The Prisoner of Fate
The Hidden Legacy: Book One
JACOB L. WHITE
Works by
Jacob L. White:
Creators of Six:
Ellipsis - Book One
Grassin - Book Two
Uzix - Book Three
Books of Miv:
Miv and the Goddess of Wishes - Book One
The Hidden Legacy:
The Prisoner of Fate - Book one
For More Information on Jacob L. White
Please Visit: https://www.jacoblwhitebooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jacobbooksofawesome/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B073HZL1B1
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jacob-l-white
The Prisoner of Fate
Copyright ©2019 Jacob L. White
All rights reserved.
A self-published book by Jacob L. White
Bryan, Texas - United States of America
Edited By: Natasha Larry
Cover Art by: Covers by Christian
This Book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This Book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental.
1st EDITION July 2019
ISBN: 9781090435804
Table of Contents
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
About: Jacob L. White
Dedicated to
My Mother. Always reading the rough drafts.
CHAPTER ONE
Training
Only one person in my family knew my secret: my mother. I was a woman playing the part of a man. Part of keeping up that appearance of being a man meant sword fighting with my brothers. All the men in my family were required to handle themselves in combat. My arm absorbed another shock as my brother’s sword connected with mine. I took a step back to avoid his counter swing.
I circled him on the dusty field that was surrounded by trees. The wind picked up and blew the dust between us. We used this field for practice. It was a short walk from our home and village. An abandoned barn sat on the far edge.
"Come now, big brother. Don't be so slow." I said.
"It must be nice being the seventh son of a seventh son." He took a swing, only to connect with empty air.
"It is, in fact," I taunted.
One of my other brothers standing off to the side let out a laugh. "Oh, come now, Lucius,” Gabriel said. “Don't let Noah get to you. Focus."
I crouched and sent an attack of my own toward him. "Yes, Lucius, don't let me get to you." He sidestepped my inward stab, and I came back with a bigger arc from my right side.
Lucius backed up several steps after the swords connected again. "I'm going to beat you today, Noah."
"Oh, big dreams you have there. Too big for your small body." He let out a scream and charged at me.
I smiled. Lucius was mine. I stuck out a leg and tripped him. He landed face first in the dirt. Turning over, he met my blade’s point.
I sheathed my sword and helped him up. "Maybe next time, little brother."
My brothers let out a cheer. Next in line was Ian, the sixth born. My biggest challenge. He was the best swordsman out of all of us, but I was very near claiming that title for my own.
He slid his hand across the ground and dusted his hands. "Getting sweaty thinking about facing me, huh?"
"You know me too well." We stood facing one another.
"Beat his arse!" Lucius screamed from the edge of our makeshift arena.
I smiled at Ian. "Anytime, princess," I said.
"As you wish, my baby-faced damsel." He feigned an attack causing me to jump, and then darted around me, taunting me further. "That’s no good. Falling for that on the first move. Father would be ashamed."
"Not after I beat you senseless," I responded.
"Like you told him. Big dreams."
I slashed downward, hitting air as he moved back, letting my sword dig into the earth. Before he could counter, I brought up my sword and pressed the attack. I’d aim low then counter mid swing. I wanted his mind to get used to this pattern.
Frustrated, Ian scowled. "Defense only lasts so long."
"It can last forever at this rate." I faked left and went right, but he was waiting for it. His sword hit mine to deflect it downward. He came in with an elbow to my eye. I was blinded temporarily, and my sword tumbled out of my hand.
"Shit,” I said.
"That would be the correct description of your form," Ian added. As was our family custom, I went to my knees and awaited my punishment for losing my weapon. "Sorry, brother."
The pommel of his sword connected with my temple. At first, it sent stars to my vision, but after another hit, I was out.
* * *
I woke up to water dripping into my eye.
"Ow." I groaned as I brushed away the dampened cloth and tried to sit up.
"Not yet, missy." It was still unreal to hear her call me that sometimes. It was only in these secluded moments that she let her guard down. I was the seventh daughter of a seventh son. Every generation hopes to have a seventh son of a seventh son. Thus, bringing honor and power to the family and the seventh.
"Yes, mother." I also noticed she had done me the favor of wrapping my breasts for me.
"Need I explain how dangerous that was... again?" My mother asked.
I shook my head. "No ma'am."
She continued to clean my wound as I remembered back to that day. I was taken into this very room where my mother explained that I was never to tell anyone, not even my brothers, that I am female. I was five. So, here I am at eighteen cycles old and everyone around me thinks of me as a sacred son. I know why my mother hid this from the village, but I never understood why she kept it from the family. If anything, they should be in on it, too. I never knew my mother’s mind; all I had were theories. Maybe she was too ashamed that she couldn’t have one last son.
“What’s the reason we are hiding again?” I pushed.
“You know very well why. If anyone found out after claiming we had the seventh of a seventh in our family, everything would be finished. That and we can’t go back now, can we? I’m surprised you have lasted this long with your carelessness.” She seemed so calm about the entire situation. "Also, you weren't wearing your wrappings. What’s your excuse for that?"
"Not much to wrap." I shrugged.
"Still. There’s enough to be noticed. This will not happen again, understand?" She paused her cleaning of my wound to solidify her point.
I looked up to the
thatch ceiling and nodded.
My mother scowled. "I didn't hear you."
"Yes, Ma'am" I looked back down.
"Good. Now, enough of that. How was training?"
I gestured to my eye with my finger. "Amazing, as you can tell." She wasn’t impressed by my sarcasm.
"Well, I'm still proud of you. This training beats going to the academy. Make sure you are always trying."
"Yes, Mama. But I would rather die than have to go to the academy.” The academy was a place where mages and sevens trained from all over the country. It was a place where I would be treated well, but I have no powers, so competing would be hell. I fiddled with my fingers but gathered my courage. Now was the time to ask. We didn't get moments like these very often. When it was just the two of us, and I could be myself. "Mama, how much longer do I have to do this? Hide, I mean."
She paused at my words. Her eyebrows scrunched together, and her face looked to age a few more years. "In truth, I don't know if we’ll ever be able to stop lying.”
I sat up before she could make another pass at my eye.
"What does that mean?"
"Your father will be back soon. We can talk more on it after your birthday."
"But—"
She held up her hand, cutting me off.
I closed my lips and glowered.
Great. The same ending as every other conversation we had about my secret. "Fine." I stood up and felt woozy as my legs locked. I paused and shook my head. Finally, I put on my leather top and squinted as the material brushed against my eye. As soon as my arms were down, my mother embraced me.
"I'm sorry for this curse I put on you,” she whispered.
I squeezed her back. "It’s only a curse if someone finds out."
She let go of me and then went to her chair in the corner of the room. After sitting, she waved me off.
"Go. And try not to fight with Gabriel or Lucius, will you? Last time we had to rebuild an entire wall because of your scuffle."
"I will." I walked out of the room, buttoning up the top of my tunic under my leathers and rushed outside. Only to find Ian leaning against our house twirling his sword with the tip in the ground.
"Ah, there’s the sleeping cow." Ian jested, referring to me.
"Why, thank you, Ian, for that gracious gift. I needed a nap." I responded.
"The pleasure was all mine. Ready for town? Can you stand up straight?" Ian sheathed his sword, smiling.
"Well enough. Let’s go.” I stretched my arms over my head, taking in the clear weather.
“I pawned off our duties on the others. There is a lovely lady waiting for me."
It could easily be said that Ian and I were the closest. I was furthest from Lucius and Gabriel, which left Fredrick, Poe, and Tanner somewhere in the middle. I would always be there for them no matter what. But sometimes I just wanted to punch Gabriel in the face.
"Sorry about before." Ian nudged me after apologizing.
"No worries. But I promise you, one day, I’ll be the one knocking you out."
"I can only hope for the day I receive such an auspicious gift."
"Learn that word from another one of your books?" I asked.
"No..." His hands went behind his back trying to hide his embarrassment. He was always reading, and we still gave him grief for it. It was all in good fun.
Choosing birthday gifts was always easy for Ian. He loved to read. Said learning about the past was the best hope for the future. An idealist, my brother. We left our simple farming home and followed the path that led to Old Urn: the city of small dreams and dusty roads.
It didn't take long to reach the main road, and after about a ten-minute walk, we were more than halfway towards Old Urn. The closer we got, the busier the traffic became with all the traders traveling along the routes. It was the busiest time of the year. The royal academy selections. I’d never have the money to go, but even if I did, I wouldn't want to. It is a school for the rich and powerful. But still, everyone in town had hope that I would go, being the seventh son and all.
I couldn’t imagine where that hope would go if they knew the truth.
"Mornin’, Noah." I nodded my head towards the stranger. Everyone in the village thought that we were best of friends. Gave me quite the neck ache nodding all day long, since I couldn't remember anyone’s names. We made it into town, and as usual, Ian left me to find his sweetheart, Olivia. I envied him. He was such a kind person and deserved happiness, but didn't I? I could be the best secret keeper in this little world of ours. That at least deserved something. We had one clothing store in Old Urn, and that was today’s destination, Mr. Travis always displayed the women’s clothing. I could almost see my reflection and imagine what it would be like to wear a dress. Just once. They look very uncomfortable, and I couldn't fight in one, but all the same, I wanted to try it. I walked inside the store.
Mr. Travis organized the shelf in front of him and turned with a smile. "Ah, Noah. Welcome."
"Hello again, Mr. Travis. I'm here for my mother’s order."
"Must be for your birthday celebration tomorrow."
"Aye, I believe so."
"Any big plans?" he asked as he shuffled around some packages.
"The biggest. Sleep."
"Ah, such a luxury."
I smiled as I looked around his shop. "I hear everyone is going to be there tomorrow." Mr. Travis said.
"I have unfortunately heard the same rumors. In my mind, it’s just another birthday. But in everyone else's, they think my powers will emerge,” I said. “So, it will end up being a night of staring and drinking. The drinking is for me." I said as my lips spread wide, revealing a smile.
He walked in front of me and put a large paper bag tied with yarn into my arms.
"Here ya go. And make sure you save one of those ales for me."
"Will do, Mr. Travis." I gave my thanks and left.
Now all that was left to do was wait for Ian to return, then I could go back home. My head still hurt from getting knocked out and the sun was only making it worse. I walked to the opposite side of the street and headed to The Honest Guide, our makeshift Inn, for an afternoon ale. Nothing took the edge off like a good drink.
Before I made it inside, Ian grabbed my arm. "No, no. Too early for that I'm afraid."
"Just one."
"Do you know how mad Father would be?"
"Fine..." I muttered.
“Good, now I have lots to tell you.”
* * *
After an earful of Ian's romantic plans, we finally made it home. Father still hadn't returned, thank goodness. It’s not that I didn't love him, it’s just he was so intense with me. 'Honor and duty' Father would say, and I’d get punched if I said something sarcastic. He was an old soldier, after all.
I heard mom yelling for Tanner, so I put the package with the rest of the clothing and went inside. I called out. "Tanner, Mom is calling for you,"
"Oh, I know. I'm seeing how long it takes her to get mad." Tanner replied.
"That seems to be your excuse every time."
"It does, doesn't it?" He put away some spices on the top shelf inside our small kitchen.
"Tanner Olsen, if you don't get in here right now!" Mom boomed.
I snorted. "Oooh, last name. Better hurry."
"You might be right. However, I wonder if I could get Mother to use the middle." He wagged his brows.
"I wouldn't," Fredrick said as he walked through and slapped the spice out of his hand.
"Hey!" Tanner complained.
"Tanner Knolling Olsen!" Mom screamed.
"Got it." Tanner smiled and patted me on the head. He went to Mother, and she hurled something, but he managed to duck just in time.
"You come when I call!" she yelled.
"I know Mother. I was just cleaning!"
Their voices faded as hoofs overtook the sound. I walked to the family room, and we all looked at one another.
"Well, shall we?" Gabriel asked.
"You fi
rst, oh great one." Ian threw a pillow at his head. I was first to go outside and, as Ian would say, 'For another auspicious occasion.'
Father had arrived from his trading trip. This only meant more life lessons for me.
CHAPTER TWO
The Eighteenth
My father's wagon came to a brisk stop, kicking up the dust. I lifted a hand to shield my eyes.
He jumped off the wagon and stared us down with his green eyes. "Well, come now. Welcome your old man home." He gestured us towards him, holding his arms out.
We all took turns in embracing him, except for me.
"Father," I said, giving him a firm handshake.
"Noah. I see you lost your weapon."
I looked at Ian. " Yes, I did."
Father nodded at my brother. "Good job, Ian,” he said before returning his attention to me. “As for you. You have to know better in a fight—”
"In a fight, a man with no weapon can’t act as a weapon. I know.”
He rubbed my short brown hair.
Stepping away from me, he said, "Right. Now, where is my beautiful wife?"
"I am here, Renard." Mom came from behind us and jumped into his arms.
I fell back in line and mentally thanked my mother for the save. I wasn't sure if I wanted another lesson from father.
"Let’s get inside and eat. Tomorrow is a joyous occasion." My father said.
Everyone began to file back inside. I went in last behind Ian. "Is he awfully nice this evening, or is it just me?" I whispered to Ian.
"No, he is. I was waiting for you to get kicked on your backside for that talkback. Why do you do that?"
"Adds spice to my life. Can’t have it all be about fights."
"You need a woman in your life."
I managed not to laugh. That was the last thing I needed. "Thanks, Ian. Trusting advice as always." A heavy hand fell on my shoulder.
"Noah,” my father’s voice rumbled.
Shit. I thought I was getting off easy.
"Yes, Father?" I turned around to meet his gaze. He beamed. I hadn’t so him happy since my first training session.
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