The Staff of Hermesius

By Kaeleb LD Appleby

Amidst the tightening grip of rebels and the whispers of spies from distant lands fanning the flames of discontent, Melodin's indomitable spirit faces its ultimate crucible.
Can he rekindle the fires of order and restore harmony to the embattled island, or does he embark upon a futile quest?
Time is against him as Melodin unravels the veils of deception, navigating a perilous landscape of political intrigue.

Immerse yourself in a journey of unparalleled wonder, where bonds of loyalty are tested, long-forgotten secrets are unveiled, and the very fate of a kingdom teeters upon a knife's edge.
Will Melodin rise above the insurmountable challenges that beset him, forging a path of triumph?
Or shall he succumb to the relentless forces that conspire against him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kaeleb LD Appleby
• Release date: Jul 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215144664

Kaeleb LD Appleby

May you all enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoyed writing them

Book preview

The Staff of Hermesius

Book 3

Written by

Kaeleb LD Appleby

Cover art by KiDA

Copyright Kaeleb LD Appleby

Smashwords Edition License Notes:

This ebook and cover artwork may not be copied, distributed, reposted, reprinted and shared without the express authorisation by the author.

Chapter One

Look at that, Melodin gasped, standing on the higher deck of the ferry boat as it slowly traveled upstream from the mouth of the river. Isn’t it amazing, Dog?

He turned a smile down to the all-white dog at his side, meeting with the canine’s bright green eyes. She barked loudly in reply, as if in agreement.

You can even see the pyramids already, he looked back to the view and pointed to the shinning peaks of the three great pyramids that reached above the green canopies of the trees that lined the river banks; like golden stars shining just above the horizon. I really want to climb one of them.

Me too, Qui agreed, jumping onto the railing beside him, fortunately she was a Halfling and the drift-wood rail held her weight.

The pyramids are burial tombs of kings, Judge remarked seriously from Qui’s side, They don’t let people climb them.

Really? Melodin groaned, looking to the tall young man with broad shoulders, That sucks.

You seem to know a good deal about this place, Qui turned a curious eye towards Judge.

I was born here, though I have been gone for over a decade, Judge replied hesitantly, his gray eyes drifting to his hands resting on the railing. Grew up in the street of Sias; a fishing village to the east on the other side of the desert.

Judge nodded off towards the morning sun making both Melodin and Qui raised their hands to shield their eyes and squint into the distance.

All he could see beyond the greenery of the river bank were small hamlets that sat along the sandy shores, and endless dunes of golden sand; their parched hills cracking and shifting in the hot wind and baking sun. The sight made his throat dry and he swallowed before returning his gaze to Judge.

A slight frown came to his face as he looked at his companion. It was unusual to see him like this, seeming despondent, melancholy even. Typically Judge was filled with charisma, his posture proud and noble. But now his shoulders slumped a little and his eyes had lost the sparkle of heroism, his halberd looking heavy in his hand.

Can I climb those towers at least? Qui asked, pointing to the many tall spires of white stone that reached up above the city rooftops that had appeared ahead on the western bank, their heads adorned with bright flags that fluttered in the winds.

Judge looked to the Halfling, a slight smile coming to his face, Some of them. Others are part of wealthy estates and would likely be guarded. But I doubt that would stop you.

It wouldn’t, Qui agreed, a mischievous grin coming to her face.

Let’s get some food first though, Melodin said stretching his arms above his head, What’s some good places, Judge?

I don’t know, the man shrugged.

But you just said you grew up here.

In Sias, Judge was quick to reply, Not here in Nutra.

Melodin bit on his lip, surprised by the harsh tone that had come to Judge’s voice.

Well, said Melodin, changing the subject, After a week sailing the Sand Sea it’s a relief to be on solid ground again, even better with the Captain letting us spend some time in Nutra.

Eyes sparkling and with a wide smile on his face he turned to Rowna, the last in their group.

What’s wrong Rowna? he wondered, catching the concerned look on the young woman’s face as she glanced back over her shoulder, northwards, to the mouth of the river that had become lost behind the bends of the watercourse. You look concerned.

She’s always concerned, Qui mumbled.

I’m just thinking about our ship, anchored back in Port Moth, Rowna replied, brushing the strands of the black hair from her face.

The Sand Shark will be fine, Melodin reassured her with a smile, I’m sure the docks back at the mouth of the river are decent enough. And I’m almost certain no one would try and loot or steal a Magister’s ship. The Magisterium controls the Sand Sea and all the islands in it; no one would be silly enough to raise their ire.

Don’t be so certain, Judge mumbled.

And don’t forget, Captain Le’roux is still on board, Qui added in agreement with Melodin.

He’s always on board, Melodin said with a frown.

Is he? wondered Rowna, I hardly ever see him, and when I went into his cabin before we landed, he was nowhere in sight.

Yeah, he does that, Qui said dismissively. He is a mage you know, like all Magisters.

How’d you know he does that? Melodin looked in surprise to the Halfling, You were only on his ship a few days before I joined, and that was just before we sailed to the island of Descarte.

The former crew members told me, Qui was quick to reply, Before they all left to make room for your Magister apprenticeship, I talked to them a lot.

Qui raised her nose at him, an air of superiority coming over her, which did not suit her at all.

Why did they leave? Melodin asked curiously, his gaze drifting to the huge pyramids that sparkled in the morning light, their shapes standing high above the tops of the city buildings now. I’m only doing an apprenticeship, and I don’t think the Mage Academy had any particular rules that would make them go.

Don’t ask me, Qui shrugged, The Captain just told them all to take a vacation before you arrived. I would have gone too, but I’m left with teaching you Force magic. A hopeless endeavour.

I’m trying, Melodin grumbled, a frown coming to his face.

Yes, you’re very trying, Qui chuckled.

Agreed, said Judge.

You guys are so mean to me, Melodin crossed his arms in front of him.

With a frown on his face he looked back to the nearing pyramids and to the great city at their feet, sprawling across the desert and lining the great river Ellien, which flowed down from the snowy mountains far to the south, bringing succour to this patched land. Along the banks he could see many wooden jetties poking through the long green reeds where many fishing pontoons were tethered. Beside those wharves stood also large buildings with white-washed walls and wooden boardwalks following the riverside above the reeds. Even those walkways were filled with activity as lots of people walked about, preparing boats, loading and unloading cargo and produce, children raced along playing some type of game, and beneath the wooden boards, lots of bird life filtered through the water grasses.

As the ferry moved further along the river and deeper into the city the wooden docks turned to paved stone wharves that stretched their finely built fingers out into the green waters of the river. There, at these more sophisticated docks, were much large river boats, some three times the size of their ferry. With wide decks and fancy canopies they were truly a marvel to behold.

The river ahead of them began to widen, allowing for a large island to push aside the waters to either side, standing proud amid the lapping waves and holding a small part of the city on its sand and rock covered grounds. At the centre of the buildings on the isle a large tower pushed its head above the rest, its walls painted darker than the white stone of the city buildings, giving it an air of importance.

A wide, beautifully, constructed bridge reached over the river between the isle and the main land, plants dangling from its railing that was lined with tall stone statues depicting different kings’ of men or the gods the people worshiped. Of which, Melodin was ignorant, and despite appreciating the craftsmanship, he gave it little thought.

What he did take note of was the fact that the two story ferry he was sailing aboard was far too tall to be able to drift under that bridge, causing him to glance back to the shore line for a suitable place for the vessel to dock.

A large bay, free from boats, seemed to beckon towards the ferry, and sure enough the captain of the vessel steered the large boat skillfully into the port. Anchor was dropped and the crew were quick to secure the ferry to the wharf with thick ropes, the plank was slid into place and the passengers began to filter onto the jetty and towards the city streets.

With no word spoken he and the others moved from their viewpoint and skipped down the stairs before moving across the ferry deck and down the gangplank.

Shall we find a place to stay first? Rowna suggested as they walked from the docks and into the bustling metropolis.

Not for me, Judge said loudly as he moved in front of them and halted their advance. I have enjoyed our journey together, but here we must part. As agreed you have given me transport to the next island from Descarte. I thank you for your aid.

You don’t have to go, you know, Melodin replied simply, You’re basically part of the crew now.

Yeah, stay, Qui added, an unhappy look on her face.

You are too kind, Judge said dramatically, his usual demeanour returned. But, alas, I must depart. Fate calls to me and I would be a fool to ignore it. Farewell good friends, may we meet again.

Bye then, I guess, Melodin sighed heavily, I’m glad to have met you.

You know, Qui sniffed slightly, I think I’ll actually miss you.

If the fates are kind, we will meet again, Rowna said with a smile, And when that comes I should like to spar with you again.

The swordswoman laid a hand on the broken broadsword belted at her hip.

I will like that, Judge nodded, swinging his halberd up onto his shoulder.

A bark from Dog brought a smile to his face and he bent over to give her a scratch around the ears.

If you want a nice place to stay, look for the Golden Scarab, Judge said as he straightened and started to walk away. So long my friends.

Melodin waved as the tall young man disappeared into the crowds, his dark red hair quickly blending in with the locals with similar hair colours. For as long as he could he watched the end of the mighty halberd that Judge carried bob through the crowds, but that too was soon lost from view.

I hope we meet him again, Qui groaned.

Of course we will, Melodin replied confidently, Now, what did he say that place was: Gold Snake?

Golden Scarab, Rowna corrected him as they moved off again.

What’s a scarab? Qui asked curiously.

No idea, he shrugged.

It’s a type of caterpillar, Rowna said confidently.

Really? Melodin frowned as he glanced to his companion, That doesn’t sound right to me. A scarab sounds more like some kind of lizard.

No, it’s a caterpillar, Rowna said emphatically, I’m sure of it.

What’s it matter? Qui replied loudly, How are we going to find anything in this place anyway? It’s all narrow streets and alleyways except for this one. And so many people.

Melodin agreed with that, his eyes wide as he looked about at the bustling city of Nutra. Tall buildings with delicate carving across their walls lined both sides of the wide street, which was divided down the middle by green trees and plants that were blooming with bright and colourful flowers that filled the air with exotic perfumes.

Horses and camels trotted by, pushing aside the crowds, some pulling large carts, and grand carriages that look as if they were made of gold.

Melodin’s mouth fell open as he watched one of the wealthy palanquins pass by, carried by a dozen people and guarded closely by strong men who were heavily armed. Between the light cotton curtains of white he caught a glimpse of the people riding as they lounged on plush pillows, eating peeled grapes and drinking chilled wine.

Get back churl, one of the guards roughly pushed him and several others a few paces backwards to give the palanquin more room.

What for? Melodin protested.

Don’t cause trouble, Melodin, Rowna hissed beside him.

Shut your trap, the guard ordered, His lordship is too important to listen to your harsh voice.

You’re one to talk, Melodin huffed in reply, bringing an angry glare from the guard.

Insolence, roared the guard, I shall have you flogged boy.

Boy? Melodin snapped back, Who’re you calling boy? I’m apprentice to Magister Le’roux, so how about you show a little respect.

Magister? the guard scoffed, Who cares about the damn magisters?

By now the extravagant litter had moved on so the guardsman gave him one last shove before moving off to follow the rest of his party.

What a jerk, Melodin grumbled as he looked to the shocked expressions of his comrades, although Dog seemed hardly surprised. Something wrong?

Are you stupid? Qui snapped at him, giving him a punch in the arm, You can’t just waltz onto an island of the Sand Sea like you own the place. There are rules and customs, different in almost each of the islands, that you have to abide, magister or not.

Beside, Rowna added seriously, You are aware that not all governments are allied with the Magisterium, right? In some places magisters are hated just as much as pirates.

What? he frowned, his eyes glancing about to the citizens around them, noticing a few wary eyes directed towards him. Don’t be silly.

You’re the silly one, Qui said loudly, punching him again in the exact same spot.

Stop it, he snapped, pulling away and skipping ahead of the others, Who cares anyway? Let’s just find that Garish Saucepan, or whatever.

Golden Scarab, Rowna corrected him again.

Yeah, that place, he said over his shoulder, We’ll get a room and then we can go and eat somewhere. I’m starving, and some smell on the air is making my stomach grumble. Can you guys smell it?

Dog barked excitedly as Melodin sniffed the air, catching the scent of something he did not recognise, but made his mouth water and his stomach grumble eagerly.

A breeze picked up then, blowing through the streets and causing the many plants that sat along the roads and draped from the balconies to dance about. But it was not a cool refreshing touch, carrying with it the briny smell of the ocean, or the fresh taste of the forests and grassy plains, this wind was hot and dry and caked with sand.

Melodin winced as the wind punched into his face, causing sand to get into his eyes and sting his cheeks, drying his skin and making him suddenly realise how thirsty he was.

Damn sand, he muttered, rubbing his eye with his finger.

I need to go shopping, Rowna was saying to Qui a few paces behind him, I’ve hardly any clothes suitable for the deserts.

I’ll help, Qui said enthusiastically, I’m great at picking clothes.

Thanks, Rowna replied hesitantly, some concern edging her voice.

Looking over his shoulder he could see the happy grin on the Halfling’s face as she rubbed her small hands together. It was as if Qui enjoyed ogling anyone who could be considered attractive, be it man, woman, elf, dwarf, Halfling, human, or anything in between. Not that it bothered him, but it might be a good idea to sometimes curb her enthusiasm a bit.

It mattered little of course, although her eagerness to see him with his shirt off was a little unsettling, it was all done in good nature, and just looking at Qui it was hard to be angry at her or see anything she did other than an innocent excitement.

In truth, whenever Qui started admiring a beautiful woman, he was quick to join in and wholeheartedly agree with her, and looking around the city streets as he walked, he saw many attractive young women. The dark red hair and bronze skin of the locals held a certain exotic allure to be certain, their sparkling grey eyes catching his attention and being held by their traditional dress of light cotton with sashes draping about their shoulders and curling about their waists to form a short skirt to lay over the top of full pants of similar fabric. Although much of the thin cotton was white many wore clothes of bright colours and intricate patterns of different shapes and lines. It seemed as if sandals were also a common adornment, and looking to his own leather strapped feet and pants of light fabric a smile came to his face as he thought of how well he was blending in with the local culture.

In a way, this island of Pharos and the city of Nutra, was quite similar to the city of Solaris where he had been studying magic at the academy before he was assigned to Magister Le’roux’s ship as his apprentice.

Still smiling he adjusted his yellow check scarf around his neck and unbuttoned his sleeveless vest completely, showing off his bare torso, and letting the dry wind cool his sweaty skin.

In fact, now that he noticed it, his clothes were very similar to the locals and, in a way, annoyed him a little bit. Looking to his companions the sense of annoyance grew as he noted their outfits stood out among the crowds.

Qui wore only a simple leather chest strap to cover her small breasts and baggy pants that were tied close to her legs just below her knees. Wearing no shoes she had cotton wrappings inscribed with small black runes about her shins and feet, the same fashion was wrapped about her forearms and hands, something specific to a force mage like her.

Rowna’s clothes were even more different, she wore a tight singlet of leather and metal plate, tied with string and showing the top of her cleavage. Her high shorts were also of leather as were the tight fitting chaps that were adorned with protective metal plates knitted into the leather at her thigh and shins. Upon her feet were small shoes and about her hips was a thick belt and sword frog where her broken broadsword was secured.

The sight of that blade always caught his attention and held his curiosity. He had asked about it before, and Rowna confirmed that it was specifically forged to appear broken in half. She had learnt her sword skills at the school of the Broken Sword, and such was her weapon of choice and would not supplement it for a full length blade. But he had always suspected that that particular weapon held more significance to Rowna then she had ever said.

As the thoughts, and jealousy of his companion’s unique garb, filled his mind, he continued along the road, following it onto a large bridge that stood high over the lower streets of the city. More tall statues of white stone lined the railings, their faces and forms beautifully crafted and about their feet sat small shrines with burning incense and offerings as if the statues depicted someone of great reverence.

Melodin, the call from Rowna caught his attention and he spun about curiously, Where are you going?

I don’t know, he shrugged, That way looked interesting.

The Gold Scarab is this way, Rowna replied, pointing down the stairs at the side of the bridge.

How’d you know that? he wondered, a crease coming to his forehead.

We asked that guy, Qui said loudly, pointing in the direction they had come, Weren’t you listening?

Nope, he shook his head as he walked over to the girls.

Typical, Rowna sighed and took the lead down the stairs.

Learn to pay attention please, Qui scolded him like a parent.

Melodin lowered his eyes and looked to Dog beside him, her scruffy features unjudging as she looked up at him. With a shrug and a heavy sigh fell he into line behind Qui and Rowna as they led the way down the stairs into the lower streets and in the direction to the hotel.

Chapter Two

Out from the streets of Nutra the land was harsh and rocky. On the banks of the river Ellien it was green and plants grew in abundance, but past the banks of rock and sand the green disappeared and was replaced with baking yellow sands. Rocky crags occasionally pushed their way above the rolling dunes, their red faces beaten down by the hot winds and brutal rays of the sun.

Few animals wandered out into the sands, preferring to stay close to the river where food was always bountiful and readily available, and safety could be found with relative ease. Away from the forested areas only the most vicious and clever survived, having adapted to the hot weather or burrowing beneath the sand, deep in the earth where it was cool, only coming out once the sun had set in the west.

But dotting the sandy plains were also pockets of life, sustained by beautiful oases that sat like turquois jewels amid the burning sands. Here, in these rare sanctuaries, the locals had built small hamlets to farm using the water of the oasis and fish in its bountiful waters, ever guarding it against predators, bandits, and sandstorms that were a regular occurrence.

Indeed, the deserts of Rarmon were a hostile and unforgiving place, but as Judge rode his camel across the dunes heading east a smile crept to his face. This was his home. A land he had grown to love despite the hardships and personal tragedy he had known.

Days of his youth filled Judge’s thoughts as he pushed his mount deeper into the sands and further from the safety of Nutra. Danger did not concern him, for he knew these lands well, he knew its dangers, and its secrets.

Judge pulled his mount to a halt at the top of the rise to soak in the vast scenery before him. Sweat beaded his forehead, his eyes sparkling as they traced the horizon, squinting to make sense of the heat haze that burned off the sands.

He was not far from the banks of the Ellien, and the land was still covered with rough trees and hardy grasses that poked up sparsely amid the rocks and across the sandy earth. The road before him was a well-used one, being the main highway from Nutra to Sias, passing through Trallbad Oasis and by the Scorched Downs. Ahead of him he could make out several convoys kicking up dust clouds as they trundled through the desert, beside them many riders and groups of people walking. This close to Nutra there were still many outlying farms, using the fertile soil to grow crops that they would harvest and sell in the capitol city.

Come on, Judge said to his hired camel as he patted it on the neck, its striped tan fur giving off a cloud of dust.

The camel obeyed him promptly and started off at a trot, its awkward gait moving him swiftly down the road, past the pumping stations that drew water from the Ellien and sent it through pipes to the nearby farms, and off along the highway. The sun was already high in the eastern sky, but if he kept a good pace he knew he should make it to Trallbad Oasis by nightfall.

* * *

The transport galleon pushed through the dark waves of the Sand Sea, its broad prow carving through the brownish, sand filled waters. A faint ripple of lightning snaked under the waves, lighting up the murky depths for an instant and outlining the shadow of a school of fish.

Standing at the railing on deck Buccus lit up a cigar and took a long drag. The great Sand Sea was always a marvel, one that he would never get tired of, but his eyes were set on the nearing island of Pharos and not the flashes of lightning in the murky depths of the sandy waters.

Crashing through the sandy waves the galleon sailed across a clear line in the ocean where the sandy waters were met with the fresh, clean, water that flowed from the Ellien River. The flowing waters from the river created a huge arc at the mouth that cleaned the waves of the Sand Sea, turning them to a sparkling blue.

As soon as the ship moved into the blue waters the magnetic pull, which the Sand Sea created, lessoned forcing the galleon to rely on the wind in its sails to push it along. The speed of the ship had slowed, but it mattered not, for they were practically at Port Moth now. Only the Trios Islands stood in the way, and in little time the transport galleon navigated through the three islands and furled the sails as it neared the port.

Golden beaches and palm trees greeted the ship. Beyond them were white washed walls with tall spires and dome rooftops standing above the general houses, their bright colours shining in the sunlight. Beyond the rooftops the haze of the desert could be seen and the rolling dunes riddled with rocky crags of red rock. The lush greenery that followed the river upstream stood in stark comparison to the harsh desert, filled with much bird life and flowers, but disappeared out of sight as the galleon began its docking procedure.

But Buccus was not gaping at the sights like many of the other travellers on-board, for he had seen this place many times before. The last time would be burned into his memory until the day he died. It was no cheerful memory that plagued his thoughts as he stared at Port Moth’s buildings, staring but not seeing, for this was the island where he had met with death.

He took another deep draw on his stogie and tapped the ash off to the side as he let the smoke out with a deep sigh.

The Fates can be cruel, he muttered under his breath, moving towards the gangplank that was being lowered to the dock. Has it really been over ten years?

Have a pleasant day, the stewardess at the bottom of the plank smiled to him, Thank you for choosing Magnet Shipways.

He grunted a response as he disembarked; his heavy stomps led him from the port and into the city streets that were as busy as he remembered. Merchants lined the road, hawking their goods to the tourists for ten times the standard price. Street performers busked on the corners, joined by scantily clad dancing girls, their heavy perfume enticing all who passed. Guards walked about on patrol, stopping suspicious looking individuals and pushing beggars away from the travellers who frequented Port Moth on a regular basis.

Smells of spices and perfumes filled their air, making him rub his nose to try and ward off the overpowering aromas. A sneeze suddenly erupted as a whiff of incense from a nearby alter to one of the local gods invaded his senses.

Bless you, laughed a close by merchant, Don’t let the devils steal your soul my friend.

Buccus frowned at the man.

Here, why not protect yourself with this gold charm? the sly man continued, Unlike other, base imitators, this is the real deal. It will protect you from all manner of curses and evil spirits. Buy one here for ten Gewels and I’ll add a second one for half price. That’s twice the protection for half the cost.

Ten? Buccus blurted, If I wanted to be robbed I’d go to the Sailors Wife tavern. Doesn’t even look like real gold.

You’re a local? the man asked in surprise, "Then you should know I speak the truth when