Legend of the Sword Bearer: Tempest Chronicles Book 1

by Jeremy Fabiano

  A few shouts above deck caught my attention, but I couldn’t bother to get up and check on it. I was way too tired. Too sore. Too numb. I honestly couldn’t care less at the moment. The whole ship could sink, and I’d be fine with it.

  Garstil came down the staircase and took off his equipment before climbing up into his bunk. “One of the crew members got infected. Had to put him to rest. The crew burned him and buried him at sea. In case you were wondering.”

  I grunted and was soon asleep.

  My nightmare started with a repeat of recent events, leading up to me standing on the boat. Except the shockwave obliterated the boat and left me floating in a black void. “What the hell?” I asked no one, my voice echoing around me.

  “You are in a lucid dream state,” said SADA. His white sphere appeared before me. “Recent events have affected your psyche. You are hurting pretty bad.”

  “Well, no shit, Sherlock,” I said.

  “Who is Sherlock?” he asked.

  Footsteps from behind startled me. “He was a fictional investigator from Earth. One of the best,” said Noslen, smiling.

  “I see,” said SADA. “Your sarcasm is noted.”

  I began to shake. “Man, I can’t do this. It’s too big of a burden.”

  Noslen smiled again. “You handled yourself admirably. There was literally nothing else you could have done.”

  “I could have saved those people,” I said. “There had to be a way to—”

  “No,” interrupted Noslen. “There was no other way. I felt much as you do when the containment protocol claimed the City of Lost Angels. And yet, at the prime of my power as Sword Bearer, I was powerless to stop it.”

  “Unfortunate,” said SADA. “But it is the way of things.

  “SADA, how can you be so cold. You just vaporized ten thousand people without hesitation.”

  The sphere flashed red for a moment and then back to white. “I vaporized ten thousand undead monsters. And I would not hesitate to vaporize all life on Tempest if it was logical to stop the threat. No price is too steep. That is the mission.”

  I shuddered. And I believed the truth of it. He would do it and not think twice.

  “This conversation gets us nowhere,” said Noslen. “Let’s not dwell on negativity and focus on something more positive. Yes, Arbington was destroyed, and that is quite tragic, however, Ashbourne is alive and well, and they’re heading straight for it. If they unleash that plague again, a hundred thousand more will die before the week is out.”

  “So, what do we do about it?” I asked.

  Noslen pointed at me and then at SADA. “You two must stop them from accomplishing their mission. With an army that big, Laencaster would fall in one night. After that, they would have numbers enough to take over the continent, then, soon, the world. That's why you have to stop them."

  "I don't even know where they've gone..." I sulked. "There's nothing I can do."

  "You're wrong," said Noslen. "Go to Ashbourne and take them out."

  "Just like that?" I asked.

  "Just like that," he said.

  "It is time to go," said SADA. "We have guests approaching the Swordfish and you will be needed to greet them."

  I opened my eyes, and immediately, I could hear the alarm tolling above deck. When I arrived outside, dawn was still four hours away. I ran to stern and approached Captain Orin.

  "Good, you're awake." He pointed off starboard. "Captain Ashford's ship, says he's here to lend assistance."

  I nodded. "He said he might come, didn't think he would."

  Orin frowned. "Not that there's anything left to help with..."

  We greeted Captain Ashford as the two ships pulled up side by side. The two crews did something with nets and essentially attached the two ships together. Somehow, it doubled the power of the sails and let us go faster. I was all for speed right now.

  I filled in the crews on everything that had happened since I left Agamor and what had just transpired at Arbington.

  Some of the sailors looked like they doubted the story and snickered. Looks of death from both captains silenced them.

  “So, what's the plan?” asked Captain Ashford. “It's not like you can just waltz right in and challenge this Damon Tod in front of his entire army.”

  Thasgrin chuckled. “And why not? It's the last thing they'd expect Aba to do.”

  Morogan nodded. “Aba have elem, eleme. Have surprise. Aba challenge. Then Morogan attack deadmans. Morogan call Ydru.”

  Captain Orin gasped. “Ydru lives? But how? I received firsthand witness accounts that said Ydru was shot down and crashed into a mountain.”

  Morogan looked at the ground. “Ydru body died. Ydru spirit alive in Morogan.”

  “By the Caretaker,” said Orin. “This is indeed good news for our side. With Ydru’s power, this could work.” He looked around at the gathered crowd. “All right. I'm sold. The Swordfish is at your service, Abalonious.”

  Captain Ashford grinned. “Since Orin's in and we are after the prince anyway, I can commit the Vengeance as well. With our two ships, we should be able to make better speed.”

  “Thank you all,” I said. “This wouldn't be possible without your help.” I paused. “I look around at these two gathered crews and my friends, and I see the future of Tempest and the fate of the world. We are all that stands between peace and war. Between freedom and living as undead slaves. Let's go stop a war!” I yelled. The deck erupted in cheers and roars.

  A little while later, I was staring out into the darkness of the ocean. I heard footsteps approaching. “That was a good speech, boy,” said Captain Ashford. “Not bad at all.”

  “Thanks,” I said.

  “You think you can pull this off?” he asked.

  “I have it on good authority that if he can't he will at least die trying,” said Captain Orin. “So it was said by the Caretaker himself.

  Ashford looked shocked. “You spoke to him? When?”

  Another voice joined in. “About five minutes ago, Captain Ashford.” We all turned at once to find Noslen standing before us. Everyone bowed. Except for me.

  Captain Ashford hissed at me. “Bow, boy, that's the Caretaker.”

  Noslen smiled. “Oh, he is well aware. However, he is also the Sword Bearer. The right hand of God. He bows before no man or god.” I felt my ears warm. I nodded once toward Noslen. He returned the nod and smiled again. “It is a good plan. One I am confident will succeed.”

  “Will you be joining us, Caretaker?” asked Ashford.

  “Unfortunately, I can do so only indirectly. There are rules which govern our existence. I may only act through my Champion, the Sword Bearer. If I were to act directly, power would become unbalanced, and a great evil would be unleashed upon the world. As it is, I must be careful that my visits do not affect the course of history.” Noslen looked to the sky for a moment. “My time with you grows to an end. Believe in each other and in yourselves. Good luck, friends.” He vanished.

  “Huh,” said Ashford.

  “Yeah, he does that,” said Orin and I simultaneously. We looked at each other and laughed.

  Captain Ashford shook his head. “Walking amongst legends and gods. I'm getting too old for this shit,” he said as he walked back toward his ship. “See you two in the morning.” Captain Orin and I chuckled.

  “You ready for this?” he asked.

  “I sure as hell hope so. You?” I asked.

  “Always ready for a fight,” he said. “Don't worry. I've seen you fight, and I know you weren't even using half of your strength. You'll do just fine.” He patted my shoulder as he walked past, no doubt also heading for his cabin.

  I continued to stare off into the predawn darkness, not sure what I expected to see.

  “You are worrying too much.”

  Am I? Am I ready for this?

  “Undoubtedly so. I have faith in us, as should you.”

  Thanks, SADA. I'm not sure how I'd manage without your help.

  “It is what
I do. Just keep us alive. Now, go to sleep. Your biological energy reserves are extremely depleted.”

  Yes, Mom.

  “That is not funny.”

  I thought it was…

  I headed for my cot and was out minutes after I went horizontal.

  We followed the currents between the coastline and the island of Nocturn. I had asked Captain Orin about the island, and he instantly clammed. “There are some things better left unknown.” I tried asking other questions, but he evaded them expertly. Something about that island had him spooked. I would have to ask Noslen about it later.

  As we passed the divide between the Sea of Despair and the Dominance Ocean, my bracer beeped. “Proximity alert. Imminent attack.”

  Orin looked over at me. “Where?” he asked.

  “From below. There are objects in the water and several undead,” responded SADA.

  “Hard to starboard!” bellowed Captain Orin to the other boat. The netting and planks which connected the two ships groaned with stress as the two boats turned sharply to the right. Crew from both ships poured onto the decks, weapons drawn, ready to defend their homes. Both crews radiated military precision.

  A loud thud shook the deck below us, and the undead started climbing over the rails and pouring onto the decks. “On Garstil!” I yelled out to the sailors. Men and women ran to his side, surrounding him. They kept the undead off just as he started with Chain Lightning. Undead corpses began turning to ash in great numbers. And still, they kept coming.

  I felt hooks dig into my armor. I went down with a yelp and was then sliding on my back toward the railing. Several people called out to me, but it did nothing to help my predicament. I went over the edge.

  SADA, I need ice. My fist frosted over, and I fired the ice blast at the water as I dropped like a sack of rice. I hit the frozen water and smashed into a zombie who’d been unfortunate enough to be frozen just as he’d left the water. Thankfully, it broke my fall; however, I was still hurting. I reached for my swords and grabbed empty air.

  “On the deck. When the hooks grabbed on, they managed to separate your swords. I advise extreme caution. Shield mode set: Internal Projection.”

  Thanks. Let’s see how Sai’s training helps…

  My shield flared, and I was knocked to the side, barely catching my balance. Upon my little island of ice, zombies surrounded me. I willed lightning into my hands and charged forward. My fist connected with the first zombie, and electricity arced into the three next to it, instantly vaporizing all four of them. Behind me, they closed the distance quickly. I managed to dodge to the side and struck out at random, hitting those closest to me.

  And then I was flying straight upward, the ice below me shattering. I cleared the deck and then the mainsail of the Swordfish and then was quickly falling to my death. I’ll admit, I screamed all the way to the deck. Somehow, my fall slowed as I neared what would have been my first death in-game. I looked over and saw Captain Orin, arm outstretched toward me and eyes glowing blood red. And did I mention he had fangs? He set me down gracefully and tossed my rune sword at me. It spun unbelievably fast, slicing through at least twenty zombies on its way to me. “Now.” I reached out without hesitating and grabbed the sword by its handle. The runes exploded into white brilliance, and lightning arced out in all directions. Undead fell by the score as I rejoined the battle.

  “Aba!” bellowed Thasgrin. “Shield Orin, now!”

  I Dashed forward and switched my shield to External Projection. The hexagonal plates shimmered into existence and then snapped into a sphere around us. Thasgrin leaped down from the upper deck and lifted his hammer to the sky. Golden light exploded out from him in every direction. Captain Orin hissed loudly. “Even with your shield, that somewhat burns…” he mumbled.

  “Vampire?” I asked as I struggled against Thasgrin’s holy energy.

  “Vampire,” he stated drily. “Don’t worry, I won’t eat you.” He chuckled.

  “Yeah,” I said. “Would be your last meal if I died right now.” He chuckled again. The brilliant golden light subsided, and the deck had multiple black soot stains upon it. The crew of both ships looked toward him in awe. Some even knelt.

  Thasgrin frowned. “Get off yer knees, ye morons. I’m no one to be kneeled tae.”

  Confused sailors began to stand. “But your light,” said a sailor. “It's of the gods themselves. We felt it in our souls.”

  Thasgrin laughed heartily. “Well, of course, ye did. I'm a bloody paladin.” A brief murmuring fell upon the crews before Captain Orin approached

  “Don’t you lot have boats to take care of? Move! Get these decks swabbed and ready the ships for battle!” bellowed the captain. Even Ashford snapped back to his old grumpy self.

  “You always did have a way with words, you old bat.” He laughed. “Thanks for saving my ass, Orin.” They traded grips and then turned to me.

  “How far are we from Ashbourne?” I asked

  Captain Orin looked to the sky and toward the coast and Nocturn. “I'd say we will arrive about this time tomorrow.”

  “Good. My party hasn't had a lot of time to recover from the constant battles. Hopefully we won't have any more surprises.”

  I was cleaning and sharpening my swords when Thasgrin approached.

  “Aba, a word if ye have a moment?” he asked.

  “Always,” I said. “What's up?”

  “I jes’ wanted tae let ye know that I have no interest in the throne or causing pain, but I'll not stand idle while the undead threaten all of Tempest. I swear to fight with ye until the end, no matter which end that may be.”

  “Thank you, Thasgrin. It's an honor to have you at my side.” We traded grips, and he headed back upstairs.

  Captain Ashford marched me toward the front gates of Ashbourne. His crest of house Laencaster gleamed brightly on his plate mail as it reflected the afternoon sun. He carried both of my swords over one massive armored shoulder as we approached the guards.

  “I am here to claim the bounty on the criminal Abalonious,” he stated matter-of-factly as he puffed out his chest. “Send for your lord that I may be rid of this filth.”

  The guards argued for a moment, and then one of them turned toward us. “Lord Monroe is currently hosting a meeting. You will have to return later.”

  “Do you not know who this man is?” he raised his voice, pointing at me. “This is the man who kidnapped the Prince of Laencaster. You will take me to Lord Monroe at once. Or would you rather explain to him how he lost a chance to garner the approval of the king?”

  The faces of both guards paled. “Right this way, sir. I'll take you to him at once.”

  The guard took us to a large meeting room with an open door. We could hear voices talking excitedly within. “Lord Monroe is in there,” he said. “I dare not take you any further. He will likely be upset at being interrupted.”

  “Not a worry, guardsman. Thank you for your assistance,” said Captain Ashford.

  We entered the large room and were greeted by the rasp of steel on leather as five swords were unsheathed.

  Flint and Slag stood before an older man with a huge gut and long graying hair. They were talking excitedly as we barged in on their meeting.

  “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded.

  Captain Ashford nodded once to the lord of Ashbourne. “Lord Monroe,” he said. “I am glad that time has treated you well.”

  “Ahh, Captains Ashford and Orin. It's been too many years.” Monroe smiled. “I see you have apprehended the criminal, Abalonious. Can I assume you are here to claim the bounty?”

  Captain Ashford frowned. “Actually, we were hoping to clear his name.”

  Lord Monroe’s face darkened. “Preposterous!” he snapped. “This man and his associates are known criminals of the kingdom. They'll hang for taking the Crown Prince against his will.”

  Captain Orin stepped forward. “Those responsible stand there, at your side, my lord.”

  Slag actually looked hurt.
“Us? My good captain, we are but simple mercenaries, hired by Lord Monroe to search for the king's lost prince. Our only folly was to not apprehend this criminal before you.”

  “What a crock of shit,” I said.

  “Silence!” bellowed Lord Monroe. “Criminals do not have the right to speak in my presence.”

  My expression hardened. “Then, as the accused, and as the Sword Bearer, I hereby demand trial by combat, to commence forthwith,” I said to the lord of Ashbourne, glaring daggers at him. His eyes widened. I had him in a political loophole and he knew it. “If his claim is legitimate, then he will best me.”

  Lord Monroe looked over at Slag. He nodded. “Then let it be done.”

  As I had expected, they paired me off with Flint, believing him to be more than a match for me. And they were probably right. Flint had always been pretty even with me in terms of power. But we'd both been training to take the other down for a while now.

  We stood, facing each other in an open square in the center of the city, ten feet apart.

  “Any rules?” I asked.

  “Yeah, man, of course, there's a rule,” he said. “Keep your friends out of our fight, an’ I'll do the same.”

  “Agreed,” I said. My party visibly relaxed just a little. However, I was confident they were ready for anything. After all, we were essentially in enemy territory.

  “Hey…are you worried, Abalonious?” asked Flint.

  I smiled. “Not at all. This is quite convenient. Means I don't have to hunt your ass down to pound your face in.”

  Flint smiled. “We'll see,” he said.

  Lord Monroe yelled down from atop a balcony. “Combatants, are you ready?” The tension in the gathered crowd could be cut with a sword. “Begin!”

  We ran at each other with no weapons. I went for a flying side kick; however, Flint saw it coming and rolled.

  He punched me across the jaw as I landed. I managed to block the second and third punch and threw a right hook that disoriented him.