Cyne – Ecstasy of the Unchosen (Part VI): CYNE THE UNCHOSEN, #6

By Seagull Editions

After a miraculous and almost inexplicable trial of the soul, Cyne was reunited with Medwyn. She is happy again but her true trial is only just beginning as she must navigate the political intricacies of her dark-magic. When the Mirati people, and discontented nobles, believe she's a dark-magic sorceress who brought their beloved king back from the dead with a forbidden ritual, Cyne is faced with the reality of her actions. When both kingdoms are on the line, Cyne will have to make the right decision or risk losing more than her emperor this time in this final installment of The Unchosen One series. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seagull Editions
• Release date: May 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223166009

Book preview

Summary

After embarking from the capital to seek out the prophecy and the necromancer holding it, Cyne and her friends are faced with a difficult task. They must cross the great dunes of the desert in order to cement a treaty and friendship with the Chieftain of Wyrms and his family. Crossing the dunes is a difficult and dangerous trek for outsiders and while resting at a desert oasis, Cyne and the others are drawn into a conflict with dark magics. Barely escaping with their lives, they take refuge with the Chieftain of Wyrms, who offers to help them seek out the necromancer and his hideaway in the eastern mountains.

Cyne and the others are prepared, coming up with a plan of action but the after effects of the black magic are strong as Cyne was the one most affected. The group trek north and east after the desert escort and come upon the peaks and plateaus of the forested mountain range. Here, they encounter rumor, and eventually track down the location of the fearful necromancer and his dark magic creatures. The battle was brutal and the risks intense as the group tries desperately to retrieve the fabled prophecy that Cyne needs to maintain her hold over the newly formed empire.

Things don't go their way and in the midst of battle, Medwyn is hurled from a cliff and dies in Cyne's arms. The story continues as Cyne and the others are forced to bring Medwyn's body back to Tynedros Castle and prepare for his funeral. Lost, alone, and entirely hopeless, Cyne must now find a way to rule and guide her people without her beloved bardic emperor, Medwyn, at her side. 

Chapter One

Cyne stood on the deck of the boat as it anchored in Pendarves harbor. She took a deep breath of the salty sea air, glad to be back on solid ground after their harrowing adventure. She turned to her husband, Emperor Medwyn, who stood beside her, and smiled.

We made it, she said, squeezing his hand.

Medwyn smiled back at her, his eyes shining with relief. Thanks to you and our friends, he said, looking over at their companions who had joined them on their journey to retrieve his soul.

Haeth, Lilian, Shedia, Richart, Nestor, and Medwyn's stepbrother Symeon stood together on the deck, watching as the retinue on the docks below grew larger. They were all excited to be returning home after their long and dangerous journey.

We're lucky to have made it out alive, said Haeth, his short reddish-brown hair dancing in the winds of the sea. I never want to go through something like that again.

Lilian, a petite woman with a sharp tongue and light hair, laughed. Don't speak too soon, Haeth. Who knows what kind of trouble we'll find in Pendarves?

Shedia pushed her light brown hair over her ear, a gentle smile on her face as she shook her head. Let's not dwell on the negatives. We should be happy to be alive and together.

Nestor chuckled, nodding in agreement as he played with his blade. Indeed. We have much to be thankful for.

Richart, a jovial man with a hearty laugh, clapped his hands together. And much to celebrate! We should have a feast in honor of our safe return.

Symeon, Medwyn's stepbrother, who had been quiet throughout the journey, spoke up. I agree. And I know just the place. The Golden Hare. They have the best ale in Pendarves.

I’m sure Sir Jori will have something planned for us as well, Cyne commented, spotting the tall knight on the docks.

As they spoke, Cyne's attention was drawn to the crowd on the docks below, where she spotted her niece, Ria, waving frantically at them. Cyne smiled and waved back, grateful to see a familiar face after their long journey.

Look, there's Ria, she said, pointing her out to Medwyn.

Medwyn turned to look and smiled. It's good to see her. She's grown so much since the last time we saw her.

The boat finally docked, and the group made their way down to the docks to meet their loved ones and the retinue waiting for them. As they disembarked, they were greeted with cheers and applause, and Cyne felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

She looked around at the people of Pendarves, grateful to be back in a place that only a short while ago was an escape, a lifeline for her. She was proud of what they had accomplished, and she knew that they had done the impossible bringing Medwyn back from the grave.

Empress, emperor, Sir Jori smiled, bowing his head as the others followed suit. Welcome back.

Thank you, Sir Jori, Cyne smiled, squeezing Ria’s hand as she approached. We have a grand feast planned for you at my palace, if you’ll follow me...

We should mingle amongst the people, Medwyn suggested, making them pause. Have some ale, be seen, to show them that I’m alright and there is nothing sinister.

You’ve heard the rumors? Jori asked, nodding his head.

We’d rather avoid rumor and give them something new to talk about, Haeth smirked, encouraging Medwyn.

What was the name of the inn, again? Nestor asked, turning to Symeon who stood near the back of the retinue.

The Golden Hare, Symeon smiled. I’ve been there only a couple times before and their food and ale are excellent.

We’ll have an ale, mingle, and then we’ll go to the palace, Cyne spoke, linking arms with Ria now. Come, let’s give the people what they want.

As they made their way through the crowds, Cyne and her companions chattered excitedly about what they could expect in Pendarves. They talked about the feast that they would have and the adventures that they could embark on now that they were home.

Cyne felt a sense of peace settle over her as she walked through the streets of Pendarves, surrounded by the people that she loved. She knew that there would be challenges ahead, but she was confident that they could face them together.

As the sun began to set, Cyne and her companions arrived at the Golden Hare, where they were greeted with warm welcomes and hearty ale. They feasted and drank and laughed, grateful for their safe return and the bonds of friendship that had been strengthened by their journey.

As the night wore on and the ale flowed, Cyne looked around at her companions, feeling grateful for the love and support that they had given her. After the feast, Ria and her guardian, Sir Jori, insisted the group to come to their seaside palace and villa, a short distance from the Golden Hare. Cyne and her companions eagerly accepted, leaving plenty of