Shaded Souls - Raymond Riddle

A Sword And Sorcery Fantasy Book Series

Shaded Souls by Raymond Riddle

Series Excerpt

Esper gazed into the night sky.

Amazing how easy it is to forget about such beauties. It’s a shame this meeting will probably go sideways.

The gentle canter of her horse as she rode through the forest brought about memories of simpler times.

What could Maria possibly want to discuss before tomorrow? This has to be a trap.

As if to quell the quiet storm brewing within her, a slight mist unfurled around her.

“There is nothing to fear. We will protect you,” Mikhal’s voice wafted faintly from the clouded area as it trailed in her wake. In the distance she could see a large campfire burning.

Let’s see what she has up her sleeve this time.

Approaching the campsite, the flames reflected off a casually seated Maria. She sat atop a temporary throne of silver, red, and black skulls.

“Good evening, Esperia. So nice of you to join us.”

From the shadows, four of her soldier-shamen appeared, chanting near-silent incantations.

Esperia smiled as she alit from her stallion. “At least you don’t disappoint, Maria. You brought four with you, even though you said come alone. How cute! Did you really think they would be enough to constrain my power?”

A flick of her wrist caused the stallion to raise on its hind legs, whinnying its understanding. A transformation began as it dropped forward, its legs disappearing. Taking the form of a Giant King Cobra, it darted forward, decapitating all but one of her shaman. Coiling itself around the last of her priests, a fang sweating with poison paused just centimeters from his face.

“Are we done with the charades now, Maria? Or do you really think me so naïve as to believe these are the only minions you brought with you?”

The shaman's trembling head craned away from the sickeningly poisonous maw. Tears streamed as he mumbled for forgiveness, pleading for his life.

Raising the back of her hand to her mouth, a yawn of boredom escaped Maria

“Don’t you think you’ve killed enough today, Esper? Isn't this your daily limit?”

An emblem of the sphinx on Esperia’s wrist—a birthmark—glistened brighter with each kill. Maria knew full well that Esper had an issue with death, especially death brought by her own power. She normally limited herself to a certain number of deaths before she began merely immobilizing her assailants. Many assumed she would lose her powers if she killed more than this; others felt she would become more like Maria. Maria subscribed to the latter and continuously strove to turn her into the bloodthirsty monster she was sure lurked inside.

Sensing the test, Esperia’s fist tightened once more, causing the beast to squeeze its prey a bit tighter.

“We shall leave him for now. I will decide what to do based on the remainder of our conversation.”

From a distance, Biljax chuckled to himself. “And we wondered if she’d be okay.”

The sights of his sniper bow targeted the massive shadow troll standing mere paces behind Maria’s throne.

“This buggy bastard keeps staring like he wants a fight, Mikhal.”

A voice rose from the mist. “They have clearly come prepared, but Esper wants us to hold steady. Now, stand down, Biljax.”

From across the space, they could see the troll wink at them, licking its chops as if to taunt.

“Are you serious? Tell me you saw that?”

Dropping his bow in disgust, he pointed at the guards gathered behind Maria.

“Tell me I don’t have to be the bigger person, please.”

Mikhal, monotonous as ever, retorted, “If I were in corporeal form, I’d be shaking my head at you right now. Stop letting them goad you, Biljax. They are beneath your strength and prowess. Now, silence—maintaining this form over this distance requires a great deal of focus and concentration, especially while masking my presence.”

Biljax raised his bow again, verifying no movement from the opposing side. “Fine.” Shaking his head, he nocked a few arrows, synching them to their targets in preparation. “Have you heard anything from Jorgand? She should have met up with us by now.”

If they knew nothing else about Jorgand, they knew this…she was never late, especially when it involved the queen’s protection.

“I have yet to receive any transmission from her. I, too, have been worried, as there were to be no assailants on her approach path.”

Snorting, Biljax glanced over his sights towards the low-lying mist surrounding him. “I never said I was worried about her.”

“If only I had eyes to roll right now,” Mikhal said.

A bright flare brought their attention back to the situation at hand as a plume of colorful fire rose from the encampment.

“Very well, Esper.” Reclining in her seat, Maria drummed her fingers against each other. “Let’s assume you know why I called you here tonight?”

The serpent remained poised unflinchingly as Esperia returned her ardent gaze. Flicking ash from her shoulders, Esper’s attitude was all but presumptuous.

“To be honest, I haven’t the slightest idea. So let’s just skip to the part where you tell me.”

Glaring, Maria kissed the tips of her fingernails.

“You waste your followers on foolishness, Esper. You declare to all that you wish not to rule, yet—” her arms swept from side to side, “—you form legions to do battle from every nation. Surely you see the sway you have over the masses. Your League of Nations worships the very earth you stand upon.”

Seeing no response from Esper’s stony expression, she continued. “Why not join me? Why not rule over all? Our Geotic Realm and—” pausing, she almost whispered, “—the Ethereal Plane?”

Even through the heat-warped air, Esper’s face visibly flinched.

“So, you do know of the Ethereal Plane? Interesting…is that why you refuse to notify your precious League of Nations?” Maria’s finger wagged. “You really have been a naughty girl, haven’t you, Esper? How many times have you been through the breach? How many have you seduced on the other side?” She suddenly jumped up, the sheer joy across her face could no longer be hidden. “Ohhh…does Johar know of this betrayal??”

Each comment ignited a flame within Esper.

How does she know of the ethereal realm? Has she herself been, or just her agents? How many other agents has she sent in preparation for this?

Biting her bottom lip in anger, a salty zest slowly filled her mouth. Rolling her tongue, she savored the taste before spitting it into the fire.

Fwwwooommm!

In response, the flames erupted in a mystic starburst of heat and light.

“Now, why is it you really have me out here, Maria?” The intensity of Ester’s glare burned in sync with the very flames she created.

“Temper, temper.” Maria strolled around the fire. Tension welled within the subordinates waiting in the wings.

Biljax loaded four more arrows as the queens approached each other. “Looks like it’s almost go time, Mikhal.”

Through his sights, the muscles of the dark troll rippled. Crouching down, it readied itself to spring at the slightest signal. Time stood still as Maria came to a stop. Leaning close, a whisper was exchanged before she slowly returned to the side of her throne. As if by her very words, the camp’s flames instantly died.

At that same time, Biljax noticed the troll’s muscles slacken, and he turned to depart.

“Wait…what just happened?” His face contorted in a bundle of confusion.

A loud click of Esper’s tongue caused the serpent to release its captive, as she walked back towards her companions. Casually, the serpent morphed. Legs sprouted and its head seamlessly contoured back to that of a horse, its mane now waving in the nights breeze. Esper reached up to mount the beast. The light mist that had encircled the encampment began to gather a foot or so away from Biljax as Mikhal reconstituted before them.

“I assume this meeting has come to a rather boring ending,” Mikhal said wryly.

Biljax’s sights finally dropped as the last of the Manticorians faded into the darkness. By this time, Esper had reached their location.

Bowing, both acknowledged her presence. “Your majesty.” As he rose, Biljax could not help but notice the anguished look of despair shown across her face. Furrowing his brow, a single question arose.

“Does she know of the Ethereal?”

Her steed stopped before them and all she could do was nod.

“Any word from Jorgand?” Her voice, still solemn, was barely audible.

Having returned to his corporeal form, Mikhal stepped forward. “Not yet, m’lady. I am beginning to worry.” The deep sternness of his unwavering tone was enough to alert the others to his true fright regarding Jorgand. “Should we attempt to locate her?”

Waving them off, she kicked her steed forward. “I will be fine. You two tend to Jorgand and ensure her safe return.”

Looking at each other, and then back at the queen, both stepped forward as if to object, as they both knew the mental condition in which she currently resided.

With one hand, she stopped them, motioning to the treetops above. “Besides, it seems my two mini-assassins have been watching me the entire time.” Catching a leaf falling from the branches above, she commanded, “You can come out now, children.”

Nearly instantaneously, both Prisha and Hino appeared, kneeling before her. The night breeze carried away any leaves that may have been dislocated due to their abrupt dismount of their perches.

Biljax scowled in surprise. “How long have they been there?”

Mikhal chuckled, punching Biljax’s shoulder as he brushed past, heading east towards Jorgand’s intended approach. “They have been with us since we left camp, my friend. Perhaps you really are starting to get old. Should I bring a cane into battle for you tomorrow?”

Biljax’s scowl deepened. He hefted his bow across his back he reached for his axe. “We will discuss this when I return, princess.”

Turning to follow Mikhal, he gave one last glare their direction. “For now, ensure the queen’s safe return to camp. I fear we may not be back as soon as we would like.”

Rising to their feet, the girls acknowledged their superior officer. Before taking off into the trees, Hino bowed ever gently towards the queen. “We apologize, your majesty, but she was worried for your safety and I for hers. We meant no harm by coming to your aide. Please do not punish her for this.” Her knees visibly shook as Esper’s steed paced before her.

“Be still, my child.” Patting Hino’s head, Esper comforted her. “I thank you for your service to my daughter as her attendant and her friend. You are my second daughter, Hino Kaze…do not ever forget this.”

A lone tear rolled down Hino’s cheek before Esper wiped it away.

“Now let’s go home,” the queen said.

Prisha, all smiles, bear-hugged Hino.

“Move out!” Esper's voice echoed her appreciation and disappointment in them both.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Unified in response, they dispersed skyward. Esper signaled her mount forward at full speed.

It was time to prepare for war.

Books In This Series

Shadows Of The Soul (Shaded Souls Book 1)