbed for his spear, charging out. The gazelle had already diverted their path and were rushing back towards the hills.

Kaleb gave an excited cry and pointed. One of the gazelles was rushing away, his javelin falling from its backside. Kaleb leapt down and shot off after it, spear in hand. Gidon ran down to his spent javelin cursing.

How had he missed? He hadn’t missed a shot since he was a boy. He followed after Kaleb who was sprinting ahead. He heard Elior shouting from down the hill. He turned and saw Elior rushing up the hillside.

Kaleb struck one, called out Gidon before rushing off.

He ran through the hills, skipping over rocks and dashing up the incline. He saw Kaleb ahead of him and the gazelle even further. The wounded animal danced over a ledge and out of sight.

Don’t lose it. shouted Gidon.

He watched Kaleb rush over the ledge. Gidon slipped on shifting rocks and fell crashing against the ground. He cursed and pushed himself up.

He climbed up the ledge and saw Kaleb standing in an open field and on a slight incline above him was the gazelle at the mouth of a cave. There were other small cave openings around it. Kaleb was breathing heavy and moving slowly towards the gazelle. The animal panted and stared at Kaleb as he approached.

Gidon rushed to the other side of Kaleb, hoping to cut off any hope of the gazelle escaping. He heard Elior coming up behind them. Kaleb went further to his left as Elior came up in between them.

Be wary, said Elior. A wounded and cornered gazelle can kill you just as well as a lion if you’re not careful.

Gidon nodded. The three crept towards the gazelle. The animal didn’t move, just stared at them, breathing heavy. Gidon saw Kaleb raise his javelin and prepare to toss it again.

Wait a moment, said Elior.

Kaleb lowered the javelin. The gazelle’s gaze shifted to Gidon. It had a strange look in its eyes. Gidon took a few quick steps towards it, readying his javelin.

A bit closer, said Elior.

They closed in. The gazelle just staring at them, making no effort to escape. Elior readied his own javelin, he nodded towards Gidon then Kaleb. They raised their javelins. They all rushed forward and threw the javelins.

All three sunk into the gazelle, it didn’t try to avoid them. It collapsed to the ground, onto its side. Gidon gave a short cry of victory. He rushed forward towards the slain gazelle, feeling for the knife at his side.

Strange, said Elior, approaching the fallen gazelle. Thought it would have tried to move.

Maybe it was too hurt, said Kaleb.

Maybe.

Gidon reached the deer and placed a hand on his javelin. Something moved out of the corner of his eye. He shifted and looked into the cave mouth, towards where the movement had come from. He let go of the javelin and readied his spear.

What is it? asked Kaleb.

Something moved in the cave.

Elior grabbed Gidon and pulled him behind. He readied his own spear. Kaleb walked up by Gidon.

Where?

A form detached itself from the darkness and came towards them. It walked on four legs, at first it looked like a bear, but when it came into the light Gidon saw it was something corrupted. At some point in its lineage there had been bear but the fallen ones had gotten to it.

What walked before them was twisted and turned. It had the body and face of a bear with scaled legs that ended in large paws. Its fur was black and its eyes glowed red.

Two small twisting horns jutted up from its head like a young goat. It snarled and bounded for the fallen gazelle.

Fall back, said Elior.

The three fell together and retreated from the fallen gazelle. The abomination stopped before the dead animal and lowered its head, sniffing. Elior motioned for them to keep backing away.

Go slow, be prepared for a charge.

The creature stopped sniffing the carcass and looked up at the three. It snarled and advanced towards them.

It has our deer, said Gidon, taking a step froward.

Be happy that’s all it has, said Elior. Move back, Gidon.

Gidon stared at the creature. It’s an abomination. Part of the fallen ones, we should kill it.

And we will, when we have more men and more weapons.

Gidon twisted his hands around his spear, glaring at the creature.

We should kill it, said Kaleb, taking a step forward.

Dammit, don't be fools, boys. said Elior.

It’s an abomination and should die. Gidon took another step forward, he saw Kaleb match it.

The creature snarled and bounded forward then stopped, as if testing them.

We’ll take it later, we need to get away from here. One swipe of its paw and you’ll be dead.

We leave it and it can harm others. We leave it and it’ll take our kill. We leave it and we’ll return empty handed, said Gidon.

Returning with our lives isn’t empty handed.

The creature let out a growling