The Shadow-Fighters

by Kevin Bolger



  THE SHADOW-FIGHTERS

  BOOK 1

  THE HIDDEN GATE

  By Kevin Bolger

  Illustrations By Coral Mular

  Copyright 2015 Kevin Bolger

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  Table Of Contents

  Prologue; The Legend of Aloris

  Chapter 1: The Five

  Chapter 2: The Lake

  Chapter 3: Captain Ghenk

  Chapter 4: The Valley of the Black Rock

  Chapter 5: No Turning Back

  Chapter 6: The Gatekeeper

  Chapter 7: A New Moon

  Chapter 8: The Shadows

  Coming soon:

  Book II of The Shadow-Fighters.

  Henyk The Witch of The Wood.

  Follow me on: Twitter @shadowfighters1

  PROLOGUE

  Rithian was a wanderer. They said he came from beyond the eastern mountains; as he did not belong to any of the clans on the Prime-Lands. Nevertheless, he knew of their stories, myths and songs from centuries past and was a master storyteller.

  He was a short, rotund man with a mass of bright red hair and beard to match. Travelling from village to village, he would gather children of all ages around an evening campfire and tell of villains and kings, demons and heroes, of other worlds beyond hidden gateways and the Shadow-Fighters, legendary guardians of the Prime-Lands.

  However, Rithian did not just tell a story, with every twist and turn of the tale he became each character. His voice could send shivers into the heart of the listener as well as laughter or tears. With his long flowing cape and the dancing shadows from the fire, he would create the illusion of almost anything and anyone. The children would sit quietly, mesmerized as he shifted from demon to winged beast to rider and horse.

  There was one tale above all others they loved to hear and that was of Princess Aloris. It's true that every time he retold the story it became a little more elaborate, the monsters would be bigger and the battles even greater than before but it was only a myth so what did it matter. However, as Rithian recounted the tale for the children of the Chang-chi, in a far off village across the Silver Lake, the shadows were creeping through.

  Rithian continued towards the conclusion............

  'And that is when Aloris ran; she had to make it to the gateway. O’Ryel had fallen but he knew that in saving his friend, one of them at least would survive to seal the gateway. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her. The beasts were still searching, dark menacing screams echoed through the trees. The moon provided just enough light for Aloris to see her way through. She emerged from the forest, stopped for a second to catch her breath and get her bearings. A sense of relief washed over her as she caught sight of the village. This had been her second home away from the Prime-Lands. Now, the village was completely abandoned. With one last effort, she urged herself forward. After what seemed like an age, Aloris reached an abandoned barn where she could rest, even if only briefly. Her leg throbbed painfully; she examined the wound, three deep claw marks were already turning black. She needed the Gatekeeper’s help; he would know what to do. Tearing some fabric from her shirt, Aloris dressed the wound as best she could then sat down resting against a large hay bale.

  Reaching inside her tunic, she pulled out a small black diary; its leather cover battered and scarred, held it to her chest, then cried.

  O’Ryel had been her closest friend, they had assumed this time they would be strong enough to defeat the Shadow-Lords but they were wrong. Aloris closed her eyes and thought back the first time they found the gate. None of the other children at the gathering would cross over with her to the Shadow-Lands except for O’Ryel. Over the years, they had many adventures together and after gaining the trust of the villagers won several small battles against the demons but this one had been different. The Shadow-Lords summoned demons darker than any they had ever seen; even the people from the village had been lost. It was then she realized it must fall to others to defeat the Shadow-Lords. This would be her last journey through the gateway.

  The diary held all her knowledge of the Shadow-Lands, the location of the gates, the safe places. And most importantly, how to access the magic or, as Aloris called it, ‘the light.’ O’Ryel being a good artist had drawn several maps and pictures, which Aloris had folded neatly between the pages. Unfortunately, in the Prime-Lands the book would only turn to dust, so it would have to remain here in the hope that someday it would be found.

  Taking out her sword, she pried apart the planks in the wall. Before hiding the book, she opened it to the first page, scribbled a brief note and then touched the cover with the black stone from her ring. The gemstone shone briefly. The book, now wrapped in cloth from her shirt, would remain hidden for a very long time.

 

  Aloris wiped the tears from her eyes and tiptoed to the door. Peering through a gap in the planks, she could see the moon was low on the horizon, in a short while it would be safe to leave. The wood surrounded the village in the shape of a horseshoe with the Gateway at its northern-most tip, she hoped the small huts would give her some cover; the Gateway was now her only hope. A loud screech from outside startled her as something landed heavily on the barn. The beams shook sending a shower of dust into the air; she had to move, now. Whatever it was had started tearing at the roof ripping through the large planks as if they were paper, Throwing open the door she ran, sword in hand, it was fight or die. Another screech signalled to the others, ‘I have found her.’

  The pounding of hooves became louder; she could hear heavy wings beating the air above. There was no time to hide; she had to keep running.

  A huge, scaly, black-winged demon landed in front of Aloris blocking her path. Large red glowing eyes above a mouth of razor sharp teeth. Its spiked tail destroying several of the huts. Aloris did not miss a step or slow down. The beast, sensing there was no fear left in her started backing away from the oncoming Shadow-Fighter.

  Aloris jumped, turned in the air at the same scrapping her ring down the length of her blade. A ball of intense white light shot out from the tip of her sword. The beast scrambled to escape but was too slow. The light hit the demon full in the chest instantly turning it into dust; it then rose high into the sky and exploded like a firework taking more of the demons with it. As Aloris continued to run for the gate, the temperature dropped sharply, a Shadow-Lord was close she could sense it. Aloris vaulted over the small fence that surrounded the village landing right into the path of another snarling demon. Again, she did not hesitate, as the beast leapt, its front paws clawing at her, she dived headlong, sinking the long shining blade into its chest. It howled briefly before it too became a cloud of dust. Aloris landed heavily on her shoulder but quickly jumped to her feet. The Gate was now just in sight through the trees but the barking and howling grew louder by each step, they were gaining fast.

  The moon was now sinking behind the hills, and the red glow of the sun was starting to show above the trees. ‘I’m going to make it, I’m going to make it,’ she told herself yet not daring to look back. Then just as she was about to enter the wood, something thumped into her back sending her sprawling to the ground.

  She lay face in the dirt coughing and spitting the soil out her mouth, the breath k
nocked from her lungs. Aloris rolled over and tried to get to her feet but as she reached for her sword, a large black claw stepped onto her arm. She cried out as its weight pressed down. It was another winged beast, its head split into two halves, each with several red glowing eyes, it snarled and snapped close to her face.

  ‘So, this is how it ends?’ She called out. Looking back towards the village, she could at last see the demons that had been chasing her, hundreds of them from small dog-like animals to giant winged monsters. And there in the midst of them, drifting slowly towards her, a Shadow-Lord. Draped in a thick black fog, no other features except for the red glowing eyes. Aloris, despite her situation laughed loudly.

  The head of the demon tilted to one side, perhaps wondering why the strange girl found her situation so amusing.

  'Why can’t you fight me?’ She shouted. ‘Do not tell me you are afraid of one… little… girl?’ Aloris spoke without any fear. In fact, she was threatening the demon, taunting it. What did she care now, while the beasts were still howling and screeching with excitement? Out of the corner of her eye she could see the sun slowly rising, its first rays of light starting to peer over the trees. She screamed out as the demon started digging its claws into her arm. Come on, fight me!’ She shouted trying anything to gain some time but the Shadow-Lord gave no response. Beneath her, she could feel the earth vibrating up through her body becoming stronger and stronger. The demons were getting nervous something or someone was coming. The two-headed demon let go its grip and turned to face the trees. Aloris tried to reach for her sword but could not move, her arm had been broken, pain seared through her. The vibrations turned to the thundering of hooves; Aloris blacked out as a shining white light came crashing out from the trees.

  ‘Aloris, Aloris,’ a voice whispered, the words distant like an echo. She came round to find the Gatekeeper kneeling beside her. She had been propped up against the arch of the gateway, the broken arm hanging limply at her side.

  ‘You must act quickly,’ he told her. ‘The Guardians can hold them, but not for long.’ Aloris was in agony, the tears running down her cheeks. ‘What can I do now? O’Ryel is gone!’ Aloris started to panic; she needed both stones to close the gate. ‘I could not retrieve his stone; there is no hope now!’ The Gatekeeper placed his hand on her shoulder. ‘Stay calm, all is not lost, yet, I have the stone.’ He held out his hand, showing her the small black gem hanging from its gold chain.

  ‘But how?’ She asked. He helped Aloris to her feet. ‘‘This is not the time for explanations; I cannot seal the Gates, only you can do this.’ He then placed the chain around her neck. They could hear the beasts getting closer.

  The Gatekeeper helped Aloris unbuckle and remove her sword and scabbard and then walked her to the keystone. The low polished marble pillar shone in the early morning light. The demons came crashing through the trees howling in pain, the sunlight burning into their bodies sending up clouds of black dust. The Gatekeeper turned to face Aloris. ‘Listen closely, this time the gates will remain sealed until the time is right for them to be opened again, however long that may take.’

  The demons were almost upon them. ‘Quick!’ the Gatekeeper shouted. ‘You must turn the keystone.’ Aloris grabbed the edge of the marble pillar and pushed. It did not move. She tried again, but still it would not give. 'You must close the gate...’ The gatekeeper urged as he disappeared into the archway. She put her shoulder against it and using the last of her strength screamed out ‘Move!’ The pain from her arm shot through her but still she kept pushing, the pain was unbearable. A beast the size of a bull came bounding towards her howling. As it leapt, the top of the keystone finally gave way; it slid round and then stopped with a dull click. The scenery blurred and the beast vanished in mid-flight, its gaping jaws a hands width from her face. Aloris let out a long cry as she slumped onto the grass exhausted.

  Aloris lay on the soft earth, tears rolling down her cheeks. How could it have all gone so wrong she thought, what it the demons could find a way through...who would be left to stop them...She sat up and wiped the tears from her dirt covered face. Through the trees, she could make out the thatched rooftops of her village, smoke gently rising from the chimneys. Her thoughts turned to her friend O’Ryel. She would have to send word to his family of his bravery and sacrifice, although he would not be returning, the Prime-Lands would for now be safe.

  Aloris struggled to her feet and then checked the wound on her leg; the blackness had already begun to fade. So; for the final tine she began making her way back to the village, stopping only briefly to glance back. The keystone and the Gateway had gone, along with all the others on the Prime-Lands. They would remain hidden until the day the clans could bring together all five Shadow-Fighters, who would unleash a magic more powerful than ever before.'

  CHAPTER 1: THE FIVE

  The Ao-chi

  Pandora, the sixteen-year-old princess of the Ao-chi clan, sat on her bed sulking. She was not at all happy. She looked to her mother who was busy sorting supplies. ‘Is it really that important I go to this silly rock?' She asked. 'You are the Queen, I am sure you can manage without me.'

  'I just know you will talk endlessly about who is destined to marry who, or what is a reasonable price for potatoes, anyway it all sounds very boring.' 'Besides,' she continued. ‘It is much too far away, we could get lost or…or eaten by wild animals!’ Her mother, who had been smiling to herself all the while, stopped packing and joined her daughter on the bed. Pandora started running a comb through her long black hair. ‘Unfortunately Pan it’s not a decision either of us can make.' 'Every ten years the clan leaders meet at the Black Rock to discuss important matters and so forth, including the price of potatoes.' She spoke with a soft but firm voice. 'Last time you were too young to make the journey so we both stayed home. She stood up still holding Pandora’s hands. ‘It is tradition that we bring the future king, or in your case queen. You have to meet the future clan leaders at some point.' The mention of the ‘Q’ word seemed to change her mood. ‘Well if you say so, I will be Queen one day I suppose.’ She straightened her back and continued brushing her hair, this time pretending she had maidservants waiting on her. ‘No, that is all you may go.’ She pointed to an imaginary servant. ‘You can stay and wash my feet.’ Her mother glared at her. ‘That will do, Pan! Now you had better hurry along, your father is waiting.’ Pandora sighed, ‘Do I have to train today? Those swords are ugly and so heavy, after all I am a princess I should have a bodyguard to protect me.’ ‘Pandora, you can best any boy in the village with both sword and staff, if anybody needed a bodyguard it would be them. Now go!’ Pan burst into giggles, hugged her mother then ran out of the hut to find her father. The Queen of the Ao-chi returned to her packing whispering to herself. ‘I too wish you could stay, I really do.’

  The Chang-chi

  Four days ride to the south-west of the Ao-chi, nestled amongst low rolling hills sat the village of the Chang-chi, regarded as the best horsemen on the Prime-Lands. They wore simple clothing, mostly brightly coloured tunics and loose leggings. Nothing of leather, all wool and cotton, they believed it was better for the horses. Lord Connor head of the clan rode across the open fields. His tunic bore the bright red outline of a horse head on both front and back. The farmers working the land waved as he passed, Connor returned their greetings with a bow from his saddle. He had the greatest respect for them, as he often told his aides. ‘It is simple logic; a happy farmer is a good farmer, and a good farmer grows good crops.' He stood up in his saddle eyeing the landscape. 'I take it that boy of yours has disappeared again milord.' Asked one of the workers. Connor laughed. 'Well it's not the first time Arkur and I'm sure it won’t be the last. Today however I really do need him home we have long journey ahead of us.' The farmer stroked the horses’ neck while feeding him a carrot. 'He always turns up eventually milord do not worry.' Connor watched as the man fed another carrot. 'Is there something on your mind Arkur, you seem troubled?' The farmer removed his hat and beg
an scratching his head. 'Come now, what is on your mind?'

  'Well it’s...there are rumours milord that a sickness has returned, beyond the Silver lake, a dark sickness.' Lord Connor continued to scan the fields. 'That's all they are Arkur rumours, if there is any warrant to them we shall hear so at the gathering.' He then quickly changed the subject.

  'So, the crops seem to be doing well this year Arkur, you certainly no how to work the land.'

  'Oh they seem to get along just fine without my help them milord.' Arkur however was not convinced by Lord Connor's reply; luckily, the sight of another rider approaching gave him an excuse to take his leave. 'Lord Connor! Any sign of him yet?' The rider called. 'Unfortunately not Jai.' The rider pulled his horse up alongside kicking the dry dust into the air. ‘I cannot think where he is uncle, I have been to the edge of the lower meadows to the farms east of the village, but no one has seen him. Lord Connor took another long look around the meadow. ‘Come; let us return before dark, there is no more we can do here.' The two riders turned their horses and headed into the valley that led to the village. Arkur toyed with the carrots in his hands; the other workers had stopped their work, waiting for some kind of sign from him. Arkur shook his head then tossed the carrots into the dirt before heading back to his hut. The others looked to one another sensing not all was well.

  At the far corner of the field stood an enormous oak tree, the largest anywhere outside of the Great Forest. Egyn a small, pale boy of thirteen sat in its uppermost branches. He wore a plain woollen tunic and thin linen leggings, his sandals laced high around his calves. He rested calmly against the trunk, his red hair blowing wildly in the wind. He watched as his father and cousin set off into the valley. Even at this distance, he could feel the thunder of the hooves vibrating up through the branches. As the horses disappeared behind the hill, Egyn put his fingers to his lips and let out three sharp whistles. From the edge of the small wood trotted a large black stallion, it carried no saddle nor reigns. Egyn climbed down from the tree like a squirrel, jumping from branch to branch until he was directly above the horse. Then leapt onto the stallions back gripping its long mane, without any apparent signal the stallion burst into a full gallop.