Dalton’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh, gods.” He fell to his knees, his hands trembling.
Stephania could barely hear him whisper, “Oh, Stephania. I’m so sorry. I couldn’t have known.”
She gasped at Dalton’s reaction and retreated from the Centaur in horror. What was going on? She tripped on a rock and fell. She was too shocked and scared to stand back up. He seemed so much more imposing from down on the ground. She swallowed back the bile, forcing herself to take smooth, deep breaths.
“Faf ñá ashaif.” The leader lowered his bow. His shocking blue eyes widened, and the bloodlust faded out of them. His face brightened with shock and disbelief.
Quickly, he slipped his bow over his shoulder and returned the arrow to the quiver. He stretched his hand out to her.
“Stephania?”
Stephania opened her eyes and met his gaze with caution. Though she felt as if she should know him, his face lacked any familiarity.
His face softened and broke out into a disbelieving smile. He slowly nodded, his eyes sparkling as they strayed first to her hair, then her eyes, to the markings on her hands and neck, and lastly to the pendant around her neck.
“It is you, Stephania. My Stephania. My baby sister.”
A small gasp left her lips. Oh, gods, no. This can’t be happening. Not now. Please tell me this is a dream.
She placed her hand in his. Effortlessly, she was pulled to her feet.
“Emperor be praised! I thought I would never get to see you again!” He laughed through his tears, his hands quivering with excitement. “There’s so much to tell you! Mother and Father are going to be thrilled, Artigal too, I’m sure. Good gods!” He, still holding her hand, gently spun her around and admired her. “You’re all grown up! And so beautiful too, just like you always have been, of course.”
Stephania was still petrified with shock and fear, unable to make herself do anything but stare wide-eyed and openmouthed back at him, the air having left her lips long ago and her cheeks having reddened with growing embarrassment. This is my brother. This is my brother. Trojan.
“Trojan?” She barely heard her own whisper.
He nodded. Thick, fast tears began to pour down his face, and he choked with emotion, his eyes burning with passion. “Yes. Yes. It’s me.”
She was abruptly wrapped in his warm embrace, his arms pinning hers to her side and her head on his shoulder. The warmth of his strong body failed to comfort her.
Her head spun and her ears rang as his strong arms crushed the breath out of her. His lips whispered words of Centaur endearments into her ear as if all the words in the common language could never be enough.
Oh, gods. What do I do? What do I say? He expects me to know him, and I don’t! Gods of all, why did this have to happen this way?
He released her but kept her small hands in his.
At the sight of her horrified and embarrassed face, his smile faltered.
“Stephania!” His gaze pierced hers, and his grip on her hands tightened painfully. “What’s wrong?”
He moved his hand to caress her face, and she couldn’t help but shrink away from his touch. He snatched his hand back as if he had been burned. “You remember me, right? If you said my name, surely you must remember, despite the spell.”
“I—I’m sorry.” She forced herself to speak. It felt as if her very soul were rotting away with each word. “Uncle Dalton told me your name. I don’t—I don’t remember you. I don’t know who you are.”
She could have killed herself to take her words back, to have wiped that look off his face.
His beautiful, bright smile and the uncontrollable sparkle in his eyes faded. The intense passion and love he had so openly shown her at her return was instantly destroyed.
Now he stared back at her only in horror—horror and anguish.
“No. Of course you don’t.” He laughed hysterically. “Artigal’s spell. Of course it’s not broken.” Tears flooded his eyes. He clutched his chest as he stumbled back. “You don’t remember me. You remember nothing. Nothing.” His voice was barely a whisper. Unchecked tears flowed freely down his tanned cheeks from his blue, blue eyes as he stared deeply into Stephania’s, refusing to believe her. No sound came from his lips.
He shook his head in utter desolation. “Oh, gods.” Violently, he shoved her away from himself and charged into the forest.
Her shoulders slumped, and she sank to her knees. Again, she had lost another family, another home. Does everything I touch have to wilt and die?
Dalton’s arms wrapped around her. She sagged into his embrace.
“I’m so sorry, child. I wish I would have known. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” He smoothed her hair, tears sparkling in his eyes.
“Why? Why does everything always have to be this way? Why does it always have to hurt?”
He had no answer. “I don’t know, child. I don’t know.”
She buried her face against his chest and wept. As the sickness of dread settled in her, she knew this could only be the beginning of the pain she would bring to these creatures.
Pronunciation
Guide
&
Glossary
Pronunciation Guide
Adriva— uh-DREE-vuh
Aeron— ER-un Artigal— AR-ti-gall
Braken—BRAKE-en
Duvarharia— DU-var-HAR-ee-uh
Elcore— EL-core
Eta— EE-tuh
Farloon— far-LOON
Filate— FI-late
Frawnden— FRAWN-den Gauwu
Zelauw— GAH-wu Ze-LOW (‘low’ rymes with ‘wow’)
Gauyuyáwa—GAH-yoo-YAY-wuh
Hanluurasa— han-loo-RA-sah
Igentis— aye-GEN-tis
Kijaqumok— KEE-jah-QUH-mock
Krystallos— kry-STAL-ohs
Kyrell— KY-rul
Lavoisier— lah-VOI-si-er
Leguows— leh-GWOWS
New-Fars— new-fairs
Quinlan— QUIN-lan
Salcon— sal-CON
Sankyz— San-keez
Saorise— SAY-oh-rise
Sházuk— SHAY-zook
Shushequmok— SHU-sheh-QUH-mock
Sleshqumok— SLESH-quh-mock
Stephania— Steh-FAW-nia
Susahu— Soo-SA-hu
Synoliki— SY-no-li-ky
Syrus— SY-rus (like Cyrus)
Tabor— TA-bore
Thaddeus— THAY-dee-us
Trans-Falls— trans-falls
Veltrix— VEL-trix
Ventronovia— VEN-troh-NOH-via
Wyerland— WHY-er-land
Wyrider— WHY-rider
Yufloy— you-FLOI
Zelauwgugey— ze-LOW-gu-gay (‘low’ rhymes with ‘wow’)
Glossary
Centaur/Faun (Sházuk)
Da me koyuwuk— My lover
Da rañ ñidauz yarazai zifezh— Our loyalty lies with you.
Elu— Idiot
Fadu, Igentis, mu shoz yásheñ Sházuk.—Hail Igentis. High leader of the Sházuk
Faf ñá ashaif— By all the gods
Fálaz— Dog
Fayum— Motherland, Homeland
Fom— Brother
Gaikuzh— Mountain
Gauwu Zelauw— Forest of Tombs (Also known as the Tomb Forest)
Gauyuyáwa— Tree of our Fathers (or ancestors)
Gubelœwur leñi rok— Please forgive us
Kodaazh— Warrior
Kofuz— Protector Me koshoawázh— I am here, Igentis
Mewa— Friend
Me yuwuk fezh— I love you (to higher authority or with great respect)
Me yuwuk fu— I love you (to an equal)
Me yuwuk fu muyaa fáfád— I love you so much
Miw— Bay
Rilarseźdachek— Love you too
Shaif zuru— Curse (as an expletive) the gods
Sházuk— Kin (Native word for Forest Children Kinds. Name of Kind)
Talfindo—A common exclamation whi
ch translates close to “Eureka!”
Woglawu— Gentle
Yelar— Master
Yu’jac— A popular, Centaur strategy game
Yulu fe— Sweet child
Zháf wafu zhœk zi mazh— She will be safe with me
Zuru— Curse (as an expletive)
Zuru fuñofufe— Curse (as an expletive) this
Zelauwgugey— Forest Essence. Lyre of the Fauns
Duvarharian (Raźugub)
Dase— Father
Fubeźersufa— The strongest manipulation spell
Hanluurasa— Sky realm
Jok Kukeb— Instant Death
Juufu— An information recording device made of magic that transposes observed actions and personal reactions into words
Kijaqumok— Corrupt Magic
Kvaźajo— Helper of the prophecy
Nuse— Friend
Qumokuhe— Magic image
Quźechraźjinmraha— After our Lord
Raźugub— Chosen People (Native word for Duvarharians, or Dragon Riders. Name of Kind)
Rumi— About/Around
Shelesuujao— Savior
Shushequmok— Pure Magic
Sleo— Protector
Sleshqumok— Ancient Magic
Suluj— Curse (as an expletive)
Susokxoch— Commander
Suluj źu sukuneruź ubaes— curse (as an expletive) you, cursed humans
Susahu— The realm of darkness. Hell
Suźefrusum— Peaceful Forest
Zelou— Mother
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Acknowledgements
Years ago, I would always skip over the Acknowledgments page because, BORING! But now that I have written my own novel, I have come to realize that there are so many unsung heroes of the process and nothing would really get done without them. Now, I look forward to reading the acknowledgements.
Firstly, thank you, God, for being the greatest inspiration for this world—Rasa—and book series. Your expansive beauty and complexity were the only encouragement and inspiration I needed to build such a colorful and expansive world. If not for my faith, this series would lack much of the depth, diversity, and magic that it has.
When I started writing nearly 6 years ago, I always dreamed of publication. I wasn’t sure what that looked like back then, whether it would be traditional publishing or this seemingly “new” way of self-publishing and indie publishing, but I was determined to be published.
I’ve gone through nearly every shade of writing—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and there was more than one time I wanted to delete everything and quit. But instead, I was supported by some of the most incredible people I’ve ever known. It was they who kept me going, and it was their constant pushing and encouragement that made the journey worth it.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for never letting me give up on my books and for never giving up on them yourselves. Even when everyone around me brushed my books aside as being childish or just a hobby, you guys saw my potential and dreams and were determined to see them come to fruition. Thank you for always going the extra mile. Nothing was ever too much to ask of you, and you always delivered your support with such pride and joy. Thank you, Dad, for the many hours I spent wrangling theology, psychology, philosophy, and politics with you. Thank you for always being willing to listen to my theories and points late into the night. Thank you for the many, many times you read The Shadows of Light and edited it for me, despite me having changed it drastically every time between edits. Thank you, Mom, for the constant 24/7 support you give me. It always amazes me how you never get bored of my following you around the house, just talking for hours about some new book idea, plot hole fix, or some character’s backstory. Thank you for never sugarcoating any advice you give me. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for loving me through all my many faults and never giving up on me. You both mean everything to me.
Thank you, Katie Marie, for your precious friendship as a writer and as a wonderful human being. When we met so many years ago, I never would have imagined that God would bring us back together in such a beautiful way. Though we missed many years of being friends, I can’t help but treasure the time we have now even more. I have thoroughly enjoyed helping you with your debut novel Saving Zora, and I appreciate all the help you’ve given me on Child of the Dragon Prophecy. I still think it’s an incredible and beautiful thing that Saving Zora is being released only a week after Child of the Dragon Prophecy! What a special time. Thank you for never judging the way I am and for accepting me as a friend despite our many differences. You are precious to me.
Special thanks to H. A. Pruitt, my incredible editor. Once again, God dropped another amazing person into my life right as I needed them. Thank you so much for the exemplary job you did on my book. Your edits were always backed with such logic that there was never a time I didn’t want to take your advice. From chopping out an entire 20,000 words to giving advice about my self-designed cover to the ungodly amount of random commas I decorated my novel with, you never missed a beat and always went out of your way to help make my book the absolute best it could possibly be. Your edits and thoughtful insights helped me to shape my story into a book that I loved and am confident others will love as well. Because of you, I now know why authors always praise their editors so much in the Acknowledgments! You’re truly amazing.
Special thanks to my cousin Tanner. I never could have imagined how interested and excited for Child of the Dragon Prophecy you would be. I really appreciated the time and effort you took into critiquing this book. Your ideas and edits inspired me to make it even better and much of what you said helped shape it, making it the way it is.
Thank you, Zachary, my older brother for listening to me rant about my beloved characters and not getting too mad when I spoiled huge plot twists even when you wanted them to be a surprise. Thank you for always supporting me and being the most incredible bro-guard one could ever have.
Thank you, Joshua and Caleb, for never losing interest in my books. I remember when I first met you guys, my book series was only at 200 pages and it seemed like so much! You guys have seen most of the journey and have never tired of listening to me rant on and on about it. Thank you for letting me reveal so many spoilers and for letting me force you to read a certain character’s death every time I made it sadder, even though you barely knew who they were. Here’s to me one day becoming famous, lounging on a velvet couch with rings on my fingers and grapes to eat, and telling my bodyguards to “bring in the twins.”
Thank you my amazing writer’s group, The Bleeding Pen Society, for taking me in and being a warm, exciting group of eager writers. I’ve so enjoyed talking to you guys about writing, as well as reading all of your works.
Special thanks to all of the amazing friends I have made on #bookstagram! I never thought you could truly have good relationships
over social media, but you all proved me so very wrong. The inspiration, motivation, and support that I have been given through that amazing community has meant the absolute world to me, and I thank each and every one of you for making it so special.
Special thanks also to all of my beta readers who gave some amazing insight on Child of the Dragon Prophecy and helped me make it the best it can be. I might have cried over a couple of your answers, but in the end, it was everything I needed to hear. Thank you!
A huge shout-out and thank you to Docuprint, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for doing an exemplary job printing the many forms and edits of my book series, along with my art and map prints. Your service is always stunning, and it’s always a joy to print something out with you guys. Thank you for the many times you printed my books for free or gave me a huge discount. You have no idea how much it means to me, or how helpful it was. Thank you!
And thank you to everyone else who believed in me and my book including but never limited to: Grandma Dot, Auntie Juju, Miranda, Donald, and all my family at See’s Seafood, including Granny See and my good friend “Lord Elrond”. You all made my journey worth every step.
And lastly, thank YOU, reader for reading this book. When it comes down to it, this book is for you, and it will never be anything without you. Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it and that you are looking forward to Book Two!
May the suns smile upon your presence.
—Effie Joe Stock
Sneak Peek
of
The Shadows of Light
Book 2:
Heir of Two Kingdoms
Heir of Two Kingdoms
Elite Training Grounds
Trans-Falls, Centaur Territory
Time: Roughly a year and a half since Stephania and Dalton left New-Fars
Jargon skirted into the forest, masterfully weaving his way around buildings and private property. Stephania followed as closely as possible, her mind swept away in wonder at the city that had been flawlessly built into the forest around her.
Soon they were on the other side of the large tree, and after passing through a magic barrier, were now in the strictly prohibited section of the forest that was reserved for only Artigal and the warriors he kept close to himself.
Child of the Dragon Prophecy Page 32