Hello readers! After my beautiful and wonderfully fun wedding I'm back to writing. I thought I'd drop a quick note to let you know my ideas for new writing projects so you'll know what to expect from me in the coming year.
First of all I am making paperback copies of The Jericho Effect available for $10.00 from Amazon.com and the Createspace e-store just in time for Christmas. This would make a perfect gift for any fantasy loving teen readers in your household. The book is also available from Kindle for $5.00. Consider downloading it if your teens have electronic readers.
I am working on a 2 part ending to the Silver Sword Saga. I will post both these episodes on different weeks in January. I plan to release the full collection of Silver Sword stories for sale in the spring. In the meantime you can catch up on past Silver Sword episodes by going to the post: Forging and following the links through the rest of the series.
This coming year I will be editing Quest 2: Penumbra, sequel to Quest: A Time of Training in hopes of being able to release the 2nd book over the summer. Click here to preview the prologue and opening episode of the new book and watch for more details.
Last, I have some new ideas on the horizon such as a new series of short stories for the blog once the Silver Sword Saga is finished. More on that after New Years. For now take care, happy reading and good luck with preparing for Christmas!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Revamped for Halloween
I really was hoping to post the last chapter of the Silver Sword Saga in time for Halloween since it is a monster story. Since that was not able to happen this year I've decided to do something else instead. I've revamped one of my short stories, Fall of Sardi, which is a darker legend and fits the mood of the month. Fall of Sardi will become available for $0.99 in the Kindle store within the next couple days. Aside from a few minor updates to the text, the changes you can expect to see are this dramatic new cover picture:
And this improved product description:
Emperor Destarus is well on his way to crushing enemy kingdoms and making the corrupt Sardi empire the most powerful in the world of Irowasa until a strange messenger comes from the mighty Lord of Light to place a terrible curse on the land of Sardi.
Keep an eye open for the revamped version of this short story and Happy Halloween!
And this improved product description:
Emperor Destarus is well on his way to crushing enemy kingdoms and making the corrupt Sardi empire the most powerful in the world of Irowasa until a strange messenger comes from the mighty Lord of Light to place a terrible curse on the land of Sardi.
Keep an eye open for the revamped version of this short story and Happy Halloween!
Monday, October 3, 2011
End of Jericho Effect's Limited Edition Sale
Just thought I'd let everyone know that the limited edition copies of The Jericho Effect are no longer available. A Kindle version of the book will remain available for $5.00 in the next couple months until the reprint of the paperback which will most likely be sometime in December. You can click here to visit the book's Kindle page.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Fall 2011 News
Hello blog readers!
I wanted to write a quick note to explain that my writing projects have been interrupted by this crazy thing called LIFE! That brings me to my first and most important piece of news: on November 12, 2011 I am going to marry my childhood friend, Brien Hartung. Because I will be spending the next two months focusing on wedding preparations, all my writing projects are being put on hold until after November. This includes the conclusion of the Silver Sword Saga which I was originally planning to release around Halloween, the release of the Silver Sword anthology and my work on Quests 2.
In other news I plan to continue using "Rebekah Prudhomme" as my pen-name. If you wish to find updates on my writing projects you can continue to follow this blog, go to my Amazon Author Central page, or if you use Facebook "like" my brand new author fan page.
Also, this is the last month I will be selling the limited edition copies of The Jericho Effect. If you wish to buy a limited edition in either paperback or Kindle THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO DO SO. However, I may also make regular copies of The Jericho Effect available around Christmas time depending on how busy I am.
Lastly, several of my stories are still up for sale online, so please consider buying them and supporting my writing efforts.
Until I return to my writing some time after November I wish you happy reading!
I wanted to write a quick note to explain that my writing projects have been interrupted by this crazy thing called LIFE! That brings me to my first and most important piece of news: on November 12, 2011 I am going to marry my childhood friend, Brien Hartung. Because I will be spending the next two months focusing on wedding preparations, all my writing projects are being put on hold until after November. This includes the conclusion of the Silver Sword Saga which I was originally planning to release around Halloween, the release of the Silver Sword anthology and my work on Quests 2.
In other news I plan to continue using "Rebekah Prudhomme" as my pen-name. If you wish to find updates on my writing projects you can continue to follow this blog, go to my Amazon Author Central page, or if you use Facebook "like" my brand new author fan page.
Also, this is the last month I will be selling the limited edition copies of The Jericho Effect. If you wish to buy a limited edition in either paperback or Kindle THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO DO SO. However, I may also make regular copies of The Jericho Effect available around Christmas time depending on how busy I am.
Lastly, several of my stories are still up for sale online, so please consider buying them and supporting my writing efforts.
Until I return to my writing some time after November I wish you happy reading!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Silver Sword Saga: Coronation of the Second Fairy Queen
This piece of the saga explains what happened to the Silver Sword after the end of the Magic War as well as a change in leadership which took place in Fairy Wood at the same time.
For back links to the rest of the Silver Sword Saga please refer to the post: Great Magic War.
Coronation of the Second Fairy Queen
Let the praise of God be on their lips and a two-edged sword in their hand, to deal out vengeance to the nations and punishment on all the peoples.
Psalm 149: 6-7
Elmonrona leaned against a narrow tree, pressing a hand to the scar on her right side between two of her ribs where the sorcerer, Drazil had wounded her had hunted him down with the last of his followers after the war. She stood panting for a minute as the pale spring sunlight filtered through the budding leaves of Fairy Wood’s canopy. Even the short walk from her hut to the dancing meadow often left her out of breath nowadays. The wound was like an eternal stitch in her side.
A small swarm of colorful, giggling pixies the size of dragonflies buzzed passed Elmonrona’s left ear. As they flew in the direction of the meadow, Elmonrona straightened, adjusted the position of the Silver Sword’s sheath on her sash and proceeded with slow steps.
The edges of the great meadow were crowded with fairies and elves of all shapes and sizes. Fine garments, pointed ears and every kind of fairy wing from feathered to insect-like were visible around the wide circle. Many smaller fairies such as pixies and the butterfly-winged flower fairies perched in the overhanging branches of the trees surrounding the clearing. The whole area buzzed with excited chatter and laughter. Pixie dust clogged the air, glittering in the sunlight and tickling the nose.
A sudden hush fell on the crowd as two tall fairy women in dresses of pale green, one with black hair the other silver, glided on huge gauzy wings over the heads of the gathered people and into the center of the meadow. As they landed and folded their wings, the regal women scanned the crowd with their intense blue eyes.
At last the silver haired woman spoke. “Citizens of Fairy Wood and distinguished guests, I have been honored to guide the fairy people as their queen for several centuries. Yet, with the recent shift in the balance of magic, my reign has come to an end. It is time for me to retire to the Kingdom of Light. I leave my people and this forest in the care of my daughter, Vale, a good and wise woman who will rule with justice in the coming centuries. As she is younger than I, she will be able to adjust to the changing times. Trust her judgment in all things.”
Turning to Vale the queen asked, “Do you swear in the name of the Lord of Light to uphold and enforce the just laws of the fairy people and of Light?”
“I swear it,” Vale answered.
“Will you guide and protect the fairy people as long as your reign shall last?”
“I will.”
“Will you always act as a willing vessel for the magic of Fairy Wood, distributing it according to the will of the Lord of Light?”
“I will,” said Vale.
The fairy queen nodded, removed a wreath of daisies from her own head and placed it on Vale’s. She then kissed Vale once on each cheek and said, “May the Lord of Light bless you with a long and fruitful reign.” Turning to the assembled fairies and elves she added in a louder voice, “Fairy people, I give you your new queen!”
Elmonrona joined in the cheers which rang out all around the meadow, her voice melding with a million others. The crowd surged forward to congratulate Vale and swear their loyalty to her. As the fairies welcomed their new queen, the form of the old one grew transparent. With a last wistful smile, the first queen of fairy wood vanished from Irowasa. Elmonrona watched her passing then sighed and joined a line of fairies and elves waiting their turn to speak with the new queen.
When at last she came face to face with Vale, Elmonrona bowed as low as her wound would allow and said, “I want to wish you a blessed reign, my old friend. I remain your loyal servant, as I was to your mother.”
“You are far more to me than a servant,” said Vale with a warm smile. “I have never had reason to question your loyalty.”
“I wish to return something that rightfully belongs under your care,” Elmonrona continued.
She undid the knot of her sash, slipped the Silver Sword and its sheath off it and handed it hilt first to Vale. The new queen took it, then met Elmonrona’s eyes with a look of shock.
“Are you resigning?” asked Vale.
“My wound makes me no good to you as a monster hunter,” Elmonrona replied. “Besides, defeating Drazil was the task for which I was entrusted with the sword and I have accomplished that. It is time for you to take guardianship of the Silver Sword. I know that whatever hero you choose to wield it next will be more than deserving of the honor.”
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“But what will you do now?” Vale pressed.
“I will lead a quiet life here in Fairy Wood until you find me some task better suited to my more limited skill set.”
“Very well,” the queen agreed. “Enjoy your quiet life. You have more than earned it.”
Elmonrona bowed again and melted into the crowd.
Silver Sword Saga continued in Terrible Gift.
For back links to the rest of the Silver Sword Saga please refer to the post: Great Magic War.
Coronation of the Second Fairy Queen
Let the praise of God be on their lips and a two-edged sword in their hand, to deal out vengeance to the nations and punishment on all the peoples.
Psalm 149: 6-7
Elmonrona leaned against a narrow tree, pressing a hand to the scar on her right side between two of her ribs where the sorcerer, Drazil had wounded her had hunted him down with the last of his followers after the war. She stood panting for a minute as the pale spring sunlight filtered through the budding leaves of Fairy Wood’s canopy. Even the short walk from her hut to the dancing meadow often left her out of breath nowadays. The wound was like an eternal stitch in her side.
A small swarm of colorful, giggling pixies the size of dragonflies buzzed passed Elmonrona’s left ear. As they flew in the direction of the meadow, Elmonrona straightened, adjusted the position of the Silver Sword’s sheath on her sash and proceeded with slow steps.
The edges of the great meadow were crowded with fairies and elves of all shapes and sizes. Fine garments, pointed ears and every kind of fairy wing from feathered to insect-like were visible around the wide circle. Many smaller fairies such as pixies and the butterfly-winged flower fairies perched in the overhanging branches of the trees surrounding the clearing. The whole area buzzed with excited chatter and laughter. Pixie dust clogged the air, glittering in the sunlight and tickling the nose.
A sudden hush fell on the crowd as two tall fairy women in dresses of pale green, one with black hair the other silver, glided on huge gauzy wings over the heads of the gathered people and into the center of the meadow. As they landed and folded their wings, the regal women scanned the crowd with their intense blue eyes.
At last the silver haired woman spoke. “Citizens of Fairy Wood and distinguished guests, I have been honored to guide the fairy people as their queen for several centuries. Yet, with the recent shift in the balance of magic, my reign has come to an end. It is time for me to retire to the Kingdom of Light. I leave my people and this forest in the care of my daughter, Vale, a good and wise woman who will rule with justice in the coming centuries. As she is younger than I, she will be able to adjust to the changing times. Trust her judgment in all things.”
Turning to Vale the queen asked, “Do you swear in the name of the Lord of Light to uphold and enforce the just laws of the fairy people and of Light?”
“I swear it,” Vale answered.
“Will you guide and protect the fairy people as long as your reign shall last?”
“I will.”
“Will you always act as a willing vessel for the magic of Fairy Wood, distributing it according to the will of the Lord of Light?”
“I will,” said Vale.
The fairy queen nodded, removed a wreath of daisies from her own head and placed it on Vale’s. She then kissed Vale once on each cheek and said, “May the Lord of Light bless you with a long and fruitful reign.” Turning to the assembled fairies and elves she added in a louder voice, “Fairy people, I give you your new queen!”
Elmonrona joined in the cheers which rang out all around the meadow, her voice melding with a million others. The crowd surged forward to congratulate Vale and swear their loyalty to her. As the fairies welcomed their new queen, the form of the old one grew transparent. With a last wistful smile, the first queen of fairy wood vanished from Irowasa. Elmonrona watched her passing then sighed and joined a line of fairies and elves waiting their turn to speak with the new queen.
When at last she came face to face with Vale, Elmonrona bowed as low as her wound would allow and said, “I want to wish you a blessed reign, my old friend. I remain your loyal servant, as I was to your mother.”
“You are far more to me than a servant,” said Vale with a warm smile. “I have never had reason to question your loyalty.”
“I wish to return something that rightfully belongs under your care,” Elmonrona continued.
She undid the knot of her sash, slipped the Silver Sword and its sheath off it and handed it hilt first to Vale. The new queen took it, then met Elmonrona’s eyes with a look of shock.
“Are you resigning?” asked Vale.
“My wound makes me no good to you as a monster hunter,” Elmonrona replied. “Besides, defeating Drazil was the task for which I was entrusted with the sword and I have accomplished that. It is time for you to take guardianship of the Silver Sword. I know that whatever hero you choose to wield it next will be more than deserving of the honor.”
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“But what will you do now?” Vale pressed.
“I will lead a quiet life here in Fairy Wood until you find me some task better suited to my more limited skill set.”
“Very well,” the queen agreed. “Enjoy your quiet life. You have more than earned it.”
Elmonrona bowed again and melted into the crowd.
Silver Sword Saga continued in Terrible Gift.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Silver Sword Saga: The Great Magic War
The full deeds of the hero, Elmonrona as she wielded the Silver Sword are related in the chronicles of Irowasa’s magic war. I will here relate only a few tales of the exploits of Elmonrona and the Silver Sword during the war.
For the Silver Sword's background please refer to Forging and the 1st Unworthy.
For the story of the 1st hero refer to Swan Warrior parts 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.
For the second hero's story refer to Fairy Vault.
For the tale of how Elmonrona obtained the sword refer to Riddle of the Stones.
The Great Magic War
Let the praise of God be on their lips and a two-edged sword in their hand, to deal out vengeance to the nations and punishment on all the peoples.
Psalm 149: 6-7
Defense of Windola
Elmonrona marched in time with fairy and human soldiers as they crossed the northern plains of Windola to fight against Drazil’s army of monsters and magicians which even now advanced to meet them. The warm spring sun heated her back through her spell resistant armor. On her hips she wore a thick brown Algamise battle sash. In the traditional style of Algamar, the sash was knotted over her right hip opposite the sheath of the Silver Sword hanging at her left hip.
A winter of searching had led her to discovering thousands of magicians and legions of monsters joining Drazil in causing chaos in the villages of the kingdom, Windola. Elmonrona had formed an alliance with other warriors dedicated to keeping the magicians and monsters in check and with them had rallied the armies of Windola and Fairy Wood to face the Dark army.
A wave of dark spots broke out of the ranks of the Dark army and lifted into the air. Elmonrona squinted passed the edge of her helmet until she made out the individual shapes of harpies, witches on broomsticks, dragons ridden by wizards, and some strange kind of monsters which looked like giant bats. Once they leveled off over their army, this air unit wheeled and made straight for the advancing army of Windola.
“Incoming!” Elmonrona shouted.
The archers sent up a volley of arrows and crossbow bolts. Several monsters dropped from the sky while those remaining dodged the missiles and continued their forward flight. Beating their mighty wings, griffins, dragons and winged horses with elven riders rose from the center of the Windolise army. They were joined over the plains by the airwalker squadron with whom they flew to meet the oncoming threat. The opposing air forces crashed in the sky between the two armies with an explosion of popping spells, ringing weapons, animal screeches and the sickening noise of claws tearing through flesh. Bloody feathers and scales rained onto the grassy fields like confetti. Enemy dragons sent streams of fire at each other turning the air several degrees warmer. Then the first ranks of foot soldiers broke through the goblins and trolls forming the front lines of the Dark army. This forced Elmonrona to focus her full attention on the action taking place around her on the ground.
A bow legged troll with thick wiry black hair covering his body leapt the first couple rows of soldiers. He hurtled toward Elmonrona with an evil gleam in his beady eyes, extending thick claws to rip at her face. Elmonrona lifted the point of the Silver Sword and, unable to turn aside in time to save himself, the monster impaled himself on the blade. As more trolls swarmed over the army she pulled her sword free. Another troll jumped toward her and she dispatched it in the same way as the first. A band of slimy skinned goblins fought their way through the soldiers to join their troll allies. As Elmonrona faced them, the goblins snarled at her with yellowed fags and brandished weapons made of sharp unfinished chips of metal. Accepting the challenge, she swung the Silver Sword over her head then stabbed it into the armored chest of the closest goblin. Another green monster moved forward and raised his piece of scrap metal to block her sword. As soon as the Silver Sword touched it, the jagged metal snapped. The goblin turned and retreated as fast as his legs would carry him.
Two dragons dipped out of the sky and opened their giant jaws to send out jets of flame which set a section of the Windolise and fairy army on fire. Screams of agony and the smell of burning hair soon filled the plains. The archers shot a volley at the dragons who turned and flew a crooked path back to their masters, landing behind magician lines. As frost fairies worked to extinguish the fires, the Windolise and fairy archers shot until the witches and other air monsters were also forced to retreat. Feeling this shift in the tides, Elmonrona pushed back against the magicians and monsters, forcing them to yield the ground they had recently gained. At the sight of the Dark army falling back, the members of the army of Windola and Fairy Wood rallied to fight with all a last resort of strength they hadn’t known they still possessed. Monsters were hacked down by their blades and the spells the magicians shot in their direction were useless to stop them. The beasts and magic users who survived the new advance of their enemies scattered into a mass of confused chaos. Elmonrona saw the sun glint off the spike capping Drazil’s quarterstaff as he signaled a full retreat.
“Do not back down now!” she shouted to her fellow troops. “This is the chance we have been waiting for. Let us drive the Dark army out of Windola.”
While the healers moved to tend to the wounded, Elmonrona raised the Silver Sword and led the chase of the retreating magicians’ army.
Ambush
Elmonrona rolled off a shelf of rock, landed in a crouch and drew the Silver Sword. She readied herself to fight her way through the sorcerer, Drazil’s mercenary soldiers who surrounded the commanders of the army of Light.
Following their defeat in Windola, the Dark Magicians had attacked the plains of the kingdom, Rovinien. Elmonrona and the army of Light had marched through the kingdom freeing villages from the Dark Magicians’ control. Just as the victory of the army of Light seemed assured, Drazil lured the leaders of the army of Light into this ambush in a quarry near the Holman Forest.
Four soldiers stepped toward Elmonrona but Drazil waved them back. He lifted his quarterstaff, holding it in a ready position in front of himself and waited. Elmonrona charged. Drazil brought up the edge of his staff and caught the Silver Sword on one of the spikes. Knocking the blade aside he jabbed at her but Elmonrona sliced downward, successfully blocking him. They circled the edge of the quarry trading blows for several minutes. Elmonrona knocked aside one end of Drazil’s stick and slid the Silver Sword under his guard, nicking his right arm with the tip of her blade. Drazil brought up the other side of the staff and succeeded in slamming her against the cliff before she could block the blow. She gasped and flinched at the pain which shot up her spine from the force of the blow. Drazil pulled back his staff and she fell at his feet. He kicked the Silver Sword out of her hand and nodded to two of the soldiers who pulled her to her feet, tied her hands in front of her and shoved her to the center of the quarry. There they pushed her to her knees beside the other Warriors of Light who already knelt there.
“I’m afraid this is where our fight comes to an end,” said Drazil. “Swear an oath never to oppose the use of magical powers by humans I will let you live.”
Elmonrona felt cold with sweat and could now hear the fast drumbeat of her own heart. She balled her clammy palms into fists to keep her hands from shaking and forced herself to appear calm.
She raised her eyes to meet Drazil and said in a steady voice, “I’ve already made vows to others in power. Such a promise would force me to break my other oaths and that is something I cannot do. I will remain your enemy to my last breath.”
Drazil sighed and turned to the soldiers saying, “You have your orders.”
Then he turned and made his way up a thin trail leading out of the great stone pit. The soldiers produced several chains which they locked around the warriors’ legs. Once this task was finished, the soldiers hurried up the path out of the quarry.
A minute after the soldiers reached the top, Drazil appeared directly above Elmonrona and her companions where he raised his staff and brought it down with a mighty spell which split the rocks. They slid downward with and earsplitting booming, cracking noise. Elmonrona watched with horror as the rockslide tumbled toward her, sealing victory for Drazil and the Dark Magicians.
The Treaty of Algamar
Cool, fresh mountain air bathed Elmonrona’s face as she made her way passed a large collection of canvas tents now dotting the Algamise plains. The half-wild country, Algamar had become a safe haven for all who still resisted the Dark Magicians’ rule. After surviving the rock slide by cramming inside a crack in the quarry wall, Elmonrona had reached Algamar through the help of a fairy warrior secretly helping the cause of Light from a position near Drazil’s new headquarters. This warrior also succeeded in rescuing the Silver Sword from the magicians’ treasuries and restoring it to Elmonrona.
Drazil himself had marched on Algamar shortly after Elmonrona’s arrival in hope of crushing the resistance. Elmonrona had been kept busy for weeks hunting down a new monster Drazil created called the werewolf when for it was discovered that these beasts were allergic to silver.
The tide had turned when a number of magicians met with the leaders of the army of Light to negotiate the terms of a treaty to end the war. Today the leaders would read the treaty they had recently finished writing.
Elmonrona could feel the heightened excitement of soldiers crowded around small fires as she passed them. She stopped near the center of the camp which was dominated by a huge pavilion one side of which was rolled up. A thick wooden table holding a quill pen and bottle of ink sat in the open space. A wizard stood in front of the table holding a long scroll of parchment. All eyes turned toward him as he unrolled his scroll and read it aloud in a voice amplified with magic so the entire camp could hear him.
“Understanding that the use of magic is a blessing and magic used simply for selfish gain is a misuse of power, the magicians of Irowasa swear to uphold the promises here made: Magic shall be used for the purposes of enhancing the world and assisting those less powerful. Magic shall not be used to intentionally harm or kill another person, especially someone without magic.
“Magicians shall find a gathering place in every country where they shall hold council to discuss all important matters of magic. They shall choose for themselves council leaders based on the strength of their power and their wisdom in leading others. They must defer to the decisions of their council leaders in matters of magic. In all other matters they must abide by the laws of the countries in which they reside. Magicians shall be responsible for training future generations of magic users in the proper uses of magic.
“The councils shall teach control of the elements but shall not promote the use of demon control magic. Magicians practicing darker forms of magic shall be left to their own devises and not condemned for their powers unless these powers cause them to break the terms of this treaty or violate the laws of the countries in which they live as citizens. All other magicians will be considered members of the council representing the country in which they reside. By these regulations and those of our future councils we promise to practice a healthy form of magic.”
Once he finished reading, the wizard placed the scroll on the table, picked up the quill and signed his name as one of the charter’s writers. Next he held the pen out to Elmonrona. She took it, gave him a small nod and added her name. Sixteen magicians chosen as representatives extracted themselves from the crowd.
Before they reached the table, Drazil stepped forward to block their path and cried, “Are you all deaf? This charter is very friendly to wizards but to those of us who use demon control magic such as witches, warlocks and sorcerers, not so much. Also, why should we have to answer to the laws of the rulers of Irowasa? Isn’t it enough that we be ruled by our own council leaders? At least they would be magicians like us. You never know when there may be a king with a prejudice against magicians. Such a king might make laws limiting the uses of magic and according to this charter you would be forced to obey such laws.”
“This is the best opportunity magicians have ever had,” said one of the representatives. “I believe this is the future of magic and so I will sign the charter.”
The others agreed.
Drazil replied in a low threatening voice, “Sign away, it will do you no good. I promise you this treaty will never reach the other kingdoms. In fact it will never make it over the mountains. It will remain in the wilds of Algamar where it will soon be forgotten. Meanwhile the loyal members of the real magicians’ army will regain their control of the kingdoms of Rovinien, Caramyth and Windola.”
Elmonrona stepped forward to lean her hands against the edge of the table catching Drazil’s attention with the action.
“No matter how many times you attack them,” she said matching his low threatening tone, “I swear I will always be there to stop you.”
Drazil shook his head with a half smile. He then turned to the crowd of magicians and yelled, “If you are displeased with the terms of this charter come away from here with me.”
A handful of other magicians joined him.
“The treaty will be delivered to the other kingdoms,” said Elmonrona once Drazil’s followers were out of earshot. “I will go after Drazil and the last of his followers with a spell of banishment from the fairy queen. They stand no chance against it. Drazil has lost.”
The Silver Sword Saga is continued in Coronation of the Second Fairy Queen.
For the Silver Sword's background please refer to Forging and the 1st Unworthy.
For the story of the 1st hero refer to Swan Warrior parts 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.
For the second hero's story refer to Fairy Vault.
For the tale of how Elmonrona obtained the sword refer to Riddle of the Stones.
The Great Magic War
Let the praise of God be on their lips and a two-edged sword in their hand, to deal out vengeance to the nations and punishment on all the peoples.
Psalm 149: 6-7
Defense of Windola
Elmonrona marched in time with fairy and human soldiers as they crossed the northern plains of Windola to fight against Drazil’s army of monsters and magicians which even now advanced to meet them. The warm spring sun heated her back through her spell resistant armor. On her hips she wore a thick brown Algamise battle sash. In the traditional style of Algamar, the sash was knotted over her right hip opposite the sheath of the Silver Sword hanging at her left hip.
A winter of searching had led her to discovering thousands of magicians and legions of monsters joining Drazil in causing chaos in the villages of the kingdom, Windola. Elmonrona had formed an alliance with other warriors dedicated to keeping the magicians and monsters in check and with them had rallied the armies of Windola and Fairy Wood to face the Dark army.
A wave of dark spots broke out of the ranks of the Dark army and lifted into the air. Elmonrona squinted passed the edge of her helmet until she made out the individual shapes of harpies, witches on broomsticks, dragons ridden by wizards, and some strange kind of monsters which looked like giant bats. Once they leveled off over their army, this air unit wheeled and made straight for the advancing army of Windola.
“Incoming!” Elmonrona shouted.
The archers sent up a volley of arrows and crossbow bolts. Several monsters dropped from the sky while those remaining dodged the missiles and continued their forward flight. Beating their mighty wings, griffins, dragons and winged horses with elven riders rose from the center of the Windolise army. They were joined over the plains by the airwalker squadron with whom they flew to meet the oncoming threat. The opposing air forces crashed in the sky between the two armies with an explosion of popping spells, ringing weapons, animal screeches and the sickening noise of claws tearing through flesh. Bloody feathers and scales rained onto the grassy fields like confetti. Enemy dragons sent streams of fire at each other turning the air several degrees warmer. Then the first ranks of foot soldiers broke through the goblins and trolls forming the front lines of the Dark army. This forced Elmonrona to focus her full attention on the action taking place around her on the ground.
A bow legged troll with thick wiry black hair covering his body leapt the first couple rows of soldiers. He hurtled toward Elmonrona with an evil gleam in his beady eyes, extending thick claws to rip at her face. Elmonrona lifted the point of the Silver Sword and, unable to turn aside in time to save himself, the monster impaled himself on the blade. As more trolls swarmed over the army she pulled her sword free. Another troll jumped toward her and she dispatched it in the same way as the first. A band of slimy skinned goblins fought their way through the soldiers to join their troll allies. As Elmonrona faced them, the goblins snarled at her with yellowed fags and brandished weapons made of sharp unfinished chips of metal. Accepting the challenge, she swung the Silver Sword over her head then stabbed it into the armored chest of the closest goblin. Another green monster moved forward and raised his piece of scrap metal to block her sword. As soon as the Silver Sword touched it, the jagged metal snapped. The goblin turned and retreated as fast as his legs would carry him.
Two dragons dipped out of the sky and opened their giant jaws to send out jets of flame which set a section of the Windolise and fairy army on fire. Screams of agony and the smell of burning hair soon filled the plains. The archers shot a volley at the dragons who turned and flew a crooked path back to their masters, landing behind magician lines. As frost fairies worked to extinguish the fires, the Windolise and fairy archers shot until the witches and other air monsters were also forced to retreat. Feeling this shift in the tides, Elmonrona pushed back against the magicians and monsters, forcing them to yield the ground they had recently gained. At the sight of the Dark army falling back, the members of the army of Windola and Fairy Wood rallied to fight with all a last resort of strength they hadn’t known they still possessed. Monsters were hacked down by their blades and the spells the magicians shot in their direction were useless to stop them. The beasts and magic users who survived the new advance of their enemies scattered into a mass of confused chaos. Elmonrona saw the sun glint off the spike capping Drazil’s quarterstaff as he signaled a full retreat.
“Do not back down now!” she shouted to her fellow troops. “This is the chance we have been waiting for. Let us drive the Dark army out of Windola.”
While the healers moved to tend to the wounded, Elmonrona raised the Silver Sword and led the chase of the retreating magicians’ army.
Ambush
Elmonrona rolled off a shelf of rock, landed in a crouch and drew the Silver Sword. She readied herself to fight her way through the sorcerer, Drazil’s mercenary soldiers who surrounded the commanders of the army of Light.
Following their defeat in Windola, the Dark Magicians had attacked the plains of the kingdom, Rovinien. Elmonrona and the army of Light had marched through the kingdom freeing villages from the Dark Magicians’ control. Just as the victory of the army of Light seemed assured, Drazil lured the leaders of the army of Light into this ambush in a quarry near the Holman Forest.
Four soldiers stepped toward Elmonrona but Drazil waved them back. He lifted his quarterstaff, holding it in a ready position in front of himself and waited. Elmonrona charged. Drazil brought up the edge of his staff and caught the Silver Sword on one of the spikes. Knocking the blade aside he jabbed at her but Elmonrona sliced downward, successfully blocking him. They circled the edge of the quarry trading blows for several minutes. Elmonrona knocked aside one end of Drazil’s stick and slid the Silver Sword under his guard, nicking his right arm with the tip of her blade. Drazil brought up the other side of the staff and succeeded in slamming her against the cliff before she could block the blow. She gasped and flinched at the pain which shot up her spine from the force of the blow. Drazil pulled back his staff and she fell at his feet. He kicked the Silver Sword out of her hand and nodded to two of the soldiers who pulled her to her feet, tied her hands in front of her and shoved her to the center of the quarry. There they pushed her to her knees beside the other Warriors of Light who already knelt there.
“I’m afraid this is where our fight comes to an end,” said Drazil. “Swear an oath never to oppose the use of magical powers by humans I will let you live.”
Elmonrona felt cold with sweat and could now hear the fast drumbeat of her own heart. She balled her clammy palms into fists to keep her hands from shaking and forced herself to appear calm.
She raised her eyes to meet Drazil and said in a steady voice, “I’ve already made vows to others in power. Such a promise would force me to break my other oaths and that is something I cannot do. I will remain your enemy to my last breath.”
Drazil sighed and turned to the soldiers saying, “You have your orders.”
Then he turned and made his way up a thin trail leading out of the great stone pit. The soldiers produced several chains which they locked around the warriors’ legs. Once this task was finished, the soldiers hurried up the path out of the quarry.
A minute after the soldiers reached the top, Drazil appeared directly above Elmonrona and her companions where he raised his staff and brought it down with a mighty spell which split the rocks. They slid downward with and earsplitting booming, cracking noise. Elmonrona watched with horror as the rockslide tumbled toward her, sealing victory for Drazil and the Dark Magicians.
The Treaty of Algamar
Cool, fresh mountain air bathed Elmonrona’s face as she made her way passed a large collection of canvas tents now dotting the Algamise plains. The half-wild country, Algamar had become a safe haven for all who still resisted the Dark Magicians’ rule. After surviving the rock slide by cramming inside a crack in the quarry wall, Elmonrona had reached Algamar through the help of a fairy warrior secretly helping the cause of Light from a position near Drazil’s new headquarters. This warrior also succeeded in rescuing the Silver Sword from the magicians’ treasuries and restoring it to Elmonrona.
Drazil himself had marched on Algamar shortly after Elmonrona’s arrival in hope of crushing the resistance. Elmonrona had been kept busy for weeks hunting down a new monster Drazil created called the werewolf when for it was discovered that these beasts were allergic to silver.
The tide had turned when a number of magicians met with the leaders of the army of Light to negotiate the terms of a treaty to end the war. Today the leaders would read the treaty they had recently finished writing.
Elmonrona could feel the heightened excitement of soldiers crowded around small fires as she passed them. She stopped near the center of the camp which was dominated by a huge pavilion one side of which was rolled up. A thick wooden table holding a quill pen and bottle of ink sat in the open space. A wizard stood in front of the table holding a long scroll of parchment. All eyes turned toward him as he unrolled his scroll and read it aloud in a voice amplified with magic so the entire camp could hear him.
“Understanding that the use of magic is a blessing and magic used simply for selfish gain is a misuse of power, the magicians of Irowasa swear to uphold the promises here made: Magic shall be used for the purposes of enhancing the world and assisting those less powerful. Magic shall not be used to intentionally harm or kill another person, especially someone without magic.
“Magicians shall find a gathering place in every country where they shall hold council to discuss all important matters of magic. They shall choose for themselves council leaders based on the strength of their power and their wisdom in leading others. They must defer to the decisions of their council leaders in matters of magic. In all other matters they must abide by the laws of the countries in which they reside. Magicians shall be responsible for training future generations of magic users in the proper uses of magic.
“The councils shall teach control of the elements but shall not promote the use of demon control magic. Magicians practicing darker forms of magic shall be left to their own devises and not condemned for their powers unless these powers cause them to break the terms of this treaty or violate the laws of the countries in which they live as citizens. All other magicians will be considered members of the council representing the country in which they reside. By these regulations and those of our future councils we promise to practice a healthy form of magic.”
Once he finished reading, the wizard placed the scroll on the table, picked up the quill and signed his name as one of the charter’s writers. Next he held the pen out to Elmonrona. She took it, gave him a small nod and added her name. Sixteen magicians chosen as representatives extracted themselves from the crowd.
Before they reached the table, Drazil stepped forward to block their path and cried, “Are you all deaf? This charter is very friendly to wizards but to those of us who use demon control magic such as witches, warlocks and sorcerers, not so much. Also, why should we have to answer to the laws of the rulers of Irowasa? Isn’t it enough that we be ruled by our own council leaders? At least they would be magicians like us. You never know when there may be a king with a prejudice against magicians. Such a king might make laws limiting the uses of magic and according to this charter you would be forced to obey such laws.”
“This is the best opportunity magicians have ever had,” said one of the representatives. “I believe this is the future of magic and so I will sign the charter.”
The others agreed.
Drazil replied in a low threatening voice, “Sign away, it will do you no good. I promise you this treaty will never reach the other kingdoms. In fact it will never make it over the mountains. It will remain in the wilds of Algamar where it will soon be forgotten. Meanwhile the loyal members of the real magicians’ army will regain their control of the kingdoms of Rovinien, Caramyth and Windola.”
Elmonrona stepped forward to lean her hands against the edge of the table catching Drazil’s attention with the action.
“No matter how many times you attack them,” she said matching his low threatening tone, “I swear I will always be there to stop you.”
Drazil shook his head with a half smile. He then turned to the crowd of magicians and yelled, “If you are displeased with the terms of this charter come away from here with me.”
A handful of other magicians joined him.
“The treaty will be delivered to the other kingdoms,” said Elmonrona once Drazil’s followers were out of earshot. “I will go after Drazil and the last of his followers with a spell of banishment from the fairy queen. They stand no chance against it. Drazil has lost.”
The Silver Sword Saga is continued in Coronation of the Second Fairy Queen.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Quests 2 Preview!
I'm pleased to announce the release of an online preview for Penumbra book 2 in my Quests series. You can view the preview by clicking on the book's name above. The preview contains the book's prologue and opening episode. Please note that the episode numbers are continued from book 1, therefore Episode 20 is the opening of book 2. Please feel free to leave me some feedback and enjoy the preview!
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