The Temple of Sacrifice

by Tameri Etherton

  He stretched his mind toward the east and spoke an oath. Soon Taryn ap Galendrin, and all her power, would be his.

  * * *

  THE END

  Thank you for reading The Temple of Sacrifice. New dangers are introduced in book four, THE RUINS OF BETRAYAL, available for ebook and print this September.

  A new king, old enemies

  Zakael will stop at nothing to possess Taryn and her vast powers. But is he willing to forge a deal with Kaldaar himself to claim what he believes his rightfully his?

  Rhoane’s betrayal nearly broke his spirit, but Taryn’s love and forgiveness guided him back from the abyss. Now that he wears the Crown of Awakening, he has more to prove than ever. But when the ship Taryn’s traveling on is overtaken and she’s captured, it’s the very thing that made him the Dragon Prince her captors are after—her dragon soul. Can he save her before it’s too late?

  Book four in the Song of the Swords epic fantasy series, THE RUINS OF BETRAYAL will test not only Rhoane’s love, but Taryn’s as well. Love of family, love of self, and love for an enemy that won’t hesitate to destroy her.

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  Also by Tameri Etherton

  The Song of the Swords

  The Prince of Dragons

  (Previously published as The Darathi Vorsi Prince)

  The Stones of Resurrection

  (Previously published as The Stones of Kaldaar)

  The Temple of Sacrifice

  (Previously published as The Temple of Ardyn)

  The Ruins of Betrayal

  * * *

  The Fatal Fae

  Fatal Illusion

  Fatal Assassin

  If you loved the book and have a moment to spare, I would really appreciate a short review on the retail site where you bought the book. Your help in spreading the word is gratefully appreciated. Reviews make a huge difference in helping new readers find the series.

  * * *

  Thank you!

  Cast of Characters

  Adesh Summerlander. A spice merchant in Talaith. Tabul’s brother.

  Aislinn al Glennwoods ap Narthvier (Ay-s-lynn) Queen of the Eleri. Aislinn perished in a ShantiMari accident when Rhoane was a young man.

  Alasdair (Alice-dare) A faerie servant in the service of Rhoane. Brother to Illanr and Carld.

  Alswyth Myrddin (Alls-with Mere-din) Mage with exceedingly long life. Myrddin is the advisor to Empress Lliandra and is often far from court on assignments from the crown. No known children or spouses. No known House.

  Amanda Aelan. A young woman living in Talaith with dubious ties to Adesh the spice merchant.

  Anje ap Paderau (Ann-jee ap Paw-der-oo) Duke of Paderau, father to Hayden, husband to Gwyneira (now deceased). Anje is cousin to the Lord of the Dark, and third in line for the Obsidian Throne. His father was brother to Valterys’s father. A prince in his own right, Anje renounced his Dark heritage to live with his wife in the Light. Descendant of House Djeba.

  Aomori di Monsenti (A-more-ee di Mon-scent-ee) A young Danuri lord fostering with Tinsley in Paderau. Descendant of House Monsenti.

  Armando Summerlander. Lover of Tarro. Whore in Nena’s house. Marissa’s favorite.

  Ashanni (A-shawn-ee) A mare Duke Anje gives to Taryn.

  Baehlon de Monteferron (Bay-lohn de Mont-fair-on) Danuri and Geigan knight employed by Empress Lliandra, sworn to protect Taryn and her House. Descendant of House Monteferron.

  Bornu (Bore-new) Summerlander. A young boy who works for Adesh.

  Brandt kaj Endion (Brant) Aelan. High Priest of Talaith and advisor to Empress Lliandra, Brandt was commissioned with Taryn’s safety when she was born. After his death, Nadra took Brandt to Dal Tara, (home of the gods), which allows Brandt to communicate with Taryn. House Arran.

  Bressal ap Narthvier (Bress-all) Eleri. Second Son to King Stephan and Queen Aislinn (now passed beyond the veils).

  Carga ap Narthvier Eleri. Daughter to King Stephan and Queen Aislinn (now passed beyond the veils).

  Carina (Ka-reen-a) Aelan. A member of Taryn’s personal guard.

  Carld (Car-uld) A faerie maid in the service of King Stephan. Sister to Illanr and Alasdair.

  Celia Aelan. Minor noble and Marissa’s favorite until she perished at the Stones of Kaldaar. Descendant of House Deltanna.

  Cora Aelan. A maid in the service of Empress Lliandra.

  Daknys (Dak-niss) Elder Goddess. Daughter of Nadra and Ohlin, she is worshipped by the Light and Dark in the central area of Aelinae.

  Darius (Dare-ee-us) Artagh, Eleri and Aelan. A page at Celyn Eryri who joins Taryn’s guard.

  Denzil de Monteferron (Den-zell) Danuri and Geigan. A mercenary hired by Lliandra to patrol Talaith’s docks. Brother to Baehlon.

  Ebus (Ee-bus) Race unknown. Spy employed by Taryn and Rhoane. Can see the Shadow Assassin.

  Eliahnna Tjaru (Ee-lahn-ah Shar-U) Aelan. Daughter of Lliandra. Her heritage is much debated since Lliandra has never publicly named her father. She is third in line to the Light Throne. Descendant of House Nadrene.

  Ellie Aelan. A maid in the service of Taryn.

  Eoghan ap Narthvier (Eee-gan) Eleri. Third Son to King Stephan and Queen Aislinn (now passed beyond the veils).

  Faelara Dal Arran (Fay-lara) Aelan. Daughter of Brandt, Faelara is currently a lady-in-waiting to Empress Lliandra. Her Healing skills are legendary, as were her father’s. House Arran.

  Faisal dei Tarnovo (Fay-sal) Summerlander. Sabina’s father and the king of the Summerlands. House Tarnov.

  Fayngaar (Fain-gar) Rhoane’s stallion.

  Gian ap Brenbold (Jawn) A faerie found in Valterys’s dungeon.

  Gwyneira Tjaru ap Paderau (Gwin-eera ap Shar-U) Aelan. Sister to Empress Lliandra, wife of Duke Anje, mother to Hayden. Gwyneira died after childbirth when Hayden was a young man. Houses Nadrene and Djeba.

  Hayden ap Valen Aelan. Lord Valen, Marquis of the province Valen, son of Anje and Gwyneira. Hayden is cousin to the heirs of the Light Throne and the Obsidian Throne. Descendant of House Djeba.

  Herbret Aelan. A minor noble in Talaith’s court and one of Marissa’s favorites until he perished at the Stones of Kaldaar. Descendant of House Gilfroy.

  Illanr (Ill-an-or) A faerie maid in the service of King Stephan. Sister to Carld and Alasdair.

  Iselt (Ee-selt) A blacksmith at Celyn Eryri with secrets and a past he’s trying to hide. He is half Artagh and half Eleri.

  Janeira (Juh-nair-a) An Eleri warrior of great standing, excellent skill, and deadly capabilities.

  Julieta Younger Goddess. Daughter of Rykoto and Daknys.

  Kaida (Kay-da) A grierbas Taryn rescued in the Narthvier. Companion to Taryn ~ they have the ability to speak with each other in their minds. Kaida can track the Shadow Assassin.

  Kaldaar (Cal-dar) Elder God. Son of Nadra and Ohlin, worshipped by inhabitants of the Southeast until his banishment after the Great War. Kaldaar hasn’t been seen in Aelinae in over five thousand seasons.

  Lliandra Tjaru (Lee-on-dra Shar-U) Aelan. Empress of Talaith, Lady of Light. Mother to Marissa, Taryn, Eliahnna, and Tessa. Lliandra is directly descended from the goddess Nadra. She is thought to be a just ruler who thinks of her subjects in all matters. House Nadrene.

  Lorilee Aelan. A maid in the service of Taryn. Sister to Mayla.

  Marissa Tjaru (Shar-U) Aelan. Crown Princess of Talaith, heir to the Light Throne, daughter of Lliandra and Esna (not named in books one or two). Descendant of House Nadrene.

  Mayla Aelan. A maid in the service of Duke Anje. Sister to Lorilee.

  Margaret Tan Geigan. Seamstress to Empress Lliandra, she often travels with the court. Her tailoring skills are said to be admired in all the kingdoms.

  Marina Summerlander. A maid in the service of Marissa.

&nbs
p; Matilde Aelan. Amanda’s mother. Lives in Talaith with dubious ties to Adesh the spice merchant.

  Nadra Mother of Aelinae, Great Mother of all Creation. Along with Ohlin, Nadra created Aelinae. Mother to Daknys, Rykoto, Kaldaar, and Verdaine.

  Nena Race unknown. Owner of a house of prostitution in Talaith.

  Nikosana Black and tan Ullan stallion given to Taryn at the Light Celebrations by Duke Anje.

  Ohlin (O-lynn) Father of Aelinae, Great Father of all Creation. Along with Nadra, Ohlin created Aelinae. Father to to Daknys, Rykoto, Kaldaar, and Verdaine.

  Oliver Aelan. A servant in the service of Hayden, Lord Valen.

  Percival Marissa’s child.

  Phantom An unknown entity manipulating Celia, Herbret, and Marissa. The phantom is thought to be an agent of Kaldaar.

  Prateeni dei Tarnovo (Pruh-teen-ee) Summerlander. Sabina’s mother and the Queen of the Summerlands. House Tarnov.

  Rhoane al Glennwoods ap Narthvier (Rone) Eleri. First Son of Stephan, King of the Eleri, and Aislinn, Queen of the Eleri (now passed beyond the veils). At birth Rhoane was prophesied to be the Eirielle’s protector. When he was old enough, he took an oath forsaking all others and devoting his life to upholding Verdaine’s prophecy.

  Rykoto (Ree-ko-toe) Elder God. Son of Nadra and Ohlin, worshipped by inhabitants of the Northwest and of the Dark. Rykoto was imprisoned in the Temple of Ardyn after the Great War.

  Sabina dei Tarnovo Summerlander. Daughter of King Faisal and Queen Prateeni. Currently fostering with Empress Lliandra in Talaith. Sabina’s ShantiMari was unlocked after the ordeal at the Stones of Kaldaar. Descendant of House Tarnov.

  Saeko (Say-koh) A maid in the service of Taryn.

  Shadow Assassin An unknown assailant stalking Taryn. He can ‘disappear’.

  Stephan ap Narthvier King of the Eleri. Direct descendant from Verdaine.

  Sulein ap Lorn (Sue-lain) An Artagh living in Talaith.

  Tabul (Tah-buhl) Summerlander. Spice merchant from Paderau.

  Tarro (Tare-O) Danuri. Assistant to Margaret Tan. Lover of Armando.

  Taryn Rose Galendrin (Tare-in) Daughter of Lliandra, Empress of Talaith, Lady of Light and Valterys, Overlord of the West, Lord of the Dark. Raised on Earth, Taryn grew up unaware of Aelinae, believing Brandt was her grandfather and only family. House Galendrin.

  Tessa Tjaru (Shar-U) Aelan. Daughter of Lliandra and Razlog (not named in books one or two). She is fourth in line to the Light Throne. Descendant of House Nadrene.

  Timor (Tim-or) Aelan. A member of Taryn’s personal guard.

  Tinsley Alcath (Tins-lee All-koth) Aelan. A young lord with business ties to Duke Anje and is often at Paderau Palace. Descendant of House Alcath.

  Valterys Djeba (Val-terr-iss D-jj-ay-ba) Aelan. Overlord of the West, Lord of the Dark. Father to Taryn and Zakael. Valterys is directly descended from the god Ohlin. He rules his kingdom with a tight grasp on its economy and trade. His subjects think of him favorably. House Djeba.

  Verdaine (Vare-dane) Elder Goddess. Daughter of Nadra and Ohlin, she is worshipped by the Eleri in the Narthvier.

  Zakael Djeba (Zah-K-ay-eel D-jj-ay-ba) Aelan. Prince, heir to the Obsidian Throne. Son of Valterys and Troyanna. Descendant of House Djeba.

  Glossary of Terms

  Aelan (Ay-lan) Any person born of Aelinaen descent. These are usually men and women descended from the Elder Gods: Nadra, Ohlin, Daknys, Rykoto, and Kaldaar. In modern times, Aelan refers to those not of another race.

  Aelinae (Ay-lynn-ay) A world created by Nadra and Ohlin. It is disk-shaped with waterfalls at the edge of the world, and volcanoes beneath it.

  Aelinaen(s) (Ay-lynn-ee-an) Of or having to do with Aelan culture.

  Aergan (Air-gahn) An ancient, valuable ore found in only a few places on Aelinae.

  Air Faerie Winged Faeries who call on the elements of air for power.

  Anklam (Ahnk-lahm) A city on the coast, south of Talaith.

  Artagh (R-tah-g) Related to the Eleri, Artaghs lack the Eleri Glamour, as well as the sophistication of the ancient race. They are rumored to be the best at making weapons and working with metals, especially the fabled Godsteel found only in the Haversham Mountains. Outsiders are often distrusted and it’s rare to find Artaghs far from their caves.

  Black Arts A twisted version of ShantiMari that binds one’s soul forever to the banished god, Kaldaar. Practitioners can be either male or female, but females become barren once they invoke the Oath of Fealty. Because of this, they are viewed as Brothers alongside the men.

  Black Brotherhood The oldest, most secret religion in Aelinae’s history. Much of the Brotherhood is unknown to any except those who are counted among the members. Once a practitioner is invited to join the Brotherhood, they are challenged to a series of tests, many of which require virginal sacrifices. See also Vessel. Membership is often passed from one family member to another, but the terms must be satisfied before being accepted. Those who do not satisfy the requirements, or are not deemed worthy are destroyed.

  Black Shanti and Black ShantiMari See also Black Arts. This form of ShantiMari uses chaos to fuel its power. External and internal sources give practitioners their strength. They pull their power from the world around them, or the inner conflict people try to conceal. The use of Black ShantiMari is shunned by the Light and Dark, but there are those who have found a way to manipulate the strands of light and shadow into a woven tapestry of devastation that cannot be traced. These are Masters that even the Black Brotherhood fear.

  Caer Idris (Care Ee-dris) The ancestral home of The Overlord of the West. Currently, Valterys, Lord of the Dark sits on the Obsidian Throne.

  Carlix A sleek, winged feline who makes her home in the mountains known as the Spine of Ohlin. One of the first creatures to inhabit the planet of Aelinae. Often referred to for their flexibility and quick responses, the number of people who have actually seen a carlix is few.

  Celyn Eryri (See-lynn Air-ee) The mountain home of the Empress of Talaith. It is here the Light Celebrations take place every Wintertide.

  Cockleberry A yellowish fruit that grows in glens and meadows throughout Aelinae. With a taste similar to blackberries, cockleberries are often used in pies and tasty treats.

  Crystal Court The accepted nickname for the court of the Empress of Talaith.

  Crystal Palace The accepted nickname for the palace in Talaith where the Empress rules. It’s fabled walls are made from a thin layer of rock clear enough to see through, yet unable to be penetrated by weapons or ShantiMari. No one knows who built the great palace, or where the stone came from.

  Cynfar (Sin-far) The Eleri name for a talisman given to someone. Usually a pendant, it can also be a bracelet, earrings, or even a small stone. It must be kept close to the recipient for maximum benefit, hence the use of jewelry.

  Dal Ferran (Dahl Fair-en) The fiery pits of hell beneath Aelinae’s surface.

  Dal Tara (Dahl Tar-a) A celestial resting place for the Gods and those they deem worthy. It is located in the second quadrant of the Meirdia Nebula.

  Danuri A Province located in the West. The second largest city to Caer Idris, Danuri is widely known for their wine and ale making skills.

  Danurian Anyone of Danuri descent.

  Darennsai (Dar-en-sigh) An ancient title given to Taryn by the Eleri. Most don’t know the true meaning of the word, thinking of it as nothing more than an honorific bestowed upon her by the Goddess Verdaine. Only a few know the word means, Daughter of the Sky. Less an oath than a promise that one day Taryn will sit at the side of Verdaine, as a goddess in her own right. The Eleri reject this idea.

  Dark The part of ShantiMari that is derived from the sun. Only men are skilled in the ways of the Dark, except for the anomaly. To have Dark powers does not automatically make one bad, or evil. There are many men who use their Dark Shanti for good.

  Dark Master A highly skilled practitioner of Dark ShantiMari.

  Dark Shanti The male side of ShantiMari.

  Darathi
Vorsi (Dah-rahth-ee Vor-see) Aside from the carlix, darathi vorsi are the oldest creatures on Aelinae. Several thousand seasons ago they disappeared from the planet, but the Eleri hold the belief that one day they will return.

  Delante (Day-lan-t) A dance performed with a group of people.

  Dreem A whisky-like drink that ladies don’t usually partake of.

  Drerfox Cousin to the fox, a drerfox is bigger, with fangs coated with poison. Their coats shimmer in the sunlight, blending them into the background, making them difficult to see during the day.

  The East A geographical location on the map indicating all lands, properties, kingdoms, etc east of the Spine of Ohlin. Includes the Narthvier, Ulla, Talaith, and the marshes near Kaldaar’s Stones.

  Eirielle (Air-ee-elle) The one of prophecy. Said to be the destroyer or the savior of Aelinae, depending on which prophecy you read. Only one Eirielle is ever said to be created, but that doesn’t stop those of the Light and Dark from trying to make one. The Eirielle is rumored to possess all the strands of ShantiMari: Light, Dark, Eleri, and Black. Although, the last is only known to the Brotherhood.

  Eiriellean Prophecy A collection of prophecies that record various oracles’ visions and ramblings about the Eirielle. Throughout history, there have been those that decried the prophecies, and those that touted them as truth. Nearly everyone fears either version coming to pass.

  Elennish (Elle-enn-ish) The oldest language on Aelinae still spoken in the East and West.

  Eleri (Ee-ler-ee) A mysterious clan of elf-like men and women who live in the Narthvier. They stay within the borders of their forest and don’t like outsiders coming on their land. The Eleri share a collective conscious, in that they can call on the wisdom of past and future Eleri in times of duress. The oldest race on Aelinae, they and the darathi vorsi share a common bond. Thought to be caretakers of the beasts, when the darathi vorsi disappeared, it was a time of great mourning for the Eleri.