Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan Read online

  “Good luck my son,” his father said, pulling his arms around him and hugging him firmly. Kainan smiled to him.

  “Thank you father.”

  “Please come back Kainan, we have not had nearly enough time,” his mother whispered in his ear, gently kissing him on his cheek.

  “I will, I promise.” He looked around once more; but she had not come. Sighing sadly he asked his mother. “Mother.”

  “Yes dear?”

  “Please can you say goodbye to Arweyn for me, I have not been able to find her.”

  She smiled, nodding her head; she knew he had strong feelings towards Lady Arweyn. She was pleased she was very fond of Arweyn herself. Her mother, Lady Elanor had been a very dear and close friend of hers and she had been devastated when she went missing.

  “Do not worry I will my son.” Gently she kissed him again. “Here take this.” Quickly removing the amulet from around her neck she placed it around his neck. Lifting her hand she cupped his cheek, sighing sadly. “It will protect you. Now go before my heart breaks,” she added, as she felt the tears begin to well in her eyes.

  “Thank you,” he raised his hand to the amulet and turned towards the portal.

  “Cousin have a safe journey. I wish I was going with you, but I must prepare the army.” Lord Lothar said, appearing by his side and taking his cousin’s hand, gripping it tightly. Kainan pulled his hand away sharply. He sensed that Lothar was glad to be rid of him. He felt uncomfortable at the thought of leaving Arweyn here with him stalking her. Kainan looked at him, where had he got that scratch across his face from? He raised an eyebrow questioningly, but Lothar said nothing, Kainan stared at him for a moment, then getting no reaction he walked on.

  As Kainan walked away Lothar gave him a furtive glance. With him out of the way, he would have his chance to take Arweyn. He no longer had time on his side; he would not wait any longer.

  Lord Porlock stepped forward. “Good luck my Lord,” he offered, bowing.

  “Thank you Porlock,” Kainan replied. Then he had a sudden thought. “Porlock?” he whispered, leaning in closer to him.

  “Yes my Lord?” Porlock questioned.

  “Can you watch my father for me?” He felt uneasy, Drew the King’s bodyguard was going with him on the quest and he needed someone to watch his father’s back.

  “Yes of course my Lord. Why do you have a concern?” Porlock whispered back.

  Kainan glanced at Lord Lothar, frowning, and then looked back at him. Porlock nodded.

  “Of course my Lord I understand.” He bowed again before stepping back.

  Kainan felt he could trust Porlock, he had met the King’s cousin earlier at the banquet and they had talked for some time. Kainan could sense that he was a good, trustworthy man, someone he could rely on in a crisis. He was a jovial man, a joker. Kainan liked that about him, he was a man after his own heart.

  As the King opened the portal, a great rush of wind blew around the room. Everyone held back waiting until the wind subsided. Unlike when Kainan first came through, the King had put the portal on a permanent opening and it swirled in front of them like a giant whirlpool.

  “Remember men,” he said to the others hesitantly, not really wanting to hear his own words. “If for some reason Kainan is not with you when you return, dial the codes I instructed and we will open the portal from this side.” Drew spoke quietly placing his hand to his chest and bowing his head.

  “My King, let you have no doubt your son will return, for I will protect him with my life.”

  “Drew, of that I have no doubt,” the King replied, taking his hand and firmly shaking it. “Please bring him back safely.” Nodding Drew turned stepping towards the portal. “Drew,” King John called after him and Drew spun back around. “Bring yourself back too!” Drew smiled lifting his chin, and then walked through the portal.

  Pernash was next, closely followed by Rufas. Turning Kainan looked one more time, she still was not there. He must have really hurt her by saying that she could not come with him. He sighed, it was the last thing he had wanted to do. He just hoped he would make it back to her alive, and that she would forgive him. He was not entirely sure whether she even felt the same way about him. Nodding goodbye to his parents he too entered the portal.

  Arweyn swung her cloak around her shoulders and fastened the clasp securely, picking up her bag she walked to her bedroom door. That was strange she thought to herself, the key was missing from the hook, she was sure she had placed it on the hook before going to bed the night before. Turning the handle of the door quietly she pulled, but it was locked. She tried it again. Then bending down she peered through the keyhole, it was locked but not from her side, she could see the key on the outside.

  “I do not believe it!” she cried, stamping her left foot; standing up straight she banged the door angrily with the palm of her hand. It had to have been her uncle, how he could treat her like this, like a child! She was furious! Her uncle must have had another key made and come into her room during the night and taken hers, then locking her in from the outside.

  She thought for a moment, and then smiling to herself she stomped over to the fireplace, dropping her bag down on the floor next to her. Then crouching down low she pulled a lever from inside the fireplace. There was a creek and a moan and slowly the back of the fireplace opened. Coughing, she waved her hand in front of her as dust and soot shot out from the fireplace all over her face. Grinning, she looked towards the locked door. Nothing was going to keep her away from Kainan, especially not her uncle. This was her home long before her uncle had moved himself in taking her mother and father’s chamber. This was her childhood secret, her escape to the outside of the castle.

  Standing up she took a candle off the mantel piece and lit it. Throwing her bag over her shoulder she crouched down low and edged her way through the opening. Reaching up she pulled another lever and the door closed behind her. She grinned at the thought of her uncle returning and finding an empty room and wondering how she had vanished without a trace.

  She made her way down the cobwebbed passageway as she had done many times as a child, it was smaller than she remembered and in places she had to crouch down low, but finally she emerged into a clearing just passed the market place. From here it would only take her a short while to get to the gate room. She had left early knowing they would place guards in the gate room once Kainan had left.

  Once safely through the portal, she waited for them at the bottom of the path that led from the cavern. Hiding behind a large tree she thought of her uncle, he would be furious with her. She had left her note so he would know where she had gone, but he obviously already knew what she had been planning anyway or why else would he have locked her in her room? It would all be worth it in the end to be with Kainan. Her attention was caught by voices emerging from the cavern. She held her breath as she peered around the tree. There he was! Her heart raced. Pulling the hood of her cloak on, she said her chant and vanished. She didn’t want them to see her yet.

  Kainan led the party down the path from the cavern. Each wore a pack on their backs consisting of basic food rations, a blanket, and various other essentials. Drew and Pernash both had a cook pot each and Rufas a water bucket, which were hooked onto the back of their packs. Kainan wore a black cloak fastened at his throat with a golden clasp. She noticed he now wore leather wristbands, and a wide leather over-belt in which he carried a sword. So different from the man she had found lying beaten on the ground. Somehow she imagined the Gorzars would not find it so easy to stop him now; he had a look of determination in his face. Holding her breath as they walked past, she then sighed with relief that they had not noticed her. She would let them get some distance in front and then follow.

  Kainan stopped and turned to Drew.

  “There is something I need to do; can you give me a moment before we head off?” he asked. Drew nodded.

  “Do you want me to go with you?” He was unsure what Kainan had in mind.

  Kainan shoo
k his head. “No. Thanks. I have to do this alone.” He watched as Kainan walked over to the cliff face and stopped. Drew nodded silently to himself. Now he knew, it was his Zyon mother, the one that had taken him.

  Kainan stopped, placing his hand upon the pile of burial stones.

  “It is okay mother,” he whispered gently. “I understand why you did what you did. I bear you no ill will or anger.” A tear gently escaped him, and he hastily wiped it away. “I’m sorry that it had to end this way. I hope with all my heart that you have found father, Michael and Ryall.” He pursed his lips as he sighed sadly. “Thank you…for trying to protect me, for your sacrifice….” he faltered, as he fought his tears. Then pulling out the dagger with the small rose engraved upon the handle he stabbed it deep into the rocks. It was his mother’s favourite flower. “I love you.” he whispered, closing his eyes for a moment, breathing in deep as he remembered them. Then turning he walked back over to Drew and his men.

  “Okay?” Drew questioned. Kainan nodded, composing himself. Now it was time for him to be strong; Kainan Woodsman was gone forever. He was Prince Kainan Dermock, a leader of men and he had a quest to fulfil. His throat tightened, if Malgar fell, it would be his fault. He alone was responsible.

  Then in the distance came a man heading towards them. He was dressed all in black with a black bandana tied around his head. There was something strange about him Kainan thought as he approached.

  “Prince Kainan I presume? I am Tolwein I believe you are expecting me?” He held out his hand. Kainan reached forward and shook it. It was chillingly cold.

  “Yes we are thank you for joining us on this quest.”

  “I have done as I have been instructed to Sire.” Kainan raised an eyebrow at his abruptness.

  “This is Drew,” he said, nodding to his side. “Rufas and Pernash.” Tolwein bowed politely at the others who nodded their heads in greeting.

  “Shall I walk to the rear?” he questioned, looking directly at Kainan.

  Kainan glanced across at Drew who shrugged his shoulders, forcing the decision back to him.

  “Yes I suppose that is okay, if that is where you would like to be.” Kainan replied. Bowing his head the newest member of the small party walked away, taking up his position a few feet behind them.

  “Well he is full of personality isn’t he?” Kainan remarked mockingly, raising an eyebrow as they set off. Drew grinned at his sarcasm; raising both his eyebrows back he shrugged his shoulders again.

  Kainan looked upwards. The clouds blotted the sky and the sunlight was struggling to pierce through, lending the forest to a dull grey green glow. The ground beneath his feet still smelled pleasantly damp from the early morning dew. Kainan inhaled the aroma deeply, it smelt of greenery and fresh pine, he sighed, it reminded him so much of his village, of his brothers and his late mother; of his early morning hunts deep into the forest. A life that now seemed a distant memory. Then there was Arweyn, why had she not said goodbye? He loved her; he knew that without any doubt, even though he had only known her a couple of days; but had he only known her a couple of days? There was something that was so familiar about her that he could not understand, he knew it was not feasible. Arweyn had never been to Zyon until yesterday, and he certainly had never been to Malgar before, yet……it puzzled him.

  “Are you all right my Lord?” Drew asked, seeing Kainan’s far away expression.

  “What? Yes, I am fine.” He could not stop thinking about her. He shook himself together, perhaps he had been wrong and she didn’t feel anything for him. He pushed her to the back of his mind.

  “Drew?”

  “Yes my Lord?” Drew replied, walking alongside him.

  “Please do not call me my Lord or Prince I have not yet earned the right to that title.” Drew turned to him.

  “But you are the King’s son, it would not be proper for me to...” Kainan scowled.

  “Are you or are you not to be my right hand man for this journey, my second in command if you like?” Drew nodded and thought for a moment. It was against all his training but he could see Kainan meant it.

  “Okay I shall agree, just for this journey then my Lord. Sorry, Kainan. But once we return to Malgar.”

  Kainan nodded. “Once we are back then hopefully we will have succeeded and I will have redeemed myself and earned the right to be called Prince, agreed.”

  Drew nodded his head. “Agreed.” He looked behind him. “But do not expect it from the others; they will call you by your proper title I will not allow otherwise.” Kainan shrugged, he could see Drew would not budge on that one.

  “Okay, I will accept that.”

  Pernash took up the lead as they headed on deep into Elpin Forest. Tolwein took up the rear. Looking behind him Kainan stared at Tolwein. He didn’t know what it was but something about this man troubled him. He was taller than Kainan, but he was lanky with it, not muscular like Kainan. He had stone cold grey eyes and as of yet had shown no emotions on his face.

  “Drew,” Kainan whispered out of earshot. “What do you know about Tolwein?”

  “Tolwein? To be honest you’re High...” Kainan frowned. “Sorry. To be honest not a lot. He was befriended by your brother. Lord Meleze brought your brother through the portal to meet with the villagers of Tarneer. However, Lord Meleze broke his ankle in a fall; Tolwein helped him and took them all back to the portal. This was about two, three winters ago now and he has been an envoy for the village ever since. Although I have to say as far as I know he has never actually been to Malgar, I believe we always go to them.” Kainan thought for a moment, perhaps it was nothing.

  As they laboured on deeper into the forest, it became dense and dark. The trees grew so thick that the sunlight was all but banished. It became very still and eerie, there was no noise from birds or the animals that lived within the forest. All they could hear was the crunching their boots made beneath their feet as they walked endlessly across a canopy of twigs and acorns. As the night drew in the darkness suddenly overwhelmed them. Even as the moon began to rise it didn’t penetrate the forest. Storm clouds began to gather and in the distance a rumble of thunder could be heard; but thankfully, so far, the rain held off.

  “My Lord,” called Rufas. Kainan sighed, he did wish they would stop calling him my Lord it just didn’t feel right. Turning he looked behind him, he could only just make out Rufas’s image in the fading light.

  “I think it might be wise to stop now my Lord and make camp here before there is no light left at all.”

  “Yes Rufas, I agree.” The young Prince nodded back at him, looking around. They were in a small clearing, big enough for them all to bed down for the night. “We will stop here. Can you gather some wood and get a fire going?” Rufas nodded and set about his task. Dropping his pack on to the floor Kainan shivered, this forest he felt sure was full of evil.

  Suddenly he had the most unnerving feeling sweep through his entire body, gripping the hilt of his sword tight in his hand in readiness, he looked around. Something was very wrong and his heart began to race. Then all of a sudden behind him a large branch fell from a tree with a crash. He jumped, spinning around sharply. Hesitating nervously, he stared hard into the trees, and then his eyes caught a flicker of movement. Stepping towards the edge of the camp he called out to his men.

  “Where has Pernash gone?” Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked around but they couldn’t see him.

  “Shh, listen…..” Kainan ordered, cocking his head, listening hard. “There did you ….” His voice was cut off by a choking gurgling sound coming from in front of him. The young Prince drew his sword. “Wait here,” he ordered, bolting off towards the sound. As one, they all rushed after him. Crashing through the trees Kainan stopped suddenly and Drew bashed hard into the back of him.

  “What, what is it Kainan?” He could hear something, it sounded like a body being dragged along the ground.

  “THERE, there!” he yelled rushing forward again. Drew his shadow was right behind him
. Then there came a loud screaming from deep within the trees and Kainan felt his heart leap into his throat.

  “It is Pernash! Where are you?” Kainan screamed wildly; and using his sword he frantically chopped at the undergrowth.

  “HELP! Something’s got me, my Lord, help me!” Pernash screamed from deep within the undergrowth.

  “Kainan look, over there!” Drew yelled, stumbling forward through the thick brush. Kainan spun round; just catching the image of Pernash being dragged further into the undergrowth. Throwing his sword down he dived forward grabbing the man’s arms.

  “My Lord!” Pernash yelled, his face was overwhelmed with fear. “Please don’t let it take me!” he begged, grasping at Kainan’s arms. Desperately trying to keep a grip he clawed at Kainan’s leather wrist bands. But the beast held fast, it was too strong and the young Prince soon found himself being dragged deep into the undergrowth along with Pernash; thorns ripped at their faces and their bodies. Drew ran and dived grabbing hold of Kainan’s legs, pulling himself upright he jammed his heels into the earth and using his body weight he heaved Kainan back. There was an almighty roar from the undergrowth and Pernash was suddenly released.

  “I have him.” Kainan cried, scrabbling backwards pulling Pernash with him. “RUFAS get here NOW!” he cried, trying to pull Pernash to his feet; the man yelped in pain, shrieking. “My leg, I think it is broken!”

  “Drew help he cannot walk grab his other arm and let’s get out of here!” Reaching down together, each grabbing under Pernash’s armpits they pulled him to his feet. Pernash yelled as pain erupted through his leg. Kainan spun around, the creature was re-emerging. Turning to Drew he yelled.

  “MOVE NOW!” They began frantically to drag Pernash faster back towards camp; it was difficult as the man was so much taller than them. Kainan spotted his sword lying on the ground, quickly reaching down he picked it up.