Blood-Stained Heir (Ascent Archives Book 1)

by T. Norman

  He packed a small bag of rations and a pouch of water. He tied his belt around his waist with his sword and dagger in it. The farewells were brief, as most of the men didn’t know Zaren.

  Captain Fallan and Dirk walked with him to the end of the path where he would begin his climb.

  “I don’t envy you.” Captain Fallan gave him a pat on his shoulder. Zaren had grown fond of the man. He was a smart man and a capable fighter, someone he knew he could trust.

  Zaren pulled him close as they clasped hands, whispering in his ear, “Keep an eye on Dirk, make sure he doesn’t get himself killed.”

  As they released hands, Gabe gave him a quick nod.

  Dirk walked up to Zaren, eyes looking at the ground. “I still wish I was going with you.”

  Zaren laughed. “I know you do, but this is for the best. Don’t worry, I’ll see you in two days.”

  Dirk gave a slight nod. “You better.”

  “Stay with Captain Fallan during the siege, and don’t go getting yourself killed.”

  Dirk didn’t respond, instead turning and walking away in silence, unable to hide his sadness.

  Gabe gave Zaren a shrug, then turned to follow Dirk.

  Zaren began his climb off the path and along the face of the mountain. The ground shifted with every step he took, giving way to his weight. Zaren swallowed his nerves, knowing that it was going to be a long journey and that he had to give every movement his undivided attention.

  40

  Gant and Henrik climbed the hill toward the Serenity. They had stayed in Bardale for the evening, renting a room at the inn. Henrik had spent quite a while talking and negotiating with Dentos, eventually arranging for a crew to sail over and help haul Serenity into his yard. The other part of the evening he spent flirting with El.

  As they made their way down the next slope and through the trees toward their camp, Gant heard a rustling from some branches to his left. He had an arrow nocked in seconds, focusing in on the sound.

  “It’s just me.” Ghost leapt from the branches, a smile on his face. “Did you have a nice vacation?”

  Henrik gave him a smile. “I would say so.” He winked knowingly at Gant, deciding not to share his new interests with his crewmate.

  Valcor and Henrik were busy directing everyone to load up their ship before the small boats came to haul it to the docks. Gant found time to get Alric and Apo’k together.

  “What did you see?” Gant asked Apo’k.

  He placed a hand on Gant’s shoulder. “I saw your dad, and he’s alive. Julia, Carn, and Two Foot, as well.” Gant let out a heavy sigh, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulder.

  “Where were they? What was going on?” Alric inquired.

  Apo’k told the two men about the selling block and how Rysh was almost killed, but that eventually they were all sold to the same merchant.

  “Do you know where they brought them?” Gant asked, anxious to find his dad and Julia.

  Apo’k shook his head. “Unfortunately, no. I lost them in the confusion after the sale was over.”

  “We need to go get them!” Gant said excitedly. He looked at the other two men, confused as to why they didn’t seem to have the enthusiasm that he did.

  “If we tell the others that we saw them, then we’ll have to answer the question of how.” Alric looked to Apo’k, questioning. “Which I’m not sure if we want to do or not.”

  Gant stared at the sea, wondering what his dad would do. He knew Alric was right, and revealing Apo’k’s gifts might not be taken as they hoped. He didn’t want to risk losing his father and Julia, though, and knew they must act quickly.

  “Apo’k,” Gant turned to his friend, hating what he was about to ask of him. “We need to tell them what you saw; we need to tell them everything.”

  “Are you sure we can trust them?” Alric was sworn to protect Julia, and Gant knew he had doubts about the honesty and integrity of some of the Serenity’s crew.

  Gant nodded. “Valcor knows about Julia already, and I’m guessing the others know as well. I trust him, and I know that he wouldn’t let anyone in his crew hurt us.”

  Alric let out a sigh. “All right.” He turned to their seer. “Apo’k?”

  Apo’k turned to look at Gant, his head cocked in contemplation. “If you believe this is the best course, then I will do what I must.”

  Gant gave him a smile, glad that he had earned Apo’k’s trust and that they had become friends. He knew he would be someone he could always rely on. “Good, let’s get to it.”

  Gant, Alric, and Apo’k found Valcor and asked if they could gather the whole crew together. When everyone was gathered, Alric began by telling his tale of the battle of Skirling Pass and his role in Julia’s survival. He recounted the events in Wayton and the reasoning behind it. Gant took note that he left out Carn’s role in the massacre of the town.

  He continued telling the tale of their travels across Ansaroth, their betrayal by Lori, and their escape. Gant watched the crew’s reaction, seeing their dawning understanding. For the first time since coming aboard the ship, Gant actually thought Don might be sober as he took in their journey since leaving Wayton. Ghost sat tossing a dagger into the air and catching it, seeming to be barely listening, but Gant knew he was taking in all the information. Henrik and Valcor watched them intently, occasionally stealing glances and nodding to one another.

  When Alric finished his story, he gestured for Gant to continue.

  “We have one more piece of information to tell all of you. Rysh, Julia, Two Foot, and Carn are all alive.”

  He saw the shock and confusion on everyone’s faces. Ghost dropped his dagger as he turned to face Gant. Valcor rose from his seat, stepping toward the young man.

  “How do you know this?” His face was muddled with surprise, curiosity, and anger.

  Gant gestured at Apo’k, who nodded and began speaking. He spoke of his connection with Ros and Fawkes as a seer and began to explain what he saw on the island. Valcor sat back down, shock on his face. Henrik was actually smiling as he heard Apo’k’s story.

  “What about Cal?” Valcor interrupted Apo’k, realizing he hadn’t been mentioned yet.

  Apo’k held his hands out in doubt. “I don’t know. I searched for him but I never saw him.”

  Valcor clenched his jaw at the news but relaxed as Apo’k continued his story. There were no more interruptions as he finished his description of the slave auction and how their friends were ushered off to an unknown location.

  Everyone sat in silence. Gant wondered if he should say something, instead choosing to stay silent.

  “Well,” Ghost said, after he stopped throwing his dagger in the air, “this makes things interesting.”

  Valcor rose from his seat. “Apo’k, we need to find out where they are being held.” His voice was unwavering with his new sense of direction. He knew their friends were alive, and he was going to make sure they rescued them.

  “I will do what I can, but it will not be easy.”

  Mic stood up and spoke for the first time since they began recounting their stories. “The man that purchased them, what did he look like?”

  Apo’k looked to Mic, puzzled. He closed his eyes and began nodding; Gant assumed he was trying to recall the image. “He was tall with bronze skin, black hair.” He opened his eyes. “He wore fine silks and had tattoos on his arms, legs, and on his neck.”

  Mic’s eyes widened with fear. “I know where they’ll be.” All eyes turned to him, wondering how he knew this information. “The man’s name is Alldor Vas. He owns the fighting pits and controls the largest slave trade in all of Draxos. He’s notorious for being ruthless.”

  Gant’s jaw dropped at the mention of fighting pits. He knew that only meant trouble.

  “How do you know all this?” Valcor was the first to break the silence.

  Mic shut his eyes and took in a deep breath. “I was born in Laytos and raised in the fighting pits.”

  Realization dawned on Gant as he
remembered seeing scars covering Mic’s arms, back, and legs. “How did you escape?”

  Mic turned to look at his friend, pain and sorrow on his face. “I killed everyone he made me face.”

  41

  Han stood watching the sky clear from the fort’s balcony. They had been held up at Dragon Tower due to the storm, and he knew his men were getting irritated at being confined within the walls. Thankfully, they would be able to continue their journey shortly. He was ready to bloody his sword.

  Horns sounded along the walls, calling out the arrival of unknown ships. Han scanned the horizon, looking for the strangers.

  The crimson sails caught his eye. The fleet looked weakened, and he could tell many were damaged. Han let out a sigh. His brother wouldn’t be happy with their guests.

  “You mean to tell me that you put our whole mission in jeopardy to chase after this princess,” Victor spat at the captain kneeling before him, “and then their ship went down in the storm with the crew lost to the sea?” Han sat in his chair, watching his brother release his anger on the man in front of him.

  The ship captain had taken a small rowboat to Dragon Tower, bringing news of their failed chase.

  “My Lord commanded that I take the fleet and chase after the princess. It wasn’t my place to question my orders.” The captain looked up to Victor with unwarranted bravery. The scar across his eye was red, a fresh wound.

  “I don’t care what your lord commanded you.” Victor grabbed the handle of his sword, pulling it from its sheath.

  Han stood, calling to his brother, “This is only a minor setback, no need to overreact.” He positioned himself between his brother and the captain. He wanted to know more about this man, and knew if he let his brother have his way, he would take the man’s head.

  Victor stared down at Han, who continued to hold his gaze. “The next time I see this man, I expect him to be missing his head,” Victor snarled. He turned on his heels and stormed out of the room.

  Han shook his head, turning toward the kneeling captain. “Get up, you fool, you look pathetic.” The captain rose, giving Han a clear look at him. He was well built, but it was obvious he enjoyed indulging himself at taverns. “What’s your name?”

  The man pushed his shoulders back and lifted his chin before he answered. “Captain Erik Stolle, acting commander of the Royal Navy.”

  “Where’s your lord? I thought he was tasked with leading the Royal Navy.” Han knew the king’s plan with the navy, but he was surprised this man was sent to lead in Lord Gregor Cread’s place.

  Captain Stolle shifted uncomfortably. “He was injured in an attack, sending me in his place.” His eyes diverted from Han’s gaze.

  Han studied the man further. There was much he wasn’t saying. “Please tell me your chase wasn’t a complete waste. Are you positive the princess is dead? What of your ships, how did they fare?”

  “We lost two ships in the storm, and five were damaged.” Han did the math: eighteen still able to fight. Erik gave him a cold smile and continued. “It proved well worth the effort. The ship carrying the princess and her cohorts was damaged severely in the storm and was seen going down. We can assume that she died along with the crew.”

  Han scratched his chin idly. He couldn’t figure out what the captain was hiding. “How do you know she went down?”

  “Like I said, my crew saw her go down.”

  He’s lying. Han turned away from the captain, shaking his head. He spun around, drawing his sword in one swift motion. His right foot took Erik’s legs out from underneath him as he pinned him to the ground with his sword to his throat.

  “I’m going to give you one chance. Tell me the truth or I slit your throat.” Han’s voice was level and controlled.

  Erik’s eyes went wide, and he struggled beneath Han’s weight. “Okay, we didn’t see the ship go down.” When Han didn’t release the pressure, he continued. “We found one of their crew overboard. He told us that he was thrown overboard from the ship with the princess and lost her in the storm.”

  Han stood up, sheathing his sword. This information changed everything. The girl might be lost, but their crew was still out there, most likely looking for her. “Where is this man you found?”

  The captain scrunched his face, not wanting to answer the question. Han slowly reached a hand toward his sword. Captain Stolle’s eyes went wide as he held up his hands. “He’s in our ship’s hold!”

  “Good, send for him. I would like to have a chat with this man.” Han turned and left the room. He was sick of looking at the cowardly captain.

  Han decided to wait on a balcony for the prisoner to be brought to him. He enjoyed the fresh air and the smell of the sea, and he hated feeling stuck inside the walls. Hearing footsteps, he turned to greet his guests and caught himself as he began to stumble in shock. Captain Stolle led his prisoner forward, with two guards following close behind. Even though the prisoner’s jet-black hair was long and unkempt, Han had known his face his whole life.

  “Thank you, Captain, you can leave us.” The captain hesitated, requiring a stern glance from Han before leaving the two to speak in private.

  The man stood tall, holding his head up high. “You might as well save your breath. No matter what you do to me, I won’t tell you a thing.”

  Han laughed as he stepped toward the man. “I don’t give a damn about the princess or your ship. I want to talk about you.” Han relished in the man’s reaction, his face showing both terror and shock. Han gestured for him to join him by the balcony’s railing, overlooking the Thoros Sea. “What’s your name?”

  The man hesitantly took a few steps forward, his movement constricted by the chains around his wrists and ankles. “Cal.”

  “Nice to meet you, Cal, my name is Han Stowen.” Han reached out his hand to shake the prisoner’s, smiling as his name resonated with Cal. “Tell me about your parents.” Cal hesitated at the question. Han could see his brain working, trying to figure out how this would hurt his friends. Han sighed, shaking his head. “Like I said, I don’t care about your friends. I just want to learn about you.”

  Cal gave a slow nod, still thinking through the situation. “My mother was a seamstress in Amber Pool. I never knew my father, but she told me he was a great knight.”

  “What was her name?”

  Cal shifted awkwardly. “Marian.”

  Han gave a slight smile. “How old are you?”

  “Twenty-five,” Cal responded curtly.

  Han nodded, thinking back. “I see,” he murmured. Everything was starting to make sense, he just needed more information. “Can you fight?”

  Cal gave him a wicked smile and lifted his wrists. “Take these chains off me and I’ll show you.”

  Han chuckled at the remark. “You’re brave, too. Good.” He scratched his chin as he analyzed the prisoner. “Why did you help the princess escape?”

  Cal clenched his jaw. “Your friend, Captain Stolle, threw me in jail. The princess and her friends helped me escape.”

  Han turned to look back out at the sea. “I know you hold no love for Ansaroth. What would you say if I could offer you a chance to change the future of not only Ansaroth, but all of Draxos?”

  A smile touched the corner of his lips. “I would say keep talking.”

  “I will after you answer one final question.”

  Cal made no objection, so Han continued. “What’s your name?”

  Cal cocked his eyebrows, confused at the repetition. “I already told you, Cal.”

  Han shook his head. “No, your full name.”

  Victor sat on a large chair in the center of the meeting chamber, which he had taken as his own. Han was worried at how distant his brother had become. His face was pale and hollow.

  “Brother, you look unwell,” Han said. “You should get some rest.”

  His brother showed no emotion as Han expressed his concern. “What did you find out from the captain?”

  Straight to business, “Turns out he didn’t see
their ship go down.” No reaction, nothing. “They did find one member of the crew from the vessel the princess escaped on. He was drifting in the sea after having been thrown overboard.”

  “And the princess, is she alive?”

  Han shrugged. “The man claimed he saw her thrown over, as well, but he could easily be protecting her.”

  Valcor waved Han off. “Deal with him.”

  Han held his ground. “There’s more, and you will definitely want to hear this.” He had to approach this subject carefully. “Do you remember when we were boys, and Allister had just finished his apprenticeship and had become a full-fledged knight?” Han smiled at the memory.

  Valcor kept his face cold. “What of it?”

  Han continued to smile. “We decided to ride to Amber Pool and partake in their spring festival.” He chuckled loudly. “I remember that you and Allister got completely drunk, and started to demand that any woman you came across was to get down on her knees and serve the royal prince and his cousin.”

  Victor frowned, realizing where Han was going. Han ignored his brother’s scowl and continued on. “I remember we were down by Sapphire Lake taking a swim when we saw that group of beautiful women carrying baskets of clothes.” He gave his brother a wicked smile. “Do you remember that?”

  “Get to the point, brother,” Victor responded through clenched teeth.

  “I remember there was one in particular who caught your eye. You went and asked her name.” Han scratched his head, searching his memory. “Marian!” Han exclaimed as he remembered. “She had such long, beautiful brown hair, and you took an immediate fancy to her.”

  Victor rose in fury. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded.

  Han licked his lips, prepared to continue. “If you let me finish my story, I know you will catch on.” Victor sat back down, his back straight as an arrow. “You hit it off well with Marian; so well, she promised to meet us at the tavern that evening.” Han remembered Allister’s jealous looks when the women ignored him and instead focused on his younger and more muscular cousin, Victor.