The Hidden Isle: The Hope of Odrana, #2

By Brandon J Greer

Jaxon and Thena discover that not everything is as perfect as they had hoped. The council only lured Jaxon into a false sense of security so they could hire an assassin to finish the job. Tipped off about the plot, Jaxon and Thena flee Arden only to be told that they are going to Mathos, the city of the dead, in order to gain vital information that will hopefully keep Jaxon safe.

 

Sent on a wild adventure, the two must survive ghosts, dangerous assassins, tricky wizards, and a mysterious island that is more dangerous than anyone knows. But does success promise and easier life for Jaxon or only more troubles? Find out in the second book of The Hope of Odrana series, The Hidden Isle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brandon J Greer
• Release date: Oct 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223499152

Brandon J Greer

Brandon J Greer is second and third oldest in a family of ten. (He was second oldest until a new marriage brought a new child that bumped him to third.) To set himself apart from so many siblings, he discovered the arts. Drawing, acting, and writing pulled him in at a young age. His first book, Around the World in About a Year, was completed in the sixth grade and was complete garbage but it won him a place in an arts competition at the local university. Now living in northern Utah with his wife and daughter, he travels as much as he can.

Book preview

Paid To Kill

The sound of thunder echoed through the deserted streets of Arden. The storm had arrived quickly, almost without warning, driving most of the sleepy inhabitants of the city inside to wait it out. The rain became more violent as the night wore on, but it would serve its purpose. It would keep away any prying eyes and unwanted attention, which was ideal for this meeting. Lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating a solitary figure waiting in an empty alleyway.

Slouching against the cracked wood wall of a dilapidated stable, he rubbed a coin between his fingers and waited.

You’re late, his gruff voice said, almost muffled by the raindrops falling heavily on the thin metal roof.

You should know by now that I don’t keep the council’s timetable, or whoever it might be that you serve.

The man glanced down at the gold piece in his hand, ignoring the retort. Who the request comes from is of little consequence so long as you accept the coin.

Tossing the piece into the air, both sets of eyes watched it, the silent challenge insinuated all too well.

You know what happens to those who fail us, the man continued as the shrouded figure struck out like a viper, snatching the gold from the air, revealing her lithe body as another flash of lightning brightened the scene.

And you know what happens to those who fail to keep their end of the bargain, she said, poison dripping from her voice. The coin was gone, safely tucked away in her belt.

Without warning, the man in the stable exploded forward, grabbing the woman’s neck, who gasped out in fear and pain.

Do not threaten me, worm.

Panic-stricken, the woman clawed at the man’s fingers, desperate for a breath. Scratching at his skin, she drew blood, but the tension did not abate. Her lungs ached for air and with each passing second, she came closer to losing consciousness. When she couldn’t fight it any longer, her muscles relaxed and her arms fell to her sides. Sensing victory, the man loosened his grip, allowing precious oxygen to flow back into her chest.

You have accepted the offer, and in so doing, have made yourself subject to our desires.

Who is the mark, the woman choked, trying to hide her discomfort by resisting the urge to rub her bruised skin.

A mere boy. A fitting task for one such as yourself, don’t you think? the man whispered in her ear. Go to Mathos. We believe he will be sent there to find a man named Manorii. We want to know why. Bring that information back to me, along with the scroll the boy carries. Do this and you will be rewarded.

And the boy?

Kill him.

With a slight bow of her head, she slipped back into the darkness, disappearing into the storm. The man waited as still as a statue for the next flash to strike. When it came, it failed to betray the assassin’s location. She was gone. She had accepted the contract and needed to massage her bruised neck and ego.

Do not bother coming back if you fail me, he screamed into the night, spittle mixing with the falling rain.

Stepping out from under the protection of the stable awning, he skirted around a rising, stagnant puddle. He pulled his cloak tighter around his body and slithered into the night. A man of his position and reputation could not afford to be seen in a place like this, especially at this hour.

Lightning flashed and thunder rolled but all it revealed were the skittish horses pulling at their harnesses, trying to flee from the torrential downpour.

The Storm

Rain poured heavily on the windowsill as I tried in vain to drown out the sound with my pillow. It sounded like someone was playing drums in my head. When the water first started dropping from the sky, I ran to Thena, afraid that something was wrong. Like always, she just laughed at me and then explained that there was nothing to worry about and that this, was in fact, very normal. But it wasn’t normal for me. I had never experienced rain before.

Giving up my attempt to fall asleep, I left the comfort of my bed behind and padded to the window to watch it fall. I was no stranger to thunder and lightning though. They accompanied sand storms enough that I was accustomed to their presence. I actually found them comforting. As I stared into the sky, I was startled by a knock at the door. Before I could get up to answer it, Thena entered, a thick blanket wrapped around her shoulders.

You couldn’t sleep either? she asked when she saw me.

I shook my head and moved over as she joined me at the window. It’s too loud.

This is a bad one. I haven’t seen this much rain in ages.

We watched the rain together, counting the time between each lightning strike and clap of thunder, which would rattle the glass in the window.

How does anyone sleep through this? I asked.

You get used to it, Thena said.

I nodded and stared down at the street, surprised to see a dark figure racing down the cobblestone. Thena saw it too.

Who would be out in something like this? she said, gasping when they stopped at our door.

Before the figure raised a hand to knock, they looked up and down the road and then pulled their cloak tighter against their body.

Are they looking for someone? I asked.

Thena shrugged her shoulders. I don’t know. No one should be out in this.

I was shocked to see it was Master Adkins when he glanced up at the window. When he saw us looking down at him, he waved, silently asking us to come down. I glanced at Thena.

This is odd, she said. What would he want?

I raced to my bed and pulled off a blanket of my own and wrapped it around my shoulders. Well, we shouldn’t keep him waiting.

As quietly as we could, we snuck down the stairs and made our way through the dark to the door. Thena lit a small candle that sat on a small table next to the door and lifted it as she cracked the door open.

Master Adkins? she asked, trying to keep the water away from the flame.

His eyes flitted up and down the road again then smiled. I know this is unusual, but I must speak with you. Can I come in?

Thena stepped back as the master entered, then quickly closed the door.

I am afraid I don’t come bearing good news, he said, brushing water off his cloak. I noticed a small bag tucked under his arm.

What is it? I asked.

Master Adkins took a deep breath before he answered. He looked afraid of something. They lied to us all.

Who did? Thena asked. And about what?

The council. They have no intentions of keeping Jaxon alive. As soon as I found out, I ran, putting my own life in danger.

What? Why? I asked, my heartbeat racing.

They secretly believe that you have come here to destroy the world by allowing Akalis to return.

My face flushed and I staggered backward. How am I supposed to do that?

It doesn’t matter. If they think it is a possibility, they want to eliminate it. Had I not gotten to know you, I may have sided with them. There is more going on here than we understand.

Why are you here? I asked. Why are you telling me this?

Because I want to save your life. They think I am here to collect you. They want to put you to death tonight. I plan on telling them you escaped.

At his words, Master Adkins pulled the bag from inside his cloak. The scroll is in here. Keep it safe. It could be the only thing keeping you alive. Show it to a man named Manorii. You’ll find him in Mathos, the city of the dead. He has spent much of his life searching for lost knowledge. He may be able to help you find the Scroll of Six.

I glanced over at Thena, who looked as white as a ghost. Her breath came in ragged gasps and her knees were shaking.

Thena, are you okay? I asked, taking her arm.

She shook her head. Did you say Mathos? He has to go to Mathos?

A deep sigh escaped Master Adkin’s lips. I am sorry, he said, taking her shoulders. You both have to go. You have been implicated in this now so I fear for your life as well. You witnessed what he can do and you saw the summoner. You must go with Jaxon.

Thena fell over, dropping the candle in the process but the wick remained burning. Instead of helping her, Master Adkins returned his attention to me.

I know this is going to be hard, but you don’t have another option. If you can escape, you can try to stop all of this.

Stop what? I asked.

You can stop Akalis from returning. That is why you must remain alive. I still do not believe you are evil, but the signs of Akalis’ possible return are there. The council believes that you are here to open the door, but I believe you can close it. I think you are the only one who can stop the events that your arrival has put into motion. I know that you did not come here to do bad things, but we believe bad things are happening. I wish I could help you more. Seek out Manorii. He will have more answers for you.

Master Adkins turned to leave, but I grabbed his cloak, stopping him. Wait. How do I get to Mathos?

Follow the river. Show the scroll to Manorii as soon as you can.

Tears flooded my eyes when I thought about everything he was asking me to do. When he saw it, he fell to his knees and grabbed my arms.

Be strong, Jaxon. You can do this. I did not want to say this out loud for fear of further implications, but Albish will have more instructions for you. He is waiting outside the northern gate. In addition, he will have provisions for you both. You must leave now. Do not stop until you are clear of Arden. Do you understand?

I nodded but still could not believe what was happening. I had only been an official resident of Arden for a couple of days but now I was being forced to leave or be killed.

Look, Jaxon, no one should have to be asked to do something like this, let alone two children. If I could go with you, I would, but I have duties here. Additionally, I must ensure that the council does not figure out what we are up to. They cannot be allowed to stop you. If what I have discovered is true, then I believe you are the only one in Odrana who can save us. Now, go. I will do what I can to keep your escape a secret until you are well away.

I stepped back and then glanced at Thena. What if we can’t do it?

At least you will have tried.

Without another word, Master Adkins slipped from the door and back into the storm. Thena still sat on the floor, refusing to look up. I stared at the bag in my hands. I could feel the scroll inside, heavy with responsibility. I wanted to throw it away, forget everything I had been told, and go back to enjoying my new life, but that was impossible. If I tried, I would die.

Thena rocked back and forth on the cold ground mumbling something under her breath. Reaching down, I grabbed her shoulders and shook.

Thena?

She looked into my eyes, tears running down her cheeks.

What’s wrong? I asked.

The city of the dead, she said. We have to go to the city of the dead.

I nodded. I guess this Manorii guy can help us.

But why does it have to be Mathos? Thena asked, looking like she was on the verge of fainting.

Because that’s where he lives? I said. Don’t you want to go there?

Thena shook her head.

Why not?

Before answering me, Thena looked around the hall and then picked up the candle before the flame died. Ghosts, cave boy. It’s called the city of the dead for a reason.

What’s wrong with ghosts? I asked. Master Adkins told me about them. They don’t seem so bad.

They don’t seem so bad? Thena said, almost shouting. Ghosts are dead people. It’s like they’re still alive, but they aren’t. They know they’re dead and that they should be somewhere else, but they stay here. What’s wrong with ghosts? That’s what's wrong with ghosts. They don’t belong here. And that’s not all. Do you know how many horrible stories my parents told me about ghosts when I was younger? The things they do are just unnatural. And we have to go there. To the city of the dead.

Something in the house creaked, pulling my attention away from Thena’s hysterics. When nothing else happened, I sat down next to my friend.

Are ghosts like sand crabs? Is that why you are so afraid of them?

What? Thena said, brushing loose strands of hair out of her face. Sand crabs? No, ghosts are nothing like sand crabs. What are sand crabs?

Do you know what a crab is? I asked. I thought I had seen some around the river.

Yes, of course, I know what a crab is.

Then imagine a huge crab three times bigger than you are that lives in the dirt. They can hear you walking around, and when you are close enough, they explode out of the sand and grab you with massive, horrible pinchers.

I did