The Golden Trident

By Sabrina Dolph

Liam's tale is set in the world known as Layor. He lives the life of a kitchen servant who wants nothing more than to be accepted by his peers. Liam sets out on an adventure and meets many odd and terrifying creatures--a massive dragon, demonic Korvs, and hellish Drakors.

All seems to be going well...but Liam's journey meets a rock in the path as he ends up getting carried away on a wild ride full of ambition, treachery, and a romance gone horribly wrong.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781684982387

Book preview

PROLOGUE

It was a quiet winter day in Lunaris. Not a soul was out in the streets. Of course, not a noble soul. Servants were out to run their masters’ errands. They wore nothing but thin old rags. Most had their hands so full that they couldn’t even shiver to stay warm. Except one. A man of medium stature and measly build. His hair was as black as night, his eyes were as blue as ice, and his skin was a light caramel. He carried nothing but a crooked mouth. A harelip. He shuffled quietly down the street with his head down and a slight limp in his gait. As he passed the other servants, they kept their distances from him, afraid they would catch his disease. The art of medicine was not a common practice in Lunaris, so people were naturally uneducated. If you didn’t look like the rest of them, you were shunned. As the scrawny man shuffled his feet through the thin layer of snow, a deep voice called out to him.

Liam! The scrawny man turned toward the voice but kept his head down. Liam, you imbecile! Where are my spuds!

I’m…I’m… he stuttered. I’m sorry, thir. The…markets were fresh out. He spoke with a slight lisp, which he could mask well enough when he wasn’t afraid.

Fresh out? Fresh out? the man roared. You dare come back to me empty-handed? You dare make these…measly excuses to me? Liam cowered when the man raised his hand.

I’m…sorry, sir! Liam squeaked. His voice had the potential to be deep but was a raspy, small squeak at best now.

You are nothing but a bastard. Even your mother didn’t want you. The man’s hand made solid contact with Liam’s left cheek, right above the split in his mouth. Can’t say I blame her. I wouldn’t want a freak for a child. Liam hung his head in shame, but this wasn’t out of the ordinary. Most everyone in Lunaris treated him this way. Liam trudged away back to the market plaza. He sighed with frustration when he came up empty-handed again. Of course he couldn’t find spuds. It was winter after all.

I wish I could find some…he thought. Perhaps it will please Master Samuel. He trudged around the square for a few more minutes, repeating, I wish I could find them.

Liam! a scratchy voice suddenly shouted. Liam quickly looked the way the voice came from. Spuds, was it?

Yes, sir. Liam lowered his head a bit more.

I seem to have found a bag under the counter. The man shook his head. Could’ve sworn they weren’t there a second ago.

Must have been a ghost, sir, Liam squeaked.

Don’t be ridiculous, Liam. The man chuckled. More likely magic. Ghosts aren’t real. Liam took the sack of spuds from the market man and bowed his head.

Thank you… Liam bowed. And best wishes to you, sir. The man bade him farewell, and Liam hustled back to the kitchens, where Master Samuel was waiting.

Liam! the man gasped. I thought I told you to not come back here until you found me my spuds. Liam bowed his head and held the sack out toward him.

Sir, he squeaked.

Indeed you did. He snorted. But did you get the right amount? He began to count them. Liam waited patiently with his head still bowed. Twenty-four…twenty…seven?

The market man said thirty, sir. Liam raised his gaze slightly.

Are you saying I can’t count, boy? Samuel raised his voice, and Liam cowered.

I…no! No, thir! Liam said frantically, his lisp was making an appearance as he was threatened. Of course not, thir.

You probably kept some for yourself. He raised his hand again. Selfish boy. His hand made contact exactly where it had earlier. Liam cried out. They are already tainted with your diseases and not fit for the Magistrate. Go. Samuel pointed to the pots of cooking stews and spits of roast. Liam scurried away and began tending to the Magistrate’s feast.

CHAPTER 1

The Kitchen Servant

A crisp autumn breeze blew through the town of Lunaris like a gentle breath. The leaves fell slowly, settling among the cobblestones, painting a mosaic of reds, yellows, oranges, and browns. The wooden buildings creaked in protest as the wind pressed at them. As the sun crested the horizon, the peace of the autumn morning was interrupted by merchants and traders as they rumbled down the streets with large wooden carts pulled by oxen and mules. The streets came alive with the hustle and bustle of the townsfolk’s daily tasks. Kitchen masters barked orders to their servants, butchers sent out deliveries, and bakers threw burnt bread to the streets. Today seemed to be a normal day in Lunaris, but it was far from it. Things were disappearing from the town.

Valuables, foods, and even gold and jewels. Some folks seemed not to notice, as only a few items here and there were taken. The thief seemed to be smart and seasoned.

Liam! a deep, muffled, raspy voice called out suddenly from inside the kitchens. Liam? Where the devil are you? The source of the voice emerged. A round man with mud-brown hair and green eyes. He wore a stained white shirt and black trousers.

Here, thir, answered a meek-sounding boy, a lisp present in his voice. He ran a hand nervously through his midnight-black hair as he stood before the apple-shaped man.

What are you doing out here? The round man glared down at Liam, who was only a few inches shorter than himself. The Magistrate is hosting a feast tonight! Nobles and people of higher class will be there! Liam looked up from under his brow, not in a defiant way, but in a questioning way. Are you just going to stand there with your teeth in your mouth, or would you rather I knock them out? No? Then get in there and cook! he boomed.

Yes, of course! Liam bowed. Right away, Master Samuel. The meek boy scurried off toward the door that led into the kitchen. His feet, which were clad in a thin slipper made of old hides, made a soft pitter-patter as he ran. As he cleared the threshold, it became dimmer and smelled of cooking meats and stews. The place had no windows and only one door leading out. Brick ovens lined one of the walls, firepits with kettles hung over them along the other, and many prepping stations scattered the remaining space. If one didn’t know their way around this kitchen, they were sure to be thrown out to the streets.

Liam, I haven’t seen you in ages! a friendly-sounding voice greeted him. Liam turned and gave a small, weak smile.

Keaton, what are you doing here? He began to shoo him out. If Master Samuel catches you stealing food again, he’ll skin you alive!

I’m not much worried about that. Keaton gave a sly smile as he withdrew a small envelope from the pocket of his tunic. I have a letter for you. Liam stared at him blankly.

Did you steal that too? Liam jested.

Of course not. I wouldn’t dare steal from the Magistrate. Keaton’s voice dropped slightly. He hired me to be his personal messenger. He said that my ‘abilities’ would be of good use to him.

Abilities— Liam began to question, but Keaton cut him off.

I really don’t have time for questions, Liam. Please, just take this letter and let me be off. The friendliness in his voice dropped as quickly as the hammer of a blacksmith.

Of…of course, my…my apologies. Liam dropped his head and took the letter. It read, To Liam, from the Magistrate of Lunaris. Open immediately. He sighed apprehensively as he tore a flap up at the corner and drug his finger along the fold, tearing it open. A person of higher class would have used an ornate letter opener rather than risk damage to their finger. Liam removed the letter from its envelope and opened it clumsily.

Dear Liam Campbell,

I have been informed the Captain wishes to speak with you. As the authority of this town, I hereby order you to see the Captain immediately upon opening this letter.

Signed,

The Magistrate

A large blue seal was pressed into the bottom of the letter. Depicted there was a grape bunch and a goblet of wine, the seal of the Magistrate.

The captain… Liam murmured. What could he possibly want from me?

Liam Campbell! Master Samuel roared from directly behind him. Liam hunkered down and began stirring the nearest pot of stew. I have received word that the captain wishes to see you, immediately.

I… Wouldn’t you rather me prepare the feast for… Before Liam could finish, Master Samuel’s hand made solid contact with Liam’s face.

Don’t you dare talk back to me, he spat. Now go, before I call Myles in here to teach you a lesson. Liam flinched at that name, the name of his childhood bully. Myles was a blond-haired boy with dark-green eyes. He was much larger than the other kids when Liam was younger, but still towered over most of the men in Lunaris. He could lift just about anything and could even pull a cartload of goods. Most had taken to calling him Myles the Mule. Liam had left the kitchens as soon as Myles’s name was mentioned. He trudged down the cobblestone street toward the captain’s office. He glanced at the grungy shop known as the Hammer and Anvil. He saw a blond-haired man duck so he could clear the threshold and decided he should pick up the pace. As he neared the office, he had to squint. The door to the captain’s office gleamed in the sunlight a beautiful gold. The Magistrate had gifted him a gold-dipped door as a gift of friendship, but most knew it was because the Magistrate was afraid of the captain. He had strange abilities some envied but most feared. Liam finally looked up from his feet and gazed upon the door. It gleamed a magnificent golden color, and in the middle was mounted a plaque. It read, Captain Dalton’s Office.

Halt. State your name, stranger. A large, bull of a man stood before the golden door of the captain’s office. He swept a large, meaty hand through his black hair. Liam gawked at him a moment, almost studying him. His skin was a dark chocolate color, reminding Liam of the fountain of melting dark chocolate on its way to the Magistrate’s feast right now. The guard’s eyes were even darker, almost black. His hair was the thing that stood out to Liam the most. It was jet-black, like his own, but had a single white lock that ran the length of his jawline. The guard swept a hand through his hair again, the white lock settling right back in its place. I said, state your name, he growled menacingly.

Oh…of course. My…my apologies. Liam stumbled around his words. This man was twice his size, at least, and could pick him up and use him as a toothpick if he so chose. I am…am Liam Campbell.

Liam Campbell? the guard murmured. Oh, of course. Thank you for answering the captain’s summons. You may enter. He opened the golden door, and Liam reluctantly stepped inside. It was dim and smelled of fungi and burning wood. He swept his gaze across the room, taking in the dingy sights. A small couch with a bear rug sat lonely in the middle of the room. A small wooden chair nestled up to a wooden desk sat against the wall. A doorway led to what Liam assumed was the bedroom, but what most caught his eye was the magnificent set of armor that hung right above the desk. It shone a beautiful metallic gold and had many jewels set into it. Just above the cuirass sat a magnificent helm to match it. There was a large T-shaped opening to see out of and to speak through. A pair of boots hung beneath the cuirass to complete the set.

Liam gawked at the dazzling set of armor and probably would have done so until the end of his days, but a booming voice cut through the serenity of the room.

You! a voice bellowed from the shadowy corners. Liam jumped up and squealed. Oh my. The voice’s source emerged from the corner of the dimly lit room. It belonged to a man of medium build. He turned to gaze at Liam. His hair whipped around. It was long, black, and very greasy. Liam averted his gaze from the man. It was rude for a servant to gaze upon an upper-class person, though Liam didn’t want to look at this man for reasons other than manners.

Thir. Liam bowed deeply, the lisp making itself present. It is a pleasure to be in your presence. The captain fixed his gaze on Liam.

No need of that. He flicked his hand. When I speak with someone, I wish to gaze upon their face. I want to see your eyes, boy, look at me. Liam did as he was told and gasped slightly. The captain’s eyes were pure white, with no pupils. He smiled, revealing yellowed teeth. Yes, I get that reaction a lot.

My apologies, thir. Liam bowed again.

Stop bowing, boy. The captain laughed as he drew nearer to Liam. You may be wondering why I summoned you here, yes?

It is not my place to wonder, sir. I only do as I am commanded. The captain turned abruptly back toward Liam, a look of confusion upon his face.

You…just do whatever anyone tells you? He swallowed. Why?

I am a servant. My duty is that which makes the Magistrate and those of a class higher than mine happy. I am here to serve those better than me. Liam’s face didn’t change as he recited this like a bad poem.

Who taught you that? The captain gazed at Liam with his white eyes in horror. Who taught you your life means nothing?

My master, Liam muttered. The captain raised a brow in question. Master Samuel. He taught me most everything I know. How to cook, clean, and be a proper servant.

I want you to forget everything that man ever taught you. That is a load of rubbish, not even fit for the waste pools. The waste pools were where the town dumped their garbage and sewage.

How do you mean? Liam finally looked at the captain willingly.

"I mean that what ‘Master Samuel’ has taught you is a load of Szar. Liam raised his brow and waited for him to say what that meant, but he didn’t. You should not aim to please everyone you meet. You have limited time here on Layor, and I’ll not be having my… He stopped briefly and sighed. I’ll not be having a boy waste it pleasing others."

I’m young, I have plenty of time. Master Samuel has given me a job, that’s all.

A terrible job at that. The captain spat. You’re a prostitute.

I work in a kitchen? Liam laughed.

No, I mean that you have limited time, yet you sell it for money. The captain laughed. In a sense, everyone in the world is a prostitute because they sell their time for money. The two shared a laugh for a while, but Liam was the first to stop.

Sir, you haven’t told me why I am here.

Of course, I summoned you because I wish to help you. He flashed a smile, showing those nasty yellowed teeth. Liam’s mouth hung open, and he blinked a few times.

You wish to what? His voice was a whisper as he gazed at the captain with disarray.

I wish to help you, the captain repeated slowly and dramatically. You could use a man of my abilities. Liam began to sob, not with sadness, but because he was so overwhelmed with joy.

Thank you… Thank you, sir. Liam dropped to his knees as he sobbed.

Oh, Divines. The captain rolled his white eyes. You’re crying…you’re crying? There’s no crying in my office. Those salty waterfalls will stain the upholstery. Liam quickly got to his feet and wiped at his eyes.

Oh, apologies, sir. I’ll come back tonight and clean this up for you. Liam bent and began wiping up the teardrops. I’ll fix this, sir.

Now, if I’m going to help you… The captain raised a bushy brow. I need you to do three things for me.

Yes, of course. Anything, sir. Liam nodded furiously. The captain dropped his brow and recoiled slightly.

One, stop cleaning everything in sight. Two, for now on, you take ‘orders’ from me, not Samuel. The captain drew a breath. And three, stop calling me ‘sir.’ It makes me feel ancient.

Of course, sir… Liam clamped a hand over his mouth. What would I call you besides…that?

My name of course. He grinned. Dalton. The pair continued to share stories and discuss what Liam would tell Samuel well into the night. Liam was sure that Samuel would be furious and beat him, or worse, call in Myles.

Myles won’t lay a hand on you, Dalton assured him.

Myles most definitely would, Liam retorted. Any chance anyone in Lunaris gets they would too.

What if I give you the title ‘Wizard’s Assistant’?

‘Wizard’s Assistant’? Liam looked confused.

Yes, of course. Dalton laughed. When I say ‘a man of my abilities,’ I mean I’m a wizard. I can use magic.

How wondrous! Liam sighed. They’d think I made it up. Liam’s eyes dropped to the floor. Anything I say is a lie to them.

I’ll make you a deal. Go about your business as normal, and if anyone hurts you…I’ll deal with them. Dalton quickly added, And that goes for Samuel as well. The pair shook hands and sealed the deal.

I should return to the kitchens…

Yes. Dalton smiled. Here, take this. I expect you to come back tomorrow, and the following day, and every day after. He handed Liam a small envelope with a green seal pressed onto the back of it. It depicted a talon and a candle with a tiny flame. It seemed to move.

That’s neat. Liam stared at the small flame.

Yes, a little magic on my part. I like to be different from the other pompous high class of this town. Dalton gave Liam a small push toward the door. Now go, before ‘Master Samuel’ gets his knickers in a bunch. Liam scurried out of the captain’s office. A small amount of courage nestled in his breast.

*****

The following morning, Liam handed his envelope to Master Samuel. Inside it read,

Greetings,

I hereby give Liam Campbell my permission and order him to visit my office every day henceforth. He will start at sunrise and be released back to the kitchens at sunset. He will not be damaged or harmed in any way, by my orders.

Signed,

The Captain

Master Samuel gawked at the letter.

What would a man of his status be wanting the likes of you for? Master Samuel turned toward him. "What’s he mean, ‘He will not be damaged or harmed in any way’? What did you tell him?" he roared.

I didn’t say anything to him, swear! He did most of the talking, I just listened. Master Samuel’s hand made solid contact with Liam’s left cheek, just above the split in his mouth.

You dare to talk back to me? He smacked him across the face again, much harder. You forget your place. I’ll have to teach you it.

I cannot be damaged! Liam squeaked.

Yes, it would seem that way. Master Samuel smirked with malice. As he didn’t specify who couldn’t hurt you, I assume he means me. Liam’s eyes darted around anxiously; he knew what was coming. Myles, my old friend! Myles lumbered out of the door to the kitchens toward Liam with a grin that could kill. He lazily made his way over to Samuel and Liam, gnawing at a roasted turkey leg.

Yes? Myles drawled. His voice was thick and slow, as if he might have been chewing molasses.

I require your assistance. Samuel flashed a toothy smile toward Liam. It would seem the boy has forgotten his place. Myles didn’t much care about why Liam needed to be punished, only that he would be doing the punishing.

Has he, now? He turned a beady green eye toward Liam, who happened to be retreating backward, shaking his head. Oh no, you don’t. Myles snatched Liam up by the hair,