Shadows of the Past: The Unbroken, #2

Shadows of the Past

The Unbroken, Book 2

by

Luther Salyers

Published by WordCrafts

Copyright © 2020 Luther Salyers

Cover art by Reuben Lane

Cover design by Jonathan Grisham for Grisham Designs

Shadows of the Past is a work of fiction. All references to persons, places or events are used fictitiously.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. 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 purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chatper 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

About the Author

1

Aharsh icy breeze swayed the branches of the thick elm trees in the forest. A young human girl dressed in warm furs walked toward a stream carrying a small wooden bucket. She knelt by the stream and dipped her bucket in the frigid water. She heard a dull thud, and felt water flow over her feet. The sight of an arrow piercing the side of the bucket caused her eyes to widen, and tore a scream from her throat. She rose, and started running; fast—faster than she ever had, as fast as her spindly legs could propel her.

She risked glancing right and left and behind her, trying to spot the attacker. She stifled the cry that welled up within her, unwilling to give her position away, if indeed her attacker did not already know her position. She stumbled on a large root protruding from the ground, tumbled to the ground, twisting her ankle and smashing her knee against an unforgiving rock.

Blood poured from the gash, drawing a whimper of pain from the girl. She clamped her hand over her mouth and scanned the shadowed woods for any sign or sound of her pursuer. There was no movement, no sound—other than the whistling of the wind through the trees.

The girl regained her feet and hobbled forward as quietly as possible. At last weariness exceeded her fear and she sat with her back against the tree to rest. She examined her bloodied and swollen knee, flinching in pain when she tried to touch it.

Movement caught her eye. Fear paralyzed her mind. A Wraith of Colubra stood above her.

Clad in tight, black leather armor, his face obscured by a hood and mask, the scale tattoos on the Wraith’s bare arms marked him for what he was.

The Wraith knelt before her, fixing her with his hollow-eyed gaze as he placed a single finger over her lips. With infinite economy of movement the Wraith slipped his dagger from its sheath, and just as deftly sliced through the girl’s throat.

The girl’s fingers clasped hard around the open wound. Warm blood rushed between her fingers, over her hands, and down onto her body. Her eyes never wavered from the Wraith’s hollow-eyed glare, even as her life-blood flowed out. She was still gazing into his eyes when life faded away.

The Wraith wiped his dagger on the girl’s fur clothing, then returned it to its sheath. If he felt any remorse, it did not show in his eyes.

The sound of elves on horseback drew his attention from the dead girl. The Wraith bowed low to honor the approach of Prince Domatin. Mounted on a black horse and attired in his accustomed dark blue scale armor, Domatin was armed with only a simple wooden bow. Behind him road five more Wraiths and 20 Praetorians in their heavy, white scale armor and soft cream colored masks.

Domatin noticed the dead girl, and a smile crept across his face. His gaze, however, was fixed on the village in the distance. He pointed at it as he addressed the elves gathered behind him, This human village has been confirmed to harbor and aid members of the Xanican resistance. Make an example of them so that all will know not to defy us. Spare no one. Not the women, the old, or the infirm, not the children. Kill them all. Burn their village to the ground.

The Wraiths ran through the snow toward the village, the Praetorians followed at the slower pace, and Domatin waited at the edge of the forest to watch. The first dwelling sparked and caught fire. The fire skipped across to the next dwelling. Soon the village was ablaze and the screams of its inhabitants pierced the night sky. Domatin caught a snowflake on his tongue and let out a soothing breath before returning his gaze to the carnage.

Out of the corner of his eye, Domatin saw a young human boy, perhaps eight years old, running as fast as he could toward the forest. A wicked gleam shone in Domatin’s eyes. He spurred his horse into a gallop through the frigid air toward the small boy.

The boy looked over his shoulder once, then laid down in the snow, overcome with fear.

Domatin spurred his black steed faster. The boy didn’t make a sound as the horse plowed over him. Domatin reined the horse in, turned, and trotted him back to where the boy’s battered body lay.

Perhaps I should have done that to Liam those years ago, he muttered to himself.

2

Walking in the gardens at Sternz, Kaia raised her hand to shield her eyes from the vivid winter sun that glared down upon her. Her eyes adjusting from the brightness, she watched Bethany chase Alyssa around the statue of The Hero of Aclia.

Out of breath, Bethany paused and said to Kaia, I think it is your turn to chase our sister. Alyssa never seems to run out of energy.

Kaia laughed as Alyssa jumped on Bethany’s back. Or both of you could chase me! Alyssa said. That way it would be twice as much fun.

Kaia stopped at the rectangular pond in front of the statue and asked, I thought you two were going to play in the gardens?

We were, responded Bethany. But Alyssa decided to try and splash water on me, so I’ve been trying to throw her into the pond.

Alyssa gasped as she felt Bethany’s grip tighten around her legs. Bethany laughed as she walked toward the pond with Alyssa squirming to try to get off her back. Kaia smiled at her two sisters as Bethany fell backwards into the pond, drenching them both in icy water.

Princesses! came a shout from behind the gate.

Kaia looked behind her to see Jaclyn rush past her to help Bethany and Alyssa out of the freezing water. Both were shivering so much their teeth chattered. Jaclyn stripped off her own fur coat and wrapped it around the children as they huddled together for warmth.

What were you two thinking? We have to get you inside before you catch your death of a cold—or your mother finds out and scolds all of us, Jacelyn admonished.

Kaia lowered her head and muttered, Mother wouldn’t care. We seldom even see her anymore.

Jaclyn chivvied Bethany and Alyssa back toward the citadel as she addressed Kaia. Your mother is busy, you know that. Since your father’s death she has been trying to run this country and build up an army to be able to attack the elves. These past three months have been hard on her, but I promise she isn’t ignoring you on purpose.

I miss papa, Alyssa whimpered.

Bethany pulled Alyssa close. We all do. But at least we have each other. Kaia and I don’t plan on leaving you anytime soon. Bethany turned to Kaia and joked, Unless a certain someone takes her away from us.

Who is going to take her away from us? Alyssa demanded.

Bethany continued to tease as Kaia’s face blushed scarlet. Do you not remember that handsome man she has spent a great deal of time with?

Alyssa grinned. You mean the man with the big green orc?

That’s right, replied Bethany.

Alyssa smiled up at Kaia with approval. I like him. He seems nice.

Kaia returned the smile. Vernon is a very kind and handsome man. Now if only we could find someone for Bethany.

Bethany scoffed, That’ll be the day.

They arrived at the door leading to the citadel and Jaclyn allowed Bethany and Alyssa to step inside before addressing Kaia. Speaking of that handsome man, this came for you.

Jaclyn pulled a sealed envelope from her sleeve and handed it to Kaia. Kaia snatched the envelope.

Thank you Jaclyn. I still don’t know why mother doesn’t want me to read these.

Queen Alezzia probably just doesn’t like the fact that a man is becoming a part of your life, Jaclyn replied.

Jaclyn followed the two princesses inside, leaving Kaia alone to read her letter.

"My dearest Kaia.

How are things back in Sternz? Or rather Crixaria. It may have only been a month since I departed but Xanica is a cold and unforgiving country. The forests here are much larger and thicker than the ones we are used to, and the snow hasn’t helped.

Almost everyone is doing fine here. Konar is still drinking but slowly cutting down. Kassandra—well Kassandra is Kassandra, there is no slowing her down. Liam, however, has been even more quiet than normal, and he seems to be in a sour mood. Konar thinks that Liam is just tired, so we will see how he shapes up..."

As Kaia neared the end of the letter, her smile flipped to a frown, and she started running toward the front of the citadel. She passed soldiers and common people alike, greeting neither, oblivious to their salutes and salutations. She paused only briefly at the front gate to catch her breath, then entered the citadel and made her way to the throne room where Queen Alezzia sat in her chair listening to General Izak, Vicar Matthew, and Benjamin argue.

Why are you even here? Izak shouted at Benjamin. You have nothing to offer that could help us.

Alezzia answered for Benjamin. Benjamin is my new head advisor. He will be here during all discussions involving the state of Crixaria.

Vicar Matthew chimed in. I agree with General Izak. We should send our armies as soon as we can. Within three months I will have 300,000 paladins ready to march toward the elven homeland of Azara. With your new army of 100,000 we can at least force the elves out of Xanica.

Alezzia remained silent and allowed her gaze to flow from Benjamin to Izak to the Vicar. Benjamin and I believe it would be best to wait for Vetin’s reply. If they join us we can add another 200,000 to our army. We can’t take the war to the elven homeland unless we have Vetin’s support as well as the dwarves continuing their war.

Izak tilted his head in annoyance. In Xanica there are only 35,000 elven soldiers. They have their 15,000 occupational force and the 20,000 that King Dylenn allowed to leave. Most of those are still nursing wounds from the siege. If we were to send even a small contingent of troops, we could retake Xanica now.

Benjamin barked a short laugh. And what about the weather? It has begun to snow in Xanica, are you not worried that our forces could freeze to death if they got stuck somewhere? We should wait until the winter has passed before we send our armies east.

Matthew glared at Benjamin. If we were to take Xanica back from the elves we would have a better staging ground to prepare for the march across the Eacru wastes. And we would have the support of Xanican people.

Kaia, who had been listening silently, now cleared her throat to draw attention to herself. All eyes turned toward her. I apologize for interrupting, but I have some news that may be of value.

Alezzia took a deep breath and motioned for Kaia to continue. Kaia pulled out Vernon’s letter and said, One month ago The Unbroken volunteered to go to the aid of the Xanican Resistance. This letter is from Vernon Regnier. It says they haven’t made contact with the resistance yet, but his news gives us reason enough to send some sort of aid.

Alezzia glared at Kaia,.A letter from Vernon Regnier? I thought I made it clear you were not to write to him. For all you know that could be an elf trying to give us false information or draw us into a trap.

Before Kaia could respond, Izak interrupted. What does the letter say?

Alezzia shot Izak a withering glare, but nodded for her daughter to continue. Vernon said that the elves have begun to burn entire villages again. The Unbroken have only been in Xanica for two weeks and have come across four villages that have been massacred and burned to the ground. They think the increased pressure from the Xanican Resistance has made the elves take desperate measures to quell them.

Surely that news is enough of a reason for us to send aid, Matthew interjected. To my knowledge this is the first time since the elves invaded 15 years ago that they have butchered entire villages. These are not only fellow humans who are being slaughtered, but fellow believers in The One. We must send whatever aid we can.

Alezzia pondered for a moment before turning to her advisor. Benjamin and I will go over the finances of Crixaria one more time before deciding on a course of action. Raising an army while rebuilding the wall is expensive. I would not waste money where we don’t need to.

Izak tried, but failed, to contain his annoyance. Take too long to respond and there might not be a Xanica left to liberate, he prophesied.

3

The Unbroken rode through the solemn forest, each wearing dark brown cloaks covering their new armor, gifted by the Vicar of Tarium.

Vernon’s chainmail and surcoat had been replaced with a mixture of plate and leather armor. His chest, shoulders, and hands were protected by finely smithed plate armor. Beneath, Vernon wore a heavy, dark purple, wool coat, black trousers, and a soft cowl of black fur that hung from his neck and draped down his back. His feet were shod with dark brown, leather boots.

Kassandra’s new armor provided protection without sacrificing mobility. New leather boots and leggings covered her legs, while a tight, dark brown, leather vest rested over a long-sleeved, white shirt. Smaller pieces of plate armor shielded her breasts, shoulders, and forearms.

Liam’s new armor was made entirely of charcoal black leather, matched with leather boots, vest, and gloves. Liam had removed much of the steel plating.

I hate being in the middle of forests, Kassandra complained while riding her spotted grey horse.

Konar, resplendent in his new armor which was fashioned similarly to paladins from Tarium, with heavy grey plate armor beneath a purple cloth tabard, trimmed in yellow with Crixaria’s emblem, a golden bear head in the center, sighed. You’ve said that every day for the past two weeks. Complaining about it won’t make it any better.

You two have been at each other’s throats more than normal, Vernon snapped. If I had to guess, your constant bickering is what has been putting Liam in a bad mood.

All three turned around to look at a sulking Liam.

I’m fine, was the only reply they got from him.

Kassandra let out a deep sigh and shook her head. "I thought  maybe given some time you’d at least try to open up. Especially after we all survived Sternz. To be honest I would even accept you lying with an, I’m cold, or I’m tired, but all you ever say is, I’m fine, don’t worry about it, leave me alone."

Perhaps we need to accept that maybe Liam is always going to be like that, Konar said. Quiet and ready for battle.

Eyeing Konar, Kassandra replied, Don’t you think in his state of mind he is going to get himself killed?

Vernon joined the conversation. Kassandra, we all know that out of the four of us Liam has the best chance to survive. He singlehandedly killed three Praetorians, swung off the damn wall, and even beat eight Tarians to a pulp without any weapons.

Kassandra, more annoyed than ever, bickered, The best chance of survival? Liam has the least! Anytime something related to  Prince Domatin pops up he shuts down and focuses on only that. Kassandra directed her ire at Liam. One of these days you are going to get so caught up with him that you’ll run off with no one to watch your back, and Domatin will defeat you.

Liam held Kassandra’s gaze for a long moment before dropping his gaze to the large black wolf beside him. Blaster will always watch my back.

Soft white flakes fell from the sky as they pressed their horses deeper into the forest. A soft breeze echoed through the barren trees. Clouds darkened the sun. Konar studied the sky and said, I had hoped that it wouldn’t snow again for at least another week.

Vernon allowed the cold flakes to pile up on his hand. This isn’t snow, he muttered. It’s ash.

The Unbroken halted, their focus turned to the woods. They sat quietly searching for any sign of movement of where the ash might be coming from. Blaster’s ears perked up as he shifted his attention to the left of the group. With a bark Blaster stared into the woods, alerting everyone else to that part of the forest.

Vernon dismounted, drew his longsword from within his cloak and began to creep into the woods. The rest of the team followed stealthily, watching for signs of a threat.

The hushed tone of the woods put Kassandra more on edge than the others. A branch snapped to her left. Without hesitation, she turned and released an arrow toward the area of the noise. The arrow thudded into a large tree a few feet away and Kassandra just stared at it. A hand holding a simple sword appeared from behind the tree followed by Liam, who stared right back at Kassandra with a heated gaze.

Kassandra forced an apologetic smile to her face as she mouthed, I’m sorry.

Liam pointed his sword to where Vernon, Konar, and Blaster were walking and the two of them rejoined their team.

They soon heard the gentle flowing sound of water and came upon a small stream. Konar spotted a bucket pierced by an arrow and whispered to himself, I hope we find at least one survivor this time.

Vernon led the way across the stream, and they continued down a small trail. Blaster sniffed the air and darted off in front of them. Liam yelled out, Blaster! Get back here.

Liam ran after Blaster and found him sitting by the corpse of a young human girl. The rest of the team approached more cautiously. They could all see the look of pain on the dead girl’s face as a trail of dried blood ran from her slit neck to the ground below. They exchanged grim looks then continued up the trail while Konar paused to close the young girl’s eyes.

At the edge of the forest they stumbled upon a burnt village, its once welcoming wooden buildings now turned to burnt ruins and piles of ash. They walked toward the village with their weapons ready. Fires still crackling and the stench of burnt flesh assaulted their nostrils. Vernon knelt and touched a pile of ash. It’s still warm—perhaps 12 hours.

Out of the corner of his eye Konar spotted a slight movement. He turned to see the body of a child, face down on the ash pile. In a hushed tone he said, I think we have a live one over here.

Konar crept slowly toward the child, knelt, and offered words of comfort as he turned the child over. It’s alright now. We are here to help. But then Konar saw that this child’s throat had also been slit.

Another movement from the pile of ash drew his attention. He eased the child’s body back down, then slowly moved forward.

Konar, are you alright over there? Vernon called.

Konar raised his right hand signaling for silence, then wiped away at the top of the pile of ash. No movement. He brushed more ash from the pile. Again, no movement. Konar stood and uttered to himself, It must have been the wind.

As Konar turned back toward the group, a Wraith of Colubra leapt from within the pile of ash and onto Konar’s back, her dagger tearing through the air toward Konar’s throat.

The Unbroken dashed toward him as five more wraiths appeared from within the charred remains of the village, surrounding them. One, wrapped in cloak, attempted to throw a spotted brown cobra out of his sleeve, but Kassandra predicted his move. Her arrow pierced the cobra’s head then sank into the heart of the wraith.

Vernon, Liam, and Blaster engaged the nearest wraith, as the  first wraith desperately tried to pierce Konar’s throat, but Konar managed to grab the hilt of the wraith’s dagger and forcefully turned the point of the dagger upward. With his other hand, Konar grasped the wraith’s collar. Inch by inch Konar pulled the struggling wraith closer and closer to her own dagger, until it finally pierced her chest. The elf’s lifeblood flowed over his hands and onto his chest. Konar tossed the body away, gripped his hammer, and stood.

Vernon and Liam had dispatched the wraiths they were engaged with. The two remaining wraiths turned and fled toward the woods.

Kassandra loosed an arrow after them, but missed. Liam whistled for Blaster. We’ve got it, he said, then ran off after them into the woods.

Blaster hurtled over roots and stumps as he gained ground on one of the wraiths. The wraith was fast, but not fast enough. Blaster planted his feet on a tree stump then leapt into the air, crashing down on the wraith’s back. Razor sharp teeth ripped at the wraith’s neck. He was dead before he hit the ground.

Liam caught up to the remaining wraith. Rage overcame him and he let out a roar and tossed his swords aside. He hurled himself onto the wraith knocking them both to the ground. He clasped his fingers around the wraith’s neck and squeezed with all his strength. The wraith struggled to get free, pounding and punching, each strike weaker than the last. The wraith’s legs began to tremble uncontrollably. He struggled to gasp for breath, any breath. At last, he stopped moving, but Liam continued his death grip, lifting the wraith’s inert body by the throat and slamming it back to the ground. With his rage at last spent, Liam loosed his grip. He flexed his fingers to relieve the cramps from strangling the elf. As he was retrieving his swords, Blaster rushed to his side and barked twice.

Liam gazed about him in response to Blaster’s warning. In the distance he heard a horse neigh and turned to see a Praetorian galloping away. He shook his head in frustration, then made his way back to the ruined village

The last two wraiths are dead, he reported to Vernon. But there was a Praetorian in the distance. He spotted us and rode off.

Vernon nodded. It was only a matter of time before they discovered we are here.

Kassandra spat in disgust. But why were the wraiths here in the first place? she demanded. This is the fifth village we’ve come across like this; massacred without mercy.

I suspect the elves destroy the villages, and leave the wraiths behind to ambush any resistance fighters who search for survivors.

Konar asked, How much farther until we reach the resistance headquarters?

Vernon pulled a map of Xanica from his belt. If Makay’s information was correct, the resistance is set up in Harpsburg. That’s only a day’s ride from here. Let’s get there as quick as we can and hope the elves haven’t found their way there yet.

4

Their breath condensing in the cold night air, two elven soldiers stood guard at the double doorway to a large wooden manor that sat atop a hill overlooking much of the Xanican countryside. Dozens of braziers scattered around the manor illuminated the surrounding area.

Shivering in the cold, one asked, Did you hear about the village that was burned last night?

With her spear resting on the door, the second elf quickly rubbed her hands together for warmth while replying, I heard that it harbored at least 20 resistance members.

Twenty! I heard that it was only four or five.

The second elf leaned forward on her spear and whispered, "Between you and me, I have a friend who is a Praetorian. He said they found