Rift of Askrah
Book 1: Fracture
By Benjamin Andrews
Copyright 2011 Benjamin Andrews
This ebook has been licensed for your personal enjoyment. If you wish to give this book to another person, please return to the website at which it was purchased, and purchase another copy. Please respect the hard work of this author. Events and characters in this work are fictional.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Thanks for Reading!
Index
Chapter 1
The Nation of Draven
“Lord Nihlen, are you listening to me?” Trayn called. It sounded so far off that Nihlen didn’t realize it was him being called. “Lord Nihlen, I am trying to teach you the significance of the strategy used by Duke Mellingham in the battle of Cascadia, but all you do is stare out that window. Is there something out there more interesting than my lecture?”
The sound of Trayn slapping the table with his hand pulled Nihlen Draven out of his thoughts. He turned from the window to find the wrinkly, but very serious face of his long time teacher, Trayn Tilradrinae, nearly touching his own. He was so close, Nihlen could count the wisps of white hair remaining on the balding man’s head. His eyes were a deep green, and reflected the amazing amount of wisdom and knowledge contained in them. He was short, even sitting as Nihlen was, the two looked eye to eye. His clothes were of the highest grade, a white shirt and black pants cut in an opulent style. They were heavily wrinkled though. Trayn cared for his studies far more than his clothes.
“My apologies, Professor Tilradrinae.” Nihlen said, bowing his head with all the royal grace he could muster in his sitting position. “Your lecture is indeed fascinating as always, and any other day I would be on the edge of my seat while listening… But today, I just can’t seem to focus.”
“I’m not surprised.” Trayn said, his voice quivering slightly. It seemed old age was catching up with him. Maybe it’s time for father to find a replacement for the Professor so he can retire? Nihlen thought briefly. Trayn must have read the thought on his face, because he straightened up, the ghost of a smile playing around his lips. “I will still be teaching when you have children my Lord. I still have many years left in me!”
Nihlen suddenly burst out laughing, and Trayn with him. Trayn had been Nihlen’s teacher his entire life. He had taught him almost everything he knew in a vast number of subjects. Trayn knew as much about Nihlen as almost anyone else. “I do not doubt that one bit. I am sorry for being a poor student today.” Nihlen said, filling his voice with an almost unearthly grace.
In the pause that followed, Nihlen looked around the room. They were in a large study, sitting at a table in the middle of the room. Surrounding them were countless maps, charts, tools for mathematics, astronomy, and more besides. Bookcases full of books of every shape and size. In large boxes stacked all around the room were papers filled with Nihlen’s work over the years. All of this was a testament to the things Nihlen had learned, and the magnitude of his lifetime of education surrounded him.
“I can tell you definitely didn’t slack in your studies of grace, but I wouldn’t count on that fake tone all the time. It certainly wouldn’t get you out of lessons any other day, and I’d probably beat you with my cane for mocking me!” Trayn brandished his cane in mock anger as he said the last line. “However, I anticipated this would happen. Today is a very big day for you after all, so I never planned to keep you for too long. Your father would be most displeased if I were to hamper your preparations for this evening's event.” Trayn said, slowly limping away from where Nihlen sat. “You’ll owe me twice as much work when we next meet, so get out of here!”
Nihlen immediately jumped up, and bowed deeply to his teacher. “Thank you Professor, I’ll see you at the ceremony tonight!”
With that, Nihlen quickly put away his books, and left the room. Outside in the hallway, he began to stroll toward his room, which in the large castle he lived in was relatively far away. Nihlen took his time walking down the hallway. He even stopped to look at the expensive tapestries, paintings and the other countless symbols around him of his family’s wealth. An urn made of solid gold, encrusted with gems that glittered and gleamed in the light. A painting of the Draven landscape painted two hundred years before, and another of the city of Draven, showing the castle towering above. He meandered slowly down the hall taking them all in. Not something he would normally do, but today was not a normal day.
Nihlen Draven is the son of King Elren Draven, the current king of the nation of Draven. Today is a very important day for Nihlen. Today is his sixteenth birthday, the age which one is recognized as an adult throughout the land. For Nihlen though, it is also his official debut as the First Prince of Draven, officially making him next in line for the succession of the crown. People from all over Draven, and many representatives of foreign nations, would be arriving for the ceremony that night. Today is the first step down the Path which Nihlen, like any other person, will take during their life. On a much grander scale in this case though.
Deciding he could no longer afford to dawdle in the halls, Nihlen steeled himself, and made his way to his room. As he opened the door, he looked around. It was brightly lit, and flames danced in an enormous marble hearth. A large wardrobe loomed in the corner, stuffed full of clothes in countless styles and materials. His bed was in the center of the room, which was also where he found his maid, Fadah Meskit, hanging something on the bed's canopy.
“Ah, Young Master Nihlen, you have returned early from your studies. That is unusual. Professor Tilradrinae usually keeps you until much later then this.” Fadah said, bowing down before him.
“You aren’t supposed to be able to call me ‘Young Master’ anymore, I’m a man now Fadah!” Nihlen exclaimed, though his voice light and playful as he moved into the room to examine what Fadah was hanging up.
“You are not a man until the ceremony is complete.” Fadah said innocently, ruffling the top of his sleek black hair as he approached. Nihlen had always been very close to Fadah, and didn’t really think of her as his servant. “I must enjoy calling you ‘Young Master’ all I can for what little time I have left to do so!”
Nihlen chuckled quietly to himself. He didn’t mind Fadah calling him 'Young Master' at all, and he never really expected that to change. “Are these the clothes for the ceremony tonight?” He asked, turning from Fadah to examine the items she had brought in.
“They were just finished a little over an hour ago. The seamstress and her team have worked for over a week to prepare these.” Fadah said, moving back as Nihlen pulled the garments closer to himself. “Made from the finest silk imported from Sulur, hand embroidered by the best tailors in the land. These snow white robes are truly befitting of a ceremony of this level.”
As Nihlen stared at the new clothing, the smile slowly disappeared off his face. In just a few hours, there will be no turning back. I will be on the Path that I am destined to travel. Like it or not, this is the fate I must accept.
“Are you nervous for tonight, Young Master?” Fadah asked, so very gently. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. She had always been
able to tell when something was wrong with him. Even with all his training in many different fields, all in the name of becoming a great king, Fadah was one who he could never hide his feelings from. She had such a gentle, motherly appearance. Her long brown hair was tied back tight, and she always wore an apron. Her face was full and kind, her skin still smooth even though she was starting to pass into the later years of life. When looking into her deep brown eyes, all Nihlen could see was kindness and love.
He paused for a slight moment before he answered. “I’m not nervous. I have the ceremonies memorized, and I am confident the ceremony will go off without a hitch. It’s just…” Nihlen trailed off, not sure how to say what he was feeling. It’s just the other important part of tonight’s ceremony. The other part of the Path I must take, all part of the fate decided for me long before I was even born.
“Laurel Illenwood.” Fadah said.
Nihlen cringed, even the name was enough to make him feel ill. “I’m sure that Laurel is a very nice girl, but how can I be expected to be engaged to someone before I even know anything about them?” Nihlen asked, more to himself than to Fadah, but she responded none the less.
“You can be expected because you will be the future king of this land, Nihlen.” Fadah only dropped the 'Young Master' and used his first name when she was truly concerned about him, or very serious. Her tone was quite serious too, another rarity. “You know the situation with Laurel’s family, and you must do what is necessary to protect the royal family, even if it is something you do not necessarily wish for yourself.”
Once again, Nihlen cringed at Fadah’s words, but he knew she was right. It was all the more painful because she was right. Long before his time, during his grandfather, Laheal Draven's reign as king, an incident occurred. Laheal had a healthy lust for women. One of his encounters was with a member of the Illenwood family, and a child was born of this union. For the remainder of his days, that was held over Laheal's head. When he died, a brutal battle began behind the scenes between Nihlen’s father, Elren, and the illegitimate son, Marian Illenwood. Marian threatened to expose the infidelity of the previous King, which could have threatened Elren's chances of ascending to the throne. In the end, a deal was made that the Illenwood family would be raised to noble status, and that Elren’s first son would marry the oldest daughter of the Illenwood family, securing them a place within the royal family.
It’s not fair I have to pay the price for the choice of another. Nihlen thought bitterly.
“Fadah, I wish to prepare for the ceremony, you’re dismissed.” Nihlen said, turning from her. He always felt bad when he treated her like a servant, even if she was one. At the moment though, he needed to be alone.
“As you wish, Young Master. I wish you luck with the ceremony.” Fadah said, bowing once more. She moved to the door, and opened it. “Young Master, just one more thing. No matter how bleak the Path before you seems, just remember that around the turn you can’t see is something different.” And with that, she left.
Unfortunately, the Path before me was laid out in a straight line long before I was even born… I can see where it begins, and where it ends. Nihlen thought, slowly filling with depression. He flopped back on his bed, turning away from the clothes hanging before him. He leaned on his side, elbow propping him up, and looked out the large portrait window in front of him. Is it so wrong to wish to walk my own Path? What Fadah said is true, I am the future ruler of this land. Is it selfish that I feel such resentment for my Path already being chosen? I just wish I could carve my own Path… Have my own adventure…
Find my own love.
Nihlen burned up the remainder of his time lost in thoughts of the Path he was about to take. He had a great life so far, there was no denying that. He was surrounded by a loving family, servants who took care of him. He was wealthy beyond imagination, surrounded by opulence and never wanting for anything. Part of him berated himself for the resentment he felt at being locked into this world. Who outside the palace would not change places with me in a heartbeat? They would think me a fool, or crazy for feeling how I feel.
Slowly, the sun began to set, and Nihlen knew he could put it off no longer. He rose, and pulled his clothes off. Reaching for the ceremonial robes, his hand began to quiver. It’s hard to reach for this fate… But I must! I do not have the right to choose whether I want this or not. I must be strong for the nation of Draven! I cannot fail those people out there, they are counting on me!
Nihlen had never really wanted to be a king. Not wholly anyways. He'd known his whole life it was to be though, and he didn't loathe becoming king so much as some of the losses he was incurring in the exchange. The exchange was already made before he was born though. It just was, and he had to accept it. Growing up, he was groomed from a young age for the day he would take up the mantle as king. From sword fighting to history, he had studied in countless fields, and excelled at everything he did. One after another, people would say that he would make a fine king. For many years as a child, he didn’t realize what any of it really meant. But one day, his curiosity began to stir, and Nihlen approached his father.
“Father, who are we? Why do we live so differently from everyone else? This giant castle, all this wealth, and the people all calling you King. Why are things like this?” A young Nihlen asked his father.
“Things are like this because I protect these people Nihlen. Every country needs a ruler. Someone to whom the people can look up to, someone who will protect them. Our family took up this responsibility long ago. We must always care for the people of this land, Nihlen. Even if it means laying down our lives, the people of this country are far more important than the riches or large castle.” The King smiled as he explained to Nihlen.
“But if they don’t mean anything then why do we have them? Why doesn’t everyone live in a castle?” Nihlen pressed.
“We have them so that other countries will respect me. If they respect me, then war can be avoided. There are many aspects to being a ruler, and you will learn them in due time my son. Just remember this, before the people, everything else is meaningless. Nothing matters more than keeping the people of this land safe.”
“Yes father!” Nihlen said, with that enthusiasm you can only have as a child who doesn’t really understand. “One day, I’ll be a great King, just like you!”
For a long time after that, Nihlen studied even harder, and looked forward to becoming the king. He wanted to make his father proud, and protect the people just like he wished. But as he continued to age, he realized he hungered for something else too.
His freedom.
As choices were constantly made for him, Nihlen began to feel like a box was being built around his Path, narrowing the places he could choose to go. Before long, he had realized that he didn’t have any choice which way he would take. When he had been told of his predestined marriage to Laurel, it felt like the lid had been placed on the box. For the first time since he had talked with his father, and looked forward to becoming the king, he actually wished he could escape his fate.
“It’s time.” Nihlen said, just those two words pressed on him like like a massive boulder. He couldn't escape.
He quickly dawned the robe, pure white with elaborate gold-threading laying out the symbol of Draven, a golden sun shining down on a single tree, and examined himself in the mirror. His skin was pale, the color accented by the pure whiteness of the robe he had put on. His hair was sleek, dark black, shoulder length, and pulled into a tightly braided ponytail. Dark green eyes stared back at him, and in them he saw fear. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees, and broke eye contact with himself. The weight is too heavy… I don’t know if I can bear it. His muscles tensed, his reflexes on edge. It felt like he was fighting, ready to move in a split second. The life I have longed for is about to walk out the door with me, but it will walk the other way, disappearing with every step I take, never to be seen again.
With the sheer force of his will alone, he rose to his feet, and looked in t
he mirror. He dawned a perfect mask of joy and calmness. “It’s time to go become a man then.”
Outside of his door were several maids, none which he recognized off hand. “Are you ready my Lord? Let’s go.” One said.
The small party made their way through the castle, heading for the entrance room. One of the largest rooms in the castle, it was opened wide. It could easily fit a thousand people with room to spare, which is about how many people would be attending. Just beyond the massive solid oak door in front of them was a hallway. Waiting there would be his family, and the nobles of the land. Through a set of double doors beyond that was the party waiting just for him. Sad to think I want to avoid a party...
“Here I go.” Nihlen said, more to get himself moving than anything. He grasped the door knob, and opened it slowly.
Seated within the hallway were the royal family, consisting of Nihlen’s father, mother, two older sisters, one younger sister, and the many noble families of the land. Nihlen intentionally kept his gaze upon his family, not wanting his eyes to wander in search of his bride to be.
“Nihlen, happy birthday my son!” His father said, moving forward to embrace him. Elren Draven was a very large man, broad of hands and shoulder. His face was beginning to show lines from the stress and duties of leadership, though his green eyes were sharp as ever. He wore a crown atop is short black hair, though wisps of gray could be seen sneaking in here and there. The regal presence he gave off added to the whole ensemble. He truly looked the part he played. He had to bend down as the two embraced, and Nihlen wondered if he would grow to be as tall as his father. As muscular as well. When Nihlen looked at his father, he saw what he believed to be the symbol of strength, and a person he’d like to grow up to be just like. “Are you nervous?”
“A little, but I am prepared.” He lied, only slightly though. He was prepared for the ceremony. The rest however...
Nihlen’s mother, Helera Draven, moved forward then, enveloping her son in the perfect motherly hug. “I am so proud of you Nihlen! I know you'll be amazing out there.” Her movements and speech were the epitome of grace, flawless in every way. Her beauty was the same. She was revered as one of the most beautiful queens of all the known world. But before any of that, her blue eyes, black hair, and gentle face radiated kindness and love. She didn’t seem to have the problem most royalty had, that they were always looking down at you. She always seemed to be looking into you, reassuring you and showing kindness, even if it was to the lowliest stable boy. The dress she wore was black as the darkest midnight, causing her cascade of dark hair to seemingly disappear wherever the two touched.
“You look so handsome Nihlen.” She said, pulling him close and kissing him on the cheek. “It seems like only yesterday I held you in my arms for the first time… I can't believe this day is here already. Have fun tonight, and try not to worry about the future so much.” She whispered at the end as she moved away from him.
His mother was another of the people he could never hide his feeling from. And even though he felt like the weight of what was to come would crush him, his mother’s words allowed him to breathe a little easier. They always did, no matter the situation. He smiled gratefully as she moved away, thankful he at least had his family to help him along this preordained Path.
Next were his sisters, Eladia and Meladia, twins who were nearing the age of twenty-one. When Nihlen was working hard, many times they were the only thing that helped him through it all. Laughing and joking with him, always helping him ease the tension and relax. Identical down to the smallest detail, be it their dark black hair just like their mother’s, or the elegant and powerful, yet beautiful faces they seemed to inherit from their father. Even the clothes they wore, which that night were elegant lavender gowns, were impossible for most to tell apart. They could even fool their parents into not knowing which was which. Nihlen had always been the only one who could tell them apart. No matter how hard they tried, Nihlen could always tell who was who. They had always played that game, the sisters determined to finally fool the brother, and the brother determined to always know which sister was which. They had bonded that way, and cared deeply for one another.
“Little brother.” The sisters said in unison. They did that a lot. “He’s going to be trying to boss us around now Meladia.” Eladia said to her sister.
“I'm sure he will.” Meladia responded.
“To think our troublesome little brother is really grown up now. It’s hard to believe.” They said together once again.
“You guys wouldn’t do anything I said even if I were the king.” Nihlen said, meaning every word. He’d never be able to tell those two what to do. They’ll always be his older sisters after all. Like they’d take my orders.
“Good luck little brother, happy birthday.” Eladia said, hugging him close.
“We’ll be right there supporting you, happy birthday Nihlen.” Meladia said, also embracing him tightly.
“Last but not least, it’s little Carlin.” Nihlen said, pulling the small girl into his embrace.
“Don’t call me little!” Carlin yelled, stamping her feet angrily. “I’m nine years old!” She crossed his arms angrily, looking away from Nihlen.
“You are getting pretty big.” Nihlen said, making Carlin’s face light up. “One day we'll be having a big party for you when you reach adulthood. Sounds fun right?”
Carlin squealed a little, running up to hug Nihlen. She was quite petite for her age though, and only stood up to his waist, and hugged his leg. Of the three girls, she definitely resembled their mother the most. “Will there be sweets and games and presents?” She asked, her face animated in intense excitement. Her dark green eyes, just like Nihlen’s, were shining brightly beneath her mane of black hair. The two looked amazingly alike, and were unmistakable as siblings. “It’s here for you today though big brother, happy birthday!”
“Thank you Carlin.” Nihlen said, pulling her into another embrace.
“With that, I believe it is about time for us to begin this ceremony. If everyone would please begin making their way down the hallway, we can let the celebration begin!” King Draven declared, his voice loud and full of authority.
Slowly the families around them began to make their way down the long hallway, holding whispered conversations no doubt about the ceremony and Nihlen. The Draven family brought up the rear, and Nihlen tried to block them out as he turned his focus to the task at hand. He ran through the ceremonies in his mind one last time, making sure everything was in order. Out of the hallway they flowed, and down the steps, lining up along the giant staircase. When the last person had taken their place, filling the stairs on both sides from top to bottom, the Draven family emerged at the top of the stair case.
“I’d like to welcome you all to this very special event!” The King’s voice boomed, as the entire Draven family, except Nihlen, began to move down the stairs. The crowd began applauding loudly. “As you all know, tonight is a very special night. Tonight my son, Nihlen Draven, becomes the First Prince and a man!” The spectators below added cheers to the applause, deafening from the amount of voices echoing in the hall. The King put his hands up to motion for silence. “If everyone could please remain silent, I will begin the ceremony without further delay.”
The instant silence that swept through the room like a gust of wind was genuine, the only sound the echo of the descending party’s footsteps. Each echoing movement pressed on Nihlen like a drum beat. I must remain outwardly calm. He thought to himself, finding his center. I must wear the mask of nobility, not showing my emotions on the outside. Normally this was not hard for Nihlen, but each of those footsteps felt like one closer toward the edge of an abyss he’d never escape. Each step was like a hit, threatening to pull the very breath from him. It was very difficult to keep the tension out of his face and body.
Then the footsteps stopped.
Standing as straight as he ever had, Nihlen took a deep breath, and began to make his way down the stairs. The ceremo
ny had begun.
“I, Nihlen Draven, accept the Path laid before me today.” These people around me… “The responsibility I must bear with this coming of age I accept with open arms.” Blocking all sides of the Path… “From today onward I will walk bearing the weight of destiny on my shoulders.” The Path is decided, the first steps taken. The only choice left is straight ahead. “I will not falter, or stray from the path of righteousness.” There’s no turning back now. “This vow I solemnly make before all those who bear witness to this testament.” Hopes, dreams, desires… It seems this path is making me leave unnecessary baggage behind. “May the spirits who came before me, and the Great One who will judge me after this life, guide me along my Path.” The final words… The die is cast! “Down the Path I have accepted, I will now walk. In the steps of all men who have come before me, I stand here before you, head held high, starting now down the Path walked by so many before me.” Nihlen finished.
The audience burst into applause and cheering once more, so much louder now that Nihlen had reached the bottom of the stair case.
“Nihlen, as your King I congratulate you on your passage into adult hood. Now for the second part of the ceremony, the crowning as the First Prince.” King Draven called to all around.
From his belt, the King pulled a sword from a sheathe. Made in the rapier style, and of solid gold, it had been used in the crowning ceremony since the establishment of the Draven family.
“The pure white robe which you have donned symbolizes the purity that is the royal family of Draven.” That 'purity' is nothing more than a delusion! Nihlen thought, surprised at the malice he felt when thinking that. “As this robe is pure and white, so too are you. The choices you make from this day forward will shape your rule in the future. Remember this purity, and strive to keep that for all the time you reign. I, Elren Draven, the current King of the nation of Draven, hereby recognize Nihlen Draven as the First Prince of Draven.” With the final words, the King pressed the rapier to the top of Nihlen’s head.
“I, Nihlen Draven,” Nihlen began, picking up his part in the ceremony. “Accept your recognition for the title of First Prince. I swear my life to the throne of Draven. I shall give my life, body, and soul to ensure this nation‘s safety. I will fight alongside my brothers in times of war, and take care of them in times of peace. My life now exists solely for the land of Draven. This I swear on the lives of those who walked this Path before me.”
For a third time the crowd cheered, and louder than ever. As they cheered, Nihlen’s father turned from him to a man approaching from the front of the nearby crowd. In his hands was an ornate box, which he opened as he knelt before the King. Reaching inside, he pulled out a crown. It was ornately designed, made of gold and encrusted with gems of every shape, size, and color. Nihlen bowed, allowing the crown to be placed on his head. The crowd erupted in cheers once more.
“The ceremony is complete!” The King yelled over the voices of the crowd, bringing them to silence once more. “Before we all enjoy the party this evening, there is one more piece of business that needs to be attended to. I would like to announce the engagement of the First Prince, Nihlen Draven, to the daughter of Lord Marian Illenwood, Laurel Illenwood.”
As the crowd cheered, a young woman stepped out from the people lining the stair case. That must be her. Nihlen thought, watching as she slowly descended the stairs. She was beautiful, Nihlen had to admit. Her skin was paler even than his, and seemed to glow through the silver gown she wore. Her hair was a deep chestnut brown, a bold and lovely accentuation to her fair skin. It was tied back in an intricate pattern with an elegant white bow. She moved with grace and poise befitting anyone of noble status. Anyone looking on would think the match was perfect.
Even though she was beautiful, Nihlen wasn’t surprised his feelings about the situation hadn’t changed. It had never been about how she looked, but that he knew nothing about her, and yet still had to do what he was about to do. He didn’t get to earn her love, court her as those outside the palace would. She was simply being given to him, as if she was property. He felt like property too, being given to her to satiate the greed of their family, and to pay the debt that belonged to his grandfather.
As she reached the bottom of the staircase, she knelt deeply. “My Prince.” She said, bowing her head deeply as well. Her voice was soft and velvety. “I have come at your request.”
Nihlen knelt before her, staring straight into her eyes. If he was going to do it, he may as well do it right. “Laurel Illenwood, on this day I offer my heart to you. I promise to stay true to you, like an arrow flying to its target. I will protect you, cherish you, and love you for all time. I ask that you will become my bride, will you accept?” This feels so wrong…
“I accept.” Laurel said, extending her hand down toward Nihlen. He accepted her hand, and kissed it twice. The final ceremony was complete. For the rest of the night, as the party continued and people came to congratulate him, Nihlen worked hard to keep his mask of joy in place.
In the shadows of the crowd, eyes were looking on. Each with reasons of their own, they watched the coronation of the First Prince.
Chapter 2
The Nation of Rinh
Rift of Askrah Book 1: Fracture Page 1