Skye Light Read online

  SKYE LIGHT

  Edict of the Kauri – Book One

  By A.R. Maloney

  DEDICATION

  For my mom, Phyllis, who taught me to seek the truth and do what is right, even when the right thing to do may be so very difficult.

  * * * * *

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Again, this is a book of fiction. There is no reason to believe you can sprout wings and fly, or fling balls of fire or ice from your hands. Although the use of herbs and first aid is mentioned in this book, this book is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians, because once again, it is fictional. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to his/her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 66

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Chapter 1—The First Rule

  ~Skye~

  I TOOK A KNEE, concealing myself in the dense, leafy brush at the tree line which marked the far edge of our property. My brow furrowed, eyebrows pulling together as I worked on focusing my attention. It gave my normally smooth face a slightly pinched expression as I strained to see what was happening at the cabin. From the distance I'd seen three soldiers approaching my home and had been watching silently for some time. Two appeared to be standing guard outside the door, which was the only entrance. I could only assume that meant the third would be inside at this point. My eyes scanned the fields and gardens for any sign of my mother. She wasn’t outside, not that I could see. A lump of worry formed in my throat; not sure if this was reassuring.

  I shifted the satchel which was hanging heavily over my shoulder. In it was a mixture of herbs, fruits and nuts which I had gathered this morning, as well as two rabbits from my snares. Looking beyond the field, past the large garden, towards the barn and pastures I could see the chickens scratching at the ground, searching for something tasty. They carried on like this was any other day. On the other side of the home our goats played while our cow munched contentedly on the long grasses of the small pasture, undisturbed by the visitors.

  I retrained my focus on my home. A small trail of grey smoke rose lazily from the chimney and it was quiet, the only sounds being that of the breeze and nature itself. Letting my gaze slide over the small cabin, I concentrated my attention on the windows of the home. If there was a problem, mom would have tried to move the curtains. Nothing appears to be out of place. I took a deep breath in, releasing it slowly while trying to puzzle out what was happening.

  Outside the front door of my home stood two elaborately armored soldiers, both wearing the cobalt blue and silver insignia, which was the mark of the army of Lucenia, the protectors of Arden. They looked fiercely magnificent, much like the descriptions of sentinels from childhood stories. Battle-hardened expressions on their faces, it was clear they were not to be trifled with. But why were they here? Every spring the army sends recruiters to the villages, to gather the young men and women who had reached their twenty-first year; everyone serves in one capacity or another. However, I’m just barely nineteen. I tried to explain away my confusion and rising anxiety; I’ve never once heard of them visiting a home.

  Wondering what this could mean, I ran my long-tanned fingers through my hair. I gathered the many deep brown, braided lengths together, tying them off at the nape of my neck with a length of leather cord. I ran my hands down my dusky tanned arms, noticing my fingers were dingy and covered with dirt. I licked my lips, tasting the sweat and grit of the morning’s hunt. I pulled the cap from my water pouch, wetting my hands. I swiftly rinsed my face of the dirt and sweat which had gathered from the hard morning’s work before taking a long drink of the water. My tongue was coated with the bitter water which had grown stale from hours in the leathered flask. I pulled a sprig of mint from the ground beside me welcoming the refreshing taste. Now is as good of a time as any. My decision was made, and I stood, brushing the dirt and leaves from my pants and tunic. Steeling my resolve, I left the protection of my hidden spot among the trees; determining there was nothing left to do but find out for myself what was happening.

  Carefully observing the strangers, I slowly worked my way across the fields, towards my home. My steps slowed as I approached the small cabin, I eyed the soldiers with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. The only response to my tentative green and mahogany gaze was a slight nod from one of the silent soldiers.

  This one was wearing armor of fine woven chain mail which was a brilliant silver-blue in the bright noon sun. She was of medium height, maybe five foot and seven inches, and lithe of build. Her brown eyes were alert and confident and her hair was golden white on her head, arranged in a riot of spiky curls. Despite the heat of the day she showed no discomfort. A thick staff was slung almost lazily over her right shoulder and hung down her pale back. It was crafted from a dark, rich ebony wood and an elegant pattern of runes and swirls was carved into the wood, the markings glowing a deep indigo over the entire length of the weapon. There were rubies and sapphires embedded in rings around both ends. She was exquisite.

  The other soldier seemed oblivious to me. His gaze, staying focused on the surrounding forest with the trained eye of a hardened warrior. I would be fooling myself if I’d tried to believe he didn't see every detail surrounding him. I could almost feel his not-attention on me, and I rolled my shoulders, trying to rid myself of the unease caused by the combination of indifference and scrutiny. He was handsome, even with the scar which ran from his left ear nearly to his mouth. He looked to be just over six feet in height with armor that was much sturdier than that of his companion. It was made of heavy plate, the same silver-blue of the first guard. His hair was a shining, rich golden brown, which was thickly knotted in a single braid and tied back behind his head. He was tall with thick muscles running under his deeply tanned skin. His eyes were slate grey and sharp, probably missing no detail. A small blush covered my cheeks briefly as I realized I had been staring. I forced my eyes to look away, biting the inside of my lip and felt a small flutter rising up in my stomach. I focused on my steps again, continuing forward and quelling my nerves.

  Now I was certain; these were no normal soldiers. These had to be sentinels, ones who had received the gift of immortality from the gods. The greatest protectors of our world, Eluna. Sentinels didn't just drop in for no reason, and I felt a surge of protectiveness welling up from deep inside me. I needed to make sure all was well.

  There was no attempt to stop me as I approached my home. Only a nod from the first guard gave any indication that it was ok to enter; not that I would have stayed outside without voicing any complaints. I opened the door to the small cabin I shared with my mom and stepped inside. The smell of freshly baked sweet bread and ginseng tea filled my nose. I took a deep breath and crossed the room, eventually standing with my back against the wall which faced the door.

  Sitting
at the heavy wooden table was a third soldier, a ranger. He was speaking with my mother and he was just as finely adorned as the two standing guard outside. This man had reddish-brown skin and the sides of his scalp was shaved into a mohawk. The remaining hair was braided in tight, brown rows along the top of his head and the rest was tied neatly behind the nape of his neck, hanging well down his leather clad back. His armor was crafted of the softest leathers and was dyed the same silvery blue of the sentinels standing guard outside. A thick grey quiver filled with arrows was slung across his back along with a longbow unlike any I had ever seen. It was easily half as tall as him. Detailed, mysterious glyphs glowed warm and golden over the length of the weapon, making it appear more a great work of art than a tool of war.

  My mom looked up at me, smiling gently. It was a look meant to appease me. Frowning in response, my back stiffened as I observed the two. The ranger continued speaking with my mother, his eyes never once landing on me, despite my arrival. “Thank you, Sera. Skye will have the finest training in Arden. Riven is the head magus in Ridott Village. He has been hearing word of her increasing talent for some time now and he has agreed to mentor her personally. This is a great honor, to be called directly into service like this, as you well know. A great honor indeed, for your family to have her invited to join the ranks of the Protectors of Arden.” He rubbed his chin, nodding as he spoke.

  My eyes widened as I attempted to process the words being spoken by the stranger who was sitting and looking far too comfortable at our table. I gasped and looked at my mom. “No! Not yet! It’s too soon!”

  Sure, many years ago magic had awoken inside me; a rarity among our people. As time passed, I had grown; not only in age, but I had become strong in body, mind, and spirit. I had found that the earth, fire, water and wind could hear my whispers and over time I had learned the magic of the elements. As I had become more capable in my practice, I began to venture out from the confines of my homeland farm and the surrounding forests. Neighboring villages had begun to call upon me. My strength and skills, which were growing more powerful with each passing season, were often in demand. Eventually, I had gained a reputation as one who would fight for the people of the nearby communities and could always be counted upon to help those in need.

  When the wildlings began coming out from the mountains, I was there to protect the people. These raiders were fierce fighters, wild men and women who had lost all faith in civilized society after the Great Break. They were outlaws, gangs who were known for raiding and pillaging nearly as ruthlessly as the Lluren and the Ustenians. Outlying homes and outposts became targets more frequently and the thieves became bolder and increasingly aggressive as time went on. Eventually their ruthless actions became too much and I was called upon regularly to help people push back the thieves. Word had traveled far of the brave young woman with a strong affinity for magic. Stories of my talents had reached the capitol city and the recruiters had finally been sent for me.

  I searched my mother’s face, “Mama, what is this about? Why so soon?” Her smile dropped and tears threatened her deep green eyes. Her hand went to a blue pendant hanging on her neck. She grasped it tightly between her fingers, and closed her eyes, murmuring a silent prayer. This is something she did whenever she would get particularly upset. Sera looked to the ranger and after a couple deep breaths said, “She is my only...she’s all I have left. Please take good care of her. Train her well.”

  Shock and angry denial filled my eyes, “But mom! I’m only nineteen! I expected another year at least!” Would she not even fight for me? I glared at the ranger, widening my stance, my arms at my sides. “Why so soon? I thought we couldn’t be called until after our twenty-first year.”

  The ranger nodded curtly to my mom and turned, looking squarely into my eyes, “Normally that would be the case, Skye, but they have called for you sooner. My name is Roman. I am a sentinel of Arden. I've been assigned to help recruit and train humans with an affinity for the arts of war and healing. We are charged with reclaiming these lands from the roaming gangs and wildlings. It is believed they have long been working with the Lluren and are attempting to open a portal which would let these demons loose upon our lands once more.” I gasped in disbelief and looked again at my mother, who was trying hard to conceal her feelings. I could almost smell the fear seeping from her pores. Roman pinned me with his gaze, grabbing my attention and calmly continued, “You've seen my companions Niera and Cooper at the door. We will be traveling together as we return to Ridott Village. When we arrive you will meet Riven, the head magus, who will be training you.”

  My eyes left his briefly and then moved to meet those of my mother. She met my questioning gaze and in her quiet, gentle voice said, “It's true, my Skye. Everything he says is true. I've already packed a rucksack for you. I've known this day would come...I've known it ever since your...talents...began to appear.” She turned to the counter and spread a length of cloth upon which she began placing items; breads, cheeses, and nuts, which she bound together and then placed in the large pack which I normally carried for longer hunts.

  Roman looked at me, his eyes softening, “I’m sorry this has come with no forewarning; I know how difficult this must seem for you.”

  It was apparent he didn't like this part of his job...the part where he had to pull recruits away from their families. Recruits. I scoffed to myself. The word suggests there may be some option, but in my world, everyone has a job to do. Eventually we all must serve our country in some way; and for one like me, with the magic soaring through my veins, it's a given. The call would have come someday. I just didn't know it would be so soon, or like this.

  My mom placed an arm over my shoulder. “Skye, calm yourself,” she urged. “You are more than ready for this. You must go.”

  Roman nodded at my mother resolutely. With calm authority he looked at me. “We will leave immediately. Your first lesson is one we all must learn well. There is no time for long goodbyes.”

  My heart was pounding, and I felt a thick lump in my throat as I took the bag my mother had prepared and pulled it over my shoulders, wishing I’d been given time to at least clean up, to tie up loose ends, to...anything. I hugged her hard, swallowing so I could speak past the lump in my throat, “I love you, Mama.”

  Sera wrapped her arms around me and buried her nose in my neck, breathing in my scent deeply, “Skye, my sweet, be well and strong of heart, I love you.”

  Roman opened the door and announced, “It's time.” He exited the cabin, holding the door and motioning for me. I hugged and kissed my mom again, and then I turned to follow. The warrior and the chantress fell in beside us and we passed the garden and began to cross the large pasture, making our way towards the great woods beyond. As we reached the forest's edge I paused, turning for one last look at the only home I had known in my nineteen years.

  “Take a moment,” Niera placed a hand on my shoulder briefly, turning me around to face my home one last time.

  I mumbled my thanks to the chantress at my side. Cooper merely continued scanning the forest with focused intent, only pausing momentarily to flex and stretch the huge muscles covered by his heavy armor. I kneeled, pushing both of my hands deep into the grass and dirt and looking back across the field, taking strength for my leaving. My gaze was on my home, focusing hard, trying to imprint every detail into my memory; the smooth logs of the cabin where I had grown, the fields heavy with grains, the smells of the goats and chicken, the scents of the pines and wildflowers, the way the wind came down over the hills and through the trees. The sounds of the animals and the woods…I thought I could see my mom in the window, watching me too, her hand palming the glass pane. I finally took a deep breath and stood, feeling my eyes dampen, but refusing to let a tear fall. “I'm ready.” I said softly, turning on my heel.

  Niera gave me a nod and offered her hand, helping me to stand. She began whispering gently, a light melodic tune flowing from her lips, and I felt my arms and legs begin to tingle. The wind around us
picked up, as her spell gently encircled us, giving me the feeling of what I could only describe as buoyancy. My body felt lighter and a look of surprise came over me as I noticed my steps coming faster, speeding up. I gasped, my head swinging towards Niera in amazement.

  Roman must have seen my reaction because he leaned over, exclaiming, “Your second lesson... is to always try to travel with a chantress!” He smiled, his eyes lighting up and he gave Niera's shoulder a light punch with his fist. She smiled in return. It was at this point that I knew whatever was to come, it certainly would be interesting.

  Chapter 2—Into the Espencheid

  WE RACED DOWN A trail through the dense green trees. Our feet fell silently on the earth as we passed by fallen limbs and flowers, over creeks and crags, moving deeper into the Great Espencheid forest. The air was warm, and the sky was a clear bright blue, when I could see it through the heavily leafed canopy above. Far off I could hear the calls of the griffin coming down from the cliffs above. We were drawing nearer to the Rockjaw River, which ran through the center of the Great Espencheid and we had seen neither home nor even much sign of any people for some time. Our only company was the worn hunting path passing beneath our feet.

  I looked around to the faces of the other three. None showed any sign of tiring and I got the feeling we would not be stopping for some time. My skin glowed with a light sheen of sweat as I did my best to keep pace with my seasoned escorts. I am a stubborn woman. I don't want to show weakness. Not that I'm feeble, that would be impossible. Life in the outlands kept me in good shape, but these ones...wow. They are substantially relentless. I will do my best to keep to their schedule, trying to match them stride for stride. ‘I will be strong. I will prove my worth. I will be strong. I will prove my worth.’ I raised my head, repeating it over and over in my mind, until my thoughts became a mantra, focusing myself and strengthening my intent. My stomach grumbled in protest, betraying my thoughts. I hadn't realized the intensity of my hunger. I hadn't eaten anything before setting out for my hunt this morning. My complaining stomach must have been loud. Cooper reached into a small leather satchel at his side and pulled out a piece of dried meat. He handed it to me saying only, “It's a mix of dried fish and berries. It is very nutritious, and it will help to hold you over until we stop.”