“Only the ones that guard Kentrish.” The image winked out, and Kel put the Eye back in the bag. He handed it back to Farrell as if loath to hold on to it. “There are many other staging areas, both in Zargon and in the conquered kingdoms.”
Miceral turned toward Farrell. “Did you know this before you went to Kentrish?”
“Yes, but I thought this is . . . was . . . the largest concentration.” Farrell looked to Kel, who nodded.
“It was, but these are but a tenth of his overall forces.”
“A tenth?” Farrell slumped in his seat. The risk wasn’t worth that small a part.
“You had the Eye. Why didn’t you look closer?” Kel raised a bushy eyebrow.
“I . . .” He had no good answer for his oversight. “Heminaltose was right, I am stupid. I nearly died for nothing.”
“I disagree with both those statements,” Kel said. “You were foolish but not stupid. There is a difference. And as I said, you did succeed. I daresay Meglar is calling in his troops to guard Kentrish. Between what happened at Yar-del City and today, he’ll expect we’re planning to invade the east coast from the sea. To fend off the expected attack will require he replace and augment his forces around Kentrish.
“His ‘impenetrable’ shields didn’t last a minute either time. That, maybe more than anything, will consume him. How can he hope to win this war if we can sweep aside his protection at will and he can’t crack ours?
“Given that our attacks have both come from the sea, he will suspect Dumbarten is behind them. And coupled with how poorly his shields held up, he’ll have to assume Dumbarten has better wizards than he suspected.”
“Or he’ll think you’re behind this,” Farrell said.
“Correct. He taunted me at Yar-del as a washed-up old wizard. Your attack on Kentrish would suggest I’m behind that as well, and I’m showing him what I can do.”
Kel agreeing with that surprised Farrell. He expected him to protest. “So what will he do next?”
“That’s a good question. Either he will attack or he will regroup.” Kel paused to take a drink and remained silent for a time, even after putting the cup down. “For all his talk, he has to fear that my return has woken the sleeping giant that is Dumbarten. Consider, you told me Vedric and his wizards recognized Penelope on your ride to Agloth. Dumbarten ships are taking a more active role in capturing and sinking his pirate allies. And now there have been two attacks on coastal cities. If I’m leading Dumbarten’s attacks on the east coast, it will be hard for him to divert resources to the west.
“On the other side of the blade, our attacks have been quick strikes and then retreat. He could conclude we are testing him for something bigger. Then he might move quickly to end the war in Ardus to devote more time and energy to Dumbarten and any potential invasion.”
“Why can’t he do both?” Miceral asked. “If what you said about his troop strength is correct, he could double or triple his defense and still conquer the west.”
“I agree.” Kel nodded. “I believe that is his long plan. At the moment, however, he doesn’t have enough wizards to protect the east and attack the west. Not when we have shields he’ll have trouble beating and his shields can’t stop us.”
Miceral shook his head. “I don’t follow.”
“He needs to be at both places right now,” Farrell said. “If we breach his shields, he needs to be there to defend Kentrish. But without him, it’s almost impossible for his wizards to overpower Belsport’s shield.”
Kel used the arms of his chair to push up. “Exactly. Which is why you and I are leaving Haven.”
Farrell exchanged confused looks with Miceral. “We’re leaving Haven? Now?”
“No, not right now, but in a few days.”
“Why?” Farrell asked. They’d never discussed another trip. “And where are we going?”
“Whatever Meglar does, I believe our two attacks will force his hand sooner than later.” Kel collected the cups and pitcher. As he walked back to his cupboards, he said, “Before you and he meet, there are things I need to teach you. There are also new allies we need to bring into the fold. We likely don’t have time to do both separately, so I’ll teach you as we travel.”
“How soon are we leaving?” Not going with Kel wasn’t an option.
Kel returned and seemed drawn and tired. “At least a few days from now. You need to heal, and I need to rest. No sooner than five days, no more than eight.”
“That’s plenty of time to prepare,” Miceral said. “How long should I tell Lisle we will be gone?”
“You’re not coming, only Farrell and I.”
“No!” Miceral waved his hand as if he could dispel the idea. “How is your going alone any better than Farrell going alone?”
Kel stood behind his chair and gripped the top with both hands. “The two situations are nothing alike. But more importantly, I am not planning to attack Meglar or anyone else. We are going to speak to allies we still need for the war.”
“Then why can’t I come?”
“Because your presence will make it more difficult. This is not open to debate,” Kel said. “It has always been part of the plan that he and I would leave for a time to finish his training. It’s not my fault Farrell chose to attack Kentrish and speed up the pace of things.”
Farrell knew Miceral wouldn’t give up without a fight, so he put his hand on his partner’s leg. “Kel needs to rest, so let’s talk about this in our rooms.”
“It won’t change my mind.”
“I understand, but Kel needs to rest.” Farrell knew Miceral would come around, but he didn’t want to have this argument in front of Kel. He stood and walked to the front door. “Thank you again for coming after me.”
“You’re welcome.” Kel nodded. “Five days, Grandson. And I fear even that might be too long.”
“Understood.”
When Heroes Fall
By Andrew Q. Gordon
Champion of the Gods: Book Five
It took the Seven to create the world, each to rule Their own, until Neldin sought to rule it all.
The Six defeated Neldin three millennia ago, but time has no meaning to a god. Before the dust settled from the first conflict, both sides set in motion plans for the next one. As Champion of the Six, Farrell, with Kel’s help, gathers those loyal to the Six to meet Meglar and his army.
But Neldin plotted as well, and like the Six, His plans all lead to the final confrontation between Champions.
Kel teaches Farrell that weapons and power will not be enough—victory requires something from within each Champion. But Neldin also knows this and unleashes a final surprise at a critical moment that claims some of those Farrell loves most.
With the fate of Nendor riding on his actions, Farrell must ignore the pain and find the will to win. If not, his world and everyone he loves will fall to Meglar’s darkness.
Maps of Nendor
Dedication
To Michael. For encouraging me to write, allowing me to pursue my dreams, and always being there when I needed you. This book and all the others are for you. Forever is not long enough.
Acknowledgments
Champion of the Gods began with a wizard, a warrior, and two unicorns thirteen years ago, and if not for my husband Michael’s encouragement, it would be another file in my hard drive. Many others have had a hand helping me realize my dream of seeing Champion of the Gods into print and audio. I can’t name them all, but a few need to be mentioned and thanked:
Samantha—for the amazing covers and for knowing what my vision was before I knew it myself.
Lorraine Fico-White and Magnifico Manuscripts—editors get so little credit, but they deserve so much. I would be dreadful without you and your steady hand and your incredible patience.
Claire—without you and your amazing work behind the scenes, this series wouldn’t exist. My eternal thanks.
And to the readers—for being part of the journey. Without you, the road would be a lonely place.
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To read more about the Champion of the Gods universe, please visit my website. In addition to people, places, and things, there are videos, artwork, and free short stories you can download that add depth and texture to the series.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.andrewqgordon.com/champion-of-the-gods/
What Came Before
It took the Seven to make the world. Each agreed to only hold sway over Their own domain. Until One wanted to rule it all.
The Great War of ancient times began when Neldin sought to rule the world. Using others as pawns, He sought to overthrow His brother, Honorus, as Lord of the Gods and to subject the other gods to His will. When that failed, Neldin sought to turn the world into an extension of Neblor by flooding the world with His dark creatures. He almost succeeded, but Kel, the Champion of the Six, thwarted Him. Grand Master Kel destroyed Neldin’s bridge into the world, closed the Eight Gates of Neblor, and ended the war.
After His defeat, Neldin returned to Neblor. Followers of the Six destroyed His temples, and His followers abandoned Him or hid their devotion. Three thousand years passed, and the world forgot His evil and believed He’d been defeated for good.
Time, however, has no meaning to a god. While the world believed Him gone forever, Neldin spent the years plotting His next move. His followers worked in secret to set in motion His plans and to be ready to act when called upon.
Following the war, Kel founded Yar-del on the largely unsettled continent of Ardus. A few years later, rivals from Kel’s home of Kentar founded the Kingdom of Zargon to the south of Yar-del. In time, other kingdoms sprang up to occupy the rest of the unclaimed land of Ardus.
Zargon and Yar-del developed a rivalry that often led to war. To aid his kingdom and his descendants, Kel created a Source, a near limitless storage vessel for magical energy. Kel and his heirs used the power advantage of their Source to defeat Zargon’s ambitions time and again.
In an attempt to end three millennia of hostilities, King Falon of Zargon proposed that his son Prince Meglar would marry Princess Zenora of Yar-del. King Bren of Yar-del allowed Meglar to court his daughter, and in time the two joined. Soon thereafter, they had a son, Halloran.
Unknown to Zenora or King Bren, Meglar secretly worshipped Neldin. Meglar’s true intention in marrying Zenora had been to obtain Kel’s Source. He planned to use it to not only conquer Yar-del, but Ardus and the rest of Nendor as well.
Just before Halloran’s second birthday, Meglar attempted to wrest the Source for himself. With the aid of Grand Master Heminaltose, Bren and Zenora succeeded in driving Meglar from Yar-del, but not before he’d managed to steal almost all the energy in the Source. During the fight, Meglar’s face was scarred, and he swore revenge on his former wife and her ally.
With his newfound power, Meglar returned to Zargon, killed his father, and assumed the throne. Worship to Neldin returned openly for the first time in three thousand years, and Meglar began to implement his master’s plans. Neldin gave Meglar an evil spell to warp human subjects into mindless creatures that could be easily controlled. By accelerating the aging process, the victims gained increased strength and stamina. These soldiers were called Chamdon and formed the core of Meglar’s army.
Heminaltose and Bren determined that Halloran could not be allowed to join his father and sent the toddler to Haven, Heminaltose’s hidden school for wizards. Word spread that Bren, fearful of what Halloran might become if Meglar captured his son, had ordered the child killed.
Once at Haven, Halloran’s name was changed to Farrell, and he was not told of his true birthright until after his thirteenth birthday. Heminaltose undertook the job of training Farrell while keeping an eye out for signs he might follow in his father’s footsteps. In the years after the theft of Yar-del’s Source, Heminaltose led a small army of wizards and clerics in converting Haven from a small school into a vast hidden sanctuary for refugees against the day Meglar launched his attack.
A few months after Halloran’s seventeenth birthday, Meglar began his war to conquer the world. Despite the efforts of Zenora, Heminaltose, and all of Yar-del’s allies, Meglar laid siege to Yar-del City. Zenora, now queen following the untimely death of her father, along with Heminaltose, put up a vigorous defense. During the fight, Farrell tried to slip away and kill Meglar but failed in his attempt.
When it was clear they could not defeat Meglar, Heminaltose and Zenora gathered all their energy and as much of their Source’s power as they could contain and launched a final spell. The enchantment blinded Meglar and decimated his army. When Meglar could see again, Zenora, Heminaltose, the remains of the Yar-del Source, and everyone left in Yar-del City had disappeared. By removing all the survivors to a hidden location, Zenora denied Meglar a source of human hosts to create a new army of Chamdon.
Not privy to what his mother and former master had planned, Farrell found himself sent to Haven with the rest of the survivors. Grand Master Sanduval spread the word that Farrell was a distant relative of the House of Hevnor, Kel’s brother, and would henceforth be the Prince of Haven. Masters Erstad, Wesfazial, and later Cylinda continued Farrell’s magical training.
After rebuilding his armies, Meglar resumed his attacks against the kingdoms of Ardus, First Endor, then Arvendia and Respital fell, leaving Farrell the last grand master other than Meglar. Despite the losses, Honorus refused to let Farrell engage his father, commanding he wait until Meglar came to Haven.
Sometime after the fall of Respital, while Farrell worked on the weapon he planned to use against Meglar, Honorus instructed Farrell to meet a messenger from Lenore and render what aid he could to His sister’s servants. Honorus also told Farrell that on this mission, he would meet his mate.
Nerti, queen of the unicorns and Lenore’s messenger, brought Farrell to Northhelm, already besieged by Meglar’s army. During the battle, Farrell met Miceral, a Muchari fighter. The attraction between the two was immediate, but time was short as Farrell deflected a direct attack from Meglar and erected a shield to protect Northhelm long enough to evacuate its populace. In the process he saved Takala, an injured peregrine, leading Grohl, Takala’s brother, to name Farrell their brother.
Safely at Haven, Farrell’s bond with Miceral grew stronger. Six months later, a delegation from Honal arrived at Haven, seeking aid in the coming war. During the meeting with Prince Kerstand of Honal and his cousin, Baron Glaus, Farrell inadvertently proposed to Miceral. Miceral accepted and their union ceremony was set for the Winter Festival.
Despite Farrell wanting a small private affair, Miceral’s father Horgon prevailed on him to accept that as Prince of Haven, his union ceremony needed to be public. At the ceremony, the avatars of Honorus and Lenore appeared and blessed the union.
The next day, Farrell surprised Miceral by taking him to Belsport for the traditional postunion trip. While they stayed at an inn under false names, two of Meglar’s wizards accosted them. The fight drew the attention of Belsport’s chief wizard, who recognized Farrell and arranged a meeting with Prince Wilhelm, the ruler of Belsport.
As part of negotiating an alliance, Farrell offered to create a protective shield around Belsport, using skills he’d developed working on Haven’s defenses. No sooner was the shield in place than Meglar, alerted by the death of his wizard spies, attacked. After fierce fighting, Farrell was able to repulse Meglar but was injured and rescued by his peregrine brothers. Farrell returned to Haven to recover, vowing that those lost opposing Meglar would not have died in vain.
His victory over Meglar at Belsport proved physically and emotionally costly to Farrell. Spending time with Miceral was part of his recovery, and Farrell used the opportunity to take his life partner to the ancient dwarf city of Trellham. Long believed lost, the dwarf realm had been a casualty of the first war between the gods. During his years as a trainee at Heminaltose’s school, Farrell had discovered the city and helped map it for his master.
Their visit was interrupted by the arrival of the
God of War. Khron gave Farrell a new task—free the lost dwarves of Trellham. Khron offered no assistance in how to accomplish the task. He instructed Farrell to go to his temple for answers.
Inside Khron’s temple they found Father Aswick, high priest of Khron. Father Aswick explained the fall of Trellham and detailed the great war that nearly allowed Neldin to overrun the world. He explained that Kel ended the war, using a spell devised by Seritia, the Goddess of Love, that no other wizard had been able to cast. The spell trapped dwarves in the void, and they were awaiting Farrell to free them. Given the infinite nature of the void, Farrell had no idea how to find the dwarves. Father Aswick gave Farrell a book written by Kel suggesting he might find his answers on those pages.
The book raised more questions than it answered, but after reading it, Farrell was convinced of two things: Kel held the key to freeing the dwarves, and Kel was still alive. With Yar-del captured, Farrell decided the best place to begin the search would be Dumbarten—Kel’s birthplace.
Unable to open a Door to Dumbarten, Farrell asked Prince Wilhelm of Belsport for help. Wilhelm proposed that he “hire” them as mercenaries to guard his son, Prince Peter, on his coming-of-age journey. Farrell and Miceral agreed, and Wilhelm made arrangements for the trio to sail from Glaston, one of city-states on the northern coast of Ardus. On board the Seafoam Rose, the three departed for Dumbarten.
Several days into the journey, Farrell received a message from a dolphin—creatures dear to Arritisa, Goddess of the Sea. Arritisa directed Farrell to go with the dolphins and travel to the bottom of the ocean. To survive that long underwater, Farrell was told to look to his ancestor for answers. Searching Kel’s book, Farrell found spells that would allow him to follow the Goddess’s command. After completing a successful test of the spell, Farrell left with the dolphins the next day.
Champion of the Gods Box Set Page 168