by Azalea Moone
Warrior’s Call
Dreamtide Book Two
Azalea Moone
Copyright 2020 @ Azalea Moone
All Rights Reserved
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, and locations are fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons or events, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.
This file is licensed for private individual entertainment only. The book contained herein constitutes a copyrighted work and may not be reproduced, stored in or introduced into an information retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electrical, mechanical, photographic, audio recording, or otherwise) for any reason (excepting the uses permitted to the licensee by copyright law under terms of fair use) without the specific written permission of the author.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
About Azalea Moone
Coming Soon
Chapter One
A New Mission
Sawyer rose from his dreams, breath heavy and heart racing. Sweat ran down his temples and across his cheeks. He glanced around the familiar bedroom. It’d been a while since he’d had a nightmare so chilling, not since the last dream several months ago where dragons and their summoners razed the castle. This time, the visions were different: of a white mask painted in streaks of yellow and blue, red streamers fluttered in the breeze—or was that blood?—a man wielding powerful magical spells... who the hell was that?
Seeking the comfort and warmth of his partner, Sawyer leaned across the bed to pull Kohaku in close. He was met by cool covers. An empty side.
With a sigh, Sawyer threw the blankets off and set his feet upon the cold wood floor. Of course, Kohaku was gone. He was never there anymore when Sawyer awoke in the morning.
Sawyer wiped the sweat off his brow. Stepped to the grand window overlooking the gardens. There, in the far back of the stables, he could make out the strands of fiery red hair waving in the slight breeze. Kohaku tended to the untamed mane of a large steed—an activity he’d taken a liking to. Whether preparing the garden for the oncoming of winter or tending to the horses, Kohaku never spent much time inside the castle anymore.
It seemed Kohaku just didn’t care much for it. Maybe it was that he was too confined—yes, Sawyer nodded, surely it had to be that. Kohaku had lived in the forest for so long, had survived on what the wild had offered to him. Castle life didn’t fit his lifestyle. How could he think of detaining him in such closed quarters?
Sawyer crossed his arms. By the Maker, Kohaku was even more gorgeous outside—in the sun his hair was a bright red, his skin had taken on a slight tan, and the way he moved gracefully in tune with life around him was breathtaking.
He really doesn’t like it here.
It’d been a long two months since their journey. Sawyer flexed his mechanical fingers; the right hand lost to the battle against Kladus replaced by a metal, clockwork apparatus made by the best scientist in the village. He’d feel nothing under these fingertips again, like the rough stone wall or Kohaku’s soft skin. Gloves were a necessity, now. A strange thing could startle common-folk.
Never mind that. His biggest concern was now feeding the mares in the opposite stable. Should he allow Kohaku to return to the forest? His heart panged at the thought.
A knock at the door broke his attention away from the window momentarily. “Come in,” he said.
The door creaked open. “Apologies for the disruption.” Taryn stepped in slowly. The old summoner hadn’t seemed to age a day; Sawyer realized he never knew the man’s age at all. Taryn furrowed his graying brows as he glanced around the room. “Where’s Kohaku?”
Sawyer motioned toward the window.
Taryn stepped close. “I see.” He snickered. “We have stable hands to look after the horses.”
“Don’t you think I’ve told him?” Sawyer shook his head. “Perhaps I’ve made a mistake. I shouldn’t have thought to keep him here.”
“He’s certainly been quiet about it,” Taryn added. “If he doesn’t like it here, he could say something. Has he mentioned it at all?”
“No. I wake up every morning, and he’s gone. Sometimes he stays out all day, and I don’t see him till nightfall.”
“Such a shame, really. A warrior’s place isn’t in the stables feeding mares.” Taryn met Sawyer’s worried gaze. “I know you’re concerned, but this isn’t why I’m here.”
“And what brings you this morning?”
Taryn stepped away from the window. “Her majesty requests your company for breakfast. Kohaku’s as well.”
Sawyer tilted his head. Breakfast with the queen? She’d never asked for them to join her until now. “It must be quite important.”
“I feel it is, but I’ll let her discuss the details with you.” Taryn approached the door. “Please bring yourselves to the main dining hall in a half-hour—”
“Taryn,” Sawyer called, making him stop in his tracks. “Is Kohaku truly a warrior? Or maybe he’s much better suited for something less... violent.”
Taryn flashed a smile. “You should ask him yourself. Though I’m also a summoner, fighting isn’t really my forte’. I’d rather a spy or a servant to our queen. Not every summoner is worth their weight out on the battlefield. Only he would know his true purpose.” Taryn opened the door. “I’ll see you at the dining table.”
Sawyer nodded, and Taryn was gone.
True purpose, huh? Unfortunately, Sawyer was unsure Kohaku even knew what that was himself.
Out in the garden, the late fall sun was warm on his back despite the cool breeze chilling his exposed skin. It was mostly quiet this morning, despite the echoes of the protests happening outside the castle walls. Such disgrace, really. After Queen Adaline’s coronation, word spread fast of her witchery. Many who felt fear against having a witch for a queen took to protesting.
From what Sawyer had heard, they were mostly peaceful protests in the villages around the kingdom—torch and pitchfork-wielding townsfolk, chanting “No witch for a queen” repeatedly. However, those protests outside the castle walls often became violent; they doubled the guards outside to take care of the aggressors who thought to attack them.
Sawyer ignored the shouting and walked along the dirt path toward the stables where Kohaku continued to work. The stable hands stayed clear of him, tending to their work to build a new barn on the opposite end of the training field.
Two maids wandered past Kohaku, staring while he worked and whispering to each other. When he stepped toward another horse, they lowered their heads and sped their pace.
Sawyer sighed. If only he could make a friend here, or maybe if the people could accept him as normal instead of a dragon summoner. But even Sawyer had amassed untrusting glowers from castle maids since he’d returned.
He leaned up against a pillar nearby the stable and watched Kohaku a moment longer, admiring the way his long hair curved around his scrawny frame. He missed the elegant cherry-red kimono, which Kohaku hadn’t sported since their journey.
“Just how long do you plan on standing there?” Kohaku asked as he patted the side of the mare he’d been tending to.
“Can’t I watch a little longer?” Sawyer whispered, jus
t loud enough for Kohaku to turn around and flash him a playful smile. “Very well, maybe I’ll steal you from here and we could hide in the bushes for some playtime.” Sawyer stepped toward him.
“Outside?” Kohaku’s smile wavered. “But that—”
“Or in the bedroom. Your choice.” Sawyer grabbed onto Kohaku’s wrist, pulling him close, and wrapped his arms around Kohaku’s waist. “What are you doing out here, anyway? You should be inside.”
“You always say that. And what do I say back? That I just—”
“Needed some fresh air,” Sawyer finished his sentence. “Yes, yes, it is stuffy inside the castle.” He leaned in, brushing his lips against Kohaku’s. “But you’re always out here. I miss waking up next to you.”
Kohaku chuckled. “I’m just outside. A few feet away. A hop, skip, and jump... less than a jump,” he paused, the playfulness in his expression wavering. “You’re serious?” He pulled away from Sawyer’s hold.
Sawyer pursed his lips. “Let us discuss this later. I’ve come with news.”
“What is it?” Kohaku returned his attention to brushing the chestnut-colored mare’s coat.
“We’ve both been invited to breakfast with our queen.” Kohaku had turned swiftly on heel, eyes wide. “Strange, yes? But it seemed quite important.”
“Let us hurry, then.” Kohaku brushed his hands against his stained leggings. “I must tidy up before meeting her.”
The clank of pots and pans being arranged in the kitchen rattled loud from the other side of the closed door. Maids and cooks bickered with one another about when to serve her highness breakfast.
Inside the dining room, Sawyer spotted his queen and Taryn already sat at the end of the long table. Strange how this meeting was arranged: with no one else present but them, over a breakfast no less.
Taryn stood as Sawyer and Kohaku stepped further inside. “Thank you for coming as requested.”
“What is this about, your majesty?” Kohaku asked, settling into a chair next to her. He’d changed into clean clothes and tied his hair back neatly against the base of his head; always wanting to be formal with his queen.
“Can’t a queen want a simple breakfast with her finest soldiers?” She motioned to Sawyer. He’d been standing frozen, unsure of what to say. Kohaku always had such fine manners, but Sawyer suddenly went tongue-tied around her. “You’re making me nervous Sawyer, please sit down.”
He cleared his throat. “Apologies, ma’am.” He scooted into a seat next to Kohaku and sought his hand underneath the table. “It’s just not very common for you to request our presence during breakfast. Is there’s something important on your mind?”
She leaned gently, whispering to Taryn, then straightened her spine. “I can’t rely on disguises, I suppose.” Taryn had stood and opened the door to the kitchen. Out walked three maids, two with closed silver platters, the other with mugs on a tray. “Please enjoy yourselves.”
One maid removed a platter lid, revealing a loaf of steaming bread fresh out of the oven, and on the other platter, a bowl of oats and plate of lard. They decorated the table with empty ware: bowls, mugs, and silverware. Another maid circled the table, filling their mugs with cider.
“You’ve gone to such expense for us,” Kohaku said shockingly.
Queen Adaline tilted her head. “It’s not much, but this is a significant event, indeed.”
“Tell us, then.” Sawyer tried not to sound so impatient. He grabbed a piece of bread from the platter and set it on his plate. A stunt to make her majesty happy, but nervous as he was, he couldn’t muster the energy to eat.
Her smile wavered. “Very well. As you know, since my inception, the peoples of Anscien have been wary of their new queen.”
Sawyer nodded. He recalled the reports of protests from all over the countryside. Jaded individuals were sure that having a witch for a queen would be the end of Anscien as they knew it.
“While we’ve tried our best to set their minds at ease, it’s been difficult. Trade into the castle is almost impossible. If only I could get in some fresh fruit, we’d be eating sliced apples with our breakfast, too.” She tried to smile, but it wavered. “I’ve asked neighboring kingdoms for help. Qeoca has always abided by their peace treaty with us, however, there’s been some discerning reports.” Queen Adaline remained poised as she explained, “We’ve tried to contact the emperor with no luck. I fear something terrible has happened to him.”
“Is it possible he wishes not to do business with Anscien at all, now?” Sawyer asked. He picked crumbs from his piece of bread, more nervousness than hunger.
“Impossible. As you know, Qeoca’s main port of Jinchun has always been open to the mages from the middle-lands. No, there is something worse happening. I’ve received reports of a strange concoction being transported up the Wyst river from Qeoca.”
“Concoction?”
Queen Adaline nodded. “It’s said to have quite the effect on anyone who inhales it. What did they say?” Her brows scrunched, and she glanced at Taryn.
“Different reactions, my queen. First, a fantastical daze comes over the user, followed by a mean fever, and finally death. Though some had reported rage.” Taryn met Sawyer’s worried gaze. “As if the devil had taken them over. Husbands murdering their entire family. Crewmen taking out whole taverns. Whores... biting off a man’s—”
“I understand.” Sawyer swallowed. “Has this all happened in Anscien?”
Taryn nodded. “Our armies are busy investigating these incidents instead of calming the protestors, hence why we’ve sent so many messages to Qeoca’s emperor.”
No wonder Sawyer hadn’t seen Fithel in some time. “You don’t suppose the emperor is aware of this, do you?”
“Doubtful. He wouldn’t want to see his people nor his country destroyed. We believe he may be ill, considering his age.” Queen Adaline paused a moment. “Yet, you would think one of his attendants could reply to our letters.”
“Damn it.” Sawyer pounded a fist on the table. “Why couldn’t you inform us of this before? I could be of help, you know. Whatever you need us to do—”
“Calm down,” Kohaku warned.
The queen grinned. “And that’s why I’ve called you here this morning. It’s taken a lot of consideration to do so, seeing as how you haven’t gained full control of Kladus’ spell yet.”
Sawyer lowered his head; his cheeks grew hot. How true she was. The curse would strike abruptly, no matter the time of day or what was going on around him. He’d battled it on countless occasions in the past two months, during suppertime and once during lovemaking. Which was particularly bad. He’d drawn swords against Kohaku. Their scuffle taking them deep into the overnight hours, ending in bloodied clothes and bruised hearts. He’d never forget that blurry memory. Or Kohaku’s tears at the end.
It was more a battle against himself... If only he could control it.
“I’ve tried,” he whispered.
“We all know you have. And maybe a new mission will help.” She nodded. “I would like you and Kohaku to go to Raifut and investigate cargo ships sailing in from Qeoca.”
“Sounds simple enough.” It’d been too long since they’d been sent on duty. “Do you think it’ll help to stop the influx of this drug coming into Anscien?”
“I can’t have our biggest port city being destroyed by this. Your job will be to drown the concoction and arrest the crew. I’d say it should help some.”
“And what of our troops?”
“I’ve sent word to them to march into Qeoca and find out what has happened to the emperor. If necessary, they are to stay there and help with whatever has befallen him.”
Sawyer let out an exasperated breath. He’d waited impatiently to be given a new mission for months, but now it was finally done, something inside warned him of going. The safety of the castle, and the closeness of the people he trusted, comforted him that if the affliction surfaced again, someone would stop him from doing any major damage. Kohaku... He glanced at h
im briefly, then turned his attention back to his mangled piece of bread. Was that why Kohaku spent his time outdoors, now?
“We’ll go,” Kohaku said.
“Are you sure?” Sawyer tipped his head. “It could be dangerous.”
Kohaku chuckled. “Doesn’t sound too bad. Long as we don’t breathe in a whiff of that drug. Besides, maybe it’ll do you some good.”
“Me?”
“I can tell you dislike being cooped up.”
“But I—”
“Very well,” Taryn interrupted. “I’ll make preparations for you to leave immediately.”
“Today?” Sawyer was taken back by the promptness. “But Raifut is at least a half day’s ride. We must sleep at the inn and start investigations tomorrow morning.”
“Precisely. The break will give you a chance to listen for any suspicious activity.” Queen Adaline narrowed her brow. “Kohaku? Your talisman. May I see it?”
Kohaku paused a moment, then reached around his neck and removed the necklace. “What’s wrong?” He handed the precious piece to her, and she studied it closely.
“Wasn’t there a stone here?” She rubbed her thumb against the empty spot in the middle of the pendant.
“No, not since I’ve had it, but it looks as if one was there before.”
She turned the talisman in her hand. “There should be a small, bright red fire agate, right here between the dragon’s talons.” She glanced at Taryn. “Was it missing when you found it in Secia?”
Taryn nodded. “I believe so.”
“Well then, if you have the time while in Raifut, you should also seek out a new stone.” She handed the necklace back to Kohaku. “Bring it back with you and we’ll set it in.”
