Destiny

By John W Partington

Redcale spent thirty years searching for the prophesized Chickens of Destiny, the only thing which could turn the tide of the final battle, but the prophecy was wrong. He was meant to find the Children of Destiny and train them to be warriors since the time they were babes. Now, they are grown men and women with mixed interest in a battle. Redcale would not abandon his quest so easily, and rallied them to join the fight, with mixed results. This story contains graphic violence, adult situations, profanity, and sexual situations or innuendo. There are also elements of comedy and humour. This is a story about unlikely heroes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John W Partington
• Release date: Jun 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781777237554

John W Partington

I have been writing for most of my life: as a child, as a soldier, and now as an independent author. My favourite colour is purple. I have two cats, who choose to annoy me most when I am trying to write. I'm a middle aged white dude suffering from psychosis, but with medication am perfectly stable (except for singing to my cats).

Book preview

Destiny

John W Partington

Published by John W Partington

Destiny

© 2017 John W Partington

© 2020 John W Partington 2nd edition

© 2023 John W Partington – Revised and Corrected

ISBN: 978-1-77723-755-4

Cover art: Copyright: 'http: //www.123rf.com/profile_massonforstock'

If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use, then please return to your favourite book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

About the Author

Also by John W Partington

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my editing team: Amanda Ljucovic, Shneeha Sentl, and Janice D McDonald. They are not professional editors, but they are dedicated and caught some rather glaring errors on my part. Enjoy the story even if the grammar makes your skin crawl, but you should find the story readable thanks to Janice, Shneeha and Amanda’s efforts. The final polish was administered by Gerry Kroll. He’s not an editor, but is picky and owns a lot of dictionaries.

Chapter One

Pa! That crazy monk is here again!

What do you want Redcale? The monk looked up while James Miller stood impatiently.

I would like to inspect your poultry, Redcale humbly answered.

Again! James sighed, What do you expect to find today that you haven’t found before? You’ve been coming here since I was a child!

The time of the final battle is close at hand; the compass of Erideth has led me here, again. If I don’t find the five chickens of destiny, all is lost! James Miller looked at the monk, and frowned. Redcale had been coming to his farm for almost thirty years; he always spouted the same tale of a final battle between the forces of good and evil. The only thing, Redcale claimed, that would turn the tide of battle were the five chickens of destiny. Redcale had grown old and shabby during his quest. He had a tired look about him. Thirty years of constant questing had taken its toll.

Fine, James sighed, Take a look at the chickens. Look at the geese and ducks while you’re at it. Maybe you’re looking for the wrong animal, Redcale. I’ve got a farm to run. I don’t have time for a crazy old man who has a poultry fetish. James gave his son a gentle shove toward the farm house, and then he walked toward the barn.

Redcale paused for a moment, and then started toward the chicken coop. From a pocket in his robes he withdrew a small silver compass. The needle, instead of pointing north, was spinning wildly in circles. The spinning meant that Redcale was close, very close. The compass would point to the first of the mystic chickens, and then the second when the first was found, and so on. The compass was supposed to be more exact, but in thirty years it had never worked the way Redcale thought it should.

The coop smelt of mold and chicken poop. When he started looking for the five chickens Redcale found the smell revolting. After thirty years of searching the smell was a welcome friend. He went to the first hen, an older bird, reached underneath her plump body, and then yanked her leg out. He touched the leg to the compass; nothing happened. When one of the chickens of destiny touched the compass it would glow, and then point to the next chicken.

The hen settled back into her nest. It was not the first time the hen had been tested, and she had grown used to the treatment. The rest of the chickens were not so complacent. They pecked, and scratched, but in the end Redcale won. It was a hollow victory because none of the chickens were the one he was looking for. Redcale checked the chicks that were rooting around their mothers. None of the chicks were the promised chicken either.

Any luck? James Miller asked from the coop door.

No, Redcale sighed, None of these are what I’m looking for. I couldn’t catch the rooster, but I suppose he’s the same one that I tested last year?

It is. You know, chickens don’t live that long.

What do you mean?

You’ve been looking for these magic chickens for as long as I can remember. A chicken only lives seven or eight years at the longest. Most live less. Maybe your super chickens are already dead and eaten.

But the compass leads me here.

Maybe it’s broken.

I had thought that, Redcale admitted, I have searched every chicken coop in the Five Kingdoms just in case the compass is wrong. Thirty years I’ve been looking. The time of battle is almost upon us, and I am no closer to the answer. You’re not the only farmer that grows sick at the sight of me; you’re just the first on the list.

Maybe your prophecy is wrong. Maybe the final battle takes place thirty years from now. Are you going to spend the rest of your life rooting around in chicken coops?

It is a small price to pay, but for now I need a rest.

You can spend the night. I’ll have the wife cook up one of these ordinary chickens.

I appreciate that James. I’ll leave for the abbey tomorrow morning.

The Erideth Abbey was an ancient fortress that was overgrown with creeping ivy. The keep was set on top of a small mountain. There was only one narrow trail up to the lonely peak, and that trail switched back several times before finally reaching the walls. There were no guards at the gates. There were no guards anywhere.

Redcale banged the iron hoop set into the door. A dull clang rang through the walls. After a few moments a spy door opened, and a wizened face peered out.

Redcale? the old man asked.

Yes Brother Talent, it’s me. Please open the door. I’ve had a long journey, and need to speak to the Abbot as quickly as possible.

Just a moment. There was the sound of chains moving through bindings, and then the scraping of wood on wood. A small service door creaked open in the main gate. Redcale stepped through. Brother Talent immediately pushed the door shut. Two young monks replaced the crossbeam in its brackets, and secured it with chains.

I sent my third assistant to the Abbot, to request a meeting, Talent said.

Thank you Brother. I will head that way right now.

Perhaps, Brother Redcale, a bath and change of robes might be in order. You still have road dust on you. You must be parched. There is time to wait…

There is no time! I will go to him now, by way of the library, but I must see him.

The library was in the main core of the keep. It was a cavernous place that spanned many rooms. Each room had hundreds of bookcases from floor to ceiling. The shelves were full of books, scrolls, portfolios, and sheaves of paper. Chandeliers, each supporting dozens of candles, hung from the ceiling.

When Redcale entered the library, he went straight to the back to a small room. Against one wall was a vault door. Redcale opened the door, which squealed in rusted horror, and went inside. The small room was coated in dust. There were footprints in the dust, but they were Redcale’s and the prints were nearly ten years old.

Stooping in front of a chest Redcale paused for a moment while waiting for some heartburn to subside. He opened the chest, and rummaged around inside until he found a brass scroll tube. Taking the tube, Redcale closed the chest; left the vault, closed the vault door, and left the library.

The trip to the Abbot’s office took longer than Redcale wanted. The office was located at the top of the highest tower of the keep. There were a lot of stairs. The Abbot was older than Redcale; the Abbot still found the stairs invigorating. The main reason the Abbot resided in the tower was because of the view. Redcale stopped at the top of the stairs to catch his breath.

Come in, the Abbot called from behind the office door.

Father, Redcale walked in, still winded, I seek your assistance with a problem.

Yes, Brother Talent sent one of his aides. I presume this is about your quest?

Yes Father.

And you have yet to find the five?

That is correct, Father.

What can I do to help?

I visited a farm, and the farmer put a thought in my head. What if the final battle is not soon? What if I misinterpreted the prophecy? Would you read the prophecy, and tell me if I am correct?

Certainly. We’ll need the scroll…

I took the liberty of retrieving it from the vault. The lock has been broken for some time. I think the last time I opened it…

Fine, fine, fine. I think we can trust our brethren. Redcale placed the scroll tube on the desk.

The Abbot was a strong-looking man with skin like leather. He deftly opened the tube, and tipped it on end. A papyrus scroll slid out, to land unceremoniously on the desk. The Abbot spread the scroll across the desk and picked up a magnifying glass.

Let us see…, the Abbot muttered, How old is this prophecy Brother Redcale?

A little over thirty years, Father.

Doesn’t seem to be very credible then, does it? How did it get into the prophecy vault in the first place?

It was attached to the compass of Erideth, Father. While the prophecy is fairly new, the content is quite old. The prophecy is based on earlier prophecies…

So this is the summary? Quite ingenious, those monks. It appears to be written in hydradic, an old language, but one commonly used in prophecies; gives them an air of mystery.

Yes, Father. It was difficult to translate.

Let’s see what is says… When the five planets of the first sphere align…, the Abbot read, Why, that’s about eight months from now.

Yes Father, now you see the urgency.

When the five planets of the first sphere align, the Abbot continued, there shall come to pass a battle between the forces of the just, and the forces of evil… I must say, that’s a bit melodramatic. Just puts it right out there, good versus evil…

There have been reports that Baron Dragamount is assembling an army. An army that includes fell creatures. I believe this to be the forces of evil.

Have you told anybody about this?

Yes Father. I’ve told the rulers of the Five Kingdoms, but they don’t seem too interested. They have pledged forces, if there is a battle, but I fear it will be too little too late. If you read on you will see.

… Forces of evil… In this battle the forces of evil will surely win, as they will outnumber the forces of justice. The only thing that can turn the tide of battle is, born late to this season, the five Children of Destiny. These five, when trained during their upbringing, can sway the battle to the forces of justice…

Father, did you say ‘Children’ of Destiny? The Abbot looked at the scroll for a moment, and then looked up.

Yes, children. You see this word here ‘CHabazAN?’ This scroll is written in lower hydradic, the common tongue. It makes it more readable for commoners, except for this word ‘CHabazAN,’ which is in upper hydradic. You can tell by the unusual capitalization. In lower hydradic chabazan means chicken. In upper hydradic CHabazAN means children. Do you see?

Yes I’m afraid I do. I’ve spent thirty years looking for the wrong thing.

Dear Lord! You mean to say you’ve spent all this time looking for chickens?

Yes Father. I’ve spent all this time looking for the five chickens of destiny, when it was the five Children of Destiny I should have been searching for.

This is quite embarrassing. Well, no harm done, I suppose. You can go out and find the five Children of Destiny now, but I wonder if it is too late.

Too late, Father?

Well they’ll be grown up by now, probably with families of their own. I don’t see how five extra warriors could change the tide of battle. If, as you believe, you only have eight months to get them ready when they were supposed to be trained from birth, what use could they possibly be?

I must try anyway, Father. These Children of Destiny may already be accomplished warriors in their own right. I will leave at once…

Leave tomorrow, the Abbot interrupted, One night will not make a difference, and you need the rest and company of our brethren. You have traveled more than any other; the Brothers would hear tales of your journeys before you set out again.

Then I leave tomorrow morning, Father.

Pa! He’s back!

Redcale, you haven’t even been gone a fortnight, and on a horse no less. There haven’t been any chicks that have hatched since you were here last. You can’t be looking for more chickens of destiny.

I’m not looking for chickens, Redcale answered as he dismounted, I’m looking for you. Redcale started circling around James, the needle of the compass continued to point directly at James. The monk stepped within a few feet of the farmer, and the compass started to vibrate in Redcale’s hand.

Touch this compass, please. James reached out, and placed a finger on the compass. The sound of a bell, ringing clearer than any bell he had ever heard, chimed loudly. At the same time the compass glowed, while the needle started spinning vehemently.

You’re one of the Children of Destiny.

I thought you were looking for chickens of destiny? James asked.

I made a mistake. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so mount up.

What do you mean?

I was supposed to be looking for five Children of Destiny, not five chickens. I was supposed to have found you thirty years ago, and brought you up to be a warrior of renowned skill. We don’t have much time until the final battle. You have to cram thirty years of battle knowledge and skills into seven and a half months…

I appreciate your enthusiasm Redcale, but I’ve got crops to bring in.

Crops?

Yeah, the stuff growing in the ground. I pull it up to feed my family over the winter, and sell the surplus at the market. It’s how my family survives.

James… If you don’t take part in this battle your family won’t survive. They will be slaughtered by Baron Dragamount’s army. He has a force of monstrous beasts and unholy creatures. Nothing will stop them, except the five Children of Destiny.

So there’s an army of dragons and monsters, and you want me to step in front of it? If what you say is true, why shouldn’t I just take my family and get the hell away from here?

There will be no safe place in the Five Kingdoms. There will be no safe place beyond the Five Kingdoms. Unless you fight, everybody will die! Redcale pulled James’ son in front of him. Your son will die, your wife will die. Everybody dies.

Your battle takes place in a little under eight months. That’s after winter and planting season. I’ll tell you what Redcale, go find your other warriors. Seven and a half months from now I’ll be ready.

James, you have to be trained as best we can…

I’ll be ready. I don’t believe in your battle, but if it is true then I have little choice, I’ll be ready. I haven’t always been a farmer, as you well know.

I suppose that’s true, but…

That’s my final offer. Take me on my own terms, or not at all. Redcale mounted his horse. The needle on the compass pointed north-east.

It seems I have little choice, Redcale replied, Seven months then. Take care until then James.

Why didn’t your compass work all these years? James’ son asked.

Intent my boy, intent. I was looking for chickens, not children. The compass was confused, and doing the best that it could. Seven months! Redcale rounded his horse and started down the lane to the main road.

Pa, what did you mean you weren’t always a farmer?

Well Mathew, I suppose you have to learn sometime. Come with me to the barn. James led the way to the back of the building where there was a door barred with a padlock. James took a key from around his neck and unlocked the lock. Opening the door revealed a stone staircase that led to a dark cellar.

I never knew what was behind this door, Mathew marvelled. James took a lantern from a peg on the wall. Lighting the lantern, he took his son’s hand and started down the stairs. Cobwebs covered the stairs. James broke them out of the way with the lantern.

I haven’t been down here in years, James said.

Pa, what is this place?

It’s kind of like a sanctuary for a life I used to live. The sanctuary turned out to be a dry, square room twenty feet on a side. Mathew’s eyes went wide when the light shone on the room’s contents.

Draped on a mannequin was a chain mail shirt. A steel helmet covered the head. Strapped to the arms and legs were braces and greaves. A steel kilt girdled the waist. On the wall behind the mannequin hung an assortment of weapons. There was a long-sword, and a short-sword. There were axes, a mace, shields and bucklers of various sizes, and a bandoleer of daggers. There was also a crossbow, which had no bow string, hanging beside the daggers.

On the wall opposite from the mannequin was a large table, and numerous bookshelves. The shelves held maps from more places than Mathew could imagine ever existed.

Your grandfather, my father, beat me regularly. James explained in a dry voice, When I was twelve I stuck a knife in him, and then ran away. I joined the army at thirteen as a banner man.

What’s a banner man?

Basically I carried a standard beside the commander, so everybody knew where he was in the battle.

Wouldn’t that make him an easy target?

It was also my job to jump in front of arrows. I advanced very quickly. I learned everything I could, and by the time I was sixteen I was a soldier. I spent seven years in the royal army before I quit at twenty-three.

Why did you quit?

A couple of reasons. Soldiering is dangerous work, and the sooner you get out, the longer your life. Also, my father died, so it was safe to come back to the farm. The main reason, however, was because I fell in love with your mother. We came back to the farm, settled down, nine months later you were born.

You were a warrior?

Yes, son. I don’t claim to have been the best, but I was pretty good. I have seven months to get back into the swing of things. I hope Redcale is wrong. I thought I had put that life behind me. I like being a farmer.

Is being a warrior exciting?

Exciting is one word for it. Terrifying is another.

Are you really going to go with that monk?

Yes. If what he says is true, this may be the only way to save you and your mother. Most likely nothing is going to happen. I doubt there will ever be a battle.

Chapter Two

Redcale travelled north for three days, and then headed east for two days once he reached a main crossroad. By mid-day, on the fifth day, he entered the walled city of Clinbeck. The city bustled with activity. Redcale quickly realized he would be able to move quicker without his horse, so he checked in at the first inn he came to. He paid the stable boy to take care of his horse, and then, compass in hand, he headed into city.

Redcale quickly found himself crossing a large square. The compass was vibrating slightly; Redcale was encouraged. Crossing the square he found himself in front of a large court building. The monk circled around the building to a smaller square out back.

The square was packed with spectators. In the centre was a double set of gallows from which hangman’s nooses were dangling. One of the nooses held an amazon of a woman. She was almost six and a half feet tall, and bulging with muscles. The man beside her was almost as tall, but not quite as well built. In his own right he would have been impressive, but next to the woman he seemed small. Both stood with their hands bound behind their backs. Redcale shouldered his way around the gallows, but as he moved the needle moved. It pointed directly at the gallows.

Perfect, Redcale muttered. He started pushing toward the stairs up to the platform. The local magistrate was standing between, and slightly ahead, of the two criminals. She was reading out their crimes from a ledger.

For burglary, horse theft, and assault causing brutal harm, you two have been sentenced to die. You are to be hung from the neck until dead. Have you anything to say before the sentence is carried out? The man spat on the magistrate. The woman sighed as if the whole ordeal were boring.

Executioner… A man wearing the traditional black hood stepped up to a lever.

Stop! Redcale shouted as he started up the stairs. Guards dropped halberds in front of him to bar the way. You must stop! He glared at the guards. You would push arms on a monk?

Let him pass, the magistrate ordered. Explain yourself, monk. Do you have evidence to clear these two? They were caught red-handed. Redcale moved to the woman. The compass was practically jumping out of his hand. He walked behind the woman.

Touch this please, Redcale asked the woman. She nudged the casing with her thumb. The compass flashed brightly, and the bell tolled twice. The needle spun wildly, and then came to rest pointing at the man in the next noose. The compass was still jumping about in the monk’s hand. Redcale touched the compass to the man’s hand. The compass flashed and the bell tolled three times. The needle spun and then pointed west. Redcale pulled a small knife from his belt, and then started sawing through the noose.

Excuse me! the magistrate waved her hand for the guards. The guards grabbed Redcale by the arms, and held them straight.

I need these two alive, Redcale explained. The battle is coming. They are the Children of Destiny.

They’re a pair of criminals. They’re to be hung…

Imagine… just for a moment… imagine that these two have a destiny before them. It is crucial that they be at the final battle. They are the only ones that can turn the tide of battle. You have to believe me when I say…

You’re raving. Pull the lever.

Wait! Just for a moment. Please listen to me. Is there someplace we could talk? This is the most critical moment in history, right now! If you make the wrong decision you doom the world. Isn’t it worth listening to me, just for a few minutes?

The magistrate furrowed her brow in frustration.

The doom of the world? she asked.

Isn’t it worth a few minutes? Just to be certain?

The magistrate’s office was packed to capacity. There was the magistrate and Redcale, the two prisoners, six guards to handle the two prisoners, the chief jailer, and the prisoner’s lawyer.

Are all these people necessary? Redcale asked.

The prisoners would have been executed by the crowd if we left them outside, the magistrate explained. As there has been a stay of execution they are once again entitled to representation. The presence of the guards is obvious, and the jailer is here in case we need the prisoners removed. Redcale coughed into his hand. Now convince me that I should let these two go.

It’s simple. There is a battle coming in seven months between the forces of Baron Dragamount and the armies of the Five Kingdoms. The Five Kingdoms will fall unless the five warriors of destiny are present. The compass of Erideth has led me to these two. They are two of the five warriors. We need them to turn the tide of battle.

And what do you base this belief on?

The prophecies of Erideth. They have been handed down through generations. This compass, Redcale held out the compass of Erideth, is a mystic relic from the prophet himself. It points to the soldiers of destiny. The fourth warrior is to the west.

Why should we believe any of this?

I believe it, the male prisoner said. You should let us go. How else can we fight?

Let me tell you something about these convicts, the magistrate continued. Fate Star has been convicted of theft, grand theft, burglary, assault, assault causing severe bodily harm, and she is suspected of murder. Her brother, Providence, was convicted of all the above plus kidnapping and demanding of ransom. These are not nice people. These are not the type of people that destiny calls upon. They are ruthless, and without conscience.

Maybe that is exactly the type of person this war will need.

Maybe your war can get along without them.

Not likely, Providence shouted, It’s destiny, can’t fight it.

They will be executed.

What if there was a stay of execution? Redcale asked Say, seven months. They fight in the final battle, and when we win they are exonerated. If they are as bad as you say, then they will commit more crimes. Couldn’t you convict them for those offences?

Two birds in the hand are worth three in the bush, Brother.

May we talk in private?

Anything you wish to discuss about my clients will be done in front of counsel, the lawyer said.

There is not much time before the battle, and I cannot allow you to kill these two. Please, Magistrate, let me appeal to your sense of compassion.

Brother Redcale, it’s not that I don’t believe you. I honestly have faith that you believe what you say, but consider my position. These are convicted criminals. They have been slated for execution. If you’d been five minutes later we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. I can’t simply let you take them away. There would be an outcry…

What if you were given assurances?

What sort of assurances?

Fealty. They could swear an oath of fealty to this cause.

I’ll swear an oath, Providence said.

Do you honestly believe an oath would mean anything from these two? the Magistrate asked.

I’ve never lied in my life; an oath would be binding. There is honour among thieves!

A written oath would be binding, the lawyer said.

It would mean nothing to these two, the Magistrate said.

What if it did, Redcale countered. We have to assume that an oath given freely is binding. We also have to assume that if they give the oath, they agree to the condition of fighting in the battle.

I’ll agree, Providence said.

You expect me to pardon…, the magistrate started.

Not pardon, Redcale corrected, stay the execution, and exonerate if successful."

What if they’re not successful?

Then they’ll probably die on the field of battle, and then everybody in the Five Kingdoms will die shortly thereafter. If the five warriors of destiny don’t fight on the field of battle, everybody dies. What choice do you have?

We can still execute them, and you will still have three warriors left.

The prophecy says we will need all five warriors…

Brother Redcale, you can’t expect me to let these two go based on some prophecy I’ve never heard.

I can tell you the prophecy…

Words on a page. I’m sorry. I believe that you believe what you say, but I’m not letting these two go just because you have a theory.

There is nothing I can say?

Nothing. I am sorry. This fiasco with ‘destiny’ has delayed us long enough and the crowd of witnesses have all gone home. The prisoners’ sentence will be carried out tomorrow morning.

Providence Star woke to a rustling sound coming from the barred window of his cell. It wasn’t the ordinary night sounds he expected. Something was afoot. He nudged his sister awake. Fate didn’t seem to share his enthusiasm, but rubbed the sleep from her eyes nonetheless.

Providence went to the window. In the dim moonlight he could make out Brother Redcale’s face. Redcale was fumbling with a large stoppered jar. He was trying to perch the jar on the window ledge while keeping his balance on an old wooden crate.

Good evening Brother, Providence smiled.

I take no joy in this, Redcale whispered back, but there are some things that must be done for the greater good. Redcale finally managed to position the jar, and then eased the stopper open. Both men recoiled from the waft of pungent acid.

Redcale dunked a glass straw into the bottle, and then placed his thumb over the open end. When he pulled the straw out it was filled with acid. The monk put the open end of the straw against one of the bars on the window and then released his thumb. Acid swirled out of the straw. It started to crackle and hiss as it ate through the stone of the wall and the metal bar. Providence waved for Fate to come over. He mimicked bending a bar. Fate nodded her understanding, and then reached up to pull the bar in. Redcale performed the acid procedure with two more bars, and then he paused.

What are you waiting for? Providence demanded, One more bar and we’ll be free.

Swear fealty to the cause, Redcale answered.

What?

Swear fealty, or I’ll leave you here. If you won’t fight in the final battle, you’re of no use to me.

Fine. I swear to fight in the final battle.

What about you? Redcale asked Fate. She simply nodded her head, which Redcale took to mean what he wanted.

Redcale poured acid on the final bar, which Fate then bent out of