Obsidian Tide

By JoAnna McSpadden

• Allows readers to escape reality
• Promises a fun and thrilling adventure for fantasy readers
• Invites readers into a new world with some familiar and some new types of legendary creatures
• Explores feeling trapped by family and society’s expectations
• Explores feelings of anxiety and insecurity 
• Features messages on letting go of past mistakes
• Features themes of becoming your own person and finding inner strength
• Will appeal to classic fantasy lovers and fans of Branden Sanderson and Victoria Aveyard

• Language: English
• Publisher: Morgan James Fiction
• Release date: Feb 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9781636982410

JoAnna McSpadden

JoAnna McSpadden is a software developer by day and high fantasy writer by night – giving her a truly eclectic perspective of the world around us. She is a lifelong writer, creative adventurer, bibliophile, and avid fantasy board game enthusiast. When she’s not programming e-commerce websites for major household brands, she’s writing illustrative literary works of art that inspire readers to dream, embrace their authenticity, and defy the odds to go after whatever it is that they desire – even if it goes against the status quo. JoAnna lives in Kansas City with her husband.

Book preview

1

Tonight was to be the beginning of a story so grand that it was widely promised to be recorded in the history books forever. Never before had Esterine royalty stepped foot in Akaria, but on this magical spring night that was about to change. The Esterine royals were to meet with the Akarian emperor to solidify the most powerful alliance of the known political world. And the setting of such a meeting was, of course, the most extravagant party of the year.

And Liam was late.

He felt his wrist for the familiar ticking of his watch as he walked up to the massive ballroom doors. He gave the two guards a half smile and they looked at each other for a moment before they each grabbed hold of a handle and pulled the doors open in front of him. Liam strode forward, pulling at his collar and forcing a convincing smile to break across his face. He rolled his shoulders into a more confident posture and entered the bustling room.

He wished he was invisible as he brushed past the full ball gowns and finely tailored suits, feeling the stares and hearing the whispers in the crowd. He tugged at the cuffs of his own magnificent white and red filigreed suit, scolding himself for not considering the traffic in the city tonight before leaving his manor. He should have known better. He had no one to blame but himself and now he would have to face the consequences.

The room glowed with golden accents throughout the trim in the walls and the sparkling gold suits of the waiters as they wove through the crowd with an assortment of light refreshments. As to be expected, all the wealthiest people in Akaria were here; the excitement and intrigue was palpable among them. Emperor Shadox’s parties were always glamorous affairs, but on this historical night it was clear he was aiming to impress even more than usual.

A hand clapped Liam on the shoulder and he jumped in surprise. His body tensed in apprehension until he turned his head and saw a familiar smiling face.

Holy Tykos, don’t sneak up on me like that John, Liam said with annoyance, but undoubted relief.

I’ve been looking for you everywhere, John said, his smile waning as he looked around them. You’re cutting it kind of close, don’t you think? I know you’re not the type to want a special entrance, but you’ve certainly got one now.

Liam looked down. I know, I misjudged my timing, he admitted.

Well your uncle is not going to be very happy about that, John said as he pushed Liam forward and they strolled casually through the crowd.

I know, Liam said with a wince. I know.

You have to stop being late to important events, John said with a chuckle, but Liam did not think it was funny. His stomach churned. I tried to cover for you when I went up to greet your uncle, but I don’t think he bought it, John told Liam.

Liam sighed and stopped when he spotted the large dais at the far end of the room. A golden throne and a few grand chairs stood tall above the crowd. His uncle, the emperor of Akaria, sat supremely on his throne, his crisp military uniform a perfect depiction of his formidable presence. His brow was creased as he conversed with members of his Imperial Council who huddled around him. Liam noticed his uncle’s right hand squeezing into and out of a fist, a familiar sign of his displeasure.

We could probably sneak you up there, John suggested as he eyed the dais himself. The Tykerials know who you are after all.

Standing around the dais, in their green and gold armor, were several Tykerial Guards. Liam knew he was soon expected to stand amongst their prestigious ranks, and though he admired them, he felt a wave of nausea hit him at the thought.

Yeah, perhaps, Liam said as he thought about how he might get around the Guards to the back of the dais.

Liam’s eyes scanned the dais and fell on the willowy man standing next to his uncle. His uncle’s most trusted advisor, Edward, was in many ways the emperor’s opposite. His sleek dark hair and muted clothing stood in stark contrast to the golden haired, brightly clothed emperor next to him. Edward never seemed to like Liam very much and he would surely take great pleasure in pointing out Liam’s tardiness. Liam turned his face away from the dais before Edward could spot him.

It looks like the old skeleton has it out for you tonight, John said, noticing the searching eyes of the advisor.

Liam sighed and nodded. Indeed. He won’t let me get away with this.

He glanced over to the seat next to his uncle’s and caught the gaze of his brother’s bright eyes. Anthony looked every bit as regal as an heir to an empire like Akaria should in his white and gold suit. He flicked his dark hair out of his face and cracked his trademark smirk at Liam. Liam self-consciously pushed his mess of red curls around on his head. His brother’s perfectly kept sable-colored hair had always made him envious. Anthony casually tapped their uncle’s chair, and pointed his head toward Liam in the crowd.

Well, so much for a quiet entrance, Liam said. I guess I’ll just get this over with.

Sorry friend, John whispered, patting Liam on the back. Good luck.

Liam moved his gaze to the ground and walked up to the front of the dais. His nerves tightened and a flutter of anxiety moved through his body as the whole of the dais’s occupants and those in the surrounding area turned their attention to him. He brought a shaking hand into a fist over his heart and bowed his head as he knelt to the emperor.

Your Majesty, Emperor Shadox. I …

Get yourself up here, his uncle commanded.

Liam stood up quickly and shuffled up the stairs onto the platform. Keeping his eyes down, avoiding the many stares he could feel on his back, he came to stand in the spot Edward had just vacated for him. The emperor stood from his throne and Liam sucked in a deep breath before looking up into the sharp blue eyes of his uncle’s frowning face.

Is everything all right? Do you feel ill? his uncle asked, lifting up one of Liam’s arms and looking him over.

Oh. I’m well, yes, Liam stammered. He managed another forced smile and a small embarrassed chuckle as the Imperial Council members watched their interaction.

Emperor Shadox exhaled as he let go of his arm. His body relaxed before turning away.

Good, he said, waving off the council members from the dais and then directing his eyes back to Liam, promptly taking his signature stern furrow that Liam was all too familiar with.

I thought you may have misunderstood my instructions due to some illness or ailment, the emperor said quietly, folding his arms behind his back, for I do not recall instructing you to arrive to this festivity late.

Liam nodded as he glanced downward to his watch to fiddle with it.

You nearly missed the introduction of the Esterine royals. I just gave word to move forward with their announcement, despite your absence. Their king is not known for his patience and I had to keep him waiting until you showed up! We need to solidify this alliance if we ever expect to get the granite we need to build strong enough walls to hold off the giants in the north, Emperor Shadox said before he glanced away from Liam, back out to the crowd with a reassuring smile.

I’m sorry, Your Majesty, I tried to be here, Liam tried to explain. You see my hansom cab it …

I don’t want to hear any more excuses from you, the emperor said, raising his hand for Liam to stop. I know it’s been a rough year, but if you would just live in the palace and … he said with a sigh.

Liam’s stomach knotted at the mention. His uncle was the only father he’d ever known and as the second son in line for the throne, much was expected of him. Much of which Liam had been falling short on, including moving up through the ranks of the Tykerial Guard to eventually take over as commander. It killed him to know he’d messed all that up last year by getting disqualified from the Tykerial Guard exam.

With Anthony officially being named Princep last month and his imminent betrothal to the Esterine princess, it is more important than ever for you to be here to protect the future of this empire, Emperor Shadox explained softly to him.

Liam glanced over at his brother. Anthony sat back comfortably in his chair, looking out at the crowd. His eyes squinted slightly as he smirked and nodded at someone. He reminded Liam of the many paintings of the fire god, Farran, with his charismatic gestures and charming attitude.

I understand that you aren’t sure anymore, but I know the Guard is where you belong, Emperor Shadox continued, grabbing Liam’s shoulder to regain his attention. You may think you want to do more for our beautiful capital city of Gilderon, but your rightful place is here. With your brother and with me.

Yes, Your Majesty, Liam agreed with a solemn nod.

The emperor tugged on his suit jacket and straightened his tie. Now, please do your best to put aside your fears and act like the future Tykerial Guard Commander I know you are.

Liam nodded as his uncle took his seat again. Liam then stepped toward the chair that was meant for him on the dais next to his brother. He sat and looked down at his watch. It was a simple, silver-rimmed watch with a white face. The silver filigreed pattern that laid behind the black numbers and hands defined its elegance. His uncle had told him it had once been his father’s watch when he gave it to Liam as a gift when he graduated from Hetikan Academy four years ago. Liam pushed aside the knot growing in his chest as he thought back to that day—when he had the whole world ahead of him; no regrets, no disappointments, just a life full of potential and opportunity. Things had felt so different then.

Liam took a deep breath and lifted his head up. He looked around the room, searching for a particular face. A face that would calm him, a face that he had come to adore in the last few months. His eyes searched for only a few minutes before they found her: Caroline Morningfire.

Her fair blond hair was pinned up behind her head with two curling tendrils framing her face. The deep red of her gown made her stand out among the many other blue, black, and purple ball gowns. She held herself confidently as she conversed with another girl. She glanced in his direction at that moment and gave him a shy smile before flicking her blue eyes back to her companion quickly. Liam grinned to himself, letting the distress and nerves of the night roll off him. He allowed himself a genuine smile as he shifted his glance away from her. He couldn’t wait to dance with her tonight.

He was imagining her touch when the trumpets began to blare from the balcony above the room. Liam’s heart pounded with anticipation as he glanced over to his brother. Anthony looked over to him before they rose from their seats at their uncle’s cue. Emperor Shadox squeezed his hands into fists before relaxing them and standing up straight with his hands down by his sides. Anthony smoothed down his white and gold patterned vest and Liam was surprised to see a glimmer of anxiety there. Anthony was always the confident, charismatic one, but in this moment, Liam could see his brother was nervous.

Tonight, Anthony would meet his bride-to-be, the Princess Katerina from Esterine. The royal family had traveled across the difficult Dalgradian Ocean, from the continent of Isavaria to their continent of Elusira. Everyone in attendance was dying to see what this family would be like: how they would act, how they would look, how they would dress, and how they would speak. After the initial meeting tonight, the negotiations for the marriage agreement would commence, and the wedding date would be set.

When the trumpets ceased, the whole room fixed their eyes on the doors atop the grand staircase that led down into the center of the ballroom, waiting with immense anticipation. The doors slowly opened and an announcer in a long-tailed coat stepped forward.

He bellowed out to the crowd in a most impressive voice, Presenting, His Royal Majesty, King Nikita Xandrova and Her Majesty Queen Eva Xandrova of Esterine.

2

A large, burly man stepped forward past the announcer with a tall, slender woman on his arm. The couple came to the top of the staircase and looked out at the crowd with raised chins. It was immediately clear to Liam that this family had made no efforts whatsoever to conform to Akaria’s norms. The king’s long white hair and bearded face was improper enough, but it was nothing compared to their attire, which held paramount importance to many Akarians. Liam could hear the whispers of gossip and amusement making their way through the room, though everyone kept pleasant smiles plastered on their faces.

Unlike the suits and ball gowns they wore in Akaria, the Esterine royals wore long, straight-cut garments in a deep red color, heavily embroidered with gold and silver threads. King Nikita Xandrova’s high-collared garment came down past his knees where they were met by tall black boots. He wore a sash around his waist and thick golden chords buttoned together horizontally across his chest, while the queen’s garment had another layer of fabric that laid upon the main dress, hanging from her shoulders like a cape. The most impressive piece, however, was the queen’s large, beaded headdress that rested on her intricately braided bed of blonde hair. Two strands of beads hung down from the pointed headdress next to her face, brushing the tops of her shoulders.

The announcer’s voice called out above the muted whispers of the crowd and announced the next members of the Esterine royal family. The Royal Princesses of Esterine, Princess Katerina and Princess Anya.

This was the moment everyone had been waiting for. The excited murmurs and whispers ceased in the suspense. Liam tried to catch his brother’s eye, but both Anthony and Emperor Shadox kept their gazes fixated on the top of the stairs. When Liam turned back, the whole Xandrova family was descending the staircase. His eyes briefly glazed over the younger, smiling girl and fell on the princess beside her. The Princess Katerina.

It was clear to Liam by the white and gold of her dress that she was the one dressed to match the Princep tonight. She floated gracefully down the stairs in the strangely straight-cut gown, the beads dangling from her large round headdress shaking slightly as she held her head high. Her dark hair made her stand out from the rest of her fair-haired family as it cascaded from her headdress in one long braid resting on her shoulder.

As he watched, Liam felt a flutter in his chest—an uncomfortable, pulling sensation. He ignored the sensation as best he could, but the feeling grew stronger as the Xandrovas, and his time to interact with them, drew nearer.

The strange flood of anxiety continued, causing Liam to breathe more heavily as he followed behind his uncle and brother, stepping off the dais to greet the foreign family. He stood as still as he could manage, digging his fingernails into his palms as his uncle and the Esterine king embraced.

His uncle’s voice rang out in a loud boom, causing Liam to close his eyes in a wince. My nephews and I welcome you, our most honored guests, to the kingdom of Akaria.

The trumpets blasted again overhead and Liam had to clench his fists harder to overcome the flood of pain that invaded his head.

The emperor continued, As our season turns to warmer weather, it is truly a perfect time for you to visit Akaria. We are overjoyed to host you.

King Xandrova smiled, though it was an unnatural smile. We are honored to be here tonight, we thank you for the care you have shown us, he replied in a heavy accent.

We look forward to the night’s festivities and getting to learn more about the empire of Akaria, Queen Eva said, with a much lighter accent. Liam noticed that his uncle’s gaze only lingered on her momentarily before turning back to the king.

You will not be disappointed, Emperor Shadox promised the king before stepping back, motioning for the boys to step forward and stand by his side. May I introduce my chosen heir and nephew, Anthony Farotus, the Princep of Akaria.

Anthony bowed to their guests, wearing an expression of quiet confidence as he did so.

And my nephew, Liam Farotus, Emperor Shadox said with less luster, Liam noticed.

Liam bowed to the guests, forcing his focus off the pulling, anxious feeling in chest that refused to subside. He hoped his shaking hands were not noticeable to anyone else.

The king and queen bowed their heads in their direction politely. The Esterine king then turned slightly and held out a hand toward his daughters.

May I present, the Princess Katerina of Esterine, my eldest daughter, he bellowed.

Liam watched as the dark-haired princess stepped forward, confirming her as the Princess Katerina. He clenched his hands into fists and his heartbeat increased as she stepped up in front of Anthony, her eyes locked confidently onto his.

She dropped her gaze only to curtsey low to the three of them. She extended her hand out to the emperor first, allowing him a polite kiss, before turning to Anthony. Liam could see Anthony was pleased as he took the hand of his bride-to-be, kissing it gently and giving it a small squeeze. Then it was Liam’s turn for a greeting.

She extended her hand out for Liam to take. He tried to steady his own hand before taking hers, but did not succeed. The feeling in his chest was painful now, his vision getting spotty. He clenched his jaw tightly before leaning over to kiss her hand.

He focused his attention on a beautiful opal ring she wore on her middle finger. The ring seemed to have a swirling green glow to it and as he stared at it, the pain in his chest began to lessen. He carefully pressed his lips into her knuckles, briefly grazing the edge of the ring on her petite hand.

A sudden, sharp pain flooded his head. He squeezed his eyes shut, forcing himself to stay standing to keep from making a scene. Hundreds of eyes were watching him right now.

He straightened up slowly, too slowly, as Katerina pulled her hand away from him. His vision began to close in, so Liam closed his eyes. The pain seared through his entire body, starting at his head and flowing down through his limbs, but he needed to stay standing. He worried that the pain would never pass. His chest heaved up and down as he fought to calmly make it through the episode.

And my youngest daughter, the Princess Anya, Liam heard King Xandrova say.

Liam opened his eyes and his vision cleared just in time for him to see the younger princess come forward to curtsy and greet them. She smiled brightly as she did so, emanating a radiance of joy and easiness.

The second princess stepped back behind her parents, and the pulling sensation in his chest slowly lessened. Only a slight headache remained. He wondered to himself how a simple greeting could have given him such anxiety.

Emperor Shadox spoke again. Here in Akaria we like to celebrate important events with good food, good drink, good company, and of course good dancing. I hope you are all up for the festivities.

We are eager to partake in your festivities, King Xandrova nodded, but did not look as eager as he proclaimed. Liam could see why his uncle had been worried about impressing him tonight.

Emperor Shadox smiled and gestured to the dais, inviting them all to take their seats. The orchestra started up a slow song as the Akarian nobles scrambled amongst themselves to find their partners for the first dance of the evening.

Emperor Shadox placed a firm hand on Anthony’s shoulder with a nod and a smile and then gave a stern, but pleading look to Liam as he turned to take his throne in the middle of the dais next to the Esterine king and queen. The emperor didn’t dance much anymore, and Anthony was the one that everyone would be watching tonight anyway.

Anthony turned to Princess Katerina and bowed. He extended a hand to her, inviting her onto the dance floor with him. She curtsied and accepted his hand, letting him lead her into the center of the room, over a star pattern etched in the marble floor, symbolizing the almighty light god, Lumos. Anthony faced the princess and the two took their position for the first dance as the rest of the floor filled with excited party guests.

The orchestra’s song turned to an upbeat waltz and Liam snapped to attention as he frantically looked around for his dance partner, Caroline. He quickly found her in the crowd and took a moment to simply smile warmly at her, noticing again how exquisite she looked tonight. She returned his smile and the two joined the rest of the couples on the dance floor.

Liam and Caroline turned themselves around in a circle before walking to meet each other, as the dance required. Liam shook off the odd episode from before as he walked up to Caroline. He felt his shoulders finally relax when their hands touched. They fell into the proper hold easily and twirled together with the rest of the guests on the floor. He watched the lights dazzle in her eyes and felt very lucky that he was the one she was dancing with.

You look beautiful tonight, Liam whispered into her ear.

He could see her smile at his comment. You look very handsome yourself, even if you were a bit late.

Liam groaned. Yes, well, not terribly late, he said quietly, more to himself. He twirled Caroline under his arm in unison with the rest of the dancers on the floor.

How do you like the suit? Liam asked when she stood before him again.

Caroline glanced at his jacket briefly and smiled. It’s perfect. I can’t believe you remembered what I said.

Of course I remembered. I promised you I would wear the perfect red to match you tonight, Liam said, catching the scent of her sweet perfume as she moved around him. And I promised I would dance with no one else.

Caroline smirked, stepping back in front of him. I appreciate that, she giggled silently before moving back into the dance hold. I’m sure it will be hard for you to resist. After all, it only took you a few months to finally ask me.

Liam laughed as he admired the angles of her face and her genuine smile, allowing himself to dream of a future with her when he caught a glimpse of his brother behind her.

So, what do you think of the new arrivals? Liam asked, eyeing the princess as Anthony held her and gently spun her around the dance floor.

She shrugged. They seem quite odd. The way they dress is very … unattractive.

Liam nodded and glanced back to the princess. Her headdress swayed slightly as she moved. Anthony seemed to be guiding her movements, but clearly enjoying the opportunity to do so. The Princess Katerina had just arrived in Akaria earlier that day so it was no surprise she hadn’t memorized the proper steps yet.

The searing pain in his head returned as he forced his attention back to Caroline. He winced and sharply turned his head from her, disoriented by the pain. He missed his next turn and felt a light pull on his arm as Caroline tried to subtly remind him. He quickly turned back to Caroline and saw the perturbed look on her face. He gave her an apologetic look, praying quietly to Farran, who was also the god of dance, that he would be able to get through this gracefully.

The headache continued through the rest of the song and the ending finally drew near with a waltzing circle. Liam kept his eyes on his beautiful partner, focusing on anything but the growing pain. With one final spin, Caroline’s eyes left his and the pain became too much. He was forced to shut his eyes tightly and grabbed the sides of his head. He tried to get back into the dance, but only managed to bump into someone behind him. He flashed his eyes open, his face already red with embarrassment to see he had run right into Caroline, ripping the bottom of her skirt. She stumbled slightly and turned to face him to end the dance. He looked up at her in panic, but she didn’t meet his eyes.

The music stopped and she stepped farther from him to join in the applause. He stared at her, trying to get her to look at him so he could apologize, but she refused to return the glance. She exited the dance floor, smiling at the crowd but without looking back at him, the red in her cheeks apparent.

Liam squeezed his eyes shut in regret and left the dance floor by himself. He hoped he hadn’t hurt her, but he knew he had embarrassed her. He scolded himself for letting the pain detour his actions so much. He had been so close to making it through the dance. Sweat dripped down his neck as he stumbled toward one of the side walls, hoping to remove any attention from himself. His mind felt scattered as he gripped the wall, trying to regain his composure.

A waiter came by with small skewered sausages, but Liam waved him away. He winced as the pain continued to cut through his head, unrelenting and sharp. True concern bubbled up within him. What was happening to him? He needed to get some air before he broke out into a full-blown panic attack.

He headed for the open doors in the back of the ballroom that led out to an open balcony. He hoped few people had escaped the party out there just yet and he could be alone.

He stepped out into the fresh night air and breathed a sigh of relief. The pain in his head immediately melted away. He moved to lean on the railing when he saw a bright figure off to one side of the balcony.

Your Majesty? Liam asked as he approached the man in golden military attire. What are you … Liam began to ask as the man turned, but he didn’t get the chance to finish before his uncle’s legs crumpled beneath him, collapsing him to the ground.

Uncle! Liam exclaimed and darted over to him.

Liam turned his uncle over onto his back and listened for a heartbeat. Liam felt his own heart racing as he confirmed his uncle was still breathing.

Emperor … Liam begged as he shook the limp figure. Emperor Shadox fluttered his eyes open and he lifted his arm slightly before losing consciousness.

Liam looked at his uncle’s arm. A pang of fear shot through him as he noticed something strange poking out from underneath his long sleeve. Liam hesitated, looking around to be sure they were alone on the balcony, before pushing up the sleeve. When he saw what was hiding beneath the sleeve, he quickly lowered it.

Prominent gray lines had sprouted on his uncle’s fair skin beneath the golden fabric, jagged and raised. Liam had seen these marks before. He had heard what agonies they caused, but it didn’t make any sense for his uncle to have them. Only Isavarian witches were known to have these marks. Fear and confusion rushed through Liam as his mind raced. What secrets was his uncle keeping from him?

Liam made sure his uncle’s sleeve was completely covering the marks before he yelled for help.