Everna Saga: The Golden Mask (Book Three of Fireheart Legacy)

By Andry Chang

Amidst the tempest, a fresh horror unfolds, casting its shadow over the realm.

Innocence shatters, and lives snuffed out brutally.
Even the paramount figurehead of the revered Vadisian faith succumbs to the relentless onslaught of a serial killer.
The enigma deepens as every thread of investigation converges upon an unlikely figure — the hero, Robert Chandler.

Is it conceivable that Robert, once deemed a champion, now stands accused as the architect of terror? Could he, in truth, be the rightful heir to the nefarious Dark Overlord?

Seek forth, Paladins! Discover the truth.

"This is a groundbreaking and inspiring novel worth treasuring!"
- Boim Lebon, reader, and writer

Everna Saga: Fireheart Legacy is an epic fantasy serial set in the complete, detailed Earth parallel world of Terra Everna and part of the Everna Saga brand created by Andry Chang.

It’s highly recommended for young adults and adult readers who love:
- Novels are written in a unique, cinematic way.
- Lively and likable characters, strong protagonists.
- The parallel world setting is like the Medieval Era on Earth.
- Detailed and immersive world-building and history.
- Earth-based religion blended with fantasy world philosophy.
- A pinch of mild romance here and there.
- Inspirational moral values and heartwarming moments.
- Fictional cultures and geography parallel to Earth.
- Recognizable, easy-to-imagine Earth-like details.
- Some characters will show up in other Everna Saga stories.
- Detailed actions with wuxia martial art style fights.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andry Chang
• Release date: Dec 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215136447

Andry Chang

Andry Chang is a pilgrim in authorship since 2005. Aside from his everyday life as an entrepreneur, a husband and a father of one, he always makes time to write, draw or developing games. He continues to hone his skills and never gives up, resulting in his published multimedia works.Some of his commercially published writings, either singulars or collaborations are:FireHeart – Legend of the Paladins (2008), Vandaria Saga – Kristalisasi (2012), Qi Xi – Bunga Rampai Asmara (2012), Love Around You (2013), Magical Stories (2013), LEINA – Legenda Imaji Nusantara (2015), Everna Saga – Hikayat Tiga Zaman (2015), Everna Saga – Utara dan Selatan (2015), Everna Saga – Barat dan Timur (2016) (Indonesian Language Works) and Everna Saga - Morf and the Pirates of Flamenca (2016) (English Language Works)

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Andry Chang

Everna Saga: The Golden Mask

Book Three of Fireheart Legacy

Copyright © 2023 by Andry Chang

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

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Contents

The Age of Turbulence

Terror

1. Part 1 MAGICIANS AND DRAGONS

2. 1.1. Algaban

3. 1.2. Genilda’s Clues

4. 1.3. Dragons In Distress

5. 1.4. The Mind and Magic Game

6. Part 2 THE HIGH PRIESTESS

7. 2.1. The Dragon Teacher

8. 2.2. The Black Forest

9. 2.3. Basilica Vadisium

10. 2.4. The Shadow Prince and Princess

11. 2.5. Behind the Golden Mask

12. Part 3 THE HANGED MAN

13. 3.1. The Hunted Hunter

14. 3.2. Three Hinderers

15. 3.3. A Friend in Need, Indeed

16. 3.4. The Executioner‘s Wailing

17. Part 4 STARS THAT BEGIN TO SHINE

18. 4.1. The New Pirates

19. 4.2. The Air Strike

20. 4.3. Return to Hometown

21. 4.4. Whispers in the Enchanted Forest

22. 4.5. The Birth of a New Lion

23. Blue Hearts in the White Palace

24. Part 5 THE DEATHMONGERS

25. 5.1. Threats and Traps

26. 5.2. Dragonspine Ravine

27. 5.3. Shadowless Wolf

28. 5.4. Unveiling Justice’s Blindfold

Glossary

About Everna Saga

The Age of Turbulence

The Arcane Age was one of the darkest ages throughout the history of Terra Everna.

Throughout this era, there had been many times the Dark Forces led by the Dark Overlord, Vordac, and the Demon Lord, Arachus wreaked havoc. The Aurelia continent was made the starting point and was ravaged by a series of Dark Aggression.

As the Determinant of Destiny had outlined, every time darkness rose, the Forces of Light also rose to restore the balance of the world. As a result, the Forces of Light and the Paladins defeated the Dark Forces many times. Vordac was imprisoned in the Deathblade. He once tried to rise again by possessing his host’s body, but again he was defeated.

Two generations of the Paladins had passed. After a very long wait, Vordac and the Dark Forces attempted to rise once again. They had to take advantage of this golden opportunity by putting all their might into one last gambit.

Will the next generation of Paladins rise again?

Will Terra Everna survive the greatest tempest of darkness in history?

Come forth, Paladins! Fulfill your destiny.

Terror

A carriage was moving in the dark of night, along the winding streets of Varestine City, the eastern region of the Kingdom of Lore. The wheels spun so fast that the carriage rocked and jumped when driving on uneven road surfaces.

Luckily there weren’t many people walking around on the streets at this time, so only a handful had to get out of the way to avoid being run over.

The carriage then traveled on a large, straight road, until it arrived at the gate of a single-towered castle. This was Jeland Castle, where the ruler of the city and the entire Walfront Province lived and performed their daily duties.

The carriage entered a drawbridge, crossing a tunnel of castle walls as thick as a grown man’s twenty paces. It traveled slowly in the spacious grounds of the castle courtyard. Until the wheels stopped turning right in front of the entrance.

The carriage driver quickly got off the carriage and opened the door. From the carriage came a man with a beard and short black hair.

A butler bowed, offering a welcome. Good evening, Lord Larter, he said. I hope you have a good day.

Yeah, yeah, said Larter with a frown and a growl.Just set the table for dinner and get a basin of warm water in the room. I’m going to the tower first.

Larter Walthorn, the youngest of the three brothers Harold, John, and Larter, the head of the Walthorn Hunters’ Guild in Varestine, walked hurriedly. He threw his blue cloak carelessly and had to be caught by the servant.

He walked up the circular staircase in the castle, then down the second-floor corridor until he reached the narrow stone steps leading to the tower.

Larter kept walking. Suddenly, his eyes fell on a hunchbacked man standing in front of him. He immediately recognized the man’s left leg which was replaced by a wooden stick, let alone the half-bald, graying hair, and a gray-bearded face.

You are, Kelba? Isn’t it…?

Before Larter could finish his sentence, the man called Kelba suddenly pulled out a dagger and quickly plunged it into his victim’s stomach.

Larter cried out in pain. His unpreparedness was fatal. K-Kelba… why, didn’t we… treat you… well?

Tut, tut, tut. Your brain is slow, huh… said Kelba in a hissing, snake-like voice.

You’re… not Kelba! As stupid as Larter was, he could still distinguish between the voices of old and young men.

Yes, said the fake Kelba as he pulled out his face. His true face appeared, a white-haired man with a cold, handsome face.

Kelba is dead. I killed him and sent you the anonymous letter at the office, the killer said with a sly smile. Well, tell the guardians of the afterlife that your killer is Robert Chandler.

R-Robert…? D-damn you… you bastard… Why…?

With blurred consciousness and one breath at a time, Larter reached out his hand to pull the killer down and die with him.

Of course, the young man swatted the hand away as he said, It’s not that easy, man. Your death is really useful as the first sacrifice in the Dark Overlord’s grand plan. So, farewell, ‘Former Young Master’ Larter. Long live the Heir!

With that, the assassin pulled out the dagger into Larter’s body and pushed his victim backward. The last thing Larter Walthorn saw was Robert’s sardonic smile. Then everything went dark, as his body fell down the stairs of Jeland Tower.

The terror had begun.

1

Part 1 MAGICIANS AND DRAGONS

Zal’vyra the Necromancess, the Moon

2

1.1. Algaban

Algaban, the Ancient Red Dragon

A new tempest had begun, infiltrating silently, unbeknownst to all the guards.

To most people, marshlands and swamps were the most unhealthy, unlivable, and the last place anyone in the world deserved to be beside the crater of an active volcano.

The suffocatingly humid air, the muddy water that was hard to swim in and undrinkable, the huge creepy mangrove trees, and the strange sounds of swamp creatures often implied hidden dangers lurking for the unwary.

Conversely, for monster hunters, this kind of place could be a paradise. They often went hunting and camped out near the swamp even overnight.

Of course, they were fully aware of the monsters that lurked in such places, especially the gavials, which were half-human, half-crocodile creatures, and several other types of poisonous and deadly monsters.

The Jigdha Swamp, also called Jigdha’uthul in the Kingdom of Bresconnor in the eastern region of the Aurelia Continent, was no exception. Lots of monsters lived here.

One of them was the uthul toads or swamp toads, rare toad monsters that could only be found here. Those toads had small horns, fangs, and long tails like lizards. Their saliva contained a strong poison that could pulverize the skin, flesh, and bones of their victims in no time, and their fangs and nails also contained the same poison. An uthul toad’s bile could either serve as an extremely powerful poison or its antidote, making it one of the most valuable alchemical magic potion ingredients on the market.

Just for that reason, the sound of chatters could be heard in Jigdha’uthul at this moment.

Here! I got one!

Use your long fork, Chris! Its saliva is poisonous!

Ouch! It bit me! Why wasn’t I told before?

Ah, he ran away!

Here. Good thing I brought the antidote.

Oh, really? You were alone with Iris when I explained about the frog! No wonder you didn’t know!

You should have spoken louder! If you whisper like that, how can I hear you?

Well, you have to whisper, right? The frogs will run away if we speak loudly, and now you’ve done it! We won’t be able to find them again until morning!

Besides, how many toads do we have to catch? It’s already three!

Three… in a week! Our order was fifteen! I wanted to catch more for the bonus, but now…

Never mind, you two. Don’t keep arguing! Don’t waste time and energy, let’s go find some more before our supplies run out! Or should my sword do the talking for you to understand?

The atmosphere instantly turned quiet.

As the hunters walked to a higher, brighter, and drier area of the swamp, their appearances became clear. It was one of the best monster-hunting teams in the Aurelia Continent, at least in the past year and a half.

The leader of this team was Robert Chandler, a white-haired hunter from Lore. He was handsome and nicknamed Orcbane. He was also known as an excellent marksman and swordsman, and also one of the heroes of the Enia Sanctum Mission more than a year and a half ago.

Among them were Cristophe the red-haired adventurer and Carolyn the pink-haired witch from Arcadia, both of whom had cute faces and almost resembled each other.

Cristophe’s swordsmanship had improved a lot over the years and was almost on par with his teacher, Robert. But it was his nature that hadn’t changed much. He was still a bit naive and the troublemaker of the team. On the other hand, the well-organized and logical Carolyn still showered him with scathing criticisms, so the two often argued with each other.

So, every time a dispute occurred, Paolo Marvellini, the dwarf healer-turned-priest from Grad with fatherly wisdom on his round, chubby face and bushy blond beard always stepped in to quell it. He often cooled down hot situations with his fatherly and friendly demeanor and speech.

Not to forget the newest member, Lavennia Iris. Iris was a cute green-haired elf archer-enchantress with a figure of an ever-teenage girl. She loved to show off her singing, musical, and other skills that would surely draw admiration from even the most talented humans. After joining the team for a while, she became very fond of talking and laughing among humans, because she felt pressured in the serious and disciplined environment of elves.

Well, enough of the re-introductions, and back to the matter at hand. Robert’s team was now twelve uthul toad gall vials short, their supplies were running low, and they were a long way from the nearest village. Now they were busy tracking their quarry through the night, given that they were notorious for failing in a few of their previous missions.

Robert stared at something in the darkness. Suddenly he shot his crossbow into the darkness. The soft sound of a frog was heard. The other team members gasped and rushed towards the source of the sound.

It’s the uthul toad! exclaimed Chris with widened eyes.

The arrow pierced the horned frog’s head right between its eyes. This kind of archery precision in the dark was one of Robert’s skills, which was to aim by detecting the movement and heartbeat of the target with the Heartseeker skill.

Iris who rarely praised others commented with sparkling eyes, You did great, Rob. My shots are faster and more precise than yours, but I need to practice even harder to be able to shoot in the dark like that.

I’m sure you can, Iris, and so can you, as long as you practice. Now, quickly put that frog away. We need to find eleven more.

Yes! Never give up… as long as there’s food, said Chris, to a chuckle from his friends.

They searched again throughout the night, and by dawn, they had collected three more frogs after the one Robert had caught. They rested by the campfire.

However, as great as Robert was as a monster hunter, he definitely needed sleep…

* * *

Robert.

Robert felt a female voice calling him.

Robert Chandler.

Nah, that’s impossible. It’s not Carol’s or Iris’ voice. But, am I not sleeping right now?

Robert Chandler, Orcbane, hear my call.

Robert answered it half shouting, Who are you? Why are you calling me?

Answer me with your mind, Robert. I can only communicate with telepathy because I’m far away from here.

Talk away. Telepathy or not, if I find you untrustworthy, this conversation is over.

The mysterious voice was getting softer and kinder.

Then, listen to my explanation first. I am one of the oldest living dragons, my name is Algaban. I have long-distance telepathic abilities because within me resides the spirit of my master and best friend, Xegvis, the elven hero of Thyrine. She has become me and I have become her.

I called you because I need your help. In the past, Xegvis once defeated me. And his partner, Guillaume de Zemeckis defeated a legendary Orc Khan named Grimlock and captured the Fire Dragon Saber named after him. Vadis the Right Path assigned me to guard the saber on Mount Hvalgarr to this day.

Over the years I have always managed to defend this saber from anyone who tries to take it. But this time I felt like a great and terrible force was targeting me, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to overcome it alone. Therefore, I used telepathy to explore the entire continent to find people who could answer my call.

I knew about you from other people’s conversations and looked for you. Finally, I found you not far from where I live. Then, you can hear my call. That means there is a soul bond between us. So, are you willing to help me fight the demon-powered enemy to protect the Grimlock Saber? I will definitely reward you abundantly.

Robert answered through his thoughts, his face remained expressionless. Forgive me, Mighty Algaban, but I have never known you at all. I’ve only heard of your name in legends and folk tales, so how can I be sure that you’re the one talking to me, not someone else claiming to be you?

A moment of silence. Then, the soft voice echoed again in Rob’s mind. I understand, it turns out you are a cautious person and don’t easily trust anyone, Robert. It was an admirable gesture, worthy of a hero. Therefore, I will show myself and my humble nest in your mind. Are you ready?

Yes.

From the dark and empty landscape, the hunter began to see another vision in his mind. That was Mount Hvalgarr, and Rob seemed to be flying towards it very quickly. Then, he continued to float into the cave on the mountain that looked like an extinct volcano, and after going through a winding path, he stopped.

Robert arrived in an extraordinarily large and spacious room. The stone walls surrounding this room were filled with fine carvings depicting the heroic story of Xegvis and Guillaume de Zemeckis. A metal box was located at the end of the room, in front of a carving of the heroine whose name was immortalized as the name of the ninth planet of the solar system.

And the demigod dragon Algaban, appeared, standing on two legs, unlike other dragons, in the middle of this very large room. Its head looked more like that of an eagle than a dragon, and the back of its head was decorated with tassels that made it look more fierce and powerful. Its appearance resembles a human with wings. Its body was covered in red scales and golden lower skin. Its very large tail, long and sharp-edged like a spear point and a pair of giant wings flapped vigorously, lifting its enormous body until it hovered above the ground.

The dragon looked straight at Robert with its eyes full of authority like the blazing sun. The tone of its voice changed like a strong woman giving a harsh rebuke. O’ doubting human, do you only believe me now after seeing me? Answer me now. For the last time, will you help me?

3

1.2. Genilda’s Clues

Two days later…

As night approached, the streets of Barc’vadon, the capital of the Kingdom of Bresconnor seemed dark. There were only faint flickering of candlelights from the buildings there.

Most of the buildings looked dull, unkempt, and even on the verge of collapse. The faces of the residents looked gloomy, complementing the image of a city that was far from prosperous.

Many people said that the condition in this shanty town was a true picture of a country ruled by cruel and corrupt aristocrats. Meanwhile, their puppet king, Chiffron van Kreulen, only spent his days doing hobbies and every night partying.

Sky-high taxes and a lack of resources meant that most Bresconnor residents just wanted to survive. They didn’t care at all about honor, arts, culture, and the interests of the wider community. They became selfish, stupid, and rude people, while the landowners wallowed in luxury.

But of course, not all ordinary people were rude, and not all nobles were corrupt. There were still a handful of officials who cared about the people. Most of the citizens were good, hardworking people who upheld the law, manners, and honor.

An example of this exemplary attitude resided in a woman named Genilda.

Yemima Genilda was a widow in her forties with a plain face, a bit chubby, and seemed friendly, cheerful, and helpful. This afternoon, she was standing in front of her flower shop, the cleanest and neatest house on her block. The streets on this block were practically deserted now. Genilda looked around and sighed.

Jolly Holly, it seems we will still be together one more day, said Genilda to the flowers as if to her own family.

Then she hummed a Bresconnoran folk song, enjoying her work moving the bouquets into the shop. Thanks to Genilda’s painstaking care, the flowers in this shop always looked fresh and glowed like they did in nature.

Genilda thought, What’s the use of beautiful flowers if no one buys them? Rarely does anyone care about beauty anymore in this city. There was even a man who gave a piece of bread to propose to his girlfriend. If I didn’t love my hometown and my flowers, I would have left and moved to Lore for the sake of my children.

But thankfully, thanks to my friends, I have enough additional income to save and support my family and my flowers.

The single parent then fell silent for a moment, recalling the events at Enia’s Sanctum a year and a half ago. Precisely when she lost her beloved husband, Kluyvard.

After a long while, she gasped and squinted, trying to see into the distance. Her face brightened as she recognized his friends coming from the end of the street toward her.

The friends Genilda was referring to were Robert, Chris, Carolyn, Iris, and Paolo, a team of five hunters. They walked rather hastily toward the flower shop.

With open arms, a wide smile, and narrowed eyes, the hostess welcomed them. Rob, guys, thank goodness you’re back safe. But, what are you in such a hurry for?

We have urgent matters to discuss inside, Robert said expressionlessly.

Let’s talk after dinner, okay? said Chris while stroking his stomach. I’m so hungry, I could eat a cow whole!

Robert and his friends followed Genilda through the front room of the flower shop, which was part of the shop filled with decorations and flower bouquets, and then entered the family room.

They saw Genilda’s two daughters aged twelve and eight, each wearing a flower crown and playing with Chiel the Micha, who was a magical animal shaped like a winged hamster, and their dolls.

The dolls were placed in rows as if they were spectators, and the children danced, jumped, and sang in front of them as if they were performing a play. It seemed that Chiel, who was given by Paolo and Carolyn to the Genilda family, really felt at home in this house forever.

About a minute later, the show was over. The girls bowed respectfully to the audience, and the hunters greeted them with applause. Chiel also performed several somersaults in the air cheerfully.

Good, children, very good, praised Paolo with red cheeks - his reaction when he was happy.

Pamela, Marjan, I know you have talent as drama stars. Now, let’s prepare food in the kitchen. It’s dinner time and Uncle Chris is hungry, said Genilda softly.

Ah Mother, we’re tired, said Marjan. Her sweet, innocent, and cheerful face looked pitiful like a little girl trying to melt her mother’s heart. Even Chiel floated next to her, imitating the girl’s pitiful face.

Mother has to work, children. If the food isn’t ready, we’ll all be forced to eat very late, and it won’t be good for our health, said Genilda, her attitude remaining patient and motherly while trying to make her two children understand.

Oh, okay… Marjan gave up.

On the other hand, Marjan’s older sister, Genilda Pamela, immediately walked toward the kitchen without commenting. From her annoyed and frowning face, one might assume that Pamela didn’t like having lots of people, especially those who weren’t family, in her house, even if only for a few hours.

While waiting for the food to be prepared, Genilda took the hunters into a secret room underground. This room looked like an office and meeting room. The documents and everything were neatly arranged, grouped alphabetically on the shelves.

The scent of camomile flowers wafted throughout this narrow but spacious room. What a clean, neatly organized office, full of a woman’s touch, making anyone who entered feel at home.

However, anyone who saw the posters displayed on the wooden boards depicting wanted men, hunted monsters, objects, and treasures to be sought would be able to conclude that this was a hunters’guild.

Genilda then sat in her chair. Then the guests