Falck said something Serra didn’t hear. “I’m sorry, what?”
The captain tossed her a folded letter. Upon opening it, her eyes fell on who it was to. Lord Iren. “Seems that Ewen knew Lord Iren had the statue for quite some time but wouldn’t pay the amount he wanted for it.” It was true. Ewen described that the offered sale price for the statue was ridiculous and made a counteroffer for a third of what Lord Iren asked for it. With all that money, Serra could’ve bought a mansion.
The date suggested this was a few days before Grom had them fetch the statue. No wonder there was a trap. Lord Iren suspected that Ewen would hire someone to take it then use it in their negotiations.
“Anything on his connection to the cult?” Falck asked.
Serra shook her head. “Not much, but there are several books here that look ancient. They are filled with something in the elven language. I can’t read it, but I know those markings. There are also several drawings here. Might be when he was investigating the rituals.”
“Well, at least you stopped him before he could succeed.” Serra handed her the book. Falck made a disgusted look as she flipped through the pages. “Some of these just seem vile. Cutting off body parts, sacrifice, and even…” she squinted at the page then closed the book and tossed it on another pile, “some sort of mating thing. I don’t even want to know.”
The smallest smile formed on Serra’s mouth, only to fade when she thought of Caden. It was because of Ewen’s interest in magic that caused his death. Falck leaned back in the chair, rubbing her forehead.
“I’m sorry about your friend. He must’ve been a good man.” Though her words were sincere, Serra couldn’t face her.
“He was. He… was a good friend.” He was there for her since the beginning, even before he officially left Grom’s service. He cared for her when Grom had cut her face and often stayed up with her on late nights just to talk. Despite his concerns for Theren and her, he accepted them together and supported them. He fought beside them when it counted. In the end, he chose his friendship with her and the others over his own safety. And it had gotten him killed.
“I don’t think I could’ve done this without him,” she said.
Falck leaned forward and placed her hand on Serra’s. “I’ve lost people in my life as well, and I promise you, he will be honored for his sacrifice.” She removed her hand.
Serra wiped away her tears. “Thank you.”
They spent the next several hours going through his office. They found his hidden lock box filled with coin Ewen had stashed for his use only. A small pile of papers underneath it revealed the letters he had received when he learned about the Black Trinitas. There were a few members looking for someone to help them find the statues. They already had two but needed the last one.
Ewen promised them everything. With his power and connections, he vowed to help them find a way to bring back the old gods if they made him their leader. They accepted with little hesitation as he claimed to know where the final statue of Anja was located. They must’ve been desperate. She wondered how they found the other two statues.
The letters didn’t say where they came from, which worried Serra. They must’ve traveled to Sostar to send these letters back and forth. Captain Falck was right—there were more of them out there. With the statues gone, there was little they could do, but that didn’t mean they weren’t dangerous. At least the way of bringing back their gods was ruined.
Someone knocked on the door. Falck answered it then turned to Serra. “There’s someone here to see you.”
It was Theren.
She embraced him, kissing him on his cheek. He nuzzled his face in her neck as if breathing her in. When he finally pulled back, she noticed his eyes were puffy and red.
“I can take over things from here, Serra. Why don’t you get yourself home? I’ll contact you if I learn anything else,” Falck said, staring at a paper in her hand. “I’m sure the king will have questions for you, so keep your schedule open.”
She raised her index finger. “Ah, before I forget. Don’t worry about Grom. He’s in custody as we speak.”
Serra nodded, unsure of what to say. Grom wasn’t a good man by any means, but he had no idea what he was carrying. All he wanted was an easy profit.
Theren wrapped an arm around her, and they left to head back to the Square Serpent.
Two days later, Serra received a letter from Captain Falck telling her to come to Silverhall as soon as possible. The burial for Caden’s body and the other guards was to proceed today. The thought of saying her final goodbyes to Caden was unbearable. Despite knowing they had done the right thing, it didn’t make her feel any better.
Theren had held her all night long, calming her down when she woke from her nightmares. She would dream that Caden was right in front of her, stabbed by the sword that eventually killed him. Each time, there was nothing she could do to stop it, and Ewen’s laughter rang in the air.
She had to remind herself that Ewen was dead, and he could no longer hurt her.
Other times, she pictured her family. The baby sister she never got the chance to know, her mama and papa who loved her. Ewen was a sick bastard for making her remember her pain, but in a way, it helped her to stop blaming herself for their deaths. Their murderers were dead, and she was still alive. She knew she had done all she could for them. It was time for her to move on with her life.
Finn and Theren joined with her on her way to Silverhall, Theren holding her hand the entire time. She ignored the whispers and looks they received. Someone went as far as throwing a piece of food. Though, they had terrible aim as it only hit her shoes. She had lost too much to care anymore, so she moved on. Theren squeezed her hand gently to reassure her. “Damn everyone else,” he told her.
When they reached Silverhall, crowds filled the entrance to the bridge. The moment they saw Serra and her friends, they clapped, welcoming her with open hearts. They separated, allowing her to pass directly to the main hall’s open doors.
Upon entering, Captain Falck stood next to an old man wearing a crown. King Aron had arrived from his palace. His robes were golden, draped behind him so long that it traveled a few inches behind him. His face, though, was pale—sickly as if he was recovering from a terrible illness. Despite the lack of color in his skin, he stood tall and walked with pride.
They fell to one knee as the king approached them from the main hall’s center. “Welcome, Serra Blackburn, Finn Almunt, and Theren of the… elven clan.”
Serra looked up as he beckoned her to stand. “Good morning, Your Majesty,” she said, unsure what else to say. Falck had warned her that the king himself may have questions for her.
“Captain Falck sent a messenger, telling me what happened with the duke. I’m afraid his rise to power is my fault. The healers worked day and night to find a cure for my illness. Turns out, when you killed him, the power over me had ceased. I owe you a great debt, Serra Blackburn.”
The rumors Caden heard told him the king had fallen terribly ill. Ewen managed to control his own king. His grip on the entirety of Sostar was enough to make Serra want to kill him again herself.
“I didn’t kill him, Your Majesty. I only stopped his ritual.” She swallowed hard.
King Aron nodded. “I understand, but your actions resulted in his death nevertheless.” He gestured to a coffin behind him. Distantly, Serra could see part of Caden’s face. She took a deep breath and slowly made her way to him.
His body was cleaned up. New clothes. No blood. His face looked as though he was simply sleeping. A deathless sleep, but she knew the truth. Caden was gone, and there was nothing she could do to change that.
“I know you lost someone dear to you, child. You have my word that his sacrifice didn’t go in vain. He will receive the highest honors bestowed on our warriors,” said the king.
“Thank you.” The king’s word brought her some peace, knowing Caden’s body would be cared for. The last thing he deserved was to be thrown in a pile of bodi
es to be burned as if he were nothing more than a criminal. He had done too much to be considered nothing but a hero.
“There’s another matter we must discuss,” he said. Serra turned, facing him.
“Yes?”
He smiled, leading her to the front of the crowd who watched eagerly. They knew exactly what was happening. It slightly frustrated her, knowing she was left out of the loop.
“My people!” King Aron called out. “I bestow the honor of the title Champion of Adhelm upon Serra Blackburn. Without her bravery and courage, we would all, including myself, have been subject to the duke’s horrible magic. He would have surely destroyed us all.”
The people cheered, raising their hands about their heads. “Champion!” they chanted.
Serra watched, speechless at their chants.
King Aron had her follow him to Captain Falck’s office. The cheers of the crowd still filled the air as she trailed behind the king. Captain Falck spoke with His Majesty, but Serra didn’t pay much attention to what they were saying. She still couldn’t understand what had all just happened.
Within moments, they were all seated in Falck’s office. The king smiled as he looked upon his new champion.
“I wanted a chance to discuss with you some important matters in private. As you have not only saved this city, you have also saved my life and my kingdom.”
This should be good. “It was an honor to help, Your Majesty.”
He rubbed his beard. “In part because of Ewen’s actions, war has been threatened by the queen of Crelia. I hate to ask you this, but I must make a personal request of you.”
“Anything, Sire.”
“I want to instate you as my ambassador to mellow things out with the queen. I want you to make peace with our neighbors.” Ambassador? The word hit her like a slap to the face. She’d still been processing her newfound champion title.
She cleared her throat. “I—I am not sure if I am qualified for that, Your Majesty. I am a low-born and have no house.”
A smile crept upward on the king’s face. “By making you the Champion of Adhelm and now my ambassador, I will be giving you land to hold in my kingdom. A good name where you will be respected by all who meet you. To be frank, I am too ill to travel on my own, and I must investigate my council as they were also corrupted by Ewen’s dark magic. I need someone who is clear minded.”
Serra thought for a long moment. If the king wanted peace, he would need to make some changes. “Your Majesty, I imagine Crelia will want you to abolish the slavery in Sostar. I will also be frank with you that I was part of a rebellion to stop Ewen from enslaving all the elves. I can speak with Sharlea to open negotiations.”
Falck whispered something in the king’s ear. He scoffed. “I see. Is that what you ask of me in return?”
“I’m afraid so, Your Majesty. A lot of people suffered, and I can’t forget that. Both humans and elves were tortured at Slaterock and within Adhelm’s city walls. I think it would only be right for us to make not only this city, but this country, better for them. They are your people. Regardless what their ears look like.” She would make sure they were given a new home. This was something she wouldn’t stand down from.
He sighed. “This will require time, but if this leader—Sharlea, was it—is willing to speak with me and my council, I will hear what she has to say.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Welcome aboard! It’s good to see yer’ face again! I see ye’ made a name for yer’self in the city,” Captain Will walked down the steps from the helm, grinning the entire way down.
“It’s good to see you again too. How is the Blackbird faring?” Serra shook his hand.
Will stood proud. “She’s as strong as ever. Are ye’ taking me up on my offer about joining my ship?”
After some time discussing it with His Majesty and Sharlea, negotiations would take place within the week to ensure that the slaves were not only free but compensated for their losses. It was the beginning of a new life in Sostar. By this time next year, peace would be ensured between Crelia and Sostar, and Theren’s people would be free. It would be close to spring by the time they returned to see it all in person.
“Perhaps one day, Captain, when peace can be made between Crelia and Sostar. The king told me he sent you… a handsome payment for ensuring my safety?” She smirked when she saw a chest being carried to below deck.
“That he did. I knew ye’ make friends in high places. But why act as an ambassador? With all the coin he must’ve given ye’, ye’ could live to be a wealthy woman. Maybe marry a prince.”
She chuckled. The idea of becoming some high lady didn’t appeal to her. The idea of marrying a prince was outrageous. Theren may not be human, but she loved him nonetheless. The king, and all of Adhelm would accept that whether they liked it or not.
A smile spread across her lips as she saw Finn and Theren reuniting with the Blackbird crew. She turned back to Captain Will. “I’ve spent so much of my life running, moving from place to place. I think it was time I stopped. I’ve made a home here in Adhelm. I plan to protect it.”
About the Author
Clara C. Johnson is a poet and storyteller who has been writing since her time in high school. She has written short stories, poetry, and novels with a particular love for epic fantasy. She spends most of her days at her computer plotting her next project, spellbound in a book, and spending time with her husband and cats. She has a B.A. in English at the Pennsylvania State University. Besides writing, she also enjoys painting and gaming. She currently lives in PA with her family.
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Acknowledgments
There are so many people I must thank for helping me begin Serra’s tale. This book has been on a long, exhausting journey and never would’ve been taken from my brain and onto the page without the help of these amazing people.
Jackson: My husband who helped since the early days of plotting this book. You pushed me to keep writing on my bad days, and walked with me every step along the way. You never once held any doubt. I love you more every single day.
Kerri, Jess, and Susan: My editors. “Thank you” just doesn’t seem enough. You helped clean the mess of my draft into this beautiful book it is now. I couldn’t have done it without you girls. Thank you, thank you!
Zoe: My cover artist. You always manage to bring my story into the visual setting perfectly. Thank you for all your hard work.
Allen: Thank you for your encouraging words throughout the years and for your help on Rise of the Champion.
Abby: Thank you for always being there for me and helping me through the dark days. Your support holds no bounds and I am thankful for that every day.
Rise of the Champion (The Champion Book 1) Page 24