by L. M. Roth
Of Feasts and Frolics
Chapter XVII
In the Garden of Frivolity
Chapter XVIII
Lothair and the Legend
Chapter XIX
The Desert of Dubar
Chapter XX
The City of Gold
Chapter XXI
Koohyaram
Chapter XXII
The Ashkani
Chapter XXIII
The Merchant
Chapter XXIV
A Fortunate Escape
Chapter XXV
The Isles of Solone
Chapter XXVI
The Strangers In the Inn
Chapter XXVII
The Temple of Light
Chapter XXVIII
The Pearl
Chapter XXIX
The Hermit
Chapter XXX
The Waterfall of Wisdom
Chapter XXXI
The Champion
Chapter XXXII
The Decision
Chapter XXXIII
In the Garden of Agreement
Chapter XXXIV
Logos
Chapter XXXV
River of Life
Part II Conquering the Domain of Darkness
Table of Contents
Chapter I
The River of Remorse
Chapter II
Lycenium
Chapter III
Festival In the Streets
Chapter IV
Tullia
Chapter V
A Proposal of Marriage
Chapter VI
A Soldier
Chapter VII
Betrayed
Chapter VIII
A Confession Most Unexpected
Chapter IX
Brothers of the Blood
Chapter X
Farewell To Lycenium
Chapter XI
The Forest of Forgotten Delights
Chapter XII
A Dangerous Storm
Chapter XIII
A Vision In the Night
Chapter XIV
Cort
Chapter XV
Dag’s Tale
Chapter XVI
The Decision of Dag
Chapter XVII
Land of the Long Day
Chapter XVIII
A Strange Celebration
Chapter XIX
The Confrontation
Chapter XX
The First Battle
Chapter XXI
Return To Gaudereaux
Chapter XXII
The Folly of Fanchon
Chapter XXIII
Goodbye
Chapter XXIV
A Perilous Crossing
Chapter XXV
In the Dragon’s Belt
Chapter XXVI
A Desperate Dilemma
Chapter XXVII
The Mysterious Isle
Chapter XXVIII
A Maze of Confusion
Chapter XXIX
The Hideous Secret
Chapter XXX
Customs
Chapter XXXI
Elena’s Story
Chapter XXXII
Arrival In Valerium
Chapter XXXIII
News From Afar
Chapter XXXIV
Encounter With Valerius
Chapter XXXV
What the Empress Proposed
Part III Invitation To Eternity
Table of Contents
Chapter I
The Old Ones
Chapter II
An Icy Heart
Chapter III
A World of Water
Chapter IV
A Father’s Fame
Chapter V
The Healing Spring
Chapter VI
The Choice
Chapter VII
Felix Has a Plan
Chapter VIII
Rivers of Living Water
Chapter IX
The Mountains of Moogotypan
Chapter X
A Rooftop World
Chapter XI
The People of the Forgotten Tongue
Chapter XII
Stairway To the Sky
Chapter XIII
The Temple of the Starry Hosts
Chapter XIV
Night of the Star Showers
Chapter XV
Song of the Siren
Chapter XVI
Isle of the Flaming Flowers
Chapter XVII
The Flame Throwers
Chapter XVIII
Mountain of Fire
Chapter XIX
To Never Walk Alone
Chapter XX
The Sacred Stones
Chapter XXI
The Rays of the Sun
Chapter XXII
Confrontation On the Mountaintop
Chapter XXIII
The Cliffs of Albinium
Chapter XXIV
Tidings From A Distant Land
Chapter XXV
An Unexpected Return
Chapter XXVI
The Grove of Oak Trees
Chapter XXVII
A Warm Welcome and A Hostile Encounter
Chapter XXVIII
A Friend For Cort
Chapter XXIX
A Dark Festival
Chapter XXX
The Circle
Chapter XXXI
The Secret of Life
Chapter XXXII
Farewell To Good Friends
Chapter XXXIII
News From Lycenium
Chapter XXXIV
Encounter With the Empress
Chapter XXXV
It Was She and She Alone I Sought
Quest For the Kingdom
Part I
The Legend of the Great Pearl
By L. M. Roth
Text Copyright© 2012 L. M. Roth
All Rights Reserved
Preface
“I heard of a legend, one I have never forgotten. It was said that there is a great Pearl, a gem of marvelous and terrible beauty. It was said that it is more costly than gold, more precious than silver, more glorious than any other jewel to be found in all the world. And it was said that any one could buy it, but the price of it cost all that one possessed. Have you ever heard of this Pearl, Marcus?”
“No, Your Grace, I have never heard of it.”
“I have been obsessed with the thought of possessing that Pearl since first I heard of it. I sent messengers far and wide for further news of it, of where it might be found. But no one could tell me more. Yet I know it exists; of that I am certain.”
Aurora leaned toward Marcus, gripping tightly the arms of her throne. Her jade eyes glittered with a greedy light in their green depths.
“I want that Pearl, Marcus. I will never rest until I possess it. And I want you to find it and bring it back to me.”
“But, but…I would not know how to find it, Your Grace. Indeed, I would not know where to begin.”
“Why, you just simply start in the land of Gaudereaux, and go from there. You are a resourceful young man. Anyone who could escape from the Eirini could surely find a way to the Pearl.”
“What of my parents? My journey may be a long one. What of them? How long must they be your prisoners?”
Aurora lifted her head slightly and shot Marcus a dazzling smile. Then she laughed a tinkling laugh like the jingle of silver bells.
“Oh, did I not make it clear to you? The release of your parents depends upon the success of your quest. No Pearl, no parents.”
Marcus struggled for breath. He stared at Aurora blindly, the room spinning around him once more.
“I want that Pearl. You go and get it for me. Then we will talk about releasing your parents. But, Marcus, you bring me that Pearl.”
Table of Contents
Chapter I
The Gate In the Garden
Chapter II
The Enslavement
Chapter III
A Change of Fortune
Chapter IV
The Homecoming
Chapter V
News of An Astonishing Nature
Chapter VI
A Stunning Revelation
Chapter VII
In the Palace of the Empress Aurora
Chapter VIII
The Order of the Empress
Chapter IX
A Most Enlightening Interview
Chapter X
The Quest Begins
Chapter XI
The Land of the Long Spears
Chapter XII
The Introduction of Dag
Chapter XIII
A Journey Through the Forest
Chapter XIV
The Stowaway
Chapter XV
The Land of Gaudereaux
Chapter XVI
Of Feasts and Frolics
Chapter XVII
In the Garden of Frivolity
Chapter XVIII
Lothair and the Legend
Chapter XIX
The Desert of Dubar
Chapter XX
The City of Gold
Chapter XXI
Koohyaram
Chapter XXII
The Ashkani
Chapter XXIII
The Merchant
Chapter XXIV
A Fortunate Escape
Chapter XXV
The Isles of Solone
Chapter XXVI
The Strangers In the Inn
Chapter XXVI
The Temple of Light
Chapter XXVIII
The Pearl
Chapter XXIX
The Hermit
Chapter XXX
The Waterfall of Wisdom
Chapter XXXI
The Champion
Chapter XXXII
The Decision
Chapter XXXIII
In the Garden of Agreement
Chapter XXXIV
Logos
Chapter XXXV
River of Life
Chapter I
The Gate In the Garden
It was on a day of birdsong and roses that the world he knew ended forever. The dew still shimmered on the carpet of green grass. The trilling song of the thrush pierced his heart with its unbearable sweetness. The scent of roses as light as gossamer floated to his nostrils on the air, and as he exulted in the promise of romance they symbolized he dreamed of Tullia.
Marcus leaned back on an iron bench and breathed in the day. The thrush and his mate soared past, warbling a duet as they flew, and he smiled as a vision of Tullia rose to his mind. He had met her only three months ago, yet already he wondered if she would be his mate, much as the pair of birds whose song enchanted him so.
Tall and elegant, with a dignity that was much admired among the members of his father’s generation, as much as her blue-black waves that rippled from her bandeaux, and azure eyes that rivaled the brilliance of the noon sky provoked excitement among his own, Marcus cherished her gracious refinement as much as he adored her beauty. Yes, she would be a wife worthy to bear the name of Maximus!
The June morning was fresh and cool; a day for rejoicing in the gift of life. Marcus breathed deeply the heady aroma of the bouquet of roses. The delicate sweetness of the pink blossoms mingling with the spicy hint of cinnamon that emanated from the vivid red blooms was borne aloft on the morning breeze.
The garden had been laid out in meticulous detail in a manner in keeping with the stately villa whose grounds it graced. Bricked walkways wound through the garden, taking the stroller from one delightful vista to another. A spray of water leapt from the lips of the faun in the center of the marble fountain, splashing on the pool whose drops of water dazzled in the morning light. The sun glazed the amber and bronze tiles of the floor of the pergola, turning it to a blaze of golden flame.
But Marcus had not come to the garden of his father’s estate to idle in the dew-drenched morning, nor to daydream of delights not yet tasted. No, for he had an appointment with his close friend Felix.
For as long as he could remember, Felix had been the brother he had always longed for. With his quick wit, keen intelligence and a charm that could disarm the most disapproving of old ladies, Felix could always be depended upon to brighten even the gloomiest day. Many were the escapades they had shared, many the adventures they still hoped to savor together.
Their custom was to meet in the garden of the Maximus estate, then walk together to the arena, where they engaged in a round of sparring and some sword play before heading to the baths. This daily practice was vital, for the very life of their society depended upon the strength of its warriors. At seventeen, Marcus longed for the day he would see real combat and test his strength against seasoned warriors.
Valerium was a mighty empire that ruled most of the known world. What it didn’t dominate, it sought to subdue. For more than seven hundred years it had lusted for power and might, bringing all within its grasp under its control. The very name of Valerium struck terror into the hearts of those who heard it and were not so fortunate as to be part of its ruling class.
It had been born when a crafty young statesman named Valerianus had sensed the time was opportune to overturn the weak, ineffectual king of his day. With a magnetism that drew others to him and a brilliant mind that perceived all possible angles of every question, he prevailed on the laboring classes to rise up against the unfortunate sovereign. Strength to conquer every other nation and rule the known world was what he promised, and he was true to his word. Within a year of taking the throne he had forged an army that fearlessly invaded other lands and brought them to heel. One by one they fell to the power of the army, until Valerium’s domain was so vast that it would take a man a year on horseback to traverse it from one end to the other.
Slaves from every corner of the Empire were brought to its center, to ease the lives of the aristocrats. Escape from slavery in Valerium was nearly impossible, as was discovered by those who attempted to flee their bonds. For her Imperial Army was invincible, and the Imperial Guards mounted constant watch over the citizenry, both free and slave. From the snow-tipped mountains of Lucerna to the sun-drenched beaches of Golida the Empire spanned, a realm uneasily inhabited by slaves both actual and possible, since one’s life depended upon the favor of its ruler.
Nowhere in all its vast domain was anyone to be found more ruthless than the Empress Aurora. As bloodthirsty as she was beautiful, she brooked no challenge from any man. Those who dared to think she was a weak woman not worthy of her throne soon found out their mistake.
Marcus reflected on this as he basked in the glory of the morning. He would not want to be the one who made the fatal error of underestimating Empress Aurora!
Aurora had come to Potentus, the capital city of Valerium just four months ago upon the death of her father, Emperor Beatus, beloved by the Valerian people who mourned his passing, and dreaded the rule of his vain and tempestuous daughter. Although she had lived and ruled as Governess representing the Empire for many years in the province of Gaudereaux, the stories about her in Valerium itself were legendary.
It was said that it took little to offend her, and those who did quickly regretted it. Her temper inspired terror in the bravest of men, and she looked on all women as rivals for supremacy of beauty, a contest she determined to win.
All of Potentus was stunned when Aurora’s husband, Liberius, suddenly died only one week after their return to Potentus, where she quickly assumed her imperial duties. Yet, the citizens were shocked even more by Aurora’s behavior upon his death: she did not wear the traditional garb of mourning, nor curtail any of her social festivities, and displayed no sign of grieving for husband or father. Speculation was rife, but whispers were stifled, as no one wished to take up residence in the Imperial dungeons…
Marcus realized abruptly that the morning was getting on and he was still alone. He had left the gate in the garden open for Felix. But the min
utes passed and he did not come…
Suddenly, Marcus was jerked out of his reverie by the sound of metal clanging on metal. He leapt to his feet and with reflexes sharpened by long training he whipped out the dagger he always carried in the pocket of his robe.
Into the garden poured a legion of armed men, tall, erect, and broad of shoulder. Marcus recognized the black and rose-red livery of the Palace Guards. But what were they doing here, in the villa of General Valerius Maximus?
“Put down your dagger,” roared the Captain of the Guard. Lean and bronzed with rippling muscles earned from many a hard campaign, he looked fierce and ready to kill any foe who dared to oppose him. Marcus knew he had better obey. But he was not to be so easily intimidated.
“What do you want? How dare you enter the Villa Maximus in this manner!” he challenged the Captain as he drew himself up to his full height with dagger at the ready.
But the guards were too many. Three of them encircled Marcus. They danced away from his outthrust dagger, deftly dodging his furious stabs. One side-stepped the dagger only to be caught with an upper cut to the jaw from Marcus’ right fist. Another moved to Marcus’ left but found himself flying to the ground as Marcus whirled around with a well-aimed kick to his rear.
Then one guard crept up from behind and brought a stunning blow from his spear down on the crown of Marcus’ head. He sank to the ground and into darkness…
Chapter II
The Enslavement
Creak, creak, creak. Splash, splash, splash. Creak, splash. Creak, splash. Creak, splash. Slowly, he returned to the surface. As of one coming up from the darkest depths of the ocean and back to the light of the world, he fought his way from slumber. Dazed, he lay in the darkness listening to the sound of waves smashing against timber, the incessant creaking grating on his weary brain.
It was dark. Even when he opened his eyes it was dark. Marcus lifted his head and winced. Pain crashed through his skull and flashes of light darted through his vision. Then he remembered; the blow to his head after the assault on the estate. But where was he now?
Gingerly he glanced from side to side. His eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness and he saw wooden walls on either side of him. He became aware of a heavy weight on his wrists and ankles. He tried to lift his arm and heard the clanking of chains. He pulled up his legs, but they raised only so far. He was shocked into complete awareness as the full truth of his position smote him: he was manacled.