Tales of Heroes The Embers of War

By Dennis Bishop

Through ash and ruin the young Theodore lost everything to a raid on his village. After the death and capture of all he holds dear, he searches the world on a quest to bring them home. Throughout dangerous forest, evil trolls and wicked goblins. Can our hero bring them home? Or will he discover something more?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798369400838

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 by Dennis Bishop.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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

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.

Rev. date: 09/18/2023

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1     Last Happy Day

Chapter 2     The Fair

Chapter 3     Raid

Chapter 4     Oh Wandering Wizard

Chapter 5     A Journey Begins

Chapter 6     Of Crossroads and Fools

Chapter 7     A Fairy in Need, is a Friend Indeed

Chapter 8

Chapter 9     A Shadow, A Fire

Chapter 10   Oh Hero Please!

Chapter 11   Oh Great Smelly One

Chapter 12    A Gate, A Spark, and A Tear

Chapter 13   A Debate and Hope

Chapter 14   To Be Both Young and Brave

Chapter 15   A Promise, A Ring, and a Town

Chapter 16   A Proper Brawl

Chapter 17   A Hoot Hoot, Tweet Tweet, And a Ah Woah Ah

Chapter 18   Oh Noble Sir! You’re Amazing!

Chapter 19   A Fool’s Affair Not Yours

Chapter 20   Woops We’re Off to War I Guess

Chapter 21   The Blood of a Thousand, The Army of One

Chapter 22   Woe is the World When a Boy Becomes a Man

Acknowledgements

I’d like to first take this time to reflect on what led up to the publication of this work. First off, to the mastermind behind it, my brother Daniel. I’d like to say thank you, thank you for the many hours spent just walking and conversing on Theodore’s story. I hope I wrote him justice. Brother even though it is both our dream to see this series on the shelves, it still feels unreal. The years have passed us by, ten to be exact.

But we both still believe in our dreams. I hope you can read this with the reassurance that I’m always going to work on it, no matter if it’s been ten years, twenty, or even a hundred. I’m committed to finishing our work. I love you, And to Mom, look I wrote a half decent book! Haha love you, thank you for always being there for me. Tell Dick I said hey. Now to my other siblings, jayla, caite,Nick, zeke, bre, country boy Colin’s, Justin. and all my other found family and friends. You all named and unnamed, To me your all my treasures. There is no replacing a single one of you within my life. Thank you, thank you for every happy memory. Every gentle day spent laughing, yelling, and every single happy memory I hold dear. It’s for all of you that I dare to do any of this. I may very well never live to be wealthy from this work. But I’m overjoyed with just writing it for you, Because without faith and family. I would indeed be without joy. And to summer and Lexi, if you’re reading this I have not forgotten I owe you a gift basket, and a fairy statue with a green snake. I’m sorry we lost touch, I lost a few friends, and I couldn’t be comforted. If I could laugh with you two again I would, I hope you both forgive me. To Justin, wytt, Daniel C, Mathew, Jacob, Zack, Kaylee h, trip, and the rest of the NLOEJ, and so many more. Live long, live well, and thank you, and Austin Holman’s family. May he rest in peace, I hope I wrote him in a world full of adventures. Rest in peace buddy, you are still missed.

Also thank you, dear reader, without your time that you spent reading this book, it wouldn’t see the light. I hope it fills you with no small amount of wonder reading this.

Finally thank you God, For all the years of my life, may I never live to curse your many blessings. I only hope this book allows my family some form of generational wealth. For them to know a simpler life, so thank you lord.

Chapter 1

Last Happy Day

The setting sun was hot as a young girl no more than eight quickly rushed down the narrow path, deep in a vast outer countryside. Skipping as she ran past stones and brushes near a lone willow tree. The sky was waning as the darker colors of the sunset threatened to over take the blue. She stopped running before Pausing a moment only to gaze over towards the center of the field, just off the path, the grass swaying in the gentle breeze of afternoon air. Scanning the terrain she gazed over it twice before spotting a lone figure sprawled out on the grass. She smiled to herself, curling back a lock of dirty blonde hair. Patting her green farmers tonic, the girl walked lazily towards her sleeping prey. As she grew nearer she stopped to look down at the object of her hunt. Her older adopted brother Theodore. Looking down at his face and taking time to study it, one could believe he had labored in the sun. His skin was gleaming a light tan from simple days working outside. Sporting a similar garb as his sister. the youth with his dark black hair, his face locked with a restful expression, seemed completely at ease. Shifting her eyes the girl quickly spotted three brown rabbits tucked in a tree nearby.

Tilting her head and rolling her eyes her smile grew, of course there’s rabbits she thought, often when her brother slept animals would soon be spotted visiting.

Everyone in the village used to joke saying her brother was an elf kin from a long years past. Squatting down she leaned in and began poking Theodores face with her finger., Wakey wakey you’ll miss Father’s leaving she lightly chimed. Slightly lifting up his eyelids revealing a set of crystal blue eyes., Catherine?

He muttered half asleep. Catherine looked down, sticking out her tongue at her older brother. Hurry up sleepy head father’s leaving for the market soon! Theodore suddenly bolted onto his feet, nearly tripping on himself. Stretching his arms he started taking one last look around before walking towards the path. When they reached the path Catherine suddenly rushed ahead., Race you to the yard, last one has to clean the stables! Smiling Theodore rushed to a full on sprint taking the lead., You’re gonna regret it! He gloated behind his back..

Hot determination settled onto Catherine’s soft features. Lunging forward she didn’t let up till they were neck and neck. Looking at each other both burst out into a fit of chuckles as they ran up the cobblestone path. After a good distance both slowed down nearly out of breath, as a farmhouse came into view sharing a brief exchange of looks both stopped ten yards shy of the yard. Theodore looked over to see his sister’s face blooming with sweat. A pang of guilt hit him, she’s just a kid. He thought to himself even with him holding back on their race, it still wouldn’t be fair to her. As if noticing her brother’s lapse in determination she mustered her last burst of strength, to sprint ahead into the yard. Chickens scrambled to escape the trampling of her feet, as She cleared the yard and Headed straight for a man in a faded Grey tunic and faded green hat.,

I found the sleepy head father. Catherine beamed to her father proudly. From a mess of tangled wisp of Graying brown hair an unshaved beard flashed a jolly smile. The fathers dull Gray eyes lit up to match his hardened face. The smile wiping the lines of aging years off his tanning skin., Well now. his voice boomed., How many animals for the count? Catherine rolled her eyes, Three rabbits this time.

Just as she was about to tell her father how she won the race Theodore scooped her up from behind, letting out a squeal of surprise. Theodore settled his sister holding her as if she was some fairy princess being carried by a knight in shining Armour. Looking up, her face puffed in embarrassment at being caught by surprise., Put me down, dummy, she huffed. Smiling broadly Theodore set her down and patted her head. Before walking over to stand in front of his father.

Looking up to meet his gaze Theodore tilted his head behind him to view the kart hitched to the family donkey. Worriedness struck his brow, Father He spoke.,

Are you really taking Dan? The father turned his head to admire the aging beast. Half smiling he looked back to meet his son’s worried gaze., Don’t you worry boy he’s still got a season under the sun. Just let me worry about him. you just tend to your sisters while I’m gone. Looking over towards the house he called for his other daughter., Ammyyy wanna say goodbye before I leave?

A Thud could then be heard from the window just as a smooth voice yelled back., Coming pa! After only a moment a thin woman with brown hair and teal green eyes stepped outside, washing her hands on a rag wrapped around her waist, while fresh dish water soaking her sleeves. Her simple features beamed as she walked up giving her father a warm hug. Only slightly smaller than her father, she stood chin high to him burying her head under it.,

Are you sure you can’t wait till after the festival tomorrow to leave us? She grumbled. Chuckling softly he patted her head., I’ll be fine, you kids just enjoy the festival. I’ll be home before you know it. Kissing her head he turned to address his other two children. Quickly noticing their sweating faces, a look of amusement swept his face., Who chased you two?

He asked Catherine beamed, gathering herself to her full stature and she spoke half tauntingly., Theodore lost to me in a race! Now he has to clean up ol Henry’s stall. she said proudly. Theodore rolled his eyes while laughing., You’ll have your work cut out for you little Theo. Amy said with a knowing smile., We just fed him fresh kibble and a troth full of hay. Theodore groaned. Tomorrow he will be cleaning for nearly an hour.

Thinking of the festival only one day away he made a heavy mental note to bathe before leaving the home. Amy, as if reading her brother’s thoughts, began to tease., Don’t worry Theo, I’ll draw some water tonight for you to use in the morning. Turning from his children, the father walked to the head of the cart., Tomas Gardener, Don’t you dare leave without your food pack!

Amy yelled. Everyone smiled.Amy, following her late mother’s footsteps, had picked up calling their fathers full name in order to scold him when he forgot something. Rushing back into the house, and picking up a pack lying on the far edge of the table. Catherine came Walking out again straight to her fathers side. Just as he had seated himself on the driver’s bench. Grabbing the reins in one hand while accepting the pack in the other, Placing it aside Tomas nodded to each of them., Be good ya hear, enjoy the festival, love you.

Slapping the reins once, the donkey stumbled forward, as he pulled off he looked back once again at home, eyes twinkling in the noon day sun. This was home,From the murky Grove to the flowing stream just a walk away. He chose this spot to build his home in part for the peaceful landscape., We did alright with uh Mary.

He muttered under his breath half wishing his wife could be here if only for one day. She’d be so proud of their children. Looking forward and away from home he focused on the road ahead.

They all stood silent just long enough to see him clear the hill. Amy was the one to break the silence., Come on you two supper is almost ready, tonight’s fresh vegetable stew. Cathrine looked to her brother then to her sister. Squinting her eyes in a face of mock dismay., Ehhhhh! Amy, you mean to kill us! All vegetables and no meat! No wonder father’s leaving!

She cried. All three began to laugh as they headed towards the open door. Stepping through the portal, they all walked into a small but comfortable sitting room that offered the family dual space. A wooden dining table with five neatly carved chairs, an iron pot resting in the center with three wooden bowls stacked with carved tableware. Wrapped neatly in a napkin. As they seated themselves down Amy began pouring the thick stew into the bowls and placing them in front Of her siblings. Catherine looked down at the simple soup, taking her fork and lightly picking at a cut carrot on the top of the creamy yellow broth. All three ate silently. the only sound coming from the scrapping of bowls and the gentle crackling of the hearth. After the trio finished the meal Amy swept it all up, and carried it to the corner of the back of the large room. Leaving Catherine and Theodore sitting opposite of each other, as they’ve done many times before the pair began entertaining themselves in conversation.,

Soooo ooo are you going to be my partner for the pie pluck tomorrow? asked catherine. Theodore closed one eye pretending to think., Hmmmmmm do I want to? He mused, flashing her a toothy grin., Hey!

She shouted suddenly, crossing her arms and lightly kicking the table, only to find that her toes were bare. Wincing and trying to resist the urge to laugh she looked away. Upon seeing his sister’s folly Theodore could only shake his head and smile., Yes, He said., Let’s try to outdo Calevelt this year.

His sister scowled at the thought of the brute like twins from the next hamlet over. Nor did she want to think of the painful defeat from last year’s festival, where Theodore and her if only managed to eat one more piece of pie, they would have won. Her scowl gave way to a calm, That’s ok.

She thought this year’s our year, nothings going to stop them from winning the nine copper prize. Her mind pulsed with thought of the decent sum. The money could be put aside for a replacement for the aging donkey. Both of them had been trying for years now to help their father get a new one. But due to their fathers stubborn fondness for Dan. Led to him not wanting to get a new one till he had built a separate stall. Saying time and again, He’s better than a working steed and ten new donkeys, carried me and your mother on our wedding day.’’ This statement brought on silence in cathrines mind., Hello, Catherine?"

Upon hearing her brother calling her name she snapped herself back onto reality., Yeah we are gonna eat all ol Grantly’s pies! They both beamed., Are you gonna meet with your friends after or are Jacob and Marcie coming? asked Catherine.

, That’s the plan Theodore stated., We ll also head to meet after for honey cakes after. He mentioned, Catherine’s eyes grew wide, We have money for honey cakes? She asked in wonder. Passing by the table to wipe it clean Amy threw Theodore a questioning glance, You have money for honey cakes?’

She inquired Theodore smiled as he waved his right hand dismissively., You both know I’ve been helping Ned Tucket catch fish. He pays one copper for every three fish."

Amy still didn’t seem convinced, You catch that many huh? She asked. As she crosses her arms. While leaning to one side., Is that what you’ve been doing when you disappear all day?

She teased playfully, rolling her eyes, And here we all thought you’ve just been sleeping in the meadow again, but no it’s just you ditching farm work for toe fishing naps by the brook eh?’ Both girls burst into giggles at Amy’s impression of what they all knew was something their father would say.

Theodore smirked a half smile. Knowing full well they weren’t wrong., "What do you say guys,my treat?

He offered. Both Amy and Catherine looked at him ., Deal they stated almost in union. After another hour the three headed into their rooms to rest for the night. Theodore lay in bed of his room hastily made in the upper rafters of the home. Leaving only 6 feet from him from the ceiling. Often when he can’t sleep he’d stare up at the ceiling and think of his first memory’s with the gardener family. It had been nearly 10 years since Tomas had brought him home from one of his travels to the outer cities. Finding a half drowned boy with no memory. And raising him as his own. Theodores face drew a puzzled expression. He loved the gardeners as a family., Would he even care to know anyone else?"

He thought, only to find silence as his only answer. Deciding not to dig deep into tomorrow’s problem he set the thought aside and instead drifted off to sleep at the thoughts of the fair. And all the joy the day would bring.

Chapter 2

The Fair

The sun was just rising up past the trees just north of their home as Theodore stumbled out of the front door. Heading over to the tool shed nearby, he picked up a small but sturdy shovel to tend to today’s chore. He winced at the thought of the potential mess the horse is bound to have made.

After shaking his head and cursing himself for letting her win, he stumbled over to the barn. As Catherine opened her eyes to a crack in the curtains. Her thoughts trailed away from the night’s fantasy. She had dreamed her family had moved to an elvish town. With nothing but fine vegetables and the best cakes.

Smiling to herself she tiptoed from the bed towards the window. Catching a glimpse of her brother heading towards the barn. Smiling with triumph she leapt from the window and over towards a simple table with only a simple pitcher and bowl neatly placed up against the wall away from the bed. She picked up the pitcher and poured water into the bowl. From a small drawer she took out a small clean cloth and started to wet it and wipe her teeth. She took her time washing her teeth with water and then grabbing a bucket filled with water from the corner of the room.armed with a makeshift ragg, Catherine washed her face and arms. Her Mind still racing with memories of the almost faded dream. She made her way down the narrow hallway to the common room. Amy, who has apparently been up for hours. Was busy cooking the day’s breakfast. A hunting bow still slung over her shoulder. Eyeing the nearby table a pang of remorse hit cathrine as she spotted what she could only assume was the pair of rabbits from yesterday. As if sensing the unease from her sister Amy spoke in her softest tone., It was a clean kill Cat, no pain. I promise.

Catherine could only nod. Her sister was renowned in the village for her being the keenest with a hunting bow., I know, but it’s still sad to kill the bunny. She muttered. Just as Amy was turning to face her sister Theodore walked through the door. Both girls held their noses at the smell that followed. With one hand holding her nose Amy directed him to the bath house outside. Both left, leaving Catherine to look again at the pelts of rabbits. Theodore noticed upon arrival that the old Bathing basin was already full of freshly drawn water. Taking time, he walked to the far side of the small room and tended to a small fireplace. Taking a pot he began heating his water with Ernest, he knew he only had two hours before they would leave.

Meanwhile back at the house Catherine had left her seat at the table and had gone to change clothes. Looking down at her selection freshly laid bare on her humble. She had four tunics to choose from. One blue, one faded red, one Grey, and another green. Swishing her face in mock perplexion, she playfully began tapping her chin. After a minute of continuation she finally made her choice. It was near midmorning when Amy was hitching the horse to the cart, when Catherine strolled outside wearing