by Dale Britton
The Summoning
Legends of Valoria, Volume 1
Dale Britton
Published by Dale Britton, 2019.
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
THE SUMMONING
First edition. October 28, 2019.
Copyright © 2019 Dale Britton.
Written by Dale Britton.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
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
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty-One
Chapter Fifty-Two
Chapter Fifty-Three
Chapter Fifty-Four
Chapter Fifty-Five
Chapter Fifty-Six
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Chapter Sixty
Chapter Sixty-One
Chapter Sixty-Two
Chapter Sixty-Three
Chapter Sixty-Four
Chapter Sixty-Five
Chapter Sixty-Six
Chapter Sixty-Seven
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Chapter Sixty-Nine
Chapter Seventy
Chapter Seventy-One
Chapter Seventy-Two
Chapter Seventy-Three
Chapter Seventy-Four
Chapter Seventy-Five
Chapter Seventy-Six
Chapter Seventy-Seven
Chapter Seventy-Eight
Chapter Seventy-Nine
Chapter Eighty
Chapter Eighty-One
Chapter Eighty-Two
Chapter Eighty-Three
Chapter Eighty-Four
Chapter Eighty-Five
Chapter Eighty-Six
Chapter Eighty-Seven
Chapter Eighty-Eight
Chapter Eighty-Nine
Chapter Ninety
Chapter Ninety-One
Chapter Ninety-Two
Chapter Ninety-Three
Chapter Ninety-Four
Chapter Ninety-Five
Chapter Ninety-Six
Chapter Ninety-Seven
Chapter Ninety-Eight
Chapter Ninety-Nine
Chapter One Hundred
Chapter One Hundred and One
Chapter One Hundred and Two
Chapter One Hundred and Three
Chapter One Hundred and Four
Chapter One Hundred and Five
Chapter One Hundred and Six
Chapter One Hundred and Seven
Chapter One Hundred and Eight
Chapter One Hundred and Nine
Chapter One Hundred and Ten
Chapter One Hundred and Eleven
Chapter One Hundred and Twelve
Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen
Chapter One Hundred and Fourteen
Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen
Chapter One Hundred and Sixteen
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Further Reading: Watching Amy
About the Author
To all of my many students over the years, for giving me so much material to work with in my writing.
Chapter One
Finally, after nearly a month of searching, the weary party arrived at their destination. Their enemy had made its lair in an abandoned fort, a relic of the ancient war between the peoples of Valoria and the hordes of demons that had invaded from the underworld to destroy them. The war was centuries past and the demons were mostly gone, but many remnants of the battles could still be found in the region.
This particular building had seen much better days. The walls were intact, but most of the roof had fallen in. The main entrance gaped open, but despite the early morning light, only blackness could be seen inside. A five-foot-wide trench surrounded the fort and was filled with murky water. Occasionally, without provocation, a ripple would form on the surface of the water as if something
disturbed it from below.
Visible beneath the overgrowth on the east side of the building was a large cemetery. It seemed hastily put-together with makeshift tombstones and uneven rows. Many of the stones had fallen over or were broken. This place had likely been the site of a great battle where hundreds of people and creatures had been killed and laid to rest. Fortunately for the party, considering their current situation, the bodies of the demons would have been burned, not buried. Beyond the fort a dark forest loomed, and occasionally a sound could be heard from its depths that was almost–but not quite–the cry of a wolf.
Ollie studied his map for a minute, then looked up at the others. "We need a plan. We still don't know exactly what we're up against." He nodded appreciatively at George. "This was set up really well. You know how to keep the mystery going."
George smiled. "Thanks. I'm kind of proud of this one. So, what do you guys want to do?"
"Let's just go for it," Jordan said, her voice sounding even more eager than usual. "Whatever George has waiting for us, we can take it."
"Hold on, Jordan," Johnny said. "We need to think this through. You know how nasty George's campaigns are. The last time you charged into a fight you almost got killed. You were turned to stone and we had to take you to a healer and use up a ton of gold to fix you."
"I just want to try out my new weapon," Jordan pouted, pulling on her long braid.
"Come on, guys." Ian sounded annoyed. "Let's just get on with it."
"I'm guessing this will be a pretty tough fight," Ollie said. "The only thing we know for sure is we're going up against a powerful undead creature. How are we doing on potions? I'm down to only one healing."
"I've got a speed potion," Johnny said. No one else had any.
"Maybe we should stock up a little before we go in," Ollie said. "I have a feeling we're going to need any edge we can get for this one. And it wouldn't hurt to prepare a couple extra spells."
"Not a bad idea," George said. He was smirking. The light glinting off his glasses combined with his red curly hair made him look a creature that inhabited his own story. This was definitely going to be nasty.
"Well, we'd have to run back to that town where we fought the zombies," Ian said. "Everything past here is uncharted. Either
that or go all the way back to one of the elvish enclaves."
"I vote for the zombie town," Ollie said. "Even if they've regenerated, they were pretty easy to beat. We should be able to rest and get our supplies there."
A quick vote was three to one for going back to town for supplies. Jordan was the only one who wanted to attack the fort immediately, but this was normal. Jordan wasn't much for preparation. She was all about the battle.
"What time is it?" Ollie asked abruptly.
Johnny glanced at his cell phone. "Just after eight."
"Dang it, I'm late," Ollie said, jumping up from the table. "I'm supposed to help Sarah with her math homework tonight. I told her I'd be there at seven-thirty."
"Sarah? Do you mean Sarah Miller?" There was a dangerous edge to Jordan's voice.
"I'm sorry." Ollie's face turned slightly red. "I forgot to tell you guys. Look, this shouldn't take too long. You can keep playing, and I'll be back before we attack the fort. Is that okay?"
"I don't know, Ollie." Ian laughed. "I can't believe you'd ditch us nerds to go hang out with a cheerleader. What's wrong with you?"
Everyone except Jordan laughed at this, even Ollie in spite of his embarrassment.
"I'll be right back," Ollie said again. "Sarah's actually pretty smart. She's just having a little trouble with some factoring problems."
"We'll wait for you before we go after the boss," Johnny said. "I think you should be careful, though. I think a cheerleader might be more dangerous than a dragon."
"Haha." Ollie climbed up the stairs that took him out of the basement, leaving his four friends behind.
Chapter Two
The door closed behind Ollie, and the abandoned friends stared at it for a moment before looking away.
"Well, this is weird," Johnny said. "Should we just keep playing?"
"We can't play without Ollie," Jordan said. "I can't believe he's doing this to us. He's..." Her voice trailed off.
"You can't really blame him," George said. "I mean, come on. Sarah Miller? I'm just worried Ollie's going to get beat up." He was speaking from experience. "Isn't Sarah going out with Kevin Hough?"
"Not anymore," Ian said. "They broke up last week. Everyone was talking about it at tennis practice yesterday."
"Still," George said, "Kevin might take offense at someone spending time with his ex. I wouldn't want him to notice me, let alone be actively antagonistic. He's worse than a mountain troll."
"I'm sure Ollie will be fine," Ian said. "Kevin's not too bad once you get to know him. And it's not like Ollie's going out with Sarah. He's just helping her with her homework. Sarah's not interested in him."
"Why not?" Jordan's tone was somewhere between offended and hopeful.
Ian shook his head. "Because he's Ollie, and she's, well, you know. You've seen her. Blonde hair, popular, beautiful. Everybody likes her. There's no universe where she and Ollie would get together."
"Don't say that to him," Johnny said. "I think he really likes her."
"Of course, he does," Ian said. "What part of 'everyone likes her' didn't you understand?"
Johnny stuck out his tongue at his older brother. "I mean," he said slowly, "Ollie really likes her."
"Well," Ian said, "I hope she lets him down easy."
"Yeah," Jordan said. "Or I'll kill her."
"Well, now what?" George said. "You want to keep playing while we're waiting for Ollie to get back?"
"Let's go back to the town," Johnny said. "We can stock up on supplies and be all ready for the big battle when he gets back. I'll run his character for him." He reached over and grabbed the sheet for Ollie's wizard, 'Dalivar the Magnificent.'
"All right," George said. "It's a six-mile journey back to the town." He rolled a pair of dice and referred to a red folder that sat in front of him on the table. "After two miles of travel, you are accosted by a pack of werewolves."
"Now we're talking," Jordan had an unsettling gleam in her eyes. It made you feel sorry for the poor, unsuspecting werewolves.
Chapter Three
Ollie ran the entire four blocks to Sarah's house. It was a cold night, even for February in Pennsylvania. By the time he rang the doorbell he felt like a Popsicle.
Sarah's mom opened the door. "Hi, you must be Ollie. Come on in. Sarah had just about given up on you. She's waiting in the dining room."
Sarah's house was really nice. Much nicer than Ollie's. Rich and beautiful. I'm way out of my league here. He walked into the dining room, and Sarah's face brightened when she looked up from her textbook and saw him.
"You made it! I was getting worried. These problems are literally killing me."
"I doubt that," Ollie murmured. He was having a hard time talking. His face hadn't thawed out yet.
"What?"
"Never mind." Ollie was pretty sure he was blushing.
"You know, you're kind of cute when you're embarrassed."
Now Ollie knew he was blushing.
"We're doing this 'completing the square' thing," Sarah continued, "and I just can't figure it out. I was starting to lose hope."
"Sorry I'm late," Ollie managed. "I was at a friend's house and I kind of lost track of time."
"Let me guess. Ian Evert's place, right?"
Ollie was surprised. "How did you know that?"
"I just know that a lot of guys have been kidding Ian about who he hangs out with. And I've seen him talking to you a lot." She didn't seem to realize she was indirectly insulting him.
"Well, we've been friends for a long time," Ollie said, looking down at the floor. "We get together a couple of times a week."
"To do what? Just hang out?"
Ollie didn't really feel like getting into an explanation of the role-playing game that he and his friends had been playing for the last five years. He was pretty sure the best way to impress Sarah wasn't to tell her all about the fantasy world they had created together and practically lived in. It was the definition of nerdiness.
"Why don't we take a look at your homework."
They spent the next forty-five minutes going over math problems, and Ollie was in his element. By the time he was done, he had made sure that all of Sarah's answers were correct, and even quizzed her on problems he created on the spot. He didn't stop until he was satisfied Sarah understood everything.
He closed her textbook. "All right. I think you've got it."
Sarah actually clapped her hands in delight. "Thank you so much, Ollie! You are literally the best teacher ever."
Ollie decided to leave on a high note. "I'd better get back to my friends. We were in the middle of something when I left."
"Really?" Sarah raised her eyebrows. "What are you guys doing?"
Ollie sighed. They were back here again. "Nothing, really. Just a game we like to play."
"Really? What kind of game?"
"It would take too long to explain, and I really need to get back."
"Hey, I know," Sarah said brightly, "Why don't you show me?"
"Show you?" Ollie asked nervously.
"Thanks to you, I don't have any homework left to do tonight. Do you think your friends would mind if I came back with you?"
"Um, no," Ollie lied. He could already imagine what the reaction would be if he brought Sarah into their sanctuary. It could be apocalyptic. "I don't think so."
"All right, then. It's settled. Hold on while I go get my coat."
Ollie just stood staring after her while she left to get her things. What was happening? Why did Sarah want to go with him to Ian's house? Ollie was used to being able to figure out the solution to every question, but this one was way beyond him.
And what were his friends going to say when he showed up with Sarah?
He had been nervous coming over here, but that was nothing compared with how nervous he was about going back.
Chapter Four
If anything, the walk back to Ian and Johnny's house was even colder than the one to Sarah's, though it might just have been Ollie's dread of what m
ight happen when he brought Sarah back with him. It was an unspoken and unwritten rule of their group. Their game was theirs, and not for anyone else. It wasn't that they were ashamed of what they did... well, not really. It was that they had put so much time and effort into creating their characters, their lands, and their scenarios that their game almost seemed sacred. Every member of the group had reasons to want to escape from the world at large, and the game had always been their refuge.
Sarah chatted the entire way, but Ollie barely heard her. He just couldn't think of any reason she would want to come with him. No good reasons, anyway. But the idea of telling her she couldn't come was unthinkable. It would be like deciding he didn't want his heart to beat anymore. He just couldn't do it. He had to keep glancing over at her to believe she was really there.
Mrs. Evert opened the door when he rang the bell. She did a double-take when she saw Sarah. "Hi, Ollie. Who's your friend?"
"This is Sarah Miller, Mrs. Evert. She wanted to come over and see our game."
"Really?" Mrs. Evert looked dubious. "Are you sure this is a good idea, Ollie? The boys won't even let me go down there anymore."
"It'll be fine. They know Sarah."
"Well, it's your funeral." She turned to smile at Sarah. "Nice to meet you, dear."
Sarah had been watching the exchange with interest, but now she smiled back. "It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Evert."
Ollie led Sarah to the door that led to the basement, took a deep breath, and pushed it open. "This way." He walked down the stairs. He felt like he was entering a lion's den.
His friends looked up when he came down, and the first thing Ollie heard was, "What is she doing here?" This came from Jordan.
"Hi, guys," Ollie said. "You all know Sarah, right? She wanted to see what we were doing here, so I invited her over. I told her it wouldn't be a problem." This last sentence was more like a question than a statement.
"Hi Sarah," Ian said. "What did Ollie have to do to convince you to come over here?"
Sarah smiled. "Nothing. I just wanted to see what was so interesting it could tear him away from me." She looked around the room, taking in each of the occupants. Her gaze froze when she saw The Map. "Whoa. That is literally the most amazing thing I've ever seen."
