Everna Saga: The Jade Dragon (Book Four of Fireheart Legacy)

By Andry Chang

Everna Saga: The Jade Dragon
Book Four of Fireheart Legacy
An Epic and Adventure Fantasy Novel
Written by Andry Chang

The tempest of chaos has yet to abate, its fury only escalating.
The Dark Forces relentlessly presses forth,
unveiling fresh stratagems in pursuit of their grand design.

Causing the tumult during the five trials of the Arsenal of Light,
they strike at the heart of the capital during the imperial nuptials.
Sowing discord, they pit heroes against each other in strife.
And ultimately, they assail and devour nation after nation.

Under the Dark Forces' relentless invasion
and the seemingly hopeless and impossible situation,
The flicker of hope for the Forces of Light rests solely
upon Vadis, the dragons, and swift-winged allies.

Stand forth, Paladins! Hope yet endures!

"Beware! Each page shall whisk you away
on adventures beyond the realm of imagination.
Do not read this story! Unless you are a true adventurer."
- Truly Rudiono, Indonesian Book Blogger

"Savor the intricacies of the tale in this land of adventure!"
- Putu Felisia, Author and Book Aficionado

Everna Saga: Fireheart Legacy is an epic fantasy serial set in the complete, detailed Earth parallel world of Terra Everna and part of the Everna Saga brand created by Andry Chang.

It’s highly recommended for young adults and adult readers who love:
- Novels are written in a unique, cinematic way.
- Lively and likable characters, strong protagonists.
- The parallel world setting is like the Medieval Era on Earth.
- Detailed and immersive world-building and history.
- Earth-based religion blended with fantasy world philosophy.
- A pinch of mild romance here and there.
- Inspirational moral values and heartwarming moments.
- Fictional cultures and geography parallel to Earth.
- Recognizable, easy-to-imagine Earth-like details.
- Some characters will show up in other Everna Saga stories.
- Detailed actions with wuxia martial art style fights.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andry Chang
• Release date: Feb 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224403707

Andry Chang

Andry Chang is a pilgrim in authorship since 2005. Aside from his everyday life as an entrepreneur, a husband and a father of one, he always makes time to write, draw or developing games. He continues to hone his skills and never gives up, resulting in his published multimedia works.Some of his commercially published writings, either singulars or collaborations are:FireHeart – Legend of the Paladins (2008), Vandaria Saga – Kristalisasi (2012), Qi Xi – Bunga Rampai Asmara (2012), Love Around You (2013), Magical Stories (2013), LEINA – Legenda Imaji Nusantara (2015), Everna Saga – Hikayat Tiga Zaman (2015), Everna Saga – Utara dan Selatan (2015), Everna Saga – Barat dan Timur (2016) (Indonesian Language Works) and Everna Saga - Morf and the Pirates of Flamenca (2016) (English Language Works)

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Andry Chang

Everna Saga: The Jade Dragon

Book Four of Fireheart Legacy

Copyright © 2023 by Andry Chang

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

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Contents

The Age of Turbulence

Rise of the Dark Queen

1. Part One THREE STRENGTHS, FIVE TRIALS

2. 1.1. Between Love and Peace

3. 1.2. Castle in the Sky

4. 1.3. The Shield of Faith

5. 1.4. The Windy Hills

6. 1.5. Through Cliffs and Craters

7. 1.6. Achieving Truth and Righteousness

8. 1.7. Sword on the Stele

9. Part Two WHEN THE DEVIL DANCES

10. 2.1. The Last Breath of Love

11. 2.2. The Bride of Peace

12. 2.3. Arise, Paladins of the Light!

13. 2.4. The Tarnished Day

14. 2.5. The Strife

15. Part Three THE EMPEROR’S MADNESS

16. 3.1. Devastation

17. 3.2. Successor of Fireheart

18. 3.3. War of Revenge

19. Part Four UNDER A BLUE MOON

20. 4.1. A Strait Dyed Red

21. 4.2. Burning Lumien

22. 4.3. The End of the Hermit’s Journey

23. 4.4. The Battle of Vaudevale

24. Part Five THE FLYING EMPRESS

25. 5.1. It Gets Dark Soon

26. 5.2. The Dragon Riders

27. 5.3. Fight Another Day

28. 5.4. Carolyn’s Finest Hour

29. 5.5. Hail’varan

30. The Abduction

GLOSSARY

The Age of Turbulence

Vordac, the Dark Overlord

The Arcane Age was one of the darkest ages throughout the history of Terra Everna.

Throughout this era, there had been many times the Dark Forces led by the Dark Overlord, Vordac, and the Demon Lord, Arachus wreaked havoc. The Aurelia Continent was made the starting point and was ravaged by a series of Dark Aggression.

As the Determinant of Destiny had outlined, every time darkness rose, the Forces of Light also rose to restore the balance of the world. As a result, the Forces of Light and the Paladins defeated the Dark Forces many times. Vordac was imprisoned in the Deathblade. He once tried to rise again by possessing his host’s body, but again he was defeated.

Two generations of the Paladins had passed. After a very long wait, Vordac and the Dark Forces attempted to rise once again. They had to take advantage of this golden opportunity by putting all their might into one last gambit.

Will the next generation of Paladins rise again?

Will Terra Everna survive the greatest tempest of darkness in history?

Come forth, Paladins! Fulfill your destiny.

Rise of the Dark Queen

Within the black walls of Kraal’thragon, there was a large hall with a hellish atmosphere. The walls were red-black with motifs like gnawed flesh. Seven demon statues in different forms and poses stood around the hall. They symbolized the seven original sins of envy, greed, gluttony, sloth, lust, pride, and anger.

A throne stood tall at the deepest end of the hall. It was the only ivory-colored object there. It appeared to be made up of bones. On the Throne of Bones sat Archdevil Arachus. The Lord of the Pit leaned back casually with his chin propped up, his left leg raised. Now and then he rubbed one of his five horns, then slipped a pointed fingernail between his yellow, large, pointed teeth that protruded from his lipless mouth.

Arachus was listening to a report from Tholocaus. Tholocaus was an archdevil in the form of a winged, two-horned devil, with green skin and thorns all over his body. His face was more human-like than the skull-faced Arachus.

At the end of the report, the Dark King’s eyes bulged. Then he growled and said, So, in other words, Robert Chandler is a free man again? Free from the charge of murdering Pope Felicitia?

Yes, Milord, Tholocaus said as he placed the Ultimatum Twin Daggers on the floor of the hall. My squad and I have ‘picked up’ MacLair, stolen the cursed daggers, and eliminated the troublemakers. Now I await further orders.

That’s enough for now, Tholocaus. Return to your duty station and await my next summons.

Sovereign, my lord. Tholocaus bowed low. Then he rose and floated backward with his legs only slightly lifted off the ground, leaving the hall.

Arachus again supported his forehead and stroked the horn sticking out in the center of his forehead. He then heard a woman’s voice greeting, It seems that your great plan to scapegoat Robert has become goat food, Arachus.

A figure entered the throne hall. It resembled a woman with broad wings like those of a bat. As it entered the dim light, it revealed a face adorned with a deceitful smile. Her entire skin was bluish, pale as a corpse. Both eyeballs, even the pupils, were as red as blood. Two pointed fangs protruded from his black lips and closed mouth.

A pair of horns stuck out on either side of the horned woman’s head. Her long, fiery hair fluttered like dancing fire snakes, as though brought to life by the pitch-black aura surrounding her entire body. She was a succubus, a type of demoness who lived from dark energy sourced from lust.

Arachus snorted. You’re such an eavesdropper, Dark Queen. How was your recently completed ‘beauty sleep’?

Lonely and boring. The Dark Queen’s face turned sour. I should have someone to keep me company, but it was hard to find a high-grade ‘bedmate’ in this cursed palace.

Then find one by invading other countries. The question is, are you ready for action? Arachus forced a sarcastic smile and it only made his face even more hideous.

It’s useless to say, I’d better prove it. Want a little sparring?

A little might be lacking, but at least it’ll kill my boredom. Begin! Arachus lunged. The succubus jumped at the same time and the two fought in the air.

As if he was serious about killing his training opponent, Arachus used his signature weapon, the Hell’s Crow Scythe inherited from Vordac, the Dark Overlord. On the other hand, the demoness relied on her pair of black claws that could extend and retract like a cat’s claws and movements that were more agile than the Dark King.

After exchanging about a hundred clashes, the demoness wearing skimpy armor called out in a shrill voice, "Enough of the warm-up! Say hello to the Unstoppable Lust move!" Her body swirled like a drill in the air, twisting into corners that were difficult for any agile opponent to reach.

Arachus swung his scythe to deflect the scratches. The demoness changed her movements by somersaulting repeatedly while clawing and kicking her targets. Her opponent managed to deflect some of the attacks, but the rest landed on his body.

The results of the attack were not so severe because Arachus’ power was in line with the succubus’ power. But what were the blisters and pains all over the body compared to the loss of pride? One more somersault, the Dark Queen landed on the floor smoothly.

"Well, how did that Wheel of Earthly Delights feel?" The Dark Queen smiled mockingly.

Arachus replied haughtily, Just a scratch for my itch, a massage for my chill. Now it’s my turn! Brace yourself!

The Dark King attacked, firing a large array of Dark Disintegration rays at the opponent. The Dark Queen suddenly slid to the side, utilizing her speed advantage. The shot missed its target by a hair, only grazing the tips of her wing claws.

The demoness’ sly smile disappeared immediately as she realized Arachus was already behind her. Before she could move away, Arachus had locked her in a strong embrace through her arms while choking her neck. Then Arachus flew up to smash his opponent’s head on the ceiling of the hall.

The Dark Queen let out one long screech.

About an inch from death, the Dark King suddenly swirled in the air. He then kicked the ceiling and dove twice as fast as he had soared earlier. This sparring match had turned into a power struggle. So Arachus asserted his undisputed position by proving himself the strongest of all demons. With multiple powers, he would smash the demoness’ head on the floor.

The Dark Queen would be finished on the day of her resurrection. This time she cried out in panic.

Suddenly Arachus came to an abrupt halt in midair. It took enormous strength to stop his fall. As a result, the two devils hung in the air like two bats hanging from a tree, supported by invisible threads.

Arachus bounced his body up and placed his conquered training opponent on the floor. Then, he flapped his wings and moved away to guard against a sneaky surprise attack.

Flashing a triumphant smile that made his mouth very wide, Arachus exclaimed, Well, how did it go, Dark Queen? It seems clear that I am still the strongest. I’m the one who deserves to be the leader in our mission to conquer the world, with or without the Dark Heir. You may be more agile than me, but I’m still stronger than you.

Of course, oh Most Excellent Arachus. I, your humble servant await orders, the Dark Queen bowed low and fell to her knees, in absolute submission.

Arachus then levitated and sat back on the Bones Throne in the same relaxed style as before. He then spoke in a heavy, booming voice, Good. Well, I just received news that the Heir is still weak. He still needs more time before he can return. So during that time we can continue to prepare the Dark Forces and remove all dangerous roadblocks. We will continue to cause terror, chaos and division that will undoubtedly weaken our enemies.

The Dark Queen nodded. Then I will fulfill my role. I will gather our like-minded supporters and pave the way for the Dark Heir. I’m sure the orcs of Gremion will want new territory that is larger… and warmer. So would the goblins and ogres. Just promise bloodshed, they will gladly shed blood.

Arachus then leaned in while commenting, That’s a good plan, Dark Queen. Go ahead, I’ll give you the troops for this mission. I will also carry out my own mission. First of all, I must eliminate the Heroes of Light, especially those who ruined my plan. Those bully bugs must pay for their actions, so that the world realizes never to fight the Dark Forces. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Dark Queen. I have many people to kill.

With that said, the skull-faced, blood-red-skinned devil spread his large wings and flew away from the throne hall.

The demoness just stood there, staring at Arachus with a sly smile.

1

Part One THREE STRENGTHS, FIVE TRIALS

There are three forms of strength, that is of the body, the mind, and the soul.

Cristophe Deveraux

2

1.1. Between Love and Peace

Returning to Myrcalia, the capital of the Arcadia Empire should be a routine for Cristophe Deveraux, the Prince of his homeland.

Occasionally, Chris traveled from Valanis to Arcadia during summer vacations while studying at Encarta Paladins Academy. After graduating, he had visited the largest city on the Aurelia Continent once with Robert, Carolyn, Iris, and Paolo, his companions in their monster-hunting odyssey.

However, Chris’s presence in the city this time made his heart ache, because he was here to go home. He just stared at the yellow-leafed autumn trees that lined the streets. He didn’t want to miss a single sight in his last days with Robert, his best friend and teacher for almost three years.

As Chris’ feet stepped through the magnificent city gates, he couldn’t help but notice the two giant statues on the left and right sides of the gates. Each statue was sixty meters tall. The two statues held swords that were crossed high above the entrance to the gate. They were two identical swords with hilt-shaped and a carved angel with wings outstretched to the sides.

Chris recognized the two statues. The statue on the left side depicted a handsome man with long straight hair and looked very dashing with full armor fully covering his body. It was the figure of Lesnar Geine, one of Arcadia’s greatest Emperors and heroes at the end of the Ancient Civilization Age and the beginning of the Arcane Age.

Chris recognized the statue on the right more. Its youthful face was similar to Chris’. Every time he looked at the statue, there was a familiar feeling that was hard to describe in words. The carved armor on this statue, like the sword, was the same shape as the other statue. This was the statue of the Sage the Fireheart, the conqueror who was legendary because the one he conquered was Vordac the Dark Overlord.

I am a free man, with no ambition to become a great hero like Sage and Geine. I have only one wish, to live a happy and adventurous life with my beloved, Iris.

While thinking, Chris stared warmly at the elf woman beside him. Iris stared back at him but immediately turned her face away while continuing to have a friendly conversation with Carolyn, the pink-haired mage.

In between Carolyn and Iris was Robert Chandler. The white-haired knight was riding a horse with a very serious expression on his face and didn’t say a word. Maybe he thought, why talk anymore after the words of farewell were exchanged? Now, even though they were still together, Chris felt that they were no longer a team like before.

After all, Robert’s job was to protect the two elves riding at the back of the group. The foremost was Rael’charon Luvazel, who was recognized as the smartest being on the Aurelia Continent at this time. The second elf was Ney, who served as a liaison agent between Rael in Lore and Caeleth, the Elven Queen of Thyrine.

Also visible in the group were two priests of slightly stunted stature, namely Bernides and Paolo. The two seemed to be having a serious conversation. Whatever they were talking about, it was not something Chris was interested in.

For undisclosed reasons, the three friends Kyflynn, Vera, and Desmond did not follow Robert into Myrcalia City and chose to wait outside the city. Neither Rob nor Chris questioned this and entered the city with the group.

The townspeople did not seem to notice the return of the Shadow Prince. Chris now looked dashing, wearing shiny white knight’s armor and a blood-red cloak. However, he was still mistaken for an ordinary monster hunter traveling with a group. That’s good, too many welcoming people can be troublesome, Chris thought.

Chris then turned his attention to his surroundings. The beautiful and majestic high-rise buildings were like in the land of gods. The statues and monuments of art masterpieces scattered among the beautiful shady trees remained unchanged since the last time he had been to this city. The people were busy with their work and activities. Most of them were cleanly dressed and well groomed, a sign that prosperity still characterized the most developed country on the Aurelia Continent.

From this moment on, Chris’ job was to help protect, preserve, and maintain the peace and integrity of the lives of his people and country. Moreover, it seemed that everyone here was unaware of the movements of the forces of darkness threatening them all. So, that job wouldn’t begin now. After all, the first thing Chris had to deal with was… his own family.

Chris stepped across the outer courtyard of the palace. The courtyard was like a vast yard that also served as a defense line for the palace guards and the Emperor’s bodyguards. He continued to walk through the second layer of the palace’s fortification wall. The wall was thin, perforated, and made of iron, which was strange. It was the historical wall that once triumphed as the ultimate weapon against the Dark Army. This was the turning point of Vordac’s invasion in the First Holy War, which saw the Forces of Light push back the Dark Overlord’s forces to the Ruins of Celc.

Chris walked on with his mind wandering, planning his next steps. It made him only half pay attention to the vast and beautiful garden in the inner courtyard of the palace. It was the legendary garden known in history as the garden of a million flowers. Even the fragrance of the flowers, the chirping of the welcoming birds, and the buzzing of the bees could not disturb him.

It was only when he arrived at the inner chamber of the palace that Chris fully understood the situation he was about to face. In the past, the Great Palace of Levides, witness to the greatness of the Emperors of Arcadia and the great heroes of the world, had been called home. But, since Chris’ biological mother passed away, this place of beauty has become a sinister prison. Even the dungeon of the Basilica Vadisium still looked more like home than this. Obviously, who could stand living under the shadow of his father and brother’s hatred?

When Chris was exiled to Valanis, it was only then that he felt his soul was free and relieved, spared from the abyss of meaningless madness. But now, this was the place he must return to, not just to stay but to live. So, Chris was forced to face all his past fears with a new outlook. He had to reconcile with his father and brother, no longer hiding under the veil of the Shadow Prince.

With that epiphany, Chris stepped in a new, different way. He would try to turn the impossible into the possible, turning enemies into friends and family. If he failed, at least he had tried his best. Yes, that was Cristophe’s principle. He believed in his path, kept on trying, striving, and never giving up, no matter what the outcome would be.

Chris’s feet kept moving, one by one, up the one hundred and sixty-three steps to the throne hall. These steps represented the year one hundred and sixty-three Anno Vadisium, the Earlier Arcane Age. That was the year this Levides Palace was founded.

Chris’s steps suddenly stopped. His head bowed, and his face looked depressed. He thought to himself, Should I go home? Every step I take gets heavier and heavier until it’s as though the world is in my shoes. Shouldn’t I just run away? Go back to my quiet life without worries? Iris doesn’t like living in a regimented palace, and my father and brother would be better off without me.

Just as Cristophe was about to turn around, a hand grabbed his left shoulder. He gasped and turned his head to find that it was Robert, the white-haired knight.

With an expressionless face and a gentle voice, Robert said, Chris, oh, sorry, Your Highness. I just wanted to remind you that your future is not back there. Pointing back with his thumb, but that one in front. He pointed to the large door leading to the throne hall.

But everything depends on your decision. If you truly love your people and want to etch your name in the annals of history, go up. On the other hand, if you choose to run away, living without a care in the world, your name will be forgotten. Not only that, but you’ll also inevitably get bored of living in a cycle of routines that are just for ‘getting by’. Well, the rest is up to your decision. Make peace with your past and welcome your future. I’ve done that and now it’s your turn.

Bernides appeared on Chris’s right side as he said, Take a new step and mature up, Your Highness. Live your future, your responsibilities, your role. I and your friends here will always support you, nak, nak.

Hearing this, Chris gave a touching smile. Thank you, my friends. With your support, I won’t be afraid of anything anymore.

Hardening his face and making up his mind, he climbed the stairs with steady steps. At the top of the stairs, a beautifully carved double gate door was opened for him.

Without stopping, Chris strode toward the door with one thought in mind.

I’m home.

* * *

The beautiful and majestic throne hall of the Levides Grand Palace was a unique hall, different from the usual design and layout of throne halls.

It was spacious and airy, round in shape. The walls were made of white stone chiseled with beautiful images between marble pillars that reached almost to the ceiling.

The ceiling of the hall was a giant, multi-tiered dome. Sunlight streamed in through small windows at the joints to the smaller dome in the center. The floor of the hall was made of white marble as if glistening in the sunlight.

Right in the center of the hall was a round staircase platform with a throne chair seemingly embedded in it. The alabaster chair was carved into the shape of an angel statue with folded wings, as if always on standby to protect whoever was sitting there.

Prince Cristophe Jean de Galantine Deveraux is present, Your Majesty the Emperor, the palace herald announced as the red-haired Prince knelt solemnly.

The Emperor’s throne, which was not facing him, turned slowly. When the throne was almost directly facing Chris, the man sitting there appeared.

The ruler of Arcadia, Marcus Deveraux, Emperor Sage the Fourth, was in his late fifties. He had red hair, a red mustache, and a red beard. The curves of his cheekbones that still looked tough showed his toughness that had been forged in the battles against Lore many years ago.

The Emperor did not react to seeing his second son. He just stared straight into Chris’ vermilion eyes. Cristophe stared back at him with a calm look without a frown. The father glared inquisitively, the son hoped for a father’s affection that he had rarely received.

The two stared at each other for a while. Finally, the father turned his gaze towards the entrance and called out loudly, Guards! Arrest this man and lock him up in the Tower of Seclusion. Without my order, no one is to visit him or let him out!

Cristophe was stunned. Before any words of protest could come out of his mouth, he abandoned his plan and just stared at his father. Then Chris’ brother Alexis Deveraux, who had appeared and was standing next to his father, whispered in his ear and his father nodded in response. Chris then allowed himself to be dragged out by the guards as if he were a dangerous prisoner. He was humiliated in front of his friends who stood waiting at the entrance. They were stunned at the outcome of the brief encounter.

Chris briefly looked back at his brother. He caught Alexis’ eyes staring hatefully at him. Just before Chris descended the stairs, he heard the Emperor call out, Summon the Envoy of Lore, Rael’charon to appear before me.

* * *

Cristophe was now lying on a simple bed in a tall tower. It was the Tower of Seclusion, one of the four towers that housed the Levides Grand Palace.

In his childhood, Chris was often punished by being locked up in a narrow room with small windows. This place, which he once considered a prison, was now his true home, more so than the Levides Castle itself. It was here that he could sleep peacefully, smiling in sweet dreams as he did now, on this late afternoon.

But that didn’t mean there were no disturbances. It started with a knock on the door, followed by a man’s voice calling out. Your Highness the Prince, get up and come with me now. His Majesty awaits you in the throne hall.

Chris woke up and blinked. He quickly grabbed the tunic hanging on the chair and dressed as neatly as he could. The man outside called out again, Wake up, Your Highness!

The Prince opened the tower door while replying, I’m ready, no need to shout anymore.

Soon, Chris arrived in front of the throne hall. The door to the hall was opened and Chris walked in. Inside the hall were only the Emperor, Alexis, Bernides, and a bald man.

Chris vaguely recognized the bald man. His eyes were fixed on Chris with black, thin, forked eyebrows. He had a thin mustache that extended down to his chin and a very thin, neatly trimmed beard that branched from his chin to his chest and looked like a snake’s tongue. His clothing was an ankle-length robe, with a large collar shaped like a cobra’s head.

Overall, the thin man’s appearance made Chris shiver with unexplained horror. So Chris tried to remain calm, cautious, and diplomatic. He bowed in the most perfect manner possible, saluting the Emperor with his right hand crossed over his upper left chest.

The faces of everyone in the hall were expressionless. Even colder was the attitude of the Emperor who sat back on his throne and rebuked, You are late. How dare you make us wait here for so long. But we’ll discuss your punishment later because there are more pressing matters at hand. Counselor Talbot du Bois, you explain to him.

The bald man with the snake-tongue beard called Talbot lowered his head as he replied, As you wish, Your Majesty, then cast his sharp eyes at Chris again.

He explained, Our country, the Great Arcadian Empire has just concluded a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Lore proposed by their Chief Advisor, Rael’charon. Now, to fulfill one of the prerequisites of this treaty, the two sides will arrange a marriage between Eloise Galford, the Princess of Lore, and one of the princes of Arcadia, namely Prince Alexis or… Talbot narrowed his eyes, you, Second Prince.

Chris’ eyes widened at this news. But not a word of protest came out of his mouth. He chose to sit quietly, listening to the