Oathtaker
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OATHTAKER
PATRICIA REDING
Copyright © 2014-2017 by Patricia Reding
(First Edition Published 2013)
(Revised Editions Published June 2014, November 2015, and March 2017)
Oathtaker
By Patricia Reding
All rights reserved solely by the author. The scanning, uploading and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the author’s permission is unlawful. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.
ISBN-13: 978-0-9982767-2-4 (ebook)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9982767-0-0 (print)
www.PatriciaReding.com
Cover art by PhatPuppy Art Studios at PhatPuppyArt.com
Font by The Font Diva at www.Facebook.com/TheFontDiva
Cover model, Mybelin Hernandez
Formatting by Polgarus Studio at www.polgarusstudio.com
PRAISE FOR THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING OATHTAKER
The Oathtaker Series, Volume One
A Literary Classics International Gold Medal Winner
A Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Winner
A Beverly Hills International Book Award Finalist
Oathtaker, the first book in a series by Patricia Reding, is [a] refreshingly unique novel . . . of epic proportions in which ancient prophecies are revealed and good wages war upon evil. This highly engaging book boasts a robust plot paired with a healthy share of life and death struggles and a delightful love story woven throughout. In this adventure-filled tale, Reding incorporates devious characters and charming heroes . . . Each is distinctive, believable and well developed. We loved the story, the flow, the excitement, and can’t wait for the next book in what promises to be a great series.
–Literary Classics
Reding has created a wonderful tale of love, devotion and desperation . . . With tremendous depth and creativity, Oathtaker becomes real and the emotions and trials of the characters are felt stronger and deeper as the story proceeds . . . A story of courage worthy of the designation of a classic.
–Melinda Hills for Readers’ Favorite
An excellent book holds you captive . . . [I]t is impossible to lay . . . down. It draws you in . . . until you become one with the main character. Oathtaker is such a book. From the first page, Oathtaker . . . promises to take the reader on an epic journey that she will long remember . . . [Reding] writes with the talent of a seasoned author and yet her plot is refreshing in a world of stale ideas. In the words of Oliver Twist: “More please!”
–Anne Boling for Readers’ Favorite
Oathtaker is a complex and thrilling story that will mesmerize readers and stir the imagination with untold depths of intrigue, loyalty, excitement and resolve. Teens and adults will be spellbound by the lovable and evil characters and they will want to jump right into the pages . . .
–Karen Pirnot for Readers’ Favorite
The author follows her own admonition to “always aim high.”
–Jean Hall for Readers’ Favorite
Reding does not seem like a fantasy writer immersed in the legend and lore of all the books . . . that came before her. Rather, she seems to be using the possibilities of fantasy as a metaphor for the deepest quest of all: a human being in search of herself . . . Reding unfolds a world full of mystery, majesty, yet simple humanity . . . [She] parts the mists and introduces us to a flesh and blood human being . . . who anyone could immediately identify with . . . [Reding’s] prime concern is to tell a gripping human story . . .
–Joshua Grasso, Associate Professor of English Literature
From the very beginning I was pulled into this story. The author writes with clarity and creativity. She successfully created characters with such great depth that the issues of commitment, honor and integrity were skillfully woven throughout the story. I loved the fantasy world I found myself immersed in, and the thrilling ride that the characters took me on. This was a great read! I will definitely look for more books from this author.
–Lori Stevic-Rust, a Goodreads author
When you pick up this book be prepared to fall in love with Mara as she battles her way through the maze of evil and magic . . . This story contains adventure, intrigue, battles to the death and, of course, love . . . Reding is truly a gifted storyteller. This is not a book to miss. I am anxiously waiting . . . Select the next book in this series.
–Mary A. Adair, a Goodreads author and Readers’ Favorite 5-star rated author
This is a wonderful adventure filled with believable characters, plenty of twists, and an enthralling storyline. This is a fantastic book for a new author and I would read more in this series. Highly recommended to fans of fantasy fiction.
–E.B. Brown, a Goodreads author
I have never been able to get into a fantasy book before BUT . . . Reding opened by eyes to a brand new world! I found myself falling in love with the characters . . . I spent so many late nights reading because I couldn’t put my Kindle down . . . I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. To me it goes on my top 10 books of the year . . . !
–Anne
Oathtaker is a beautiful and fantastic epic adventure filled with all the things I love most – a captivating storyline, edge-of-your-seat suspense, thought-provoking characters, and never-ending twists and turns . . . Reding has created a wonderfully enjoyable story filled with a spectacular array of characters that are so rich and vivid that you will wonder if you can still hear them talking to you even after you have finished reading this book . . . Reding is a marvelous new author that you simply have to discover for yourself!
–Amber
What an awesome story. Best fantasy I’ve read in ages . . . It’s a masterful work . . . There is a world created . . . that makes me want more . . . This book makes me want to read the next one, and the one after that, and so on and so on . . . I wanted a saga, a story I could sink into and read for hours and not put down. I got exactly that. The plot was superbly executed, very detailed and an adventure at every page turn. Be prepared to put down every other book you own when you pick this one up.
–Naomi
Fantasy is not a genre that I usually read, but I think Oathtaker may have changed that . . . Also, I just wanted to say, Mara and Dixon are adorable. I cried at some points . . . I’ve decided to call them Mixon.
–Kenna
An Epic book deserves an Epic review! . . . Reding weaves this story that just sucks you in. Two thumbs up . . . two very big thumbs up!
–Kel
Oathtaker kept me busy at nights under my blankets with a light, in the car, and pretty much everywhere else I could smuggle a book. I would definitely recommend this book . . . and I can’t wait until Select comes out . . . I almost cried when the story came to an end . . .
–Kerrisa
Oathtaker . . . immediately grabbed my attention and pulled me into its alternate world. I became intrigued by the characters, their history and the land they inhabited . . . I felt personally invested in the story . . . Battles between good and evil, the struggle to meet a challenge you never imagined you could face, not backing away from an oath no matter what the sacrifice – being there, side-by-side with the characters in Oathtaker, I came away feeling challenged and emboldened in my own life.
–Sharon
A beautifully crafted epic fantasy adventure . . . masterfully written prose . . . I would definitely recommend this one . . .
–Kerry
It’s time for me to lose the notion that I don’t care for fantasy novels . . . I recently tore through . . . Reding’s Oathtaker. It is a perfectly paced story . . . I thought about the characters when I wasn’t reading and couldn’t wait to get back to them . . . The plot kept me reading longer and later at night than I normally can stay awake for .
. . The best thing about Oathtaker is that there’s more! It’s the first in a series . . . I look forward to the next book . . . I guess I really am a reader of fantasy.
–Tammy
A satisfying glow accompanies the final chapter of Oathtaker and leaves me begging for more with the same excitement that comes with receiving a . . . present. A new kind of magic laces this book, not with typical wands and wizards, but a . . . magic that is as unique as the characters that sit in the pages. My heart aches that they are not sitting at my kitchen table sharing stories . . . Reding truly earns herself her first Readers’ Favorite Award with Oathtaker . . . impossible to put down . . . I give Oathtaker five stars and beg for sequels, prequels and spin offs!
–Annie
I couldn’t stand it anymore and had to read the last 120 pages in one night. I laughed, cried, and even yelled . . . a few times. I’d call Oathtaker a magnificent adventure story that lures you in from the very beginning . . . I loved this book so much I gave it to my kids’ teachers, friends, and family members . . .
–Deanna
I am in awe of the author’s descriptive, clever and imaginative writing . . .
–Charlene
What an awesome storyline! This novel can be enjoyed by a broad range of readers, including the younger . . . This . . . is definitely a “5 star.” I am anxiously awaiting Part II . . .
–Jean
This book is fantastic and beautifully written! I love everything about it . . .
–Brianna
I felt like I was transported to another realm. I . . . am looking forward to reading her next book as well. I would definitely recommend this . . . to others . . .
–Deb
I loved this book . . . I . . . enjoy it when an author puts her heart and soul into a story that compels you to turn the page . . . I can’t wait for the next . . .
–Raymond
BOOKS BY PATRICIA REDING
The Oathtaker Series
Oathtaker
Select
Ephemeral and Fleeting
DEDICATION
To my family, with a special reminder to my children, Andrew, and his lovely bride, Desireé, Madeline and Isabelle: always aim high.
Table of Contents
TIME AND PLACE
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 TWENTY-NINE
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-FIVE
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
CHAPTER FIFTY
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
EXCERPT: SELECT
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A special thanks to my early readers, especially to Denny who let me tell my own story; Madeline who hovered over my shoulder for each new chapter, then evolved into an editor extraordinaire; Isabelle who just kept smiling; Kim whose keen insight saved me from what could have been some embarrassing errors; Jodi for her constant encouragement, vision, and for keeping me on track; and Katie who has been converted—she has become a fan of fantasy.
TIME AND PLACE
Again the people turned from Ehyeh, the Good One, and His decrees, and became evil in their ways. Each person was a law unto himself. Chaos reigned. One small remnant, however, remained faithful, carrying Ehyeh’s ways and words through the ages and to the world. They were Ehyeh’s special people, the Select. Others grew envious of them and eventually, enslaved them. Even so, they remained faithful.
The Good One’s heart was moved. From among those who had turned to Him, He sought people who would agree to protect the Select. He commissioned them the Oathtakers. Each chose to become a member of the group and to willingly undergo the rigorous training required. When Ehyeh called upon one to aid a member of the Select, the Oathtaker could choose to swear a voluntary life oath for the protection of that person. If he did, that Select became his charge.
When an Oathtaker completed his training, he was awarded an Oathtaker’s blade, a weapon infused with magic that would exist for so long as he lived. Upon swearing an oath for the protection of one of the Select, Ehyeh granted the Oathtaker two additional weapons. The first was attendant magic—unique abilities that would assist the Oathtaker in his endeavors. Second, Ehyeh granted the Oathtaker continued youth for so long as his charge lived. A special rule applied to one whose charge was seventh-born: he would remain forever youthful.
Upon the death of his charge, an Oathtaker could begin his life anew, but in the meantime he could not bind himself to another. An Oathtaker could not have divided loyalties; he could not be unequally yoked.
With the assistance of their Oathtakers, the Select gained their freedom. Then together, they moved to the lands known as Oosa, where they built a strong, free and thriving nation.
But once again, the times have changed . . .
CHAPTER ONE
Mara stopped abruptly in her tracks. Moments ago, there had been the sounds of crickets, an occasional bird chirping, the giggling sass of chattering squirrels as they scurried from tree to tree, branch to branch. Suddenly, all was quiet. The breeze whispering its secrets through the foliage, giving relief from the heat of the day, stilled.
Stepping off the path, Mara had the niggling sensation that someone watched or followed her. Catching a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye, she glanced in that direction, but saw nothing unusual. Trying unsuccessfully to shrug off the disconcerting feeling, she cautiously placed one foot ahead of the other. Trained to move stealthily, no gravel moved under her step, no leaf rustled. Step by step, she returned to the pathway that led to the river. The distant song of slowly moving water was all she heard.
Then as suddenly as the quiet had descended, there came a great howling. It sounded like a pack of dogs or wolves, but it was louder, more grating to the ears, more ominous. It had a spooky, hair-raising quality.
A shiver ran down her spine. She stopped midstride. “Grut?” she wondered aloud. Surely, not, she thought, but could it be?
Few grut, the dreaded beasts of Sinespe—the world under, the world of the hopeless and dead—had been seen in the area for some time, as few of the Select they were sent to pursue and to destroy, remained. Still, the cacophony was unlike any she’d encountered before.
As though in response to her query, the screeching, howling lament increased in volume.
In an instant, the smell of the air changed. Earlier, an intense, almost floral-like scent had piqued Mara’s curiosity, driving her to follow this particular wooded path to find the source of the fragrance. It compelled her to follow her nose, though
it took her far from her intended track. But now there came a pervading stench. It reeked of danger, was rank like decay, like death.
For a moment she thought she could make out the smell of blood, but a survey of the trail around her revealed none. Intensely alert, she recalled an instructor having surmised that blood was red because the color screamed danger! Big on colors and smells, he encouraged his students to give careful consideration to them. “Smelling danger in advance,” he lectured, “can be an important skill, as it may serve to keep one from coming upon it casually or unaware.”
Mara fleetingly contemplated turning back, but her training as an Oathtaker caused her to brush the thought aside. She could feel the emotional tugging, the urge to respond to the call, that an Oathtaker felt when encountering perilous circumstances.
Her heart racing, she continued toward the sound. It became more insistent with each passing breath. She eased her way through the brush toward the screaming chorus. A thorny branch caught at her tunic. She pulled herself free, tearing a small patch from her clothing, then approached a giant oak.
Though the heat had lessened from the peak afternoon hours, a sheen of perspiration covered her. She wiped her brow with the back of her hand as she took a quick mental inventory of the things she carried: weapons, supplies, wits. She gave a nervous inward laugh over that last one.
The screaming continued, unrelenting.