Copyright © 2021 David Partelow
All rights reserved.
Cover Art by Olivia Pro Designs
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations or excerpts embodied with articles and reviews.
It goes without saying, but this is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and insanities are from the author’s twisted imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental for the most part and should be taken with an imagination and not personally.
ISBN: 9798712394159
DEDICATION
For her continued support, for always having my side, and for always believing in me and my writing, this book is dedicated to Rae Nagy, with love, now and always.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are amazing people that support and bolster my stories, and help instill in me the desire to press forward, and I would love to thank some of them now.
Rae Nagy, for her edits and comments. She truly helped make this story a much better, and smoother adventure.
OliviaProDesgins, for making such a wonderful cover.
Morgan Wright, for her vibrant cover animation and promotion.
Fawn McCurdy, Heidi Van Hook, Jen Roussel, Tamy McQueen, Dan Boone, Joshua Carroll, Elizabeth Peck, and Heather Phillips for being amazing fans and supporters of my work. Your enthusiasm has bolstered me to press through on many occasions, and I am ever grateful.
And to you, reading this book now…thank you for taking a chance. Thank you for your support. I truly hope you enjoy the adventure.
1 Quenthell
Sunlight, gentle yet insistent, caressed the face of Kaysa and her senses received it reluctantly. The young elf resisted waking, prompted to remain instead in the sheer joy of sleep. A lingering voice in her mind urged her awake, reminding her of impending commitments. Still, this did not trouble Kaysa as she cherished the comfort of her bed.
At last eyelids opened, and eyes of shimmering amethyst met the world. Kaysa allowed the sunlight in then, letting wakefulness claim her at last. Stretching deeply, the light glistened off her fair skin, nearing a spectrum of shimmering wonder. Her skin, as well as her amethyst eyes had afforded her the name Kaysa, as such hues prompted the debate of omens good and ill.
Kaysa. Chaotic Wind.
She rather liked the meaning.
It was then, quite suddenly, that her responsibilities assaulted her mind fully and Kaysa was instantly awake. Leaping from her bed, the young elf dressed hastily as she prepared for the day. She held obligations that could only be shunned for so long. All elves held responsibility in her town of Quenthell, and Kaysa accepted this. But the morning belonged to her and Lokus, her friend for all seasons. She dared not waste any more of the offered time.
Scowling at her image in the mirror, Kaysa growled at auburn hair that held a mind of its own. Calming it with her brush, Kaysa restrained it within a marestail. Offering a semi-satisfied nod, Kaysa swiftly collected her things. She put on her worn backpack, already prepared with food. She then placed her satchel around her waist, empty and ready for the berries she would pick. Thus prepared, Kaysa grabbed her quarterstaff and rushed out the door of her quarters at the orphanage.
Once outside, Kaysa closed her eyes and savored the scents and sounds that ensnared her senses. Workers toiled at the mill and bakery as the smell of Ruggis bread and sweet buns triggered her hunger. Quenthell was gently and efficiently busy and the familiar sounds brought regular comfort to Kaysa. Opening her eyes again, now fully revived, Kaysa searched about for Lokus.
"At last, you have emerged, lazy-bones," came a chuckled declaration.
Kaysa fought the urge to roll her eyes as she grinned. "You could have just as easily roused me instead of merely waiting to offer me banter, Lokus," she replied casually.
At this, Lokus nodded absently. "This is true. But I have learned in time that it is more fun to tease you when you're awake than rouse you while you sleep," he said.
Playfully, Kaysa scowled at her friend, offering a rambunctious push. Her elder by only a season, the two friends were bonded by being orphans. Locus's silky blonde hair was free to roam down his shoulders and rivaled Kaysa's in length. His confident grin and hungry sapphire eyes accentuated his slender, strong frame. His pack and quiver rested on his back and in his hand was a gorgeous bow he had crafted himself. Lokus always looked ready for hunting and trouble equally.
Growing serious then, Kaysa searched about suspiciously. "Is Talcoros about?" she asked.
Lokus shrugged. "Nah. Not yet anyway, though I'm certain he lurks somewhere nearby. The chances of our discovery grow greatly now mostly in part with your lollygagging," he said.
Kaysa growled out him. "If I longed for your opinion on how to I should manage my free time I surely would have asked for it," she challenged.
"Are you quite done?" asked Lokus teasingly.
"Wood troll," she spat with her tongue sticking out at him. She then smiled and offered a satisfied nod. "Now I am done. Let us be off," she added before the two friends raced through the town.
Deftly, Kaysa and Lokus maneuvered through Quenthell’s gentle streets as they made toward the northern forests of Velladeen. The gentle slopes and graceful curves of elven architecture were lost to the focused young ones bent on play. Kaysa knew every crevice of Quenthell, from its underground stores to the treehouses resting above. The beauty was never lost to the young elf. For now, it was in the way of their adventure, but later she would return to it with open arms.
As the two friends continued forward, Kaysa grew wary as they neared the Elder’s Hall. If their adventures were to be foiled, this was the likeliest place for it. Both Kaysa and Lokus slowed their pace and doubled their vigilance. Save for curious, passing villagers, the coast was clear. Kaysa allowed herself a breath of relief as they threatened to clear the hall. Soon this relief brought a return to their quickened pace as their thoughts returned to adventure ahead.
And it was then that Quenthell’s most ancient elder stepped from around the corner, rapping his staff upon the pathway. Light rose from the head of his staff as he held up a hand. Kaysa and Lokus came to an abrupt stop, for while the elder was old, he was far from feeble. A long, faded azure goatee joined his mane as they crawled down his chest and robe. Aged hands gripped sternly to the staff with a strength the young elves vowed to never underestimate again. Ice blue eyes looked impatiently upon the orphans as both lowered their heads to such a gaze.
The town elder balled his fists upon his staff as he eyed the two orphans. "And just where do you believe you are heading?" he demanded.
Kaysa looked at him bravely as she pointed. "To the northern forests," she replied. "There has been talk of a Magour boar close to the village. We wish to fell it and bring its meat and offerings back to town as tribute and bolster our pantries."
"Such things could be shifted onto your priorities for later," countered Talcoros. "You two have yet to handle the chores allotted to you for the day."
Lokus shifted nervously under the scrutiny as Kaysa nodded and replied. "That is true, Talcoros, but this is the ideal time of day to hunt for the boars. They are most active right now. It shall likely speed up the hunt and have us back home more swiftly."
Lokus nodded, bolstered by his friend's words. "Kaysa speaks true. If we are to see the boar, this is prime hunting time for the creature," he said.
The elder's eyes narrowed. "This is not our first dance. The two of you are mischief makers. I deduce this is a desire to skirt your obligations again," he mused.
"It is only mischief if we do not retu
rn with the boar," said Kaysa adamantly. "And we have every intention of returning with one."
“The road to ruin is often paved with such intentions,” replied Talcoros.
“It is certainly a chance I am willing to take,” countered Kaysa.
“And I will be there to protect her,” offered Lokus with a nod.
Talcoros shook his head. “I think chores first would suit everyone better, whether you wish to see it or not,” countered the elder as he pointed back in the direction they had come. “There will be time for your mischief later. For now, return to your rooms and prepare for what must be done. You know your agendas.”
Kaysa lowered her head, sighing her vexation. “Very well,” she grumbled before motioning to Lokus to follow her. “I guess we have to face another route,” she added.
“It is my hope that one day you will thank me for watching over you so diligently,” offered Talcoros as the two orphans retreated. His gaze never left them until they cleared the corner and disappeared.
As Talcoros nodded in contentment, he was joined by Quenthell’s head of defenses. Having observed the elder’s exchange with the children, a glimmer of a smile rested upon her face. Talcoros acknowledged the elf as she came to stand near him. Sharp, haunting brown eyes, constantly evaluating the world looked upon the elder as she crossed her arms. Talcoros could feel the amusement exuding from the warrior despite the immaculateness of her ivory armor and her stern demeanor.
Without looking at her, Talcoros spoke to the warrior. “You disagree with my handling of the children, Vienda?” he asked.
Vienda shook her head, as the glimmer of a smile took further shape. “Not at all. I only challenge the confidence you garner from the encounter,” she replied.
At last, Talcoros looked upon Vienda as curiosity claimed the best of him. He glowered at the woman, equal parts admiration and impatience for her ability and the knowledge that she held from him. “And what has you so amused then?”
“The fact that you still believe that those two listened to you at all,” replied Vienda.
“They didn’t get past me this time,” said the Elder.
To this, Vienda nodded. “True. But it did not stop them from going around you,” she said.
Talcoros turned quickly then. Quite soon his aged eyes caught the rushing figures of Kaysa and Lokus as they continued their swift trek toward the Velladeen forest. The elder groaned, for the children had simply gone around the Elder’s Hall to avoid him. The sensation he felt then was not a welcome one, for while he was aged, Kaysa and Lokus made him feel older still.
Talcoros shook his head gruffly. “They continue their vexation of me and any semblance of order,’ he said.
“A feat made worse by Kaysa’s craftiness,” said Vienda as she watched the two children’s flight. “Shall I send a guard to watch them or bring them back?”
The elder shook his head. “No. Lokus will keep them near the town. Let them have their adventure. I will be waiting for them when it is over with their chores plus interest. And perhaps they will get that boar. I am in the mood for a proper stew.”
“By your leave then,” said Vienda as she departed the elder, chuckling.
Grunting his disapproval over the whole affair, Talcoros shook his head. Rubbing at his beard in contemplation, he watched until he could see Kaysa and Lokus no more. “Gods and fate watch over you both,” he breathed before he made his way inside the Elder’s Hall.
Now freed of the town, Kaysa and Lokus rushed happily into the northern forests of Velladeen. Exhilaration filled them both as they took turns giving the other chase. Both friends felt welcomed by the woods and certainly at home within its limitless confines. Kaysa relished such moments and would have lived in the forests if she were allowed.
The forest stretched out majestically before the two elves as they raced. Purple hues of lilac mingled with the subtle whites of hydrangea as both spattered the green forest bed like masterful and colorful strokes. Scant, warm light pierced through a thick veil of leaves. Ancient, thick oaks rose powerfully skyward, blanketing the forest with power and grace. Kaysa felt immediately at one with it all.
Satisfied with the distance traveled, the two friends stopped to reclaim their breath. Exchanging wicked grins, Kaysa and Lokus made sure they were alone before venturing carefully to their treehouse. reaching an ancient tree they had affectionately named Claude, the two friends ventured into their small, but well-crafted hideaway. Moving their camouflaged door aside, the roots under the tree named Claude revealed a space within.
Safely inside, Kaysa ignited the lantern in the center of the room, revealing a cozy space more than big enough for the two friends. A simple table and two chairs rested under the lantern, littered with trinkets and such. The lamp illuminated the small quarters, stocked with toys, books, and a shelf with water and food. Walls of strong, aged roots surrounded Kaysa and Lokus as they situated themselves. The two friends exchanged another grin as they sat down for rest and refreshment.
As they relaxed and filled their bellies, Lokus looked up long enough to query his friend. "How long do you think we have today?"
Kaysa shrugged and thought upon the question as she savored another bite of the fresh bread in her hands. "Not nearly long enough. Talcoros spotted us and is suspicious already. I fear what will happen if we return home without that boar," she offered.
Lokus nodded, hoping the action gave him a sage-like quality. "Regardless of the acquisition of the boar, I feel the blame for our present state of scrutiny can be rightly and fully attributed to you," he said.
"I see," said Kaysa before she tossed a bit of bread at him. "And what is your reasoning behind such a conclusion?"
Lokus shrugged casually as he continued to eat. "All I know is that trouble always abounds in your presence, so I would wager the conclusion is quite sound," he stated between bites.
"Or perhaps," started Kaysa as she gave the notion thought, "what you choose not to see is the blame rests solely upon your shoulders and you require a means to escape the guilt of your trespasses."
Lokus considered her words before abruptly shaking his head. "No, that cannot be the case," he replied confidently.
"Lokus, you are quite impossible and likely a bane to my existence," said Kaysa.
"Exactly the kind of friend that everyone needs in their life," countered Lokus.
Kaysa nodded. "I often long for your ability to see things with such an undaunting and self-centered filter."
"That is a gift of the gods and fate, one that cannot be taught or passed on to others I'm afraid," sighed Lokus as he resumed eating.
"Wood troll through and through," mused Kaysa, opting to waste no more bread as ammunition against Lokus.
The two ate in silence for a span before another thought hit Lokus. He set his eyes back on Kaysa as he mused to her. "What do you think it's like out there, Kaysa, beyond Quenthell?" he asked.
Kaysa popped the last of her bread in her mouth, chewing slowly as she regarded the question. Finally, she shook her head. "I don't know, Lokus, and I honestly couldn't say. Kel'Thara is a big world and we are but a small part of it. I often imagine it to be full of limitless possibilities and endless adventures. I surely would like to see it all one day, especially Tharador in all its glory."
Lokus nodded. "The great tree of all life," he breathed.
"Aye," said Kaysa nodding. "To stand before its glory, to touch it with my own two hands, I would thank it for the splendor it offers us each day. For without it we would have nothing of the gifts that we do. Such thoughts make me wish to be a druid one day."
Lokus put what was left of his meal away. "I say this as your friend, Kaysa. You would be a lousy druid," he declared without hesitance.
"How could I not embrace the path with such a vote of confidence," she spat sarcastically.
Lokus held up his hands. "Please do not take my words as an insult. I simply am referring to Talcoros and the other elders. They have dedicated their life to
the ways of the druid. They study the ways and are rigid in the pursuit of life. You on the other hand, well you are life, Kaysa. I feel you are meant for other things is all," he replied.
Kaysa offered a wry grin to his words. “That was almost a compliment that you administered, Lokus. Careful or you will reveal to others that you are kind,” she offered.
“Never,” said Lokus as he stood from his chair. “Shall we fulfill our proposed duty then and catch a boar?”
Kaysa sighed as she stood. “I suppose there is no putting it off now, lest the chores that wait for us double from Talcoros’s spite,” she replied.
“I agree. Failure to bring home our offering may even triple our problem,” said Lokus.
“Nothing less than you deserve I am certain,” replied Kaysa.
“Just you wait,” he countered.
“Just get moving, wood troll,” said Kaysa.
The two friends exited their hideaway, offering no more words. Lokus utilized the silence as he smelled the air and searched for fresh tracks. Keeping a brisk pace, Lokus procured an arrow to have at the ready. With his bow armed, the young elf searched for any signs of a Magour boar, the largest and strongest of all boars that roamed the forests surrounding Quenthell.
Keeping a few paces behind him, Kaysa admired Lokus for his agility and speed. Her friend was already skilled with the bow and had all the makings of a great hunter and marksman. She hoped for his sake that Lokus could keep his ego in check, for it would surely be his undoing. Kaysa knew that confidence was important, but Lokus’s weakness was his lack of restraint.
Pausing from his search, Lokus knelt, running his hand across some tracks. “These are fresh, Kaysa,” he whispered as he searched about. “We are getting close.”
The Last of Kel'Thara Page 1
