Then Will Come A Warrior

By Lynette S. Jones

Then Will Come A Warrior is the third book in the Saga of Preterlandis series. Book three is the story of Brenth, a seer and a warrior who has been chosen to fulfill a prophecy. He must find a way to save the people of Solea and Preterlandis before it is too late. Book three is the conclusion to the Saga of Preterlandis Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lynette S. Jones
• Release date: Jan 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310414848

Lynette S. Jones

I was born in Tucson Arizona, but never really lived there. We moved to Washington State and stayed there until I was five. We then moved to Simi Valley, California where I stayed until I was 19. I was encouraged to pursue writing by a few of my English teachers in high school. I took their advice and began to write. I took creative writing and literature classes throughout my college years and after. I have been writing for many years for pleasure and have just recently released my novels as e-books. The Saga of Preterlandis series is now available in paperback. See my website for details. I hope that my readers enjoy reading my offerings as much as I enjoyed writing them. I live with my husband, and family in Eastern Washington, where the Yakima and Columbia Rivers merge. When I'm not writing I make my living by writing computer applications, designing small customized databases or working as a designer on industrial construction projects. I am looking for people to review my books and submit the reviews to Smashwords.com or to Amazon.com. If you are interested contact me at [e-mail]

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Brenth adjusted his tunic, wishing that he’d had some of his court clothes with him to wear. It was difficult enough having to face Jovan without looking like he was a homeless wanderer trying to pretend he was king. But then, Jovan should know what he was and in reality, he was pretty close to being a homeless wanderer pretending to be king.

All rise for Jovan, Creator of Preterlandis; Ruler of all. A loud voice near the back of the room broke the silence.

Brenth had already been standing. Some winged creature, that he’d never seen the like of before, had come and escorted him to the bottom of the platform that held Jovan’s throne. He was standing there alone. He would have preferred to have Joshuas standing there with him, but the crafter was standing with his people near the back of the room.

He could hear the crowd gasp as Jovan walked through them, but he couldn’t see him. Obviously, the Creator made an impression when he chose to make an appearance.

The true ruler of all Preterlandis walked past him as he began to ascend the throne. Brenth had to make a conscious effort not to gasp as well. This man, for he did appear to be a crafter of Preterlandis, commanded attention and respect without trying. Brenth could feel the magic that surrounded him. It was purer than any magic he’d ever felt and stronger than a hundred crafters combined. He had to wonder why a man who possessed magic such as this needed the help of anyone, much less three lowly subjects of Solea.

Bowing his head, Brenth waited for Jovan to address him. As he waited, he could feel the Creator’s eyes on him, assessing him, judging him. He knew that he must come up wanting in this man’s eyes. Every mistake, every bad decision and choice he'd ever made, flooded into his mind. He had a wild urge to bolt from Jovan's gaze and from the room, but he stayed where he was, head bowed.

Brenth Leyson, Son of Leyhan of Dirth and Daina of Menas, leader of the resistance, Prince of Menas, I see that you have arrived in Jeru. I thought you were travelling to Jovan’s End. How did you end up here?

I have to confess that I’m not exactly sure how we arrived here, replied Brenth, raising his head and daring to take a peek at the man sitting on the throne. We were heading for Jovan’s End by traveling through Reaghan’s Forest. We met a guardian blocking our way and the next thing I remember is being in the city.

Not everyone would have been treated so royally by the Naga. You and your people should be honored he favored you.

I’ll thank him if I meet him again.

He is the gatekeeper. If you ever return to Jeru you will meet him again.

Jovan looked out over the crowd of people who filled the room. Where is your army, Prince Brenth? You bring but a handful of soldiers with you?

These people are the last of the practitioners of the light magic. They are all that are left who will fight against the Dark Lord, Rengailai, Gidron Frey and all those who obey them.

That is where you make your mistake Brenth Leyson. They are the only ones who joined your cause and left their homes for a safer place to live. There are many people left in Preterlandis who embrace the light magic who are not standing here today.

Brenth bowed his head in acquiescence. They had only been in Sylphia a short while and he hadn’t approached the people here, other than the Sea crafters. There could be many more that would join him. He knew that they had left other faithful Jovanulum in Solea. He had to confess that he didn't believe they would be there when they returned to their homes.

It’s time you went in search of them and asked them to join your cause.

When my people are settled in Jovan’s End, I’ll send out my emissaries to petition the help of the people in Sylphia.

The time to leave is now. You must go to the kings of Sylphia. Joshuas must go to Ranjuu. Tergei must go to the magical creatures of Sartoomb.

Who will lead these people on to Jovan’s End? Brenth dared to ask.

Jonas Donnegal, Catalaina Jorghan, Daina Daneson, Adrian Cheran, Reyan Seranson come forward. Jovan raised his voice and sent his order out over the people. A startled gasp rippled through the group and people turned to look as those named began to make their way through the crowd. They stopped near Brenth at the bottom of the steps leading to the throne.

I commission all of you to finish the journey that Brenth has started. You will lead these people to Jovan’s End. Once you’re there, convince the people who live in and around that town to join in your cause. There are good people there and they’ll rally around you.

Brenth wanted to argue that he’d been chosen to lead these people to their new home. He wanted to say that it was his destiny to stay with them, lead them, fight with them against the Dredracians and ultimately to become their king. But Jovan was the one who’d supposedly commissioned him. If he was now rescinding that calling, how could he offer a protest?

We’ll do our best to do as you have asked, replied Adrian, speaking for them all.

Joshuas Greyanson, Tergei Scillan, do you accept?

We'll go where you send us, replied Joshuas, accepting for them both.

Then all of you, you are my guests for the next few days. Rest, enjoy what my city has to offer you.

Jovan rose from his throne and threw his hands outward. The doors behind the people opened as if by magic. My people will help you find a place to stay and food to eat. You'll find that you want for nothing here.

Brenth waited until the room had cleared before he turned to Joshuas and Tergei. That was a turn of events I wasn’t expecting.

I have to confess, I didn’t expect you to be sent as the emissary, said Tergei. I did know that we were going to have to send someone and soon.

Everyone does seem to have a sense of urgency, lately, said Brenth. I suppose I need to go back to Madras and address King Danuu. I’m assuming that he will follow the lead of the Sea crafters and won’t join in our cause. If he won’t join, then I’m not sure how many of the other leaders I can get to join in our battle.

I wouldn’t rule out King Danuu simply because the Sea crafters won’t join us. He is his own man and he isn’t overly fond of crafters. If you can make your case, he will listen, said Tergei. I’ve dealt with him before.

If he doesn’t listen, then go south. Duke Prendgalo rules over the Ardan province. There is also Duke Briardant to the southwest, about forty miles from Madras, south from Jovan’s End about twenty miles, added Joshuas.

If neither of them will join, then go north toward the Crogmanland border. Duke Deidran rules there. None of these men are so committed to King Danuu that they would follow him without question. They’ll make their own decisions. But they are loyal to Sylphia, so tread softly.

There are also the Elders of Glorian you could entreat and the Dwarves of Stillmont, said Tergei. They have been content to stay within Stillmont for the last few hundred years. But they might be persuaded if the right man approached them.

If any of these men join in the fight, they’ll be able to lead you to others who might be willing to lend their weapons to protect their homes, added Joshuas.

It sounds as if I have a great deal of traveling to do and not much time to do it in. I’ll need a horse.

I’m sure Jeru has everything you'll require to fulfill the task that Jovan has set before you, said Tergei.

You should ask someone to travel with you, said Joshuas. There are dangers out there and you are after all, the future king of Preterlandis. It would be a bit foolish of us to let you travel alone. Preferably, you will take a crafter. Between the two of you then, you could face what dangers might come.

I would have volunteered or suggested you take Tergei, but unfortunately, we aren’t available. Then I would have suggested Reyan, but he has been called into service as well.

Perhaps Lendel, suggested Tergei. He is a gifted crafter, a good fighter and not a bad politician.

We’d have to get Catalaina’s permission, said Joshuas frowning. That isn’t as easy as it sounds.

I’ll ask, suggested Tergei. She might be more receptive to my request.

If that’s settled, then let’s go find some food and get ready for our adventures, said Joshuas, turning toward the door.

Brenth tried to shrug off the uneasy feeling that had settled on his shoulders. He’d traveled on his own often over the last few years. But for some reason this felt different. This felt as if he were being abandoned in a foreign land to accomplish a task that was impossible to complete. He felt as if he’d been judged and found wanting and so his people and his destiny had been taken from him.

He’d been telling himself that he was being foolish from the moment he’d heard Jovan speak the words. That they’d always known a time would come when they would have to start asking the people of Sylphia for help. So why was it, now that the time had arrived, it felt so wrong?

He followed Joshuas and Tergei from the palace, down the street to where they could see the people of Solea gathered. None of the others seem to be worried. None of them were expressing concerns over the orders they’d been given. It appeared only he was questioning what he’d been asked to do.

How could he question the one who’d given him this quest in the first place? Jovan was the one who’d made this plan, who’d sent the words of the prophecy to Greyan. If Jovan thought he needed to travel the four corners of Sylphia, who was he to disagree?

Shouldering his way through the crowd, he found his mother and Jonas deep in discussion with the others who’d been called to lead the people to Jovan’s End.

Ah, just the man we wanted to see, said Jonas, when he spotted Brenth. This is quite a turn of events, isn’t it?

I have to admit, it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.

You don’t need to worry, said Jonas. We’ll get the people to Jovan’s End safely. Once there, we’ll continue to prepare for war.

And recruit people from around Jovan’s End, added Adrian. We’ll be waiting for you to return.

Hopefully, I’ll have an army with me when I do return.

If that is what Jovan wants, then I know that you will be successful, added Catalaina.

He’s the one sending me, replied Brenth. Why wouldn’t he want me to gather an army?

That’s something you would need to ask him.

Brenth frowned. He’d come to respect Catalaina’s insight into matters at hand. She was quite a gifted seer, even though nobody really acknowledged the fact. She didn’t seem to want to say that she had the ability and everyone else respected her wishes.

I will do that before I leave, if he’ll see me.

I’m sure he’ll want to speak with you alone before you go, said Tergei.

But first, I need to find supplies, a horse, and a traveling companion.

I would go with you, had I not been commissioned to help lead the people, said Adrian guiltily.

I know. They need you more than I do. You led them before I was chosen by Leilas. I’m sure you’ll continue on in that tradition once I’m gone.

I will, replied Adrian. Now, before we get too involved in leaving this beautiful place, let’s get some of this food before it’s all gone.

Brenth fell into line with the others, his mind still on Catalaina’s words. Why wouldn’t Jovan want him to succeed? Was the ending to this prophecy and this journey not returning to Solea after having routed the enemy? Was it bigger than that? Not returning to Solea would answer so many of the questions he had concerning his visions. It would answer why he didn't see them fighting in the cities of his homeland. It would explain why, when he thought about Dirth, that the picture was so unclear in his mind?

But if the plan wasn’t to save Solea and the light magic, then what was the plan? What was the prophecy really about? Reaching the tables that were laden with food for the people, he filled his plate, took a bottle of beer and went to sit with the others. When he reached the table, he heard Tergei speaking with Catalaina about Lendel.

We are so short of crafters as it is, replied Catalaina, dismay on her face. Lendel is the leader of the crafters of Magnus Crog.

That’s the reason he’s best suited to travel with Brenth. You don’t want your brother to have to face the dangers ahead alone, do you?

You know that I want him to be safe and successful, replied Catalaina. Lendel is free to go with him, if he wishes. I won’t order him to go or stay.

I wouldn’t want him to go if he is opposed to the idea, said Tergei.

You could also ask Demetre, said Catalaina, thinking out loud. He is Lendel’s second and quite talented. He also has some ability as a healer, which might come in handy.

I was hoping to travel with just one other, said Brenth. We’ll travel faster with just two and we have all of Sylphia to cover. I have to admit, a crafter who can also heal might be the better choice.

Then you have my permission to ask Demetre, as well.

Brenth fell silent and began to eat his meal. The food was delicious and plentiful. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had such a meal. Looking around he could see that most of the people were feeling the same way. It had been too long since they’d felt safe and since their bellies had been full. He hoped that Adrian and Catalaina let them enjoy it for a few days before they began the last leg of their journey to Jovan’s End. He on the other hand, was planning on leaving in the morning. That was, if he could get his supplies ready in that short a time.

Finishing his meal quickly, he asked around until he found a group of crafters. Is there a Demetre here? he asked as he joined the group.

Although Catalaina hadn’t come right out and said it, he got the message that she didn’t want to lose Lendel. That was fine. He was beginning to think that Demetre would be the better choice. He wasn’t a well-known crafter. He wouldn’t expect to be treated with deference because he was the leader of the crafters. He could treat wounds if they ran into the enemy. All in all, Brenth thought that he would be more comfortable travelling with Demetre and the advantage was that he won points with Catalaina by leaving her the man in charge of the Magnus Crog crafters.

A thin crafter with blonde hair, a sharp face and a small, goatee covering his prominent chin stepped away from the crowd. I’m Demetre, my lord. How may I help you?

I’ve come to ask you to be my traveling companion. Lady Catalaina has given me permission to ask you. She has freed you of any obligation to her, if you choose to go with me.

I’m sure there are others who would be of more use to you, replied Demetre.

A crafter who has some affinity for healing would be of great use to me. Is there someone else who fulfills those requirements?

Demetre was silent for several minutes while he thought about the other crafters traveling with them. I don’t believe any of the other crafters have any affinity for healing. I would be honored to be your companion on this journey.

I’m planning on leaving first thing in the morning. I’ll see to the supplies. I’ll meet you in front of the crafters campsite at dawn.

I’ll be ready. Is there anything I can do to help?

If you have any information on the people we’re going to visit, you could gather that together for us to study on the way.

I could consult the mists, if you wish.

Let’s leave that for another time. I’m Menas. I have my own visions to consult.

Demetre nodded acquiescence. Then I’ll be ready in the morning.

I’ll tell Lady Catalaina that you’ve agreed to accompany me.

Turning away from the crafter, Brenth continued on toward one of the stores on the street. It didn’t take him long to tell the storekeeper what he needed. After being assured that the supplies would be ready within the hour, he continued on to the tent of Jameson Adams. He was the captain in charge of the money. Brenth needed money to buy the supplies and the horses and enough coin to start them on their journey.

Captain Adams, Brenth called as he came to a stop in front of the captain’s tent.

Brenth come in, come in, called the captain, appearing at the flap of the tent. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?

You must be aware that Jovan has given Joshuas, Tergei and me a quest to recruit people to our cause. I’m planning on leaving tomorrow. I need enough money to buy horses, supplies and get by for some time on the road.

I didn’t realize you’d be leaving us so soon, said Jameson, inviting Brenth inside and heading for a large wooden box near the back of the tent. This was quite an unexpected turn of events, separating the group, sending folks out on their own with little or no help. I have to admit, I didn’t like the sound of it. But who am I to question the creator of Preterlandis.

Exactly, said Brenth. So, if he wants us to go, we go and do our best to accomplish the task he set before us.

I’m afraid that the bank is getting a bit low on funds. How much do you think you’ll need?

I’m not sure. If you’d like to come and help me negotiate a price for the horses and the supplies, then I think I could get by with thirty gold pieces.

Jameson was quiet a moment too long. Whatever you can afford to give me will be fine. If that is nothing, then we can live with that as well. We do need the supplies. We can live without the horses.

An ambassador going to request help with a war shouldn’t enter the city on foot like a beggar.

Good. It would add months to our trip if we had to travel by foot.

It was good of you to offer though, my lord, said Jameson, with a small smile. I would be honored to accompany you and help with your negotiations.

I have to confess, said Brenth, I don’t often have to do the negotiations. I might pick up a trick or two watching you.

A good leader knows when to delegate responsibility, replied Jameson.

Falling silent, the two men walked back to the stables. My man, called Jameson when he spotted a worker near the back of the building. Who is the master here?

Barker is over the stables, replied the man, who appeared to be far older than he’d sounded once he stepped out from the shadows.

We would like to buy some horses from him, said Jameson, if you’d be kind enough to tell him we’re here.

There are no horses for sell here in Jeru, replied a man stepping into the barn through the doors that Brenth had left open. The animal will agree to go with you or not. You need to ask them if they’ll help you on your journey. The only rule is that you must return them and treat them well while you’re traveling.

I don’t have any idea what type of danger my trip will lead me through. I’d do my best to keep the animals safe and to treat them well. But I’m starting as a man with very little to help us as we travel.

My friends, said the man talking the horses. You heard the Prince. Jovan has sent him on this journey. It might be dangerous. Would any of you be willing to accompany him?

There was a great deal of snorting and pawing the ground from the horses, as if they could understand what was being said. The noise died down as three of the animals stepped forward.

Prince Brenth, may I introduce you to Mo Chara, Dileas, and Laoch. Barker pointed out the two beautiful white stallions first and then to the smaller female paint. They’ve agreed to go on this journey with you. Keep in mind that these are horses from Jeru. They are not like the horses in Solea. They can understand you and will be invaluable allies if you treat them with the respect they deserve.

Can they speak? asked Brenth.

If you were adept at mindspeaking you could hear them.

That isn’t a gift that I possess, replied Brenth. Although there have been many times that I wish I did.

Perhaps your traveling companion will be able to understand them.

Maybe he’ll be able to speak to them. I know very little about him. But he has certain talents that I need.

It is his honor to travel with you, said Barker. Not everyone is selected to travel with a Chosen One.

I’m afraid he’s in for disappointment if he thinks that we’ll be on an adventure. We’re out to recruit soldiers and talk with the politicians of the land.

Never a fun task at the best of times, laughed Barker. But you might find there’s more adventure than you are expecting.

Perhaps so. Sometimes I think my life is destined to be meetings and settling disputes.

That's not so bad a life, replied Barker. I think it’s better than mucking out the stables. He laughed again as he pulled the saddles and pack apparatus from the wall and began saddling the stallion closest to him.

You have a point. Brenth laughed too, as he helped get the horses ready to go. Barker added a large sack of oats onto the paint’s back after he finished adjusting the halter and then gathering the reins he handed them to Brenth.

You take good care of them. They’re good friends and I’d hate to lose them.

I can’t promise I’ll return them, but I’ll do my best to keep them safe.

I know, said Barker. These are troubled times for all who live outside of Jovan’s Land. Jovan tells us it will work out for the best, but it has been so long and it only seems to be getting worse, not better.

While we live, there is hope, said Brenth.

I trust Jovan. If he says it will be better, it will be better. The trick with him is, you’re never quite sure when.

It’s hard to watch and not be impatient, agreed Jameson, speaking up for the first time since they’d arrived.

Hard to know that people we love will die before the time comes, added Barker, his face growing solemn.

We’re doing what we can. I’m on a quest to find us some help and if Jovan says we’ll be victorious, how can we go wrong? said Brenth, getting a better grip on the horses and starting for the stable door.

May Jovan’s spirit be with you on your journey, my lord.

May he give you peace, replied Brenth.

Jameson followed Brenth from the stables and then joined him as they walked on toward the store. The supplies he’d ordered were ready and sitting by the door when they entered. Brenth paused to look them over while Jameson made his way through the barrels and boxes full of food, cloth, tools and weapons. The only thing Brenth had noticed was missing from the store collection was anything to do with magic. He wondered idly if they didn’t need magic in Jeru. It would take some adjusting to live in a world where there was no magic. Even though the people avoided the crafters and the magical creatures, they all knew they were there if and when they needed them.

He said Jovan took care of the supplies, so I guess all the money I was going to spend on horses and supplies can be yours for traveling, said Jameson, returning to the front of the store where Brenth was still conducting his inventory of goods.

I doubt we would need that much. Give me the thirty I requested earlier and the rest can be used for the common good.

Done, said Jameson, counting out the gold into a smaller purse and handing it to Brenth.

It won’t be the same without you in charge, but we’ll get by. You concentrate on your task. You don’t need to worry about us.

But I will, whether I need to or not, replied Brenth. I was the one who pushed us into taking this journey. The people are here because I convinced them they should come. It seems wrong to leave them now, when we haven’t reached our destination and before we’ve regained Solea and begun our journey home.

It does. But who are we to argue with the one who sent us in the first place.

Brenth wanted to blurt out that he was the man destined to be king. But he didn’t know that he would be found worthy by the Amulet of Ley. For all he knew, he would fail the test and then someone else would ascend the throne; someone who was worthy of being king. So, he kept his thoughts to himself and tucked the purse into his belt. Then, picking up a large sack, he toted it out and placed it on the pack horse. Jameson followed his example. They soon had the animal packed and were heading back in the direction of the palace.

Here is where I take my leave of you my lord, said Jameson, stopping at the steps of the palace. May the Creator be with you. Come home safe and soon.

I’ll do my best. I have horses to protect after all.

Yes you do and they'll be missed if they don’t return.

Brenth wondered if he would be missed as much as the horses. He knew how it worked. The longer he was away, the more the people would begin to rely and trust the people who had taken his place. They would soon have the loyalty of the people. The longer he was away, the harder it would be to win them back.

It had crossed his mind that while he was on this journey he could look for the Amulet of Ley. If he found it and could place it around his neck, he could use it as a rallying symbol. It would be much easier to win people over and to win them back if he had the mark of the king around his neck. It wouldn’t hurt anything to start searching while he was traversing Sylphia begging the rulers of this land to join him in what appeared to be a battle that was already lost.

Jameson brought his wandering thoughts back to the present by handing him the leads for the stallions. Then patting him lightly on the shoulder, he turned and headed back for his quarters. Brenth clicked at the horses to follow and continued in the direction of his tent. He still had a lot to do and little time to get it done.

CHAPTER 2

You can keep in touch with birds, said Tergei again, trying to make sure that Brenth heard him over the noise of the people around him saying goodbye. They have them at every large city. Send them to Jovan’s End.

I’ll do my best. I don’t have a great deal of money and birds cost a lot.

If it’s important and you can’t use the birds, perhaps Demetre could find a crafter to mindspeak for you.

Since that worked out so well last time, said Brenth quietly to himself. I’ll keep that option open, he said to Tergei. You and Joshuas shouldn’t wait too long to begin your travel.

Joshuas is leaving tomorrow and I’ll be gone by the end of the week.

Brenth wasn’t sure why Tergei was waiting so long, but it wasn’t his place to ask. He was sure Tergei had his reasons.

Then I guess this is it, he said loudly so everyone could hear. His mother and Jonas were there. Joshuas was next to them. Adrian and Catalaina stood side by side a few steps away. It seemed a small group to bid him goodbye. For some reason, he felt like he should be taking his leave of all the people. To him, this felt like the end of the resistance. He would never return to this same group of friends and allies again.

Demetre who had been saying his own goodbyes, mounted his horse and waited for Brenth to lead the way. May the Creator be with you.

And with you as well, said the group as Brenth led the paint behind him and started out the gates of Jeru. They were heading east toward Madras to speak with King Danuu. Then they would turn south and visit the cities of each duke that Tergei had mentioned. That left a long journey to the north to talk with Duke Deidran if he needed more people to join the army. He was fairly certain he would need to make that journey. If he were more certain of the welcome from Duke Deidran, he’d have turned to the north first. It made more sense, but Tergei had made it sound as if getting Duke Deidran’s support was not a guarantee and it might be better if he had some of the other leaders behind him before he asked the duke for help.

I’m looking forward to travelling away from the group for a while, said Demetre after they’d been on the road for a few minutes and the gates to Jeru could no longer be seen. I’ve been looking forward to seeing all of Sylphia for many years. Sometimes that requires traveling in a small group or alone. Until now, I haven’t been able to put my responsibilities aside to leave Magnus Crog."

We won’t have much time to explore Sylphia. We have a great deal of territory to cover and not a lot of time, responded Brenth. However, while we travel, I do have an object I need to find. I was hoping that we could do some searching while we traversed Sylphia.

You’re speaking of the Amulet of Ley, said Demetre.

Do all the crafters know my business? asked Brenth, peevishly. He’d thought that the amulet was his secret.

Joshuas thought that you might take this opportunity to do some searching. He filled me in on the details of your calling so that I could be of help to you. I don’t believe that many other crafters know that you need to find the amulet or that you have been chosen to be the first king of the new Preterlandis.

What do you think of those prophecies?

If you’re asking if I would support you as king then the answer is yes, I believe that you’ll make a fine king. You’ve led us here to a place where we can be safe. You’ve kept the peace among the people in very trying times. You’re an honorable man.

That’s good to know. I’ve had some problems with the crafter’s who’ve traveled with me in the past. I need to know that I can trust you.

I’m here to serve you. You don’t have to worry on my account.

Brenth didn’t push the issue any further. Demetre would prove his words true or false in the days to come. Brenth had been disappointed too often by people in the past to take Demetre’s words at face value.

Tell me about yourself, Brenth changed the subject. We have a long ride ahead of us. There’s no reason to spend it in silence.

There isn’t much to tell. I was born in Reyoro Dell. When my parents discovered that I had the craft, they sent me to the school in Dirth. I did quite well in my studies, although I wasn’t the top of my class. I spent my apprenticeship with the crafter in charge of transformations. He expected that I would stay in Dirth. I believe he was very disappointed when I told him I was transferring to the guild in Reyoro Dell.

If you were attached to Reyoro Dell, how did you end up in Magnus Crog?

After the dark cloud moved through Magnus Crog and Lord Adamo was killed, Lady Catalaina took control of the city. When she ascended the throne as the ruler, the magic that controlled Magnus Crog changed from dark to light. The crafters that resided in the city left and returned to the North or to Dirth to serve under the dark crafters stationed there. Lady Catalaina sent out a request for light crafters who would be willing to move to Magnus Crog and help rebuild the city. I thought it was an opportunity too good to pass up.

It probably was. There hasn’t been a new guild house established in over a hundred years.

We were given a great deal of responsibility and freedom, something I didn’t have in Reyoro Dell. I was made the head of transformations. But as I said, the position had a great deal of responsibility attached to it and I didn’t have time to go traveling, even if I did now have the freedom to go.

The crafters at Reyoro Dell didn’t let you travel?

No, they said if I’d wanted to be a wanderer, I shouldn’t have attached myself to the guild. They said that only wanderers were allowed to travel.

Couldn’t you change your affiliation?

I could have. They make it difficult. For the most part, they want to have the crafters safely locked away in guild houses.

What do you mean?

The masters of the schools want to have control over what the crafters are doing. They don’t want them getting too strong, like Gidron Frey and then going rogue. They have been rounding crafters up for hundreds of years to keep them from using their gifts.

Why hasn’t anyone been told that this is what is happening to the children in the schools?

People don’t like crafters in general. If they find out their son or daughter is a crafter, they ship them off to the schools as quickly as they can. They know that they won’t be able to control the child’s power. They know that the child will be shunned by the community. The school masters tell them that their children will be cared for well and that they will be taught to control their power. The people are relieved to be rid of the child and relieved that the child will be looked after and taught a trade.

So what you’re saying is all these parents don’t care what happens in the school?

I’m saying they leave the masters to teach, because they know best how to handle young children with power. If the price for that care is the child’s servitude to the guild for the rest of his life that’s a price they’re willing to pay.

Because they aren’t paying the price, the child is the one who suffers, said Brenth.

Most of the parents abandon the children to the schools. I didn’t know many of my peers who actually went home to stay during the breaks. Most of us stayed at the school permanently until we were assigned to a guild house. Now, we stay at our assigned guild house until they tell us to leave or until we die.

Brenth fell silent, frowning at Demetre’s words. He’d known that most of the children who’d been identified as crafters ended up in the crafter schools. What he hadn’t known was the fact that the leaders were indenturing their people. It must have been a well-known fact to most people or at least to most crafters if Demetre was willing to talk about it openly.

Now that the prophecy is at hand maybe the need for that control will no longer exist.

But I’m sure as long as there are schools the practice will remain. Crafters aren’t so different from humans in that regard. The leaders will want to remain in power. They won’t want new crafters challenging their positions of power.

If I become king, I’ll do my best to change that whole system. Crafters will be free to do and go where they will.

There are many of us who are hoping that will be the case. Most of the crafters who wander do so because they don’t want to be under the school masters’ control. The only problem with wandering is that there is no place to call home. If you settle somewhere then the guild masters come after you.

Brenth had to wonder if that was one of the reasons that Joshuas had chosen to be a wanderer. He didn’t seem the type to take orders from the masters and not speak his mind or do what he thought was right. He hadn’t thought about the people’s plight under the current rulers. He knew that under the good kings of old, slavery had been outlawed. But that didn’t mean the people with money and power hadn’t found a way around the law. His father had. There had been many people in Dirth who were there as indentured servants, working off debts they owed. In some cases they were working off the taxes that they couldn’t afford to pay. Honestly, he hadn’t thought much about it because it was just part of life in Solea. Now that he was thinking about it, he didn’t much like the idea that these people were basically slaves to the collectors and had little chance of ever being free. The collectors made sure of that.

Still, he’d have to move slowly toward setting them free or he would plunge the kingdom into poverty and chaos. But he would do something about it, he resolved, as he rode next to a man who’d spent his life as one of those servants.

Reaghan’s Forest was small as far as forests in Solea went. The Forest of Furlin was twice as large. But this forest exuded light magic and gave Brenth a sense of security he hadn’t felt in years. He’d be sorry to leave it. They’d reach the outer edges of the wood by day’s end. After that, they’d have a two day journey to reach Madras.

He’d been intentionally avoiding thoughts of Madras. He had no idea how he was going to elicit an audience with King Danuu. Despite Tergei’s assurances, he didn’t believe that they would be given a warm welcome. Hopefully, they wouldn’t end up in a Madras prison or worse, back in the crafter’s hands.

He’d been content to lead the people to Solea and to make plans of war. Now, Jovan had taken that away from him. Instead, he was somehow miraculously supposed to change the minds of kings. How did you convince someone they were in grave danger when they could look around and see only peaceful people in peaceful kingdoms?

Despite the growing sense of futility, Brenth rode on beside Demetre, who was studying his book of spells as they traveled. If this trip was Jovan’s way of testing him, he would have to do his best to succeed. After all, wasn’t he the one who’d always told Vanya and Leilas that they were worthy of the tasks they’d been given and that they would make the right choices and succeed in saving Preterlandis? If Leilas said he was the Chosen One, then he was worthy and he would make the right choices and succeed.

There’s someone on the road ahead of us, said Demetre softly, coming to a stop.

Can you tell if they’re friendly or not? asked Brenth, bringing his stallion to a stop as well. All three horses stood perfectly still and made no noise. It was almost as if they knew there was danger nearby. Brenth didn’t know if that were true, but he was grateful.

They follow the dark magic, replied Demetre. I don’t know if they felt my presence before I protected us. I also don’t know that they’re here to cause us trouble or if they’re just sharing the road. They’ve made no attempt to protect themselves so I think I was able to act in time.

Can you tell how many?

About twenty, replied Demetre after a moment of concentration.

A darkling patrol, muttered Brenth, his hand dropping to his sword unconsciously. Joshuas and Ariel had spoken of their experiences enough for Brenth to know that he didn’t want to have to cross swords with them. Ten to one odds were almost impossible with humans. They were impossible with darklings. We’d do best to avoid them if we can. I’d hate to get killed our first morning out.

We should try our best not to let Preterlandis’ future king get killed, agreed Demetre, a slight smile on his lips.

So into the woods and hide until they pass? asked Brenth.

They’re darklings. Hiding in the wood will not keep them from finding us if they’re coming this way.

Then through the woods it is. Brenth nudged Mo Chara into motion and entered the trees surrounding the road. Laoch followed dutifully behind and Demetre brought up the rear. Keeping to his southerly direction, Brenth let Mo Chara pick the way through the undergrowth, all the while searching diligently for any sign of the darklings. He knew that he probably wouldn’t see them approaching or know that they were surrounded until it was too late to escape, but he did his best to spot them.

Mo Chara stopped and Brenth dropped his hand to his sword. Demetre urged Dileas forward until he was standing next to Mo Chara. Now what? he mouthed in Brenth’s direction. Mo Chara took the decision out of Brenth’s hands by bolting forward, crushing the darkling that was in front of him under his feet and galloping through the trees with Dileas and Laoch close behind. All Brenth could do was hold on for dear life as the three horses careened through the trees at breakneck speed. He had no idea if the darklings were in pursuit.

After covering what had to be two miles, Mo Chara came to a halt, panting heavily with sweat foaming on his sides. Sliding out of the saddle, Brenth searched the surrounding area for danger and then set about pouring water into the pan for the horses and wiping them down as best he could. They’d have to find a stream to replace the water or they’d all go thirsty sooner than expected, but they could deal with that later. These horses had just saved their lives.

Thank you, he said to the stallion as he’d finished taking care of them. I’m in your debt.

Mo Chara shook his head and whinnied in reply as if he understood. Brenth wondered if he really could understand what humans said. He hadn’t quite believed the stable master when he’d told him that they could.

Are they following us? he asked Demetre, when he returned from scouting the nearby area.

I don’t think so. They might have been willing to kill us just because we crossed their path, but they must have been on a mission for their master and couldn’t deviate to finish us off when we ran.

That’s lucky for us. It’s not so lucky for the people at the end of their journey.

Unless the reason they’re here is because they’ve been sent with a message for someone.

That’s a more disturbing thought.

They’re headed in the direction of Duke Briardant’s land, added Demetre.

Brenth had already made that connection. A traitor to the light magic so close to Jeru and Jovan’s End was disconcerting. A traitor who was in the path of his people reaching Jovan’s End was even more unsettling. Maybe we should go back and warn Adrian.

Our goal is to reach Madras alive and speak with King Danuu, Demetre reminded him gently. Our people can handle twenty darklings.

But can they handle Duke Briardant’s army standing against them?

If you’ll forgive my saying so, that’s no longer your concern. The duke and duchess will deal with Duke Briardant if he has aligned himself with the Dark Lord.

We could alter our plans and seek his allegiance to our cause first. If he is averse to the idea, we would be in the vicinity to help.

You must trust that Adrian and Catalaina are able to lead the resistance forces for you, replied Demetre. We have a long journey ahead of us with many difficult discussions. You need to concentrate on that. If you can convince King Danuu to fight with you, it will be much easier to convince the others. He’s the logical choice to speak with first.

Brenth refrained from arguing further. He knew that Demetre was correct. Taking a deep breath, he looked in the direction of Duke Briardant’s duchy and then turned back to the horses. Wherever his destiny would take him, it was in a different direction than Jovan’s End.

If you are ready Mo Chara we need to be on our way, he said to the horse, picking up the bucket he’d used for water. Mo Chara nodded his head and whinnied. Brenth took that to be a yes. Tying the bucket to Laoch’s harness he posed the question to the other two horses. Are the two of you rested and ready to go?

Both horses nodded in response to his question. Brenth raised his eyebrows at the apparent comprehension of what he was saying and then shrugged. Returning to Mo Chara, he put his foot in the stirrup and swung his leg over the saddle. Adjusting his position for a long ride, he looked back to see if Demetre was ready and then nudged Mo Chara into motion.

Brenth opened his eyes, his hand already on his sword as he listened. He couldn’t be certain that he’d heard anything. It could have just been the remnants of his dream -his vision. He hadn’t been having visions lately. He’d almost concluded it was because they were so close to Jeru. Not that where he was had ever interfered with his visions before. Perhaps he’d been too involved with taking care of the people and his war plans to take the time to put himself in the right state to see visions. He’d been skipping his meditations of late, choosing instead to study his war boards and information on the movements of the dark forces that came every morning. Now that those distractions had been removed, he’d have to start practicing his meditations again.

Deciding that it must have been his vision that woke him, he tried to remember as much of it as he could. He was in the north of Sylphia, near the Straits of Solein. He could tell that he was close to the Amulet of Ley. But there was some reason that he wouldn’t or couldn’t find it there. Running his hand through his hair, he wished that he could speak with his mother so that she could add her vision to his to make it clearer. He still hadn’t learned to see the people as well as the place. He’d never be a powerful seer until he learned to put the people and the place together.

Moving the pack he was using as his pillow to a more comfortable position he closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep. Just as his eyes closed, he heard the noise again. Someone or something was out there watching them. Trying not to make his movements obvious, he let his hand creep toward his sword which was lying a foot away from him. He turned his head slightly to see if Demetre was awake. The crafter appeared to be deep in sleep and unaware of the danger. Cursing his stupidity for not having Demetre put a ring of protection around them, he looked around as best he could without moving his head to see what was out there. All he could see were trees and undergrowth. He glanced at Demetre again, getting ready to spring into action. He was fairly certain once he moved whatever was out there would make their move, too. Demetre shook his head slightly when he saw Brenth get ready to leap to his feet. Brenth arrested his motion and raised questioning eyebrows toward Demetre. Drawing a symbol on the ground between them, Demetre muttered some words under his breath and where he had been a large gray wolf stood poised to attack.

At the moment of his transformation, battle cries broke the silence and a group of mercenaries charged the campsite. Brenth was on his feet his sword drawn by the time the group reached them. The wolf had already felled one of the men and was charging a second. Engaging the brigand closest to him, Brenth tried to keep an eye on what was happening around him as he fought. They couldn’t afford to lose the horses while they were busy fighting for their lives. He had to believe that was what these men were after. With each blow thrown or blocked, he moved closer to where the horses were standing. They weren’t tethered and if it became necessary, he would tell the horses to run.

Another mercenary joined the first in fighting Brenth. Still, the odds weren’t bad, two to one. He’d been in much worse situations. He had to admit that these men were better soldiers than he’d anticipated. He hadn’t been able to get the upper hand on them, yet. Twisting out of the path of an arching blow, Brenth left an open path between Dileas and the mercenary. Unfortunately, he’d also left himself open to attack from the second mercenary and he turned his attention to fending off the second attack. Before he knew what was happening, Dileas had reared and struck the first man down with his front hooves. Mo Chara had mimicked his actions striking down the second mercenary from behind as he’d turned to attack Brenth.

It took Brenth a moment to understand what had happened before he turned and charged into the small group of mercenaries who were left and had Demetre surrounded and backed up against a rock. His muzzle was covered in blood and several of the men lay dead with gaping wounds at their neck. He’d killed the first man he met before the mercenary knew what was happening. He began fighting in earnest with the second who had turned and was prepared to meet his attack. Demetre took the opportunity to spring at the third attacker and he was soon lying with the others, his throat ripped open. Brenth’s opponent tried to press his advantage of being larger and stronger, but tripped over the arm of one of his fallen comrades and Brenth ensured he joined them with an arching blow down through his collarbone.

The wolf slowly transformed into a man in front of Brenth’s eyes as he leaned on his sword and tried to catch his breath. Are you all right? he asked Demetre when his transformation was complete.

I’m not hurt, said the crafter.

Brenth turned to the horses. Are any of you injured?

Mo Chara shook his head and snorted in reply. Once again, I must thank you for saving my life. The horse shook his head and snorted again.

Do you have any idea who these people are? Brenth asked Demetre. I wasn’t expecting quite so many unfriendly encounters on our way to Madras. Maybe after we left Madras without the King’s blessing, but not before.

It’s disturbing that the Dredracians have such a large and open presence in Sylphia already. If this continues to be the case, we’ll have to reassess our ability to fight them openly.

I’ll be honest with you, Demetre. I haven’t believed that we will be able to raise enough of an army to fight the Dark Lord for quite some time.

Yet you continue to try. Why is that?

Because I haven’t come up with a better plan, admitted Brenth, and I could be wrong.

I have to hope in this case that you are, replied Demetre.

Brenth looked around at the men lying on the ground. Sighing, he bent down and grabbed the nearest body and dragged it to an open area not too far from their campsite. Demetre watched until he’d laid the first body down and then he went in search of wood.

CHAPTER 3

The colored flags advertising the wares of the merchants below them were the first sight to greet them as they began to descend the cliffs of the cove that nestled the city of Madras. The ocean lapped up against the east side of the city. The main road of Sylphia led from the north and from the south. The cliffs protected the city from the west.

Brenth stopped at the bottom of the cliffs, uncertain which way he should go. The center of the city lay to the north. The palace of King Danuu lay to the south. We should probably find a place to stay before we approach the palace. We have no idea what type of reception we’ll receive. It might be wise to have an escape route in place as well.

You could be right, replied Demetre. It’s a shame that the crafters have made us so reticent.

They didn’t respond the way we thought they would, replied Brenth, turning to the north and heading for the city center. Riding past the street where all the flags were flying, the noise of vendors hawking their wares rose above the noise of the people bargaining with the merchants for their daily meals and needed wares. Brenth passed another street practically identical to the first and then turned left onto a street where tall buildings made of pressed stone lined the narrow street on both sides. He was halfway down the narrow lane before he turned into the courtyard of a building that proclaimed it was a public house. He waited for Demetre to dismount and join him before he started for the stables attached to the inn. Are there crafters inside? he asked before he opened the large, gray, wooden door that opened into a small barn.

I don’t feel the presence of any crafters, light or dark.

We don’t want to be discovered before we’ve met with King Danuu.

I don’t think anyone will recognize you who isn’t a crafter, replied Demetre. But I will keep an eye out for those of my kind.

May I be of service, my lords? asked the stable hand, wiping his hands on his leather apron as he approached.

We need a place for our horses for the evening and care, said Brenth.

Very good, my lord. Are you staying at the inn?

We hope to find lodging there.

There’s still room, said the man. What time will you require the horses to be ready in the morning?

We’ll be here right after breakfast.

They’ll be ready and well-cared for here.

Do you know if King Danuu is in court? Brenth knew he asked too abruptly, but let the question stand.

What would someone like me know about matters of the court?

You’d know if there were others who’d brought their horses here to be tended.

So I would. There has been a steady trade of tending horses this last month.

That’s a good sign, muttered Brenth, as he reached to gather his belongings from around the saddle horn of Mo Chara’s saddle.

The king doesn’t always look kindly on strangers arriving unannounced at court. These are troubled times and strangers can’t always be trusted.

These are indeed troubled times, chimed in Demetre as he recovered his belongings from Dileas. It’s wise not to trust everyone you meet. Why just the other day we ran into darklings in Reaghan’s Forest.

Brenth’s eyebrows lowered in concern at Demetre’s statement. Only Demetre’s slight shake of his head kept him from intervening in the conversation. Obviously, Demetre thought he knew what he was doing by disclosing that information.

You saw darklings in Reaghan’s Forest? asked the stable hand disbelievingly. They wouldn’t dare come this far south.

There were almost twenty of them and they appeared to be moving in the direction of Duke Briardant’s duchy.

The duke would never betray the king, said the stable hand, less sure with his last statement.

We took care of a few of them, added Demetre with a wicked grin. The only good darkling is a dead one, eh?

You can say that, agreed the hand. They don’t come to Sylphia often, or at least they haven’t in the past. But when they do, they wreak havoc and kill good people before the king and his men can hunt them down and kill them.

Then he’s actively opposed to the Dredracians who’re intent on moving into the light magic lands? asked Demetre, taking his time to adjust his sack so he could continue the conversation.

He doesn’t want to see Sylphia go the way of Solea, that’s for sure. I can’t say that of the Sea crafters who’ve come through though. They seem content to sit back and let the darkness come.

Not all crafters feel that way, replied Demetre.

Those who don’t are too few to stop those that do, replied the stable hand.

You seem quite knowledgeable for a man in your position, commented Brenth.

Because men like me aren’t in a position to do anything about what happens in Sylphia doesn’t mean we don’t care, replied the man, standing a little taller at Brenth’s unintended slight.

When the time comes to fight, the Chosen One will need men like you.

The time for fighting is past, said the man, taking the leads and beginning to turn away. It’s long past. The Chosen One needs to start focusing on what he’s going to do to save the few of us who’re left. The horses will be ready first thing.

With his parting comment, the stable hand walked back into the darkness of the barn. Brenth watched him leave, before he turned and started for the public house. He wasn’t very hopeful that I could do anything to save Solea, he said, trying to shake off the depression that was settling in his chest.

But he spoke honestly, replied Demetre. "Many won’t, even though they feel the same. It’s hard to look