Tears of the Sun
Jennifer McCormick
Silver Dragon Books By
Regal Crest
Copyright © 2018 by Jennifer McCormick
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. The characters, incidents and dialogue herein are fictional and any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
ISBN 978-1-61929-396-0
eISBN 978–1-61929-397-7
First Edition 2018
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Cover design by AcornGraphics
Published by:
Regal Crest Enterprises
Find us on the World Wide Web at http://www.regalcrest.biz
Published in the United States of America
Acknowledgments
I want to thank my parents for all the love and support they have given me over the years. Without their encouragement this book would not have been possible. I also want to thank everyone at Regal Crest Enterprises for having faith in my book and making a dream come true.
Dedication
This book is dedicated to my mother, who has shown me only love and kindness. Thanks, Mom!
Chapter One
WISPS OF SMOKE rose into the sky, blotting out the sun and choking the world in a dull, gray haze. It was stifling to breathe in such an environment. January Sterling made her way carefully across the city of Sonastra, capital of Tiruval, her mind racing as she surveyed the damage.
The Summit of Four Winds, an annual event in which representatives from each of the Four Kingdoms of Lythril attended, was held in Sonastra every autumn. Usually the coastal city was delightful at this time of year, but this year it was difficult to see the coastline for the smoke and ash filling the sky. It stung Jan’s eyes. She blinked away tears and paused to look at the source of the smoke rising steadily into the gray sky.
The remains of a once grand castle stood on a natural rise in the land, a hillock overlooking the rest of Sonastra. The Summit Palace had played host to the Summit of Four Winds for hundreds of years. Now, the beautiful building was reduced to a hull of its former glory, a charred skeleton of a centuries-old landmark left to smolder in the coming rain. No one knew who was responsible for the attack on the Summit of Four Winds. No one suspected the Four Kingdoms of Lythril had such bold enemies.
Although the attack occurred the day before, the Sonastra guard and citizens alike were still rushing to fully extinguish the still-burning embers before the fire could spread. Even from a distance Jan could see the faint flickering. It was a pale, ghostly blue light, clearly flame of an arcane nature and not caused by natural means. Someone used the ancient and mysterious powers of the arcane to destroy the Summit Palace, to ignite a fire that would leave thousands dead and many more frightened for their lives.
Among those killed in the magical fire were fifty-six senior officers of the Arbitrary Order of Lyth. The Arbiters, as they were more commonly known, had a long history of being the defenders of Lythril, the hand of justice of the Goddess and Huntress Queen, Lyth. With powers of both government and the Lythrillian faith on their side, the Arbiters had the respect of the citizens of Lythril, and just enough fear to keep the unruly masses in check. Or at least that was what everyone thought.
“Maybe the world doesn’t respect the Arbiters the way it used to,” Jan said.
Next to her, a man in full plate armor and a cloaked figure paused to follow Jan’s line of sight.
“Or perhaps the Arbiters have merely grown too complacent over the years,” the cloaked figure said. Her voice was musical, playful, containing the slightest hint of a cat’s purr. Beneath the folds of the hood Jan caught a flash of green before her companion lowered her head and her eyes were lost in shadow.
Beatrix Lyon was the Advisor of Arcane Studies at Fort Solitude, the Arbiter’s stronghold in the kingdom of Rider’s Vale. Jan heard that Beatrix was once a woman possessing unrivaled beauty, until her obsession with the study of shapeshifting permanently altered her body.
Shapeshifting was an ancient art and one that was misunderstood and abused in modern times. For that reason, the practice of shapeshifting was frowned upon, even banned in some parts of Lythril. When considering how much it had changed Beatrix’s physical appearance, Jan almost understood why shapeshifting was so feared.
Beatrix had always held a fascination for cats, particularly the large ones living in the wild. Altering her form to match those wild felines had left its mark on her, yet she still practiced the application of shapeshifting. She once told Jan the thrill of adrenaline coursing through the body was addictive, the sensory overload as the cat took over incomparable to any experience she’d felt before. Perhaps that was the real reason why the practice of shapeshifting was so restricted.
“You speak as though the Arbiters have become fat and lazy,” the man in the armor said, in response to Beatrix’s earlier statement. He glared accusingly at Beatrix. Even beneath the hooded cloak, Beatrix must have been aware of the intensity of the man’s glare.
Rhys Garrison was the commander of the Arbitrary Order’s militia in Rider’s Vale. He was known for his outspoken opinion on the unbridled use of the arcane, particularly powers that were unknown and forbidden. Clearly he did not relish the idea of traveling with a known Shifter, especially one as proud and confident of her abilities as Beatrix Lyon.
“On the contrary, Commander,” Beatrix said, “you are most certainly not fat, or lazy.”
Jan had to stifle a laugh at the blush that crept into Rhys’ features. “Well, in the future try to show more pride in the Order that you serve. After all this, I fear we have enough enemies waiting in the shadows, watching for a chance to cause the Arbiters to crumble.”
The smile fell from Jan’s face. It was difficult to imagine that the Arbiters would have enemies bold enough to so openly defy them. It was also difficult for her to believe that so many good people were killed in the attack on the Summit of Four Winds. What was most difficult for Jan to grasp was that with those senior Arbiters’ deaths, the position of Grand Arbiter had fallen on her. There were forty-three in line ahead of her to fulfill the prestigious role, all of them killed in the fire that suddenly blazed into the sky.
Jan would never forget when she learned of the disaster. Had it truly only been one day ago? Only one day had passed since she was but a simple archivist, contentedly toiling away in the grand library of Seawatch, the Arbiters’ stronghold on Tiruval’s coast. The previous evening had seen that peace shattered, along with the illusion that the Four Kingdoms of Lythril were unshakeable. A deadly foe lurked in the shadows, and now it was Jan’s job to find and render judgment to this enemy.
The mood among Jan’s group became somber as the sky broke open and the rain began to fall. Even Beatrix lacked her usual playfulness when she said, “I apologize, Commander. Serving in the Arbitrary Order of Lyth is my greatest dream. I meant no disrespect.”
“We should get moving,” Jan said, pulling the collar of her coat tighter around her neck. “The captain of the Sonastra guard informed me that they have a prisoner detained. He believes it is the one responsible for…all of this chaos.” She turned away from the still smoldering ruins of the Summit Palace. It was too painful to look upon all that remained of the famous landmark.
“If that’s true,” Rhys said, “we should hurry to the dungeons. If we tarry too long, the services of the Arbiters might not be needed.”
Jan looked at him. “Surely you don’t believe t
he Sonastra guard will take matters into their own hands.”
“Why not? Look at all the destruction this one person has caused. It’s a devastating blow, not only to Sonastra, but to every citizen of Lythril.” Rhys was grim as he said, “Anything could happen before we reach the dungeons, and I can guarantee that every guard present would claim it was an accident.”
Jan shrugged deeper into the high collar of her coat as she walked more briskly toward the Sonastra jail. It never occurred to her that the Sonastra guard would seek justice of their own for what happened. As much as Jan wanted the people involved in this outrage to pay for their crimes, it seemed unsettling that the Sonastra guard was willing to pass judgment on any who appeared the slightest bit suspicious. It was the Arbiters’ duty to ensure that situations like these did not get out of control, to make certain that no innocents were falsely accused and harmed for lack of evidence. Now, it was Jan’s duty. She shivered against a chill wind blowing in from the Harrowing Sea. She wasn’t ready for the responsibilities of Grand Arbiter, but too much was at stake for her to decline the position now.
THE SUSPECT DETAINED in the Sonastra jail was an Outlander, a native of Astraeyu Nouvi, an island north of the Four Kingdoms of Lythril. Astraeyu Nouvins were commonly referred to as Outlanders by people of Lythril, the name a constant reminder to all that Astraeyu Nouvins were not counted among the citizens of Lythril. Astraeyu Nouvi was a volcanic island, a land of fire and ice, named for the pagan goddess, Astraeyu, the Phoenix. Jan had spent countless hours researching the beliefs and customs of Astraeyu Nouvi, but never before had she encountered a native of the mysterious land. It was oddly thrilling, in spite of the grim circumstances that had brought about the meeting.
When Jan arrived at the dungeons, there were more guardsmen filling the dark rooms than she anticipated. After being outside in the rain and brisk sea air, the air within the dungeon was hot, rank. It smelled distinctly of sweat and old blood, mingled with other odors that Jan would rather not think about.
“Ah, Grand Arbiter Sterling,” the captain greeted her. “I’ve been expecting you.”
Jan grasped his arm in greeting as she cast her eyes around the gloom. There was no sign of any prisoners, only guardsmen. She hoped Rhys’ prediction hadn’t come to pass. The way the captain seemed to be avoiding eye contact didn’t bode well. Either he was overwhelmed at having the new Grand Arbiter in his dungeons, or he was hiding something.
“Where is the prisoner?” Jan asked without preamble. “I was told you apprehended a suspect in the recent case. An Outlander.” She added this last to drive her point across. An Outlander in Sonastra would be unusual enough in itself. There was no way the guard captain could deny arresting such an outstanding individual.
“Ah, yes,” the captain said, after clearing his throat several times. “The, ah, Outlander swordswoman. We have her here. And let me tell you, it was no easy task. So injured she could barely walk and she still managed to take down seven of my men. It took a total of twenty soldiers to bring her in.”
“Twenty?” Jan was astonished that anyone could be so formidable, but the guard captain didn’t seem the sort to exaggerate. Also, his awkwardness from before could have been due to the losses he suffered at the hands of this one woman.
“On my faith to Lyth I swear to you, it’s true,” the captain replied. “The Outlander possesses remarkable skill and strength. Not so much to look at now, though.”
Jan followed the guard captain’s line of sight and peered into the darker recesses of the dungeon. After her eyes adjusted to the gloom, she could make out a figure beyond the line of guardsmen.
“There’s your suspect,” the captain indicated with a jerk of his head. He held out a lantern to Jan. “I’d watch myself if I were you.”
Jan took the proffered lantern and made her way to the prisoner. The Sonastra guard was taking every precaution with the Outlander. Surely one woman could not be the instrument of such destruction and carnage. Jan froze in her tracks when she neared the cell.
The woman before her was firmly secured, both arms and legs chained to the wall, and the cell was surrounded on all sides by Sonastra guard. As was common with Astraeyu Nouvins, she had bronze skin that seemed to glow in the light from the lantern. A black bandana covered the top half of her head. The woman raised her head and met Jan’s eyes boldly. Beneath the dark fabric of the bandana, her eyes shone like firelight. They were gold, with a sheen of red. Despite being a prisoner, the woman was fearless.
Jan stared in awe at the Outlander. The woman was covered in blood and gashes. She was vigorous and beautiful, but it was a beauty that was wild, rugged, and exotic. Jan could not take her eyes off the Outlander. It was her first time seeing an Astraeyu Nouvin, and this woman was more fascinating than Jan ever imagined.
The two women continued to regard each other in silence, until a chuckle from the Outlander made Jan shudder. Jan realized she was staring and felt embarrassed. She didn’t want to offend the Outlander by gawking at her.
“What’s wrong, Mainlander?” the woman asked. “Not satisfied that I am properly restrained?” Her voice was deep, her accent rich and melodic.
She looks like a pirate, Jan thought as she took in the details of the Outlander’s clothing. It wasn’t uncommon to see Outlander pirates so far north. Tiruval was plagued by Outlander pirates for as long as anyone could remember, especially the coastal cities. Something about the woman led Jan to believe that she was more than a mere pirate.
She scanned the pieces of the Outlander’s armor and her gaze settled on her cuirass. Set in enamel against the blackened iron was a bird the color of fire, its outstretched wings giving the appearance of rising skyward. Jan immediately recognized the fiery bird and gasped.
“You’re an Astraeyu’s Talon,” she said, although her words came out much quieter than she intended. If her knowledge of Astraeyu Nouvin culture was accurate, the woman before her was a lethal assassin, an instrument of the Phoenix’s will.
The Outlander continued to stare at Jan, her golden eyes glittering in the dim light. Jan heard that Astraeyu Nouvins’ eyes shone even in the dark. Now that she saw her, Jan had no reason to disbelieve the rumors.
“You are well informed, for a Mainlander,” the Outlander said. “You are also correct.” Those fiery eyes remained unblinking as she spoke. “I am an Astraeyu’s Talon.”
Jan was speechless. Never before had one of the elite Astraeyu’s Talons been captured behind enemy lines. Whatever happened at the Summit Palace, it must have set into motion chaos and confusion that not even this Astraeyu’s Talon could have imagined.
Jan shook her head to clear her thoughts. This was momentous. The Astraeyu’s Talons were an integral part of Astraeyu Nouvin government. If this woman was in Sonastra acting on her official capacity—
“Before you say another word, I am not the one you’re looking for,” the Astraeyu’s Talon said. “While my people are not on the best of terms with the Four Kingdoms, it isn’t an Astraeyu’s Talon’s duty to start a war. We prefer a more…” she struggled to find the right word, “subtle approach.”
It was a relief that the Astraeyu’s Talon claimed she had nothing to do with the attack on Sonastra, but it was somewhat eerie how she seemed to read Jan’s mind. Jan was just pondering the repercussions if the Astraeyu’s Talon was acting on behalf of her homeland’s government by setting fire to the Summit Palace. Such a blatant show of force would have started a war. It still wasn’t out of the question, not if everyone felt the same as the Sonastra guard when it came to Astraeyu Nouvi. If the Astraeyu’s Talon was innocent, as she claimed, Jan would have to act fast to prove it, before the situation could escalate beyond her control.
“Forgive me, I haven’t yet introduced myself,” she said, stepping closer to the swordswoman. “I’m Grand Arbiter January Sterling, and I have been assigned the task of investigating what happened here in Sonastra.”
“I hope you are as know
ledgeable in other matters as you are in the customs of Astraeyu Nouvi,” the woman said. “If you want to find the ones responsible for this disaster, you’re going to need all the help you can get.”
“What do you mean? Do you know something?”
The Astraeyu’s Talon was silent. Jan wondered if the woman ever blinked.
“If you have information on the attack, your cooperation would be most appreciated.” Jan waited, but it appeared the Astraeyu’s Talon had no intention of complying. Jan sighed. The swordswoman might be the only witness left alive, but she was slowly losing hope that the woman would ever speak of what she saw. The sudden sound of the Astraeyu’s Talon’s accented alto caused her to jump.
“Grand Arbiter Sterling, was it?” Gold eyes flashed like firelight as the woman seemed to consider something. “It is your duty to pass judgment on those involved in this attack, no?” When Jan nodded, the woman laughed. It was a dry, bitter laugh, containing no mirth or mockery. “We are more alike than you know.”
As Jan pondered over her cryptic words, the swordswoman closed her eyes. She must be in a tremendous amount of pain, Jan thought, examining the blood staining the woman’s armor. But the cuts and gashes were probably nothing for the Outlander compared to the humiliation of being captured and interrogated. No Astraeyu’s Talon had ever been apprehended before. They moved like phantoms, disappearing once their job was finished.
“It doesn’t look like we are going to get anything else out of her,” Rhys said, appearing suddenly at Jan’s side.
“We could attempt to force the Outlander to talk,” the captain interjected. “At your word, of course,” he added when Jan turned to stare at him.
Tears of the Sun Page 1