Touch: Dhakanon Chronicles, #1

By kirsty dunlop

Dhakanon was desperate to keep them apaprt, but Fate has other plans Alannah and Dlaine shared a rare gift one only the Mystics knew about called 'The Touch'.  When the held hand, or made any skin to skin contact, they knew everything about each other.  He knew about her voilent past and she knew his innermost thoughts.  But this 'Touch' was more complicated than that, and they needed to learn fast how to use it to defeat Dhakanon,

• Language: English
• Publisher: kirsty dunlop
• Release date: May 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223349648

Book preview

PROLOGUE

THE MAN WAS RANTING again, he seemed to be speaking in various voices none of which were his own.  Albert was beginning to wonder if he would ever stop, this was wishful thinking, he knew in his heart that the man wouldn’t stop and he began to dutifully write down every word the mad man said.

"When Holath’s second son takes his brother's place as Heir, the king will know great sorrow.  Jonathan is not the only dear one he will lose to death in this short space of time.  The King will gain a daughter in law and an ever so precious grandson, who, should he survive, will prove to be a great asset to his realm".  The old man began mumbling again then another voice seemed to override his ...

The Heir will marry a commoner, in this he has no choice. If he does not take her to wed, his allotted time will be cut short and he will fall to Dhakanon, as will the rest of the world.  The Heir will find only a few companions he can truly trust.  He will share an extraordinary gift with his bride, but they will have no control over this gift, they must seek help.

The Heir will have great distrust over the old ones that hold the knowledge they seek, as the elves will be reluctant to help them. Due to the Heir’s wife and his companion’s contribution to the reforming of laws concerning the old ones, the heir has gained something from them that no other has ever gained before, respect.  Each time the old man seemed to be speaking with a new voice ...

Devastation and despair will run through the royal house before many realise what is happening and only two have the foresight to stop the destruction.  If this foresight is late in coming to fruition the devastation and despair will be absolute and the royal house will fall and the evil one shall put his heirs in place.

Grace, the high priestess, shall be the salvation of the royal newlyweds, or so she thinks, as she and she alone can see what is truly to come, although she sees it imperfectly.  She has been blessed, or rather burdened, with the gift of long life and foresight.  She alone can remember the last time Dhakanon tried to exhort force over this fair world.  Although she misjudged the old ones oral tradition, it was her pupil and acolyte, the first king of these lands, who defeated the immense might of Dhakanon, although the old ones who had helped him paid a heavy price.  She must now lay a terrible burden upon the infant child of the Heir and his bride, and demand that they leave the child in her care, the Heir will need to make his decision quickly.

The Heir will find someone who is important to him, and she will have his complete trust, she will be his life, his soul mate, though how long it takes for them to realise this is unknown, although it is known that she will become the next queen.  The Heir will not be able to father children with anyone else but his soul mate.  He will find her in unusual circumstances, she will instantly have his complete trust and he will have hers, though neither will understand why at first.  They will have the gift of sharing and must learn how to use this, only then will they achieve their full potential.  When they meet, and save one another, they will not understand, for a while at least, that they have met before, on a number of occasions throughout their lives.  They must beware the man in the guise of a friend who will try, when they discover they are soul mates, to tear them apart..."

The man reverted to babbling incoherently, the scribe re-read what he had written and was confused.  The King only had one son, Jonathan, who was in perfect health, and three daughters, he had no other son.  The healers had said that the Queen would not bear another son and that they had best take care of the son they had.  As for this Prince who shall marry a commoner, again, this was something that would never happen, as royal family members could only marry if they had permission and approval from the King on someone they would take as their spouse. The scribe was worried about what the King would say, he also feared that the King may order the prophet killed, even though all know that it is ill luck to kill one who is touched by the Gods or the elements, but the prophet was yet to be wrong.  Albert was confused, did this mean that there was immediate danger, or was this maybe a thousand years in the future?  Albert sent a page for another scribe and, as an afterthought, he asked the high priest what to do, he was unhappy with the orders that had been sent from the palace by Lord Heath.

THE YOUNG KING, WHO was in his mid-twenties, was angry.  His wife was ill again. Yet again another miscarriage, another boy, the King was disappointed at the loss of the child, and angry that his wife must endure yet another loss.  Were they cursed?  It was a thought that had crossed both their minds often, but who was he to complain, he had three daughters, who could all be married off to better his political position, and strengthen Jonathan’s position when he came to rule. And he had a healthy son in Jonathon, the boy was doing well in his lessons and showed good promise, he was sensible and thought things through well, at least for now he did.  His advisors had told the king to betroth the boy when he was only weeks old, but the king would hear none of that, he was betrothed as a baby and his future wife to be gave him nightmares until her death in a mysterious boating accident and the Elves have held it against the humans ever since.  The young Elven Princess, who was a Clan Leader’s daughter, was escorted to the human court from Seltine, a Duchy that sits to the north west of Talath, and is the traditional seat of power for the Heir to the throne.  She was to meet her future husband, who, at the time, was the heir’s younger brother, Hoalth.  The King remembered.  As she had expressed admiration for the large lake that was to the north of the palace, a number of the King's advisors had convinced him it would be a good idea for the young royal couple to have a boat trip on the lake. The King was against the idea as he had a morbid fear of water due to nightmares he had had as a child about drowning, but he relented and the trip was planned.  No one had thought to tell the young Prince that the boating trip had been planned and he had been injured that morning boar hunting, the young Princess insisted that the trip went ahead and she would go herself, as so much preparation had gone into the trip, even now, no one fully understood what had happened, as it had been a clear summers day and out of nowhere a storm had suddenly came up and the small boat that was carrying the princess, a number of the old Kings advisers and the rest of the Elven delegation was destroyed and everyone on board was killed except a small page boy about seven years of age, the page boy, who was the son of a fisherman, had lived his entire life by the lake shore until he had been sent into service for the King.  King Holath continued to muse over this old horrifying memory until he was interrupted.  Sire? Said a page boy.

What?  Snapped the King who was unhappy about the interruption.

A message sire, Stuttered the eight year old from where he stood in the doorway. From the temple.  The mad man spoke again, the scribe said he predicted unusual news and another son.

Are you sure? Said the King in a demanding tone being a little sharper than he intended.

Lord Heath is my lord.

Send Lord Heath to me here, no, in the state rooms and tell him he had better bring me proof.

Yes, my Lord King. The boy hurried away and the King quietly opened the door and peered around the door jamb to see if his wife was still asleep, she was.

Marrlee? Holath whispered gently.

Yes, my Lord? Whispered the maid.

I have to meet with Lord Heath, I will be back as soon as possible. Holath said firmly, but quietly, and Marrlee knew that the king was whispering because of his wife.  If my Lady asks, may I send someone for you? She asked hesitantly. 

Yes, immediately.  

Good day, my Lord. She said softly smiling hoping it would reassure him, Holath nodded and left. 

As the king hurried along the corridor he was aware of the sound of little footsteps running behind him.  He stopped, they also stopped,  as he moved on he heard the footsteps again. Holath turned around sharply to catch his pursuer and saw his young daughter trying to hide behind a small vase with a few flowers in it. Allyia, where do you think you are going? Asked Holath, speaking softly so as not to frighten the three year old. 

I want to go with you when you see the bad Duke. 

What bad Duke? Holath was intrigued 

Duke Heath, he had the nursery nurse crying, and he made her lie down on the floor in the nursery... 

Come with me, you can tell me about it as we go. 

Thank you Papa. The King took his three year old daughter's hand and they continued their journey. As they walked, slowly, Allyia described to her father the rape of her nursery maid while she was supposed to be asleep.  The King knew things like this always happened, some men with power liked to abuse servants that were supposed to be under their protection, the King was shocked to find that he called such a man friend. As they entered the State rooms, the King sent a page for Mya, the nursery maid, and her family. 

Heath had been friends with Holath since their early teens.  Holath trusted Heath as, being a few years older than Holath, he had taken him in hand when he had been sent to Heath’s fathers court to learn about how the courts worked, and to gain the experience from a different perspective.  They had bonded over the learning experience and  because of this Heath had gained the position as the King's chief advisor and confidant. 

Heath knew what was written in the scroll in his hand, but he was here to try and convince Holath that the scroll was wrong, that he would have no other son and that there was no such threat as Dhakanon, even though he, himself, had sold his soul to the Master of Evil, who for centuries had plagued the world with his evil.  

Dhakanon was intruding on Heath’s mind again, eavesdropping and where necessary prompting him in the right direction. As he already owned Heath’s soul, Dhakanon decided that he was well within his rights to take Heath’s mind also. Dhakanon didn’t care about the petty politics of the state or what was to become of the kingdom, he wanted world domination. 

Dhakanon was not the type of being who tolerated any form of disobedience from his minions.  He was proud of the fact that his throne was made of their bones and that he feasted on their souls once they had been corrupted by the evil they did, repeatedly, in his name.  Down through the millennia Dhakanon had corrupted thousands of men and women to his way of doing things by granting them what they thought were their life’s desires. Some wanted wealth, others power, and some were vain but each and every one of them had a binding contract with Dhakanon over their soul written in their own blood. 

Heath was arguing that what the healers were telling the King was correct. He also said That the scroll was correct, but was referring to a future King.  Unfortunately, Heath kept contradicting himself with every other sentence and the King’s patience was wearing thin.  He was becoming more and more frustrated about the whole situation.  Who was right, the prophet or the healers?  

The conversation was going nowhere, why was Heath being so contradictory? The prophet was yet to be wrong and both the prophet and healers couldn’t be right.  At the moment though the king was still unhappy about what Allyia had told him.  Heath had carefully guided the conversation around to the Queen’s recent miscarriage, the King saw his chance and jumped on it. How is your wife keeping Heath? He asked politely, trying not to put any emphasis on any words so that Heath would get no inclination as to the real reason he was asking. 

Oh she’s fine for the moment, Sire. Why do you ask? Heath was suddenly very curious. 

It has been brought to my attention that you took advantage of one of the nursery maids. It’s not the usual sort of behaviour from you, or at least that’s what I thought. 

Then you are misinformed, Sire. Heath’s tone was anything but friendly, Holath was surprised by the amount of venom in it. 

My source is impeccable and above reproach and has not the capability of lying. 

I say they are wrong, Sire. His tone had changed to become smug and arrogant. 

Be careful Heath, the source of which you speak is my Daughter. Are you calling my Daughter a liar? The King had managed to keep his tone conversational so far, but now it was beginning to show a bit of steel. 

What has the young princess got to do with this Sire? Heath was starting to lose control and was genuinely confused. 

She witnessed the rape of her nurse, the rape you committed when you thought my children were sleeping, all four of them saw and heard you, as did the maids own two small sons, they were there also as they are companions and play friends of Jonathan. They could also tell me that you had held a knife to the maids throat and told her that if she spoke of this matter, that you would kill her children and her husband.  Growled the young King now, deciding to let his anger show. 

Well I say they are all wrong. Dhakanon was worried, if the King so chose, Heath could lose his head and he also knew that this thought had yet to occur to Heath. 

So you are still calling my children liars? Even though they could tell me every intimate detail? The King could not believe what he was hearing, neither could Dhakanon, as Heath had just thrown all their well laid plans out the window by the rape of a lowly maid. 

I am, for I did not rape any maid or threaten anyone’s life. 

Fine, I hereby banish you to the Isle of Nehan, and upon pain of death, never to return.  Your wife and children will not be affected by your banishment.  A proclamation will be drawn up and your banishment begins at week’s end. 

You can’t do this to me Holath, I am your friend, I am a trusted member of your court you need me here. Heath panicked, if he stayed his life would be forfeit and if he left his life may also be forfeit. 

You are a friend who committed a crime, are you forgetting I am your king before your friend, and that there are witnesses that a magistrate would believe before you. I believe the children before I believe you, as they are not yet old enough to know what a lie is. They have no idea what sex is, be it consensual or forced, they do not fully comprehend what you did. They are children, they are scared of you and to them you are the 'bad Duke'. 

Then we get rid of the witnesses. Heath stated firmly.  The king looked at him in a state of shock and he paled visibly. 

Those are my children you are talking about. 

You can always have more. Heath said in a panic. 

You forget that the healer said that Debra will bear me no more sons. 

But this prophecy says that she will bear you one more. 

You were trying hard to convince me that the prophecy is wrong. Come on Heath, what are you playing at, you have been playing all sides off against the middle for years now, so... who is paying you? Or are you wanting the throne for yourself? After all you have been trying to change many laws, you have also been trying to close down the temples. The temples are needed for the people, they need somewhere to worship, someone they can go to in times of hardship, those same people who pay taxes, which, as you know, keep you comfortable in your home. You have been trying to change how the heirs are decided upon. The fact that my son is heir is not good enough, you are pushing for no female heirs to inherit, which would leave your sons in place to inherit. So is the prophecy true or not, who is paying you, or are you wanting the throne for yourself, tell me. 

No one. It is nothing like that, I am acting for the good of the kingdom and the prophecy.  Heath backed away from the accusation and was hoping that the King had no proof that he was being paid and controlled by Dhakanon. 

I don’t believe you, someone has paid for that fancy new house of yours, but I will get to that another time.  So, this prophecy, you say it is true? 

It is. Heath realised he was in serious trouble. 

Look, Heath, you can accept banishment or be executed over the rape of a maid if Mya chooses to go to the magistrate.  If she does that then there is nothing I can do to protect you, there will be no banishment. 

Kill her, accuse her of treason. 

I won’t do that. 

She is a threat to your reign. 

No she isn’t, she is a threat to your life and you want me to falsify testimony to save your neck. Holath was shocked to the core at what Heath wanted, he had always been a trusted friend and advisor, but now he felt like a stranger. 

Why not,  she is only a maid. 

Is that what you told yourself while you were raping her? The Kings anger was now red hot. 

How dare you speak to me like that, shrieked Heath in a fury. 

Watch your temper Heath. 

I have delivered my report, Heath stated coldly, I do not need to stay here any longer and listen to these lies. Just at that Mya entered with her four children and her husband, Thom, who was the cook. 

My lord king, you requested my presence? She said with a curtsey.  When she noticed Heath she threw her eyes to the floor and stood closer to her husband. 

Yes, Mya, please come in and take a seat. 

Thank you my lord. 

Allyia told me of an incident in the nursery a few days ago between you and Lord Heath. 

I’d rather not talk about it my lord.  Things like that happen all the time and we servants can’t do anything about it. She said haltingly trying to keep her emotions under control, but failing, as her eyes started to fill with tears and her fear was written all over her face. 

Yes you can, Holath said softly, you can report it to the magistrate.  You do know that the children saw the entire incident don’t you? 

No my lord, I did not. Mya’s tone was shocked, she looked up and her full attention was on the young king’s face. She started to sob uncontrollably and her husband looked angry. 

They did and I have told Lord Heath he can accept banishment or stay here and face the magistrate.  He thinks he is outside the law, though. 

Most nobles do my lord, most of the time the serving girls are lucky and nothing comes of the rape, but a few aren’t so lucky. Then the Housecarl turns them out on the street with nothing more than the clothes on their back and what pay they are due. Said Thom while  comforting his wife who was sobbing hard now. 

That is something that will be changing. Stated the young king forcefully. Mya, will you take a new position within the house as  head dressmaker? I would not ask you to recount or re-live your attack if you don’t have to, as for me, my daughter’s word is enough. 

That’s what I was when I first arrived, my lord, she said with a slight smile a dressmaker, then the Queen asked me to work in the nursery when my eldest child was born, and yes I will accept it.  Mya was relieved that she didn’t have to repeat in intimate detail what had happened to her. 

What of Lord Heath? Asked the King. 

If he doesn’t accept the banishment you offered, I will go to the magistrate at weeks end. Her voice rang with relief as her attacker had no recourse now that the King had heard, and believed, every word his daughter had told him. 

Thank you Mya that will be all. Said the King gently. 

Thank you, your majesty. Said both Thom and Mya together. Mya stood and left with her husband taking the princess’ hand and removing her from the council chamber, leaving the king to deal with at least one rapist in his court.  The king waited until Mya and Thom had herded the children out of the room and the door had been firmly closed before he spoke again.  Lord Heath, Duke of Seltine, I hereby banish you to the isle of Nehan. If you return to our fair lands, breaking your banishment, your life will become forfeit. I shall grant you six days to get your affairs in order and be gone from my kingdom, from midnight on the sixth day, your life is forfeit.  From today your lands and title return to the crown and your wife and children are to reside here in Talath, you are to have no contact with them, your banishment will be absolute.  To this kingdom, you are dead.

NATHAN WAS TIRED BUT yet again the mad man was starting to rant and rave.  This time, though, he was talking about people called Angeline and Klen.  Who in the name of the gods and elements were they?  It was time to start writing again, and all the young man could do was wish for some uninterrupted sleep.

CHAPTER ONE

DLAINE WAS STILL UNCONSCIOUS, although all the external signs of his injuries had now completely healed, but the scar just below the hairline on the left side of his face was still an angry red colour, showing that his internal injuries still needed more time. His thick black curly hair was unbound, his eyes were closed, and all his jewellery had been removed, as had all his expensive clothes. There was nothing on or around him to indicate who he was, and now that the healer's had shaved his face in order to treat some of his wounds, he didn't have his infamous beard.

The door at the far end of the chamber opened slowly the same as it had done every mid-morning for the past nine weeks and just as slowly and quietly she closed it again. For the first time since they had arrived she was here alone in the room with Dlaine. She walked to where Dlaine was lying and stood gazing upon him. She was older than him, by a year, maybe two. But to her that didn't matter, she knew where her life lay now. In fact she had from the first moment she had seen him by the side of the road with the arrow buried deep within his chest and his horse dead a few feet away.  

She remembered how he had looked dead, his skin was pale with touches of blue around his ears, mouth and nose, the whole left side of his face was covered with blood and showed signs of bruising. When she touched him both of them jumped, as if a shock had passed through them, his eyes flew open. Who are you? he asked in a hoarse whisper.

W.. w.. what? she stammered.

Your name? His voice was very soft, barely more than a whisper.

Alannah, what's yours? she asked longing to hear him speak again but not knowing why.

Dlaine, please help me?

I'll do my best.

Save me? He pleaded.

If I can, I will Dlaine. Alannah promised. He smiled and closed his big brown eyes again. 

The door to his room opened again abruptly pulling her from the memory of the previous months. Miss, you here again? Asked the maid as she looked over at Alannah in surprise then she smiled warmly at her.

Yes I'm keeping my promise I hope. She replied hoping that the maid didn’t hear how scared she was, Alannah was scared that the maid would go running to someone, as some other maids had, and tell them that she was here alone with Dlaine, again.

He is fully healed Miss, they are just waiting for him to wake up so that they can assess any internal problems.

He will, when he's ready he will.  He has to, he needs to, she thinks, desperately.

Have you tried talking to him, Miss?

No.

Try it Miss, it might help if he hears a familiar voice.

I'll try. Replied Alannah doubtfully. She knew that the two of them had only ever spoken when they first met and Dlaine was close to death.

The maid did what she had to do and Alannah pulled a chair over to the top of the bed, so that when she sat herself down, she could clearly see Dlaine's face. She quickly glanced around the room and noticed a book, so she picked it up then returned to her seat. For a long time she just sat there running her hands over the leather bound cover not looking at it, but instead was lost in another memory.  

The horse was definitely dead. There were no two ways about it.  It's body was riddled with arrows, but the dead giveaway were the two arrows in its skull, one went through the eye socket and the other was in the side of its head just below the ear, when she looked at the