Gywna watched Jennadil leave the library and bit her lip as her eyes flooded with tears. She did not know what was wrong with her; she was not a crier. She despised women who simpered and wept over puppy dogs and kittens. Yet, she had lost count of how many times she had cried today. She wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her cloak and padded back to her bedchamber.
Inside her chamber, Gywna pulled open the heavy drapes covering the window and leaned against the wide sill. Clouds had drifted over the moon but Falcon’s Mount glowed against the featureless downs beyond. Out there, Jennadil was beginning his journey across the Downs, south-west to Delm Forest.
Gywna gazed upon the city and thought of how much she had changed. Then, she thought back to the day her transformation had begun. The late summer’s eve she had slipped over the temple wall and run off to Brenna. That decision had saved her life and now, many misadventures later, she was still alive.
Adelyis Florin had not been so lucky; nor had Theo Brin. Neither had the hundreds of unfortunates whose bodies they had cremated just days earlier. The heavy cloak of self-pity and self-absorption that she had dragged around ever since she hit puberty was lifting from her shoulders. Suddenly the world had more color in it.
Gywna stayed at the window, watching the slumbering city until her face felt numb with cold. Finally, the clouds drifted and the moon shone bright once more. Gywna yawned and stepped back from the windowsill. She drew the drapes, kicked off her slippers and crawled into her warm bed. A short while later when Gywna drifted off to sleep, she was smiling.
***
The guards at the gatehouse asked Jennadil no questions. They winched up the portcullis and opened the gates wide enough for him to squeeze out.
A sense of finality settled over Jennadil as the gates thudded shut behind him and he heard the creak of the portcullis being lowered. Out here in the darkness, the wind seemed colder and the Endaar Downs were lonely and desolate. There would be wolves about but Jennadil tried not to think about that. He had his sword and his staff should he need to defend himself. Nevertheless, he would be relieved when he reached the sheltering boughs of Delm Forest.
Jennadil crossed the road, as Dael and Myra had earlier that day, and left the highway. The shortest route to the forest was cross-country. Jennadil shivered in the dank air and pulled his hood up around his face. The wind snagged at his cloak; its icy fingers tried to penetrate his clothing and claw at his skin, but Jennadil quickened his pace, knowing he would warm up soon enough.
The wizard walked for a while before he paused and looked back at Falcon’s Mount. The citadel was magnificent at night, illuminated by home fires and the moonlight. It glowed pale amber and Jennadil was briefly reminded of his warm bed and the comfortable life he had shunned there.
No home, no friends and no lover awaited him in Delm Forest. He would have to construct a dwelling to live in, and he would have to fend completely for himself. It was a lonely path but Jennadil welcomed the solitude. Maybe one day he would return to live amongst men but for now, he needed to isolate himself from them. He needed time to heal from the events of the last year, which weighed heavily on his heart and soul.
He cast one more glance back at Falcon’s Mount and the life he had given up. Then he turned his back on it and disappeared into the enfolding night.
Over grassy down
By the eye of the moon
I wend my way
To the forest door;
Through the embracing night
Into the lonely dawn
Spirit restored
I am lost no more.
The End
Other works by Sam J. Charlton
The Palâdnith Chronicles
An epic fantasy trilogy about three brothers and the destiny that awaits them.
Book #1: Journey of Shadows
SHORTLISTED FOR THE SIR JULIUS VOGEL AWARDS, 'BEST FANTASY NOVEL', 2014!
"When you're lost there's nowhere to go but forward. One step at a time - and the way will show itself."
A traditional epic fantasy adventure about three brothers - a guard, a weaponsmith and a librarian – and the legacy that binds them.
Thirty years after the mysterious disappearance of their mother, cataclysmic events force Seth, Eni and Val Falkyn to abandon their old lives and identities, and embark on three epic journeys. An assassin hunts Seth, Eni is accused of murder and sentenced to hang, and Val's master sends him on a perilous quest that is meant to claim his life.
As each brother sets out on his journey, he must face his personal demons and fears. Help comes from unlikely sources but, in the end, it is Seth, Eni and Val's own strength, determination and courage that will decide their fates.
Book #2: The Citadel of Lies
Three brothers. Three assassins. One destination.
In the dark forests of Westhealm lies the fabled Citadel of Lies. Seth, Eni and Val Falkyn travel towards it - and towards an uncertain future.
Val must retrieve the Blood Stone, a powerful charm that can open a way to Moden, the magical underworld prison. He must free Floriana DeSanith - the only person who can train the brothers in the ways of the Sentorân.
Yet another powerful, artefact lies within the Citadel of Lies. In the wrong hands, it could destroy the world.
Three assassins stalk the brothers. Seth, Eni and Val must die before they reach the Citadel.
Before they discover the truth.
Book #3: The Well of Secrets
The last chapter in an epic fantasy adventure begins...
The Well of Secrets (Book Three of the Palâdnith Chronicles) is a tale of adventure, discovery, fear and courage. It's the story of three men, and the legacy that binds them.
Seth, Eni and Val Falkyn stand at a crossroads. The Citadel of Lies now lies behind them and the Collar of Jade is lost.
Floriana DeSanith convinces the brothers that in order to gain the skills they need to rescue their mother from Moden, they must first become Sentorân. Reluctantly, the brothers return home to Barrowthorne, to begin their training – a decision that they eventually come to regret.
Meanwhile, an ambitious young realmlord travels to Deep-Spire with hopes of power and glory. At the same time, Edessa Delfen - who has escaped the Malwagen – begins a hunt for the man she deems responsible for the death of her lover: Seth Falkyn.
When a new discovery comes to light, the brothers' focus changes once more. Instead of continuing their training, they set of on another quest – this time in search of the mythical 'Well of Secrets'.
However, there is far more at stake than the brothers realize...
About the Author
Sam J. Charlton is an author of epic fantasy adventures. Her novels are character-driven, coming of age stories that take place in richly drawn fantasy worlds. Fast-paced, and full of epic adventure and memorable characters, her books are for anyone who loves traditional epic fantasy.
Two of Sam's novels: Journey of Shadows, and The Children of Isador, were shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards.
PUBLISHED WORKS:
The Palâdnith Chronicles:
Deep-Spire (Prequel novella)
Journey of Shadows (Book 1)
The Citadel of Lies (Book 2)
The Well of Secrets (Book 3)
The Children of Isador
Sam lives in New Zealand's South Island, where she works as a freelance copy writer.
Visit Sam's website: www.samjcharlton.com
Visit Sam's blog: www.samanthacharlton.com
The Children of Isador Page 36