Dawn of the Sacred Land

by Mark E. Tyson

  “No, I do not feel different, but I know that I am different. Loracia has charged me with a task, and I must not fail.”

  “What kind of task?” Rennon asked.

  Vesperin looked up to meet Rennon’s gaze. “Ask me tomorrow, Rennon. Loracia will come to me tonight in my sleep.”

  Rennon rolled his eyes. “Convenient.”

  Tatrice entered the room. She gave Dorenn a hug and kissed him. Dorenn’s mouth fell open as she pulled her lips from his.

  “Isn’t it wonderful? Vesperin is healed, and we are witnesses to a miracle.” Tatrice said.

  Dorenn shook his head. “It is a miracle Vesperin is healed, but something doesn’t feel right to me about all of this.”

  “I agree,” Rennon spoke up. “I think we are being tricked or put under spells.”

  “Oh, Rennon, will you never change,” Tatrice said. “Just because someone is not from Brookhaven doesn’t mean they are up to something.”

  “No,” Rennon said defensively. “I just think we are over our heads this time, and the sooner we get home the better.”

  “I am afraid we are in over our heads,” Vesperin said quietly.

  “See, even Vesperin thinks so,” Rennon pointed out.

  Vesperin shook his head. “Not in the way you think, my friend.”

  Rennon gave Vesperin a puzzled stare but said nothing.

  “We are to report to the dining room for a meal,” Tatrice stated. “Lady Enowene showed me to the washrooms, and I am to lead you there. Afterward, we are going to meet Morgoran. Isn’t it exciting? We are going to meet the Morgoran!”

  Rennon frowned at Tatrice dubiously. “I don’t want to meet the Morgoran.”

  Tatrice looked at Rennon as if he had just slapped her in the face.

  Vesperin feigned a weak smile. “Rennon, my friend, will you do it for me?”

  Rennon softened a little. “All right, for you, Ves, but let it be known that I didn’t want to meet Morgoran.”

  “Thank you, Rennon.” Vesperin’s weak smile became stronger.

  “Where has Trendan gotten off to, Tatrice?” Dorenn asked.

  “He is with Seancey preparing to leave for Brookhaven. He is carrying a message for our parents to let them know what happened to us. He should speak to you before he leaves in the morning.”

  “Is he coming to the meal?” Rennon asked.

  “No, he had his meal earlier to make time for Seancey and Gondrial to instruct him on the safest route back to Brookhaven.”

  “We had better go and wash up then,” Dorenn stated. “I will need to talk to Trendan as soon as possible.” He did not want to alarm his friends, but Dorenn had the sinking feeling that something was wrong. If they were sending Trendan ahead, they did not plan for the rest of them to return right away after all. What happened to the new ale wagon idea Lady Shey had suggested? Dorenn thought. He also wondered why Rennon hadn’t caught on and questioned the change. Maybe he had caught on and was just waiting for Dorenn to say something.

  The washrooms were located to the left of the dining hall. Huge wash pots and towels lined the room, and each person had to use each pot in turn to clean their hands. The room itself was a barren, mud-walled room with brilliant murals of what Dorenn thought must have been depictions of the War of the Oracle. Robed wielders cast spells over darker robed ones. The murals made Rennon visibly uncomfortable.

  After washing, they were seated in a specific, carefully chosen place setting. Dorenn’s seat was between Gondrial and Lady Shey. Rennon was seated between Enowene and Seancey. Trendan sat on the other side of Lady Shey next to Tatrice. Vesperin was seated next to Enowene and Sylvalora. At the head of the table, Dorenn guessed, was the cleric, Kerad, by the look and make of his robes and his manner of dress. At the foot of the table was seated a man also dressed as a cleric, but his manner of dress did not match that of the clerics of Loracia. He wore deep green robes with yellow cuffs and a red sash. Dorenn assumed him a high cleric of one of the two other temples in the Vale. At introduction, the man at the foot of the table was identified as Trebin, Lord Monk of Fawlsbane Vex, the father of the gods.

  The man at the head of the table dressed in the white and yellow robes of clerics of Loracia was indeed Kerad. The dinner bell sounded after the formal introductions. The first serving was a hardy soup served in a hardened bread bowl, followed by heavily spiced roast beef and potatoes served on one half of flat bread used as a plate. Dorenn found that the light, slightly fruity wine was a treat. Tatrice, he noticed, had three glasses. The clerics of Loracia frowned upon speech at the table and preferred more formal dining, so no one spoke during the meal. Desert consisted of a somewhat pungent, spiced drink called javaro and rum cake.

  After the meal, they were required to wash their hands again, and then they were all led to a large chamber with more battle murals. Each time Dorenn tried to speak, a sharp look from Kerad immediately curtailed his urge. Rennon visibly fidgeted as the party was led from the chamber into a hallway and into Morgoran’s antechamber. Two wooden doors with carved, eerie faces with forest scenes of sprites and dryads stood ominously before them. Seancey dismissed the guards at Morgoran’s chamber and opened the elaborately carved doors. They climbed a short stairway into a massive round room that Dorenn was sure was the top of the great tower, but he did not feel as though he had climbed high into a tower. The stairway seemed much shorter than he would have imagined. Blue tapestries hung in circular patterns on the rounded walls, and the floor had a thick carpet centered in the room. A bookcase and desk stood on one side of the room, and two divans and a throne-like chair sat opposite them. On one of the divans sat a man dressed in flowing blue robes with light blue trim. His white beard reached easily to his chest, and his hair was long but well-maintained. His facial features were sharp but gentle, and his skin appeared soft and wrinkled. His eyes were completely clear, so much so that you could see right through them and into his eye sockets. He stared out into space with a look of total detachment. Occasionally he would flinch and twitch as if he were seeing disturbing images. Four men in blue robes sat around Morgoran at small tables with quill pen in hand.

  Morgoran abruptly stood and cried out, “Gondrial, watch out, the dragon is circling!”

  The four scribes sitting at the small tables surrounding Morgoran began writing feverishly.

  Gondrial stood back and cocked an eyebrow. “What dragon, Morgoran?”

  “What, Gondrial, you are not in the keep with Ianthill?”

  “No, Morgoran, I am here with you in the Vale.”

  Morgoran looked confused for a moment, and then he looked off into empty space once again. “Dorenn, only Seandara and Bren can go safely with you to Scarovia.” His face twisted. “Jindara killed the beast but more will come. I tell you more will come.”

  Gondrial motioned for the rest of the company to sit on the divans. He leaned in as they sat and whispered, “He is speaking of the future. His eyes only see ahead in time. The Silver Drake, for interfering with it as it destroyed Toborne, cursed him. His interference was noble, so the Silver Drake spared his life but would not let him live it.”

  “Morgoran, my master,” Lady Shey said, bowing and taking his hand in hers.

  “Shey.” His expression changed to fondness, and his face softened into a smile. “My lovely apprentice, time and time again you seek out Gondrial, yet all he does is hurt you.”

  Lady Shey’s face burned bright red. She cleared her throat. “Master, Gondrial is here and—”

  Without warning, Morgoran stood from the divan, slinging Lady Shey’s arm down. He moved at lightning speed and clasped his hands in a solid grasp around Rennon’s face. Morgoran’s clenched teeth flashed, and he spoke in a low menacing tone. “You control your power. It does not control you. The magic you possess is not wild, it is forgotten, and you must remember it. REMEMBER IT! YOU CAN FIX IT! YOU CAN HEAL THEM ALL!”

  Rennon fell back onto the divan as Morgoran let him go, a look of utter terror on his fa
ce. He sat frozen, suspended in the moment, stunned. Tatrice reached to comfort her friend, but Morgoran grabbed her arm. “Do not help him, dragon sister; he will only learn if you let him be.”

  “Perhaps we should come back another time. Morgoran is more agitated than usual,” Seancey said.

  “Dorenn, I will catch you! I will not let you destroy everything we have both worked so hard for!” Morgoran sat back on the divan with Lady Shey’s help. He pointed at Seancey. “Aye, come back later, Ranger. I grow wary of your company.” His face contorted again. “The Enforcers come and will be at the gate tomorrow. Flee to Signal Hill to the north. Send the one called Trendan out to Brookhaven, but do not let him talk to his friends, for the information they give him will kill him.” He looked at Sylvalora and his gaze turned to pleading agony. She approached him and put up her hand to cup his cheek. “You have suffered so, Morgoran; if I had a wish to fulfill, it would be that you suffer no more.” Morgoran closed his eyes and grabbed her hand. “Thank you, one thousand seasons have finally come to an end,” Dorenn heard him whisper to her.

  Gondrial motioned for Dorenn and his friends to leave. Sylvalora and Lady Shey remained behind with Morgoran.

  “That is it then. Trendan rides in the morning,” Seancey stated. “What will we do about the Enforcers?”

  “We are going to do as he says?” Dorenn asked.

  “Aye, if his words should come to pass.” Gondrial answered. “I know you can handle the Enforcers, Seancey. I will prepare the mounts after the Enforcers leave the gates. We ride as soon as they are out of sight. We have to get the tome to Ianthill as quickly as possible. Shey, Sylvalora, and Enowene will stay here with Tatrice, and you and I will take Rennon and Dorenn with us. I am sure that Kerad will want to come along to keep an eye on Vesperin.”

  Dorenn stopped, and Seancey and Gondrial walked ahead a few steps before they turned back to look at him. “What’s wrong, Dorenn?” Gondrial asked. Rennon and Vesperin had stopped too.

  “What exactly is going on here? I have felt strange ever since we entered the Vale. Something is not right here. Where is Trendan?”

  “What you feel is the power of the place you stand in. The Vale is a place of energies you do not yet understand. Power of…” he paused, searching for a word. “Suggestion maybe? Once the Sacred Land regenerates, this place of power will feel like nothing. Sudden realization appeared on Gondrial’s face. “Dorenn, you feel the power around us? You feel the essence? You can wield!”

  “That’s it. I’m going back to Brookhaven,” Rennon stated flatly. “I’m not going with you any farther.”

  “I can? Is this the way essence feels?” Dorenn asked.

  “We all go with Gondrial!” Vesperin said. All eyes turned to Vesperin, who looked at his two friends with a soft expression. “Remember when I told you to ask me later of the charge Loracia gave me?”

  “Oh, no you don’t,” Rennon said, shaking his head and pointing his finger at Vesperin’s face. “You are not going to make this into some kind of holy quest.”

  “I am afraid I must go with them. I strongly suggest the two if you do as well.”

  “Why, Vesperin?” Rennon asked pleadingly.

  “Because I owe my life,” Vesperin replied. “Loracia restored it to me, and I will be going on Loracia’s quest. I cannot make you understand or force you to come along. But I ask as your best friend to help me. Rennon, I need you. Trust me.”

  Dorenn and Rennon sighed almost simultaneously.

  “What manner of quest?” Dorenn asked.

  Vesperin smiled. “We will find out together.”

  “What will it be then?” Gondrial asked.

  Dorenn nodded. “We will follow.” He glanced at Rennon, who nodded somberly.

  “I will go along.” Rennon said. “But I don’t have to like it!”

  Continued with Chapter 2 of Book 2, Defenders of the Sacred Land. To purchase book 2, Defenders of the Sacred Land at Amazon.com follow or cut and paste this link:

  http://www.amazon.com/Defenders-Sacred-Land-Book-Legacy-ebook/dp/B00IX33JRM

  Dedication and acknowledgements:

  This book is dedicated to all the fans of fantasy. Long live the genre, and may it continue to evolve!

  I would like to acknowledge the many people who helped me write this book along the way:

  Brandie, Eldon, Courtney, Kylie, Michael, Steve, Kenny, and the many others that have made contributions whether by making suggestions or by adding something useful to this work.

  Glossary

  Adracoria- Southernmost Trigothian kingdom. Ruled by the Adrac family.

  Ageanna- God, creator of drakes and dragonkind.

  Amadace - Red dragon in which Bren serves as First Knight.

  Amalease Stone- Stone used to gain entry into the gates of Draegodor. It is located on Mount Urieus.

  Amar- Race of high men from Lux Amarou. First creation of Fawlsbane Vex.

  Anisport- Largest port city of Denogia, across the Great Sea.

  Arasyth/Sythia- Trigothian kingdom between Adracoria and Ardenia, Host to the Great Sythian Forest. Ruled by the Arasyth family.

  Ardenia- Northernmost Trigothian kingdom. Ruled by the Arden family.

  Arillian Elves- High elves from the Isle of Arill. They migrated to the isle of Arillia at the end of the first age after their forests became grasslands and the area now known as Ishrak had become cursed. They are the fairest of elves and most elegant.

  Are’dune- Race of men who can trace their origins to Lux Amarou and the Amar but are not considered truly high men.

  Ascendic Root- A potent root made into a tea and drank. It relieves pain depending on the dose. Higher dose causes euphoria. Weak tea relieves the minor pain of headaches, etc., while strong tea relieves severe pain.

  Asheth’s Grimoire- An ancient tome containing spells of essence used to travel magically over distances. It is believed that Migarath used spells from the grimoire as a basis to build his famous Migarath Portals. (see Migarath Portals)

  Bannon, Ezra- A powerful mindwielder and ally to Toborne. Also the reeve of Briarwick, Adracoria.

  Basillian- One of the great port cities in the kingdom of Symboria. Basillain is located in Northern Symboria, south of Seabrey. Due to disputes and treaties, Basillain is the port city in the north for trade with Adracoria. Seabrey is the northern port city for trade with both Ardenia and Sythia.

  Bittering Tea- A strong brew made from the grinding of the bittering bean. It has a distinct aroma and is usually consumed in the morning as a stimulant.

  Bren- Dragon knight from Draegodor. First Knight of Amadace.

  Brendlewyre- See Theosus Fiderea.

  Broodlord- Common name given to a dragon knight with high ranking. (A brood is a family of something. A broodlord would be a high member of a family or lord of the brood.)

  Brynna- An Arillian, elf maiden, healer. She is the eldest daughter of Erinthill, and Ianthill’s niece. She resides on the Isle of Doom (Rugania).

  By’temog- The largest city of Ishrak, it was once the kingdom’s capital city. It fell into ruins after the curse of General Sythril. The general is rumored to currently be trapped as a ghost there, lurking among the ruins.

  Chamber of Ancients- An ancient room in the citadel of Rugania (the Isle of Doom) where youthful wielders take part in magical trials. It is also a place to cure essence sickness if necessary.

  Darovan- Island continent southwest of the tip of Adracoria where some of the elves of old migrated. Home to the Siladil and Noradil elves.

  Delanora/Delanorasylva- Dragon-speak name for Shadesilver.

  Dellah- Inn mistress of the Tiger’s Head Inn in Brookhaven, Symboria. Mother to Dorenn Adair.

  Denosia- Mysterious kingdom on the continent across the Great Ocean.

  Deylia- A young Trigothian woman who befriends Rennon in the capital of city of Trigoth.

  Dorenn Adair- Innkeeper’s son from the village of Brookhaven in Southeastern Symboria. Son of Lourn and Dell
ah Adair.

  Draegodor (Dray-go-door)- The city of red. Home of the dragons not in exile nestled deep in the Jagged Mountains.

  Dragon Claw- Parrying sword (dagger) of a dragon knight. Not actually a dragon claw but made of metal.

  Dragon Fang- Sword of a dragon knight. Not actually a dragon fang but made of metal.

  Dragon Knight- Men, elves, dwarves, and scarovs who have chosen, or have been chosen by the dragons, to serve as knight protectors of the dragon realm.

  Drakkius- Symbolic leader of Abaddonia.

  Dramyd (Draw-mid)- Winged creature created from drake eggs. Designed to kill, they do the bidding of Drasmyd Duil and Toborne.

  Dranmalin- An ancient sword forged by dragons. Its name literally means dragon hammer in ancient dragon-speak. It magically binds to its owner. It is currently Dorenn Adair’s sword after leaving Signal Hill.

  Drasmyd Duil (Draws-mid Do-ill)- Shapeshifters. They are cunning and deadly. They usually lead packs of Dramyds. They are also known as Shadow Lurkers.

  Duil Clan- Clan of dragonkind Toborne used to create the Drasmyd Duil. Their specialty is shapeshifting into other beings.

  Endil- (Foreshome) Home city of the wood elves (Sylvan, Eridil) located deep in the Great Sythian Forest.

  Elanadil- name of the magical sword of Ianthill (it is a purely conjured sword)