Novels by E.B. Eaklor

“King Emerik!” Sir Andric’s voice echoed in the Throne Room as the Knight hurriedly approached. Light from the large skylight above illuminated the area surrounding the thrones with an almost mystical glow. King Emerik and Queen Adalyn paused, having just stepped down from the high seats. The room was mostly empty, as the last of the petitioners and Lords had been dismissed shortly before. Only a pair of guards remained, posted on either side of the large entry doors, and a pair of Pages lingered outside of the side entry near the thrones. The royal couple paused at Andric’s call, turning to face him as he approached and knelt. “Majesty,” he said, then nodded to Adalyn. “Your Grace.” “What is it, Sir Andric?” asked Emerik. Sir Andric rose, wearing an expression of anxiety. “I bring grim news, Majesty. The Citadel has been taken.” “What?” Emerik looked from Andric to Adalyn, who wore a similar expression of surprise. “How? By who, Knight?” “The Alva’himar, Majesty. It would app

The Dragons The Elders: Neyalha – (Nay-ALL-a) Gheyaral – (GAY-arall) The Guardians: Nayara – (Nay-AHR-ah) Ghaeron – (GHER-on) The Inhabitants of Edon The King and Queen Emerik (EH-merik) and Adalyn (AD-alin) The Grenyaar – (GREN-yahr) (The Black Knights) Sira – (SUR-ah) – Title for female Knights Sir Randey Edal – (Randy EE-dal) Captain Reidar Edal – (RIE-dar EE-dal) Sira Damara Edal – (Dam-AR-a EE-dal) Sir Braedon Soril – (BRAY-don SO-ril) Blade Master Kolton Stent – (KOLL-ton Stent) First Commander Storr Raegos – (Store RAY-gos) Sir Kale Andros – (Kale AN-drose) Sir Owin Jasir – (Owen JA-seer) Sira Torila – (Tor-ILL-ah) Sira Andreya – (An-DRAY-ah) Sir Andric – (AN-drik) Sir Garath – (GAR-ath) Sir Devlyn – (DEV-lin) Sir Milos – (MEE-los) Sir Garett – (GAR-ett) The Na’Himara – (Nah-Him-AR-ah) (The Sorceresses) Founder: Keyalla – (Kay-AL-ah) Maajira (Mah-JEE-rah): Vedila – (Ve-DEE-lah) Keyla – (Kaylah) Breya – (Braya) Ciara – (SEE-arah) Luceya –

Randey winced in pain. When the Guardian had appeared to engage the huge beasts soaring above, he had felt hope renew within him. It was dulled when he realized that Ghaeron was alone. He hesitated to think what could have prevented Nayara from joining her brother. The brief battle in the sky had been nerve-wracking, though he and Furgus had both quietly cheered when one of the beasts lost its head to Ghaeron’s attack. It was heartbreaking when the remaining two had gone after the Dragon, and more so when Ghaeron had fled. Randey doubted that it had been cowardice. It was not in a Dragon’s nature to feel such a thing. No doubt the Guardian had fled due to the injuries inflicted upon him. That in itself was exceedingly troubling. Never before had there been any creatures that could challenge the strength of a Dragon. And yet these had. Randey’s spirits sank as a dark despair crept over him. The situation had become dire indeed. With some difficulty he pushed that melancholy aside,

Taiya frowned as she walked across the grounds of the Citadel. She had caught a hint of movement in the woods beyond, and her Elven senses raised a feeling of unease. She couldn’t say why. Things had been proceeding with relative smoothness following the death of the Maajira. A group of thirty experienced Sorceresses had been sent off to join in the defense of Chulakh two days prior, and those remaining at the Citadel continued their own preparations for the coming conflict. Taiya had been tempted to accompany them, for she was eager to aid in the battle, but she had promised to remain and aid Ciara in her research. Ciara had yet to find a viable antidote to the small creatures’ venom, even with Taiya’s assistance. However, she believed she would find the solution before long. She spent virtually every waking minute in her laborium poring over the problem. Taiya had been assisting her, but had decided that she wished to take a walk. The Jivanaar preferred open spaces to confinement

Captain Devlyn was weary. The battle at Chulakh may have been small as battles go, but any battle was wearying to the body and spirit. Being a sworn Black Knight meant that he was willing and ready to engage in such battles, to defend the realm, but it did not lessen the physical and emotional toll fighting had upon all men. His Company – minus the fourteen good Knights he’d lost to the Goblins and those cursed flying things – was the first to be ordered back to the Hall of Champions. Captain Ellard, the Knight commanding the forces sent to Chulakh, had taken charge of the cleanup and aid, with more than enough remaining Knights for the job. Two Companies, along with the survivors of the fourth that had been sent to Chulakh. Ellard was anxious to get word back to the First Commander that the battle had been won. A messenger bird had been dispatched, but Devlyn and his men could provide important details to the Commander. In truth, Devlyn was glad to be returning to the Hall. It was

Ghaeron roared in fury. Circling above the city of Chulakh, he and Nayara saw the Goblin forces marching toward the high walls. A garrison of Black Knights had mustered atop the wall, watching over the parapet as the Goblins approached. A company of archers prepared their bows, placing themselves in the crenellations to take aim. The Guardians were glad to see the city’s defenses rallied so efficiently. There were more Knights on the way, marching from the South shortly after Randey and Keyla had departed, as well as Companies from the East. The Guardians had stopped at the Citadel on their way North, urging the Na’Himara to gather their forces also and ride to Chulakh. They, too, should arrive shortly, but it was clear that the Goblins would have the first strike. Marching ahead of the Goblin host was a line of ten Alva’himar. There were also more of the robed figures marching on either side, as well as ten more behind, effectively creating a loose rectangle surrounding the army.