Stonecutter's Shadow: A young mage's fight through a fantasy kingdom full of treachery

by James Haddock

  I quit laughing looking toward road at the quarry's entrance. They stopped laughing as well, “riders coming,” I said. “At least two companies of them.”

  They turned looking toward the entrance, as the riders came into view. They were mercenaries, made up of mounted archers, and mounted light infantry.

  Father joined us as we watched them approach. I could tell by the way they were riding with bows strung, nothing good was going to come out of this meeting.

  “Trouble,” I said, Bryant nodded. The companies fanned out and reined up before us. Father stepped forward and we fanned out behind him. I stepped even further out to the left, giving myself room to work if things turned ugly. All our workman moved away from us.

  “Is this the place where the dragon was killed?” The captain of the mercs asked.

  “It is,” father answered.

  “Then, in the name of the king I seize this quarry,” the captain announced.

  My new dragon sense told me he was lying as soon as he spoke.

  Father was no fool, “where is your official writ?” He asked. “Where is the royal army, and the king's representative?”

  The captain ignored the questions and continued. “The king thinks you are hiding the dragon's treasure hoard, and we are here to seize it.”

  “Well, when the king or the king’s representative with a writ arrives, you can take a look around,” Father said.

  The captain was tired of playing games, “dismount!” he commanded. Both companies sent their horses to their rear, then formed ranks for an attack. The infantry drew swords, and the archers notched arrows.

  My father and brothers raised a four-foot-tall rock wall between us and the mercenaries, then formed stone shields, and swords for themselves. “You are apparently new to the kingdom or you would not be here. You see that family crest on the cliff above. We are stone cutters, that stone shield and sword was given to us by the king. We Stonecutters have been in the front line of every battle the kingdom has ever fought, and no one has ever breached our wall. Leave while you still can,” father shouted to the mercenaries.

  “I never knew that,” I thought.

  “Attack!” the captain shouted.

  Time slowed for me. my mind flashed back to the night the soldiers killed my family. Then to the Bodes cavalry charge that killed my friends in the merc company. I knew those events were an illusion, but the pain and loss I felt was real to me.

  I released the dragon, whose rage was boiling in the dragon’s heart beating in my chest. I screamed my dragon challenge as scales emerged covering my naked upper body, then extending to cover the rest of me.

  The companies hesitated, but only a moment. They charged the rock wall enmass. I cast illusions of two dragons and sent them running around the flanks of their formations, roaring their challenge. They could not actually fight but they cause confusion.

  A memory came to me, I reached back into my Shadow and got the bow and arrow bracer from the dragon's hoard. I put the bracelet on, and the bow appeared in my hand. I began firing arrows, killing as quickly as I could.

  Mercenaries were beginning to get over the wall and attacking my family. I took their Shadow Form and their Shadows began to attack them.

  With their attack stalled father began to encircle the companies with the wall. Seeing what he meant to do I added my magic to his and added height to the wall as he closed the circle.

  I stopped adding height to the wall when it reached 20 feet. I scanned the area; all the attackers were dead or dying.

  “What was that?” Jacob asked. They were all looking at me in my dragon form. I waved my hand, and my dragon went back into hiding.

  “An illusion,” I said smiling.

  “An illusion?” Bryant asked. I shrugged, nodding.

  “Well, whatever it was, I'm thankful for it,” father said. they all nodded. I’m not sure they all believed me, but they let it drop. “Rupert,” father called.

  “Yes, father?”

  “Go get the king's magistrate, tell him we were attacked by mercenaries and have a hundred prisoners.”

  “Yes, father.”

  The Shadow told me there were still some wounded alive but I had their Shadows dispatch them. I did want any witnesses other than family that had seen me fighting in dragon form. The rumors were going to be bad enough as it was.

  Chapter 35

  It had been a month since the mercenaries had attacked the quarry and the stories were worse than I had expected. Word of my 'exploits' had spread like wildfire.

  I was now known to some as Mason Stonecutter, the Dragon Mage. Which was why, I assumed, I was waiting in the grand hall to go before the king. Father was with me, but the invitation had come for me alone.

  “Mason Stonecutter,” the major-domo called out. My father nodded, and I shrugged and stepped forward. Having been around kings in my visions, I thought this a waste of time. I followed the major-domo through the massive double doors into the throne room.

  On the royal dais sat King Jon and his half-brother Lermont. There was a man standing just inside the door, and I could see he was a mage, a powerful one, probably the Royal Mage.

  “Come on boy, we don't have all day,” the mage said. I was getting tired of this 'boy' business.

  When I reached him, he turned to escort me to the King. I took his Shadow Form, and as he turned his Shadow feet tripped him. I caught him before he fell, “are you all right grandfather? Do you need your cane?”

  He snatched his arm away from me and we continued. I smiled behind his back.

  “Sire, may I present...” The mage turned back to me, “what was your name again, boy?” he said smiling evilly.

  I frowned. “Is your memory failing you as well, grandfather?”

  His smile faded, “it is not. And you should learn to respect your betters,” he said.

  I smiled, “funny thing about fighting and killing a dragon bare handed … ordinary mages just aren't that impressive anymore,” his face turned bright red.

  The king burst out laughing, “enough, Harper, come forward young man,” the king said.

  I bowed to the king and stepped forward.

  “So, you are Mason Stonecutter, the Dragon Mage.” That was more of a statement than a question, so I remained silent. “Or Should it be Mason Stonecutter the dragon killer.”

  Sensing he wanted answer I shrugged, “I think the war stories have made me out to be more than I am. It was more a case of Mason Stonecutter, ‘survivor of the dragon fight’. And were it not for the healing mage I would not have survived, your highness,” I answered.

  “Why let the truth get in the way of a good story?” Lermont said.

  “Just so,” the king said. I shrugged and nodded. “Tell us what you remember of the dragon.”

  This was what I had been dreading. Should I tell him of my experience, or stick to 'I don't remember?

  “It was like living in multiple dreams, Sire. Living one life after another. I remember fighting in battles, travelled to different countries, fighting mages and assassins.

  “I lost family and friends, was betrayed numerous times. I almost died once, and did die another time, only to be reborn. I think the dragon took pleasure in watching my emotional and physical pain.

  “Perhaps the strangest thing was that in the illusion I lived for five years. But in real time only a day had passed.”

  “How did you break free of the illusion?” the Royal Mage asked.

  “When I first went into the cave, I smelt reptiles, snakes. I think when my brothers came in the cave looking for me it distracted the dragon from his illusions enough that I smelled his reptile smell again.

  “That made me suspicious, and I attacked the man in my illusion. I was losing the fight and knew I was about to die, but I decided if I was going to lose my life, I would take him with me. We killed each other … well, almost.”

  “So, no treasure hoard,” the king asked smiling. I felt the Royal Mage trying to cast a truth d
ivination spell on me. The dragon in me smiled at the insultingly weak magic.

  “Sadly no, since I would have liked to have had it, so I could quit the quarry,” I said smiling.

  The king kept his smile in place cutting his eyes to the mage. The mage shook his head. “And the fight at the quarry?”

  “Oh, that was my father and brothers, I just helped raise the wall. I never dreamed my father fought in any battles,” I said, enthusiastically.

  “He did,” the king said, nodding. “Several times in my early days as king. A steady hand to be counted on. We are glad to see you have recovered from your ordeal.”

  I took that as my dismissal, and I bowed. “Thank you, your highness,” I said. The Royal Mage escorted me from the throne room saying nothing.

  I rejoined father in the hall, he said nothing as we left the palace. Once out in the streets on the way home he spoke. “He questioned you about the supposed dragon's treasure hoard, didn't he?”

  I nodded, “Not directly, but he did ask if there was one while his mage cast a truth divination spell on me,” I answered. “I told him as far as I knew there wasn't one. That satisfied them.”

  Father nodded, “good, that should be the end of it then. Of course, they’ll keep an eye on you just in case.”

  I nodded, “I'm sure they will,” I thought. Father, where did our family come from?”

  “Rockspire. The family had, and probably still has, a huge quarry there. Why do you ask?

  I think I’d like to visit there some day,” I answered.

  “It’s a beautiful city,” father answered.

  Epilogue

  The old dragon watched as Mason and his father walked along. He pulled his ‘dream’ human closer in his head, enjoying the dreams. This was the best dream meal he had had in years.

  He'd keep this human alive as long as he could, he thought. His dreams had a wonderful flavor to them...

  The dream human opened one ice blue eye. Looking around the huge cavern. Seeing the old dragon’s treasure hoard, the Master Thief smiled. “Keep dreaming old one, This will all soon be mine…”

  From the Author

  Thanks for reading!

  I hope you enjoyed the story, if you did, please leave a review, it will help my exposure and sales. I try to read all the reviews, good and bad, it helps me to improve my writing. You can follow me on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and other sites. My home page is Jameshaddock.us stop by for a visit. Thanks again.

  All the best,

  James

  Other books by James Haddock

  The Derelict Duty

  Nic Haydock, “Nac” to his friends, because, as they said, saying he had a knack for fixing and improving mechanical devices was the understatement of all time. After spending 10 years on Titan where he went through rehab and attended college, he was now returning home to Conclave Station. A freak meteor storm had virtually destroyed the rock-tug his family called home, killing his parents and taking his arm and leg. Reuniting with his lifelong friends — Mal, a computer genius, and Jazz, a natural born pilot, he started a mining and shipping business. However, while repairing their rock-tug, they stumbled upon a way to control artificial gravity, creating a gravitational force field. The massive and powerful Corporation found out about the new tech, and realized it will change the balance of power, something its managers can’t allow to happen. Everyone wants this new tech and are willing to do anything to get it. When his friends are almost killed, Nic begins to take it personally and starts using their tactics against them. It soon becomes a no-holds-barred shooting war that spans the Solar System.

  Duty Calls

  Duty Calls continues the story of Nic, Mal, Jazz and Jade as they fight to hold what belongs to them. The Corporations are becoming more aggressive in their effort to steal their inventions. Our four friends are matching the corporate's aggression blow for blow. The fight has already turned deadly, and the Corporation has shown they aren't afraid to spill blood. Nic has shown restraint, but the gloves are about to come off. They've gone after his family and that's the one thing he will not tolerate.

  From Mist and Steam

  Searching the battlefield after a major battle Sgt. Eli finds a dead Union Army messenger. In the messenger's bag is a message saying the South had surrendered, the war was over. Along with the Union Messenger was a dead Union Captain carrying his discharge papers, and eight thousand dollars.

  Sgt. Eli decides now is a good time to seek other opportunities, away from the stink of war. While buying supplies from his friend the quartermaster, he is advised to go to St. Louis. Those opportunities may lie there and a crowd to get lost in. Sgt. Eli, becomes Capt. Myers, a discharged Union Cavalry Officer, and strikes out for St. Louis.

  The war has caused hard times and there are those who will kill you for the shirt you are wearing. Capt. Myers plans on keeping his shirt, and four years of hard fighting has given him the tools to do so. Realizing he must look the part of a well-to-do gentleman, he buys gentleman clothes, and acts the part. People ask fewer questions of a gentleman.

  What he isn't prepared for is meeting an intelligent Lady, Miss Abigale Campbell. Her Father has died, leaving the family owned shipping business, with next generation steam-powered riverboats. They have dreams of building steam-powered airships, but because she is a woman, there are those who stand against them. Capt. Myers' fighting is not over, it seems business is war. They decide to become partners, and with his warfighting experience, and her brains the world is not as intimidating as it once seemed.

  Hand Made Mage

  Ghost, a young Criminal Guild thief, is ordered to rob the ancient crypt of a long dead Duke. He is caught grave robbing by an undead insane Mage with a twisted sense of humor. The Mage burns a set of rune engraved rings into Ghost's hand, and fingers. Unknown to Ghost, these rings allow him to manipulate the four elements — earth, wind, fire, and water.

  When he returns to the Guild to report his failure, everyone thinks he has riches from the crypt, and they want them. While being held captive, Ghost meets Prince Kade, the fourth son of the King, who has troubles of his own. Ghost uses his newfound powers to escape from the Guild, saving the Prince in the process.

  Spies from a foreign kingdom are trying to kill Prince Kade, and Ghost must keep them both alive, while helping the prince raise an army to stop an invasion. Ghost finds out trust too soon given is unwise and dangerous. He is learning people will do anything for gold and power. As Ghost's power grows, his enemies learn he is a far more deadly enemy than any they have ever faced.

  Mage Throne Prophecy

  A routine physical shows Captain Ross Mitchell has a flesh-eating virus that specifically targets the brain. Prognosis says he'll be a vegetable by week's end. Having survived numerous incursions in combat around the world, Ross decides he's not going out like that. He drives a rented corvette into a cliff face at over 200 MPH. The fiery impact catapults him toward the afterlife.

  Instead of finding the afterlife, he finds himself in a different body with an old man stabbing him in his chest. He fights free, killing the old man before passing out. He wakes to find he's now in the body of Prince Aaron, the 15-year-old second son of the King. In this medieval world, the Royals are Mages. The old man who was trying to kill him was a Mage "Vampire". Instead of blood, the old Mage was trying to steal Ross/Aaron's power, knowledge, and in this case, his body. When Ross/Aaron killed the old Mage, his vampire power was transferred to him.

  He now has the memories, knowledge, and powers of the old Mage. Ross/Aaron must navigate this new environment of court intrigue with care. His older brother, the Crown Prince, hates him. His older sister has no use for him. The King sees him as an asset to be used, agreeing to marry him to a neighboring Kingdom for an alliance. Before the marriage takes place, the castle is attacked.

  Someone is trying to kill him but is finding it most difficult. Where Mages fight with Magic, Ross/Aaron fights with magic and steel. It's hard to cast a spell with a
knife through your skull or your throat cut. As Ross/Aaron travels with his fiancée toward her home for the marriage to take place, they are attacked at every turn. Someone doesn't want this wedding to happen. Ross/Aaron has had enough of people trying to kill him. With Aaron's knowledge, and Ross' training, they take the offensive. The Kingdom will never be the same.

  Wizard’s Alley

  Scraps, a gutter child, is sitting in his hiding place in a back alley, waiting for the cold thunderstorm to pass. Suddenly, lightning strikes in front of him, and then a second time. The two lightning bolts become men—two wizards—one from the Red Order, the other from the Blue.

  The Red Wizard, chanting his curses, throws lightning bolts and fireballs. The Blue Wizard, singing his spells, throws lightning bolts and ice shards. So intense is their fighting, they become lightning rods. It seemed as if God Himself cast His lightning bolt, striking the ground between them and consuming both wizards in its white blaze. Scraps watched as the lightning bolt gouged its way across the alley, striking him.

  Rain on his face awakens Scraps. The only thing left of the fighting wizards is a smoking crater and their scattered artifacts. He feels compelled to gather their possessions and hide them and himself. The dispersed items glowed red or blue, and he notices that he now has a magenta aura. Magenta, a combination of both red and blue, but more powerful than either.

  Scraps then does what he has done all his life to survive. He hides. And unknowingly, he has become the catalyst for change in the Kingdom.

  Cast Down World

  In the summer of 2257, the asteroid Wormwood was closing in to strike Earth a glancing blow. Even a glancing blow would be catastrophic. Earth's governments and militaries united to try to shift Wormwood's path. Earth launched every nuclear missile she had and succeeded in changing its path, just enough to miss her surface. In doing so, shards from the asteroid, caused by the nuclear blasts, struck the earth. In those shards were spores that caused a change in all forms of life. Wormwood also changed Earth's magnetic field, affecting weather patterns and causing earthquakes and tidal waves.