Devil's Crown: A World Divided

By Zach Guard

In the captivating first installment of Z.W. Guard's dark fantasy thriller, Devil's Crown, suspense grips the nations of Adamah in the aftermath of the devastating War of Light and Dark. As mystery and evil loom, the devil cunningly exploits the fault lines of division, pitting the people against one another.

When the leader of

• Language: English
• Publisher: Whiskey Words
• Release date: Jun 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988519423

Zach Guard

Within the captivating pages of the Devil's Crown series lies the culmination of a long and rewarding journey that has brought me here, ready to share a world of adventure and imagination with you. I began my humble journey as a college football equipment manager at Mississippi State, fully embracing my love for the game. Wanting more, I pursued my dream of becoming an NFL Scout, and I was blessed to work for the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and the Chicago Bears. My new NFL career was just getting started, yet, I returned home to settle down in the Cincinnati area near my family. Best decision of my life. Soon after, I met my wife, Shannon, who was the one that encouraged me to write again. Four years and one-thousand whiskeys later, I am proud to present the first book in the Devil's Crown series! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it! The second one is underway!

Book preview

New Beginnings

Penumbra

*  *  *

Deep in the caves of Penumbra, a young girl mourned her father’s death, her grunts echoing off the warm cave walls. Fierce and fueled with a vengeance, she trained in the deepest and darkest parts of the caves, waiting on the day she could avenge her father. Never far away, her sworn protector, Offede, a friend of her late father, watched her train with her father’s daggers.

You attack with no regard for your life, Zillah. There is so much pain and emotion with every thrust that you leave yourself open to counters, even here in the darkness. If you hope to protect this land, you must learn to use the darkness.

I will kill them all. No one shall ever enter the Umbra again and return to the sunlight, Zillah responded in a rage that brought on tears.

Little one, your father was the greatest fighter I have ever seen. Kage was a brave and fierce protector, but one man can only do so much. You must inspire hope! You must rally the people! You must control your emotions so that the people of this land can begin to believe in you as they did him.

"Mother is our leader; I am the weapon. These are his weapons laced with Thallium, the four daggers of Penumbra, and I shall…"

You shall what? Titus is dead. Your father left him poisoned in battle. He is lucky that he could make it out of the Umbra alive, but he never saw the light again, he said, his impatience growing by the word. Don’t make your father’s battles your own.

Our battles are the same. Ruubug will pay for his father’s crime.

The lean-framed protector rebutted, no longer holding back, Ruubug is not your problem! We protect; we do not attack! Remember?! Offede asked, not caring for her response. Raising his voice, the warrior continued, You think your father would spend his days consumed by anger?

The War of Light and Dark is over. We lost, but there is still much left to do. My father killed Alpha, the great snow leopard of Snowfall, and earned their King’s respect. All people of Adamah should fear us. I will take down the great city of Socho. Their precious trees will be the end of them. I will live in their shadows, the young girl stated, more to herself than Offede. 

That’s enough! Remember who you are, Zillah. The half-blind daughter of Kage and Azul. Your mother preaches peace and prayer. You do best listening to her. Go now; that is enough for the day, Offede interrupted before she could speak any further nonsense.

Quickly, Zillah disappeared into the darkness without saying a word. Following the Red, leading west toward the Valley of Elah, Offede could hear her anguish as she trailed off into the distance. Frustrated and concerned, he followed the White to speak with Azul near the northern Snowfall border. Blind in both eyes, she remains in the Umbra in complete darkness for the Penumbra people to find counsel and prayer.

The cave’s roof has cracks that let in light everywhere but the Umbra; the Umbra is complete and perfect. Slowly moving past the part of Penumbra that received sunlight, Offede runs his right hand along the side of the cave to find his way. The temperature dropped the more north he got, the wall becoming less moist as a result. Still many steps away, Azul could feel his presence. Offede. How was training?

I’m concerned, Zul. She is listening to the demon, he confesses.

Stopping him in his tracks, Azul consoles him. Oh, fierce warrior, you were Kage’s most trusted soldier. He chose you to lead Zillah to peace, and I trust you. Listen to her and feel her pain. The pain is real, and it’s not going anywhere. Teach her how to use it.

Her pain is transforming and growing, Zul. She needs her mother’s guidance. She needs tough love. What can I offer to her to take the place of her pain?

Show her tough love, then, Zul responds without hesitation. Go now. Others need my help, and you know what to do. You have my permission.

Shocked, Offede could only get out, I won’t let you down. Despite starting unconvinced, he sold his belief in himself by the time he stopped talking. Something about Azul’s words made people change. 

Suddenly self-assured, he followed the Red to find Zillah.

Socho

*  *  *

Queen Maya and her Heads sat at the Square Table, ready to introduce the new Chief of War, son of Titus, Ruubug. Only eighteen years of age, he had a muscular frame with adept sword skills. Sitting in front of him, making the decision that would change his life, was Queen Maya, Eli – Chief of Law – and Boman – Chief of Thought, son of Maya. 

The Square Table sat in the very center of the Square Room, raised two steps. The room was warm and white, with only one window directly above the table. Not yet welcomed up the stairs, Ruubug stood, chest out in an attempt to look confident.

Ruubug, son of Titus, we’ve made our decision… Do you have anything that you would like to say? Queen Maya stated as she remained seated at the head of the table.

Yes, my Queen, it has been an honor to have been considered for this position. My father fought and died for this city, and I will dedicate myself to it as well. I live for Socho, and I will die to protect it. As unfortunate as it was, Ludwig’s downfall led to this opportunity; his actions are a threat to our city, and I swear to uphold all that Socho holds dear. I swear to follow your lead from this day to my last. Tears started forming in his eyes as he became overwhelmed with his father’s thoughts. My father was the best man I knew. You are my Queen. Socho is my city. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do, and I couldn’t think of any better way to serve my father’s memory than to help serve Socho as Chief of War.

I’m glad to hear that, Bug. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Square Table. You may now take your place as the Chief of War, Maya announced to the table, her face giving away her undeniable glee.

The entire table stood up to celebrate the announcement. Greeting the new Chief of War first was the person that looked up to him the most, Boman. Considerably smaller and eight years younger, Boman was overwhelmed with emotion and gave Ruubug a relentless embrace. He had looked up to and envied Ruubug for as long as he could remember.

We’ll make this a better place together, Bo. I love you, Bug got out through the tears. He then turned to Eli to show him his appreciation. While Bug is clean-shaven, Eli has a long white beard and looks days away from death. And you… no one has been a better example of the light than you. You have put your trust in me, and I will not let you down.

You are your father’s son. You have his looks, and you have his charisma. Trust your heart, the bearded man advised, receiving Bug’s undivided attention.

Interrupting, Maya got everyone’s attention. Everyone, please sit back down. We have more to discuss. Bring him in. The table turned toward the entrance and watched as the guards opened the doors. A big burly man walked in with a disheveled beard and long unwashed hair. It’s time to discuss Renrir and his part in Ludwig’s plot.

Is that what it was? My crime is… was… a plot to better our city… to protect it?! Renrir yells back at the Queen. Bug, nice to see you up at the table. Your father was a brave man. Actually… yeah, actually it’s a joke, really; that you’d be up there with this lot, he struggled to say, feeling fatigued.

You will have a chance to speak, Renrir. Hold your tongue, or you will not have that chance, the Queen reminded him.

Ahh, sister, you’ve always resented me. Aziel always listened to you when he should’ve…

Last chance to show your compliance. You are my brother-by-law, and I wish you no ill will. We will decide your fate by the end of the day, the Queen stated as the room became silent.

Penumbra

*  *  *

Offede found Zillah as far west as west went in Penumbra. The caves ended, looking over the Valley of Elah, and in the distance, one could see the Elah Trees of Socho. Little one, you dream of revenge, and your father watches you with sadness. He’d be disappointed in your lack of trust in the direction he set. No one blames you, but you must listen to him now.

She turned to Offede with a dramatic quickness, her eyes beautiful and green, glowing in the sunlight. You don’t think I know that? Don’t you think I hear Mother? This anger comes from something deeper than that. It feels good. It feels necessary, she fires back.

Necessary; that’s a scary word, Zil. You are not the law. Listen to your father’s words in your head. What is he saying?

With memories of her father filling her head, Zil finds a response. My father… you speak of him, but where were you? He needed you, she got out before her voice got lost in her emotions. Breathing quickly, trying to regain herself, the young girl took one more shot at Offede before he could respond. You can’t help me.

The sun was going down now, and Offede feared the darkness was the fuel to her demon. That’s enough. Your father died protecting you, and I was protecting his people. You don’t know everything that happened that day, and you aren’t listening. I’m not your father, but I am what he wants for you now. Take a breath, and let me know if you want to be a part of this great nation. I know you feel the strength of the shadows. The only problem is you are letting the demon win, and I won’t watch that happen. Go to the Umbra, and stay there for forty days. After that, you can accept or deny my protection, and I will allow you to leave. Decide to leave, and you won’t be allowed to return.

You ban me to the Umbra? Me?! Her sadness dissipated into a rage; Zil could not believe what she was hearing. Fuck you.

Choose your next words wisely, Offede responded with a bone-chilling calmness.

Forty days?

Forty days.

Fine.

Socho

*  *  *

Two guards in golden armor stood behind Renrir as he listened to the charges against him. A bit dazed from the lack of nutrition, he looked ragged, coated in sweat, and smelled like a wet dog. Renrir listened intently with a numb expression on his face.

You stand here today, accused of treason. We have had our differences over the years, you have fought against the Socho way since the War of Light and Dark, but Ludwig’s plot is evil, even for you, Queen Maya said calmly but aggravated. Ludwig will be dealt with accordingly for his attempt on my life, his attempt to take the crown by force. But, your sentence is still to be determined. We bring you in first to explain yourself. The two of you have been inseparable since Aziel’s disappearance. Rain began to drum against the window above as the room went completely silent. You may speak.

Taking in all that was said, Renrir stepped forward and looked Maya in the eyes. That’s the first time I’ve heard you mention my brother’s name since that day. I questioned whether you had the strength to deal with it. Renrir paused to give Maya a chance to rebuttal but got no reaction. That night in the Umbra…

This is not about that night. Speak only of your meetings with Ludwig, or we will revoke your right to speak, Eli, the Chief of Law, stated, stepping in so Maya didn’t have to.

I get it. I know you’re the Chief of Law or one of Maya’s heads or whatever, but this is really between Maya and me. Eli turned to Maya, and she nodded to Renrir to continue. Eli turned back to the prisoner, trusting his Queen. Thank you. Without further interruption, in the Umbra, where Bug’s daddy killed Kage, Aziel and I got lost in the darkness, hearing everything but never feeling confident enough that we would swing and hit Kage and not Titus. By this point in the story, Bug’s joy was quickly transforming into anger.

Renrir continued, All we could do was hope that Titus was victorious, and no one snuck behind us with their poison daggers. Then, we heard a man go down in complete agony, and finally, one more slice of the sword and silence. It felt like an eternity, but Titus finally whispered, ‘Aziel?’ Why would he say my name anyway? I wasn’t a King. What he should have been worried about was the priestess in the cave…

You are not on trial for questioning the King, Renrir, but tread carefully, or you might be, the Queen reminded her brother-by-law.

We have spoken of this many times, my Queen. I do not mean to remind you of my disobedience, just of my state of mind. Yes, we fought about whether we should kill the priestess or not, and that’s why Ludwig took my side after the war. They are a threat. Aziel disappeared the very next night with no warning; part of me hoped he went to kill the priestess himself. Who knows why he left? Perhaps they came in the night; perhaps the trees had something to do with it, I don’t know. I do know that Ludwig wanted to be King, and I supported him. That is why you accuse me now, right? Of course, it is, Renrir said, answering himself.

He always regretted not being there with the three of us in the Umbra; Ludwig did. That bastard Offede battled him at the edge of the Valley; he made a stand at the border to protect us all. That coward disappeared into the caves, and Ludwig remained with his men guarding the border. By the time we got to him, Titus was already blind and babbling nonsense.

Get to the point, Eli ordered, reminding Renrir of just how thin of ice he was standing on.

That was the beginning of our relationship. We had already trained, fought, and bled together, but that brought us together, all of the… uhh… possible next steps. Then, when Aziel left, he became like a brother. He kept me from trying to find him, from searching blindly through all eight kingdoms of Adamah. I was angry at Aziel because he was the only reason I let killing the priestess go. Then he left, he acknowledged solemnly before becoming nostalgic about his brother.

And, then, you tried to USURP the Queen! Bug shouted out of turn.

Let him speak, Bug, the Queen responded without letting her emotions take over.

No, I like it when people speak their minds. I know you all think of me as the villain. I’m not. You didn’t listen to us, to him, Ludwig, but he had wisdom to offer; he was your Chief of War. Ludwig had a plan, he had a mission, but you made his position utterly useless in a time of pretended peace. The green boy here will like that aspect of your reign.

Last chance, Renrir. Did you know of Ludwig’s plot, yes or no? Eli said, stepping in before the trial got out of control.

Bo, smart boy, would I ever try and kill your mother? Boman did not respond despite wanting to believe his uncle couldn’t do it and desire to answer no. You know me. You know how much I loved your father.

I want to believe you - that you don’t act on the devil’s advice - but I know nothing of your thoughts. What I know is that I deserve to hear the truth of it from you, uncle, the boy said cleverly, avoiding any of his traps.

Well played. I knew of my friend’s desire for Maya’s death, for her crown, but I counseled him against it… for years, Renrir confessed, silencing the room. Turning to the Queen, he finally got to the truth of the matter. I should’ve told you, my Queen, but I never thought he would do it. I thought he was just letting out frustration. I honestly never once considered that he would go through with it. I thought he loved this city more than that. Your husband named him Chief of War; he believed in him.

Renrir, that pains me to hear. I trusted Ludwig and listened to his counsel. He has betrayed that trust; he has betrayed Socho, and so have you, the Queen responded with disappointment. You do not deserve to die, you could offer a lot to this city, but you have acknowledged your role in treason. I want you to learn but not to be punished. I guess how you view it will be up to you. As Chief of Law, I trust you, Eli, to decide his fate justly, Maya said, turning her head toward the bearded man on her left.

Thank you, my Queen; it is an honor to serve you. He turned to look down at the prisoner. Renrir, you have admitted knowledge of treason. You have also shown that you have not yet abandoned the crown. You are to remain in the fortress and assist Ruubug in any way he sees fit. You may not leave the fortress, and if Ruubug feels any hint of disloyalty, you will share the same fate as Ludwig, execution.

This piece of shit? Renrir barked back in outrage.

We can fasten another noose if you prefer, Eli fired back, still showing the decisiveness that made him a great Chief of Law. You will serve him here in the fortress until he sees fit, or you’ll die today. You have a choice.

Until he sees fit? Fucker. I’ll do it, but I’m not going to hold back on what I want to say, Renrir agreed reluctantly.

Bug stood up and looked down at his new assistant with a smug smile. And, I won’t hesitate to tell you to shut the fuck up. My Queen is right; you have a lot to offer, and I will listen to your counsel, but I make the calls. He then turned to Eli and nodded in approval of his decision. My father spoke of you often. I look forward to your counsel.

Renrir looked at him, holding back his anger. Yeah, you say that now.

Penumbra

*  *  *

Zillah made her way east, following the blue toward Azul and the Umbra. Small in stature with dark, short hair and pale skin, she continued through Penumbra, which now had water coming through the cracks. Rain always seemed pleasant to Zillah as she felt the caves weren’t so isolated from the outside world. 

Passing dugouts on her left and right, a few families had fires that lit her way through the tunnels. A few even waved as she went by while they were eating dinner. Penumbrans are very close and friendly people. With no doors and limited food sources, they embody the mantra: ‘One for all, and all for one.’

Over the firepits, roasted snakes mostly, or cavefish found in the Dark Lake on the east side of Umbra. Though repulsive to the outside world, the smell was one that Zillah grew very fond of growing up in the caves. 

As she collected the aromas from each dugout, her mouth began to water, and the more she salivated, the more haste with which she walked. The crackling of the firepits seemed to cover her footsteps, but as the ceiling became purer, she knew her mother would feel her presence.

Before making the final turn toward the White, a young boy spooked Zillah from the darkness. No words were said, but his dark eyes fixated on her, and it was impossible to look away. Can I help you? Have you spoken to my mother? She brought up her mother just in case the boy had ill will toward her. HELLO? What’s your name? The silence continued despite her attempts to communicate. 

As she walked closer to the boy, she noticed he was frighteningly still. She wasn’t even sure that he was alive. Walking eye to eye at an arm’s length away, Zillah examined him up and down without the boy blinking.

Thinking about what could’ve happened to the boy, she examined him as if he wasn’t human. Afraid to touch him, she looked at him; the boy was the same height as her. Suddenly the darkness wasn’t her friend anymore. Looking around in paranoia, nothing else was around that Zillah could tell. Trying to remain calm, she quietly said, Whatever, and turned north toward the Umbra. 

When she turned her back on the boy, a hand touched her shoulder. A tingling sensation went straight through her body as skin bumps appeared on her arms and legs. Startled, she turned around to find nothing but darkness. Struggling to breathe, her mother broke her trance, Zil, come closer.

Yes, Mother, the young girl said, excited to think about something besides the disappearing boy. I’m coming! She began to move quickly, quicker than anyone else would’ve been able to maneuver in the Umbra. Zillah was born in the darkness and remained there until she was six. Her skin bumps returned as the cave grew colder the closer she got to the Umbra.

Are you cold, my dear? Sit with me, put on the robe, the blind priestess with greying hair told her daughter. The robes were solid black, at least that’s always what Azul had taught her daughter. No one had seen the priestess outside the Umbra, and no one would dare bring the light inside.

Those are your robes. I couldn’t. Zillah was shocked.

 Not mine, the one behind me on the northern wall. Azul spoke with a calmness that made her appear omniscient. Truth be told, Zillah was afraid of her mother. She didn’t fully understand how one woman could lead their kingdom without violence or sight.

Completely forgetting about the boy in the darkness, Zillah was so confused. What? Those are your robes. There can only be one priestess, right? I can’t wear those; they are forbidden. She stopped before speaking anymore, contemplating if it was a trap her mother was setting for her. I’m faithful, Mother, to you and Penumbra.

Zil, you are my daughter. How selfish would it be if I denied others the right to guide our people in prayer and peace? Put on the robe and sit with me, your back touching mine, as we used to do while you slept, Azul instructed her daughter.

It was you. You told me to come here, the girl stated as though it was a question. Offede… Offede sent me here for forty days, but it was you! You make him do your dirty work? I’m fine, Zillah told her mother, speaking like she was still her helpless daughter but afraid to admit it.

"I told Offede that your father chose him to guide you on your path. I told him that you are a young girl in pain. I told him to feel your pain. He made his own decisions and proved that the choice of him being your protector was correct." For the first time since Zillah left the Umbra at the age of six, Azul looked up from where she always sat as though she could see her.

Although Zillah couldn’t see her mother’s eyes, she could feel them. It was overwhelming to feel known, fully known. Yet, it was the happiest Zillah had felt in a long, long time. She was so overwhelmed by the feeling that a single tear fell down her face. She wiped the tear from her face and walked behind her mother to pick up the robe. It was thinner than she had hoped but just as soft as her mother’s. It only took a moment to throw it over her garb; then, she felt her way toward her mother. She sat behind her without saying a word and then leaned her head back on her mother’s.

Feeling blessed to have her daughter by her side again, Azul asked, Have I ever told you the story of Alpha, the snow leopard?

Snowfall

*  *  *

 Taller than any man he’d ever met, King Taiga sat in the grandest igloo in Snowfall just north of the Penumbra border. He sat upon a throne of lumber built into a stage of ice. The throne looked like two Elah Tree trunks carved into one solid square that was strong enough to hold the giant man. With long dark hair and a long unkempt beard, the King sat, speaking of allying Snowfall to the cave people of Penumbra.

Staring at his caribou antlered crown was his best friend, a man of similar appearance, one they call ‘Bear.’ He didn’t stare in envy but more in admiration of the great man he felt so lucky to be serving. They had been friends for fourteen years, ever since Bear saved the King’s life. 

Today, they talked in the presence of Taiga’s first wife, Aurora. Pledged to each other from birth, her hair flowed without a single curl down her back, shining and silver. She gave birth to Taiga’s eldest son, Aquilo, seventeen years ago to the day. Wearing a thick fur coat skinned from the legendary snow leopard, Alpha’s wife, Neva, Aurora sat in silence, holding back her many opinions on Penumbra and their priestess.

We should’ve come to their aid in the War of Light and Dark, King Taiga adamantly stated to his brother in arms. They conquered what I could not. Kage took down Alpha. We owe them a debt, and this alliance could lead to more quests of conquest. We stay here. Why? I’m getting bored leading peaceful people. There are only so many snow bears to hunt and sea lions to harpoon.

Bear was still staring at his King’s crown when the conversation turned to him, You are a King. You have beautiful wives and sons. Think of them. Think of my sister. Taiga had taken his sister, Poppy, meaning flower, as a wife after his second hunt of Alpha. After three days of relentless hunting, the giant man had cornered the great beast by the northern sea. On the verge of a heroic kill, following the trees’ markings, he spotted the creature near Bear’s camp. It was only a matter of days until Taiga had Alpha cornered between the sea and glacier wall.

"Your sister is with her people, your people. She is in no danger now. The bears are to the west and the sea lions to the east. The snow leopards are extinct; just look at my beautiful wife here. Look at her coat. Remember? It was me and you who snared Neva, that bitch. Can’t believe she took me down that day. I didn’t spot her, not one time, north of your village," the King admitted to his most trusted companion, shaking his head and smiling in disbelief.

You should have stopped with our tribe. We could have warned you of Neva. Many felt the leopards were the ones protecting us, and you were the enemy. We had much to offer and still do. Brooks should be with his people; he is becoming a man. Poppy had nagged Bear to urge his King to send her son back since he left. She was alone, leading a tribe of twenty with no great warrior to protect them.

How many times are you going to bring that up? She wanted to stay with her people; she made her decision. Brooks is my son, born to be a true warrior of Snowfall like his brothers. How did we even start talking about it? Taiga was getting impatient, his anger rising. Penumbra. Kage killed Alpha after the beast fled. That act was one of alliance with us, even if he didn’t know it. I will reward them and avenge them. Azul has a daughter that was there that day. Did you know that?

A daughter? What do you mean she was there? When? Bear’s frustration began to show as well, leading him to unwisely question, Who cares?

Shook by the dissonance, Taiga took a deep breath, looked at his wife, and wondered, Maybe I’m better off talking with you about such things. He turned back to Bear, his face showing disappointment. Who cares? You care so much about Brooks, but not other children? Her daughter was born in the Umbra and had been there when Titus slew Kage. Could you imagine dying in front of your wife and daughter, dying to protect them? Kage was a great man, unjustly slain. His daughter now resides in Penumbra, one good eye from Kage and another blind like her mother.

How do you know this? Bear wondered out loud.

I have my sources, Bear. Don’t you worry about that. A blessed man with a cross about his chest came to me not many years ago. He was worried about the eight kingdoms of Adamah, thinks we will tear each other apart, he said, contemplating the thought of it in his head again. Socho is just the beginning.

Is that what he told you?

"No, he spoke of a greater evil at play. He spoke of the devil’s work, but he can work through all people. The great city of Socho is no exception. Just listen when I tell you that it is important that we begin to gain allies." Taiga started speaking with more certainty as he convinced himself of what he had to do.

Fine. Do what you must, but don’t do it for Kage. Do it for us, the burly man reminded his King. What was his name anyway? Where is he now? The man who speaks of the devil.

I never caught his name. I haven’t seen him since. He is one of the few things that puts some fear in my heart. Maybe he was sent by the Great Light; I don’t know. Maybe I’m the one to stop it. That statement made Aurora look up at her husband with concern. She knew nothing would stop him now.

Thoughts of Tomorrow

Socho

*  *  *

Do you know the difference between good and evil? Renrir questioned his new master as he trained a recruit in the courtyard. Surrounded by the great Elah Trees with star-shaped leaves more massive than the largest of hands, the seasoned warrior tried to scare the new Chief of War out of his new position. He didn’t want the boy’s title but thought Ruubug could be nothing but naive of what it took to take up Ludwig’s post. "Do you hear him? The devil speaks just as loud as God."

Stopping midswing, Bug was struck by the desperate recruit to make contact with his trainer. Lifting the visor from his helmet, the young man turned to Renrir accepting the pain the young recruit had dealt him. I know of the devil. I know you’re an ass. Give me a second to train these recruits, and then you can try and convince me to kneel to the same fears you do. Proud of his response, Bug turned back toward the handful of boys who were too focused on their conversation. Nice work, Nicholas. There is no pause in a fight. You’d be smart to strike when your opponent gets distracted. But… make sure you go for the kill, because striking the blind side will only enrage him. Pulling back down his yellow visor shining in the daylight, the trainer began to train once again.

Fighting with dulled blades, Bug fought the boy with a sword in both hands. Using his dominant hand as the primary bludgeoner, he used the training sessions as an opportunity to try new moves. Today, Bug wanted to practice using the sword in his left hand as a shield, keeping it close and only as a defense. Renrir watched as Bug’s left hand seemed utterly useless, thinking that the young Chief was no match for his predecessor. 

He watched closely and saw that Bug was so fluid with his right that he didn’t even need his left. At least not now, Renrir thought, running his hand through his beard.

Nicholas swung with his right and protected with his left just like Bug, but with an actual shield. More massive than his torso, the shield shone yellow with a great green tree in the center. Grunting and beginning to sweat, the young boy fought with no success. God damn it, he shouted in a moment of mental surrender. 

The next thing he knew, Bug raised his right sword to give the final blow. Preparing himself for the pain of a dull blade swung with strength toward his left side, Nicholas raised his shield to absorb the blow. Just as he braced for impact, the recruit felt an intense strike to the opposite side of his body. Falling to the ground because of the weight he put on his left foot, Nicholas did everything he could to not whimper aloud.

Bug had used his right hand as a decoy while he swung with equal strength with his left. Utterly blind to the attack, he had connected with his trainee’s rib cage. Not showing his delight with his new offense, Bug consoled, A man with two swords is always on the attack. You should do the same. The one who relentlessly attacks is also relentlessly making himself vulnerable. Don’t fight to survive; fight to win. 

Bug extended his right hand to help the boy up, sheathing his swords in their green scabbards on his belt. You have a bright future. Don’t be afraid to go for the kill here; it helps me, and it helps you. He looked up to the group in front of him, locked eyes with the one female in the group, then repeated, Go for the kill when being attacked. There are no friends in the heat of battle.

Nodding in approval but not wanting to acknowledge Bug was speaking facts, Renrir turned to walk toward the Judgment Tree on the other side of the Square Room.

Wait. I haven’t dismissed the group, Bug stated forcefully to the burly man walking away from him. Tomorrow at sunrise, I want everyone to return here. Today, you shall all watch justice. Those not present will not be allowed into our army.

Renrir waited as Bug caught up to him with his smug stride. The sky was blue as blue got with birds chirping ahead. It was hard for either of them not to notice how beautiful a day it was as the wind blew, bringing relief from the dry heat of the sun’s rays. The recruits were lagging, but both military men were happy with the distance. They needed the space to contemplate all the emotions of the upcoming event. Without a word, the two men walked with memories of Ludwig on their minds.

The traitor’s legacy would now only be what happened after the War of Light and Dark and nothing before. It struck pain in Renrir’s heart, thinking Socho would erase any memory of his friend, a man who loved the kingdom he served. All the soldier could think of was his companion’s bravery during the Light and Dark, having held the border. Ludwig was an inspiration to him more than his brother ever was. With his physique and attitude, Ludwig was the man Renrir dreamed of becoming.

To Ruubug, there was no worse being. Even still, his punishment brought an array of emotions to the young man. The decision by Eli had weighed heavily on Bug since hearing the decision during Renrir’s sentencing. Life seemed so full before, but now something more loomed over him. The anger he felt at that moment, the rage he still held deep in his heart, scared him. When he used his new offense against Nicholas during training, he let that anger out; he had pictured Ludwig in his head. After taking his seat as a Chief’s Head, Bug felt his fury growing, the devil’s words louder. Not just with this, but with his father’s death.

He would’ve been a good Chief, you know? Renrir broke his superior's silence, having used up all his patience, trying to wait for Bug to speak first.

What? Ruubug asked, puzzled by the remark.

Ludwig. Would. Have. Been. A. Good. Chief, he repeated slowly, attempting to make Bug feel as ignorant as Renrir thought he was. He never should’ve done it, and I won’t fight this, but he would’ve been a good Chief.

Maybe, Bug responded, looking up to the one person he knew taller than himself. Probably not, though. He betrayed Socho. That was in his blood. Men like Ludwig can’t survive in a peaceful time. Just as likely, he would’ve been the end to Socho as what was best for it.

Breathing in deeply, Renrir heard the young boy speak truthfully. He heard him but turned his head slowly without response. Looking down at his feet, the bearded man breathed out through his nose, then turned his head quickly up to the sky in hopeful prayer: Watch over him, brother.

Penumbra

*  *  *

North of the border, Zil wondered about the Snowfall nation searching for their King. Tired and windburned, her skin looked red and wet with melted snow. Turning back, she could see the robe her mother gave her blowing away in the wind. The four daggers of Penumbra were on her, two secured to her triceps, two to her hips. Her short hair tied up tight to her head gave her a bit of a headache, so she let it down in discomfort.

Looking around, she saw nothing but snow falling. Why did I come here? How did I get here? Zillah thought to herself. It drove her crazy, remembering nothing before this moment. In the distance, she spotted a tree, tall and alone. Her curiosity pulled her toward it; she was no longer in control. Everything below her knee disappeared with every step in the snow, but its cold was numb to her.

As she got closer, she realized it looked like an Elah Tree that survived through the winter. Full of leaves, it seemed impossible for this tree to exist. A voice started to talk to her in the distance, Zillah, Zillah… Zillah. She saw nothing but could’ve sworn her mother was near. 

When she finally got to the tree, she saw the marks of a claw scraped across the bark. What is this place? Beating faster as the voice seemed to be getting louder, her heart was racing, unable to pinpoint her mother’s voice.

An image started to form through the snow. It was white like the snow, but it was something living, a four-legged creature. Just as Zillah began to ponder what it was, Azul woke her daughter from her sleep. Zil… Zil… everything’s okay. You are safe here.

In a full sweat, Zillah awoke to complete darkness, breathing heavily. What was that? I… I… was it just a dream? Mom? I’m still here, the young girl said in miserable confusion.

You were dreaming, but what did you see? The Umbra can be powerful while awake and while asleep, Azul answered her daughter with her own question.

Out of sorts, Zillah struggled to picture just what it was that she had dreamt. I was in Snowfall, snow everywhere, but I wasn’t cold… I heard your voice, I think. No, definitely your voice, she confirmed, realizing what was happening. And… A tree, an Elah Tree in the snow, totally alive. It had a mark on it.

What kind of mark? her mother asked quickly, eager to stay on that topic.

I don’t know, a scratch of some sort. Zillah was trying hard to piece it together herself and started growing impatient with Azul’s questions. I need some time, some food as well. Do we have any?

Azul ignored her daughter and asked again, What did you see, Zil? What kind of scratch?

Like an animal had scratched the tree, mom, the young girl said, standing up after leaning against her mother.

Sit down, Zillah. You are still far from leaving this place. You aren’t ready.

Frustration rising, Zillah spout back, Ready for what? You’ve been here nearly all your life. What good has that done? The Umbra is not where I will grow old and die.

Quiet, Zil. Don’t disrespect the Umbra. It has a mood of its own; it lives and breathes, if only you could hear it. Azul noticed her daughter still had inner unrest that needed to be released. "Look around. This place raised you as much as me."

Yeah, right… Zil got out before her mother interrupted.

Careful. Accept the Umbra, and you can achieve great things. Deny it, and you will perish… alone. Zillah remained silent this time, mostly in shock at the tone coming from her mother. The Umbra chose me to be its advocate in this world, and it chose you for something different; you’re right. You won’t stay here forever. Feeling at one with the darkness, Zillah began to hang on to each word her mother said. All eight kingdoms will know your name. You will kill a King; you will kill a boy; you will find a fork in your path that shall determine the day of your death.

Silence took the darkness as it should. Zillah felt a chill go through her and fell back against the cold, moist walls of the cave. Again, a vision of Snowfall overtook her as a creature wondered, blurred in the distance, in the falling snow. Frightened by its power, she snapped out of it as though waking from a terrible dream. 

Azul knew the impact of her words and felt the Umbra taking control of the conversation. The room started to feel colder than usual, with the sound of the wind howling bouncing off the cave walls in the distance. Feeling the chill of the wind, Zillah closed her eyes, then began to crawl her way back to her mother’s back. 

What is this place? What’s happening? Who will I kill? she asked her mother as any daughter would, nervous and uncertain of the future.

You remember the mute boy from your walk to the Umbra? her mother answered back.

Her heart beating faster, Zillah began to see the boy’s face in her head. Terrorized, beginning to lose feeling in her body, she closed her eyes even tighter.

Wanting her daughter to face her fears, Azul repeated, confident that Zillah remembered, Do you remember, Zillah? You must remember, Zil.

Between breaths, the young girl forced herself to respond, Yes.

Good. Listen to what I say, for the Umbra is communicating with you. This boy has told me many truths.

He spoke to you? Zillah questioned in astonishment.

Spoke to me, yes, but not as it sounds. The boy came to me in a dream, just as you saw the snow leopard’s mark.

Left with more questions and no answers, Zillah continued to question her mother, hoping she would solve her puzzlement. The boy and Alpha are connected? Was it Alpha that I saw? How?

Alpha fled south after Neva died, yes. It could have been him that marked the tree in your dream before your father killed him to protect us. Or Alpha came south for a different reason. The Umbra will answer your questions, not me. Pray, and you shall find peace. Be patient, and you shall find the answers that you seek. The boy, though… Azul paused to regroup her thoughts. I do not know his name, only that the demon is coming to the minds of men and women. We need to fight against it at all costs.

Mom… was the only thing Zillah could get out as a response. She knew she wouldn’t get a response, so she opened her eyes, looked up into the dark abyss of the Umbra, and asked in prayer, Umbra. Sorry that it's been so long. I hope you are forgiving… I hope you are there listening to me. Please, oh God, please: Answer me now. What should I do? 

A tear came down her face. Please. Show me.

Snowfall

*  *  *

The night was dark, but the Great Light was present in the strong wind. The stars seemed to speak to Aurora as she looked upon them with a longing heart. Please help my husband. You talked to him once through the man with a cross on his chest. Speak to him once again. Penumbra is not the way; they do not believe in the light, your light. 

Still wearing the fur of Neva, only her face felt the frost of the wind blowing. Completely entranced in prayer, the silver-haired woman tried her best to listen to the God she knew. Silence took the night, and the wind seemed to stop as her mind began to believe the Great Light had moved onto another in prayer.

Aurora? she heard in the distance. Unclipping her bow from her back beneath Neva, she quickly armed it from the quiver on her hip. Notching the arrow and preparing to lose, she yelled back, Who goes there?!

Aurora, it’s me. It’s Ivory. Ivory is Taiga’s second wife, beautiful and black-haired. There was no one in the world that Aurora despised more than Ivory. Not because of her beauty, nor was it because of her two sons with Taiga; it was Ivory’s belief of what a woman should be. She spends most of her time at home cooking, sewing, and raising the children; she is everything Aurora does not want to be.

What are you doing out here at night? It’s not safe, Taiga’s first wife said to his second.

The King misses your presence. He needs us at his side in this time of deciding. You are the one that should be in question on their whereabouts, Ivory responded, refusing to back down to Aurora’s disapproval. She believes in her purpose and knows her role to be vital in the survival of Snowfall.

Lowering her bow, Aurora fired back, "Hunting clears my mind. I need to be one with the Great Light to understand his needs. You serve your way, and I mine. Leave me be. Tell him I shall return in the morning."

The morning? Where would you sleep? Ivory questioned, confusion and disappointment written all over her face.

Send my son if you must, but here is where I will stay. Such a better view of Penumbra from here. Caring not what her sister-wife thought or reported, Aurora made her stand. She was serving her King, her husband, in the way she knew how, and it wasn’t by sitting in the house doing his every need. Strange how their caves seem to glow in the moonlight.

Feeling threatened, Ivory removed the hood from her black caribou fur coat. Your son turned seventeen just last week. What did you give him? What have you ever given him? A mother’s love may be true, but Aquilo needs more.

The wind began to pick back up as she raised her bow again. Aurora’s peace was gone now. "My son. What have I done for my son?! I have shown him how to hunt, lead, and protect his family at all costs. He is stronger than both your sons combined. Realizing the situation, she let out a laugh to herself and lowered her bow. I’m happy for you. I really am. You can waste your time serving Taiga. I’ll use mine to conquer the world with him."

Mother? another voice called out from a distance. Both women turned, hoping their son had saved them from the conversation. Too far to tell apart whose voice it was, Ivory took the time to respond to her counterpart.

"I do not envy you or your son. I am not you, and you are not me. I just wish you would value my role in Taiga’s life and your son’s life. I love this family that we built. For the sake of Snowfall, I hope you get over this hatred of me."

The voice in the distance called out again through the woods, Mother… Is that you?

Still struggling to depict whose voice it was, Ivory became nervous that Aurora and her son would outnumber her. She felt her body grow cold as the wind continued to blow while Aurora seemed to be gaining confidence. The sister-wives could not have been more different, which is precisely what Taiga loved about them.

Shit, Aurora thought to herself as she began to realize that Kodiak was the boy approaching. At sixteen years of age, he was shorter than his peers but quite the curious adventurer. His skin was pale as snow while his hair flowed down his back, black as night.

The boy began to run rather quickly to ensure his mother was in no danger once he knew she was stuck with Aurora. Mother, what are you doing out here? Why would you leave father?

Rolling her eyes, Aurora took a step back to remove herself from the conversation. On the other hand, Ivory took a step toward her son and answered, I am here for Aurora; Taiga needs both of us tonight. She thinks her pleasures are more important than her husband’s. Yet again, the wind died down with that comment, creating a complete silence.

Not convinced that his brother’s silver-haired mother-by-law was in the wrong, Kodiak focused the situation back on his mother’s disappearance. What Aurora believes may or may not be true, but you abandoned father, and he needs you. Looking to Aurora for support, he received the nod and accepted it quickly. She can hunt if she wants. You say your place is at his side. Come back with me; these woods are not safe for you.

Disturbed that her son would take Aurora’s side, Ivory let her emotions take control. "You speak to me this way? You will be a man one day with your own wives. You can’t let them do whatever they want. You need courage and strength. Something you seem to lack. You should be the one hunting, not her. You hear that?! Why can she take down a caribou with three shots while you continue to climb trees with the nighthawks adventuring where you have no business going? Why do you lead your brother down this path?"

Stepping in somewhat reluctantly, Aurora protected Kodiak. Let him be, she said calmly, smirking with pride from her son’s prowess. "Kodiak does not have to be a warrior like Aquilo; neither does Elder. They will have different skill-sets that will benefit Snowfall just the same."

Quiet when I’m talking with my son, Ivory interrupted, enraged. Tears began to fall down her face as she grew frustrated, realizing the situation was getting out of her control. I just want my son to be able to protect his family. You should understand, Ivory stated to her sister-wife, fighting back the tears. And, you. You should just stay here with Aurora. Keep her safe.

Stay out here? a new voice questioned, coming out of nowhere amidst all the emotion. You can’t control everything, mom. Pop lets Kodiak be who he is, and so should you.

Elder? What are you doing out here? his mother wondered aloud, gaining her composure.

I was just following Kodiak.

Surprised that his brother caught him sneaking out, Kodiak asked, How did you hear me leave? I thought you were asleep?

You both should have been asleep! Ivory interrupted.

Kodiak answered for both him and his brother, Father asked me to go find you, Mother. He didn’t like that you went out in the woods alone.

And I couldn’t let you go out here alone, Elder added, looking down at Kodiak.

Rolling her eyes again, Aurora couldn’t help but think, What a shit show. Well, now that that’s all settled, you can all go home, right? I’m safe; your mom’s safe. Taiga needs you guys home, so go home. Watching the reactions of each of her family members, she doubled down, Does that sound good to everyone? I’ll be back in the morning.

Yes. Come home with us, Mother. Let's all sleep and let Aurora listen to the Great Light.

Fine, if she chooses to be so selfish and stubborn, Ivory said, staring at Aurora with disapproving eyes. Let’s get back.

The two women put their hoods on once again to combat the cold and went their separate ways. After a few steps, nighthawks began to call loudly in the night, sounding like an ax sharpening on a grinder. As quickly as he heard the nighthawks squawk, Kodiak turned to stay with Aurora in the night as his mother wanted.

What are you doing? Ivory demanded.

Annoyed by another question, Kodiak sternly responded, Staying with Aurora.

Ivory continued walking without answering and turned her youngest son around with her. Mom, you’re just going to let him stay? Then I’m staying, too, he said, believing he could make his own decisions like his older brother.

No. You are with me; Kodiak is with Aurora. That’s how it should be. Kodiak is brave to stay and watch out over Aurora as you are brave to help me get home through the night. Ivory was satisfied with Kodiak’s decision despite being abandoned by her older son.

No? He needs to be brave, so I need to be brave. I’m staying, Elder stated in disobedience. Taller than his brother but similarly skinny, he started running after Kodiak calling out, Stop! I’m coming with you!

Responding to his brother, Kodiak turned to stop him. Not today, Elder. Walk Mother home. I promise we will go out another night.

All night?

All night, he promised, looking into his brother’s eyes.

Confident in his brother’s promise, Elder agreed and went back to Ivory without hesitation to safely see that she got back to Taiga. Meanwhile, Kodiak tried to make his way back to Aurora. It seemed like she was heading to where the river met the Penumbra border, southwest of the capital. The more he walked, the colder he felt despite wearing a black caribou fur coat. He was more frightened than he was willing to admit, afraid to call out. Still hearing the nighthawks screech, he noticed a lynx in an enormous tree just north of his route.

Even though Kodiak was twice the great cat's size, he feared its speed and preying ability. It is known that they prey at night, and the boy was not about to take that risk. However, he was always curious, so he began walking closer to observe how it sat in the tree. It seemed relaxed with its hind feet on the branch much smaller than its width and its front paws wrapped around it as though he was hugging it.

 As quickly as a blink, the lynx shot up from its nap and stared at the boy. His heart began to beat so fast and loud that it was all that filled his thoughts. The lynx had Kodiak in a complete trance, frozen in fear.

Before it leaped to the ground, it seemed distracted by the growing number of nighthawks above its head. Their screeches became so loud that they shook Kodiak out of his trance long enough for him to begin to run. Continuing toward Aurora, he prayed the lynx wasn’t following him.

Turning around for a second, he regretted the decision immediately. The lynx had begun to jump from tree to tree in chase of the young boy. Kodiak was quick on his feet, but this lynx would not be outmaneuvered in the woods of Snowfall. All he had was the two Ulu knives Taiga had given him on his sixteenth birthday. It was the tradition for Snowfallen boys to receive their first weapon at sixteen. He had them in full grasp now, their handles allowing him to grip between the blade and handle due to their D shape.

As he ran, his eyes adjusted to the night sky, and his instincts seemed to allow him to dodge every obstacle. Sweat was dripping from his forehead, and he began to think about how to kill the great cat. The lynx, as Kodiak thought, must’ve realized his plan and jumped down from the trees. Not but ten yards from him now, he chose to turn and fight. It took everything inside of him to confront his fear. Letting out the loudest yell he could manage, the young boy raised his weapons in a fighter’s pose, completely balanced, preparing for an attack.

An arrow stuck into the lynx’s neck as it was about to pounce. Staggering to the right, Kodiak turned to see where the weapon had come from but saw nothing. The lynx also turned toward its attacker with no answer, so it turned back to Kodiak. Raising his Ulus again, the great cat didn’t back down despite the boy raising his voice in anger. Just then, another arrow went through its eye. Instead of checking for the bowman, this time, Kodiak went for the throat.

Swinging his right hand toward the lynx’s throat with his palm up but closed on the Ulu, knuckles white, the blade cut clear through its throat, and the blood spewed out from its neck.

His heart was still beating