Lycenea

by Rory D Nelson

  The Brotherhood of Merlin:

  Book 2 Lycenea

  by

  Rory D. Nelson

  THE BROTHERHOOD OF MERLIN: BOOK TWO – LYCENEA

  Copyright 2018 by Rory D. Nelson

  All rights reserved.

  This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced

  or used in any manner whatsoever without the

  express written permission of the author

  except for use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Printed in the United States of America

  First Printing, 2018

  ISBN 0-9000000-0-0

  DEDICATION

  I would like to thank my best friend, partner and love of my life, Janell Galindez for all of her hard work and support in helping me with this endeavor. Without her, this book would not have been possible. In short, she has been my rock of Gibraltar, my proofreader, editor, website developer, SEO specialist, ebook formatter and all around technological wizard. Being technologically inept myself, she has proven herself resourceful and invaluable in running my cross promotion events, giveaways and Mailchimp campaigns. And she has done it all without monetary compensation – only the need to see my dreams of being a successful author come to fruition. She is the epitome of a selfless partner. Thank you Love!

  I would also like to thank my mom, who has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and continues to recruit new readers for me among friends and family. Thank you Mom!

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1: Homecoming

  Chapter 2: Skirmish with the Orks

  Chapter 3: Dante’s New Home

  Chapter 4: A Haunting Mistake

  Chapter 5: Meeting the other Recruits

  Chapter 6: The psychological afflictions of Rape

  Chapter 7: Insights from a beloved Mentor

  Chapter 8: Unworthy Son

  Chapter 9: Dante gets the Upper Hand

  Chapter 10: Insidious Refuge

  Chapter 11: Dante’s Cruel Tutelage continues

  Chapter 12: Pretentious Puffery

  Chapter 13: Dante’s First Festival

  Chapter 14: Sowing the Seeds of Doubt and Insecurity

  Chapter 15: An Elegant Dinner with a Side of Coercion

  Chapter 16: The Spell Dissipates

  Chapter 17: A Mission for Felinius

  Chapter 18: Needed Counsel from a Mentor

  Chapter 19: Malevolent thoughts Resurface

  Chapter 20: Dante bonds with the Legend

  Chapter 21: The Story of Perronius Balcut (Merlin)

  Chapter 22: Felinius begins his Mission

  Chapter 23: Unorthodox Therapy

  Chapter 24: Sabotaging the Contest

  Chapter 25: Unwanted Ally

  Chapter 26: A Delicate Situation

  Chapter 27: A Tumultuous Meeting with a King

  Chapter 28: An Act of Subterfuge

  Chapter 29: Nightmares continue to Plague

  Chapter 30: The Violation absorbed

  Chapter 31: Escape

  Chapter 32: Unabated Nightmares

  Chapter 33: The Terms of Ransom

  Chapter 34: More Acts of Sabotage

  Chapter 35: Abductee Intact

  Chapter 36: Unfortunate News

  Chapter 37: The Exchange

  Chapter 38: Uncertain Fate

  Chapter 39: Aftermath

  Chapter 40: Clusterfuck

  Chapter 41: Expulsion Imminent

  Chapter 42: Let the Games begin

  Chapter 43: The Abduction

  Chapter 44: Taking down the Beast

  Chapter 45: Final Resting Place

  Chapter 46: Chaos at the Barn

  Chapter 47: The Choice

  Chapter 48: Commencement

  Chapter 49: Empowerment

  About the Author – Rory D. Nelson

  Chapter 1: Homecoming

  Throngs of people stampede into the train station. As the trains whistle blows in the distance, their intensity becomes fever-pitched, almost frenetic. In the hubbub, an old woman and a child stumble and fall, the child crying in a searing pitched, overly dramatic wail.

  The collective mindset of the crowd quickly regains civility. The crying child is lifted up into his mother’s arms and assuaged. The old woman is helped up by two gentlemen next to her. They give her their most profuse apologies and receive a sharp reprimand in return. They bow their heads shamefully, though they aren’t the culprits.

  Several women blush at the over-eagerness of their younger, brackish counterparts. It is, after all, an ebullient occasion, a time for rejoicing. The Merlin has returned.

  Within minutes, the inside of the train station is overfilled to capacity. Meirhan, the station manager and his employees, Rutger and Sid, begin to usher people out. He blows his whistle again, nearly blasting out the eardrums of the people next to him.

  The crowd covers their ears and cringe uncomfortably, then laugh at their own impatience.

  Meirhan pulls out an immaculate silver-plated pocket watch that looks as if it had just been shined. The sunlight that penetrates through the windows bounces off of it, creating a glare. As if on cue, the train brays loudly in an impossibly high pitched ‘toot’ that drowns out even the loudest and most rambunctious of the crowd.

  They cry out cheerfully, while some begin to chant “Merlin!”

  Meirhan pulls out an electric bullhorn. “Calm yourself down, ladies and gents! I assure you that you’ll all get a chance to see the Merlin.” They reluctantly calm themselves, while the final minute before the train stops seems to drag on relentlessly.

  As it comes to a complete stop, the beast releases the pent-up steam from its engine, and a thick cloud of steam erupts from its haystack, coinciding with the blast from its horn. The crowd emits a joyous chant seconds later.

  The doors open up, releasing the passengers, but the crowd’s rapt attention is focused on the middle set of doors. Dressed immaculately in silver tipped black boots, a thick Navy frock coat, a crisp white shirt so heavily starched it could stand up on its own and a gold plated ascot is the Merlin, Gilleon’s beloved son.

  Two children cower around him, seeking comfort in his presence, unaccustomed and unnerved by the scene. Merlin reassures them with a stroke of his hand on their heads. They visibly relax by the gesture and perhaps something else.

  He walks down from the train, while they still cling to him. Behind him are his fellow brothers - Atticus, Domithicus, Jamison and Syrus. Merlin smiles and waves and the Brethren follow suit. The crowd roars in rapt enthrallment. Domithicus and Atticus pick up the two children, Dante and Sylvia, before the throng inevitably overwhelms Merlin. Seconds later, they rush to him and smother him with unrestrained affection.

  Those unable to come into contact with Merlin rush towards the rest of the Brethren. Unable to restrain the crowd with his gestures and unable to be heard from the noise level, Merlin is picked up and rides a wave of eagerly impatient hands. The rest of the Brethren laugh at the extent of the spectacle, while Dante and Sylvia begin to smile; but the wolves surround them protectively as a precaution.

  Meihran blows his whistle once again. “All right ladies and gents! Give em some breathing room, will you? Save some of that energy for the festivities tonight and the ceremony. You ken?”

  The crowd reluctantly begins to quiet and sets Merlin down. From just inside the train station, a woman’s voice breaks through the brief interlude of quiet. “Merlin!” She cries in a sultry, medium-pitched, mellifluous voice. The crowd murmurs for a few seconds and then looks to the woman, who begins to break out in a dash for Merlin.

  “Merlin!” She yells again. When realizing who it is, the crowd immediately makes room for her. She is, after all, a venerable figure herself, being married to Gilleon�
��s favored son.

  Merlin closes the distance. “Chelsea!” He says, just barely managing to keep his voice from breaking.

  “Merlin!” He grabs her and lifts her up. She kisses him passionately, and for a moment, they forget their place. After their passionate embrace, they look around sheepishly and break out in a smile. The crowd roars in approval. Chelsea quickly wipes away the tears that had cascaded down her cheeks, and they begin to walk down a path that had been cleared for them.

  Atticus, Domithicus, Jamison, and Syrus look at each other, shrug uncomfortably and smile uneasily, still unaccustomed to such an overly dramatic homecoming. They follow Merlin down the procession, while throngs of people on both sides cry out in jubilation. They smile and nod their heads, partly in overwhelming surprise and mild annoyance.

  As they exit out of the train station, a gold-plated carriage comes into view. It is beyond ostentatious and the most easily recognizable wagon in Lycenea. It is the personal carriage of Herod Antipaz, esteemed Councilman. The carriage is constructed of Emerald Dogwood, the most resilient and expensive wood in the country. It grows in the mountains of the Alpine Pass Forest, a difficult and treacherous place to reach.

  It is further reinforced with a hardback, cement siding, emblazoned in gold. Twelve-inch frescoes have been painstakingly etched into the siding, detailing elaborate battle scenes from King Arthur’s past. It is rumored to have cost more than city hall itself. For the wealthiest man in all of Gilleon (and perhaps the world), it is a trifle amount and only hints at his substantial fortune.

  Herod and his wife, Chastity, wait in front of the carriage as an invitation. Normally, Tennyson, Herod’s manservant and Captain of the Bodyguards would do the honor, but on this occasion, everyone must defer to the Merlin.

  Chastity and Chelsea embrace in a partial hug and a kiss on the cheek, as is customary. Herod shakes Merlin’s hand and then each one of the Brethren in turn. “I am humbled by this great honor,” says Merlin.

  “The honor is all ours,” says Herod. “We are indebted to you all for your great sacrifice. This is only a small token of our appreciation.” He personally opens the door himself and bows to Chelsea. “After you, Lady Sai.”

  Chelsea takes his hand as she gingerly steps up to the spacious interior, which is just as lavish as the coach’s exterior. Merlin steps in followed by the rest of the Brethren minus Domithicus. He escorts Dante and Sylvia in the second compartment, which is separated by a glass partition. Chelsea clings to Merlin almost desperately.

  They begin the journey in relative silence. Domithicus’ enchanted countenance is soon replaced by a doleful expression. “As the saying goes, ‘The serpent welcomes all into his humble abode, does he not?” asks Domithicus with mild indignation.

  Merlin shakes his head in annoyance.

  “Perhaps we should check for serpents. Just to err on the side of caution,” adds Atticus, jokingly.

  “That’s enough!” admonishes Merlin.

  Atticus and Domithicus look at each other and nod in agreement. “We cry pardon.” They say, nearly in unison.

  Chelsea frowns. “What’s this about?” She asks.

  Merlin turns to her. “A conversation better left from unwelcome ears.”

  “This is a day of celebration.” He says reproachfully.

  “Agreed,” says Chelsea. “And I will not have it sullied by my husband’s raving cohorts.”

  Domithicus and Atticus bow their heads in shame. “We cry pardon, Lady Sai.”

  She smiles. “A minor offense soon to be forgotten.” She sighs. “Where are the rest of the Brethren?”

  “Germanicus, Savelle, Cotteroy, and Ithicus stayed to retrieve a group of prisoners taken by the Orks,” states Domithicus.

  “And Justinian?” She asks. “Marguerite is to meet me in the square. I would send her word of his whereabouts.”

  The Brethren exchange baleful glances at one another and are unable to meet Chelsea’s gaze for several seconds.

  Her lips quiver and she frowns. “What is it?” She reluctantly asks.

  Now, it is Merlin’s time to heave a sigh. “He fought bravely and sacrificed everything. He awaits for us all in ascension.”

  Chelsea nods her head as tears stream down her cheeks. “And he will be sorely missed.” She says sadly.

  “By no one more than Marguerite,” says Domithicus somberly.

  They ride in silence for nearly the remainder of the trip as they all ruminate and take stock of everything they have lost and won. Chelsea is the first to break the silence. “And what of the children, Merlin?”

  He smiles hopefully. “They have lost much also. They will have many years ahead of healing.” He says.

  “Perhaps a lifetime,” adds Chelsea.

  “Is it not the same for us all?” asks Domithicus.

  The Brethren all nod solemnly. “Ai.” They say in sync. Chelsea squeezes Merlin’s hand even tighter as if by doing so she can drive away the darkness that beleaguers his soul and threatens to overtake him.

  (2)

  The crowd at the train station was only a fraction of its total. As soon as the group dismounts from their carriage, the crowd roars in wild applause. Though they are far from subdued, they restrain themselves from rushing the group, waiting on either side of the polished cobblestone walkway that leads up to the Courthouse of Lycenea.

  Dressed in a dark purple frock petticoat, black pantalones, cataran, black boots polished to an almost obsidian like texture, crisp white shirt and wearing a crown is the King of Gilleon, Menelaeus. Merlin and his Brethren bow to him and kiss his hand as they approach the pulpit. Menelaeus reserves a brotherly hug for Merlin alone-forearms outstretched and brought into one another in a partial hug.

  When the greetings have commenced, Menelaeus addresses the crowd. “Sons and daughters of Gilleon, I stand humbled before you, honored in the presence of our most beloved son - The Merlin.” The crowd roars in applause for several seconds. Menelaeus gestures with a shushing gesture and the crowd quiets.

  “Several weeks ago, the small town of Missalia was attacked without provocation by the sadistic King of the Visi-Gauls. Knowing our vulnerabilities and our lack of an army large enough to challenge him, he assumed that we would choose to negotiate with him for the mines that he felt were unfairly taken from him in a legal auction.” Several catcalls, boos and hisses are vehemently yelled out.” Menelaeus pauses. “He assumed incorrectly!” The crowd applauds, roaring in affirmation.

  Menelaeus looks to the Brethren, who join him upon the elevated portion of the stage holding the pulpit. The crowd roars even louder. “If not for the leadership of the Merlin,” continues Menelaeus, “The town of Missalia, Brandenburg and perhaps Westalia would have been sacked. With only a handful of men, complex and ingenious planning, fortitude, bravery and the battle prowess of the greatest General -nay the greatest knight in our history, our knights defeated the sadistic King and annihilated his army!” The crowd roars to a near deafening crescendo.

  Menelaeus again quiets the crowd with a gesture. “And righteously so!” The crowd goes wild with enthusiasm. Menelaeus continues with his speech in that hypnotically, refined deep timbre, punctuating the most uplifting passages as only the best orators can.

  Chastity and Herod exchange condescending smirks, but when a group of monks from the Holy Temple of the Capitas appears, she looks at Herod with an impish, knowing grin. One of the cloaked figures moves about in a subtle but furtive manner. He manages to keep his distance from most of the crowd yet blends in seamlessly with his fellow monks.

  Herod emits an exaggerated sigh. “It seems one of the monks has forgotten to leave behind his gun belt before joining the assembly.” He whispers to her facetiously. “He favors you most. Perhaps you should share the word with our wayward brother.”

  She nods. “Ai. It seems someone must.”

  Chastity saunters over to the errant monk casually until she is right next to him and she looks at him with an indignant smirk a
nd motions him with an inconspicuous nod.

  Felinius follows her back to the end of the street. No one seems to take notice of them because of the riveting speech. When they can finally both be heard without shouting or a conspiratorial whisper, she speaks. “You know it’s an interesting thing about the Capitas monks. They abhor violence and any reference to it. I can see your speed shooter poking through your robe, Felinius.”

  “Perhaps it is something else altogether.” He says with a salacious grin. “There is a barn not far from here. Perhaps, you can ascertain that yourself.”

  She giggles for a moment and then sighs impatiently as she regains herself. “A tempting offer, but I must decline, Sai seeing as I am the wife of esteemed councilman and you are a fugitive from justice.”

  Felinius removes the hood from over his head, revealing a handsomely tanned face with piercing blue eyes of a cerulean shade. Chastity frowns and grabs his arm, digging her nails into his skin until blood droplets begin to seep out. “Put it back.” She says through clenched teeth. Felinius barely feels her fingernails digging into his skin, but her eyes boring into his skull begins to make his temples throb exponentially with each passing second. The moment he reaches for his hood, the pain abruptly subsides.

  He nods. “Ai, my Lady.”

  “I trust you will find your way out after the speech and return yourself to reason, monk!” She orders.

  “Ai, my Lady.” He nods to her. She walks off hastily but still in an exaggerated, haughty gait.

  (3)

  Merlin descends from the pulpit with the Golden Medal of Valor, Gilleon’s highest distinction. As soon as he does, he is greeted by Chelsea, who once again encapsulates him with a desperate hug. He desires nothing more than to take her home and make love to her, but he feels the piercing and unrelenting gaze of Levander Domaithe, Pontius Selenius’ head bodyguard.

  He gently but forcefully unhinges himself from her embrace. “What is it?” She asks tepidly. She looks around and observes Levander. “Oh.” She says with disappointment. “The wheels of duty do not wait long for Gilleon’s beloved son.”