The Secret of Azuron (The Sword Empire Book 1)

by J. R. Kearney

  "There are many perils beyond the enemy in which we may face, only a fool can think the weather is on their side."

  His heavy robe absorbed the warmth of the sun, and Landau could not tell if Raminus was perturbed or not, though Lyeanna's pale skin grew irritated, and the sweat of Brom produced an odor none were keen on being near. Already the pace Jema thought to set waned, their horses fatigued in the humid breeze, and the sufficient amount of water they brought quickly dwindled. The dry long grass scraped against the horses’ legs, and combined with the heat their mares grew restless, and several times they stopped to unwind them. Landau was resolved to lie in the long grass if it would grant him some reprieve.

  They marched on, aware the dusk of day would eventually relieve them, and indeed when evening descended they acquired comfort in the night current, only now they found fortune in a small stream that flowed from Lake Erein down south.

  "We should continue through the night," Jema suggested.

  "We be no good to the youngen exhausted," said Brom.

  "We may endure the same hardship tomorrow, we can do best to avoid it tonight," Jema’s suggestion appeared more command.

  "They are right Jema," Vhalen said. "It is pointless hoping for speed when we have no strength. We will find no sleep come day if the weather bears the same bite."

  Though no raised voices eventuated, Jema submit to their motion. No fire roared that night for they welcomed the chill, and under the moonlight they split a meal of fruit and nuts. Landau and Sam shared a small tent with one candle to light it.

  "That barbarian gave a right old smell" said Sam.

  "I thought it was the horse," said Landau making him laugh. "I still can’t get over the size of him, how can men grow so big? Puts Jema to shame."

  "Must be something in their blood I’ll wager. Jema says he works the shipyards back home, but can’t say I’ve seen him, but I’ve seen others like him, all of them are just as large. Can’t understand what feeds him, surely not nuts and berries."

  Outside Vhalen conversed with the amazon while the other three smoked their pipes, the assassin remained silently poised against a nearby boulder.

  "Raminus hasn't said much since we left'?" Landau noticed.

  "I don't suppose he's too happy at the end of Jema's tether."

  "I think Vhalen troubles him most, maybe his magic has him worried. Can’t imagine assassins know of it any, don’t you agree?"

  "Vhalen’s magic doesn’t make him invincible I don’t think," said Sam. "Ageless maybe, but I wager his freedom is enough to keep Raminus quiet for the moment, or else he’s planning something sinister."

  Against the boulder he looked anything but, uninterested to share any cheer with his companions who chuckled among a cloud of darkleaf.

  "Why don't you join everyone? they're all here for you after all," suggested Sam.

  "I don't know what to say. I'm always reminded what brought them here. I feel like it's not my place."

  "The best warriors are those who fight for a purpose kid, especially loved ones. For me, I can’t wait to be with Julz again, but only once this is all done with can I return to see her. My love for her inspires me to fight hard. If these people like you Landau they will fight hard for you. You're not alone out here."

  "That's very kind," said Landau, still he found it difficult.

  Separated from the rest Lyeanna whispered her concerns with her wizard ally.

  "No Amazon has put foot within the walls of Bruna for centuries Vhalen," she feared. "Not since the day our forebears were forced to the forest."

  "I am sorry for the inconvenience my friend. Our journey will take us on many roads we may not embrace traveling. Our time there shall be short."

  "The women of that city desire only lust and ownership of men, whose arrogance I don't have to look far to find," she said staring at Brom, who roared with amusement at his own narrative.

  "It might be insufferable, but our minds must rest on other matters. It is very noble of you to join us Lyeanna, the Queen has great faith in you."

  She sat there expressionless and soon she scouted for the second night, and though most slept, Landau's mind would not allow him, he forever felt a presence lurking, and despite the bulwark of warriors that encompassed him he could find no comfort.

  The next day the sun was kind, the heat had subsided and clouds scattered the sky, their shadows on the stone-covered tundra gave the terrain a spotted appearance. The fellowship and their horses were refreshed after a night to cool down, and headed north into the breeze to prolong their comfort. There on the fringe of the Harradale the trees of Faulkham forest stood firm, and its shade looked inviting, to the west grew hills large and unusual and atop rested houses with roofs of shale. Gaville is what Vhalen called it, the sister city of Milbrek, a city of towers on the shores of the bay. Landau pondered with their wealth of wood nearby why these sister cities were created in stone, yet none suggested to head to Faulkham's sheltered canopy. It was a welcome option Landau thought, and appeared far less threatening than the facade of Yalthume, but though Jema guided them closer toward it he forbade the thought of venturing near.

  They forged a path over craggy hills and soon the grass that overspread the land waned, fields of dirt now scattered the land and lie foreign amidst the grass. The company tread through it, soft beneath their horses’ hooves yet the scent of soil smelt aged and impure. Before noon Landau noticed the terrain angle gradually upward from every direction, in the distance at its peak a giant, narrow stone towered from a steep hill of dirt and rock, shaped like an obelisk in the center of the Harradale. Its surface was jagged as if carved from axes, and etched in its stone were names of old. Jema paused here to pay his respects.

  "What is that?" said Landau.

  "That is the Proudspire. A monument to the war that ravaged these lands in the early days of Anduniel's rule," Jema said as they stood beneath its lingering shadow. "Many soldiers perished here, buried beneath the mound from which the Proudspire rises."

  Landau was uneasy to realize the armies of the Queen were entombed within.

  "I never knew such war existed in these lands," confessed Landau.

  "It was before our time, yet I will not dismiss respect to those who gave their lives for our lands."

  Vhalen removed his hat to mourn the dead, and Lyeanna joined him, the rest found the hill haunting and moved their horses onward.

  "Only Vhalen would remember the time these grasslands were plagued with the footsteps of our enemy," said Jema. "A time when the five overlords united to bring tyranny to Ruun and all its neighbors. It was Edilinia who soured these fields with her vindictive hatred toward Anduniel, the Queen's greatest trial in all her rule."

  "The heresy of the Amazons no doubt," stated Brom. "To think their kin could rise to such power."

  "Our women are not to blame," responded Lyeanna. "Edilinia's victory came from praying on the weakness of the minds of men. It is no surprise that only a woman could see to her downfall."

  "No surprise either that she fell so easily. Most likely nagged herself to death."

  It was evident to Landau the tension between Brom and Lyeanna. A Barbarian and Amazon were the epitome of strength among each of their sexes and every chance they could muster an insult toward the other was taken. Jema turned his head to scrutinize the pair, behind them Vhalen appeared unsettled, so he asked Lyeanna to take the lead to space herself from Brom, before he led his horse beside the wizard’s.

  "What trouble's you?" Jema asked.

  "For two days I have not seen any sign of wildlife. Birds are scant in the Harradale, still they seldom linger among its sky. Even the fox or rabbit I have not spotted scurrying in the distance."

  "Perhaps a coincidence?" said Jema, for which Vhalen returned a naive stare.

  "Such times prevent me from assuming so. I stood watch last night and in the atmosphere of twilight could discern no cricket, nor howl. There is safety to be found in the silence yet I remain insecure."


  Landau realized he too could not recall the whispers of the wild.

  "The wildlife could not abandon a road it didn't know we would take."

  "Perhaps you're right, yet even the squawk of the mockingbird would ease my mind." As they conversed his saddle rode parallel with Raminus. In the presence of Landau his head leaned forward atop of his palfrey horse, behind his cowl his gaze was unclear, only that it focused on him and never wavered.

  Jema soon tailed it back to Halwende, a fellow companion of Astiroth who smiled at the continued bickering of Brom and Lyeanna up front.

  "The journey will be long to suffer the disposition of those two."

  "Knowing neither will submit?" Jema smiled. "Their grievances will not be resolved here. I can only hope their strengths are worthwhile in the end."

  "I've travelled much of the northern land, where will you lead us if not through Rockdale?" wondered Halwende.

  "The mountain pass across the valley of Tsun will bring us to the Fields of Ruun. I find favor in the open wilderness and will travel it as long as I can."

  "The fields are plagued with brigands, are you sure it's wise?"

  "The brigands of the north are fearful and consume the northern lands only to hide in secret. If thieves and bandits are our biggest concern, then our fellowship is over accomplished in its task."

  Landau stared at the former gladiator yet Halwende gave him no attention. Of all the new faces, his was the most settling, and would appear charming if his face wasn't forever in a scowl. Sam had mentioned little of gladiators in Arwendel, and his armaments appeared more ceremonial than most other members.

  "In the short time I was in Gharland I never heard word of a path under the mountain. This 'Undercity' you speak of, who would think to live in such dark places absent from the light of the world?" Halwende said.

  "It is a place for those who have no place, a hideaway for the hateful, a sanctum for the shameful you might say. Long has it mouldered under the mountain, festering the minds of all who dwell within, nameless men who have forfeited hope and traded it for depravity. Their people have no allegiances, nor any army; if there is a ruler in that city it is not from the choosing of its patrons I can assure you. The very name Blackrule suggests as much."

  "I fear the absence of sunlight would darken the minds of many who attempt it. Is there no safer road?"

  "I have no manner in which to measure safety, but it is definitely the shortest, and one we hope is unknown to the enemy."

  Halwende understood, though his thoughts were clouded with any assurance. Ahead he bore wary eyes at the assassin in their midst, for they were told he was their guide, yet little trust had he obtained to find such comfort.

  "You believe your escort will lead us through safely? Are we not just bringing him to his allies?"

  "I rarely give trust Halwende, and I will not begin with him. His allies will not be expecting him, though we will need to remain cautious. I would not have brought him if I thought his risk would hinder us."

  Hal laughed, only in the ever increasing obstacles that marred their journey.

  "To travel this under-pass sounds contrary to your favor of the open wilderness my friend."

  "It is a discomfort I must bear."

  After several days they crossed the Rocky road that led south to Middleton and north to where the city of Rockdale lies. The terrain descended and pockets of Quickbeams scattered across the open plains, their pinnate leaves shone red in the daylight and Vhalen found delight in seeing thrushes and waxwings suckle on their juicy fruits. Further downward Aurochs grazed the expanse of the Harradale's edge, and the company soon arrived atop a cliff that spread like a surging wave across the land, to behold the soft and almost woollen grass of the Dwightmire.

  There seemed no end to the land, and Landau could see from up high where the next hour would lead him. Aurochs and trees were hard to distinguish below, and the mountain breeze that wafted from the north tickled their skin. They travelled in its direction in order to descend, and the terrain appeared welcome in the horses’ eyes. In the presence of noon, a forest of cloud hovered above them, Jema stopped to relieve Kilian of his gear, and he ordered the party to find rest now, for they would continue on come dusk.

  "You show your age to rest so early" said Raminus.

  "I do not trust these lands, as friendly as they appear. We will use the cover of dark to turn our path to the mountain," said Jema.

  None argued, however few found sleep in the bright tint of noon. Landau attempted to force himself rest, yet even in the shade of tent cloth his eyes could not escape the glare of sunlight.

  He slept for an hour at best before Sam woke him as sunset performed, no torches did they manage, for the light of the moon was intense, and the clouds appeared blue beneath it, bright enough to find their footing. As midnight loomed their path veered north over the rolling highlands. For hours they journeyed and only minutes did they rest. Lyeanna's eyes constantly looked upward, guided by the stars it seemed, and she turned often as if voices whispered the way, though the breeze was faint and the lands quiet. Landau marvelled at her attention, though Brom appeared irritated at her fleeted scouting, moving about like a woman possessed, but in the growing distance the moonlight shone faintly on the walls of the mountain, and its glow was like a star to guide them northward.

  Only now in the night did Landau notice his bag, a glint of light poured from its pocket, the Vallara stone tucked away at the advice of Clancey. If indeed they were to venture beneath mountains then he would not go without it, for the darkness of the tunnel in Evenn woods was still thick in his mind.

  In the morning sun the clouds looked on fire when the fellowship arrived at the foot of the mountains, their peaks from below appeared charred, like its brown stone was smeared in a blackened soot. The journey upward was steep and gradual, and forced all of them to proceed on foot, walking their mares along a troubled path where loose rocks beneath their feet unsettled their balance. The top of the mountain hill drew near where the grass up high changed from a green to a soft yellow, and the walk soon became a climb, forcing the company to strip the horses of their equipment to pull them up the steep slopes. One by one Brom pushed them up from behind, while the others were careful not to stifle the mares with their reins, until they all stood upon the apex, whose edges posed a mighty fall. Jema gripped Landau’s hand tightly as the fellowship continued upon the stretch of towering hills, across no identifiable path, where from above Landau could see ruins scattered at the foot of the Dwightmire, whose distance Jema was intent to keep far. Legs were weary, only for the slopes to ascend higher, with the wind testing their footing as they walked for hours without rest, until soon their path grew wide around them, and they happened upon the path to the valley of Tsun.

  Stones scattered like debris across the mountain pass in ways Landau was confused to explain, as though placed by hand, for how could the weather shape such a landscape? Among a path of steps of large flattened rocks, they came upon arches of towering stone that infrequently spanned over the path. The rounded pillars were thick and soared high to their apex, where carvings of men clutched the columns with one arm, while the other presented a raised and open palm to the sky, upon which rested a large slab of stone to complete the arch, and in the very arches Landau could see a time when man's worship was absolute.

  "This is the path to the Temple of Atricia, daughter of Cavilia, built in the age of our Ancient ancestors," Vhalen stated.

  For half a mile they travelled its winding path of carved beauty, the steps were large and far apart as though giants once walked them, the footsteps of many imprinted upon its chalky surface, and though Landau desired to walk its breadth, they eventually veered northward away from the Dwightmire.

  Along the western cliff-face above the Tsun valley did Jema lead them, where below hardened conifers dominated the valley and hid the terrain, save for a tiny stream that ran from the Agorian Lake up north. Despite the narrow tread and dizzying
height Jema showed haste, for the afternoon waned and their ascent in the darkness of night would provide no safety. The climb was narrow and several horses showed their nervousness. Landau held Sam’s hand with his other constantly gripping the wall, making an effort not to peer down, even Brom had to shimmy to accommodate his size. Their arrival atop the mountain appeared ever close but evaded them continually until the evening sky turned on its colors, and the fellowship arrived upon a grassland expanse that continued for miles.

  Here on the cliffs of the valley Jema dismounted and removed his gear to make shelter. "We will find comfort here tonight."

  Vhalen exhibited little exhaustion to Landau's surprise, the wizard ushered him up the mountain path to overlook the southern country in wonder. Across the valley in the light of sunset the walls of the eastern cliff face glistened with silver, faintly upon its ridge among a string of conifers rested the white temple of Atricia, ravaged by time and neglect, with the slanted peaks of the Praying Mountains slightly visible beyond it. In the parting sunlight the silver walls cast a bright light in their eyes.

  "What causes the walls to shine with such wealth?" Hal asked, shielding his eyes.

  "Twilbies, natives of the valley, you will hear them chirp in the night as they sleep through the day. The silver is a result of their droppings, they defecate the walls so not to poison the trees," Vhalen explained, Landau wondered how a bird could exist so.

  "Is it real sliver?" Brom queried.

  "Oh yes very much. Though there are better ways of obtaining silver I'm sure."

  Sam joined him in welcoming the view from up high while the sun slowly passed to leave a small red wave of dusk upon the horizon.

  "I love this part of the world, it's happy. Even the landscape lifts your spirits."

  "I'm so unaware of the world around me," Landau admitted. "I'd be happier if the danger surrounding me wasn't around."

  "I know Jema shows caution, but the lands of Ruun are void of most dangers. You should at least find peace within our company, there is plenty of experience here, the least of which is mine, and that's saying something," he said with arrogance.