The Order of the Trident (Eldarlands Book 1)

by Samuel Rikard

  Some stories come more naturally than others. One day you can be thinking about how you're going to handle a particular section, striving to make it all come together in a fashion that's both believable and cohesive. The next, random pieces start falling from the woodwork and landing perfectly into place, leaving you, as the writer to ponder how the hell that fit so perfectly and why it took you so long to think of it. You run into these welcome plot hooks quite frequently when it's a story you enjoy.

  The Order of the Trident took a major turn from my original vision. You see, it started when I was just reaching my teen years. I was in high school, sitting in my journalism class, at that point in time I never thought I would strive to be a writer of any sort. One of my friends,who just happened to be sitting next to me, was cleaning out his backpack when he pulled out this four page sheet with all sorts numbers and text written in with pencil. I studied it, lost in its function. I'd never seen a Dungeons and Dragons character sheet before, but I found it strangely wonderful, despite my ignorance of it's purpose. My friend, noticing my interest, explained its purpose and, while not directly related, invited me to a gathering at one of the local parks. It started at 2pm every Sunday and I desperately wanted to go. When I arrived, I may as well have stepped into another world. People were dressed in the most fantastic garb and carried a wide variety of duct taped covered weapons. Amidst all of these people, I felt at home. I continued to go and by the time the first monthly event arrived, I was a character in this new world. At that same event I met some of my very best friends, whom remain in that status today. The LARP know as Eldaraenth truly changed my life from the first day I was introduced to it. Over the years my friends and I formed a fighting company of mercenaries called The Order of the Trident. We specialized in combat against a race of black-skinned elves, which were inherently evil. I'd write their commonly used name here, but there's a lot of confusion surrounding that particular term when used in literature. For this same reason, this particular racial name was not used in this book, which I absolutely hate. But, just to be safe and prevent any form of law suit, I renamed them Dreu... It just doesn't have the same ring to it. Anyway, seasons came and went, members left and new ones arrived, but it was the family away from home that I cherished most. Well, that and getting dressed up to beating the crap out of each other with foam weapons.

  The original draft of the novel was written at a point in time when my leg was broken and I wasn't able to walk for several months. The fears and doubts that begin to find their way into your mind when placed in such circumstances can be frightening on a level I never expected to experience. I was already building my writing career at that point, but had I not been, I would have learned about the therapeutic power words can bring when physical escape is impossible. I couldn't go for a walk outside, so instead, I'd go for an adventure through my characters.

  Back to the story. In the original draft, I took key events from the world of Eldaraenth and experienced them in manners suitable to the characters my friends and I portrayed. It went quite well for the first half. Then, like an idiot, I followed the story line of the game and abandoned the potential story line waiting for me down the other paths. A friend of mine read the manuscript, making sure there were no copyright concerns between the game and my story. While that concern was minimal, he pointed out the mistake in sticking to the game world. So I scrapped the entire second half and went to work writing the story in the most logical manner I could conceive, using the bread crumbs laid out for me.

  The second draft was amazing and I truly wish I could have published that version, but due to my lack of foresight, and the stupidity accompanied with forgetting to back up and save multiple copies, I had a computer malfunction and lost the entire manuscript. I was so furious and heartbroken about all the time and work I'd put in, just to have the entire thing gone in the blink of an eye. I couldn't think straight when it came to the story. I'd sit down in front of my computer, watching that blinking line await my command, but I couldn't fathom where to start. I'd write a line, and then erase two. Several months, I couldn't bare to touch it. In that time I took a few contracts and was published elsewhere, but in my head I wanted to finish this story.

  One day I decided enough was enough. I opened the word processor and started plugging away. Before long, I had something resembling the start of a novel. I kept working on it when I could, the complications of life and need to pay bills slowing my progression, but I was finally able to finish it with several months of waking up at 4am. Working on it until 7am. Taking my daughter to school and going to my day job. Then continuing after my daughter went to bed around 9pm. I can't put into words my excitement to finally publish this story and I hope everyone enjoys reading it, as much as I enjoyed writing it.

  As I have so many people I'm happy to call friends, scratch that, family. I'd like to do an extended dedication here where I can name as many of them as possible.

  To my immediate family;

  Mom, thank you for believing in me and buying so many copies of my previous books. Were it not for you supplying the rest of the family, I'm not sure any of them would have copies. At least not without talking me into giving them away.

  Teahna, you and I have all had our differences and views of opinion. Mostly because I'm laid back and tend to go with the flow, and you're uptight and controlling... just kidding, mostly. Despite our differences, I wanted to officially thank you (see it's right here in my novel. Don't think it can get any more official than that) for helping me with Bre when you had time available. As a single father, it gets difficult sometimes and you helped ease some of that.

  Tianne, you have always been my awesome, nerdy little sister and while you've had some experiences and trials of your own, I'm glad you're home. You're pretty fun to hang with and I wish you the best of luck in your future. Oh, and free your schedule up. I need a babysitter from time to time and you're never available anymore. Love you, sis.

  Dakota, I doubt you'll ever read, nor understand these written words, but I wanted to say, I love you, bub. We always have a great time and sometimes I wish I could see the world as simply as you do. Keep being you.

  Aunt CJ, I'm weird and in the strangest possible way, I have you to thank for that. I occasionally have little memories from my childhood where I remember talking to you. You were the one to jump my ass for judging someone I didn't know. You helped me understand that it was okay to be different. And for that and so much more, I wanted to say thank you and I love you.

  Now that all that mushy stuff is out there, I'm going to finish up with my closest friends, who may as well be family.

  Brian Jackson, what does one say to their best friend? Things sure wouldn't be the same with out. I'm glad for our adventures and shared humor. Laughing so hard at a tree stump that we couldn't pick the damn thing up. The years have gone be faster than any of us could realize and I'm glad to still have you be my side.

  Justin Moore, I could mimic everything I just said to Brian, But I don't think is applies the same. You've been there just as long, longer even. When I need to think, you're there to listen. Somehow I always come out of our conversations, ready to write. You add many dynamics to my professional outlook. I'm happy to call you brother, and not just for the ideas. We don't get to hang out as much anymore, but you're always right there when you're needed. Between you and Brian, I don't think a guy could ask for better friends. For better or worse, you guys shaped me into who I am. But I feel it's for the better.

  Chad Keeling, sorry I killed you. But per our conversation about your character, if I see a good reason to bring him back, I'll consider it.

  Chris Hoffman, what can I say? We shared many great years together. I grew up with you. Counted you among my closest friends. I still think about you frequently. Mostly wondering if you're going to show up one day. Wondering what intention you're going to have when/if you do. Wondering what action I'm going to have to take in response to yours. Let's just hope it doesn't come to that. You w
ere a great friend, and whether you remember the night all that changed or not is irrelevant. I hold no malice toward you, nor do I wish you ill. Quite the contrary, I hope you were able to find what you needed to straighten up and I wish you a complete and fruitful life.

  To everyone who helped me with this book in one way or another. Listed in alphabetical order to prevent favoritism, because I might like some of you more than others.

  Andi Watson

  Ben Reeder

  Blayne Riffle

  Brandon Shane

  Brandon Shaw

  Chris Sliger

  Cody Carter

  Daniel Woodmansee

  Darin Bolin

  David Blanchard

  Doug Miller

  Ed Gehlert

  Eva Gehlert

  Garrett Holt

  George Canfield

  Gerry Kissell

  Jake Arbogast

  Jennifer Parr

  Jeremiah Eckrich

  Jill Canfield

  Joey Yoder

  Joshua Brotherton

  Kassidy Cheyanne

  Kassondra Maher

  Kristi Hart

  Kristy Dalton

  Leah Haines

  Lisa McCulley

  Logan Woodmansee

  Lori Moore

  Mathew Brotherton

  Michael Pittman

  Nathan Bursley

  Nathan Shaw

  Nichole Sliger

  Patrick Hill

  Shane Moore

  Steven Tibbs

  Tony Buell

  Tony Thomason

  Tyler Haines

  Vonnee Applegate

  Victor Miller

  Victoria Yoder

  William Virella

  Some of you helped by teaching me things, some by volunteering in various ways, some by helping eliminate problem areas, some for bringing the characters to life and giving me a personality to write about, and some for simply being a good friend and bringing me joy with your presence. I'm glad to have all of you in my life.

  I'd also like give a special memory to Chris “Lluween” Dugan. You weren't always there. But when you were, you were truly there. You'll be missed, my friend.

  And lastly, to everyone I haven't named; my friends, family, fans, brothers, and brol@s. Thank you all for your support and continued reading. With your help, I'll continue to work toward bringing you better adventures in a timely manner.

  One final thing. I'd like to make a request. If you enjoyed this book, please leave me a review so others can see what you have to say about it. Thank you for your support. You guys are awesome!

  Samuel Rikard

  If you enjoyed this novel, you might also enjoy

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  J.M. Guillen

  There are things unseen in the world of men. Uncanny horrors stalk us from the shadow.

  Fortunately for the children of men, there is one who protects us, one we cannot see.

  Each year, with the death of summer, a remnant of humanity's dream awakens: The Herald of Autumn.

  Wherever he wanders, the howls of ghostly hounds travel with him. The frigid wind of the dark hallows blows at his back. He hunts the creatures that linger in night, an ever watchful protector of mankind.

  This Autumn, however, is different from those past.

  When the Herald awakens, he's immediately thrown into a battle for his very existence. Matching wit against a shaman from another age, he learns the sinister truth about the ancient darkness that lurks in the shadow. Poised to prevent the end of all things, the Herald must do what he can, or fall to the darkness he swore to repel. One thing is certain, things will never be the same again!

  You can get your very own FREE copy at https://www.instafreebie.com/book/14152