He spoke to her, whispering encouraging words, assuring her they would start slowly, that they could stop whenever she wanted.
She appreciated his concern, but it proved unnecessary.
As soon as they began, Rayna never wanted to stop.
For the first time, they existed as one, with no clear distinction between where his body ended and hers began.
This was the most natural, exhilarating, and perfect moment of her life. All awareness of anything else dissolved.
There was only Channon, and her own elation.
He was a blinding, endless sky, and flowing, rhythmic water.
She was trembling earth, and hungry, blazing fire.
Together, they were all the world.
Epilogue
Three Weeks Later
Marielana held her lantern aloft. It was a moonless night, and she stepped carefully along the forest path leading to Alvorn's southern shores.
Her loyal mare, Celiope, stamped a hoof behind her.
“I'm sorry, my love. I must go on alone.” Marielana stroked the horse's white mane.
Her beloved mount had carried her across Maenor and Soulous, back to Marielana's home. But she had not returned for a happy reason—nor had she told anyone of her flight. Her allies were likely searching for her that very moment.
She had to come alone.
Such had been his conditions.
With a final look at Celiope tied to the elm tree, Marielana continued on her own. She walked for more than a league. The Priestess slid her hand into a pocket sewn into her silver cloak and closed her fingers around the two tiny bottles hidden there. She prayed they would not be necessary.
But, prayers were useless to fools, and what she was choosing to do that night was by far the most foolish decision she'd ever made.
A twig cracked. The cloying scent of rotting flesh tainted the sea breeze.
Marielana moved her hand to her dagger.
“We would advise against that.” A multitude of voices addressed her as one from all sides.
“Show yourselves.” Marielana willed her words as cold and sharp as her Alvornian steel blade.
It had sounded as though a hundred men or more had surrounded her, yet only three shapes resolved out of the blackness. As they came into the lantern-light, Marielana understood.
These were not men.
At least, not anymore.
The three Da' Gammorn soldiers stood in front of her. In unison, they tilted their black-eyed, decaying heads to one side. “Priestess of the False God, you are to follow us.”
Marielana raised her chin. “Where is Lord Razorn? I will speak only to him.”
“Your impure lips will not say his name again,” said one of the demons.
“We are Negiol,” the second continued. “The True God has sent us to bring you. You will come.”
The last Da' Gammorn unsheathed his sword. He placed the tip at Marielana's throat. “Or you will be taken.”
Marielana stared at the demon-infested corpses before her. A beetle skittered out from the closest one's peeling cheek. Negiol, the Da' Gammorn commander who had once served Rhael was back, this time spread across three bodies. Razorn must have sent him to intimidate her.
“Very well. Lead the way.” Marielana lifted her lantern.
The beetle fled the light, returning to the sunken hollows in the dead man's face.
The Da' Gammorn turned and she followed them out of the forest, across the dunes, and up a rocky cliff side. Again the Priestess checked to ensure her bottles were in place.
Even on that dark night, the ocean reflected silver starlight. As Marielana and her undead escorts reached the top of the cliff, a lone figure stood overlooking the sea and the fleet of ships anchored off-shore.
“Priestess, thank you for coming.” The man turned to face them.
Tallis Terayan's sandy blond hair had turned ashen. His skin was waxy, and stretched too-tightly across his cheekbones. Sharp lines underscored his closed eyes.
“You left me little choice.” Marielana strode past the Da' Gammorn.
They started to follow her, but the being inhabiting Terayan's corpse opened his eyes. His blinding gold gaze stopped the soldiers, and stole the breath from Marielana's lungs.
Razorn held out his pale hand to her. “Come and see. He is here, as I promised.”
Marielana ignored his hand. She looked down at the natural harbor far below.
A gargantuan creature thrashed in too-shallow waters, pinned in by a ring of sharp rocks. Sudmaris, Guardian of the Southern Seas, was the size of a small island, but—bleeding and trapped as he was—the barnacle-encrusted beast seemed small and broken.
“What have you done to him?” Marielana demanded, her courage returning with her fury.
If her outburst offended him, Razorn did not show any outward sign. “This would not have happened, had you not convinced the Guardian to leave his magical protection to help Rayna Myana.”
“You swore you would not harm Sudmaris, if I came to you. I am here. Release the guardian.”
“I will keep my oath,” Razorn said. “But first, you must keep yours.”
Marielana knew he would. All the stories said the same. Razorn did not lie; Gods were incapable. That belief had spurred her to action when Razorn's voice and burning golden eyes visited her dreams, offering her a choice.
“I am here,” Marielana repeated. “You said if I came to you willingly, you would not harm Sudmaris.”
No, Priestess! What are you doing here? A hoarse cry sounded in Marielana's mind. Run!
Sudmaris, save your strength, she willed him to understand. I promise, Razorn will not have what he desires. But I must save you!
“He speaks to you,” Razorn observed. “I will not harm the beast, but I cannot release him, either.”
Marielana could not stop herself from drawing her dagger, though it would do no good against this opponent. “Keeping him in captivity is harming him!”
Razorn smiled at Marielana's blade. “I will give your kind this: you are persistent.” He waved his hand and the dagger flew from her grasp. “I promised not to harm Sudmaris. But, I said nothing of what they would do.”
The sharp rocks trapping Sudmaris shrank away, but the magical bonds did not release. Three of the closest ships coasted toward the inlet.
“What are you doing?” Marielana cried. “I came alone, as you asked!”
Razorn raised his right hand. The undead crewmen far below rolled dozens of harpoon-loaded ballistas onto the decks.
“You can stop this.” Razorn's molten gaze seared her. “I want you, Marielana. Swear fealty to me, pledge your magic to my cause, and I will let the beast live. Together we can re-make this world—and the next.”
Priestess! Sudmaris shouted in her panicked mind. Priestess, you must not. This is not your fault. I am ready to die. Please, save yourself. You cannot let him gain another seer's power!
“My patience grows thin,” Razorn said. “Make your choice.”
Marielana turned around, grasping her face as though overcome. With a deft movement, she drank the contents of one of her bottles. Shuddering, she faced the god. “I will not leave your side. Set him free.”
Razorn dropped his arm. “I will keep him alive, for you.” Silver and gold fire threaded around his hand. He snapped his fingers, and the energy arced down to the bound leviathan.
Priestess— Sudmaris fell silent as the magic encircled him. His great eyes closed in sleep.
“There.” Razorn smiled. “I shall hide him somewhere safe. We will awaken him to see our new world.”
Marielana swallowed against a raspy throat. “And you will keep your word? He shall not be harmed?”
He gave a slow nod.
She came to stand beside him, surveying the armada. “Then I will never leave your side.” The priestess reached into her robe one last time. Already, her heart raced. She found the second bottle, and tossed it over the cliff.
“What
was that?” Razorn demanded as the glass shattered.
“The antidote.” Marielana fell, convulsing.
“No!” Razorn knelt, shaking her shoulders. “Tell me what you took! I can save you—tell me!”
Marielana could not speak. Foam choked her throat and mouth. Her chest seized. Upon her death, her divine magic would pass to her daughter.
Razorn would not posses her power.
At peace, Marielana succumbed to the abyss.
Thank You For Reading!
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Cast of Characters
Fenearens:
Rayna Myana: A hunter in the Southern Densite. Niece to Bayne and Silverine
Channon Lyallt: Rayna’s best friend
Kado Aronak: Son of Nero and Quella
Bayne Aruthult: Alpha of the Southern Densite. Rayna’s uncle and adoptive father. Mate to Silverine*
Silverine “Silver” Eliona: Alphena of the Southern Densite. Rayna’s aunt and adoptive mother. Mate to Bayne
Thera Dominina: Lead Healer of the Southern Densite. Roxen’s mother. Mate to Damen*
Roxen Dament: Beta of the Southern Densite
Nero Geddeont: Former Beta of the Southern Densite*
Jaline: Lead Healer of the Southern Densite
Mya Eliona: Rayna’s mother and Silver’s sister*
Katrine Saelia: Refugee from the Northern Densite
Haerian: Warrior in the Southern Densite
Arlo: Alpha of the Southeastern Densite
Saeli: Katrine’s mother and Georg’s sister*
Kiera: A hunter in the Southern Densite
Aquillo Thamot: Rayna’s father and Bayne’s best friend*
Damen: Roxen’s father. Mate to Thera*
Eron the Blackclawed: Former Alpha of the Southern Densite. Silverine and Mya’s father. Mate to Elion*
Elion: Former Alphena of the Southern Densite. Silver and Mya’s mother. Mate to Eron*
Cassa: Rayna’s great-grandmother*
Quella: Former apprentice healer and mother to Kado.
Karon: Brother to Katrine
*Deceased
True Wolves:
Gar: Alpha of the Southern Pack
Pike: Beta of the Southern Park
Ash: Member of the Southern Pack*
Cairn: Member of the Northern Pack. Cousin to Gar.*
Lark: Member of the Southern Pack*
Hawk: Member of the Southern Pack*
Lichen: Member of the Southern Pack. Mate to Sorrel.
Sorrel: Member of the Southern Pack. Mate to Lichen
River: Member of the Southern Pack.
Moth. Member of the Southern Pack. Son of Lichen and Sorrel.
*Deceased
Maenorens:
Rhael Demetrian II: Overlord of Maenor*
Morna Helena: Rhael’s courtesan and adviser*
Coer Vantergard: Rayna’s personal guard and member of the Maenoren Resistance*
Markus Seperun: Officer in the Maenoren infantry and leader of the Maenoren Resistance
Davin Dantes: A born mage and member of the Maenoren Resistance
Daveed Junian: Member of the Maenoren Resistance
Cassian Libera: Member of the Maenoren Resistance
Kalmoren Demetrian: Son of Rhael
Rhalen Demetrian: Son of Rhael
Errol: Maenoren guard
Dosson: Maenoren guard
Lord Alec Swann: Lord of Elkenford
Lord Revine: Maenoren nobleman
Lady Sherelle: Maenoren noblewoman
Lady Emoril: Maenoren noblewoman
Garick: Maenoren soldier
Orinn: Maenoren soldier
*Deceased
Alvornians:
Pheros: Military and political leader of Alvorn
Marielana: High Priestess of Alvorn
Lurenia: A “Maiden of the Waters”
Winiam: Lurenia’s brother
Jayden, son of Kane: Lurenia’s betrothed. Best friend to Winiam.*
*Deceased
Kyreans:
Mignonette “Mina” Dela Tsanclar: Former tavern worker and Rayna’s guide
Captain Gabriel Garrison: Captain of the Council Guard
Councilor Tallis Terayan: Treasurer of the Kyrean Council
Ezra Laevul: Adviser to the Kyrean Council. Twin to Amblin
Councilor Amblin Laevul: Member of the Kyrean Council. Twin to Ezra
Joss: Owner of the Stag and Arrow
Rita: Owner of the Peddler's Toe
Anders Amollo: Representative for Commoners of the Kyrean Council
Paullus Caere: Chief Strategist of the Kyrean Council
Vazzur Darien: Representative for Nobles of the Kyrean Council
Harker: Guard of Krymammer
Commander Jeris: Guard of Krymammer
Enzo Aronak: Slaver and step-father of Kado
Isaac: Mysterious prisoner
Sylrians:
Lonian Heratas Kemar: Chief of the Sylrian nation. Mate to Tristren
Kellan Dane Kemar: Lonian’s nephew
Violette: Lead Healer of the Sylrian nation
Laera: Lonian’s Crimund
Tristren: Mate to Lonian.*
*Deceased
Miscellany:
Negiol: Commander of the Da’ Gammorn
Sudmaris: Guardian of the Southern Seas. Brother to Baleen, Erelim, and Ketos
Wolnor: The creator god worshiped by the Fenearens. Also known as Sira to the Sylrians.
Razorn: Dark counterpart to Wolnor
Lumae: Fenear's founding goddess
Alvo: Alvorn's founding god
Camila: Soulous's founding goddess
Igar: Maenor's founding god
Baleen: Guardian of the Northern Seas. Brother to Sudmaris, Erelim, and Ketos*
Erelim: Guardian of the Eastern Seas. Brother to Sudmaris, Baleen, and Ketos*
Ketos: Guardian of the Western Seas. Brother to Sudmaris, Erelim, and Baleen*
*Deceased
Acknowledgments
Thank you to all those that helped with this book's creation: my editor and friend, Tamara Shoemaker, my formatter and artful cover designer, Emily June Street, my beta readers, Krista Regan and Michael Carter, and the Shenandoah Valley Writers group. You all make my dreams come true.
A huge thank you to my supportive family: Lorenzo, Marty, Leah, Elyse, Gareth, Grace, and Tim. To my extended family who have also been huge fans from the start, Aunt Sherry, Uncle Bob, Gran, and Payton—I am so grateful for your enthusiasm. And to my friends who have become family, Meg Gerry, Meredith Robinson, Lauren Scanlon, Emily Paruolo, Sarah Conner, and so many more, you will never know how much your joy inspires me.
To my nonhuman companions, Eddie, Stella, Klaus, and all my lovely houseplants, thank you for lending your strength and wisdom.
Finally, to the librarians who have invited me to share my words with our community, you're all my heroes. Thank you for promoting literacy, free speech, and education for all.
About the Author
Taryn Noelle Kloeden is a lover of nature and all things furry, scaled, and feathered. As a PhD student in environmental science, with a master’s degree in anthrozoology, she is dedicating her life to protecting the health of our ecosystems. Her research focuses on the nexus of the social and natural sciences, especially as they relate to instances of human-wildlife conflict.
Taryn believes that a healthy world begins with a healthy body and mind. She has practiced yoga for over a decade and is a certified instructor specializing in deep, restorative poses and guided meditations. She is especially passionate about helping her fellow writers and academics learn to unwind and refresh through yoga’s physical and spiritual teachings.
She is the author of the highly-rated YA fantasy series, The Fenearen Chronicles, as well as a number of award-winning short stories. Her short fiction has appeared in
multiple anthologies, including the Otherworld Community’s A Hauntingly Romantic Winter and Free Women of the Wild.
Taryn lives in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley with her Prima donna cat, Stella, adorable dog, Eddie, snuggly snake, Klaus, a veritable jungle of plants, and one very understanding fiancé, Lorenzo.
Blog/website: www.tnkloeden.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tnkloeden
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tnkloeden
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tnkloeden
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tnkloeden
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Taryn-Noelle-Kloeden/e/B06XCS83F3
Wild Winds Press
Copyright 2019 © Taryn Bromser-Kloeden
All rights reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. This is a work of fiction.
Cover and interior design by Emily June Street at Luminous Creatures Press
Map design by Elyse Bromser-Kloeden
Author photograph by Asa Orrin-Brown
Wolf face image © Andrei Ivashenko for 123rf.com
ISBN-10: 1544144806
ISBN-13: 978-1544144801
Created with Vellum
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