Tales of Aeden Collection #1: Tales of Aeden, #1

By Jonathan Hunter

Thousands of years before The Tournament of the Lost, heroes of song, those that are unsung and those that do not even know they are heroes, are pulled into machinations far beyond their understanding. Yet their actions, their folly and their heroics, will echo for generations and shape the world of Aeden. Shape it, into something akin to hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hunter & Co.
• Release date: Aug 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223164791

Jonathan Hunter

Archaeologist and author of swashbuckling tales of daring, romance and horror... with a hint of paganism for good measure 

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Copyright © 2023 by Jovan Stipic

Editing and internal design © 2023 by Verica Petrovic

Cover design by Christina Patricia Myrvold

All rights reserved. You may not reproduce this book in any way, shape or form, unless there are quotations employed. Pirating is law infringement and may result in dire consequences. The events and characters of Jonathan Hunter’s books are purely fictitious, therefore any resemblance to real life is merely a coincidence. The author cannot be held responsible for such coincidences.

Let me in. Stop resisting, stop fighting, stop thinking. Let me in. Let me dominate your mind. You will be so much more. You will serve me. Let me in. Say my name, whisper your desires, let me in. Do so and I will bring the end.

Your friends have forgotten you. Your family doesn’t need you anymore, but if you let me in, all will be molded into one. Bend to my will. Say my name and surrender.

CALL ON ME!

And so, I did. As darkness rose all around me like swirls of mist, I thought of the beginning of my journey. Back when I had just been selected for my post at The First Gate. As my mind took me back to those days, all of my surroundings faded to black, trapping me in both my memories, and total darkness…

The vielle sounded first and the crowd roared. The ten of us stood next to one another, all soon to be Griffins. Surrounded by a few thousand people at the very least. And in front of them, musicians next to several hundred of the brotherhood. All here to see the lucky few, the members of the Griffin Brotherhood that will now be more than members of the king’s personal army.

Brothers in all but blood. All of us except Michael and me, for we shared blood as well.

Brothers by king and by sword

Sit for we have no other lord.

Sit, take a sip of wine

For we know not who is next in the devil’s line.

The brothers around us started singing. The whole of King’s Keep around Heaven’s Tower was abuzz with laughter, singing, and music. Orden knew of few other festivities more lavish than this one. The capital seemed alive.

Kings take heed

We protect the people and what they need.

Kings, take heed

We shall follow where you lead.

For the moment he places his sword on me

There won't be a person filled with pride as he.

Their voices drowned even the livid crowd. The Griffin Brotherhood had no hymn or anthem, but this song had been passed down for almost as long as there had been a brotherhood to sing of. And since King George, the grandfather of the current king, we had been singing it at every initiation. The people loved it too. They sang along, almost as loudly as the Brothers.

Brothers by king and by sword Sit for we have no other lord.

Sit, take a sip of wine

For we know not who is next in the Devil’s line.

I peered at Michael, barely moving my head. It was a hot summer’s day, and we were all sweating beneath our plate armor, but he just looked abashed. His balding scalp and shaggy beard, almost dripping with sweat, did little to hide his excitement. These were our dreams, this was our day, but he deserved it much more so than I. He could have become anything he could ever have wanted. Half the physicians in the kingdom wanted him to study under them, and the other half wanted to study under him. Our family was small, lairds of unimportant lands, but he was one of the most coveted young men of our time.

So this mead we will drink So that, of love we never think.

Nor of the ones we left back home The only ones that make us feel alone.

Brothers by king and by sword Sit for we have no other lord.

Sit, take a sip of wine

For we know not who is next in the Devil’s line.

And yet he chose to be a Griffin. Just like me. We had been working toward that goal ever since we were children. Nine thousand and nine hundred of us served as the king’s personal army, always remaining in the capital of Orden unless ordered to march elsewhere. Yet the lucky one hundred were scattered around the kingdom, posted and serving as right-hand men to the High Lords of Liralind. To serve as the captain of the Griffins or the personal bodyguard of the king was considered a higher honor. And for a small house such as ours, even being a Griffin would have been a boom. And yet, every so often, the bravest, most pious of us were chosen to join the lucky one hundred. And this year, me and Michael were both amongst the ten people who were worthy enough for the initiation.

Michael wished to be stationed in the South Eastern part of the kingdom, to serve under High Lord Rastko Naumov. Michael's wife-to-be dwelled in his lands. She was the only reason why he never became a doctor, but a knight instead.

We have mages, Mades, and physicians. They will take care of our health. But in the world we live in...a good sword arm is much more needed, he explained to Mother and Father.

So brothers take a seat as there is one thing that we fear

One thing we cannot hear

One thing that fills us with pain

That we will never sit here again

Brothers by king and by sword Sit for we have no other lord.

Sit, take a sip of wine

For we know not who is next in the devil’s line.

As we go to face god

We shall know there is no lie. Brother to brother, eye to eye

We know there are worse ways to die.

There was a moment’s pause as the song ended, and the crowd silenced to a murmur after a thunderous applause. The marble plateau glistened in the sun as the vielle picked up again, followed by a lone cittern. The trumpeters on the walls around the Heaven's Tower blew the trumpets, and the drummers next to the tower itself began a slow, barely audible drum. The Captain was first to exit the tower. He was met with applause from the crowd. Swaggering his way towards us, he smiled at the crowd every now and then to convey sympathy Yet his hand rested on the pommel of his sword regally, and the helmet that rested underneath his arm caught light of day as he walked. His armor of silver and royal blue glistened in the sun like hope did in the dark. The stern look in his eye was softened by his smile, but it was barely visible through his serious posture.

As soon as he stopped in front of us, the King and Queen appeared from the tower. They had raised their clasped hands so that the common folk could see them. The crowd yelled in approval, clapping and calling their names.

King Alfred and Queen Marianne both wore royal blue silk and silver lining. The crowns on their heads glistened with jewels, and their smiles radiated with warmth, courage, and love. Their popularity was only matched by that of the King’s father and grandfather.

Kings seldom had their children as kings, as tradition dictated that every future king be adopted by the current one. Yet the last three shared blood and have done more for the land than a dozen kings before.

As the crowd silenced, the King and Queen stood in between the Captain and the archbishop. The archbishop must have been saved by magic, as I could see it flowing through his veins. The church despised magic, except for times when their own lives were at stake.

The captain stepped forward, and all ten of us kneeled. All of us were sweating and not because of the sun anymore. The heavy silver plate pressed me down as I lowered my head, and the pressure of a thousand people and the king pressed me down further.

He then turned to the King and knelt as well, unsheathing his sword and presenting it to His Majesty. King Alfred took it gently and stepped towards our direction as the Captain rose.

Laret Wenn! he announced as the king placed the sword on the man’s shoulder. Church of Saint John, Scarborough. the crowd yelled again. Scarborough was probably one of the prettiest places in the kingdom; Laret would be glad. And I could only imagine what the Scarborough Fair looked like this year.

He stood up, and the king embraced him, both smiling approvingly at one another. Good lad. the King told him.

Brothers knelt and rose as, finally, it was Michael’s turn. It all seemed to approach me at mesmerizing speed.

Michael Brocas! My brother stiffened as the King stood in front of him.

Castle of Juznjigrad, High Lord Rastko Naumov. the Captain roared. I could not hide my smile and neither could he. Michael stood, and he and the king embraced, much longer than the rest before him. It was as if the crowd knew that this was more significant than the ones before. The noise they made lasted much longer.

Good luck, my boy. the King told him as they shared a knowing look. There were twenty-two possible posts in the kingdom and he got the one he had wanted. His luck was God given. Maybe if I kissed the cross at the cathedral after the ceremony, I would share an ounce of the good fortune he had.

I knew Mother, Father, and his beloved, Joanna were in the crowd. They must have been so relieved when his post was announced. Probably having spent the night praying for this to happen.

Then, the King stood in front of me. If I hadn’t been kneeling with my eyes to the floor, my knees would have buckled.

Fine lad, he said. You are very brave. My heart pounded as he touched my shoulder with the blade. I was sure that my armor shook to the beat of it. He had spoken to no one else before the post was announced except for me. I felt myself blushing and hoped that it would stop before I rose.

The First Gate! announced the captain. And suddenly the roar of the crowd was silenced.

What?!

The crowd gasped, some clasped their hands over their mouth, and some just shook their heads.

How? Why?

I rose before I could get a hold of myself and fumbled a little. The King caught me with his firm hands.

Well done. Well done! he said to me, his eyes full of pride. Then the crowd started to clap in unison. No cheers, no cries of joy. Just numb clapping.

Then the King stood next to the Queen and started addressing the people, and the world seemed to move on while I was stuck in that single moment.

The First Gate... One out of a hundred was chosen for that place... Why me?

I looked at Michael, but he just waved a slow hand for me to calm down and not make a scene.

There is no greater pride for me than when the fathers of my kingdom entrust their sons to me. As they become Griffins, they become my sons as well. They all share my love equally and yet there are a few that come first amongst them. Today, these ten brave men have reached such ranks. They may not have another banner for such Griffins, but these lads shall remember where they come from.

The crowd clapped and called for him, but he just waved his hand at us.

Please spare no devotion for them as well! his voice sang across theirs. He spread his arms at us as if he were embracing us from afar. The crowd, of course, obeyed. And yet some held my gaze. Pity. That was what I saw in their eyes. Pure pity.

After the crowd dispersed into the Diamond, Emerald, and Copper Quarters; to start singing, drinking, and dancing in our name, I felt as if everything was moving in slow motion. This was supposed to be a day of jigs, drinks, and merriment... but not for me.

Both the brothers that were singing and the captain came forward to congratulate us, giving us words of praise. Me, especially. But they, too, had pity in their eyes. And why shouldn’t they? Pity was way more than what I would get at The First Gate.

It lasted an eternity but finally, after all of them had told me how brave I was and how I would be long remembered in the annals of the Griffin Brotherhood, I was left alone with Michael.

What happened? was all I could muster. I knew he had no answer for me.

I don’t know. he said as he placed an arm upon my shoulder. I bit my lip to hold back the tears.

My life is over.

I have to talk to the Captain. This has to be a mistake I—

No! he said, raising his voice, but he quickly lowered it and looked around us. We were almost alone in front of Heaven’s Tower and the barracks of the brotherhood. He shoved me hurriedly next to the barracks and spoke again. Mother and Father will be here soon. Do you want to make a scene?

But why me? I whimpered,and he sighed heavily. I don’t know, but I will find out. he said gently.

If we don't fix this, I will never see him again. Or Mother and Father.

But Michael, there will be trouble no matter who talks to the Captain. Why should you do it? You just got the post of your dreams. You and Joanna can finally live together, start a family. I will not allow you to risk it!

I started to move towards the tower, but he grabbed my arm.

You saw the look the King gave me. Do you honestly think I got assigned to my post by accident? The King and I are on good terms. I might be a Griffin, but people still come to me as a physician. I will see what I can do, he finished and smiled at me. I embraced him.

Thank God for you, Michael. Thank God.

I will always have your back, no matter where you are. I promise you that. he whispered. There. Mother and Father are finally here. Put on a strong face, and we will see what happens later.

Indeed, they were approaching from the gate. They must have been really far off to only come through now. Joanna was with them. All three had heartwarming smiles, no pity in their eyes.

Luka! Michael! Mother exclaimed as they saw us. In front of the tower, only the lucky few that got their posts and their families were present.

She hugged us both at the same time. Our faces disappeared in her long brown locks. I had been embarrassed to share any kind of public emotion with her since the age of thirteen, but this hug felt so safe. I never wished it to break.

I am so proud of both of you.she told us, placing a motherly touch on both of our cheeks. Father was close behind her and placed a firm hand upon my shoulder and squeezed.

There isn’t a single father in the whole ring that is more proud than I. he said in his usual, kind tone. His blond moustache and beard curved into a smile that had always held us together when we were growing up.

Joanna jumped on Michael, and they twirled and laughed together. My heart sank twice. Once for envying them and their luck, and again when I knew I would trade places with him in a heartbeat.

The First Gate....

How are you feeling? Mother asked, as she turned to me. Her face looked grim. Was there a mistake? Can we change this in any way?

I don’t think we can. Father said gently. We are not a big house. There is no reason for them to make an exception for us.

I will talk to the King, Michael said, and Mother’s eyes filled with hope. It’s not much, but maybe I can do something.

That is more than I can ask of you, Brother. I said.

Will it put you in peril? asked Joanna, worry was all over her face. Hope was replaced with shame again. Her words were soft and full of fear, and I could not bear it.

Don’t do anything that will get you into trouble. I said again. Michael just nodded at me and kissed Joanna.

You needn’t worry. Nothing will try and separate us ever again. he said, and she placed her head upon his shoulder.

The festivities lasted long into the night. The whole of Orden was aflame with laughter and singing. Every tavern, inn, and brothel was full to its capacity; every table was filled with gambling dice, beer, wine, and anything else one would need to forget their troubles for a night.

Remember, this is why you joined the Griffins. So that others would be happy. And thanks to you, they all are...

Those thoughts gave me little to no comfort.

Father insisted we stuck together, but I wished to be alone in the cathedral for a while. It looked grand from the outside with three domes booming from its roof, painted windows, and the biggest cross at the top that our Christian world had ever seen. I crossed myself as I entered the marble structure.

The inside was heavenly. The ceiling was a light blue shade that made you feel as if you were under an open sky; with golden chandeliers, paintings of saints, archbishops, and heroes of the faith. I remember sitting here learning each and every one of them. My mind still hurt whenever I thought of it.

I walked between the rows of benches where many good pious men and women sat and prayed. I crossed myself and knelt in front of the cross at the far corner, remaining in prayer for a long while. From the corner of my eye, I could see the dark falling. Even though the windows were painted with what was meant to be an opaque shade.

Sancte Michael,

defende nos in proelio

ut non pereamus

in tremendo iudicio.

Kneeling in front of the cross for hours, I said every