The Light of the White Gem: Tokens of Rynar Series, Book II

By Amanda L. Henry

The story from The Legacy of the Lost Rider continues as Inesca seeks out the knight mentioned by her father on his deathbed. Danger increases in Rynar as repeated attacks from mysterious assailants threaten the lords and their subjects. The chaos that marked the racing season spreads to other parts of Rynar, and characters endure new challenges. With the situation in Rynar unraveling, seeking help outside the Six Realms is necessary. Enemies arise around Inesca and her allies. If they do nothing, the lord manipulating events from the shadows will achieve his goals. Darkness stretches over Rynar as Inesca and her friends search for a light that cannot be extinguished.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385005215

Amanda L. Henry

Amanda L. Henry is a professor who teaches courses in English and literature at Hannibal-LaGrange University. She wishes to honor God with the interests and skills given to her. The Legacy of the Lost Rider, the first book in the Tokens of Rynar series, is her debut novel. Readers can contact her at https://www.facebook.com/tokens4inspiration.

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Copyright © 2023 Amanda L. Henry.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by

any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author

except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue

in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

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views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Interior Image Credit: Casi Erin Gray

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0520-8 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0522-2 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0521-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023915307

WestBow Press rev. date: 08/24/2023

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Glossary

Dedicated to my parents and my sisters for their support.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my dear friend, Casi Erin Gray, for the beautiful cover art she provided for the book.

I also want to thank those who provided editorial assistance, including Emilia Irovic, the Wrinklings, and others.

Chapter 1

D i m light skirted around the shadows cast by ancient trees. It peeked between knotted trunks and twisted branches as if afraid to venture farther into the forest. The sound of crunching weeds under the horse’s hooves was the only noise to disturb a heavy silence.

Inesca felt her posture sink under the weight of an uneasy stillness. The familiar song of a bird or the chittering of a squirrel would have helped to settle her nerves. She glanced at Poleg, the gelding she borrowed from the merchant’s stables, but the sweet, trusting animal offered her no warnings about her surroundings. I’m sorry, Kestorn. She offered another apology to her brother in her thoughts. I’ll return Gorben’s horse as soon as I can.

Inesca let out a quiet sigh. Kestorn must have been so angry with her. Not only had she taken a horse from the family of the girl he loved, but she left after he told her to stay with him. She could still hear his insistent tone after she explained her wish to find Sir Coltar. Let Derreth chase after the answers to our questions. My sister belongs here with me.

I can’t ignore this chance. Not while Derreth is still trapped under Lord Edgerr’s authority as his rider, she said softly, hoping the sound of her voice would comfort her in this silent forest. But the sound of her thoughts spoken aloud had the opposite effect. Now it felt like the trees listened to everything she said.

Inesca drew in a deep breath and steadied herself. This fear was childish. She had traveled through forests before on her own. But that was with Nycor. Uncertainty and loneliness shook her again. Since the Calavi had taken him, what had they done to him? No horse could replace her gray stallion. Each day they were apart, she felt the separation more and more. I’ll find Sir Coltar, and then I’ll look for Nycor, Inesca decided as she straightened her posture again.

Glancing back at the forest, Inesca thought she must be drawing near to the town of Pilun. According to a captain in Sir Coltar’s service, the knight’s duties had taken him here, in the far north of the realm of Trineth.

On the maps she had studied in the merchant’s home, Inesca knew Pilun was the one lonely town that rested in the midst of a mysterious part of the realm, near the vast, untamed Naldorr Forest. The merchant Gorben had never been there and assured Inesca that he would not change his route to seek out such an isolated town. A man must have a solid promise of business to journey north, but even then, there are outlaws to consider. So, what assurance does he have of his return?

Fearing she might meet trouble on the road, Inesca led Poleg through the forests near Pilun. She knew well enough how to find her direction even when trees blocked the horizon and most of the sky. But still, Inesca found the trees in the north to be strange.

They leaned toward trespassers with grasping branches and warped trunks. These gnarled giants felt older and less welcoming than the trees Inesca had known in the East Province or the southern regions of Rynar. As they approached the edge of the wood, Inesca dismounted from Poleg and carefully led him toward the quiet outline of Pilun.

It was just after dawn, and a mist covered the ground. The roofs of houses rose above the fog like boats moored in a harbor. Inesca kept Poleg close as she led him into the town, but when the gelding noticed a fresh bundle of hay, he nickered and quickly approached it. Inesca relented when she found a nearby post and secured his reins.

Once he was settled, she approached the nearest house and knocked on the door. She hoped someone here knew how to find Sir Coltar. But no one came to the door, so Inesca pounded harder against the wood. The door swung open, and Inesca retreated half a step, but the room within was empty and dark.

Is anyone here? she called, slowly moving to the doorway.

When all remained quiet, she closed the door again and moved to the next house and the one beside it. Some doors opened when she knocked upon them, and others remained closed, but no matter where she went, she found no one.

Returning to Poleg, Inesca ran her hand through his mane and over his neck as she surveyed the eerie stillness. The gelding suddenly lifted his head and turned it to the left. His ears pricked up and focused in the same direction. Inesca untied him and let him lead her through the mist. She heard restless movement ahead, but Inesca had to halt as they came to a stone wall a little shorter than the height of a man.

As she clambered up and over the wall, the mist cleared a bit, and Inesca saw dozens of horses standing over the green grass and flicking their tails. But these were not pack horses. They were all impressive animals, the sort one saw with knights or in the races, but what were they doing here?

A sudden thought occurred to her. Nycor, she breathed, hardly daring to speak too loudly in such a strange place. But a sense of urgency rose within her, and she called for him with more of a voice. Nycor!

None of the beasts paid her much attention, but then she heard galloping hooves, and a great black shadow reared at her through the mist. Inesca nearly fell back over the wall, but she caught the edge and steadied herself.

She recognized the ferocity of Tymo, the large black stallion that had been Lord Tolem’s pride. He challenged her once more and then galloped off along the wall. Wishing to avoid the stallion’s teeth or another attempted strike, Inesca clambered along the outer side of the wall as her gaze swept over the horses. Though surrounded by stone walls, high wooden fences divided the pasture.

When Inesca came to a new section and clambered higher to get a better look over the wall, another horse lifted its head from the mist. She ducked down again. However, this one remained calm, and its ears turned toward her. Inesca called softly, and it drew closer. Warm sunlight began to appear over the trees, and Inesca noted the stallion’s golden coloring as the gray of morning began to fade.

Celestro? she gasped.

Derreth’s stallion nickered at his name. Inesca felt her heart beat faster as she looked out at the pasture. These were the stolen racehorses, but why were they here?

Inesca barely had time to think before a red flash charged over to her and shook its head. Halon pawed the ground and snorted as if telling her to step back. Inesca stumbled down from the wall as Halon whinnied and raced off. She felt some relief at having found Kestorn’s horse, but much of that was still lost in her confusion.

Where is Nycor? she asked as she turned around and then studied the horses again.

Poleg walked closer to her and nudged her shoulder. Inesca patted his neck before drawing herself into the saddle again.

I’ll come back for you, she said, glancing at Celestro. But someone has put you here. The Calavi or Sir Coltar. And I need answers first.

She urged Poleg into a gallop toward the forests north of the town, and he carried her through the fading mist to the trees. The undergrowth grew so thick that Inesca had to slow his pace once they reached the forest.

She tried to sort through what she had seen in the town. Why was it empty except for the horses? And what if she was going the wrong way to find someone? Inesca put her hand to her weary eyes. She had ridden hard these past few days to reach Pilun, and now her only reward was a mystery.

Poleg slowed when she failed to direct him, and Inesca studied the forest with a sigh. She didn’t know these lands. Searching for Sir Coltar could mean days of aimless wandering now that no one in Pilun could guide her to his location. And what if the forest was as forsaken as the town?

The rustle of undergrowth and the light snap of a twig silenced Inesca’s question. She tensed as she searched for the source of the noise. It could have been a deer or a fox. Inesca had seen both as she journeyed here. But not until she reached the forest around Pilun had Inesca felt the discomfort of believing someone was watching her.

Moments passed, but no one emerged. Perhaps she was still unsettled after the emptiness of Pilun and there was nothing to fear. Inesca guided Poleg down a low slope to a path through the trees. She noticed boot prints in the dirt and followed them.

The trail wound through the trees, but the trampled vegetation and earth were not hard to track once found. As it climbed up a hill, Inesca suddenly halted Poleg at the sound of voices in the distance. She dismounted and left the gelding beside a tree as she crouched and slowly crept up to a ridge.

As she peered over the rocks, Inesca found a ravine; within it, she saw scores of men in dark clothes. They gathered around small camps, and Inesca tensed as she observed black tattoos on their bare arms, necks, and faces. The Calavi were here? Her heart raced as she thought of the horses in the nearby pasture and the empty town.

What if Sir Coltar had already tried to fight the Calavi? Perhaps he was dead, along with those who had lived in Pilun. Inesca crawled back from the ridge and carefully descended the slope. I need to get back to Halon and Celestro, she thought. I can set them free while no one is watching.

She tried to keep her steps quiet as she returned to Poleg. The gelding tore up grass contentedly between a few trees as Inesca’s thoughts echoed with horror. As she grasped his reins and began to lead him through the trees, Inesca saw a tall figure move through the shadows of the forest. She pulled out her dagger and moved as close as possible to Poleg.

The newcomer raised his hand. You’ll draw their attention if you make too much noise.

As a man walked into view, Inesca observed that his mud-stained cloak and garb were that of an ordinary traveler. They did not have the dark hue that the Calavi often wore. Dark brown hues mixed with gray in his beard and in the hair drawn back behind his head. Yet, as she studied him, Inesca struggled to define his countenance in the shifting light under the trees.

Who are you? Inesca asked as she waited for him to attack, but he made no effort to seize her or draw a weapon.

Before I answer, I am curious to know what drew you here, he said as he kept his voice low.

Inesca held onto her dagger, but she took a step closer to him. She couldn’t see any of the Calavi’s marks on his skin. However, his arms were covered. Still, why didn’t he attack her if he was one of the Calavi?

When he caught her staring at his arms and neck, he stepped into a patch of sunlight and held out his arms. He drew back the sleeves and collar of his tunic to reveal unmarked skin. Inesca observed this cautiously before she lifted her gaze to his face. In a flickering of light, his eyes appeared to be a welcoming shade of blue, but in the next, she thought she saw a silver gleam with a sharp-edged gaze.

I am not one of them, he assured her as he glanced back at the hill behind her.

Then tell me your name. But the moment Inesca finished speaking, she considered that if this man was a member of the Raegond, he would not answer her. So, she hesitated and then added, But if you can’t do that, give me a reason to trust you.

A hint of a smile appeared in one corner of his mouth. My reason is that I am one of the Raegond. Does this satisfy you, little rider?

Inesca lifted one brow at the tone of his voice. Why did it sound like he was testing her reaction? All the Raegond should know that she was Arryn’s daughter and a sister to one of their members.

Have you seen Derreth? she asked, feeling uneasy with the intense way he watched her.

Not yet. But I expect him soon. The stranger stepped aside and swept his hand toward the east. It’s not safe to talk here. Will you join me?

Inesca glanced back at the ravine. Coming north had only burdened her with more questions. She considered returning south before matters became even more dangerous, but Poleg’s stamina was spent. Her thoughts also turned to Celestro and Halon among the stolen horses. As she made her decision, Inesca faced the stranger again.

I’ll come with you, she said as she took Poleg’s reins and followed him.

Laisi sat with her back against some of the bundles of cloth in her father’s wagon as it rolled over the road to Nantos. Her heart felt heavy, and she could only hear the words of her father’s elderly steward, asking the family to delay their journey. With a grim sky and strong wind sweeping in from the southwest, he thought the weather an ill omen. Foul weather out of the realm of Fortur never bodes well. However, the cloud over Laisi’s heart had a different origin.

Gorben and his wife, Salell, shared a grieved look after a glance back at their daughter. Not long ago, they enjoyed a home crowded with lively energy and three young riders. Gorben saw their future coming together like a grand design woven in a tapestry. But as each guest departed, the threads ran into unfamiliar patterns. Kestorn’s sudden flight left Gorben with the fear that his daughter’s plans would be ripped apart.

The wagon rocked as its wheels rolled over an uneven patch of road. Salell put her hand on Gorben’s arm to steady herself. Gorben offered her a reassuring smile before guiding the horses to smoother terrain. But as he looked around, his smile waned. The trees pressed close to the road here, and there was little room to maneuver the wagon.

It’ll be good to reach Nantos before dark, Salell said, following his gaze.

Yes, just a few more miles on this road, and then we’ll be able to see the town in the distance, Gorben said.

Laisi offered nothing but silence from the back of the wagon, so Gorben cleared his throat and added, I’m certain he’ll return soon, my dear. And he won’t have any trouble finding us.

His daughter forced a smile for a brief moment, but she could not shake her uneasiness at Kestorn’s journey north. And now, she hated to leave her family’s home in Morret and travel farther away from him.

Nantos has a fine inn. It’s worth staying there for a few extra days if necessary, Gorben said, but as he faced the road again, he suddenly drew the horses to a halt.

Two men in dark robes appeared from the trees on horseback and blocked the road. Salell tensed beside her husband, and Laisi drew herself up to get a better look when the wagon stopped.

Let us pass, Gorben said sternly. What gives you the right to block a trade road?

One of them urged his horse closer and said, We serve Lord Edgerr, and he has sent us to fetch the rider, Kestorn. Where is he?

Who can say? Gorben sat still and tense upon the wagon seat as he studied the two strangers. Kestorn’s a free man. Lord Edgerr knows as much. He was the one who made it so.

The nearest one scoffed. Our lord demands his return, and we know Kestorn has spent much time with your family. Perhaps I’ll ask your daughter. She must know where he is.

Gorben’s hands tightened on the horses’ reins, but before he could spur them on, another man rode out of the trees and seized Laisi’s arm from behind. He raised a dagger to her neck when she struggled.

Salell pleaded for her daughter’s life. And the color left Gorben’s face as he turned to the leader, who had now drawn close to the wagon.

We know Kestorn has left Morret, but he’s not here with you, and no one else has news of him. Answer my question, and we will let you go.

He left without telling us, Laisi insisted, and her attacker pressed the blade closer to her skin.

Gorben cast a glance back at his daughter. She shared a determined look with him, though he saw her tremble in the stranger’s grasp. Gorben faced their leader again and found their enemy smiling.

I see. We trade nothing but lies here, the man said. No matter. Our lord will have his answers. Drag them out! he said to his companions.

Gorben tossed the reins in his hand aside. You can have your answers at once if you permit my wife and daughter to leave. In exchange for their freedom, I’ll share all that I know and accompany you where you wish to take me.

Gorben fixed his gaze on the leader, who studied him for a moment before he let out a scornful laugh. We’re not interested in bargains, merchant. But even now, when faced with death, you still wish to protect that whelp. I can see it in your face.

The leader rode up alongside the wagon to seize Gorben. The merchant drew a dagger and attempted to strike his enemy. But the attacker evaded the blow and used Gorben’s efforts to throw him to the ground. Gorben managed to turn the dagger aside as he fell, but he landed roughly on his right arm.

Salell moved toward her husband, but another horseman barred her path with a sword. The leader dismounted from his horse and forced Gorben up, but the merchant let out a cry as his arm was seized. Sharp pain punctuated each touch and movement. But still, Gorben pushed back his enemy with his left arm. The leader tightened his grip on his right arm before managing to get his other arm around Gorben’s neck.

What fools, his attacker muttered.

Gorben felt a strong grip tighten around his throat, but it lessened as a strange sound from the back of the wagon. The merchant drew in a sharp breath before turning to see Laisi’s captor falling forward. Laisi scrambled to the other side of the wagon as the man dropped with an arrow through his neck.

In the same moment, a different horseman broke from the trees right in front of them. He had another arrow set against his bow and fired this shot into the chest of the robed figure near Gorben’s wife.

The remaining man held Gorben in front of him. He removed his grip from Gorben’s neck to seize his own blade, but he kept a painful grip on Gorben’s wounded arm.

I know what you are, he said as he faced the stranger. Don’t provoke me or the merchant dies.

The newcomer remained on his horse and said nothing. With trembling fingers, Laisi clasped a small yet heavy jar in the wagon and drew nearer, but the wood creaked under her as she moved.

Not another step, their attacker warned.

Laisi tensed and fell back. Their attacker swung his attention back to the horseman, but before he could speak, an arrow pierced his eye.

In shock, Laisi looked up at the man who had raised his bow and fired with perfect precision and speed. Her mother rushed down to steady her husband. Laisi felt her balance waver, but she also stumbled out of the wagon to her father.

The horseman guided his mount closer and studied them. There may be more of them. We must leave at once.

Gorben listened and then groaned as Salell inspected his arm.

It’s broken, she said, looking at her husband and then the stranger. Will you help us reach Nantos?

The stranger’s brow knit together. You do not understand your peril. I’ll take you where you must go, but you cannot bring the wagon. He shot that last demand at Laisi as she and her mother helped Gorben stand.

We can still make good time with the wagon, Gorben said as he cradled his arm.

The stranger directed his own mount alongside one of the now riderless horses and caught its reins. He led it back to Gorben and said, Not where I will lead you. And perhaps you would risk your own life for those goods. But what about the lives of your wife and daughter?

Gorben let out a heavy breath as he relented and said, If you will not explain more, at least tell us what you want from us, stranger.

The newcomer’s gaze narrowed. I want nothing from you. But you should desire my help. And if Derreth was here, he would tell you to come with me. The man turned his gaze back to Laisi. Untie the horses from the wagon. We have no time.

Chapter 2

T he sun shone brighter over the town of Pilun as the mist started to clear. Two men in dark robes rode toward the pasture with sour express ions.

A whole night wasted. And still no sight of him.

I told you he was a phantom.

Tell that to the captain. The penalty he gives us will be real enough.

As they rode toward the nearest houses, three more riders met them from the northern forest. The one in front wore dark leather bracers adorned with scarlet gems and silver adornments. And as he reached the two returning Calavi, he was the first to speak,

You dare to return in failure?

The two men shot the speaker glares.

That beast would not be contained, Varlan. We searched all night, but he’s long gone.

Not that we could catch him even if we found him, the other said scornfully.

Varlan took a spear from one of his companions and struck the two with the wooden handle. You’ll get worse after you share this with our captain.

But as he tossed the spear back to its owner, they heard unsettled horses from the pasture.

They all rode back to the stone enclosure, and by one of the gates, they saw a fair-haired young man attempting to break it open. A red stallion called impatiently to him from behind the wall.

When the young man caught sight of them, he ran for another horse waiting near the houses, but they outpaced him on their mounts and cut him off. He drew a sword and prepared to fight them, but he was surrounded on foot while they all held weapons and had the advantage of being on horseback.

Varlan laughed. I know this fool. This is the same rider Saros was sent to kill. How disappointing for him.

One of the chastised men forgot about his sullen mood. The captain will forget about a lost horse when he sees this one’s head.

Kestorn faced his attackers. Try to claim it, and you’ll lose yours first.

But they mocked his threat.

Maybe this is how we should have killed more of those fools, one of them said, gesturing to the pasture. Their horses serve as excellent bait.

Varlan’s expression grew colder. No, this is dull work. Kill him. We have other business, and the captain awaits us.

One of his companions raised his spear, but Derreth ran out from one of the houses in Pilun.

Stay your hand! At least until you have heard me, he called out to them.

Varlan halted the other Calavi, but one of them dismounted and took his sword, before preparing to strike.

This one also needs to die.

But Varlan caught hold of his arm. Not before we learn why one of the Raegond is here.

Kestorn stiffened as he looked from his enemies to Derreth, but Varlan paid him no attention as he turned toward Derreth.

How did you find this place?

Derreth nodded toward Kestorn. I heard my brother would come to Pilun to seek our stolen horses. I reached the town before him and found it empty, so I took some rest in one of the houses.

Varlan’s brow furrowed. Who told you there were horses here?

Derreth shot a glare up at him. You know I am one of the Raegond. We have learned much about you and your master. But at the moment, I only care about preserving my brother’s life.

Varlan studied him. And how do you hope to save him?

The fire faded from Derreth’s eyes, and he suddenly looked weary and defeated. I’ll give you anything to spare his life. There must be something I have that you - or your master wants.

Varlan surveyed the land around them, and then he called to one of the others. Make sure no one else has followed him.

The man inclined his head and rode out toward the houses.

Derreth shook his head. It is a waste of time. But tell me, will you spare my brother or not?

Varlan drew a sword and held it ready. We will see what happens.

I have information your master desires, Derreth said. But if you harm my brother, no amount of torment will drive it from me. And when your master grows impatient, I will tell him the reason for my silence. He’ll know how to reward you.

Varlan’s gaze cooled, but he smiled. So, this is what it is like to speak to one of the Raegond. Interesting. I look forward to seeing your information tested, for you will receive torment whether you speak or not. Then he turned to the other Calavi and said, Bind them both. We’ll take them to the captain.

Inesca moved cautiously through the forest’s undergrowth as she followed the man in front of her. When he caught her falling behind, he slowed his pace, so that he could walk beside her.

What happened to the people who lived in Pilun? Inesca asked. And who brought the horses there?

Those men you saw are the thieves who stole them, and this is where they’ve chosen to hide their wealth. As for the people, some left Pilun of their own accord. The town has grown more desolate over the years, but as for the ones who remained, well, perhaps we can both guess.

Inesca fell silent as her questions turned to the haunting emptiness of the