How The Warrior Fell (Falling Warriors series Book 1)

by Nicole René

  A soft whinny echoing from below the hill.

  Leawyn stilled, watching the hilltop with bated breath.

  Deydrey’s silver mane appeared first, slowly walking up the hill until her chest was visible. She stopped, her neck turning to look behind her, waiting.

  Leawyn’s hand flew to cover her mouth, blinking back tears.

  The pure black colt burst over the hill, his longs legs still uncertain and wobbly as he hurried over to his mom’s side and stayed close.

  “He looks just like him.”

  Leawyn jumped in surprise, looking over her shoulder to see Xavier staring at the foal ahead of her.

  “He’s beautiful,” Leawyn said with emotion thick in her voice, turning back around. Xavier’s arm rested around her shoulders, pulling her close to his side.

  They watched the colt run around, testing out his legs and speed. The colt kicked out his legs, and Xavier and Leawyn both laughed when he wobbled precariously as his feet landed back on the ground, the momentum throwing him off balance.

  A soft cry caught drew their attention behind them.

  Xavier and Leawyn both turned, watching Namoriee walk towards them, her arms craddling the two month, blond haired baby close to her chest.

  Xavier stepped forward and met her halfway, Namoriee gladly handing their son over so he could take him in his own arms and hold him close. Namoriee turned to leave as soon as she did so.

  Leawyn smiled softly at the sound of her son’s happy gurgling as his dad tickled his stomach. Xavier walked back over to her, and she sighed in contentment, leaning back against Xavier when he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, his hands resting against the growing baby bump there.

  “I love you,” Xavier whispered into Leawyn’s ear, meeting her eyes when she tilted her head back to look up at him.

  Leawyn and Xavier didn’t choose their beginning, it was chosen for them. They were forced on each other for the sake of their tribes.

  For a long time, Leawyn’s life had felt hopeless. She was stuck with a man she hated, with no chance to escape, and she had often wished for death.

  Xavier and Leawyn tore each other apart with their words, and then put the pieces back together with their actions. They wanted each other to suffer, because they were scared. Hate brought them together, fear tore them apart. They hurt each other to try and hide their own pain. They wanted each other to suffer because they were scared. Of themselves, of each other . . . of love.

  They were lost in the sea of loneliness, yet, somewhere along the way, they found each other, and instead of drowning, they swam.

  It took Leawyn awhile, but she finally figured it out.

  Xavier was a warrior first, and a man second. That was a fact that would never change.

  Their love wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t conventional. But it was theirs. Their love was painful. It was hard. It was heartbreaking. But most of all . . . It was everlasting.

  They fought the battle, and won.

  Leawyn smiled, fingers caressing his cheek. She went up on her toes and Xavier bent his massive form down to meet her halfway. Before their lips touched, she told him the truth.

  “I love you, too.”

  The End.

  How The Warrior Fell is my debut novel and I would love to hear what you thought of it! If you have the time, please leave a review and send the link to nicolerenebooks@gmail.com and I’ll personally thank you for your support!

  Tyronian and Namoriee’s story is next in the explosive second book in the Falling Warriors series. Please enjoy this exclusive excerpt.

  HOW THE WARRIOR CLAIMED

  Book Two

  Synopsis:

  Namoriee knew that the only way she could protect her heart against the blond-haired gentle giant with the smile that haunted her nights, and the blue eyes that seemed to be permanently fixed on her, was to stay away. Her body reacts strangely whenever she was around Tyronian, and that scared her.

  He was the chief’s cousin, and third in line to take over the tribe.

  She was the Chief’s handmaiden.

  He was too good for her, and two years ago he made a promise to her that she never thought he intended to keep.

  She was wrong.

  Tyronian had wanted Namoriee even when he knew it was wrong. The need to posses her was so strong, it took everything he had to keep the promise he made himself, and to her.

  He promised he would wait until she was older.

  He promised her two years.

  Time’s up.

  Namoriee wants nothing to do with Tyronian, but that’s too bad because he has no plans on stopping until she’s in his bed, and he’s in her heart.

  She’ll be his. Forever.

  Whether she likes it, or not.

  CHAPTER ONE

  “What are you asking, exactly?”

  Tyronian’s eyes narrowed at the question. My cousin is a bastard, he thought.

  Judging by the humored glint in Xavier’s eyes, and the smirk that Tyronian’s fists were itching to wipe off his face—he knew it too.

  “You know exactly what I’m asking, cousin,” Tyronian sneered.

  Xavier chuckled, shaking his head. A glance over at his wife, Leawyn—also Tyronian’s cousin—showed that she, too, was amused at his expense.

  They were all in the main hut that was used for the tribe’s meals. Xavier had it built for Leawyn when she mentioned that one of the things she missed most about her village was that they had all shared their meals together. There wasn’t anything Xavier wouldn’t do for his wife, so, naturally, he had this giant hut built and the Izayges now had a new tradition.

  “Save yourself the trouble, and just say it,” Leawyn said in her melodic voice with a grin that practically broke her face.

  Bastards. Both of them, Tyronian thought.

  “Fine,” Tyronian growled, fists clenching with his annoyance, “I want to make Namoriee my wife. Do you accept my offer, Chief?” His voice was sickly sweet with false niceties and sarcasm.

  Xavier’s eyes glittered with triumph when he nodded his head. Clearly he was enjoying this. “I accept. You may have her.”

  Tyronian nodded his head in gratitude to him. Xavier knew very well that it wouldn’t have mattered if he denied Tyronian—he would've claimed her anyways. Namoriee was his. He waited two winters for her to shed the skin of a young girl, and blossom into the woman that she was today. Tyronian had waited even longer if he counted many winters he wanted her before. From the very first moment Namoriee’s hazel eyes, so timid and unsure of herself, caught his, her fate was sealed. It was as if a lightning bolt struck Tyronian’s heart and stole his breath. The rush of protectiveness and possessiveness that took over his body was shocking.

  From then on, Tyronian had looked after Namoriee. Even if she didn’t know, and it was from afar. It was Tyronian who made sure that she didn’t go hungry solely because of her status, or that she had decent clothing for the winter, and a roof over her head.

  When his cousin got married, Tyronian made sure that she would be his new wife’s handmaiden because he knew what that would mean for her, what kind of opportunities that offered her. He was glad that the tales of Leawyn’s beauty weren’t the only rumor that was true. Rumors had spread fast about the daughter of the Rhoxolani‘s chief, of how she was the most beautiful girl in all the land, and had a pure heart that was filled only with kindness. They were all truths, Tyronian had learned; his cousin was in fact beautiful and was the most kindhearted person he knew. But his cousin didn’t hold a candle to his Namoriee. She was the most beautiful girl in the land in his eyes, and she was going to be all his. No matter how much Namoriee tried to deny it.

  “Where is she?” Tyronian asked Leawyn directly, as she would know best where her friend was. Leawyn smiled her radiant smile that enamored so many men. “She’s in my hut with Xillik,” she answered. “She probably already put him down for his nap and is heading back to her own hut.” Leawyn’s eyes twinkled with mischievou
sness that made him grin.

  “I’ll take my leave then,” he said, taking the few steps needed and placed a kiss on Leawyn’s cheek. He was just about to open the door to leave when her voice made him pause.

  “She will fight you, Tyronian. Not because you are unworthy, but because she feels that she is unworthy. Her heart is strong; don’t be afraid to break it. Just as long as you can put it back together again with even more strength.”

  Tyronian turned, looking Leawyn in her eyes. She smiled gently at him, but the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. Instead, they reflected the battles her own heart had fought. Tyronian didn’t think anyone really knew the effect the war had on his beautiful cousin. Leawyn was strong—stronger than anyone he knew—but even the strongest heart struggled to keep the darkness that came with taking a life at bay.

  “You have my word,” he vowed. Leawyn smiled.

  When she did not say more, Tyronian gave her and Xavier another nod before opening the door and exiting the room.

  It was time to tell his wife-to-be the good news.

  CHAPTER TWO

  It took forever for Namoriee to get Xillik to settle down enough to sleep. The adorable-yet-crazy blonde-haired toddler was insane. He had an over-abundance of energy, and he was already mischievous enough to use his cuteness to get away from things he didn’t agree with, like naps. He was by far the cutest child in the village.

  Xillik inherited Leawyn’s blonde hair and blue eyes, and when he smiled two identical dimples appeared on both cheeks. As far as Namoriee could see, the only thing that he inherited from Xavier was his height. He was already taller than the other kids his age.

  Needless to say, putting him to sleep was a struggle, and when he finally did fall asleep, all Namoriee wanted to do was the same. Which was exactly what she had planned to do as soon as she got in her hut. Or at least she was, until she walked in and saw the last person she wanted to see sitting on her bed pallet waiting for her.

  “Tyronian, what are you doing in here?” Namoriee asked nervously, gripping the handle to her door tighter.

  He smiled, and something about that smile instantly put Namoriee on alert.

  “Close the door, Namoriee.”

  Closing the door was the last thing she wanted to do.

  “I’m really tired, maybe you can—”

  “I said close the door, Namoriee.”

  Namoriee’s breath shuddered out of her, and she swallowed nervously. Something in his eyes told her that even though she didn’t want to shut the door, it would be better if she did. She shut the door. “Lock it,” he said, never taking his eyes off her.

  Namorie exhaled shakily, but did as he asked and locked the door. He grinned, pleasure flashing in his eyes. Then he crooked his finger at her. “Come here.”

  No way, she thought to herself.

  It was bad enough she was alone in a room with this beautiful man; there was no way she was going to get close enough for him to touch her. His presence did weird things to her body. He made her lose her head, and his touch heated her nerve endings like fire, at the same time her heart froze like ice. The last time he touched Namoriee, he did things to her body that equally exhilarated and terrified her. So no, she was not going to him.

  At least not all the way.

  “Why are you here?” Namoriee asked when she came to a stop in the middle of her small hut. It was close enough that she could get away with following his order, but not close enough for him to reach her. His amused look told her that he knew she did that deliberately.

  “You know why I’m here, Namoriee.”

  If it was anyone else, she wouldn’t have a clue. But this was Tyronian, and he’d been telling Namoriee what was going to happen for a long time. He was correct: she did know what he was doing here. She was just hoping that he forgot. Unwillingly, the memory of that night so long ago flashed behind her eyes.

  It was the night she knew her life would never be the same again . . .

  FLASHBACK: Two winters ago.

  The rain was merciless.

  The wind was howling loudly as thunder and lightning flashed across the sky. It was the only way the Gods knew how to express their displeasure to the mere mortals below.

  Namoriee shivered as she ducked her head down against the strong currents, trying to hold her heavy cloak of animal leather against her body tightly as it tried to fly away. Several of her fellow village people quickly ran past, looking for respite after securing the various animals and food they had to safety.

  "Girl! What are you doing out here?"

  Namoriee lifted her head up at the call and met the brown eyes of Tristan as he marched his way towards her. Blinking the water away from her eyes, Namoriee tilted her head to look into the displeased face of her Lady Chief's brother and second in line as he grabbed her arm.

  "You shouldn't be out here!" he yelled, trying to be heard over the heavy downpour.

  Namoriee eyed the grip he had on her arm, unhappy, but she knew better than to comment "I was instructed to check on the horses. Qubec is due to give foal any day now, and I need to make sure that the storm isn't causing her stress," she yelled to him over the howling wind.

  Tristan frowned, tugging on her arm again. He started to lead her back in the direction of her hut. "I'll send someone to check on her. You shouldn't be out here. Tyronian—"

  Namoriee flushed in embarrassment, knowing where he was going with this. She yanked her arm out of his grasp, much to Tristan's surprise. "He is not my concern, nor should I be his. Qubec was instructed to my care, and I will be the one to see it so," she said in annoyance, glaring up at Tristan. "S-sir," she stuttered weakly when he gave her a disapproving stare. She had forgotten her place and spoke out of turn.

  "Namoriee, as your—"

  Whatever Tristan was going to order was swiftly cut off as another flash of lighting lit the sky, only this time it struck one of the many trees surrounding their village. Namoriee’s eyes widened when it quickly caught fire, splintering in half and falling from its host with an almighty crash.

  "For the love of the Gods!" Tristan cursed, giving her a quick glance before he shot off to the still burning tree, calling over his shoulder as he did so.

  "Go home, Namoriee!"

  She watched for a moment, still slightly bewildered at her luck. She sent a quick ‘thank you’ to the Gods before she hunkered down and continued on her way. Hopefully Tristan was too busy with the burning tree to see that she wasn’t heading in the direction of her hut.

  The sound of high-pitched whinnies concerned Namoriee greatly.

  She hurried her pace to the small mare barn that Qubec was stalled in. It was a simple three twelve-by-twelve stall barn that Izayges sometimes used to house the pregnant mares so that they could foal away from the pasture that the tribe kept their horses in.

  Qubec was the only mare that the Izayges were expecting to foal, but many were hoping that, come spring time, there would be at least four more colts to roam their land. It would be the first time that Namoiree would get to witness a horse give birth, which made her even more determined to make sure Qubec was taken care of properly.

  The wind made it difficult for Namoriee to slide open the door. It whistled through the small gap and pushed hay and straw that was left on the ground in a small whirlwind. She tugged with more strength, and inch by inch the door opened until, finally, she was able to open it enough to slip through and push the door close with a loud bang.

  “Gods, that was hard.” She sighed as she slumped against the door in relief. The shrill whinny broke through her thoughts and, remembering why she was there in the first place, she quickly walked to the only stall lit.

  Qubec was still whinnying in fear when Namoriee approached her. The white of the mare’s eyes showed how distressed she was. Quickly unlatching the stall door, she let herself inside, taking care to hold her hands up in a nonthreatening manner. The last thing she wanted to do was spook Qubec.

  "Easy girl, take it easy
. You're alright,” Namoriee cooed, grabbing the rope halter and bringing her muzzle to her chest. She ran her fingers down through Qubec’s mane and nose, the coarse hairs tickling her fingertips a second before the silky softness took over.

  Qubec snorted in fear, stomping on the ground and throwing her head against Namoriee’s hold.

  Biting her lip, Namoriee eyed the mare nervously. If she didn’t calm Qubec down, she might abort the pregnancy and that was the last thing she wanted to happen.

  Namoriee continued to coo at her for another fifteen minutes until Qubec gradually managed to calm down.

  "There, all better, huh, girl?" she asked softly, continuing to stroke her nose.

  Qubec snorted, almost as if in agreement. Namoriee smiled.

  The barn door suddenly crashed open with a flash of lighting that caused Qubec to rear up in terror. Stumbling backwards The white of Qubec’s eyes was the only thing she saw a second before Qubec slammed into her shoulder, launching her clear across the stall. Her head made sickening crack as it slapped back against the wall., Namoriee narrowly avoided getting kicked in the face before Qubec charged forward.

  Namoriee thought she heard her name being called before the black spots took control of her vision and she fell unconscious.

  Namoriee slowly came to. She sat up, but immediately laid back down at the sharp pain the movement caused her head.

  "You shouldn't try to get up. You hit your head pretty hard."

  The deep voice startled Namoriee so much that she jumped. She turned her head quickly to locate where it came from. She gasped, partly because of the nausea her sudden jerk caused her, and partly because the Chief’s cousin, Tyronian, was glaring at her from a chair in the corner.

  "What did you think you were doing, Namoriee?” he asked, resting his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward. His voice became deeper with his displeasure. "You shouldn't be out in a storm like this. You could have been killed!"