Legends of the Ancients

by Candy Crum

  Legends Of The Ancients

  Tales of the Feisty Druid™ Book 8

  Candy Crum

  Michael Anderle

  This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Sometimes both.

  Copyright © 2020 LMBPN Publishing

  Cover by Mihaela Voicu http://www.mihaelavoicu.com/

  Cover copyright © LMBPN Publishing

  A Michael Anderle Production

  LMBPN Publishing supports the right to free expression and the value of copyright. The purpose of copyright is to encourage writers and artists to produce the creative works that enrich our culture.

  The distribution of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like permission to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), please contact support@lmbpn.com. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

  LMBPN Publishing

  PMB 196, 2540 South Maryland Pkwy

  Las Vegas, NV 89109

  First US edition, June 2020

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-64202-966-6

  Print ISBN: 978-1-64202-967-3

  The Kurtherian Gambit (and what happens within / characters / situations / worlds) are copyright © 2015-2020 by Michael T. Anderle.

  The Legends Of The Ancients Team

  Thanks to the Beta Readers

  James Caplan, Larry Omans, Mary Morris , Kelly O’Donnell, Nicole Emens

  Thanks to our JIT Readers

  Daniel Weigert

  Dave Hicks

  James Caplan

  Deb Mader

  Diane L. Smith

  Dorothy Lloyd

  Paul Westman

  If we’ve missed anyone, please let us know!

  Editor

  The Skyhunter Editing Team

  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

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Epilogue

  Want more from the Age of Magic?

  Author Notes - Candy Crum

  Author Notes - Michael Anderle

  Books by Candy Crum

  Books by Michael Anderle

  Connect with the authors

  Chapter One

  High above the ship, the bright blue sky held only a few slow-moving thick white clouds. The crashing of the ocean against the ship wrapped around Arryn, who was meditating.

  Water continuously splashed her, sitting as she was cross-legged on the bow of the ship. Mariana had been worried about the druid falling off, but Arryn was sure she would be fine. The rail formed a point on the bow, and the wood was thick enough to form a spot perfect for sitting—a spot Arryn gladly took advantage of.

  Though Esmerelda was dead and gone, Mariana’s job still wasn’t done. She and Captain Veren still hunted for other Storm Raiders. Because of this, crossing the sea took longer than usual. Mariana wanted to avoid using magic that could be sensed by another Caller, giving away their pursuit.

  While talking to Mariana, Arryn had learned just how rough traveling the seas had become. Much like the bandits invading the Valley, Raiders had taken to the seas, docking wherever they could take advantage of those weaker than them.

  Because of everything that had happened in Kemet, Arryn was in a hurry to get there, but she was also grateful for the extra time. The idea of meeting creatures from another world didn’t sit well with her. Men were scary enough, but monsters? Real monsters?

  Remnant could be terrifying, and they were terrible in their own way, but they were nothing like what Margit had shown her. Remnant couldn’t hold a candle to the things she had seen, the things Julianne had shared with Margit.

  The long trip not only gave her time to mentally prepare for the journey she would make across the desert, but it also gave her time to work with the bracelet. Except when she needed to sleep, Arryn spent her time checking in with the Temple.

  As an ever-growing distance opened between her and everything familiar to her, it was important that she maintain whatever connection she could manage. Keeping in touch with Margit could potentially save their lives. Though Arryn had never met Julianne, it was the master mystic’s updates that would more than likely keep them from being some demonic creature's food.

  In fact, it was because of Julianne that she had the bracelet. She and her friends had created it in case of an emergency. She had even given one to Amelia, which would allow Arryn to keep in contact with the Arcadian governor to make sure all was well in the Valley.

  As much as Arryn loved the forest, she couldn’t deny her love for the sea. She could understand the Daoine people better now. Heading south from the Heights in search of the bandits had led to her meeting the most interesting people.

  The water dwellers were kind and family-oriented. They showed her how to appreciate the sea. It was beautiful and simple but complicated. Unlike the forest, whose beauty and life—both plant and animal—were on full display, the sea sheltered everything far below. Its true beauty was hidden to anyone on the surface.

  But so were the dangers.

  The Daoine people were the only ones who could see it for what it was. They could travel far below the surface and discover new life and new dangers. Everyone else was limited to short peeks at what the water had to offer, which only lasted as long as their lung capacity did. The incredible animals, the predators, the prey, and the unique plant life within it were unlike anything Arryn had seen.

  The druid focused on the sky, allowing the sunlight and splash of the seawater to calm her and distract her from the stickiness of her skin. She wasn’t used to using oils to protect herself from the sun, and the olive- and coconut-oil mixture smelled nice but made her feel dirty.

  “Having any luck?” Cathillian asked. He was leaning against the rail to her left.

  Arryn grinned, her eyes still shut as she sat with her palms open and facing upward. “I was until you came over here.”

  Her mental magic had grown enough in the past few days that she was able to sense his amusement. “I’m that distracting, huh?”

  She almost snorted. “You are when you won’t shut that mouth of yours.”

  He leaned over and placed his mouth next to her ear. “What about this? Is this distracting?” His voice was low, almost a whisper, and had a heated tone.

  She knew he couldn’t see the smile on her face or her irises turn black with the subtle flick of her wrist. A ribbon of water lifted from the sea and arced over the rail to swat Cathillian on his backside.

  “Apparently not,” he said with amusement in his voice. He stepped back to his original position. “Why is it that I lose my mind when you do something as simple as smile a certain way, but I can’t distract you as easily?”

  Her eyes opened as she turned to him and smiled again. “Oh, I’m easily distracted. In fact, I'd say I'm far worse than you. However, this is important, and it could potentially save our lives. I don’t want to mess it up.”

  He nodded and laughed. “Well, if you are as easily
distracted as I am, I’m glad you're more responsible than me.”

  “I’ve stayed connected to Margit, but reaching Amelia has proven to be somewhat of a pain in my ass. But don’t worry, I’ll get it.”

  Meditation came easily in such peaceful conditions, but reaching Amelia had been very difficult because the distance was much greater.

  “Maybe you’re going about it all wrong,” Cathillian said. “Mental magic is much different than the other two forms. I don’t pretend to know anything more about it than that, but even as different as it is, I assume it works just like any other form. Emotions play a part. Instead of sitting here focusing yourself into a headache, focus on your fear. I know the journey ahead of us scares you. Think about that. There might be a time when the worst could happen and you have to call Amelia for help.”

  A chill ran down her spine. He was right. She was terrified, and she hadn’t admitted it to herself. While she knew it was true, it was one thing to say, “I’m afraid,” and quite another to immerse herself in the dreaded emotion, allowing it to take her over in the hope that it might break her down and rebuild her stronger.

  Using anger to fuel magic was easy, but using fear meant allowing herself to go to dark mental places. She didn't like to do that if she could help it.

  Unfortunately for her, it seemed she had no other choice because simple concentration hadn't worked, and this was important.

  She nodded and closed her eyes, once again focusing on the tranquility around her. Cathillian didn’t say another word as she stilled. Since meeting Corrine, Arryn’s biggest motivation had been the young girl. That was who she focused on now.

  She thought about getting to Kemet and facing down a monster she had no idea how to kill, and she wondered if human weapons would work against such a creature. She began to think about the lack of trees in the desert and where the young girl would hide.

  Her breath hitched, and she was flooded with guilt for bringing her. Arryn thought of every scenario that could happen, everything that could go wrong and could get Corrine hurt. There were many, so it didn’t take much.

  Anxiety took her over, and she used it to reach out. First, the only mental link she could touch was the one she had with Margit, but she continued to push, knowing Corrine’s life might one day depend on it. Soon, she felt the brush of a familiar mind.

  Amelia? Arryn asked telepathically.

  Arryn? You’ve come a long way with your mental magic, haven’t you?

  The druid sighed, her shoulders slumping as relief rushed through her. I didn’t think I’d be able to do this. We’re on a ship in the middle of the sea.

  She could feel Amelia’s amusement. That’s quite a distance. You have been practicing. I take it this means you have a bracelet?

  I do. Those were Margit’s orders, but I can’t say I’m upset about it. After what she showed me, I’m grateful for it. I’ve seen what we’re in for, and it’s scary as hell.

  Though she didn’t mean to, once they were mentioned, Amelia thought of several different kinds of monsters, forcing Arryn to see them through the link.

  Sorry about that. I can feel you cringe through the link, Amelia said. It’s hard not to think about them when they’re mentioned. Do you know the condition of Kemet? Have you heard anything?

  No. So far, we haven’t come across any other Kemetians. I suppose that will change once we reach land. Arryn inhaled deeply, the scent of the sea calming her. The chills brought on by her anxiety and fear of what they faced began to recede.

  Now that I have you, I wanted to update you, Arryn continued. The bandits have been dealt with. Their leader was killed, and so were most of their men, although some fled. I don’t think you’ll see much more out of them, especially now that they know we’re more than capable of hunting them down and putting a stop to their antics.

  Relief flooded the link. I’m very happy to hear that. I assume you’ve updated Margit. I’ll inform the city and send messengers across the Valley. You have no idea how much comfort this will bring the people.

  Yep. Margit knows, and she promised to send word to Craigston. You should be able to order crystals again without fear of the rearicks being injured.

  Arryn felt a rush of gratitude and relief from Amelia. You’ve done so much for us, enough that we will never be able to repay you.

  The druid smiled. You don’t have to repay me for anything. No one does. My entire childhood, and up until the last year, I obsessed over the need to help Arcadians get their lives back. I wanted to right the wrongs committed by Adrien. It took a while, and even though I didn’t get to stop him myself, I was able to help stop his psychotic daughter and find a path where I could help even more people. This was what I was meant to do, and it’s an honor to do it.

  Well, we’re all grateful anyway. You and Hannah are the best things to have come out of this city. Please let me know if there is ever anything I can do for you, Amelia replied.

  Arryn thought for a moment. Actually, there is one thing. It would mean a lot to me if you would check on my father from time to time. A messenger would be just fine if you can’t get away. I just need to know everyone there is okay. Without being able to send Echo back and forth, and with no one in the forest knowing how to use mental magic, this will be the only way for me to find out how he and everyone else are doing.

  Absolutely. I’ll send a messenger this afternoon. Next week, I’ll make sure to go myself. We can alternate, and I will talk to Julianne. There might be a way for me to mentally connect to your father when I'm there and be a bridge to link the two of you.

  Arryn was excited about possibly being able to talk to her father directly during Amelia’s visits. That would be amazing. It would be great to get updates about him and everyone else in the forest, but it was not possible to speak to him herself.

  Thank you! That would be…

  Arryn was pulled away from Amelia when she heard screams. Her eyes snapped open, but she could feel Amelia’s mind brushing against hers with urgency. We have a situation here, Arryn sent. Reconnecting was easier with Amelia reaching for her at the same time. Everyone is fine, but there are a lot of bodies in the water. I’ll check in later.

  Stay safe, Amelia sent before the link was broken.

  Chapter Two

  Arryn stood on the rail and looked at the water. Floating pieces of wood held the living on the surface, people who were badly sunburned and waving the ship down. The disturbing part was the nearly fifty floating bodies, some of which had been torn to bits and scattered about.

  “What the hell happened?” Cathillian asked, his fists clenching as anger scrunched his expression.

  “Raiders,” Storm Caller Mariana said from behind them.

  Arryn’s nostrils flared as she shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. We need to get those people on the ship.”

  Her eyes flashed as she widened her stance on the rail and prepared to call her magic. Mariana grabbed her ankle. The druid looked down at the Caller, who shook her head. “We can lower boats and collect them. I can’t see or sense a ship, but if we run into them, we might need your magic. It would be best if you didn’t use it to retrieve them since I know you’ll expend more energy to heal them after. Those people will be fine with boats. Conserve your strength.”

  With a sigh, Arryn nodded. “Fine. But they need to be healed while you’re lowering the boats.”

  “On it!”

  A dark-skinned blur rushed past her, jumped over the rail, and executed a perfect dive into the water. In seconds, Corrine’s head popped above the surface, and she swam toward the survivors.

  “There is no stopping her,” Cathillian said.

  Arryn smiled. “No, there really isn’t.”

  Arryn dove in as well and as she rose to the surface, she propelled herself through the water. She had learned the trick from the Daoine, though she wasn’t that good at it. Corrine had apparently learned as well because she beat Arryn to the first survivor.

  “Thank you, little
one,” a man said.

  Corrine smiled as she laid one of her hands on the side of his face. In seconds, the sunburn lightened, his skin began to look healthier, and his lips became plumper as the cracks disappeared. The life came back into his eyes, and he thanked her again.

  “Try not to use too much at once,” Arryn said. “We have quite a few people to heal.”

  Corrine nodded. “I know. We could have a fight if the Raiders come back, too. I’ll be careful.”

  Arryn gave a curt nod before leaving the girl to do what she did best. The Arcadian druid came to the first survivor after pushing several dead bodies out of the way. A quick pulse check told her he barely clung to life, and his skin was blistered from the hot sun.

  “Everything’s going to be okay,” she said as she laid her hand on his shoulder.

  Healing energy passed through her hand into the man’s weakened body. He jerked and then groaned as the blistered and painful sun-induced injuries to his ebony skin healed, then he opened his eyes.

  “Thank you,” he said in a forced whisper.

  “Just rest. I didn’t heal you completely, I just took away the worst of your injuries. Once we get you on the boat, we’ll get you some fresh water, okay?” Arryn smiled.