Braving Eavan: A Castre World Novel, #5

By E.A. Shanniak

Her choice defines not only the fate of her family, but the whole of Castre. Princess Eavan would do anything for her younger sisters. The protect them at any cost, she must marry a man from a strange land. For her family and her country, marriage cannot be so terrible.

 

Now, Eavan's new husband Rais puts her to the test to prove she is worthy of the honor to be his wife. A test that would determine whether she is to live or perish under Orthilioan laws.

 

Stepping uncertainly onto the platform, Eavan faces a large orange dragon. Eyes closed, she swallowed the dryness in her throat. Would she succeed in protecting those she loves?

 

Read for yourself if Eavan can be the force Castre needs her to be in this epic novel of love and sacrifice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.A. Shanniak
• Release date: Jun 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223481874

Book preview

Braving Eavan

A Castre World Novel

E.A. Shanniak

Eagle Creek Books LLC

Braving Eavan: A Castre World Novel by E.A. Shanniak

Copyright © 2018, 2021 by E.A. Shanniak

All rights reserved.

Cover Design by: Vikki – vikncharlie at fivrr

Proofreading: Michelle F.

Formatting by: Grace P.

Published by Eagle Creek Books LLC of Molalla, Oregon

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Without limiting the rights under the copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical by photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior written permission of the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or by any other means without permission of the author is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized printed or electronic editions and do not participate or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the authors rights is appreciated.

www.eashanniak.com

Dedication

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To My Friend Taiann,

Thank you for supporting me, always having my back and your unconditional love. I adore and cherish your friendship, honesty, and kindness. I am so incredibly grateful to have a friend like you.

Love,

Ericka

More by: E.A. Shanniak

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Mitering Avalee

Forging Calida

Uplifting Irie

Braving Eavan

Warring Devan

Hunting Megan

Shifting Aramoren – A Castre World Short Story

Anchoring Nola – A Castre World Short Story

A Bayonet Books Anthology

Storming Area51: Stalking Death

Slay Bells Ring: Stocking Gryla

Clean & Sweet Western Romance – Whitman Series Romances

To Find A Whitman

To Love A Thief

To Save A Life

To Lift A Darkness

To Veil A Fondness

To Bind A Heart

To Find A Treasure

To Want A Change

To Form A Romance

Slow Burn Paranormal Romance – Dangerous Ties Series

Opening Danger

Hunting Danger

Burning Danger

Contents

1.One

2.Two

3.Three

4.Four

5.Five

6.Six

7.Seven

8.Eight

9.Nine

10.Ten

11.Eleven

12.Twelve

13.Thirteen

14.Fourteen

15.Fifteen

16.Sixteen

17.Seventeen

18.Eighteen

19.Nineteen

20.Twenty

21.Twenty-One

22.Twenty-Two

23.Twenty-Three

24.Twenty-Four

About The Author

One

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Year of Corwaithe 1237

The time came for Eavan to uphold her father's pledge. Wishing otherwise did nothing. She was honor bound. Her step-mother relentlessly reminded her of the promise made and how following through impacted the lives of all around her. It was the first time the two nations, Meerdora and Orthilio, mingled in mutual understanding since the God War of 578.

If it were up to Eavan, she would lead her own life, take care of her sisters, and not get married. And certainly not be married to a whelp of a prince she had the unfortunate privilege of meeting several years back. Eavan prayed it wasn't him. Not that Colfin was ugly, she wasn't a shallow woman. She couldn't stand his arrogant personality.

And her father pledged her hand to one of Laird’s, or Rey as they were called in Orthilio, Rey Sundena’s three sons. Now the deal was being upheld by her step-mother and Rey Sundena of Orthilio.

Eavan groaned petulantly. Peace and trade between Orthilio and Meerdora would begin with her marriage. Colfin was the oldest, as was she. Eavan assumed she would marry him, which annoyed her deeply. It bothered her so much, she secretly schemed to get away. Honor bound or not, she was not going through with the marriage to Colfin.

Eavan paused by an open door, looking both ways before stepping out. Silently, she slipped out of the castle, meandering her way down to the pen holding her sheep needing to be sheared. She brought her shears with her to get started on the spring shearing. It was dirty work, but she loved doing it herself, desiring to ease the tension she felt rumble inside of her.

The reality of what she must do hung over her like a thundercloud. She was terrified, anxious. How could she think to shirk her duty to her people? It was not how her father raised her to behave. Marrying an heir to Orthilio would be profitable for their clan, and bring about better relations for all of Castre. It was her father’s dying wish to see peace between the two countries. Eavan had to admit it was a smart match.

The click of the gate shutting behind her sealed the thought. Eavan prayed to Corwaithe that her husband-to-be, whether it was the whelp Colfin, or one of his brothers, would allow her to bring her sisters. They were the deal breaker. Everything Eavan did was to protect them. If he denied her, honor bound or not, someone else would need to marry one of Burhan’s sons.

Eavan secluded a sheep and began shearing. She thought about how much she would miss her sisters if she chose to flee. Would they hate her for scheming to get away forever without even a goodbye? Eavan sighed, she couldn’t do it. Eavan promised her father she would protect them. And for the last six years, she fulfilled the promise. Even now, she would protect them, for surely they could not take her place.

Right before the noon bell tolled, Eavan’s score of sheep were neatly sheared, and the wool ready for the washers. Eavan mindlessly tapped her shears against the wooden fence post. Her unimpressive future looked bleak. She loved living in Meerdora. She loved waking to the tranquility of serene rolling hills, patches of densely-forested areas, and small lakes; to birds chirping, frogs croaking and everything that came with this part of Meerdora. She couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. To her, it wasn’t a plausible thought.

Especially not Orthilio. With its rocks and desert sands, endless arid heat, and vicious wildlife. A place where dragons were said to be and other horrible, disfigured creatures that ate people. She had never been there, and she feared it. Since her step-mother decided she would marry, acting on her father's promise, she would have to go.

Eavan bowed her head, her red hair swishing into her face, and her thoughts halting on her sisters. It always came back to them. Every step, every choice, all of it always came back to her sisters. Who would protect them? Would her husband compromise with her? What would happen to them when she left?

If I left before anythin’ took place, she thought, tilting her head to the side and shook it. No. I can’t.

Eavan sat on the fence railing, let out an irritated sigh, and slammed her hand against the post. The idea of leaving prior to anything taking place was nice, but she couldn't do it. One of her sisters would be forced to take her spot. Her step-mother, Vevina, told her as much. Eavan couldn’t allow it. Someone had to be there to protect her family, and it would always be her.

Between Mum, my sisters, and gettin’ married, I dinna know how much more I can handle, she whispered.

Colfin Sundena, the blasted man, would be arriving soon to finish the deal. It aggravated her to no end. She wanted to be loved, not bought. She wanted to live life on an open range with freedom to wander, not chained by duty and trapped in her own home. Would Orthilio be much different?

In recent years, even Clouneder Castle became a sickening, sucking leech of a place. All because of Vevina. Never in her life had she met a more uncaring, dismal person. Her sisters were treated very well, but Vevina regarded her more like a man. She ran her hands through her hair and buried her face in her knees. What to do? Was there anything to do at this point?

Eavan, where have ye been for most of the mornin’? Mum wants ye inside and dressed. Yer husband arrives today, Devan called.

She glanced up and to the left, spying her sisters walk down the slight hill toward her. Devan’s red hair was mussed but braided off her head. Her green eyes narrowed on her, slightly perking a brow to her whereabouts. Megan smiled, her chocolate brown hair bouncing with her steps and her gray eyes bright and merry.

Oh, goodie me, she thought. Eavan grumbled, replying, He can see me as I am and cast his judgment then.

Eavan, Mum ordered ye do this. Ye dinna want to go to the dungeon for disobedience again, Megan reasoned.

Eavan hung her head, banging her fist on the fence post. She would indeed go get readied, but on her own terms. She wasn’t doing anything willingly from this point forward. She wasn’t going down without a fight.

A conniving smile creased her full lips. Aye, I think I shall get ready. She bounced off the fence.

Eavan's sisters looked at each other stunned. Megan raised an eyebrow while Devan hooked her sister’s arm and smiled. Without a doubt, Eavan knew her sisters would help her, especially Devan. How could she have worried herself so? Right off the marker, Devan was onto her secret scheming.

Eavan, what’re ye plannin’? Megan ventured cautiously.

Well, Mum said I must get ready, aye? She, however, didna make clear as to when, how, or in what manner, I should appear.

Devan’s devious smile matched Eavan's. Megan remained apprehensive, not wanting to provoke their step-mother’s well-known ire. Eavan could almost hear Megan’s thoughts, and she couldn’t blame her for feeling the way she did. They all felt Vevina’s wrath at some point.

Eavan, ye canna be serious, Megan pleaded.

"I dinna want to marry the damnable whelp Colfin – if it even is him. Why me? Why no' someone else at a different castle like Wendren or Veiled Hills? They have a better selection. She pouted, now I’m honor bound."

Ye know as well as I what Vevina will do should ye disobey, Megan countered.

Eavan tilted her head, looking at the sky. I wilna disobey. I have integrity.

Megan nodded, smiling wanly.

Devan’s eyes softened. Yer a fine person, Eavan. Ye can do this.

Eavan smiled, casting her sights to the ground. She could do this. She would accept her fate, for her family. Megan shoved her playfully, grabbing Eavan’s hand and squeezed. Megan began their favorite ballad; a song about a man who slighted a woman’s love, got turned into a pig which she ate. They sang together like serving wenches at a tavern – loud, bold, and out of tune. All together, they sashayed back into the keep. Devan ordered a bath to Eavan’s chambers.

Eavan held her head high, making her way to her room. Plans to ensure her future husband left Clouneder without her gave her the first boost of self-empowerment she hadn’t felt in a long time. And it was only the beginning.

Two

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Eavan sat in the wash tub and winced. Megan brushed her hair like she was brushing out a muddy horse. Her head and hair ached from it. Devan giggled from the bedside at her expense. Eavan glowered in the tub, splashing water toward Devan every so often.

Ye scrub like yer beatin’ bread, Megan! Devan commented. And yer face, Eavan, scrunched up tight like a cross wee badger with each pull of the brush.

Megan made a face at them both sending Eavan into a fit of snickers. Life was perfect with them all together. Eavan lived for their happiness, and strove to keep it. She protected it, braving the wrath of their step-mother to make it so.

Eavan glanced at the door and scowled. Soon, she would have to stride out of the sanctity of her room to face her fate. And even though she wouldn’t do anything mischievous to shirk what must be done, Eavan resigned herself to the marriage. So long as her sisters were cared for, protected and their future secured by any means necessary, so be it.

I will make it, so they can make it, she thought.

Vevina proved herself to be a good step-mother to Devan and Megan. She doted on them, buying them a plethora of new clothing, trinkets, and whatever their hearts desired. She was every bit the loving person her little sisters needed. For Eavan, the opposite was true. Vevina was particular and cruel. It might have been due to the fact she was older and more was expected of her, though she suspected otherwise. Vevina’s perfectionism could get a tad out of hand, and Eavan wasn’t one to care.

Vevina's shrieks from down below reached her ears. Devan opened the door a crack. The high-pitched chaotic shouts made her groan and roll her eyes. Eavan already had a towel wrapped around her body, leaving a trail of wet footprints behind her as she went to the door.

Milady Vevina, Eavan called.

Vevina ignored her, continuing to order the gates closed, and men on the wall-walk with bows and arrows at the ready.

Opening the door wider, Eavan shouted, Milady Vevina!

Vevina turned on the top of the staircase, her chocolate brown eyes locked on her and narrowed. That will be mopping the dining hall floor for shouting, Eavan. You know better.

Eavan smiled as graciously as she could. Milady, she began calmly, those men are from Orthilio to discuss the prospect of marriage to me. Ye invited them here a while ago?

Vevina smiled. She straightened her dress and back, clasping her hands in front. Her step-mother fluttered her eyelashes like nothing was amiss. So I have.

The regal woman stormed down the stairs, commanding a servant to put tablecloths on all the tables along with their best fruit put out. With a sharp wave and an even sharper tongue, servants scrambled to set the tables with the finest dining ware, candles, and more. The men once ordered to take up arms quickly scrambled to disassemble.

There is to be a wedding this night, Vevina clapped her hands expectantly. Let’s get this place in order, now!

Eavan shut the door, disinterested. Her sisters stood behind her, each fiddling with their hands or the sleeve cuff of their dress.

What’s wrong? Eavan asked.

Devan looked out the small window, tears in her eyes. Yer leavin’ us.

Megan rushed to Eavan who enveloped her in a large embrace. It will be alright, Eavan soothed.

Yer leavin’, and I may no’ see ye again, Megan cried.

Ye will see me. Husband or no’, I’m comin’ back here come abyss or hailstorm.

Megan contented herself with the remark and let Eavan go. With a breath of disfavor, Eavan pivoted around, going over to a dress laying neatly on her bed. She lifted it, admiring its light blue color. The wool had been cut to accentuate her figure, coming out at the hips with cream lace pleats flowing down to the hems. It was a beautiful piece and the best dress she owned.

Eavan stepped into it, tying it all down the front. She pulled on her best shoes and not the boots she wanted to wear. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Megan began styling her hair. Eavan closed her eyes, savoring the sweet moment.

I miss when we used to do each other’s hair, she thought.

She’s gettin’ worse, Eavan, Devan commented. Somethin’ is snappin’ in her head. Ever since the contract between ye and Orthilio has drawn closer, she’s gotten more… particular.

Aye. I dinnae what to do about it, Eavan replied, detached.

I dinna think it’s snappin’, Devan Megan added, the brush whooshing through her sister’s hair. I think she’s ignorant. Eavan handled all the responsibilities and now ye wilna, so Mum is scared.

Eavan turned on her younger sister with a tilt of her head. How so?

Megan shrugged. "Vevina’s from Swanshé. She’s never seen or heard of an Orthilioan before Da. And she never had to deal with much because ye handled it. Ye handled everythin’. And Mum doesna know how to run a castle like ye."

Eavan beamed. Yer absolutely correct.

Still, Devan interrupted the moment. She treats ye different.

"Aye, well, it doesna matter. Marryin’ that man will secure ties and yer lives, so ye dinnae have to worry it none."

Devan turned away, sniffling. She seemed ready to burst into tears at any given moment. It wasn’t the end of the world for her or for either of them. In fact, Eavan could face this situation a thousand times over. What she could not face was leaving her sisters to Vevina’s mood swings.

Looking between Devan and Megan, she wondered what would now become of them if something were to happen to her. They were years younger than she was. Devan would be seventeen in a month, and Megan turned sixteen yesterday. Eavan herself was nineteen.

How were they going to fare without her being here? Devan’s sad green eyes conveyed many of the questions Eavan had already asked herself. Eavan felt the strength behind Devan's tears, but resentment also stared back at her. Megan forced a smile on her adorable little face, but her gray eyes held terror. Eavan knew it stemmed from this blasted betrothal.

There has to be a way out of this mess, she thought.

Megan started braiding her hair. Eavan would