Heir of Magic: The Kingdom War, #1

By J. D. Ruffin

She's been dead a thousand years. Now she wants her throne back . . .

 

A humble healer, enraged by the slaughter of her parents, rose to seize power over a kingdom, leading them into a war of vengeance. Only through the sacrifice of magic's guardian was the invasion foiled and Irina banished.

Now, an ancient cult seeks to return Irina to the land of the living.

When Guardsman Keelan Rae is tasked with solving a string of mysterious kidnappings, he stumbles into the cult's path. Now, he may be all that stands between the world and Irina's wrath.

Heir of Magic is the exciting first volume in the Kingdom War series by bestselling author JD Ruffin, a tale of magic, adventure, epic struggles for power, and dramatic battles between the forces of light and darkness.

You'll love this series because everyone yearns for a little magic in a time of darkness.

 

What do readers say about the Kingdom War series?

 

★★★★★ "There's everything in this book, from forbidden love to betrayal and murder and mystery . . ."

 

★★★★★ ". . . had me hooked from the start."

 

★★★★★ "What a great story! The characters snuck into my heart . . . found myself wondering what would happen next . . ."

 

★★★★★ "Can't put it down! The story moves swiftly . . . Every main character is likable, even lovable . . ."

 

★★★★★ ". . . a treat for anyone who loves fantasy, with a cliffhanger ending . . ."

 

★★★★★"If you love fantasy, this book is for you."

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. D. Ruffin
• Release date: Oct 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223659297

J. D. Ruffin

J.D. Ruffin is the author of the acclaimed, action-packed Kingdom War series, an epic fantasy launched in 2021. J.D. was born in March 1970 in Nashville, Tennessee, and never really enjoyed reading until a friend loaned him a dog-eared copy of J.R.R. Tolkein’s Fellowship of the Ring. From that day, he was hooked, discovering fantasy authors Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, R.A. Salvatore, Terry Goodkind and many, many others. Not long after, Brad Thor, Vince Flynn and a host of other thriller/suspense writers entered the picture and captured his imagination. J.D. attended David Lipscomb University, studying speech communications and political science. Becoming an author was never part of the master plan, but… As a fourteen-year-old nerdy boy, J.D. and his friends would gather around the D&D dice for hours on end, trading reality for fantasy, if only in their minds. In his quest to “stump his friends” with an impossible campaign, he dreamed up a storyline that captured his imagination. Then… well… nothing happened. He grew up and went to work in a completely different world. Too many years later, that story he dreamed pulled at the corner of his mind, demanding to be heard… to be written. Hence, an author was born.

Book preview

Heir of Magic

J.D. Ruffin

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3Aussies Press

Copyright © 2021 by 3Aussies Press.

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

To all those who need a little magic in their life . . .

Contents

The Kingdom

Melucia

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Chapter 10

11.Chapter 11

12.Chapter 12

13.Chapter 13

14.Chapter 14

15.Chapter 15

16.Chapter 16

17.Chapter 17

18.Chapter 18

19.Chapter 19

20.Chapter 20

21.Chapter 21

22.Chapter 22

23.Chapter 23

Ungifted: Chapter 1

Ungifted: Chapter 2

Ungifted: Chapter 3

About Your Author

I'd like to say thank you for joining me on the Kingdom War journey by offering a free gift of the eBook, The Rise of Irina . Just tell me where to send your copy.

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Chapter one

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A Thousand Years Ago

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Irina surveyed the battle from her mountainside perch. The flesh of her arms pimpled as power coursed through her veins. Magical fire raged from her staff, scorching men and earth alike, leaving blood and madness where enemies stood moments before.

She poured the last of her energy into the enemy line. Her magical endurance far outpaced anyone alive but still had its limits. She would need to eat, rest, and recover before casting again.

Time to watch the men battle it out.

Irina had spent the last year hunting every Mage she could find and repaying them for her stolen youth. Of the original ten, she’d already killed six. The remaining four scurried and hid like rats somewhere across the border in Melucia. She’d never dreamed of ruling or power or war, not before they’d ripped her future from her grip.

Now it was her turn. She didn’t care how many innocents would die in the wake of her wrath. Innocence had died when her mother fell. She would destroy every last Mage and take everything they held dear.

As the enemy lines buckled, something in the distant sky shimmered. She shielded her eyes. A brilliant . . . something . . . flew toward her.

She stepped to the edge of the cliff and raised her spyglass. Far to the east, a massive cerulean flame streaked across the sky, leaving a trail of light in its wake that twinkled, then faded. Her breath caught as the form sharpened in her lens. Its outstretched wings dripped iridescent flames. She stumbled back as the beast lifted its head and uttered an otherworldly cry that stilled the battle below. Men on both sides cowered and stared in disbelief.

That’s impossible!

Irina turned toward the robed men nearby. GET ME THE ORB—NOW!

They jolted, then scattered in all directions. A moment later, one clad in black approached cradling a velvet sack.

The Orb, Your Majesty.

She snatched the sack out of his hands and removed a perfect scarlet sphere. It pulsed as though a heart thrummed inside.

Listen to me, she said. When I cast the spell and the Orb draws my essence, its magic will send you far from here and guide your path.

She looked back at the fast-approaching Phoenix, then turned and clutched the man’s arm. If it takes a thousand years, bring me back, Danai.

Irina— His hand reached toward her cheek, then snapped back. "Your Majesty, could you not face—"

"The Phoenix has risen. Even fully recovered, my power might not stand against hers. Her voice hardened. Now, open yourself. My strength is spent, and yours will have to do."

Irina closed her eyes and chanted in the language of Mages. With every phrase, the pulsing of the Orb grew until its brilliance forced those around to look away.

Danai peered past Irina as the Phoenix belched fire in massive streams, scorching thousands in a blink. Then the mighty bird snapped its head, looked directly at Irina, and launched itself toward the ledge.

She spoke the final words of her incantation a heartbeat before the Phoenix slammed into the mountainside.

Irina’s body flared, then dissolved into liquid smoke that poured itself into the Orb.

Danai vanished.

The Phoenix dove headlong into the ledge, obliterating everything in its path. Flames billowed in every direction, filling the sky with waves of energy and heat. The world trembled, and the sound of earth rending could be heard across the continent. Mountains rose, replacing the battlefield below and forming a range—a barrier—between aggressor and foe.

Far to the west, at the edge of the Kingdom’s capital, a glassy black stone rose from frozen earth. A lone man pulled his black cloak tight against the chill and gawked as lettering flared into existence. Brilliant white symbols faded to gold, searing deep into the ebony surface. Line after line appeared, giving him purpose and direction, a path to restore what was lost. In that moment of chaos and fear, he raised the pulsing Orb above his head and pledged his life to her cause.

To her Return.

Chapter two

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Present Day

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Anxious whispers rippled through the crowd as the Merchants’ Guildmaster rose from his seat and approached the podium. Beside the lectern, four leather chairs sat before a polished table, two of which were already occupied by the Arch Mage and Master of Arms. It was rare for the Triad to gather publicly, but this night held special weight in the hearts of Melucians.

Guildmaster Burner placed one hand on the podium, activating the magic that would cast his voice to the farthest corners of the massive hall. With his other hand, he clinked a spoon against a crystal glass to quiet the crowd.

It is no secret that meetings of the Triad can be a bit lively. It’s often said that we could take any issue requiring a simple yay or nay vote and end up arguing over the meaning of yay and nay for hours. Polite chuckles rippled through the crowd as Burner smiled broadly.

On this occasion, we speak with one voice. The crowd stilled and held its breath. As has been our tradition for hundreds of years, we gather tonight to honor one man or woman who has made a unique contribution to our nation, a person who upholds our cherished values of dignity, respect, and duty in both word and deed. Custom dictates the Mages, Armsmen, and Merchants each nominate a candidate for this honor. Each are outstanding examples of the Melucian ideal, and we honor every one of them. But on this matter, the Triad’s vote was unanimous.

Burner reached beneath the podium and raised a head-sized replica of the Phoenix cast in silver. It shimmered with azure light, the touch of the Mages on their vaunted symbol of magic.

The recipient of the Triad’s Own this year is Guardsman Lieutenant Keelan Rea.

The crowd erupted and turned as one toward a table in the room’s center where a uniformed man with tight-cropped hair towered above those seated about him. As he rose, the navy of his uniform offset a flush of crimson that clawed up his neck and into his face. It took a few long moments for him to reach the high table as each guest he passed rose to shake his hand or grip his shoulder. Applause lingered long after he accepted the trophy from the Guildmaster.

Burner led Keelan to the leather chairs, where he was greeted with smiles and handshakes by Arch Mage Quin, a thin man with a shiny pate, and Master of Arms Vre, whose stout chest and broad shoulders nearly matched Keelan’s own. Burner motioned for Keelan to sit, then filled the last empty chair.

This is the best part. Let’s learn more about Keelan and what led him to receive tonight’s honor. He turned toward Keelan. Tell us a little about how you came to wear that uniform.

Keelan’s eyes darted from Burner to the crowd. He swallowed a lump, then spoke in a voice nearly as stiff as his collar. I lost my parents when I was little. I guess I was five or six at the time. One of the Mages took my brother and me in, so we grew up surrounded by men in robes. A smattering of awws rose from the crowd. Sergeant Sted—he was a Guardsman assigned to the compound for security—he took me under his wing, taught how to hold a sword, how to be a man, really. He was the best man I’ve ever known. He made me want to become a Guardsman when I grew up.

You said the mages took you and your brother in. Where is your brother now?

He’s a Ranger stationed out west, on the border.

Brothers serving their country. Isn’t that wonderful? Burned nodded and glanced toward the crowd, who had already begun applauding. And you were recently promoted to Lieutenant? I believe the case that won you that chevron is also the one underlying your award tonight. Tell us about it.

Well, I hope getting promoted was about a lot more than any one case, Keelan began awkwardly. But I’ll tell you what I can. You’re referring to the Potter case?

Burner nodded. Yes. Arn Potter was a prominent member of my guild. He likely would’ve been sitting in this chair next year, had he still lived. Every Merchant in this city is in your debt for bringing justice to that great man and his family.

Thank you, Guildmaster, but I had a great team working with me. It took all of us to solve that one. Keelan fought another wave of heat as his face colored again. Mr. Potter was found in his bedchamber. There were no signs of forced entry. None of the furniture was disturbed. Even the bedcovers appeared unruffled despite Mr. Potter being stabbed more than twenty times. The murderer had smoothed the comforter and had tucked it neatly beneath Mr. Potter’s chin. Without getting into more gruesome details, we determined he’d been murdered while he slept.

Whispers ran through the crowd as Keelan ordered his thoughts.

We believed his killer had been in his home many times and knew the layout.

Arch Mage Quin leaned forward. Mr. Potter hosted a large reception in his home earlier that evening, didn’t he?

Keelan nodded. There were thirty-two attendees, five of whom were relatives. The rest belonged to the Merchants’ Guild. We had to assume any one of those might have been our killer.

That made for a long suspect list, Burner said.

Longest I’ve faced, Keelan agreed. We spoke with each attendee privately. My Gift offers a significant advantage in interviews.

Your Gift? Burner asked innocently.

Keelan glanced at the Arch Mage, who nodded once. None of us likes talking about our Gifts in public, but I’m guessing mine is the worst kept secret in Saltstone. The crowd chuckled in unison. The Gazette had broken with custom and printed controversial stories about Keelan’s Gift. Outraged citizens had called for the paper to pay restitution while snatching up the next edition featuring Keelan as quickly as it hit the street.

The guys call me the human lie detector. I can sense falsehood. Unfortunately, with a room full of Merchants, it appeared everyone had some private agenda or secret to hide.

You have no idea how true that statement is, Master Vre said, earning a sharp glance from Burner and a round of laughter from the crowd.

Burner seized control again. Go on, Keelan. Tell us how your team solved this one.

Well, as with any case, we narrowed our suspect list to those who had the motive, means, and opportunity to commit the crime. Some had one or the other, but only a handful had all three.

What ultimately broke the case? Master Vre asked with his usual impatience.

Upon thorough examination by a local Healer, it was determined that Mr. Potter wasn’t killed with a sword or dagger, but a knife whose blade was smaller and thinner than normal weaponry. There were tears—

I think we can skip the gory bits, Burner interrupted.

Keelan nodded. Sorry. I guess that isn’t exactly fancy dinner conversation.

Another chuckle broke from the attendees.

Burner sat forward in his chair. You said you worked with a local Healer?

Yes, many here will know her. Her name is Tiana Hurd. She runs the infirmary across from the Guard Compound. Keelan scanned the crowd, then pointed when he found Tiana sitting in the third row of tables. There she is.

Tiana, please stand, Burner said, and the crowd applauded appreciatively.

Keelan smiled and color rushed to his cheeks as their eyes met.

At Tiana’s suggestion, we searched the kitchens in Mr. Potters manse and found knives whose serrated edges and slim blades matched the wounds on the victim. That led us to search the staff’s chambers and question them again.

And a kitchen maid confessed? Burner asked.

It took some time, but yes. We had questioned each member of the staff, but none were on our core suspect list. When we interviewed each of them for a third time with one of the dinner knives sitting on the table before them, she finally broke.

If you can tell when someone lies, why didn’t you just ask each suspect if they killed Mr. Potter? Quin asked.

There were five of us on the team. If you add the party attendees with Mr. Potter’s family and household staff, that’s more than seventy suspects—and that doesn’t include individuals who didn’t attend the party but had some grudge or complaint against the victim. With a list that long, we were forced to divide up the interviews. I wasn’t part of the first two conversations with the kitchen maid.

Did you ever find out why she killed him? Quin asked.

Keelan nodded. Murders usually stem from one of three motives: money, love, or revenge.

Quin cocked his head. Love? Why would someone murder for love?

Because they didn’t get what they hoped for. In this case, the maid was in love with Mr. Potter and begged him to leave his wife. Notes we found in her chamber evidence an affair between the two spanning several years. In some of the latter ones, she suggested they leave Saltstone and start a new life together.

That wasn’t going to happen, Burner said.

Keelan shook his head. No, I don’t think so either. As you said, Mr. Potter was next in line to join the Triad as Merchants’ Guildmaster. His wife is a prominent Merchant in her own right. There was no indication he was willing to part with any of that. The maid admitted as much in her questioning.

Burner rose and stood behind the lectern again. Keelan, our city, indeed our nation, owes you a great debt. Your service to the Guard has been exemplary, and we offer our sincerest thanks for your diligence and sacrifice.

The Guildmaster waited for applause to quiet before continuing. On behalf of the Triad, thank you for attending this year’s gala. Please join us in giving all our honorees one last round of applause. Have a wonderful night, everyone.

Chapter three

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Tiana’s fingers trailed across the smooth exam table, and she smiled. The military-style building was basically a log cabin outfitted for medical use, but it was her log cabin.

The walls mirrored those throughout Melucia’s municipal quarter, bare and displaying little more than shaved logs. She’d broken protocol by hanging her father’s tapestry in the foyer to comfort and distract patients while they waited for care. In the back, she stored bandages, herbs, and a wide variety of potions and creams to treat patients who didn’t need a magical cure. If Healing magic didn’t make her so tired, she would prefer to use hers on every patient who walked through the door. She supposed every Healer had to learn when not to use their Gift at some point.

The days of her youth, working with her father, were often long and exhausting. Today, she felt like she had worked three of those days in one. She scrubbed her hands, but her healer’s smock was streaked with stains that would take more effort to clean. She sucked in a breath, sat for the first time in hours, and rested her head against the wall, visualizing the steam wafting off the hot bath to come.

Her eyes had almost closed when a familiar voice called from the front door and shook her from her daydream. Miss T, don’t pack up yet. One more for ya.

She sighed, straightened her smock, and stood to see who had hurt themselves now. Healing was her calling, and she loved it more than life itself, but some days just wouldn’t end when they were supposed to.

Two men in uniform greeted her as she entered the foyer, one holding the other upright. She couldn’t help but chuckle when she saw her patient. At twenty-two, Constable Ridley Doa stood nearly nineteen hands and had the beginnings of broad shoulders. After nearly three years of Guard training, Ridley’s once boyish features now held a hardened edge.

Ridley normally carried himself with the athletic grace of a sportsman, but today his left leg looked as though it would barely support any weight, and he needed help just to get through the infirmary’s entrance. He was supported by a burly man who wore a Lieutenant’s chevron on one shoulder and the golden collar of the Gifted around the nape of his uniform. A small sack dangled, its strap stretched tightly across his broad chest and shoulders. The man was enormous and had to duck as he passed beneath the doorframe. His piercing blue eyes offset a rusty scruff-covered jaw.

What have you dragged in today, Keelan? Our ‘Constable in the Making’ fall out of his bunk again?

She gave Ridley a playful mock salute.

T, our young Guardsman actually hurt himself sparring against a cadet twice his size and ten times his talent. I guess the Guard uniform makes some think they’re invincible, even if it doesn’t really fit yet.

Third visit this week, Ridley? One might think you just want me to see your legs again. Ridley blushed furiously. Tiana took his other shoulder and helped Keelan walk him back to her exam room. When they reached the exam table, Keelan set his sack on the floor and helped her settle the injured Guardsman into place.

Let’s see what we’ve got today. Tiana cut away the lower leg of his uniform trouser and began prodding below his knee. Ridley found his courage as his eyes sparkled with mischief. Easy there, Miss T. Touch me like that again, and I might question your motives.

She took her thumb and applied a bit of pressure.

Hey now, Ridley said, wincing.

Just making sure the Lieutenant knows you’re actually hurt and not just paying me a visit, Tiana said innocently.

Keelan turned away as his shoulders began to shake with poorly contained laughter.

As the familiar, warm glow lit her palms, Keelan and Ridley stared with wide eyes. They both carried a Gift, but to see a Healer in action inspired awe unlike most other magic. Tiana closed her eyes, focused, and willed the Light to brighten, causing Ridley’s leg to glow softly. He gritted his teeth as the magic mended muscle, tissue, and bone.

Moments later, Tiana’s