Legends of the Lurker Box Set

by Richard H. Stephens

Men and women fell screaming to the ground on both sides of the wall.

  “That’s our chance!” Reecah shouted over the chaos. “Junior! Tamra! Ride Swoop and Silence. Aramyss and Anvil, meet Scarletclaws. She’ll fly you out of here.”

  She wasn’t sure who was more shocked—the dwarfs or the red dragon.

  “Leave me here, rat. I’ll take me chances with the prince afore I get anywhere near that thing!” Anvil stepped away from Scarletclaws.

  “Suits me fine,” Scarletclaws replied, though Reecah didn’t think either dwarf could hear her.

  The ground shook. The metal door bulged. How it hadn’t collapsed was a wonder. It wouldn’t withstand another blast.

  “Come on, Anvis. Ye ain’t wanting yer wee brother to upstage ya now. Watch this.” Aramyss slapped his axe into its holders across his back and timidly approached Scarletclaws.

  The red dragon growled, spewing puffs of smoke as she sidestepped away from the three-and-a-half-foot dwarf.

  “Scarlet!” Lurker admonished.

  Scarletclaws stopped moving and dropped her chest to the ground. “If I must, but I’m not responsible when they fall off.”

  A thunderous detonation rocked the courtyard. Hinges and chunks of rock exploded inward—the mangled iron door that Reecah estimated weighed as much as Silence, cartwheeled across the dirt-packed compound, coming to a rest close to where Scarletclaws had shuffled to.

  “Come on, Anvil! Don’t you turn your back on me!” Reecah screamed, her eyes riveted on the settling dust cloud that marked where the entrance door had stood. “Lurker, away!”

  The brilliance of a conjured ice-ball shone through the haze long before the black form of Prince J’kwaad materialized within the cloud.

  Reecah urged Lurker to slow his ascent, wanting to ensure the others got away. Swoop winged past them with Junior hanging on tight, followed closely by Silence and Tamra, but Scarletclaws remained on the ground.

  Anvil appeared to be gripped by indecision.

  “Get up here, ya bonehead!” Aramyss shouted. He held out a hand.

  Anvil looked like he would refuse, but he clasped his brother’s hand and climbed in behind—the difference in their size laughably apparent.

  Reecah held her breath. This would be Scarletclaws’ maiden flight with riders.

  Scarletclaws flapped once and then twice, but her body didn’t rise off the ground.

  “Even straddling a dragon, you aren’t big enough to defeat me, Anvis. Magic beats brawn every time.” A growing sphere of sparkling ice-blue pulsed in J’kwaad’s hands. “It’s time to rid the king’s household of your inferior race.”

  The prince thrust his hand away from his body, releasing the crippling ice-ball. It soared in a straight line, beneath Scarletclaws extended hind legs, and detonated against the exterior wall, freezing a section of the wall. Scarletclaws had leapt into the air, furiously beating her enormous wings.

  Dust rose up beneath her but she struggled to gain altitude.

  “Come on Scarletclaws! You can do it!” Reecah’s gaze darted between the dragon and the prince—her heart sinking as another ice-ball formed between J’kwaad’s hands.

  She wished she had her bow. She could see it slung over Anvil’s back. “Lurker. We have to do something. Take me to them.”

  Lurker’s sad voice infuriated her. “I can’t. You’re the last Windwalker.”

  She pounded his neck with a fist. “What good is being a Windwalker if I can’t save anyone?”

  Scarletclaws started to gain altitude, but it wasn’t quick enough. She hovered in the air, struggling fly any higher. There was no way J’kwaad would miss a second time.

  “I shall enjoy watching you fall from the sky, Anvis.” J’kwaad thrust his hands to the sky.

  “Oi!” Anvil pushed off Aramyss’ shoulders and stood shaking upon Scarletclaw’s unsteady neck. Reecah’s bow in hand and an arrow notched, Anvis Chizel drew back on the string and let himself fall.

  The giant dwarf weapon master released his arrow a moment before his body bore the brunt of the ice-ball and shattered into grizzly pieces.

  Reecah looked away, closing her eyes tight, not believing what she had just witnessed. The whoosh of Scarletclaws rising past her, and Aramyss’ anguished cry, confirmed her worst fear. Anvil, the Bone Breaker, had given his life to save his brother and the dragon who had terrified him.

  Lurker’s wings beat faster, his flight following the others over the northern stretches of the King’s Wood.

  Reecah’s last, tear-filled sight of the killing ground was of the dark heir lying on the ground with an arrow protruding from the top of his shoulder—his long, black hair splayed around his head.

  Wooden Treasure

  Sitting around a crackling fire Scarletclaws had lit on the north shore of the Lake of the Lost should have been a happy occasion. Anvil’s sudden death and Aramyss’ unbridled grief left the others in a state of shock.

  The weapon master’s passing had affected Reecah more profoundly than she would have thought. She took comfort in the fact that the man had died the way he had lived. Confronting his fears head-on regardless of the consequences. He had overcome his dread of flying a dragon and sacrificed his life to save his brother.

  Reecah held Aramyss in her arms deep into the night, rocking him back and forth and cooing to him. There was nothing to say that would ease his pain, but holding him helped him through the worst of his grief.

  The others solemnly went about their business, leaving them alone.

  As she comforted him, she absently thought about the loss of her bow and the odd feeling of emptiness its absence instilled in her. Of course, she would have gladly traded the bow for Anvil’s life, but they were both lost to her.

  When she finally left Aramyss’ side, his gentle snores carried across the campsite. Stretching her back, she wiped at the smeared mess her face had become with the edge of her cloak.

  The dragons lay around the clearing with their eyes closed. Tamra had gone off earlier, stating she would keep watch for the night.

  Still awake, Junior rose from the far side of the fire and smiled for her benefit.

  Seeing the man filled her with emotions she wasn’t sure she was prepared to acknowledge.

  Junior approached her. “A long night.”

  Reecah fought her tears, but was unsuccessful.

  Gently wrapping his arms around her, Junior led her to the log he had been sitting on; patiently allowing her to vent her own sorrow.

  She thought she had cried herself out with Aramyss, but apparently, she had her own demons to exorcise.

  Releasing her as her breathing settled, Junior wiped her cheeks with the edge of his dirty cloak, further streaking her skin. “Oops. Now look what I’ve done. I guess that wasn’t a great idea.”

  She spit out a moisture-laden laugh.

  Junior’s cheeks lifted. “What do you plan on doing now? Is it true you’re going to seek out the dragon queen?”

  Reecah hung her head and shrugged. “I don’t know. Every time I set out to do something, I bring sadness to those around me.”

  “Wasn’t that what Devius said you were to do?”

  She raised her weary eyes to meet his. “I guess.”

  “But?”

  “There’s something I need to do first. Something I promised someone special, a long time ago.”

  Junior respected her silence when she didn’t elaborate.

  He jumped when she suddenly grabbed his nearest hand in hers. “Do you believe in fate?”

  He frowned, scrunching up his face in thought. “Ya. I guess. I’d like to believe there’s more to life than just bumping around until we die.”

  Reecah nodded, considering whether or not to tell him what was on her mind. Swallowing her inhibition, she raised his hand and softly kissed it. “Me too.” Was all she said.

  Embarrassed, she released his hand and looked away.

  She heard him rustling around, digging through a pouch he carried beneat
h his cloak.

  He pulled something out, but kept it hidden. “I have something for you.”

  It was Reecah’s turn to look bewildered. She gazed into his tired, green eyes, lifting her eyebrows for him to continue.

  He handed her a small, sloppily wrapped, cloth bundle. “It’s not perfect. Woodworking isn’t exactly my strength. I hope you like it.”

  She tilted her head and accepted the package. Unrolling it in her lap, her breath caught in her throat. She thought her heart would burst.

  Tears blinded her, falling from her cheeks onto the wooden dragon Poppa had made for her mother. The one Jonas’ men had shattered to pieces. Junior had found a way to put it back together.

  Unable to speak, she clutched the crudely pieced together dragon to her chest and wept into his shoulder.

  The End

  …is near.

  I hope you enjoyed Reecah’s Gift.

  Your opinion is important and means a lot to me.

  Please consider leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Reviews are vital to an author’s livelihood.

  If you prefer, you can send me your thoughts at: richardhstephens1@gmail.com

  Reecah’s Legacy

  Legends of the Lurker

  Book 3

  Reecah’s Legacy by Richard H. Stephens

  https://www.richardhstephens.com/

  © 2019 Richard H. Stephens

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact: fantasyauthor@richardhstephens.com

  Cover Art & most interior art by: kjmagicaldesigns.com

  Image in chapter: Her Grandparent’s Love, by: Ian Bristow

  Reecah’s Legacy ASIN: B07ZWJ3TQM

  Acknowledgements

  Reecah’s Legacy, the final installment in the Legends of the Lurker is published with mixed feelings. Though it is great to finish another trilogy, I’m going to miss the unique characters I have come to know.

  Looking forward, I am excited about the next adventure in the Soul Forge Universe. New storyline, new adventures, new literary friends to laugh and cry with.

  Though writing can oft times be a lonely experience, I am happy to say I was never quite alone. I will be forever grateful to the people behind the scenes, without whose involvement, completing the series would not have been possible.

  My small group of beta readers never cease to amaze me. Their selfless dedication to my stories is invaluable. A heartfelt thank you to: Joshua Stephens, Matthew Lane, Paul Stephens, and of course, Caroline Davidson, who is always in the trenches alongside me.

  Thank you to my editor, Michelle Dunbar. My writing has come a long way because of your instruction. Find Michelle here: http://michelledunbar.co.uk/

  Thank you to my cover and interior picture designer, Katie Jenkins. kjmagicaldesigns.com

  Image of Reecah Windwalker in the chapter entitled ‘Her Grandparent’s Love’ was done by: Ian Bristow

  Credits:

  During the writing of this series, I wanted to give my readers a chance to take part in the creation of the story as a way of thanking them for sticking with me as I grow as an author.

  Anyone familiar with me knows of my ‘Name a Dragon’ contest. For Reecah’s Gift, I also ran a, ‘Name the Female Warrior’ contest. Thank you to all who have submitted names. Your creativity and insight have made the series magical.

  A special thank you to the following people:

  Sandy Fosdick for naming Silence.

  Georgiana L. Gheorghe for naming Scarletclaws and Cahira.

  Angela Carter for naming high king J’kaar.

  Randy Thompson for naming Tamra Stoneheart.

  Lambert Cook for naming princess J’kyra.

  Johnnie Wheatley for naming the princess J’kaeda.

  Lori Lane Fox and Judith Dayton for co-naming the captain of Serpent’s Slip: Dreyger K’tric.

  Shelley Wildgrube for naming Aramyss.

  Gerri Giesin for naming Lasair. (Gaelic for flame.)

  Claire Bizza Birrel for naming Brynhild.

  Brooklyn St. Onge-Hie for naming Butterfly Soul.

  Tiffani, the Mother of Dragons for naming Queen Askara.

  Karli Burk for naming Lightburn.

  Amy Tannock for naming Crystalclaw.

  Lara Tannock for naming Thunderbolt.

  I am always searching for dragon names. You can connect with me on my Facebook Author Page: RichardHughStephens

  The main dragon in the Legends of the Lurker series was named after one of our cats who had the propensity to find the highest spot in the room and stare down at me. As a result, I had called her Lurker long before the idea of Reecah’s Flight ever crossed my mind.

  When it came time for Reecah to name the baby dragon who had the propensity to stare down at her, there was no question what that name would be.

  Reecah’s Legacy is dedicated to Pusser, (a.k.a. A.A.), and all of the pets that have brought happiness, comfort, and love into our lives.

  Table of Contents

  Promise to a Dead Witch

  Transfiguration

  Persecution of Magic

  Time of Need

  Castle Svelte

  Dragon Duke

  Arcanium

  Lurker’s Lament

  Baiting a Witch

  The Second Time the World Stood Still

  Dragon Scourge

  Painful Admissions

  Witch’s Conundrum

  Where Eagles Dare

  Time to Save the Magic

  Wizard’s Wrath

  Feline Chatter

  The Power to Seize a Kingdom

  Creatures to Die By

  Commander

  Dragon’s Tooth

  Coming Together of the Races

  March of Sufferance

  Hell’s Furnace

  Snaring a Traitor

  A Thousand Legs

  Slaughter

  Draakhorn

  Valiant Wyrms

  Flight of the Queen

  Her Grandparent’s Love

  How Great the Fall Can Be

  The Great Summoning

  Not Alone

  To view the full colour maps in the Soul Forge realm, please visit: www.richardhstephens.com

  Promise to a Dead Witch

  Breathtaking. There was no other word to explain the wonder gripping Reecah Windwalker as she gazed through a gap in the clouds at the edge of a great lake. Nestled amongst a circular chain of mountains, the lake funneled between two of the taller peaks to plummet thousands of feet to the mainland below—a great bank of mist shrouding its bottom.

  The silent serenity of the moment warmed her heart despite the frigid winds blowing from windswept snow ridges above. Escaping the chaotic scene at Headwater Castle, she relished the brief luxury of peace, surrounded by her eclectic group of friends.

  Junior Waverunner’s hand at her waist filled a spot in her soul she had no idea existed. His chiseled profile caught the setting sun, illuminating scant facial hair in golden relief as his blonde locks whipped around in unison with the bitter gusts swirling the snow beneath their feet.

  A stone-faced elf, clad in thick fur and boiled leather, and a melancholy dwarf beneath an open-faced, flat-topped helm, followed her gaze to the grandeur of Splendoor Falls. Reecah couldn’t imagine a more calming place in the world.

  If not for the pressing need of dragonkind, she envisioned living out her life in a place like this. Raising a family and enjoying the simple pleasures that comprise life’s greatest treasures. Thinking about what was to happen if she wished to have a child, she hoped the others attributed her red cheeks to the cold.

  Devius Misenthorpe, the high king’s wizard, had planted in her mind the need to produce an heir if the dragons were to survive the rapidly changing world. A world where mankind’s whims manifested an unbalance in nature to suit their desires.

  Bearing a child meant coupli
ng with another person—allowing someone else access to her most intimate self, both physically and mentally. Reecah wasn’t sure she was able to give that to another human being. She shivered.

  The thought of Devius instilled in her a need to know whether he had survived his injury and escaped the high king’s wrath. She made a promise to herself that she would someday investigate what had happened to her mentor.

  Reaching up, she patted the scaly cheek of the one creature she did feel comfortable enough with to share her inner self.

  Lurker, the green dragonling, nuzzled her palm. She couldn’t believe how much he had grown since she first met him several months ago. Nor could she get over how much her life had changed as a result.

  A shriek echoed off the peaks of the Muse. Far over the lake, Scarletclaws and Silence winged across the rolling waves in search of food.

  A distant speck materialized out of the clouds, dropping like a stone in front of them to skim the treetops that clung to the steep mountainside. Swoop, the brown dragon, turned her wings at the last moment and brushed the lake’s surface—creating a plume of moisture in her wake.

  Reecah’s cheeks lifted in a broad smile as Junior regarded her with concern in his vibrant green eyes.

  “It’s only a matter of time before that crazy dragon does that with me on her back.”

  Reecah laughed. “You’d best be hanging on tight.”

  “That’s what scares me. With my luck, I’ll choke her unconscious and she won’t be able to make the adjustment in time.”

  “Aren’t you a good swimmer?”

  The appalled look on Junior’s face made her laugh louder. She put her arm around his waist and pulled him in close, snuggling into his shoulder—his chainmail cold against her skin. “I’m sure she wouldn’t do that with you on her back.”

  Junior returned her squeeze but didn’t comment further; his gaze following the flight of his dragon.