Etania's Destiny: Daughters of Tamnarae, #3

By M.H. Elrich

As civil war looms on the horizon, Etania must embrace her destiny or fall to darkness...

 

Before the war begins, Etania determines to stop it by any means necessary—even if it requires her to train the man who betrayed her. Then an unnatural darkness sweeps the land, testing friend and foe alike. Etania knows only her powers as a Vexli can end Damien and Narak's evil spell. Will Etania defeat the darkness or succumb to it herself?

 

Find out in Etania's Destiny, the third and final installment of Etania's stories.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.H. Elrich
• Release date: May 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224760176

M.H. Elrich

M.H. Elrich is a Christian Fantasy author, reader, otaku, and teacher who wears too many hats. In her spare time (if she has any), she watches T.V. with her husband, rides horses, and travels to places with lots of trees. You can find her and her books at mhelrich.com.

Book preview

Bible Verse for Etania’s Destiny

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.

-1 Samuel 17:47

Prologue

Fire rained down upon the citizens of Khartome. Women screamed. Children cried. Grace Stegel squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she could drown out the noise. Instead, she tried to remain calm. She shouted above the crowds, beckoning civilians with her arm toward the bridge connecting Khartome to Nova.

This way! she said. Evacuate!

Some heeded her directions, but others froze in fear. Grace heard a deafening roar from the dragon assaulting Khartome. Arrows whistled. Soldiers yelled as they defended the castle. Heart pounding, she looked up to see a great cloud of darkness surrounding the dragon and its rider.

Why doesn’t Damien leave? She thought. He can’t get what he wants! The Skazic had demanded Jakin’s head, though Jakin wasn’t there. Yet, Damien continued his assault. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed in the dark cloud, and Grace watched in horror as the defensive catapults did little to stop Damien and his dragon.

The crowds around her wept. A few of the men had tears in their eyes, but most looked utterly defeated. Grace shook, her teeth chattering, but she still urged the crowd away from the sight to the safety of Nova.

A hush fell upon the crowd. Grace took her eyes off the masses to look in the direction of the destruction. Before them, the castle walls were crumbling. Hundreds of the Changed poured through the gaps in the walls and Damien’s voice boomed.

If you want freedom, follow me!

The Changed rejoiced in loud voices. The black cloud left Damien and floated towards the Changed who had escaped. Many stepped onto the cloud, but Grace could hear Sage’s voice echoing through the darkness.

Do not give in! Sage said. This is not true freedom!

Some of the Changed hesitated.

Whoever will not join me will burn! Damien shouted, his voice otherworldly.

He signaled his dragon to spew its flames. Grace clasped her hands over her mouth. Several adults in the crowd of citizens cried No! in unison.

A red dragon flashed across Grace’s vision slamming into Damien’s black dragon. The cloud holding the Changed who had joined Damien disappeared, dropping them into the lake below. They cursed, but began swimming toward shore. Damien’s black dragon and the red dragon engaged in a fierce duel in the sky. As they wrestled, the dragons paid no attention to where they flew. They slowly lost altitude and began coming toward the civilians and Grace!

She couldn’t move. Men and women pushed past her, but Grace could only stand, heart pounding in her chest, staring at the dragons as they descended. Her limbs felt frozen. The dragons’ claws were inches above Grace’s head before they crashed into the ground several meters behind her. She felt someone tug her arm.

Grace, it’s Tevan! one civilian told her.

The familiar name snapped her out of her fear. Hiking up her skirts, she ran to where the dragons had crashed. Somehow, they had missed the buildings of Nova and flattened the forest instead. When Grace approached, she noticed Damien’s dragon limping to its feet and taking off. The Changed that had followed Damien disappeared into the forest, and no one dared pursue them. Tevan slipped off of his dragon’s back, and Grace ran to meet him.

Are you well? she asked, breathless.

He smiled wryly. For now, anyway.

She smiled back. Thank you so much! You saved us!

Tevan’s eyes narrowed. Not in time, I think.

Grace followed his gaze to look back at the castle. Fires blazed and the stone walls looked like rubble. The civilians surrounding Grace had pale, drawn faces. A pit formed in her stomach. What will happen to us now? She wondered. There were so many people around her, and Nova could not accommodate them all. Not to mention the fact that rebuilding would be impossible.

She bit her lip to keep it from trembling. What...what should we do now?

We’ll have to go to Renata. Her father, Priest Alfred, emerged from the crowd.

Renata? the citizens around Grace repeated. She heard whispers all around her.

What will we do when we’re there? Grace asked.

Her father grimaced. Prepare for war.

Chapter One

Etania shielded her eyes as she stepped off Cam’s boat and onto the land surrounding Renata, the capital city. Construction bustled around them as Kinzoku, Naymatua, and others worked to complete the gaps in the curtain wall from when Damien’s dragons attacked. Two stone towers guarded a huge metal gate that stood open to permit entrance. Soldiers were marching through the gates, bearing banners Etania recognized as Ningyo.

Jakin seemed oblivious to the chaos of war preparations and marched ahead. Zaden pulled his cloak hood forward to hide his face, trudging behind him. Etania hesitated, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of men around her. Even some women accompanied their husbands to battle. In her frozen state, she felt a gentle tug on her fingers and looked up to see Keyel’s reassuring smile. She laced her fingers through his and took a deep breath. Together, they walked forward into the chaos.

They had to jog to keep up with her father, whose curse didn’t stop him from forging through crowds at a hurried pace. They passed the construction and funneled through the gates, tailing behind the Ningyo soldiers. Too bad Cam didn’t want to join us, Etania thought. He might be helpful. The idea floated in her mind before they entered the main part of Renata, where thousands of people camped. Keyel tightly gripped Etania’s hand, and anxiety crept into her stomach. They had only been gone a single week. Already, soldiers were filling Renata with their tents and flying the banners of their people. This is just the beginning, she thought.

Somehow, Jakin led Etania, Keyel, and Zaden through the chaos and straight toward the meeting tent where the council would be gathered. They are coordinating efforts for the upcoming battles, Etania thought. That is where we must plan for the war. She clenched and unclenched her fists.

Etania entered the meeting tent, expecting to see the leaders of Southern Tamnarae sitting around a table, murmuring. Instead, everyone did something different. Cephas spoke with the Naymatua. The tension in his stance made her wonder if they were arguing. Maiya, Thandor, and Adeline engaged in discussion, and it looked like even Rhys was part of it.

Adrianna consulted with several Ningyo who looked vaguely familiar. Sage, Vartok, Loren, and Tamar (with a sleeping Indira against her chest) looked over a map. Bayanna, Ivan, and Calder examined a pile of weapons. The Draconian representatives were absent, but Etania guessed they were coordinating dragon riders and incoming troops. No one noticed Etania and her companions until Jakin marched to the center of the tent, announcing their arrival with a flourish of purple fire.

Let the meeting be called to order at once! he boomed.

The voices quieted, making Etania want to hide behind Keyel. Her fiancé crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head. Zaden suppressed a bemused smirk.

Who are you to call this meeting to order? Adrianna asked, her voice filled with disdain. We have appointed Cephas to be the Supreme General, not you!

Oh? Jakin smiled, unaffected by her tone. Wonderful. My dear Cephas, will you call this meeting to order?

Cephas arched an eyebrow. Certainly. I call this meeting to order—in one hour.

Adrianna tossed her head. Jakin gaped at his friend, and everyone went back to their tasks. Etania breathed a sigh of relief and followed her father to Cephas’s side.

Cephas, why wait one hour? Jakin asked.

Can’t you see we are all preoccupied? The Lehrling gestured around him. An hour will give us time to finish our tasks.

Jakin groaned. I wanted to get it over with and to help my daughter with her wedding.

Oh no, don’t bring me into this, Etania protested.

You’re engaged to Keyel? Cephas smiled. Congratulations! Alondra will be pleased.

Etania blushed. If it hadn’t been for Cephas’s wife, Etania wasn’t sure the two of them would be together. She felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness as she realized they would be in attendance for the wedding, which would happen within the week.

Adeline wheeled up to them before Jakin could discuss what they needed to do next.

Excuse me, Adeline said. May I speak to my brother for a moment?

Jakin nodded and Etania hesitated, unsure what to do.

Sister, Etania has become my fiancée, Keyel said, making Etania blush. I think it is important that whatever you have to say is told to both of us.

Congratulations! Adeline’s smile was genuine. In that case, come along...both of you.

Rhys, Adeline’s ever-present bodyguard, cast her a sideways glance. Yet, he wheeled her away, and Adeline beckoned them to follow. As they did, Etania wondered: what will my future sister-in-law say?

Despite his calm appearance, sweat slicked Keyel’s hands when he saw Maiya and Thandor waiting for them outside the tent. Maiya glared at Keyel, and her eyes narrowed even further when she noticed Etania’s ring. Undesired memories of harsh words filtered through his mind.

You stupid nothus, Maiya sneered. As if my daughter would be friends with you.

Yes, one of her ladies-in-waiting confirmed. For any woman associated with you would be a nothus as well.

Why did you even come here to ask? Maiya snapped. I will never let you see your sister.

Of course, Maiya’s words to him as a young boy did not prevent Adeline from seeking him as a teenager. Because of that, Adeline had lost her legs. Keyel shook his head and tightened his grip around Etania’s hand. He wouldn’t let Maiya’s comments affect him anymore, nor his future wife.

Congratulations, son! Thandor squeezed Keyel’s shoulder, beaming.

Keyel realized that in his daze, Adeline or Etania must have shared the news. He smiled, feeling reassured that his father approved of the match, even if his stepmother did not.

Thank you, Keyel said.

I’m grateful I will see my son’s wedding before the war begins, Thandor said.

So am I. Keyel relaxed slightly. I will need to invite my mother to join us as soon as possible.

Of course. I will send your request to Shayna, along with my own letters, to the commanders at home.

Lord Thandor, know your place. Maiya censured her husband. Such personal matters belong with the general mail, not diplomatic.

Keyel clenched his jaw.

But— Thandor began.

Do not trouble yourself, Etania interrupted. My father is a Lehrling. Or have you forgotten, Lady Maiya? I can include his letters in the diplomatic mail.

Keyel was grateful for Etania’s quick response, even if it earned her another glare from Maiya. Before his stepmother could speak again, Rhys said, Should we discuss why we really brought Keyel and Etania here, my lord and lady?

Keyel was surprised the bodyguard spoke, as he was the strong and silent type. Maiya glared at Rhys disdainfully, but sighed.

As much as I am loath to admit it, or to ask for a nothus’s help... Maiya began.

What my mother is trying to say, Adeline interjected, is that we need your help.

The Leici need someone who knows how to wield a blade and command others, Thandor added.

What about Rhys? Keyel asked. He is adept at the sword.

He is, but he is much better at using a bow, Adeline said. Thandor has appointed him over the archers.

Surely there is someone else, Keyel replied. Someone without my...reputation.

There is no one else, Maiya stated. "Why do you think we’re asking you, of all people?"

Keyel gripped the hilt of his sword. His mind raced. As much as he wanted to prove he was more than a nothus to the Leici, he also had other responsibilities.

I’m sorry, I can’t.

What! Etania exclaimed. She lowered her voice and whispered in his ear. Why not?

Keyel faced her and leaned his forehead against hers.

My love, he whispered. "I can’t leave your side. That is why I refused."

I’m sorry to interrupt, Thandor said, but what is the reason?

I must protect Etania. Keyel faced them. That is my first duty. My second is similar—my obligation to train Zaden.

Couldn’t Etania join us? Rhys suggested. She uses a crossbow, correct? She could be part of my archers.

I like that idea. How about this? Etania let go of Keyel’s hand and flexed her arm. I train Zaden.

Keyel’s eyes flashed. There’s no way I will let you be alone with that rogue!

I won’t, Etania reassured. My father will be there, and I will bring Bayanna to chaperone when he’s busy. Trust me.

Trust. Something that broke them before and something he tenuously held onto now that their relationship was rebuilt. He nodded.

Then it’s settled. Adeline clapped her hands together. My brother will lead the swordsmen!

Unfortunately, Maiya grumbled.

After the wedding, come to our banner and meet your troops, Thandor said.

Keyel agreed, and his family returned to making war preparations. Unease filtered through him after they left. Will I really be able to lead the Leici? He wondered. His Mark glowed, and Melchizedek spoke to him. You will, with my power.

Keyel let out a breath, allowing Melchizedek’s reassurance to fill him. Even if he was weak, the One Who Saw All would give him strength.

Are you sure about training Zaden? Keyel squeezed Etania’s hand as he asked the question.

Am I sure? Etania repeated inwardly. She felt nervous about the prospect, despite saying she could. The rogue prince had deceived her once, and Etania feared she would fall for his tricks once again. She wanted to believe he had changed, and his compliance on the boat with Keyel’s swordsmanship lessons and Jakin’s lectures seemed to show that. But is mere compliance enough? Etania thought.

I am certain I can train him, she said aloud, since he already knows the basics of swordsmanship. What I am less certain of is whether he can change inside.

I agree, Keyel said. I find it difficult to trust him after everything that has happened.

Yet, Melchizedek has called him to be a Lehrling! Etania shook her head. Sometimes, I don’t understand His ways.

I’m glad I’m not the only one. Keyel chuckled.

Before her fiancé could say anything further, Grace approached them.

What are you doing here? Etania asked, shocked to see her friend.

Wow, I thought you would be pleased to see me! Grace clasped her hands in front of her.

Oh, sorry Grace, that’s not what I meant. Etania felt sheepish. I wanted to know why you are in Renata instead of Nova.

I, too, am curious, Keyel said. I saw Loren earlier, but didn’t speak to him.

I thought you knew. Her eyes darkened. Damien’s attack frightened the citizens of Khartome and Nova. They migrated from there to Renata.

Etania’s mouth hung open. They had known Damien damaged the previous capital when he freed the Changed, but they didn’t know how badly. I must stop him, she thought, biting her lower lip, before he hurts anyone else. That resolve shook her. Etania didn’t want to fight, but destiny forced her hand.

Few lives were lost, thank Melchizedek, Grace said. But my father, being a priest, goes where the people go. That’s why I’m here.

Etania played with her necklace as she thought of her mother’s grave, untouched and neglected. But my mother is not there, Etania reminded herself. Still, she felt a brief wave of grief as she realized her mother would not be there for her wedding.

I assure you, Etania, that your mother’s manuscripts and other books are being preserved, but the priority is the troops.

I understand, Etania said. When this is all over, do you know if anyone will continue my mother’s work copying the Words of Deo and Melchizedek?

Grace shook her head. There are few scribes willing to undergo such a tedious task, no matter how important it might be.

Etania’s heart pained at such words. If only I could... She stopped herself. As the Vexli, she couldn’t entertain such thoughts.

So, Grace looked at Keyel,  Can I steal my friend for a moment?

I’m not sure I should go with you. I-I mean... Etania stuttered.

I can tell your father about our decision, Keyel said. Enjoy your time with your friend.

Etania smiled. How different it felt to have Keyel trust her! She appreciated that he seemed unconcerned about the private conversation she would have with Grace. Etania and her best friend found a place to sit. Between bits of food and sips of tea, they exchanged their stories, and Grace excitedly shared ideas about Etania’s wedding dress.

When Keyel found Etania to beckon her back to the council, they had not finished discussing everything, so they arranged to meet the next day. Planning a wedding put Etania in a good mood, but approaching the meeting tent brought back all of her anxiety. They walked inside to find a large table where the council members sat in chairs. Other military commanders were also present.

Keyel left Etania’s side to join the Leici, and Etania went to join her father. He was seated by Zaden, who still wore his hood. A few minutes later, the last of the council members and commanders filtered in. Cephas called the meeting to order.

Let us begin with Jakin’s report of his new apprentice, he said.

Melchizedek has called me to train Zaden, Jakin told the council. I’m not sure there is much to add beyond that.

Bayanna scoffed, and Etania had to admit that she couldn’t fault her reaction.

"Zaden betrayed your daughter and future son-in-law, and that’s all you have to say?" Bayanna exclaimed.

I agree, Adrianna said. We have all been informed of Zaden’s actions, and his scandalous reputation with women has also come to light. How can we trust him?

At this, many voices talked at once. Jakin defended Zaden while the others criticized him. Etania and Keyel couldn’t speak up in defense of the rogue prince. Even if I wanted to, Etania thought, what could I say to praise him?

Enough! Cephas silenced the council. Arguing will not help us decide. How about we hear from him instead?

All eyes turned to Zaden, who looked like he wanted to shrink into a ball. He cleared his throat and looked straight at Etania.

I am very sorry for what I have done, he said, and I have no right to ask for your forgiveness. He turned to the rest of the council. Please give me a chance to prove myself. Rather than believing my words, I request you to watch my actions.

The council stilled, and Etania felt his words keenly. I will be watching, she thought. And I will not be fooled again.

We have all made mistakes in our lives, Sage agreed. Let us give him the chance he asked us for.

There were murmurs of agreement, so Cephas said, Good. Now that we settled this, let us get to the particulars of our campaign. What are our numbers?

There are only 300 Changed and around 20 Toms who agreed to serve under me, Sage commented. Since I am their leader, I guess I could be called a ‘Colonel,’ though that is a strange title for me.

We also have 700 guards, Loren interjected. They will defer to Sage and have already been divided into squads.

Etania nodded. Loren had once served under Keyel as the Captain of the Guard, and he was the one who Keyel had left in charge when they went after Jazel. He was a perfect candidate for the position.

Very good. Anyone else? Cephas marked this on a piece of parchment in front of him and then looked around at the council. The other members continued to share until it came to Saigon.

We only have 300, Saigon, the Draconian representative, squeaked.

300! Jakin exclaimed. That’s hardly any.

I apologize. Saigon’s cheeks flushed with shame. Neither we, nor the dragons, populate quickly.

We do not have a large number of warriors, either, Adeline put in. We have 500 healers, 500 archers, and 500 swordsmen. No more than that.

Cephas finished his calculations. That makes our army 17,770 in number without healers. Of course, not all of them have arrived yet, but hopefully, that will be enough to conquer Gotha. How well armed are our troops?

Every soldier that has arrived has a suitable weapon, Calder interjected. We have made certain of that.

Yes, but armor is another matter, Bayanna commented. We Kinzoku can make or repair weapons within a decent time, but good armor takes longer.

Cephas scratched his chin, and Etania also wondered how they could protect so many.

We will have to use what we have, Jakin said. There is no other choice.

Agreed. Cephas nodded. As for a plan of attack, it is simple. Swordsmen will be in the front. Archers and Neuma users will support them, and Draconians will fight Damien’s dragons in the air. Healers and commanders will be in the rear, along with those who make and man the catapults. Are there any other suggestions for the battle plan?

He gazed at the council members, who remained silent. Their quiet felt like a weight on Etania’s shoulders. If only I had stopped Jazel sooner, she bemoaned. None of this would have happened.

Then I think this is all settled, Cephas said. I know that more soldiers will arrive at Renata, so we won’t leave for Gotha for a few weeks.

Etania was relieved. At least I will be able to enjoy my honeymoon before heading to battle, she thought.

Speaking of, Adrianna interjected, how will our soldiers travel through the lava fields of the Draconians? The Ningyo are sensitive to heat.

I suggest we use the underground river to transport troops, Cephas said. It is the same river that Bayanna took to tell us about Jazel.

Bayanna shifted uncomfortably, and Etania figured it was because of her strained relationship with Cam.

We do not have enough boats to accommodate so many people, Adrianna said.

We can make boats with our Neuma, Suliman said. By the time all the soldiers gather, we will have enough.

Adrianna agreed, and Cephas dismissed everyone. As Etania and the other leaders left the tent, she felt determination course through her. I have to help them defeat Damien and bring an end to the bloodshed, no matter what, she thought. But first, I have a wedding to plan!

The thought brought her out of grim determination and into girlish giddiness.

Chapter Two

Zaden hated weddings . He hated the decorations, the tables, and the flower arrangements. He hated the way the bride and groom glowed with love for one another. Most of all, he hated how weddings reminded him of the disastrous nuptials of his brother and Gwen which had ended with his father’s death and his banishment. Yet, everywhere he walked in camp reminded him of the wedding that would happen that evening.

I want a drink, he said, to no one in particular.

A drink, you say? a voice called out to him.

He turned to see a man standing behind a booth. On either side of the booth were barrels, and the sign above it read Medicinal Wines and Beers.

I may have just what you need, the seller continued. We offer the finest medicinal wines: ones that are supposed to extend the vitality and life of any who drink them, according to our Leici experts.

Zaden swallowed, his throat dry. He felt himself drawn to the seller, but stopped. I can’t! He thought. I promised everyone that I would show them...show them I was worthy of being a Lehrling.

No, thank you. Zaden tried to leave. His feet, however, seemed glued to the ground beneath him.

"I see the medicinal wine isn’t enough for a connoisseur