Eluan Falls: The Tides of Utter Undoing Read online

  Eluan Falls

  The Tides of Utter Undoing

  Book Two

  by

  Dane G. Kroll

  Cover Art by

  Christopher Holler

  Dedicated to

  Mallory

  A helpful voice for whenever I have a story problem.

  Stories are always told about the gain of power.

  But that should never be the end of the story.

  Power can always be gained, even for just a moment.

  The hardest part is holding on to it.

  You are no longer fighting with nothing to lose.

  Ruling the world is difficult. Defending it is even harder.

  -Matton

  To the Skies, He Went

  Chapter 1

  Just like every year as far back as the people could remember, the Night’s Flower began its bloom at the peak of the night. By that time all the torches were put out, and the candles put away. The entire Eluan Capitol began to illuminate, flower by flower. The light sprinkled through the streets and the buildings all underneath the full moon.

  There was nobody to take care of the flowers, nobody to direct them. The vines grew wild through the outskirts and the slums of the Capitol. It caused bushes of Night’s Flower to grow in distinct spots. The bushes reached as high as the roofs of nearby buildings and stretched two streets down. The residents in these parts of the Capitol would always find their way there.

  The Talons was the only ghetto that decorated their burrow. The Night’s Flower cascaded above the streets and along the buildings. There was perfect lighting in every alley. In the center of the Talons was the great centerpiece of the artists.

  Thousands of vines of Night’s Flower intertwined into a grand design. It was the Tamor bird. Its wings spread out thirty feet into the air, and twenty feet out. The bird design came to life as the Night’s Flowers bloomed the first night. The pedals of the flowers ruffled in the wind like feathers breezing through the sky.

  All this was made possible from the artists by the use of arcan. When the power flowed through them they could lift objects with their minds. It made decorating a breeze for many of the artists. The even more skilled ones could sense what their admirers wanted to see, and would work accordingly.

  Barkeepers and innkeepers would crack open their best supplies of Tamor Blood, a drink designed to allow arcan into the body. It got its name from the dark red color resembling the blood of the Tamor bird. This was the time of the year that suppliers made new customers and padded their purse for the rest of the season. Once somebody was hooked to the power of arcan it was difficult to leave it behind.

  Usually, the Talons offered the greatest celebration in the entire Eluan Capitol, but this year the royal palace was playing second to no one.

  Eluan was celebrating its first major victory since uniting the known world into a single empire.

  There was peace for nearly two decades until the Louson Kingdom was discovered, separated by the canyon with no bottom. Heir to the empire, Heir Heric Caning had journeyed across the unbreachable Insabal’s Canyon with his cousin, Nikali, his confidant, Forman, his mentor Alexus, and Alexus’ servant, Abigail. They returned with death, betrayal, and a new bride. But what followed them was even worse. Avadons, considered demons to the Louson people, spread into the Eluan Empire. They destroyed everything in their path. Their final destination became the great city of Myrus. Heric led the largest military campaign against the demon tribes in the ashes of the city. It was considered a major victory.

  All the avadons were killed in the city, but thousands were elsewhere. They attacked the Eluan Capitol directly. The city was saved by the leadership of Lieutenant Francesco de Seres. The demons retreated deep into the forest. They had not been heard of in the following months.

  Now, the royal class wanted to celebrate. They showed the strength the Eluan Empire had. Any enemy wishing to challenge them would think twice once word of the powerful display at Myrus had spread through the land.

  It was also time to celebrate the union between Eluan and Louson. Heric was engaged to Princess Marina Arraw. The wedding was to take place the next night. The Night’s Flower was the perfect time to have the wedding and to announce the beginning of Heric Caning’s official reign as emperor to the common people. His father finally passed. Heric was now in total control.

  The entire palace was lit up with Night’s Flowers. They sparkled in the torch lights. An aqueduct ran through the entire palace. Petals flowed by in the water. It lit up the palace baths like never before.

  Dinner was being served. Heric sat at the head of the table in the throne. Marina sat on his left. She smiled at him with adoration. Heric couldn’t help but wonder if the smile was genuine. He remembered the last message he received from his cousin, Nikali, before disappearing. Do not trust them. Nikali was referring to the Arraws. According to him, the family had known about a plot from Alexus to kill Heric and the others. Heric had no way of finding out the truth and had to remain calm. He could not risk a dispute with the Louson Kingdom. War was something he was trying to avoid.

  On Heric’s right was General Forman, Heric’s confidant. He was the second voice in Heric’s decisions. That was the job of the confidant. He needed to be another opinion, to give options, and show other points of view. Despite Forman knowing everything that Heric knew, Heric had kept the note from Nikali a secret. Heric still had yet to decide what to do. The wedding was the next day. It was going to be up to him alone to make the decision.

  In just a day, the palace was transformed once again. New decorations were lined through the halls. Banners representing both the Eluan Empire and the Louson Kingdom hung from every window; the tamor bird and the fury arck protecting their respective societies. Outside, the front yard court and the surrounding gardens were full of people. Everybody in the city came to attend the wedding. Then more from all over the empire came to join them. For that one day, many of the travesties of the past year were forgotten.

  Heric waited on the balcony overlooking many of his subjects. His bride would be arriving shortly. With him was his confidant, Forman. Other members from the Royal Council stood near the railing. They were present only by tradition. The Royal Council were men his father had chosen. Heric had yet to create his own. He did not want to appear weak on his announcement as Emperor. This council would remain until further notice. One seat, however, remained empty.

  It was the seat once filled by Alexus. Many thought Heric kept it open to honor his former mentor’s passing. Heric never corrected them. He would fill the last position when the time was right. First, he needed to get his empire back on track, and rebuild his connection with his cousin.

  The past year had been hardest on Nikali. His displays of arcan were never dreamed of in Eluan. He reached levels that most men died trying to achieve. Heric worried about his cousin, and what that had done to him. He hoped if Nikali ever returned, he could help his cousin rebuild his life. He was the only family he had left. Even his friends were dwindling.

  Heric scanned the courtyard. He looked over every face. There was no one he recognized.

  “She’s not there,” said Forman. They spoke quietly to each other. Low enough that the rest of the council could not hear them.

  “You don’t know that,” said Heric. His eyes never left the crowd.

  “My men have been looking for her day and night. Abigail is gone.”

  “There have been rumors,” grasped Heric.

  “The last report was in the Talons,” argued Forman. “Thousands of refugees from the destroyed towns have flocked there in the past months. Those rumors could be about anybody.” />
  “They said the girl had orange eyes.”

  “She is not the only one with orange eyes. There are still survivors from Prial. Contrary to reports, there is no way Tcher slaughtered them all.”

  “You will not call your men off until you find her, dead or alive,” said Heric. “Is that understood?”

  “Yes,” said Forman. He let the matter drop. Neither of them would budge on their stance. Ultimately, Forman would have to listen to Heric. Abigail was Heric’s childhood friend and lost love. He would never give up on her.

  Suddenly, the sound of horns filled the night air. Everybody in attendance stood up straight. All eyes were on the balcony. Their future empress was approaching.

  Heric turned to the entry way. The doors rushed open. Light from the Night’s Flower illuminated the entire balcony. Princess Marina Arraw walked forward.

  Her dress reached back fifteen feet. The design was inspired by Louson fashion. The dressmakers took pride in looking over Marina’s wardrobe and creating an entirely new piece just for the occasion. The dress wrapped around her body from the floor all the way to her neck. It drew the eyes all the way to her head where a tiny crown twinkled in the light. Soon the crown would be covered by a new one, The Empress Crown.

  Heric watched as she walked toward him. He lost his thought for a moment, even forgetting to breathe. She was beautiful. He could not deny that. Marina’s smile radiated to the entire crowd. The Royal Council looked on with jealousy. It was then Heric knew what he had to do. It was what was best for Eluan.

  Marina came up to Heric. She held out her hand as per custom. Heric hesitated. Her hand stayed put for the catch of a breath. Then Heric took his bride’s hand. They turned to the crowd. Their hands, palms together, Heric’s on top, out toward the crowd.

  The official came up to the couple. He placed his hands on both Heric’s and Marina’s heads. They bowed.

  “Today is the beginning of a new life for Eluan,” began the official. “We welcome, not only Princess Marina Arraw into our arms, but we welcome her people as well. May she rule these two lands with a gracious heart, and a mother’s touch.”

  The crowd cheered for the new couple. The official waited for the people to quiet down before proceeding.

  “This is also a day to mark the loss of our great leader. Emperor Cyrus Caning has died. In his place, now stands Emperor Heric Caning, may he lead his people into a greater destiny.”

  The crowd cheered even louder. Rumors had spread about the death of Emperor Cyrus. Many were relieved. His illness brought worry to the royal class. With Heric in full control many of the Eluan elites could sleep better at night.

  The official turned to Heric, “Emperor Heric Caning, is this the woman you have chosen as your bride to help guide Eluan into the future, and continue the Caning dynasty?”

  Heric stared at Marina. Her eyes peered into his. She longed for his answer.

  “Yes,” said Heric, “she is.”

  Their hands intertwined fingers signaling the union between the families. They held them up for the crowd to see. Pedals showered the courtyard. The trumpets began playing, down below people erupted into dance. The entire year would be a celebration if they had their way.

  The royal class held their heads high. Even they had the full spirit of celebration in them. The victory at Myrus and the Capitol plus the wedding had everybody in good spirits. Nothing could bring down the Eluan society. They were the strongest they had ever been. This would truly be a year to celebrate.

  Chapter 2

  Unfortunately, the end of the Night’s Flower Festival was the last of the celebrations that year for Eluan. The avadons returned from the forest they had escaped to. Every few weeks a group of travelers would go missing. There was neither rhyme nor reason for the people that were taken. The only similarity was the location. They were all last seen near the Cylo Forest.

  Panic and fear returned to the Eluan people over the next few months. Thousands of them had just begun to rebuild their lives after the first attack. Myrus was slowly rising from the ashes. Under the command of Francesco de Seres, much of Myrus was cleaned out in half the time expected. The remaining structures were being reinforced and new buildings were built.

  After many of the housings were set up, Seres requested for more soldiers. His next concern was protection. He had the space for the refugees, but nobody would come. The roads were no longer safe. In just one month Eluan’s internal trade was near depleted. The avadons cast a long shadow across the empire.

  In response, Emperor Heric Caning set up guard posts on every road in Eluan. The major roads had posts that could be seen on any stretch of the horizon. Travelers could be at one post and see the next one down the line. Heric wanted his people to feel safe once again.

  The guards quelled much of the fear in Eluan’s citizens. Trade began again, but it never rose to its former glory. Instead, hired protection reached a boom. Men could find work protecting traders. Their prices rose as did the prices of the trader’s goods.

  Heric sent out his army to find the avadons and eliminate them once and for all. Each time a team was sent into the forest, fewer would return. Heric would have to figure out a new solution. The avadons had settled in during the winter. Eluan was their new home.

  Chapter 3

  While the Night’s Flower was usually a time for celebration, the next year it went missed by many people. There was still fear of the avadons lurking in the forest to the west. Their homes had been destroyed and there was no longer anything to celebrate. Yet.

  Rasid forced his eyes open in the midnight light. The moon overhead offered him enough of an idea on the direction he was headed. His family slept peacefully nearby. His wife rested her head on his shoulders, while his brothers slept on the floor of their boat. Their shifts would be starting soon.

  The current rocked Rasid into a constant battle with sleep. He knew he couldn’t rest yet, but the waves were so soothing. The island was close. He could see it in the distance. They would reach land during his shift or the next. It was only a matter of the tide.

  Gently, Rasid moved his wife toward the side of the boat. He kissed her cheek before sitting back and grabbing the oars. He got his second wind. Seeing the island so close raised his excitement. He could tell they were going to hit low tide. He would wait no longer. The Tcher Islands were welcoming him, just like the stories told.

  Generations ago, the Tcher Islands were a refuge for the weak and the abused. If Eluan, Myrus, or Prial did not want you the Tcher Islands would accept you. Many died trying to reach the islands, their illnesses taking them before they could reach safe haven, or killed for their way of life.

  Slowly, the reputation changed for the Tcher Islands. Mothers abandoned their deformed children, many societies dropped off their unwanted prisoners. It was a black mark to be headed toward the Tcher Islands. Tcher never changed its ways. They welcomed anybody who found their way to their shores.

  That all changed after Aldrin arrived. His rise to power drew concern for the leaders on the mainland. Their concerns were met when Aldrin was driven mad from the prospect of immortality. He declared war on Prial. Eluan reaped the rewards. Then ever since the war the Tcher Islands were closed off.

  An armada of ships surrounded the island heavily on the west side facing toward the mainland. On the east the ships were far fewer. There was little danger coming from the end of the world.

  Rasid hoped that things had changed after twenty years. He worried about the armada outside the islands, but he and his group circled around north and approached the islands from the east. Rasid believed he had beaten a test laid out by the Tcher Islands. They would be safe once they landed.

  With the avadons in the west causing havoc, the Tcher Islands offered the greatest sense of peace. They rested all the way in the east, surrounded by the End Sea. It was as far as you could go to escape Eluan’s new terror.

  The boat hit the shore. Rasid couldn’t co
ntain himself. His smile was already stretched across his face. He jumped out of the boat. The sand felt wonderful against his feet. He fell to the ground in ecstasy, yelling out to the sky. The others woke from their sleep. They got out of the boat. Rasid’s wife cried tears of joy. For the first time in over a year she felt safe again. The Tcher Islands would be the start of a new life.

  The four of them rested on the ground together. Their concerns no longer a bother to any of them. They did not pay attention when the sound of horses approached. They were surrounded in a matter of minutes of their arrival.

  Chapter 4

  Heric stood at the edge of the cliff. He looked straight down into the misty void. Insabal’s Canyon gave him as much of a rush as it did the first time he saw it two years ago. He tried not to bask in the moment for too long. The soldiers and workers around him were waiting.

  He moved his head around examining the area. Eluan had begun reconstructing the bridge shortly after the Night’s Flower festival the previous year. It was considered the greatest achievement by Emperor Cyrus Caning, Heric’s father, and the emperor before him, Nikali Caning, Heric's uncle. Over twenty years of work was then destroyed in one night as Heric’s cousin brought the bridge to timber with the most powerful display of arcan the world had ever seen. It was Heric’s duty to rebuild.

  Louson men worked hard on the other side, and even that was proving not enough. Heric wanted the bridge to be completed at this point, but his dreams were quickly squandered.

  Recreating the crossing was a difficult task. The original mind behind the design, Alexus, was dead. Heric’s men had to start from near scratch. Men had been out searching for the original crossing, and had yet to find it.

  Years before the first bridge was built, Alexus and his men managed to find a spot they could drop a giant tree into the canyon. The tree wedged itself against the walls. It was the first time ever recorded that a man was able to cross Insabal’s Canyon. Building the bridge only became a matter of time once they had men across the drop. Heric was working with much more and still failing.