Devine Legacy Lost Souls

By Aaron Butcher

Hidden evils, Ancient realms, and forgotten gods.  The stories and legends that unite old and new heroes, for the fate of the world may depend on it. 

 

A dark shadow lingers over the small town of Danestria. A dark presence has come. The night is coming and the spirits are restless. But a small light shines from the forest that offers hope and mystery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Butcher
• Release date: Feb 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224544110

Book preview

Prologue

H ow did it come to this? A man in silver armor with dark long hair looks down on a canyon. In the canyon, two armies collide with one another. The sound of swords clashing hits the man's ears as he watches. Giant aircraft reign fire on a city from afar, but a barrier protects it. The smell of smoke and ash fills the air.

No one wanted this, But they left us no choice. Evil comes in many forms, even among the best of us. Is there a better way? Or is this the only way this could've ended? I asked myself that too many times. The journey we took led us here. Now, I must correct my mistakes and stop this evil that could destroy our world. So yes, this is the only way now. My name is Dison Belloc, and these are the stories that led us to this moment. He drew his sword and jumped off the canyon wall into the battle. The impact of his landing creates a crater. The troops looked in fear as he gave them a severe look.

Chapter One

Deep in the Forest of Heldonhigh bloomed the colors of fall. As leaves touch the ground, the sound of footsteps rustles them. An older man and two younger men walk through the forest with bows.

Hey, Dad. What's going on in town? I saw a company of soldiers go in yesterday. One of the younger men, Keldon, had wondered out loud.

I don't know, Keldon. Did you see their flags? Where did they come from? Jerim, the older man, replied.

I think they're from Silverstone. Keldon expressed.

From the capitol. Hope it's nothing serious. The war in the western part of Aardocia has everyone on edge. Jerim said. I hope the war doesn't get this far like it did before. 

The youngest man, Jamus, was not paying attention to his brother and father. He was wondering why they were talking while hunting. He noticed a smell in the air he'd never smelled before. What's that smell? He sniffed. It's sweet.

I don't know Jamus. It's nothing I've smelled before. Jerim said. He reached out his hand as purple pollen fell in his palm. He looked at it. What's this?

Hey, where's Jamus? Keldon looked around. Dad. Dad, where are you? What's going on. They were both right here just a second ago. This isn't funny. Where are you two?! HEY!

Keldon. A woman's voice came from through the forest. Keldon. Where are you Keldon?

Keldon's eyes widened. MOM! He saw a woman in the distance. Mom! Is that you! Come back! MOM! He ran after her as his heart beat out of his chest. But no matter how fast he sprinted to catch up, he couldn't get close to her. 

Jamus wandered through the woods. Where's everyone? Dad! Keldon! Where are you guys?! A young woman's giggling came from the woods. He saw her walk away from him. Shayla. Why are you out here?

Come with me. I want to show you something. 

Shayla, come back. Jamus followed her into the woods. He was confused about why his fiance would be out in the woods when she told him she did not like the forest. Where are you going?!

Where are my sons? Jerim looked with worry. Something is wrong. Jamus! Keldon! Where are you! The forest grew thick with misty fog. He had never seen such a dense fog in all of his years hunting in these woods.

Jerim. A woman's voice called out.

Donna. Seeing a woman in the distance wearing white, Jerim looked confused, but tears of joy came to his eyes. What is this?

The woman reached her hand out to him. Don't you love me, Jerim?

He stumbled toward her. I've missed you so much."

Then come with me, my love. The figure walked into the mist.

Come back. Don't leave me again! Come back! Jerim ran after her, stumbling to keep up with her as she ran through the trees.

Jamus and Shayla approached a big, dead oak tree. It was clear from the mist that surrounded the rest of the forest.

What is this place? Jamus asked.

Where we died?

What are you talking about Shayla? You're not making any sense. Jamus grabbed her shoulder. Let's leave this place. It feels evil.

We can't leave. We're so hungry.

What is wrong with you?

Shayla grabbed his hand and crushed it. Jamus cried out in pain. What are you doing?! He pulled away, holding his hand. You're not Shayla. What are you? 

She turned toward him. Her face decomposed in front of his eyes.

Fear ran through him. He pushed her away from him. Get away from me. Jamus tried to run, but she was there at every turn. No. No.

She grabbed his face. Look at me! She said in a demonic voice as her face cracked and broke. She licked his face. I just want to eat. Jamus's screams filled the forest.

Keldon heard the screams of his brother. What's going on. Jamus!

Don't leave me. The voice called out.

My mother died. Who or whatever you are. You're not her. Keldon said.

You're right. I'm not you're mother.

What are you? Keldon wandered around in the dense fog. He could hear the screams from his brother but couldn't tell which