by Sever Bronny
Augum also had a bronze plaque commissioned commemorating the sacrifice of those who had given their lives in what was now referred to as the Legion War. Its main epitaph read, The brave sacrifice of the few for the many.
Inevitably, the students and their parents returned to their homes in an effort to rebuild their lives, and with them they took the tale of what had transpired at Castle Arinthian, a tale that would grow in legend as time marched on.
Though some chose to stay with Augum, Bridget and Leera in the castle. Of those, most notable was their mentor, Jez, who poked and prodded and made fun and was a joy to be around, for she drove the trio on in their studies. Almost the entire village of Milham stayed too, taking up residence in the bailey and beyond, forming a small new village, the castle as its protector.
But Brandon left, though not without sharing a tender goodbye kiss with Bridget, along with the promise that he would see her soon. She drew in her robes against the winds, watching the spot he had teleported from for a time after he had gone.
And in the coming days, as summer faded to the windy cold rains of autumn, the Kingdom of Solia, devoid of many of its inhabitants, continued its painful recovery. The ashes of the dead were buried, farms reestablished, Dreadnought armor and weaponry confiscated for the kingdom’s coffers. The Black Guard were hunted by survivors, though the remorseful few who had been forced to serve under threat of family persecution were allowed to return to their homes, or what remained of them. As for the students, those who had passed the Torment Trial had turned to ash, while those that merely donned the necrophyte robe needed only to remove it. All Solians worried what the future held for them.
Lord Bowlander disappeared. Speculation mounted he had fled south, to Canterra. Dark tidings filtered north from that old kingdom of knights and clerics. The inhabitants of that kingdom were angry about being raided and pillaged, as was Tiberra. There were whispers of war and retribution.
But for the trio, who had undergone a most harrowing ordeal, those concerns were for another day. While they recovered, Augum, Bridget and Leera looked forward to the possibility of attending the Academy of Arcane Arts upon its restoration. They did their best in ignoring demands to become the kingdom’s rulers, and found it embarrassing to constantly turn down the rich and powerful merchants and their envoys that arrived from Blackhaven. Politics was the last thing they wanted to get involved in.
What they had not foreseen, was the parades, as well as the headlines in the newly-restored Blackhaven and Antioc Heralds proclaiming them kingdom-wide heroes and saviors. Nor did they foresee the many streams of visitors to the now legendary castle, bearing gifts, prayers and thanks, all wanting to see its soon-to-be castellan, Prince Augum, though Princess Leera and Princess Bridget were equally as admired and sought after. The trio’s exploits were fashioned into song and told over and over by the fire to wide, disbelieving eyes that followed every fierce sword thrust and mighty spell.
As per Mrs. Stone’s wishes, the trio quietly returned the Orb of Orion and its accompanying control pearl to the Academy of Arcane Arts, where it belonged.
* * *
One chilly autumn day, as the trio sat before a cozy fire wrapped in blankets each reading a book, with Leera curled in Augum’s lap like a cat, and rain pelting the stained glass windows, a package arrived. Inside they found three elaborately etched and gilded golden breastplates made from the finest Dreadnought steel. Over the heart was a crest depicting a ferocious dragon standing before a clump of trees. Above and below the crest was the inscription Defendi au o dominia.
“There’s a note,” Bridget said, opening a small piece of parchment. “ ‘These are for protection in your future adventures. The quote means Defender of the Kingdom. With eternal gratitude, yours through time, Esha. P.S. Those who live in the present, live eternal.’ ”
“I was hoping we’d get treasure from them,” Leera muttered, trying her breastplate on. “Buckle me up.”
Augum helped tighten the straps on her back then gave her a soft squeeze.
She made a weak show of fighting him off, squealing, “Hey, fierce warrior princess mode right now …” Then she drummed the armor. “You just know it’s got some awesome power.”
“We’d have to consult an arcaneologist,” Bridget said, taking a sip of steaming tea while flipping the note over. “Hmm, wonder why they didn’t just tell us what they do.”
“Nothing comes easily, does it?” Augum said, stirring the fire.
Leera sighed, flicking a finger at a crumpled Blackhaven Herald. “They all want revenge. Even Ordinaries want to hang warlocks now—”
“—some Ordinaries, Lee.”
“Whatever, not like there’s many of us left. And our poor beaten down kingdom’s defenseless.” She stood, summoning her water short sword and making a few practice stabs. “Where’s Fentwick? I’m in the mood to spar.”
Augum tossed the blanket aside and finished the last of his tea. “And I should brush Toby before it gets too dark.” Thinking of the Dreadnoughts had put him in a reflective mood, and he wouldn’t mind being alone a little bit.
“Join me after.”
“Definitely.”
“Kissies,” Leera cooed, and pecked him on the lips while giving his hand a squeeze. “Love you, see you in a bit.”
“Love you, see you in a bit,” he echoed as she disappeared.
He stopped at the door. “Oh, and Bridge, do we have any oil about?”
Bridget’s brow rose. “Why?”
“I want to make Fentwick’s life a little easier.”
“His … or yours?”
“All of ours. Little rogue squeaks like an ancient door hinge. You can’t stand that noise either.”
She smiled. “I’ll ask Charles.”
“Thanks.” Augum flopped her a lazy goodbye wave and made his way downstairs through the quietly bustling castle, past the rows of paintings of those who had sacrificed their lives in the Legion war, and on outside, feet slapping into puddles.
It was a cold and dreary day, the rain coming down hard. He strolled through the bailey, past the various newly erected or repaired buildings, with their cozy orange window glows, and ventured into the stables, where there stood a dozen horses, three of which were the trio’s, gifted to them at one of the many grand ceremonies they partook in over the last few tendays.
“Hey, Toby,” Augum whispered to the young stallion, named after Sir Tobias Westwood. He gently patted its chestnut nuzzle. “Time for a brush, boy.” He grabbed a brush and began the slow labor, smiling while recalling all his grand adventures, wondering what life would present him next.
So What’s Next for Augum, Bridget and Leera?
I hope you enjoyed the trio’s adventures as much as I enjoyed writing them. I began The Arinthian Line to share a story that had been building since childhood, never imagining the response it would elicit from readers, let alone that it would turn into a full time career. From the depths of my soul, I thank you for your support, your amazing messages and emails, and for making a dream come true.
Now that the series sits complete in front of me, I cannot help but feel a bittersweet heaviness, for a grand adventure comes to a close. But the question many of you have been asking me, of whether or not I will continue to write about Augum, Bridget and Leera, I can now finally answer with a resounding and excited … YES!
The next series will be a trilogy, with our protagonists beginning a new chapter in their lives as legendary heroes. New friends will come, as well as new enemies. And there will be plenty of adventure, of course.
If you want to receive an email notice of the release of that trilogy, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter HERE. Those who have subscribed can attest that I only email about once a month (if that), so you don’t have to worry about mailbox clutter. If you are unable to click the link in your reader, simply go to severbronny.com/contact and subscribe from there.
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Thank you so much for joining me on Augum, Bridget and Leera’s first grand adventure. All my best to you and those you love,
Sever
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, this series could not have even been remotely possible without the unconditional love and support of my amazing wife and editor, Tansy. This achievement is ours, babe. Love you.
A very special thank you to the extraordinary AC crew for their undying support and optimism through thick and thin; to Annette and Jake Ahner for their amazing advice, friendship, and all those sounding board sessions; to Patrick Blennerhassett for his witty and sage advice; to Drew Mildon for his invaluable friendship and proofing; to Daniel Ferguson for his friendship and encouragement; and to all my supportive friends. And a great thank you to my family, who made it all worth it.
A super thank you to my Advance Reader Team for taking the time and trouble of reading and honestly reviewing the books prior to launch.
Last but certainly not least, thank you to all my amazing readers, especially those who have sent me so many beautiful messages of support and friendship. May the spirit of love and adventure guide your paths.
The Arinthian Line
Arcane
Riven
Valor
Clash
Legend
About the Author
Sever Bronny is a musician and full-time author living in Victoria, British Columbia. The Arinthian Line is his first series and an Amazon best seller. He has also released three albums with his industrial-rock music project Tribal Machine, including the full-length concept album The Orwellian Night. One of his songs can be heard in the feature-length film The Gene Generation. Connect with him at his website severbronny.com
