The Ordeals of Ornland: The Kiynan Chronicles, #3

By Eric P. Caillibot

Forced to choose between loyalty and destiny.

 

Cadvin is destined to become the greatest Augur to have ever lived. When he alone is selected for training, he vows to pass along everything he learns to his childhood friends, despite the law. When they discover that their aptitudes lie in forbidden magic, Cadvin is forced to walk the line between duty and friendship.

Daimin, Cadvin's closest friend, refuses to hide his powers from the authorities. Nothing in Cadvin's prophetic visions can prepare him for their impending confrontation.

 

Centuries later, Fridrik, a student of Kayla Freeland's, discovers an aptitude for forbidden magic. Refusing to deny his newfound identity, he goes on the run to escape the unforgiving magicians bent on enforcing the ancient law. His only hope at acceptance is a desperate search for the truth that was buried along with Cadvin and Daimin so long ago.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Ordeals of Ornland takes you on a thrilling adventure to the past and present. This novel can be read as a sequel to "The Conquest of Kiynan" and "The Legacy of Lethe" or as a stand-alone story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Unrealism Books
• Release date: Feb 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9781999235765

Eric P. Caillibot

Eric P. Caillibot has spent decades writing fantasy and science fiction stories, inspired by the likes of Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, Robert Silverberg and Lloyd Alexander. He blends original concepts with the fundamental elements that draw readers to these engrossing genres, whether expressed in books, short stories, or role-playing games. He was born and raised in Montreal, Canada, but he has also lived and attended university in Ottawa, Toronto and Strasbourg, France. He holds a bachelor and a master degree in aerospace engineering, as well as a certificate from the International Space University.

Book preview

image-placeholderimage-placeholder

To Sandrina, Lila and Adelyn

Special thanks to Adam, Justin and everyone who helped make this book possible

If you like the book, please post a review! Each one makes a big difference. Then get a free story by joining my newsletter at ericpcaillibot.com/newsletter.

Copyright © 2023 by Eric P. Caillibot

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 copyright law.

Contents

Map 1060 A.F.

Map 635 A.F.

Timeline

Prologue

1.Parkel

2.Haven

3.Skywall

4.Parkel

5.Haven

6.Blue Hollow

7.Parkel

8.White Tower

9.Parkel

10.Skywall

11.White Tower

12.Blue Hollow

13.White Tower

14.Parkel Outskirts

15.Green Hollow

16.Skywall

17.Lethe

18.Parkel

19.Lament

20.Lethe

21.Skywall

22.Green Hollow

23.Lethe

24.Skywall

25.Bright Keep

26.Lethe

27.Lament

28.Bright Keep

29.Lethe

30.Green Hollow

31.Blue Hollow

32.Skywall

33.Blood Fort

34.Skywall

35.Parkel

36.Bright Keep

37.Lament

38.Haven

39.Bright Keep

40.Cape Destiny

41.Hall of Ecstasy

42.Tradewood

43.Epilogue

Afterword

Houses of Ornland c. 645 A.F.

Houses of Ornland c. 1061 A.F.

image-placeholderimage-placeholderimage-placeholder

Prologue

Red rage and fury bring boundless strength and speed,

Prophecy and the mind’s true power from bluest calm is born,

Amber lust and envy wield fire and by illusion mislead,

Where corrupted souls are mastered through violet contempt and scorn,

Ice and shadow forged and flung from blackest hate and spite,

White awe and pride for unseen walls and ever-changing wind,

Hope and joy unleash the weight of greenest nature’s might,

Fear and concord with the dead for the grey and the chagrined.

No mind can resist the charm of pink love and devotion,

Beige lethargy and boredom mold time and ground.

Orange suspicion and angst unlock invisibility and teleportation

While surprise and confusion stun and confound.

Magic is passion in purest form, never bought or sold.

Such great power to be embraced by any who are bold.

-- The Magician’s Codex, c. 1000 Before Founding of the Houses (B.F.), in Ornish reckoning

Chapter 1

Parkel

c. 630 A.F. (Golden Age of Magic)

Daimin surveyed the dozens of anxious faces around the town square. Every thirteen-year-old child of the community, including himself, was waiting impatiently. It was almost noon and the sun shone brightly on this warm, summer day. A gentle breeze was blowing, keeping the mist from the coast of the Shrouded Sea at bay. Despite the idyllic weather, Daimin was uncomfortably aware of the sweat swamping his brow and armpits. He felt a reassuring hand placed upon his shoulder.

It won’t be long now, Daimin’s father said soothingly.

The young man drew in a deep breath, struggling to calm himself, with no success. This was the most important day of his life. He knew the Augurs would choose him and bring him to train at Skywall. He wanted so badly to learn to use magic. This was the day that would mark the beginning of his dream becoming reality. Unless it was the day that his dream was crushed forever.

He looked over to his right, seeing the same anxiety painted across the faces of his friends. Benjen, Glenda and Cadvin felt his gaze and gave him awkward half-smiles. They would all be picked, he was sure of that. They all had the gift, the depth of emotion and the will to control it. They had all sensed it within each other for as long as they could remember. Just as importantly, they had sensed it in very few others. The four friends were different, special. Everyone noticed it, in one way or another. Daimin had often felt like an outsider because of it, a black sheep. Except when he was with his friends. They knew exactly what he saw and felt. They felt the same way. Always.

Over the years, the four friends had become inseparable, getting together virtually every day. They had collectively dreamt of this exact moment, when they would all be taken together to Skywall and be trained to become Augurs. They would work hard and help each other every step of the way. Together, they would become the greatest magicians Ornland had ever seen.

I see them! a boy called from across the square. He was quickly shushed by his parents, but a shudder went through the crowd. A moment later, Daimin could hear the pounding of hoofbeats. He swallowed hard.

Six riders appeared, slowing their horses as they entered the square. Three were dressed in the blue capes of House Calm, while the rest were clearly mail-clad soldiers escorting their magician masters. The group trotted around the statue of Orn the Protector at the centre of the square, while they surveyed the adolescents awaiting their judgement.

I am Master Melvar the Blue, the eldest Augur introduced himself. You have done your duty well by bringing your children forth for us to examine. Know that should your children be chosen, they will be well cared for at Skywall. Let us begin.

Daimin had heard the same, succinct speech from the same, old man every time the selection ritual had been performed. Only this time, it concerned him.

Melvar and the other riders dismounted at last and the three Augurs made their way to the first youth, while the soldiers kept a hold of the horses’ reins. Daimin recalled the steps that would come next, based on the rituals that he had witnessed in previous years. Through some means, which Daimin assumed was similar to his own ability to sense emotional depth within his friends, the Augurs would identify the potential for mastering the use of magic within the children presented to them. Daimin recalled, years ago, when a boy had been chosen.

You will do, Master Melvar had told the boy simply. Come with us.

That had been it. The boy had left with the Augurs minutes later and Daimin had never seen him again. He could not even remember the boy’s name, but Daimin did remember one particular sensation. It was the same thing that he felt within his friends. The talent for magic, he was sure of it.

The three Augurs stood in front of their first candidate and Daimin watched in awe as their eyes began to glow bright blue. He had only ever personally witnessed magic being performed on a handful of occasions, but every Ornish child was raised with endless tales enumerating the awesome and terrible powers of those who could wield it.

The Augurs stared silently at the first aspirant, as the girl visibly wilted under their intense gazes. After a few moments, Melvar shook his head and relief visibly swept over her parents. The girl began to cry and turned to embrace her mother. Rejection, Daimin concluded, unsurprised.

The Augurs repeated their mysterious, silent test as they moved around the circle. Every youth was dismissed, until they came to Cadvin.

The Augurs began as before, but barely a moment passed before the lead Augur stumbled with a gasp. The others reacted as well and all three exchanged dumbfounded glances before staring mutely at Cadvin. Whispering spread like wildfire among the villagers, until Melvar raised his hand.

Daimin held his breath.

What is your name, boy? the man asked.

Cadvin, uh, sir, he replied nervously.

You have enormous potential, Cadvin of Parkel, Melvar continued solemnly. More, in fact, than any candidate I have ever seen in all my years. You could become the greatest Augur of the age. You must come with us to Skywall.

Daimin grinned excitedly and released his breath. He was delighted for his friend. He had known that Cadvin had the gift. He had known that he would be selected. But that he could be the greatest Augur of the age? It was more than any of them could have hoped.

I would be honoured, Cadvin replied, beaming.

The three Augurs spoke quietly among themselves for a moment before moving on to Glenda. After completing their test, they hesitated. Their eyes glowed again and the Augurs faced each other in silence. Several moments passed and Daimin could see the tension on Glenda’s face. The glow faded at last.

Melvar shook his head.

Daimin saw the anguish and disbelief in Glenda’s face. Daimin could not believe it himself. How could they not select her? This meant the friends would be separated. That was unthinkable! Daimin was still reeling from the shock when he realized the lead Augur had also rejected Benjen.

Really? Benjen blurted in surprise.

The three magicians had already moved on and now faced Daimin. He stared into Melvar’s glowing eyes, watching his calm, wrinkled face with horrified anticipation. He felt himself trembling. This was not how any of them had imagined this day. It was all wrong.

Melvar shook his head again.

It hit Daimin like a hammer blow to his heart. He stared, unblinking, as the Augurs moved away. He was not going to Skywall. He would not learn to wield magic. He would remain in Parkel, farming vegetables like his father. Until he died. Worse, he would do it without his best friend. Because Cadvin would be… leaving. Daimin snapped out of his mental spiral and looked around to find Cadvin being marched off by the soldiers.

We love you! Cadvin’s parents were shouting tearfully after him. We’re so proud of you!

We’ll never forget you, Glenda promised. We’ll miss you!

I’ll come visit! Cadvin reassured them all, as he was placed atop one of the soldiers’ horses.

Daimin and Benjen exchanged a look of disbelief before turning back to wave at Cadvin, who was already shrinking into the distance.

Chapter 2

Haven

c. 1060 A.F. (Present Day)

Fridrik walked slowly into the great hall of Haven’s central keep, his eyes fixed firmly on his feet. He could feel his hands trembling, despite every effort to control them. His cheeks felt hot and he knew exactly how flushed his face must look. Anyone who could see him would immediately know how anxious he was.

Why am I like this? he muttered nervously to himself. Why am I always like this?

He forced himself to look up and saw Duchess Kayla Freeland sitting on her throne at the head of the hall. Spenser the Blue stood to her right and two more Augurs stood on her left. All were staring at him. Judging him. Seeing him for the worthless worm that he was. He dropped his gaze quickly.

It’s alright, Fridrik, Kayla spoke soothingly. We believe in you. There is no need to rush your examination. You have time.

Fridrik drew in a deep breath and mentally walked through the techniques he had been taught to rid himself of all emotion. He had been practicing these techniques for years. More years, in fact, than any other novice in the forty years since Mistress Kayla had resurrected House Calm.

Early on in his studies, Fridrik had shown enormous promise. He had excelled and even outpaced most of the novices recruited in his class. Until it came time for his final examination. He still remembered his first attempt, mainly because he relived it every night as he slept. Uncontrollable anxiety had overwhelmed him and no matter how much he had tried, he had been unable to control it, let alone summon any measure of calm to demonstrate his magic. He had failed, but given his past performance and evident potential, Mistress Kayla had offered him a chance to continue his studies and take the examination again.

Spenser the Blue had begun working with Fridrik more closely, offering guidance and acting as a mentor. Fridrik had redoubled his efforts and had managed to surpass expectations again, until he repeated his exam. Which he had failed again.

Along with the one after that.

Fridrik was now far older than all of the other novices. He knew that many people considered him to be a joke, only allowed to remain at Haven because of pity. But he loved magic and desperately wanted to be an Augur. He would never allow himself to give up, no matter what. Unless they finally decided to kick him out. Which seemed like an increasingly likely possibility.

You can do this, Spenser said encouragingly. We’ve all seen what you can do. Show us here, one last time, and you’ll finally be a full-fledged Augur, as you deserve.

Fridrik nodded and focused his mind. He took another deep breath and began forcing all of his feelings to drain away, rendering himself completely emotionless. He felt his heart rate slow and his face begin to cool. He had done this hundreds of times before. He could do it again. Slowly, he opened himself to feeling, but this time, allowing nothing but calmness to fill his mind.

Excellent, Kayla remarked. When you’re ready, bring this to you.

She held up a ceramic cup and nodded encouragingly.

Fridrik nodded in response and continued focusing his mind on calmness. He felt the emotion charge him and begin to overflow, pouring out into the world around him. He guided it mentally toward the cup, grasping it and gently pulling it from Kayla’s hand. Fridrik concentrated, watching the cup float slowly through the air toward him. He was doing it. He was finally going to complete his exam. He glanced at his mentor, Spenser, and thought he saw a momentary flicker of emotion cross his face. Was that doubt? Disgust? Had Spenser been lying when he had spoken encouragement?

Fridrik glanced at the faces of the other Augurs and suddenly imagined them leering at him. Was that really happening? He felt suddenly certain that it was. They were all against him! He felt his calmness slip away.

The cup shattered as it hit the ground, sending fragments flying in every direction.

You… you want me to fail! Fridrik gasped, his mind swirling with suspicion and mistrust.

Kayla and Spenser exchanged a look of confusion and opened their mouths to speak, but gasped in surprise instead.

Where did he go? Spenser asked.

Fridrik did not understand the question. He looked down at his hands and could just barely make out an outline of where he expected them to be. What was happening?

He vanished! someone blurted out.

Impossible! another voice exclaimed.

He looked up at Kayla and Spenser, wanting to speak, but not knowing what to say. Spenser appeared dumbfounded and began frantically glancing around. Kayla wore a look of concern and remained staring in his general direction. As Fridrik tried to catch her gaze, he realized that she was not looking at him, but through him. Fridrik felt his suspicion change abruptly back to anxiety. He did not know what was happening, but it was clearly a disaster. He had failed his exam for the fourth time. Why was this happening to him? What had he done to deserve this? He was seized by a sudden, overwhelming desire to be alone. He just wanted to be away from their judging eyes, away from this place!

And suddenly, he was. Fridrik looked around with fresh confusion and discovered that he was back in his personal chamber. He ran to his mirror and found that he was visible again. He examined the reflection of his tall, lanky frame and disheveled dark hair. He was back to normal. He stared in shock into his own brown eyes.

What just happened? Fridrik breathed at his reflection.

Chapter 3

Skywall

c. 635 A.F. (Golden Age of Magic)

Cadvin levitated slowly down the corridor, floating unhurriedly toward his chamber. A ponderous tome moved with him, remaining suspended in the air just in front of him. He read the words of a long-dead Master of House Calm, elaborating on a a technique for rapidly draining and rekindling emotions in rapid succession. He sipped warm tea from the cup cradled in his hands and turned the page of his borrowed volume with his mind. He was uncertain of the value or application of what he was studying, but he wanted something new to read and had found this book among the collection of advanced techniques in the library.

A snort of irritation distracted Cadvin and before he turned to look in the direction of the sound, he detected a flash of bitter resentment coming from the same direction. Cadvin sighed inwardly, knowing what would come next.

You do realize that there is nothing wrong with using your legs to move around the castle, don’t you?

Cadvin turned to face Judan the Blue, a tall, handsome, fair-haired man. Like Cadvin, Judan was a novice of House Calm. He had been recruited by Master Melvar seven years ago, two years before Cadvin. If the rumours were to be believed, Judan had been the most prominent student in Skywall until Cadvin’s arrival.

Levitation helps me keep my book steady, so it is easier to read while I’m moving, Cadvin answered quietly, knowing that nothing he could say would reduce Judan’s resentment of him.

And you need to do your reading in the corridor, so that everyone can see you showing off again, Judan scoffed derisively.

I’m not showing off, Judan. I just didn’t want to wait until I reached my chamber to begin studying this new book, Cadvin explained.

That book isn’t even on our reading list, Judan remarked, as he glanced at the cover. What are you trying to prove, Cadvin? You already have Master Melvar wrapped around your little finger.

No one has ever wrapped me around any finger, came a gruff voice from behind them.

Judan blanched and bowed his head toward Master Melvar as he approached them.

Apologies, Master, I did not mean— Judan began, only to be interrupted.

This behaviour is beneath you, Judan, Melvar interjected. You will not become a better Augur by trying to belittle others. Cadvin, I came up here to speak with you, but I’d like a word in private with Judan first. I will come find you in your chamber shortly.

Cadvin dropped his feet to the floor, grabbed his book and hurried off. He caught another mental flash of bitterness from Judan’s direction, but ignored it.

Master Melvar was not quick about joining Cadvin, and so he found himself staring absently out of his chamber window as he waited. He watched a handful of Augurs serenely levitating from the airborne castle to the ground below. It was magic that he had already mastered himself, long ago. In fact, he had discovered that he had the ability to master just about any technique very rapidly. He only had to be shown once, or sometimes, he simply knew how something should be done before he was even taught at all. He could not help but notice the surprise he provoked in his instructors, nor the awe—and envy—in his fellow novices. Judan clearly harbored the strongest feelings, but he was not alone. Cadvin had tried to downplay his successes during his training, in an effort to fit in among his peers. His attempts had never seemed to help, and Judan often twisted his words to make them sound like false humility, which only made things worse. Cadvin was an outcast among the novices, and had been ever since his arrival. He missed the company of his friends, still back in Parkel.

He looked over at the cup of tea that he had left on the floor by his bed. With barely a thought, it floated smoothly through the air to his lips. He took a sip and sighed, allowing the cup to land gently on the floor without spilling a drop. He returned his gaze to the magicians flying outside his window once again. He knew he could easily step outside and join them, but that did not make the sight of people casually floating against the backdrop of the clear blue sky any less remarkable in his eyes. He wondered if the many marvels of Skywall would ever seem mundane to him. Master Melvar certainly never seemed impressed by such routine activities.

There was always plenty of excitement for Cadvin at Skywall. He adored discovering the secrets of magic and revelled in the thrill of wielding it himself, but the isolation from his peers took its toll. He longed for the familiar company of Daimin, Benjen and Glenda. Even now, years later, he spent many nights feeling homesick. He could not help thinking of his friends, despite being cautioned by his elders against preserving any ties to his former life. He had been corresponding regularly with Daimin, Glenda and Benjen, so at least he had some sense of what was happening in their lives. In truth, very little seemed to have changed for them, during his absence. He had not been allowed to return to Parkel for a visit, but that was a privilege he would soon earn. He smiled at the prospect of seeing his family and friends again. Especially Glenda.

There was a knock at the door. Cadvin quickly opened it and Master Melvar entered his room.

Today marks the fifth anniversary of your arrival here at Skywall, the old man began, as he seated himself on the only chair in the small room. Let me be candid with you and know that I do not mean to flatter you. He cleared his throat and Cadvin took a seat on the narrow bed. You have made excellent, even astonishing, progress. You have surpassed all of the other novices, even those that have been here twice as long as you have. In fact, you have been a novice in name only for some time already.

Thank you, Master Melvar, Cadvin said humbly.

Do not thank me, young man, Melvar chided him. I am merely stating facts. As I warned you, I do not say this to flatter you. The point I am coming to is that you have demonstrated to me–and all of the other Augurs agree–that you are a singular individual, possessed of undeniable talent and ability. Despite this, you remain humble and apply yourself diligently to your studies. In short, you embody everything that House Calm should be.

Melvar paused to clear his throat again.

I don’t know what to say, Cadvin said quietly.

Well then, say nothing, Melvar replied gruffly, but he softened his tone. I am old, Cadvin. He smiled. Cadvin could not remember ever seeing that expression on his mentor’s face. I will not be around forever, and when it is time for me to move beyond the veil, House Calm will look to you for leadership.

Cadvin was shocked. But… I’m not ready–

Of course you’re not, Melvar interrupted him. That is precisely why I am talking to you now, rather than waiting to be on my deathbed. No, no, don’t look at me like that, I’m not dying yet.

Cadvin recovered himself and forced his emotions to drain away.

The mantle of Master of House Calm is a heavy burden, Melvar resumed. One that I have borne with mixed results. As you are no doubt well aware, the Master must watch over our lands and care for the common folk who dwell here. Selecting, training and guiding the next generation of Augurs is also of paramount importance, for our House cannot survive without strong magicians able to carry out a multitude of duties. But there is another, unwritten role that I must play as well. That of the invisible shepherd of all the Houses of Ornland.

Cadvin cocked his head in curiosity.

Yes, Melvar confirmed. The root of the problem is power. Human nature is such that acquiring power opens one to an overwhelming desire for more. Learning to wield magic provides power beyond the normal ken of the human mind. The effect is potent and worsens over time, creating in many an insatiable urge to accumulate even more power. The result is that all of the rulers of the Houses covet each other’s lands, people and wealth, since each of those things brings power in one manner or another. We are not immune ourselves, but through our clairvoyance, we catch glimpses of what can happen if the wrong paths are taken and if the wrong impulses are not denied.

And so it falls to House Calm to keep the others in line? Cadvin wondered aloud.

To maintain a balance, yes, Melvar replied. We rarely act openly, but we must maintain constant vigilance.

What would happen if we were to fail? Cadvin asked.

Melvar sighed tiredly and shook his head. In a word: suffering.

For who? Cadvin persisted.

Everyone, Melvar answered seriously. "Ever since the founding of the Houses, we Augurs have foreseen violence, war and death around every corner. Only by forcing the Houses into a balance of power have we been able to prevent the worst of our visions from becoming reality. But the task grows more difficult with every passing year.