by Rick Brown
Alynon’s Tear
The Lost Kingdom of Alsselya
Book 2
By
Rick Brown
Book written and published by Rick Brown.
This book is purely fictional. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Book two of ‘The Lost Kingdom of Alsselya’.
Alynon’s Tear
2nd Digital Addition
© 2018 by Rick Brown
Cover Art by http://www.brosedesignz.com
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
Acknowledgment
I would like to thank all those that assisted with the editing of this book. Especially my father, Richard Brown, who bestowed upon me my love of reading.
Prologue
Head Priest Grenlow could feel the overwhelming power flowing through his veins as he made his way back to his chambers. He would have performed the sacrifices anyway, just for his own perverse pleasures, but the surge of power he received by using Gorath’s Heart to take a life was exhilarating. To receive a gift of the victim’s own vitality as their screams still echoed within the holy chamber was a thrill of which he would never tire.
Other priests groveled as he past. To do otherwise would make them the next victim for Gorath’s sacrifice. Grenlow ignored them as he past. Normally, he would enjoy taunting them, but he had an appointment with his master, a master that demanded his strict obedience.
He continued on his way, feeling overwhelmed by so much energy, but a vast amount was needed for communicating with his god, Gorath. Moving quickly, he passed the guards that stood outside of his chambers and into the privacy his rooms. They could not witness his weakness. Out of their sight, he braced himself by leaning against a wall. He had greedily absorbed too much of the sacrificed life forces. This much power was too great for his body. The magic that kept his body young and healthy was now tearing him apart.
Slowly, he made his way into a side room of his apartments. This chamber had been set aside for communicating with his god. Before him sat an altar for Gorath. Designed from a solid onyx stone, in it was carved a disturbing relief of human sacrifice. Above the person was a beast devouring the escaping soul. Grenlow placed his hand upon its polished surface and released the excess energy. Gasping with relief as he regained control over his magic. His relief was short-lived as pain raced through his body. He could feel his mind ripped open as Gorath commanded its obedience. Grenlow’s back arched into an unnatural spasm. His glazed eyes open, but seeing nothing.
In a dark void an unseen voice echoed in Grenlow’s ears. “WHY HAVE YOU FAILED ME?” The voice demanded.
“My Lord, we have not failed. Many of Vaelin’s Lords have perished. Their kingdom is in upheaval. Our armies will crush them.”
“THEIR DESTRUCTION WAS TO HAVE ALREADY OCCURRED. BEFORE THEY COULD GATHER ALLIES. THAT WAS MY PLAN!”
“We had not foreseen the strength of their magic user. He was able to protect the King long enough for help to arrive,” Grenlow defended as he prostrated himself on the nothingness supporting him.
“I HAVE BLESSED UPON MY MAGIC USERS THE POWER TO BEST ANY HUMAN. IT IS YOU THAT HAVE FAILED!”
Pained seared through Grenlow’s flesh as he begged for the mercy that he himself would never have granted. It was through this lack of conscience that he had become Gorath’s head priest. “Of course, my Lord. I see that now! Please stop the pain,” he pled between clinched teeth. Gorath had the ability in this void to cause pain at his will. It was a power Grenlow could only dream to obtain. “We shall attack at once!”
“NO!” Demanded his evil god. “THE ALLIES WILL BE WATCHING NOW. WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE ONCE AGAIN LULLED. THEN WE SHALL TAKE VAELIN AND THE KINGDOMS WILL BE DIVIDED.” While not gone, Grenlow’s agony lessened. “UNTIL THEN YOU SHALL HUNT DOWN THEIR MAGIC USER AND KILL HIM.”
Released by Gorath, High Priest Grenlow once again found himself in his apartments, taking in the grotesque alter above him as he lay on the floor. Any interaction with Gorath meant pain, but this time it had been far more intense. His god had rarely felt failure. Grenlow was going to make certain that it didn’t happen again.
Chapter 1
(Lee)
The white interior of the temple walls glowed with the multi-colored hues of the stained glass blended in with the delicate yellow from its chandeliers. Today the pews, which normally held joyful worshippers, were instead filled with those grieving.
I looked sadly to the pew in front of me. There sat the Albright family. This was the first opportunity I’ve had to see anyone in Ryan’s family other than he and his father. Father Lowen himself was holding the funeral service for Lord Albright. King Kendrick sat in the front pew next to Lady Albright. Beside her was Ryan’s brother, Elan. He was now the new Lord Albright. The middle brother Ferrin was next and last was our own Ryan.
We have not seen much of Ryan in the days since I woke from my convalescence, as the family had been mourning the loss of his father. The times that he was in the palace, he buried himself in work. I didn’t blame him. He was very close to his father. Soon though, we would be leaving. It might be for the best, I thought to myself. Everything in Vennean would remind him of his father.
I was distracted by a sharp snore from Father Yagen. The priest of Alynon was seated to my left. Before I could gently nudge him awake, Brianna gave him a sharp elbow to his side. The priest jumped in shock and started rubbing his poked side. I had to smile at his injured expression. Bri was not known for her gentle nature.
The service continued, and as the priest gave a blessing to Ryan’s father, the coin on my chest warmed. I smiled at Ayisha’s acknowledgment. Somehow, I was developing a sense as to which god was using the coin to communicate. I could feel the church was imbued with her love as soon as I entered. Carrying the blessings of two gods was likely to cause trouble in my future. Keeping Alynon happy was a full time occupation. I was hoping Ayisha would not be so demanding.
As Father Lowen adjourned, we all prayed to the goddess of Vaelin. I could sense her presence among us as the crowd genuflected as one. After prayer we rose and waited to allow the King Kendrick and Ryan’s family to leave. As royalty, the party of Alsselya was next to leave.
We gathered outside as we waited on our coach. Bri was the first to speak. “It’s so sad,” she said in a rare moment of showing empathy. “I feel so bad for Ryan.”
“We elves will grieve for years over the loss of an elder,” Farloc added.
“Maybe leaving Vaelin will allow him to heal,” Father Yagen stated, mirroring my thought from earlier. “Father Lowen gives a stirring service.”
“That you slept through,” Barad snorted.
“I was giving deep contemplation,” Yagen denied as he unconsciously rubbed his sore side.
“Quite right,” Father Pild stated. “I have seen many, many people do the same contemplations during Father Yagen’s services.” That garnered him a dark look from Father Yagen.
“It’s been a rough week, I can’t wait to get to my bed and do some contemplating,” Lenux added.
Father Yagen was saved from further abuse by the arrival of our coach. We stepped in and left for our return to the Palace.
“Oh, can we stop by the market?” Lenux asked. “I can use some things for our trip.”
Brianne rolled her eyes. “He means candy.”
Lenux didn’t bother denying. “Candy, and other important things like that. “
I tapped th
e coach roof to signal the driver. “Take us to the market, please.”
In response I could feel the wagon changing directions. Reaching into my purse, I pulled out a few of the coins Arthur had given me and passed them out. Since King Kendrick had given us the stash of money found in Lord Hannen’s estate, we were no longer destitute. Far from the budget of a kingdom, but we could now afford to eat.
Arriving at the market is always an assault on one’s senses. Every shade of color and aromas of every kind all combined into one glorious chaotic experience. My mouth watered at some of the foods I was able to pick out of the menagerie of scents.
A group of musicians were playing around a fountain as we exited the coach. The music was lively and dancers had gathered in the streets. Barad tried to escape, but Bri caught him and dragged him into the dancers. I smiled at his misfortune as Lenux and I escaped from the busy plaza and into the shops. The priests and Farloc went the other direction.
The market was unlike any place I had visited. I think it had every item imaginable. Before us was a booth selling knives right next to a stand offering dolls. I shook my head at the variety. Never able to pass a blade shop, I stopped to look over the knives. They were reasonably good, but nothing I had not seen many times before.
As I walked passed the doll shop, I saw a poor girl watching the toy maker’s booth. Following her eyes, I found a pretty little doll wearing a blue dress. Pretending to be shopping, I looked over the doll and purchased it from the vendor. Glancing behind me I saw the girl appearing like she was about to cry.
“What do you think?” I asked her. “Do you think I chose a good one?” The girl only nodded back to me.
I could no longer torture the poor child. “Then it is yours,” I stated as I held it out to her. At first, she stared disbelieving, but then she gingerly reached out and took the doll. Once she had it in hand, she squealed in delight and ran off into the crowd. I smiled happily. Worth it, I thought to myself.
Lenux was smiling. “Should we be concerned that you are in charge of the royal budget?” He questioned.
I shook my head smiling. “The royal budget is for Alsselya. That was from me.”
Lenux was right about one thing. With our trip only a few days away, we needed to start gathering supplies. I am sure Arthur has all of our essentials already packed, so now was the time to shop for any personal items.
Lenux and his sweet tooth led us to his hard candy vendor. The stand had a rainbow of different colored candies. We each purchased some. Lenux bought enough to sustain the entire group, but I suspected it was all for him. As we continued to wander along, sucking on a candy, I wondered how the candy maker could manage to get the sweet taste of so many fruits into his candy. This red one tasted of a sweet cherry.
Coming across another knife stand, I stopped again to peruse the wares. This time, the quality was much better. Shopping through the knives, I found a blade forged in layered steel, it gave a beautiful waved pattern across the sides, and on it was a handle in Alsselyian blue. Thinking Ryan could use one on our journey, I bought it for him along with a matching sheath. Soon, we found a sack maker and purchased a bag to carry our bounty in. Also acquiring some tasty jerky from a nearby stand. As we continued shopping, we came across the priests and Ambassador Farloc.
“Any luck, Your Majesty?” Father Pild asked.
“Too much, I’m afraid. This market can run a purse dry very quickly,” I answered smiling.
Farloc nodded. “I have been buying gifts for my family. I fear what my mother would do if I did not return with new fabrics for her.”
“My sisters are the same way,” Father Pild agreed.
“Well, I saw a bar near the plaza that we entered. How about we rest there with some wine as we wait for everyone to finish,” Yagen recommended. I quickly saw the greatness of that suggestion and agreed.
We pressed our way through the crowd as we followed the priests. The Bar he recommended was far from luxurious, but it had a good view of the plaza. Finding an outside table, we ordered some wine and watched the shoppers as they walk by. I looked towards the dancers, but no longer saw Bri’s red hair. Barad must have finally convinced her to move on.
The wine was tasty and the cool afternoon was relaxing. As we waited, enjoying our wine, Stiven Waith appeared from the crowd and approached our table. His overly darkened hair was still combed over his head, but I noticed it now had some gray showing. “Lord Waith, how good to see you.” I greeted with a smile.
“Thank you,” he said as he flopped into an empty seat. “I hope you don’t mind if I sit,” He stated after the fact.
“Not at all. It seems being a Lord agrees with you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” He replied as he ran his fingers over his head. “Gratefully, I no longer need to appear as a younger man. To let you in on a secret, I have colored my hair,” he whispered conspiratorially as he leaned over the table.
The first time we met Stiven, he was an administrator for King Kendrick. Brianna had spotted from one hundred paces away that his hair was dyed, but we have never let on that we knew.
“Really, Lord Waith, I had no idea. Still, a Lord should look distinguished. A little gray to indicate his experience in life.”
“Indeed. That is exactly what Lady Waith told me,” he stated proudly, leaning back in his chair.
“Will Lady Waith be joining you to see your holdings?” I asked.
“That is what I wished to ask you about. Lady Waith will be waiting for our son. King Kendrick has released him from military service and he is on his way back here. I, however, am anxious to visit my new lands. Would you mind if I traveled with your party until we reach the property?”
Of course, there is always room for a friend. How will you be traveling?”
“Oh!” He exclaimed. “I have purchased a wagon! I’ll be using it to transport some of our belongings with me.”
I had to smile. After Lord Hannen’s betrayal, Stiven was given his lands and property by King Kendrick. He would be moving from an administrator’s pay to that of nobility. I suspect there was little of his old life that would compare to what he would find once he arrives at the estate. “Do you have any idea about the conditions of your new lands?”
He nodded solemnly back. “I have been doing some research. I am afraid Lord Hannen has neglected the people to focus on his treasonous activities with Dommeran. It appears to be in a poor state. Still,” he said as his smile returned, “I am an administrator at heart, and that is exactly what those people need. I will get that ship righted!”
“To Lord Waith!” Father Yagen toasted, holding out his glass of wine. The rest of us quickly lifted ours in return.
“To Lord Waith!” We responded in unison.
“Thank you, friends,” the new Lord smiled with pride. “I had hoped once we arrive there, you might stay at least a day or two. Just until we are sure that anyone who might be loyal to Lord Hannen is gone.”
I nodded considering. “While I am anxious to complete the tasks set before me, I couldn’t bear to leave a friend in a possibly dangerous situation. I don’t see that a day or two would jeopardize our mission.”
“And a true friend you are,” Waith thanked. With that he pushed himself up from the chair. “I should go home and prepare for the trip. I’m sure Lady Waith is attempting to cram yet more items into the wagon.” With that he waddled off into the crowd.
After Barad and Bri returned from their shopping, we climbed once more into the waiting coach and returned to the palace. Our familiar suite truly felt like home, but soon we would be leaving. The god Alynon and his sister, the goddess Ayisha, had instructed me to collect a gem from the elves and a sword from the dwarves. When combined, it would allow me to harness the magical energy that my ancestors had collected and stored in the gem known as ‘Alynon’s Tear’.
My own magic, while powerful, had a limited pool of energy to draw from. Once depleted, I would collapse and remain unconscious for days. Twice bef
ore I had been bedridden by this. I had to admit that it left me very aware of my resources, and hesitant to push them too far.
Not that I would have changed anything. The first time it happened was to save the life of Brianna. She was a good friend, and I would have done anything to save her. The second was even more necessary. At the ball that was to introduce me to Vaelin nobility, Dommeran, aided by the treacherous Lord Hannen, attacked us in an attempt to assassinate the King. I was able to shield the King and as many Lords and Ladies as we could gather until help arrived. A week of lying in bed was a small price to pay for saving those lives.
Between the emotions of Lord Albrights funeral and the wine we enjoyed at the market, I felt a weariness coming over me. It was late evening, but I was considering it close enough to sneak off to bed. Before I could make it across the shared suite, my Chamberlain, Arthur, ambushed me.
“Sire,” he called as he hurried after me. “I am glad you have returned.”
“As am I, since this is where my bed is, and I plan to make use of it,” I said, only half teasingly.
“Well, just a quick summary then,” he said understandingly. Bless him. “I have gathered all the necessary materials for both parties leaving. Everything should be ready for departure the day after tomorrow. Also a reminder, you are to meet with King Kendrick in the morning for breakfast.”
“Perfect. I shall miss you Arthur.” There were two groups leaving in two days. One would be the Fox Guild returning back to Coneer. They would continue there to prepare for the upcoming war. Arthur and the servants would be going with them. Then there was our group, that would go seeking the elves and Alynon’s tear.
“Of course, Your Majesty. I shall miss you too. Hopefully, it won’t take you too long and we can focus on building our allies,” He stated with a smile.
With that I left to find my bed, looking forward to its warmth.
Chapter 2
(Ryan)
I had tried to prepare myself for my father’s funeral, but some things were beyond my meager abilities. I missed him dearly. The ceremony was a blur, and I was not sure if I could even manage to remember a single line from Father Yagen’s service. I do recall King Kendrick walking us out and giving his personal condolences. He spoke briefly to Elan, who would be taking my father’s place as the new Lord Albright.