Boundless: Scorched

By A. L. French

As their journey comes to a close, Angus, Clara and Joseph begin to unravel and understand the devastating abilities of Sebastian and what threat he poses to all Glavia. Blake, Felman and Eerika remain together and continue their wait for Sebastian’s return in hopes to bring him home. The war between the kingdoms of Ropia and Havantia rages on as Bain re-joins Vincent in a desperate attempt to regroup and protect themselves against Sebastian and his bloodthirsty revenge for his father’s death. The great wizards of Vorhaven prepare to get more involved in resolving the issues surrounding Sebastian and also attempt to find out more about the stirring power in the far east beyond the Brovic Moor mountain range.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A. L. French
• Release date: Jul 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9781739730642

Book preview

Chapter 1

Briscan, home of the imperials and the wealthy who revelled in their absolution, unchallenged by anyone, anywhere. All Glavia answered to its leaders as they sat in the imperial palace. For more than a thousand years they knew peace and prosperity. No farmer worked too hard and the term slave was not accepted by them. Glavia was a one people land that was respected and loved… Until Valgore the Destructor became known. As the children’s bedtime story was told, he was from humble beginnings, happy in himself and loved his family until his parents were taken from him. Not maliciously, but accidentally. Unknowing at the time he would become the greatest calamity, his sadness turned to despair and despair to fury. The people of Briscan extended their hands to support him and helped him through his tragedy but all was too late. He became all too familiar creating fire and took to a life of solitude travelling Glavia and killing the most ferocious and dangerous beasts, making them extinct without fear or remorse, learning new abilities as he travelled far and wide; he had been consumed in fury without the ability to think clearly. After so long there came blame, blame on Briscan. To him, everyone in Briscan bathed in riches and lived luxurious lives while workers and farmers did all the work. To him, if everyone in Briscan shared the workload there would have been a chance his parents’ accident my not have happened. A foolish one-track thought of blame filled his heart for a number of years until… He snapped, he travelled back to Briscan from beyond Brovic Moor, wanting nothing less than satisfaction laying the blame on the imperial hierarchy. He burned villages one by one on his journey, taking his time to get to Briscan and ensuring all under their rule were punished. Upon arriving at Briscan, a short distance from the entrance to the greatest city that ever stood, the imperial army were waiting for his arrival after hearing the reports of villages being burned to the ground and their people slaughtered. Fifteen thousand armoured soldiers stood in perfect synchronisation, armed and ready for battle. Their armour was unused, extremely shiny with yellow capes and decorative greaves and gauntlets. As they looked directly south, all eyes cast on the one man that appeared at the top of a steep hill in front of them. Valgore stopped and looked at the army that had risen to stop him. The hierarchy watched from their tallest balcony as Valgore lit himself in flames, extending his arms to either side slowly and releasing a slow-spreading and intense flame-riddled wind from his hands, extending the entire width of the army right in front of him. Panic and unrest sank into the army quickly and no one was prepared for how powerful Valgore had become. He threw the fiery wind with great speed, screaming at them, and within an instant the army was decimated into a pile of hot ash. The people of Briscan did their best to flee using whatever escape means they had. Valgore levelled the city using all his abilities. He’d practised using them all the time he was travelling and left none alive. Upon facing the leaders of Briscan, they were slain before they could even get a word out. He’d left so much death and destruction in his wake there was no power in all Glavia that could stop him. He wandered the lands for many more years after and stopped using his abilities because he had no need of them and found no one, only remnants of farms and dwellings abandoned in fear. Realising what he had done, the only thing he could do was exile himself and live his remaining days in shame hoping there was someone still out there. He re-travelled into the Vengort mountains where he once killed a ferocious beast in its lair and there he remained in his exile and drowned himself in his own shame and vowed never to leave or use his powers again.

All Glavia over the last number of days had gone into a state of wonder and unsurety. Eerika, Blake and Felman stayed in The Half Fox Inn in Hangrar but were beginning to get restless just waiting around for Sebastian who may not even come back. Baxter had taken charge of Hangrar and made many look a fool for trying to do the same and put them in their place. He also knew that Bain was still alive and could have a big problem on his hands if he returned as the soldiers would follow him instantly out of fear. If he tried to re-take Hangrar he would be able to quite easily, however, he was hoping that Bain still thought Sebastian was at Hangrar. If he got word that Sebastian had left, it was highly possible Bain would return to take the throne himself. Reports had come to Baxter that Bain however, had returned to Treno and Vincent had pulled back their armies for the time being so they could regroup. Baxter had taken it upon himself to try to find out more about Sebastian and had been meeting with Blake and his friends very often to inform them if Sebastian had been seen or not. Each time he met with them, Baxter had more questions about him and had now learned of everything that was important.

‘I think it’s time we leave and head back for Rincar,’ Felman stated.

Eerika looked at Blake and didn’t agree with Felman to return just yet. ‘I want to stay in case he comes back. Someone needs to be here if he does.’

‘I don’t mean to intrude but the girl is right. If he comes back here, we’ll be powerless to stop him, but he clearly knows you three very well and you would be the best chance we all have.’

Felman immediately engaged with Baxter, reading his words as a threat to stay. ‘With all due respect, Baxter, what are you saying? Are you not going to let us leave?’

‘I never said that,’ Baxter said, confused.

‘But you’re implying it?’

‘No! I’m just saying there are twenty thousand people in this city that wouldn’t stand a chance if he returned. Let me ask you, if you all left here, today, and he returns in a few days and burned this entire city to the ground, how would you feel knowing you had the opportunity to stop it but never took it?’

Felman became quite defensive listening to Baxter as he spoke. ‘That’s a little harsh don’t you think? Quite unfair I might add. Firstly, Sebastian is beyond our control. Secondly, are we supposed to just wait here indefinitely in case he returns?’

‘Yes! Your decision to remain here would be a very small price to pay for the safety of twenty thousand! Or do you not agree with that?’

Felman sighed and looked away in disbelief. As much as he didn’t want to stay any longer, he knew Baxter was right to a degree. ‘Look, I get why you want us to stay, I really do, but you can’t live in fear and expect us to be on standby just in case. I mean, he might not ever come back?’

‘This is a pointless argument, I’m going to stay for a little while until I’m sure he won’t return or I hear of him appearing somewhere else.’

Blake remained silent throughout the whole conversation until Eerika said she was staying. ‘You’re not staying alone! Baxter, if two of us remain, can you arrange with the innkeeper here a room for as long as they’re here?’

‘Of course.’

‘Felman, I know you don’t want to stay but I’m asking you to stay with Eerika until she’s ready to leave. When she is ready to leave, I’m sure there won’t be any problems right?’ Blake looked at Baxter when he said that to ensure he gained a positive response.

‘Yes of course, I was never going to stop any of you leaving. I just wanted you to see my point that’s all.’

‘Blake? Why do I get the feeling you’re about to drop a large and heavy stone on us? What are you planning?’ Felman asked inquisitively.

‘I can’t sit here and wait for something that might not happen. I need to know what happened. I’m going back to Rincar to let the others know we’re all fine, then I’m going to Vorhaven to find Angus, Clara and Joseph. They will know more than anyone about what happened to Sebastian if they’re still alive. Plus, they could need an extra sword and skilled hunter.’

‘You can’t go gallivanting off to Vorhaven alone. The road is far too treacherous, it was bad enough just four going let alone just you on your own!’

‘I won’t be going alone. I’ll ask for Savoor’s help and a few men from Cralor. It will be in their best interest anyway.’

Felman again sighed and shook his head wanting to go with him but knew he couldn’t leave Eerika on her own in the Ropian capital. ‘I really don’t like this. You barely know Savoor let alone Cralor soldiery but I do understand your reasoning. Can’t you just wait a week or two here with us? Make sure Sebastian doesn’t show up then we’ll all go to Rincar together and decide from there like we always have?’

‘I’m sorry, I can’t wait that long. Every day that goes by is another day their trail goes colder. I’ve made my mind up and I’m leaving first thing in the morning.’

‘I’ll send two Ropian escorts with you to the border to ensure you have no problems getting back to Cralor territory.’

Blake nodded thankfully at Baxter and left the table to pack his things to get ready to leave. Baxter left the inn to give instructions for Blake’s escort and then made his way back to the barracks to check on his men.

Eerika smiled at Felman, trying to enlighten the mood. ‘Looks like it’s you and I again Felman, perhaps we should go shopping for some raw supplies for Springlake to pass the time?’ Felman looked at Eerika completely disapprovingly as he watched her with that smile on her face. ‘Oh, stop being such a big old sore. What else can we do over the next week or two while we wait? We may as well prepare as best we can to rebuild Springlake when the time finally comes. Don’t you agree?’

‘I hate it when you talk like that!’

‘Haha, because you know I’m right and all boys are wrong so stop fighting it!’ The sarcasm coming from Eerika was more than Felman could bear so he agreed to go along with the idea, thinking to himself that perhaps it’s not a bad idea to be prepared. He just didn’t want Eerika to see he agreed with her. ‘Come on Felman, let’s see which of us can handle their ale best! We’ll go shopping tomorrow.’

Eerika called the innkeeper and asked for two jugs of ale to be brought over. Felman didn’t even get a say in the matter. As the two jugs were brought over, Felman made the big mistake of commenting, ‘What would Elvira think? Getting drunk in a strange inn!’

The stare that came from Eerika after his comment was met with complete silence, a poured drink and an attitude.

‘I’m sensing I shouldn’t have brought your mother up?’

‘Just drink and hope I forget the comment in an hour!’

Without hesitating, Felman drank the first flagon quickly and poured another. The pair drank together for the remainder of the evening, throwing out plan after plan of how to get Springlake back on its feet, amongst other things. As the night progressed, they had managed to polish off four jugs of ale and nearly as much in wine, and somehow Felman managed to ensure Eerika got to their room for them both to only collapse on the floor, waking Blake up for a moment and causing him to peer at them, shaking his head before falling back asleep. The night was particularly calm compared to the usual night in Hangrar. Barely a sound coming from outside, the sky was a deep navy-blue colour with barely a cloud in sight and many stars lit the night sky. A gentle and warm breeze whistling past and in through their window kept the room cool. The moonlight shone on the city, brightly lighting up different angles of Hangrar making it look even more spectacular than usual. The great city of Hangrar was in slumber.

The following morning in the Havantian stronghold of Ventra, Queen Lovoria had awoken earlier than most as she was restless and had been since the sky was burning in the distance. She had sent riders out to Rincar to see if they had any reports on the phenomenon, but they came back just as clueless as anyone else. She walked the outside balcony for a while and even stopped to watch the sun rise, watching the mixed colours of red and gold hit the sky as it came.

‘Majesty?’

‘Oh, Magnus, you startled me! I didn’t think anyone would be up at this hour!’

‘I couldn’t sleep so I decided to do watch duty with the men and set an example.’

‘It’s always good for the guard and soldiers to see their commanders on duty too. Why couldn’t you sleep?’ asked the queen.

‘Not been able to for weeks now, besides, I want to be around for the messenger from Farhail with the city’s rebuild progress which we’re expecting anytime now.’

Queen Lovoria was impressed with his dedication to his duties. ‘I’m just glad they nearly have the walls and gate rebuilt in such a short time. At least they’ll be able to repel another attack more effectively with those up!’

‘Well, the latest report from our scouts north of the mountains say Bain and Vincent are still held up in Treno with no signs of them moving. Perhaps we should consider a counterattack to retake Treno?’

‘We will be taking Treno back, I promise you that, but not yet. We need to ensure we have the strength to do it but I want to know everything about the fire in the sky first. I don’t want to commit a large force to retake Treno if this Sebastian is a bigger threat. Send more riders to Rincar and get permission for them to travel further north through Cralor territory to Mindar. I’m hoping they will have a better idea of this so-called calamity.’

‘Yes, your majesty.’

Magnus turned around and walked in the opposite direction to carry out her orders whilst Queen Lovoria continued staring at the sunrise. She watched it for an hour or two then went inside before it got too hot. Cade had just woken up from a short night’s sleep. He was looking tired and seemed to be in a rush as if he was late somehow.

‘Cade?’

‘Your majesty, I never saw you there!’

‘It seems everyone is startling everyone this morning.’

Cade looked at her like he had no clue what she was talking about.

‘Magnus earlier on caught me by surprise on the balcony.’

‘Ahh, I see.’

‘Cade, did you ever send men back to that wooded area to bury the men we lost protecting me?’

‘Yes, your majesty, it was one of the first things I did when we arrived at Runon. I had them buried just outside the woods.’

She gripped his hand and thanked him sincerely for taking care of it straight away. ‘The thought of my protectors still lying there was troubling me. At least now I know they are laid to rest. When this is all over I wish to travel there to pay my respects’

‘If it wasn’t for them, your majesty, it’s quite likely I’d be dead and you would be back as Bain’s prisoner. So many things could have gone wrong if that were the case. I’m just glad you’re safe and that they didn’t die for nothing.’

‘I will make sure Havantia will stand tall again and Bain will pay for his arrogance, but I need to make sure this… Sebastian character is not our enemy first. I have instructed Magnus to send another rider to Rincar to gain permission to go via his lands to Mindar to get more information. Mindar being the northernmost city of Cralor might just have the answers we seek.’

‘Your majesty, may I give my opinion?’

‘Of course, to be clear, you never need to ask that.’

‘Thank you, I think our best chance of finding out about Sebastian is through Angus and his friends!’

‘Perhaps, but they left a few hours ago and never said where they were headed.’

‘I have a pretty good idea where they’re going. I would like your permission to go after them. As soon as I learn anything about Sebastian I will return.’

The queen didn’t want him to leave and he could easily tell by the sound of her voice. ‘But I… I need you here, with me.’

‘Your majesty, you’re in one of the safest strongholds in all Glavia, No one would dare attack you here in fear of losing the majority of their men. I’ll be back as soon as I can with the information we need so we can concentrate getting Treno and Scarwood back.’

‘How long do you think you’ll be gone?’

‘I’m unsure, I suppose it depends on when I find out what we need to know.’

Hesitantly, the queen agreed to let him go and suggested he take some men with him for his own protection.

‘I won’t need them, I’ll be travelling light and as a commoner. You need not worry your majesty, I’ll be fine and back before you know it.’

Cade walked off in the direction of the barracks to get ready. Angus, Clara and Joseph had a good few hours’ head start on him headed north and he knew he needed to make up some ground.

Angus, Clara and Joseph had become accustomed to travelling on foot at a high pace and had been travelling north toward Rincar alongside the foot of the Vengort mountains. They were getting really close to the border which was clearly marked with signposts. From there they were to turn west to Rincar.

‘It’s going to be so good to see everyone again. I can’t wait to see my beloved Kari and the children finally. Oh, and no more boats, beasts or mountains!’

The other two just laughed at Joseph and Clara of course had to make a remark. ‘I thought you and I had a thing going Joseph, I’m very disappointed now! Hmph!’

The party all smiled at each other as they continued on.

‘We may not all be together right now but these are the moments we need to remember. Even through all our hardships, it’s not worth doing unless we have this!’ said Angus warmingly.

‘Never figured you for a warm speech type of guy, Angus! You’re right of course, it’s just strange coming from someone so… well… you know!’

Angus had a big confused look about him as Joseph struggled to finish his sentence.

‘I think what Joseph means to say, Angus, is that you’re so big and well built it’s impossible for you to have emotions.’

‘Hey! That’s not what I meant!’

Angus could see Clara was again winding him up and went along with it. For a short while, Joseph was found defending himself as the other two wound him up even more until Clara glanced back and saw someone in the distance approaching them from the south.

‘Look, is that Cade?’

‘I can’t tell, it could be. Let’s wait and find out,’ said Joseph suggestively.

They all took a seat on nearby rocks and chatted amongst themselves. Joseph seemed quite impressed that Clara was actually right that it was in fact Cade approaching them and it wasn’t long before he caught up to them.

‘Cade my friend. You seem to be in a rush to catch us! Is everything OK?’

‘Yes, thanks Angus, the queen and I would like to ask if I can accompany you on your travels to find Sebastian so we can learn more about him and find out for ourselves if he is a true threat to Havantia?’

‘I see. What if he turns out to be a threat? What will you do?’

‘I have no idea, I haven’t thought that far ahead! All I can do is report to the queen. You seem concerned?’

‘You must understand Cade, Sebastian is one of the sons of a dear friend of mine and I will let no harm come to him!’

Cade took a step back confused and surprised at Angus and he also got the same look from the others.

‘You can’t be serious? If he turns out to be a threat to all Glavia surely…’

Angus cut Cade’s sentence short. ‘Then I will deal with him myself. You are not to intervene! As long as we can agree on that you’re welcome to join us.’

After being cut short and put in his place, Cade looked at Angus and knew instantly how serious he was and nodded in agreement. ‘You and I go way back Angus, I wouldn’t want anything to jeopardise our friendship, truly! But please understand this… If he is a threat and you fail to stop him… Havantia will get involved and it will be out of my hands.’

‘Only if I fail!’

The pair looked at each other with an understanding between one another and gripped each other’s hands in friendship.

‘I guess we have another member to our little party then… Funny, considering our journey is nearly at an end!’

Both Angus and Clara looked at Joseph confusingly.

‘Are you staying with everyone else when we arrive at Rincar?’ asked Angus.

‘What do you mean? Are you telling me this journey isn’t over for us?’ replied Joseph.

‘We have to find Sebastian and bring him home safely, not to mention Blake and Felman have travelled to Tarlac alone and in Ropian territory so now we have to ensure they return safely too. We have a lot to do and so much ground to cover!’

‘I suppose I actually knew this was going to happen. I was looking forward to seeing my family again and rebuilding in Springlake.’

‘We all understand that Joseph, we really do. If you wish to stay with them when we get back, we won’t hold it against you. Besides, I’m sure everyone would like an extra man around to help, especially if you all start rebuilding before we get back and we have no idea how long we’ll be away again for. Think about it, it’s still a day or so away to get to Rincar and we won’t be leaving again straight away so let us know what you wish to do and we’ll go from there. We also have Cade now so he can take your place. As much as we would want you to come with us.’

Joseph nodded and thanked Angus for giving him the option and understanding that his family must come first above anything else in his life. The now party of four continued on their way to Rincar at the high pace they had kept for a while. The anticipation of getting there, now that it was so close, was so high it was noticeable by Cade and he was happy to have joined them on their continued quest knowing that Queen Lovoria was safe at Ventra.

Chapter 2

Overcast cloud had shadowed Treno like a blanket. The humidity was high and the heat was so bad it slowed down the workmanship of the city. The city dungeons were also deep beneath the castle and overcrowded with Havantian soldiery under Bain’s rule. Three large piles of corpses burnt outside the city gate emitting an awful stench of death which lingered throughout the city on the near side. Every Havantian within the city, whether it was man, woman or child, feared for their lives every day and hoped they never caught the watchful eye of Bain. The city that prospered and was full of life, trade, laughs and friendship had become an eerie, quiet and fearful city. Bain ruled with absolution and no mercy, his mind occupied by recent events and his escape from Hangrar with most of the Ropian army which was now camped both outside Scarwood and Treno. An extra eight thousand men at his command could easily crush Havantia and its capital but his thoughts dwelt on Sebastian and how he could have missed him and his intentions so blatantly. His soldiers gave constant updates as ordered and the number of men atop the walls had been tripled since his arrival from Hangrar to keep an eye out in every direction. He ordered one of his guards to summon Vincent. Vincent was already nearby and had arrived quickly.

‘You sent for me?’

‘Yes, I have some questions that need answering. Firstly, what happened to Larson? A brute like that should never have perished in a siege, especially given he had command of nearly an entire battalion.’

‘I’m sorry lord Bain, I’m completely unsure. I do know that he died just before my men and I fought through onto the castle grounds. A body of his size is hard to miss.’ Vincent could see Bain getting annoyed already.

‘So, you have no idea who or what killed him?’

‘No, m’lord.’

‘Why did you pull out of Farhail after the wall was breached considering you were so close to taking the castle?’ Bain asked angrily.

‘The fire in the north caught everyone’s attention. The fighting just came to a halt as everyone stared at it. I was crossing blades with the one in charge. I believe his name was Gamble. A good swordsman but our fight never lasted very long. We agreed to stop the fighting until your return. We lost a few thousand men, but we also slew their men in the thousands. Taking Farhail with our numbers now would be quite easy.’

‘I will decide what we’re capable of! What of your two idiot lieutenants Fenrik and Kylan?’

‘Fenrik is dead. He never reported after the siege and I have spoken with a few of the men who saw him fall just inside the main gate of Farhail. Kylan has taken command of Fenrik’s men as well as his own. I’ve yet to appoint a replacement for Fenrik… My lord, forgive me for asking, but what happened at Hangrar? What was that fire in the sky?’

Bain knew lots of different stories had been going around his men and decided it wouldn’t do any harm informing Vincent what actually happened. ‘After I sent you to set that base up and I arrived at Scarwood I heard a rumour of a mere boy who used fire as a weapon. I thought nothing of it until again, I heard one of our taverns in Tarlac was burned down by a warlock but no one could get me anything solid in a report. Next thing I know I was summoned by Bracus, when we met north of the Havantian mountains, it turned out Bracus was being held hostage by this warlock who also happened to be the same boy I heard about weeks before. That boy was also the son of that butcher we burned at Springlake Pass and he was out for revenge!’

‘So, this has all stemmed from that tiny no good little town a few months back? It’s hard to believe a mere boy could do all that damage!’

Bain gave a look that agreed with Vincent’s comment. ‘That family must have been practising magic for some time for one to be so powerful but still, what makes me really think is even the most powerful warlocks that are known have never possessed such power, so it makes me question; how did this boy do it? Also, can we learn it? We must travel back to that little town and find the people that know him best and interrogate them for information. For now, we’ll remain here fortified but we’ll be ready for any attack that comes our way. I want you to take Kylan and thirty soldiers. Make your way back to Springlake Pass travelling north to Scarwood first then following our borders to not arouse suspicion of your approach. Capture some of the townsfolk there who knew this Sebastian well and bring them to me.’

Vincent, with an evil smile, nodded at Bain in acknowledgement. As much as Vincent liked to fight, he equally enjoyed doing tasks like these. He made his way to Kylan who was sat down eating an apple, carving it into pieces with his knife.

‘Round up thirty of our best men and get them ready to ride out in thirty minutes. One other thing… Who is your most promising soldier who actually has some brains?’

‘That would be Darby. He’s not just good with a hand axe and short sword, he’s unmatched and quite clever.’

‘Good, go and get him,’ Vincent commanded.

‘No need to, he’s right there.’

Kylan put his finger and thumb in his mouth and whistled loudly to catch Darby’s attention. He came over straight away expecting to be addressed by Kylan, but Kylan got up and walked off in the opposite direction to go and round up his men as ordered. Darby looked to his side to find Vincent stood there gazing at him and sizing him up which startled him a little.

‘So you’re Darby! Kylan says you’re good with a blade and a small axe and actually have some wits about you?’

‘He’s not wrong… I don’t run from a fight if that’s what you mean?’

‘Partly, report to Bain. Inform him you’re my recommendation for Fenrik’s replacement!’

‘Yes sir, Thank you sir!’

Vincent turned away from him and headed to the barracks to get ready to leave. Darby headed to Bain’s command centre as instructed. He approached Bain, acting without fear as he knew Bain would take advantage of him if he showed it.

‘Who are you? I don’t recall saying you could enter this command centre.’

‘Apologies my lord Bain. Vincent sent me to report to you recommending me as Fenrik’s replacement.’

‘Ahh, I see. Tell me, how long have you been serving as a Ropian soldier?’ Bain asked.

‘Just over six years.’

Bain was surprised he’d lasted so long as Ropian law commands a minimum of five years’ service which is much longer in comparison to Havantia’s three years. Once completed, they are free to leave.

‘Why did you stay?’

‘I wanted to hone my skills as a warrior and one day perhaps fight alongside the great Bain.’

‘I see you have a fork tongue too. Flattery won’t get you far with me! It only makes me question your actual abilities such as being able to talk your way out of situations. You say you wanted to hone your skills… show me what you’ve learned!’

Bain pointed to a rack of different weaponry encouraging him to pick a weapon out. Darby was reluctant at first but after a moment he realised, after Bain unsheathed his shiny and very sharp sword, he was about to go up against him. Without pausing any further, he chose a short sword and a beautifully crafted hand axe, both light in weight and very sharp. The pair made their way outside and a number of soldiers saw what was happening and came over to witness, wondering what was going on.

‘Let’s see how well your fork tongue works now! If you can survive the next two minutes, I’ll consider listening to the rest of your answers to questions that I ask!’

Darby squinted his eyes ever so slightly to block the light directly in front of him to get a better view and took a battle-ready stance, holding the sword in front of him while the axe was held high in the air over his head. Bain threw the first thrust with his sword forward but was easily parried away keeping a great stance.

‘Good, you can parry a single thrust. Let’s see how you do with multiple strikes.’

Swinging his sword in an unpredictable fashion, Bain started throwing strike after strike at him, each one more powerful than the next which lasted a good minute or so.

‘What’s wrong with you! Fight back!’

‘My lord, I don’t want to hurt you!’

His words filled Bain with frustration and anger which made Bain put his skills to the test as he carried on attempting to put Darby down, but each stroke was met with a perfectly executed parry. At one point, Darby used the hilt of his axe and swiftly bashed Bain’s sword hilt and shoulder barged him, forcing him to lose balance and fall to the floor but managed to keep his sword in his hand. Everyone watching was stunned at the act and made a rather big sigh all at once before silence fell over the battlefield. Bain, at that point, knew he had met an equal, if not someone more skilled than himself, and was actually glad he was bested as this would put fear into the soldiery of their new lieutenant to follow orders. However, he also knew there was only room for one captain. He nodded his head in acceptance that he was indeed a good fighter but Bain was also a cunning fighter and far more experienced. Throwing a few more strikes at Darby, he never gave him another chance to best him. He found a weakness in his defence and utilised it so masterfully. Bain managed to get his sword inside the curvature on the heel end of the axe blade and twisted his sword around, forcing the axe to fly right out of Darby’s hand and in the same motion used his elbow which connected with Darby’s jaw sending him hurtling to the floor. Bain stepped on Darby’s blade and pointed his sword at Darby’s throat indicating Bain’s win.

‘That was about four minutes’ worth! I’ll listen to your answers. Well fought!’ Shockingly, Bain offered his hand to help Darby to his feet. He then addressed all of his men that were watching. ‘Does anyone here know why I helped him up?’

His men knew of Bain’s history and had never seen him do that before, even with Larson, so they remained silent. Although he was addressing his men he looked directly at Darby and spoke loudly for all to hear. ‘This is why they will never be a leader! He had the balls to speak his mind, the courage to face me and the confidence of his skill with a weapon. Qualities this army needs right now! Now go back to your duties!’ Darby was commanded by Bain after he dismissed his men. ‘Come with me!’

They re-entered the command centre and before any further discussions took place, he ordered Darby to clean and polish the weapons used from his rack. Without hesitation, he did as Bain commanded and by the time he’d finished, the weapons were gleaming. He stood waiting patiently near the weapons, not making any sound or movement and kept his head faced forward. Bain knew he’d finished but made him wait a while as he stared at his map.

‘Sit down! Tell me, where in the army have you mainly served?’

‘Hangrar defence, Redblum guard and I was in the Scarwood raid.’

‘So, you reported to Bash?’

‘Yes, m’lord.’

‘Tell me, what did you think of his siege method?’

Darby answered Bain straightaway with confidence. ‘It was clumsy, slow and nowhere near aggressive enough.’

Bain looked at him in complete agreement but then he knew he took over and Scarwood was taken very quickly thereafter. ‘How would you have done it? And don’t say the same way I did.’

‘I personally would have concentrated all fire on the main gate to bust it open. I would have had the majority of the army behind shields at the ready to storm the gate once it had been brought down and archers concentrating their fire on the wall tops above.’

‘Why?’

‘I knew Scarwood never had anywhere near the numbers we had at the time and brute force of the main gate would overwhelm them quickly without too many Ropian losses.’

Bain was more than happy with his answer. ‘That’s exactly what I thought, only I wanted the losses to be very minimal and why do you think I’d want that?’

‘Perhaps more men for the next city assault?’

‘Yes! But not just that! I need my men to know that I’m in command, I’m their protector and it’s me that gives them courage to fight with minimum loss of life of the mighty Ropian army. In reality, their lives mean nothing to me. As long as they follow orders without question and fear my word and hand, victory is sure to happen. There are only a few people that matter to me in this life. The king was one of them who has now been slain by the coward brother of a warlock. Being stabbed in the back is no way for a king to be killed.’

Darby could see Bain was getting worked up and remained silent listening to him, full of hate and vengeance.

‘Vincent is the only other I trust. As for Kylan, he is gaining my favour but he is yet to prove himself. Fenrik turned out to be useless, so you see, I need someone strong to take command of more than one battalion, especially in a fight. You seem to have some good qualities so I’m giving you the rank of lieutenant. You’ll be going in place of Kylan with Vincent so report to him and send Kylan to me.’

‘Thank you, my lord, I won’t disappoint you!’ Darby left to carry out Bain’s orders leaving Bain with his thoughts and nodding to himself thinking he could turn out to be a valuable asset.

Two full days had passed since leaving Hangrar with the escort as promised from Baxter. A horse had also been given to him from one of Hangrar’s stables. Blake had managed to keep on friendly terms with the two Ropian escorts and came to realise that the real threat wasn’t in the soldiery on Ropia at all but the ones who commanded them. With King Bracus dead and Bain half a world away, it would be unlikely for someone other than Baxter to take command of the rest of the Ropian army for another all-out assault. This got Blake asking himself if it was time to rebuild Springlake Pass, but he knew he would have no part in that until Angus and the others were found and Sebastian was safely home.

‘This is where we leave you. The borders of Ropia and Cralor are just beyond that ridge. Head southwest and you’ll reach Mindar in six hours at a gallops pace.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Safe journey.’

The two Ropians turned their horses around and headed back for Hangrar. Blake rode his horse slowly to the top of the ridge to get a better view and could see Mindar in the distance. He steadied his horse down the hill until he reached a flat surface before taking his horse into a gallop toward Mindar.

Upon finally arriving at Rincar, Angus asked around for Asvald the Cralorian messenger only to find he was out running messages to Lokwade. Cade suggested speaking with Branick and that he could gain an audience with him in an official capacity and that he should be able to help locate the others.

‘Haha, I don’t think we need to… If I’m not mistaken that looks like Sophia!’

‘I think you’re right Clara! Come on,’ said Angus.

Sophia’s path took her so her back was faced to them as Angus and the others caught up to her and tapped her on the shoulder. Sophia’s shoulders dropped as she turned around.

‘Look! I’ve told you before… stop harass… Angus? ANGUS!’ Sophia dropped everything she was carrying and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. She then saw Clara, Joseph and a face she’d never seen before. She gave both Joseph and Clara equally massive hugs before saying another word. She hit Angus on the arm quite angrily. ‘WHERE THE HECK HAVE YOU ALL BEEN?? WE’VE BEEN WORRIED SICK!’

‘It’s a looong story, one we’re quite willing to share with you but can we go and see the others first?’

‘Yes, yes of course we’re only a few minutes away.’

‘Heeeey pretty giiiirrl, I know where you’re stayiiiiing. I’ll be over later oooon!’

‘What’s all that about?’ Angus asked.

‘He won’t stop harassing me, Tarkin has already warned him off but he came back with those friends he’s with and now we’re looking after Tarkin after he took a good beating and he still won’t leave me alone.’

‘I’ll deal with this, Clara!’

‘You read my mind!’ Clara very skilfully unsheathed her bow without drawing too much attention. Cade went to walk along with them but was stopped by Joseph. Confused by Joseph’s actions, Cade looked at him to see why he stopped him but Joseph just gestured with his head to watch Angus handle the situation. Angus approached the man and his thug friends.

‘Oi! You there. Leave my friend alone! I’m not going to ask twice!’

‘Hahahaha, the hell do ya think you are? If ya haven’t noticed there are six of us ya cretin! Now be gone before I lose my temper.’

Angus just stood there right in front of him, insulted by his words. ‘Look, I don’t want any trouble, I’m only asking you to lea…’

‘Then I wouldn’t carry on if I were you!’

Each time Angus attempted to ask him to leave Sophia alone he was rudely interrupted and left unable to complete his sentence. This gave the bully a sense of confidence in front of his thug friends that Angus wasn’t going to start a fight alone. After a few more interrupted sentences the bully raised his fist to throw a punch at Angus but before he managed to thrust his punch forward, Clara notched an arrow and fired it masterfully, heading right through his hand. Cradling his wound, the other five were startled and ran off in the opposite direction leaving him alone.

‘Some friends you have there!’ Angus quickly grabbed his chin with a tight grip. His hands, huge in comparison as he nearly lifted him from the ground with one arm. ‘I don’t like bullies! Especially ones that pick on defenceless girls. Now I suggest you rethink your actions in the future or this warning will get far worse for you!’ As Angus spoke, he used his other hand to wiggle the arrow in the bully’s hand, causing some pain as he spoke to warn him off. After which he threw the bully to the floor and left him in a pool of mud. ‘Oh, how the mighty have fallen!’

Clara sheathed her bow and Angus came back to the group.

‘He won’t be bothering you again.’

‘A little more than expected, Angus, but thank you,’ Sophia said with gratitude.

Cade directed his comment at Joseph. ‘I should have remembered how good he was!’

‘Hmph, you think that was good? I’ve seen him take down a Giga Giant,’ Joseph remarked.

‘A Giga what!?’

‘Long story but I’m sure you’ll get to hear it soon.’

Cade turned his attention toward Clara. ‘Hey Clara, your aim with that bow is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Where did you learn?’

Clara thought about her answer for a second before replying to Cade she was self-taught, walking off and then quickly catching up with Angus and Sophia leaving Cade to his thoughts and surprise. Sophia showed them to where they were residing and upon arriving, they were all greeted warmly by everyone. Joseph welcomed the loving arms of Kari and their children holding him tightly and not letting go. Angus asked where Eerika was. Elvira was the one to answer him and popped the big question.

‘What happened to Sebastian?’

Angus looked around the room, just happy to see everyone before he spoke. ‘You all had better sit down. It’s far worse than we ever thought.’

‘Worse how?’ Elvira asked.

‘When we left here, we all knew he could create and control fire. Only to discover on our travels he learned new abilities. Before we got separated at Vorhaven he’d already learned how to use the electric from an eel and how to phase in and out of our own existence like a wraith. His anger was uncontrollable and his thirst for vengeance was unreal. There was nothing we could do to stay by his side. After a long journey we met with the wizards of Vorhaven who had somehow managed to trap themselves with their own spell which is why no one has heard from them in so long but we managed to release them… well… Sebastian did just before he left us. Even the wizards never fully understood what was happening to him but they pointed us in the direction to find the one called The Forbidden. I must stress to you all that what I’m about to say doesn’t go past these walls!’

As Angus looked around at everyone, he turned his attention to Cade to gain his word that even he would not repeat it. Cade nodded in agreement, wondering what it could be.

‘We found The Forbidden deep in the Vengort mountains after travelling through thick forests and the sea. Turns out that name was a masked name for his true name… Valgore.’

Cade instantly thought he was kidding. ‘Valgore? As in Valgore the Destructor? The one who decimated Briscan like what? Thousands of years ago… That Valgore?’

‘The very same. How do you know about Valgore?’ Angus asked.

‘It’s nothing but a bedtime story for children.’

‘Believe me Cade, he’s no myth. You see, what the stories of Valgore apparently don’t tell you is that he is an immortal. He thought he’d killed everyone so many years ago. To his surprise when we arrived, he thought we were figments of his imagination at first. We asked him about Sebastian’s abilities and he confirmed they’re the same as his. The ability to create fire, the ability to absorb and use anything his skin touches and his anger when he creates fire. Unfortunately, it’s quite likely he will also become immortal if he hasn’t already. The key was fire creation which funny enough we figured out that was the trigger to his rage long before we met Valgore. To be blunt, he has the ability to destroy the world as we know it and nothing can stop