Through the Dark Wood

by Geno Allen

  She was, as Molly had said, gentle but fierce. And she had returned unscathed from slavery across the ocean. She would gracefully weather any storm they might face. That thought made Zam smile.

  EPILOGUE

  How does one set aside a story such as Zam‘s? To my mind, the only acceptable answer is: By Elyon's call. And, once again Elyon bids me return to the walks of men. So, for a time, I must set aside the tale of Zam Windwater. I am, however, commanded to continue the tale upon my return. So, you have my word. I shall begin again in due time.

  But, you may ask, what will happen to Griss and Tara? and Elyon's Flame? and what of Raim Sabbar, or Tearis? For now, I can say only this: great deeds did follow from Zam and friends, time and again; the king’s sword found use once more; regarding the Tal'kyon of Tangleweave, his journey carried him far afield to awaken his kin, but more of that shall I relate in due time. As for little Tearis, was it not she who told Zam he would be longer in returning and that it would be worth it? As you may have guessed, she was right.

  For the present, it is my truest hope that Zam’s tale has begun to work its way through the corridors of your heart and mind, finding lodging in the deep places as it has in mine. Now I must away… but as I set aside ink and quill, I ask that Elyon decide for you.

  Royal Recorder and Messenger ~ Graffeon

  AFTERWORD

  Several years back (before I knew that Treasures of Darkness - Treasures of Light would be more than one novel) Zachery Kraft agreed to join me on my quest to flesh out the lands of Cairemia and Darlandis. When we set out on our journey the plan was to have a couple loose-ish sketches here and there spread throughout the book. That quickly turned into one per chapter and then when we were nearly done it turned into, "Let’s go deeper than sketches." What it became you've likely seen by now if you're reading this. But... what it was... is another story.

  Some of Zachery's early efforts fueled me in the slump times writers are prone to go through. The thought that another artist believed in and felt the world I was crafting deeply enough to invest his talent that way, spurred me on more than once—a lot more than once. So, with that in mind, I'd like to share with you a few of Zachery's images that kept me going. We may share more in the future, but for now, without further ado, here is a little glimpse into…

  The artistic journey of:

  Treasures of Darkness ~ Treasures of Light

  The Rindle and Farrix

  This image didn't make the novel because both Zachery and I absentmindedly plotted pictures for more than one scene in the same chapter. Oops…. But, at least you get to see it now and it didn’t go to waste. I loved this when he first showed me. I still do. But, one point for posterity: Rindles have more falcon-like beaks.

  Place of Scrolls

  Not quite the Place of Scrolls I had in my head, but I loved the barren feel of the Lost Hills in this. Ultimately I had to choose: something like this, or the picture in Seven Mirrors. Having seen the amazing detail of Zam the Tyrant King’s armor in that one, I’m sure you understand why I chose the way I did.

  Early Attempt at the Raine Painting

  I loved this one, but ultimately it was a bit too womanly to be Raine at roughly 12 or 13 years old (and Zachery thought it a bit too "super-model-ish". In hindsight I completely agree). I really put him to task creating Raine. I won't even say how many versions he kindly submitted (or I torturously pulled from him) before we found Raine Terrice Dorria… but for putting up with me, he is a saint.

  The Great Bridge: First Draft

  I fell in love with this image immediately. It captured the grandeur of the Great Bridge perfectly—a little more ruinous than my mental image, but still inspiring. When the art shifted from sketchy to more refined, this one had to go. But, I would have been very sad for you not to get a chance to see this one. It is definitely one that spurred me on when I needed it.

  The Great Bridge: Second Draft

  This version hit the spot for me with how well it captured the craftsmanship of the ancient kings, but we ultimately changed perspectives, and it had to go. I would love to show you how insanely detailed this bridge is (on the lower curving braces Zachery hieroglyphed—if that’s a word—the betrayal of the dragons and the first awakening of the Tal'kyon… like a prophecy in stone). The depth he put into it made me sit and stare amazed. Again, I’d be sad for you not to get the chance to see it. So, here it is. Decide for yourself which is the real Great Bridge, or if it’s something else of your own imagining.

  Well, that’s all for this book. I certainly hope you enjoyed it. We'll have more for you to enjoy in Book Two: To Meet the King: available for the Holiday Season 2013. Thank you very much for taking this journey with us. If you enjoyed this novel, please post a review on Amazon.com. It’ll help move the series forward… and we all want that. Don’t we?

  Now, as I depart I’ll say (as Graffeon would)…

  “May Elyon decide for you.”

  Simple Author and Servant – Geno

  APPENDIX A

  CHARACTERS

  Alanak: Alanak of Kirisong was a free Cairemian knight and Galwen’s former master who trained him and raised him as a son.

  Allejair: The Swordsmith of Dorinden Dell who aided the Brother Kings in crafting swords to slay the Great Dragon Mim.

  Angeon: The Argolen Elyon sent to rescue Zam both as an infant and in the Lost Hills.

  Barea Dorria: Widowed daughter of Galwen and mother of Dorrin, Keerin, Laise, Tannis, Rheen Keer, and Tearis Dorria. As is Cairemian custom, Barea and her children reclaimed her father’s surname after the death of her husband.

  Bondur: Spider of the genus Spirius-Taliae whose body—not including legs—is roughly the size of a full grown man’s fist. Bondur has lived for thousands of years and maintains a jovial demeanor. He and his wife Noralie provide Zam with needed assistance on his quest.

  Braunhart: An ancient general during the reign of Terrindel the Tyrant. He was father to Zamora and Kamm, the Brother Kings.

  Cindegair II: Cousin to King Targanon who was beheaded for being too close in lineage to the throne. He was the first to give Griss a glimpse beyond his executioner’s life.

  Corcle: A black Farrix who befriends Zam and aids him in his quest. Known as Master Half-Tooth later in life.

  Crimthorn: A black dragon who held sway over southern Darlandis for eight hundred years before his encounter with Zam.

  Darik: Farmer guardsman who removed the threat of Randec when Mort sought revenge on Galwen and Zam. His heart was for Barea and her children.

  Dathan Ordinan: Zam's could-be brother and true son of Zam's master-father. He released Zam from service, allowing him to freely accept Elyon’s call to travel north.

  Deiranicks: One of the Tal’kyon Raim Sabbar set out to awaken.

  Dooriel: Lord of the Rindles who rescued Zam from the Black Farrix atop the slopes of Rendift.

  Dorrin Dorria: Thirteen year old grandson of Galwen and brother in heart to Zam. Skilled swordsman with abilities well beyond his years.

  Elyon: Mysterious master of the Argolen with insight into Zam’s most private hopes and fears. A powerful king of an unknown country.

  Fraegrel: A silver Farrix who aids Zam and Griss in their quest. Corcle’s teacher.

  Galwen Dorria: Elderly owner of the River’s Edge Inn. Father-in-law to Molly Dorria and grandfather to Raine and Tearis (among others). Friend, teacher, and father figure to Zam who’s skills and experience go far beyond a simple innkeeper.

  Graffeon: An Argolen and Servant of Elyon, the royal recorder who penned most of recorded history, and the some-time? messenger who set Zam on his quest at the outset of the tale.

  Griss Corwise: Tasudari former executioner who befriends Zam in the Tangleweave wood and picks up Zam’s battle training where Galwen left off.

  Guardian Corben: Kind-hearted guardian serving as commander under Chief Guardian Tara Neereth in Valkiliar.

  Guardian Daze: Cruel and mean-spirited guardian who fi
rst took Zam into custody.

  Guardian Rodger: Gate guard of Valkiliar Guardian Rorin: Large and strong guardian serving in Valkiliar.

  Guardian Tessts: Harsh taskmaster of Valkiliar who serves under Chief Guardian Tara Neereth and Guardian Corben.

  Jairis Tan: Coriaeran Servant to the royal family who acted as Chaperone on Raines great journey. A old man with much honor.

  Katrok Corwise: Tasudari prince who was passed over for leadership of the clan Corwise. Father to Griss who gave him over to slavery in the king’s dungeon.

  Keer: Seven year old grandson of Galwen.

  Keerin: Eleven year old granddaughter of Galwen.

  King Ellerion: Ancient Darlandan king who feared prophecy so much he set out to invade Cairemia in an era when the land was virtually unpeopled. Ellerion's Wall rose to block his way.

  King Kamm: The younger of the Brother Kings who crafted Garchamion and Elyon’s Flame.

  King Rivelin: Greatest of the ancient Darlandan kings and servant of Elyon.

  King Targanon: Wicked Cairemian king who forced Griss to behead Cindegair II. Was overthrown by the people and succeeded by Yeru’s father was installed as the new monarch.

  King Terrindel: Terrindel the Tyrant was King of Darlandis in the era of the Brother Kings. When assured of his defeat, he threw himself from the battlements making way for Zamora as high king.

  King Yeru: Sixteen year old monarch of Cairemia who ascended to the crown at eleven years old when his father inexplicably died in his sleep.

  King Zamora: Eldest of the Brother Kings.

  Laise Dorria: Ten year old twin of Tannis Dorria and one of Galwen’s grandsons.

  Leonusko Corwise: Former chieftain of the clan Corwise and grandfather to Griss.

  Lord Anderose Neereth: Steward of Cirin Lansis in Knighton, father to Tara Neereth, and the man who sold Raine into slavery.

  Melfall the Woodsman: First human to ever befriend Raim Sabbar. Little is told of him in this tale, but he was a man of great character and strength.

  Molly Dorria: Mother to Raine, daughter-in-law to Galwen and nurse, as well as, mother figure to Zam. Molly’s painting was the message Zam had been waiting for to provide direction for the next leg of his journey.

  Mort: Villainous inhabitant of Rivertown who sought revenge on Zam and Galwen for the loss of his sword and pride.

  Nain: Seritheen guide to Tara Neereth and the reason Zam and Griss were discovered leaving the Dark Wood.

  Noralie: Spider of the genus Spirius-Taliae, slightly larger than her husband Bondur, Noralie is more grim than her husband and has a gift of seeing to the heart of an individual. She and her husband provide Zam with needed assistance on his quest.

  Orland Wick: A late twenties to early thirties brigand whose bonds Zam loosed before understanding why the stranger had been bound. Orland carries a book like the one given to Zam by Graffeon.

  Phillip Dorgair: Villainous inhabitant of Rivertown who attempted to rob Zam on his first night at the River’s Edge, plotted to kidnap Keer and Tearis in vengeance for his wounded pride.

  Prince Jarmiel: Coriaeran Prince who demanded that anyone wishing to purchase Raine Dorria must first best her with sword.

  Raim Sabbar: The Tal’kyon of Tangleweave. A stony creature who rescues Zam from the Shadow Vermin and who took Griss under his wing when the Tasudari first found his way into Darlandis. Raim Sabbar is tasked with waking his kin from a generations long sleep.

  Raine Dorria: Daughter to Molly and Granddaughter to Galwen. Raine was taken to serve as Healer of the House in the court of Lord Anderose Neereth. Her gift of healing only works when inspiration comes upon her. When Lord Neereth’s son died because she could not heal him, she was sold as a slave. Zam seeks to rescue her from the same fate as Galwen’s mother.

  Randec: Villainous cohort of Mort and Phillip Dorgair. Randec sounded the alarm when the children were taken and used his archery skill to pick off townspeople that came to answer to call. His life was taken by Darik the town’s farmer guardsman.

  Randenell: Many generations before Zam and Galwen were born, Randenell of Artolis was a humble groom in the royal stables whom Elyon tasked with braving Darlandis to bring back the first king’s crown.

  Raurelin Seer: One of the Tal’kyon Raim Sabbar is tasked with waking. She is closest in heart to him of all the Tal’kyon. It was she who drove Roreshan and his army into the Lost Hills when they sought a way around Ellerion’s Wall.

  Razzic: The Seritheen from Zam’s reflection in the ice cave of Seven Mirrors. The Seritheen Zam is sure he will one day have to face.

  Reena: One of the serving maids from the River’s Edge.

  Reldion: The youngest son of King Ellerion whose anger at his father’s madness drove him to strike his father down and claim the throne.

  Rheen: Eight year old grandson of Galwen.

  Roreshan: Eldest son of King Ellerion who attempted to thwart the same prophecy as his father, but was driven into the Lost hills where he and his men perished.

  Seri-Garkan: A Windsong Giant (or Ruugak). Eldest brother of Seri-Nandel. It was Seri-Garkan who sent Seri-Nandel to aid Zam and Griss in the pass to Vendill.

  Seri-Guuri: Elder brother of Seri-Nandel who was injured battling the hoard of Raggeli on the plains of Vendill.

  Seri-Nandel: Windsong Giant who came to Zam and Griss’ aid in the pass to Vendill when a Raggelus was drawing uncomfortably close. It was Seri-Nandel who returned Elyon’s Flame to Griss.

  Seri-Than: Elder brother of Seri-Nandel who was tasked with carrying a wounded Seri-Guuri home.

  Shi’geon: Argolen who came to Zam’s aid in the Ice Cave of Seven Mirrors and again on the Great Bridge.

  Sko Corwise: Griss’ uncle who was given headship of the clan Corwise ahead of Katrok though Katrok was eldest. It was Sko who banished Katrok and Griss.

  Tannis Dorria: Ten year old twin of Laise Dorria and one of Galwen’s grandsons.

  Tantus Neereth: The son of Lord Anderose Neereth whose foolish pride cost him his life. His death was Lord Neereth’s reason for selling Raine as a common slave.

  Tara Neereth: Chief Guardian Tara Neereth is the fifteen year old daughter of Lord Anderose Neereth whom he installed as the Chief of Valkiliar Keep. Tara’s Seritheen guide led her to capture Zam and Griss and imprison them. She believes the Seritheen are good.

  Tearis Dorria: Six year old granddaughter of Galwen whose gift of knowing gave her foreknowledge of Zam coming to Rivertown and prepared her for facing the dragon Crimthorn without fear.

  The Great Dragon Mim: Firstborn among Dragons and once king of his kind, through Mim all dragons turned to the darkness. It was he the Brother Kings battled upon the Great Bridge.

  Thudigg: One of the Tal’kyon Raim Sabbar is set to awaken.

  Tolwyn Dorria: Raine’s father and Molly’s husband who was conscripted into the king’s army and, after several years, lost to the family.

  Zam Windwater: Seventeen year old orphaned shepherd at the center of this tale. Zam struggles with understanding the quest he has been set on and struggles with his own worth. He can’t understand why this Elyon character has gone to such great lengths to ensure he continues his quest to “travel north”, but he faithfully follows his call to do so.

  Zarikai Corwise: Mother to Griss who was willingly claimed by his uncle when he ascended to chief of Clan Corwise and agreed to the banishment of Katrok and Griss, thinking only of the children she would bear to Sko and not of her firstborn.

  GLOSSARY OF TERMS

  Argolen: Beings not bound to the physical word in the same way as humans. The Argolen serve Elyon as protectors and messengers. An Argolen’s life span is of unknown length. Nearly all of recorded history has been penned by one Argolen.

  Artolis: The capitol city of Cairemia rests in the far north of the land before the Aeirn Mountains and the wastes beyond. It is the primary residence of King Yeru.

  Billowing pools: The region in western Darlandis where Braunhart and his son
s lived before his death and the Brother Kings’ ascension to the throne. Its name is derived from the great number of hot springs that pepper the countryside.

  Cairemia: The former wild lands east of Darlandis where the Brother Kings bade the inhabitants of Darlandis to flee when the darkness of Darlandis grew too great. It is now a mighty kingdom to rival any, save the glory that once was Darlandis.

  Cirin: A descriptive word meaning ‘great house of’ used (with rare exception) only to describe mighty castles.

  Cirin Cair: The king’s castle in Artolis.

  Cirin Darlanden: Castle of the great kings of Darlandis in the capitol city, Darlan.

  Cirin Lansis: The lords castle in the Cairemian region known as Knighton. Home to Lord Anderose Neereth.

  Coriaer: The greatest nation across the eastern sea, ancient enemy of Darlandis, involved in slave trade with Cairemia in Galwen and Zam's day.

  Darkling Wood: A region in eastern Darlandis between Ellerion’s Wall and the Great Bridge where the fiercest of dark creatures make their habitation. In Zam's day, it was the Darkling Wood that branded the whole of Darlandis as The Dark Wood not to be traveled.

  Darlandis: The land east of Cairemia, once home to the great kings of legend. Darlandis was a vibrant and beautiful country whose foes from without could not defeat her. Ultimately, the darkness allowed to grow within her drove the good kings out and with them the people. Only the creatures remained—both good and evil. So much of the lands history has been lost that few Cairemians realize it is much more than simply The Dark Wood, feared and forbidden.