Past of Shadows Read online

  Past of Shadows

  THE THREE REALMS SERIES, BK ONE

  By

  Colleen Connally

  * * * *

  http://jerrihines.org/

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  Copyright @ 2018 by Colleen Connally

  Cover Art by Cover Art by Erin Dameron-Hill

  http://edhgraphics.blogspot.com/

  Graphic art design—map

  Augustinas Raginskis

  Edited by Elaine Raco Chase

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

  All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without permission. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without permission of the author is illegal and punishable by law. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Dedication

  To Bob for allowing me to follow my dream and my children, Gary, Tracy, and Becca Lee for allowing me to dream.

  Contents

  NOTTESDONE

  The Encounter

  Witheleghe Birthright

  Majesty of Yucca

  Flight to the Unknown

  The Euchoun

  Castles in the Air

  The King’s Council

  The King’s Word

  Walk in the Bailey

  Before the King

  Path to Fight

  Fight of Arachnidan

  Sleep, Little One, Sleep

  Search for Hope

  Fire of Asmeodai

  Meeting of the Elves

  Fellowship Forged

  Light Seen

  The Forbidden Forest

  Training of a Euchoun

  Destiny Discovered

  Freedom Questioned

  The Bond

  Twiten’s Decision

  The Payelaga Desert

  Battle Faced

  Reap the Victory

  Emergence

  Union of Promise

  Promises and Falsehoods

  Character List:

  The legend, they say, is whispered within the winds along the magnificent Preda Mountains. Words and deeds never to be forgotten of the Arachnidan Terror.

  Children sing to the glory of the Sordarins. Young lads praise their heroes of the past with dreams of following in their footsteps. Old men bask in the deeds of another time, a time when the Sordarins crushed the impending threat and once more Scarladin was safe.

  The mighty Sordarins, rulers of the sky! The people look high up in the clouds and see their warriors soaring under the sun and know they are safe and secure in their world never to have to worry about the threat of the Arachnidans and the dreaded Asmeodai! The ones whose quest seek only to destroy all the Sordarins have ever known.

  Over the years, the Sordarins have slept well, secure in their knowledge the Great One watches over them, knowing that the legends hold a mighty warrior will emerge if threatened again, a warrior born with a destiny to defend their world.

  Now, though, subtle changes have emerged. Little by little, fears begin to resurface that their world, their very existence is once again threatened. They look to the skies anxiously awaiting their warrior; questioning perchance if the Great One has forgotten them.

  I know this how? I am the one born to defend their world. I, Kela Calledwdele, was born a Euchoun…I am their warrior.

  Prologue

  NOTTESDONE

  The night of the storm was forever etched into Kela’s heart. She dreamed about it often, reliving that time over and over in her mind. She could still feel the bitter chill of the wind and rain pounding against her.

  In silence, Kela watched her beautiful mother gaze up into the darkness.

  Something was wrong, terribly wrong.

  Her mother gripped tight to the railing of the balcony overlooking the rocky cliffs. Most nights, the scene was breathtaking.

  Kela remembered her father saying that nothing compared to the beauty of Nottesdone when the mist would roll in from the sea. How proud he was of his castle!

  Nottesdone had stood for over a thousand years as protector of the portal between the magical world of Witheleghe and the winged warriors of Scarladin. The enormous castle shot up high into the heavens. Many found the fortress menacing and ominous.

  Not Kela.

  Nottesdone was her home, where she felt safe and loved.

  The downpour intensified.

  Her mother, Princess Eufamia Flandigana Calledwdele, wife of Prince Mithelk Calledwdele, heir apparent to the throne of Scarladin, searched the stormy sky desperately for some sign of life.

  Princess Eufamia found none.

  The storm raged around Kela’s mother while the mighty wind whipped her long dark hair unmercifully, slapping against her face.

  Was it rain, or tears, flowing down her cheeks?

  Kela couldn’t tell.

  Unbeknownst to Kela was how she had come to stand in the shadows. She knew only a force beyond her understanding had called. She had answered with an awareness that her mother had a need for her.

  Moments earlier, Kela had heard her mother call out for Kela’s father—Mithelk. That was when a sudden burst of wind had opened the doors to the balcony. Kela watched her mother rise and walk out into the violent winds.

  Princess Eufamia made no attempt to seek cover. A troubling feeling overcame Kela. Her mother’s actions told there would be no haven to be found on this night.

  Kela was afraid.

  Waves crashed against the cliffs of the Endless Sea, where Nottesdone reigned. The indomitable castle served to protect the Witheleghe and Scarladin as a wall to guard against the unwelcome.

  Three thousand years ago, the Five Hundred Year War ended with the Reckoning. In victory, the three realms had been created. One was to be ruled by land, one by air, and the last with understanding.

  Thus Arachnida, Siochanta, and Witheleghe realms were forged. Each realm had been blessed, but not all remained content.

  Siochanta Realm was ruled by the Sordarin hawkmen. An aggressive warrior race, the arrogant hawkmen believed themselves above those that could not fly. Overtime, the Sordarins settled in the region known as Scarladin and left those men that could not fly in the Siochanta Realm to form other nations. The Siochanta Realm had never known true peace.

  In Witheleghe, magic flowed freely and served as a haven for magical beings persecuted and hunted for their gifts. The head of each house of Witheleghe were known as Orimons and had been given a specific magical ability. Orimons were sworn to protect their people with their gift.

  Witheleghe had been fortunate. The realm was ruled by House Flandigana, which held the most powerful magic. House Flandigana had reigned with wisdom. Withelegheans were a passive race. In turn, they were content with their lives, but failed to understand that their riches would be envied.

  Arachnida Realm fell into darkness. A dark wizard reigned. Over the centuries, Asmeodai had drained the resources of his realm, leaving his kingdom a desert wasteland. Asmeodai became a threat to all that weren’t Arachnidans.

  With malicious envy, his evil eye turned toward Witheleghe.

  Witheleghe sought the Scarladin hawkmen for protection. An alliance was formed, and Nottesdone built along the cliffs. Side by side, Withelegheans and Sordarins fought against the terror of Asmeodai.

  “Your Grace,” a tired, cracked voice called from the chamber. “Pray come in and take shelter. We have just received word the winds are playing havoc with the gates. Malward says they need to be rei
nforced before damage is done.”

  Turning quickly, Princess Eufamia focused on Ser Robart Dyer, Prince Mithelk’s master of ministry. His news had not taken her by surprise, but she walked slowly back inside.

  “It is true, Ser Dyer, we are being bombarded, but not only from the storm,” Princess Eufamia replied. Her gaze locked onto Kela’s. She extended her hand towards her young daughter.

  Immediately, Kela rushed to her mother’s side and clung to her leg.

  Kneeling down, Princess Eufamia gently caressed Kela’s face. “My dearest Kela, we must leave Nottesdone. Prepare. We go to Witheleghe.” Looking up at Ser Dyer, Princess Eufamia continued, “We need to send the children through the portal to my father.”

  Eyes narrowed, Ser Dyer stared at the Princess Eufamia in disbelief. Since Prince Mithelk’s appointment as Protector of the Realms, the elderly statesman had served faithfully. Long sworn allegiance to the ancient House Calledwdele, Ser Dyer had fought alongside King Edulf of Scarladin, ruler of the Sordarins, during the Arachnidan Terror.

  “Your Grace…what do you speak?” Confusion rang in his voice. He gestured with his arm toward the open doors. “It is the weather only. You are feeling only a woman’s panic. There is no need to do such a drastic measure."

  Princess Eufamia’s eyes flared.

  Kela shuddered.

  “You dare question me, Ser Dyer! Do you know who I am? What I once was, I am now again. It would not be so unless...."

  Grasping her words, his body openly shook with trepidation. His worn wings drooped as he shook his head, refusing to believe. “Your powers are back? No! That cannot be!”

  Even at the young age of five, Kela understood the magnitude of her mother’s words, who had repeated the story of her marriage many times to her daughter.

  “I could not see what I have if he lived.” Princess Eufamia’s tone heavy, she tightened her grip on Kela. “My Mithelk has been betrayed and lies slew upon the hillside outside of the capital. He never reached Yucca. The devil stands in the shadows, not allowing me to see his face, but he is Sordarin. They are searching for the portal. It has to be closed…immediately.”

  “No,” Ser Dyer protested. His mouth tightened, doing little to hide his irritation. In his forty years of service to the crown, he wasn’t accustomed to taking orders from a woman, especially from a Witheleghean. “Impossible...”

  “Do not question me! My orders are to be carried out without delay,” Princess Eufamia cut him off.

  “I beg your pardon, Your Grace, but I can’t have the portal closed,” Ser Dyer said. “You have to be wrong. We have had no warning. No flame burns on Mount Zorenje.”

  Under the nervous tension, Kela sensed something else in Ser Dyer. A hesitation that bore more than his disbelief of the princess’s vision.

  “You are wasting precious time, old man.” Princess Eufamia turned to her maid. “Send for Guilda. Wake her without delay. Tell her to prepare for a journey and bring my children down to the red room.”

  “Your Grace, I’m afraid I can’t allow you to do that.”

  Ser Dyer shoved the princess against the wall, knocking Kela down on the floor. With sword in his hand, his blade reflected in the candlelight against Princess Eufamia’s neck.

  “My apologies, but you have given me no other options. We have need of the portal…and despite all our well-laid plans…we never considered you getting your powers back. An oversight. One that will be corrected…now.”

  Mother! Instincts reigned. Kela raised her hands. Despite her youth, the power thrust Ser Dyer onto the floor.

  Princess Eufamia stood still for a moment and eyed the master of ministry with contempt. Her lips edged upward to where a small smile formed. “Then Ser Dyer you will be sorely disappointed.” Closing her eyes, she called, “Sareta! Falco!”

  No sooner than the words were uttered, the siblings appeared. Sareta, only a few days old, was held by Guilda, Princess Eufamia’s loyal companion since she herself was a child. The princess trusted no other with her precious children.

  With her arms outstretched, Princess Eufamia encircled her children. The small group quickly faded from Sir Dyer's sight.

  * * * *

  The princess and her children materialized in a wide vaulted chamber deep within Nottesdone. Shadows danced against the walls as torches flamed along the borders of the room. Though, it was the mesmerizing swirling wind in the far corner that held everyone’s attention.

  “Quickly, Guilda. Don’t tarry,” Princess Eufamia commanded. “Gather the children. We are going through. Once we are safe in Witheleghe, I will close the portal. I will not let the traitors cross into Witheleghe.”

  Guilda, a tall, lean woman, frowned but gave a slight nod. Solemn in appearance and manner, she wore a gray cassock with a coif. Only a few wisps of gray hair told of her hurry in dressing.

  With her wrinkled hands, Guilda tightened her hold on the infant. She nodded. “We are ready.”

  Princess Eufamia placed her hands outstretched and mumbled in a whisper. A moment later, a small box with strange writings carved into its side appeared. She gripped it tightly and placed it within her robe. She drew in a deep breath and extended her free hand out to Falco and Kela.

  “Let us go.”

  Mother began to chant in her native language. “Oto avoiyouau ropia rapaoexoai eyw eioodio!”

  A child of five holds many fears, Kela held her breath frightened of the unknown.

  One glance over at her brother and she lost her fear. Falco, older than Kela by almost two years, held his head high, his shoulders back. There was no fear in him, only courage. He walked forward into the swirling wind.

  Squaring her shoulders, Kela followed.

  One step after another, Kela was sucked into the vortex. The wind took her breath away. She felt herself flying, then abruptly she fell to the ground.

  Scrambling to her feet, Kela gaped. Never had she seen such beauty. Gone was the darkness of the night. Instead, there was a bright sun which lit a cloudless sky.

  She stood in an extended entrance arbor, adorned with a fragrant abundance of cream colored roses. Tiny hummingbirds flickered around the blooms while colorful butterflies fluttered.

  Before her, the view was magnificent.

  A long reflecting pond was stocked with an assortment of glorious birds: swans, egrets, herons, and birds Kela had no knowledge. Enormous oak trees surrounded the pond with a curtain of moss flowing off their massive branches.

  The lawn was a brilliant green, leading up to a huge red brick house with two wings. Ivy sculpted the front of the arched doors.

  Kela glanced up at her mother, who had never looked so beautiful. Her long raven hair curled and framed her face, emphasizing her large dark eyes. Her skin was as white as the first fallen snow. But here at Vana Garden, an aura of bright light surrounded both her…and Kela’s baby sister, Sareta.

  This was her mother’s home. Upon that thought, a sudden peace surged through Kela.

  The feeling did not last.

  “Something is wrong.” Princess Eufamia turned to Guilda. “Where are the foot guards? Father has never left the portal unguarded.”

  A rumble emerged from the green shrubs that bordered the sward. Panic grew inside of Kela as a soldier burst forth. In truth, he was no more than a boy. From the sigil on the sash draped across his chest, he served as a squire to Prince Halmir, Kela’s uncle.

  Immediately, the squire fell to one knee and bowed his head. “Your Royal Highness.”

  Princess Eufamia stood numb. Waving her hand toward the castle, she asked, “Where is my father?”

  The boy was thirteen, fourteen at the most. He wore black leather boots, tan pants, and a red jacket, but the pants had worn through; his jacket’s elbow torn. The squire hesitated.

  “Speak! What has happened?”

  Slowly, the squire lifted his head. “I’m Alric of House Sexton. I serve your brother, Prince Halmir. He left me behind to give you a message.”


  “A message?” Her hand visibly began to tremble. Falco reached for her and she took it as if it gave her strength. “My family— what has become of them?”

  “I’m sorry.” Alric grimaced. “King Darius is dead, as is Queen Odelia and Prince Staffon. We haven’t seen or heard from Princess Azure since the attack. Prince Halmir has retreated with your remaining family.”

  “Take me to him.”

  “I can’t, Your Highness.” Alric glanced over his shoulder in a nervous manner. “The whole of Witheleghe has been conquered, devastated…nothing is left as it was, except Vana Gardens. Prince Halmir said there was only one reason…”

  “Someone wants to control the portal,” Mother finished for him. “Who…who did this?”

  “Asmeodai,” Alric said solemnly. “It is the reason for the message. Prince Halmir said you must go back to Nottesdone and close the gateway. Do not let Asmeodai enter. He fears Cyaika has already done so.”

  Prince Eufamia’s fear could not be hidden. “If I close the portal, there will be no help for my brother…my family.”

  Alric rose and spoke plainly. “Prince Halmir said go so Witheleghe will rise again as was prophesied. Hold faith to that belief…”

  Suddenly, the earth shook, the clouds darkened…the bricks crumbled the manor’s wall. The mighty branches of the great oaks broke. The reflecting pond water boiled.

  “Asmeodai!” Alric cried. “He has sensed your magic. Go now! May Elohim be with you!”

  Princess Eufamia pressed Kela and her siblings a step back and uttered the words again, opening the portal. Once more they were thrown into the current of swirling wind. They were crossing through the gateway.

  Alric faded from sight.

  Almost instantly when they arrived back in Nottesdone, the floor began to buckle. The walls swayed. Guilda knelt down, comforting the crying Sareta. Falco and Kela refused to leave each other’s side.