The three Kings of Massa agreed to institute a new council for the unification of the island. They would meet once a month to discuss all matters necessary to strengthen and revive the island and its people.
King Rik Rojin reminded Rogan Radek of his promise to return to Deepstone. There was much they needed to discuss the King told him with a pat on the shoulder, and Prince Erik was anxiously awaiting his cousin’s return.
King Jerund J’El pledged to Airron Falewir that he would teach him what all Elves but he knew how to do—summon animals. He also agreed to teach him the Elven Morning Song to Elán.
King Maximus Everard declared to his daughter and all on the battlefield that day that there would be no more exile for magic users.
Gemini and the sorceresses of Elloree gave farewells to their sister, Kiernan, with heartfelt assurances to stay in touch. They did not seem surprised when Kiernan told them that she would not be advancing to the next level within the coven.
The Tribe Leader of the Halfies was most pleased with the outcome of what was being referred to as the Demon War. Not a single Halfie had been killed in battle. Vinni Vee and his Halfies vowed to try to be good citizens of Massa as they searched for a new home. Then, Vinni reflexively kicked Beck Atlan in the knee.
Of Avalon Ravener, there was no sign. The witches of Elloree declared that they would hunt her down, but it was generally agreed that without her brother, she would most likely remain in hiding. If she did reappear, the people were confident in the sorceresses’ ability to deal with her.
The angels, having defeated the demons, returned to the Highworld through the Protetor. Unless dire circumstances arose, it would be the last time they would see each other, they said, but that was the way it was meant to be.
They said that often, thought Rogan Radek.
The biggest shock came from one of the Draca Cats. After they laid Bajan to rest in a touching ceremony that Kiernan translated for the Massans, Felice approached to tell her she was going to have Bajan’s cub. She promised Kiernan that the baby Draca would be Kiernan’s first child’s bondmate. This touched Kiernan profoundly, and it took some time before she was able to stop crying. Prophecy took one of their own, but left another in his place.
Finally, it was just the shifters left. Plus one. Unbeknownst to King Rik, the resourceful Deepstone soldier, Janin, infiltrated his entourage of Fists and traveled unobserved with them to the Valley of Flame.
***
Janin snuck up behind Rogan and wrapped her arms around his waist. Startled, the Dwarf turned to look at her and his face and ears turned bright red. But, he didn’t move away. He put his arm out and Janin ducked under, still clutching his middle.
“Don’t worry, Janin,” Kiernan told her, “it took Beck a long time to figure it out, too.”
“I figured it out!” countered Rogan. “A long time ago, I might add. But in case you haven’t noticed, Kiernan, I have been a little busy lately.”
They all laughed as they started south after the Draca Cats. The four friends didn’t know what the future held for them—knew only that they were not yet ready to go their separate ways. The Dracas invited them back to Callyn-Rhe for rest and time to heal from the effects of battle.
They were at peace.
The fighting was over and there was profound comfort in knowing that their family and friends were safe in the Highworld. They had much to look forward to in their new magical life ahead of them.
“Besides,” Rogan said, “what kind of decent young lady would want to be with a magic shifter like me?”
“Decent? You never said you were looking for decent!” Janin teased with a smile.
Airron barked out a laugh, and when Airron Falewir laughed, they all found it hard not to join in.
The End
Ruling Nobility of Massa
Iserlohn
King Maximus Everard
House Colors - Black & Scarlet, Sigil - Golden Lions
Princess Kiernan Everard
Men at Arms
Colbie Nash - Captain, Royal Guard, Personal Guard to King Maximus
Bo Franck - Captain, Iserlohn Army
Greg Gregaros - Scarlet Saber
Bret Schwan - Scarlet Saber
Kirby Nash - Lieutenant, Iserlohn Army
Court Members
Lord Davad Etin
House Colors - Red & Blue; Sigil - Flying Eagles
Lord Abram Winslow
House Colors - White & Gray; Sigil - Crouching Wolves
Lady Isabella Conry
House Colors - Brown & Black; Sigil - Savage Badgers
Lady Lillian Knapp
House Colors - Gray & Purple; Sigil - Shadow Panthers
Lord Paxton
House Colors - Black & Green; Sigil - Thundering Bulls
Lord Johan Hamilton
House Colors - Red & Yellow; Sigil - Red Dragons
Deepstone
King Rik Rojin
House Colors - Blue & Maroon; No Sigil
Prince Erik Rojin
Men at Arms
Klay Arsten - General, Iron Fists, Personal Guard to King Erik
Haventhal
King Jerund J’El
House Colors - Brown & Green; Sigil - Ficus Tree
Prince Thorn J’El
Men at Arms
Raine Aubry - Gardien, Gladewatchers
Leif Oliver - Gardien, Gladewatchers
Afterword
Thank you very much for reading Book One in the Island Shifters series. I hope you enjoyed it! Please reach out with comments at my website at www.valeriezambito.com. I would love to hear from you.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you!
Continue with An Oath of the Mage (Book Two).
It is nearly unthinkable. A child has disappeared. But, Beck and Kiernan Atlan know exactly who has their daughter, and she is the waking nightmare that has haunted their dreams for years.
The kidnapper will stop at nothing to exact revenge against the shifters of Massa but will soon discover a powerful truth. The fierce love of a parent burns eternally, but when stoked, it threatens to explode.
About the Author
Valerie Zambito lives in New York with her family. A great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of her epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October, 2011. The first book in her paranormal fantasy series, ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS, followed the following year in 2012. Visit www.valeriezambito.com for the latest information.
Books Published by Valerie Zambito:
Book One: Island Shifters - An Oath of the Blood
Book Two: Island Shifters - An Oath of the Mage
Book Three: Island Shifters - An Oath of the Children
Book Four: Island Shifters - An Oath of the Kings
Angels of the Knights - Fallon
Angels of the Knights - Blane
Angels of the Knights - Nikki
Island Shifters - An Oath of the Blood (Book One) Page 37