Embered soul, p.1
Embered Soul, page 1
part #1 of The Fall of Creation Series
First published in Australia in 2020 by Willem Neill Writing.
Copyright © 2020 by Willem Neill
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof
may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of the publisher
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and
events portrayed in this novel are either products of the
author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
First Edition, 2020
ISBN (PB) 978-0-6487478
Printed, bound and distributed by Blurb.
WWW.BLURB.COM
Cover Design by Jeff Brown Graphics
Map Design by Henriette Boldt Illustrations
Interior Cover Art by Rena Violet
PRAISE FOR
"A breath of fresh air, Neill's world is complex,
riveting and way too much fun!"
- Carrie Jones, bestselling author of Need
"The Name of the Wind meets Dungeons & Dragons."
- Thea James, The Booksmugglers
Indeed, only by myth making, only by becoming a 'sub-creator' and inventing stories, can Man aspire to achieve the state of perfection we experienced before the Fall [from Eden]
- J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis
Acknowledgements
Writing this now really puts into perspective how far this journey has taken me. It’s been quite the ride and I guarantee even as you read these words now, it’ll all still be feeling surreal to me. So before you dive head first in Seb’s adventure, I’d ask you take a few minutes to join me in thanking the wonderful, talented and incredible people that have helped me get this story - this world - into your hands (or ears, when the audiobook comes out!)
First, my editor Carrie Jones. She was the first professional I ever spoke to in this field and it was a good thing too, because Carrie filled me with confidence and assurance that I had within me the spark to become a great writer. While I can’t say for certain that I indeed am a ‘great writer’, the feedback and support Carrie gave me over the course of the process will forever be appreciated and the best way I could think to thank her was actually going through with this publication.
To my amazing artists Jeff Brown, Henriette Boldt and Rena Violet. You all have played a crucial role in bringing my fantasy to vivid life and the trust I placed within each of you left nothing to be desired. I’m sure readers everywhere will relish in seeing Jeff’s outstanding cover populating their shelves, speeding through the chapters to get to Rena’s next beautiful title page or flipping back through them as they reference Henri’s intricate map to work out where the characters are off to next. A special mention for Henri too, because this was the first map she has ever drawn and I think you’ll agree what a marvellous piece of work it is!
I’d also like to thank my incredible marketing advisor, Thea James for getting me up to speed on how to market in the grand sea of the self-publishing world. The tools and honest opinions she gave let me build a sturdy foundation for reaching out to a world of hungry readers. As with many mentioned here, I owe her a lot
and thank her for the continued advice, assistance and interest.
Of course, there is a massive amount of gratitude I need to give to my friends and family too (even more so!). Above all else, my truly special mother, Carolyn and my beautiful, amazing and outrageously smart partner (and editor) Justine, who have always made me believe that I can achieve whatever I want, but also yanked the cord when I needed to sit down and actually get to work. I love both of you so very much.
My friends and launch team members - Stacey Dezhurova, Rachael West, Eddie Tighe, Will and Dan Hitzke, Jess Modini, Emma Beasley and the Bergstein sisters, Sarah and Jaclyn. Of course, the list goes on but those named have been instrumental players in the process and I hope you can now finally enjoy that which you helped me achieve.
Finally, I’d like to personally thank you, the reader. Thank you for seeing this book and giving me a chance to transport you to my world. Thank you for reading through this acknowledgment section. But most of all, thank you for placing your trust in this Aussie bloke from Brisbane who probably spends more time in his own fantasies than many would consider healthy - rest assured, your trust will not be squandered. So please, enjoy the story and I can’t wait to see you all return soon.
My warmest and kindest regards,
Will
This book is for fantasy lovers across the world. May we all continue find that wonderful world to escape to and enjoy what life has to offer through the power of our stories.
A Short Guide and Glossary
I decided to create a basic guide and place it at the beginning of the book to give you the right information to pronounce and read the names in this story the way I intended.
The definitions I added also to give you a point of reference should you require it. But, don’t worry, there are no spoilers here and the information will come to you organically as the story unfolds.
A more detailed list can be found on my website if you need further clarification.
ASTHRADELE (As-THRA-del) – A continental landmass that is home to a variety of people and creatures. It has yet to be completely charted ….
Realms:
Danavorga (Dan-ah-VOR-ga) – A realm to the south-east. It is a dry temperate climate with mountains surrounding its vast fields and woodlands. Home to the best bred horses in the world and has a vast variety of beasts, most not found anywhere else in Asthradele.
The realm is governed by three Houses – du Monte (doo-MONT), Venator (Ven-AY-tor) and Philoctes (Fill-LOK-tees), which are responsible for the training of knights and slayers, defence of the realm, and governance, politics and education, respectively. House du Monte is the leading house due to their status as Asthradele’s greatest cadre of beast slayers.
Vrendorf (Vren-dorf) – A realm in the north-east and home the Astral Ecclesiarch. The realm is ruled by a Pontiff (or Pope) and 12 Vicars (bishops/cardinals). They have the mightiest military force in the world and face the brunt of Bestial Tides, though not without the assistance of its allies (like Danavorga and Korvulkous) and its client states (The Drowned Land and Aostigaun).
Its people are pious toward the three saints of the Ecclesiarch’s faith – known as the Faith of the First Star – and their legionaries occupy numerous forts in the north and east, ever vigilant for the next approaching Tide. The Ecclesiarch holds the most power in Asthradele and aims to convert all people to their one, true faith.
Syrecia (Sigh-REE-see-ah) – An arid kingdom found within a vast belt of mountains neighbouring Vrendorf in the north-west. They have little contact and presence with the other realms, confining themselves to the defence of their own realms. It is rare for these people to venture into foreign realms, but are rumoured to be vicious warriors with a sophisticated society.
Rumours also talk of how they are constantly beset by some of the worst creatures imaginable….
Aostigaun (Os-sti-gon) – A city-state on the western coast of Astradele, nestled between Syrecia (north), the Drowned Land (east) and Korvulkous (south). Known for its unparalleled seafaring, Aostigaun serves as having the only means by which to reach the Zulthaeri Isles and vice versa.
The realm is a protectorate of Vrendorf, but many say the Ecclesiarch has turned them into puppets.
The Drowned Land – A central realm, and home to the most vast swamp and marshland in Asthradele. Due to the strange beasts and creatures that inhabit this place, the realm has made great economic advances through the export of beautiful and unusual textiles harvested therein.
This combined with other trade ventures has made residents of the Drowned Land very wealthy. As such, the realm is governed by a Mayor and several merchant guilds and houses – all of whom fall under the protection of Vrendorf.
Himethal (High-mehth-AL) – Known as the Savage Land, this mysterious eastern realm has hardly been charted and most who cross the mountains to enter seldom return. The Ecclesiarch observe this land with a most eager interest.
The Isles of Zulthae (ZOL-thay) – A chain of five islands that serve to protect Asthradele from Bestial Tides coming from the sea. Each island is a fortress-city and the inhabitants are a generous mixing of people from all realms. However, Zulthaeri purebloods are numerous and do not venture to Asthradele itself, for there is always a great horde of beasts to repel, or vast ocean routes to patrol.
Korvulkous (Kor-VUL-cus) – A vast mountainous and arid realm in the south-
west, Korvulkous is the only realm (thus known) to have follow an entirely different faith to the First Star. Like Syrecia, Korvulkous is a realm that hardly looks outward, but they have joined forces with other realms in the past to defeat massive Bestial Tides and other incursions. It is said one the greatest caste of warriors to have ever existed dwells in this realm, but these are no more than mere rumours.
Cities:
Feldach (Fell-DAK) – The civic capital of Danavorga and home of House Philoctes.
The Calverston Keep – The home of the du Monte family and its associates. Larger than Feldach, it is a mighty citadel that trains and harbours the Stag-Knights, said to be the best beast slayers in the world. Often called Danavorga’s unofficial capital.
Cerelius (Ser-REL-lee-is) – The capital of Vrendorf and seat of the Astral Ecclesiarch.
Kharghelo (Car-GAY-low) – The capital of Korvulkous and o f the only fully established cities in the realm.
Bonteveld (BON-te-veld) – The capital of the Drowned Land and its only city. It is surrounding by several farmsteads, villages and trading posts.
Races and Peoples:
Thredalians (Thre-DAY-lee-ins) – The most common race that inhabit the continent of Asthradele. They are the equivalent to humans in every aspect.
Danavorgans (Dan-a-VOR-gins) – Thredalians who inhabit the namesake southern realm.
Korvulkids (Kor-VULL-kids) – A large mountain and plain dwelling people in the west. They are known for their enormous size and digitigrade legs (meaning a mammal that walks on its toes and doesn’t touch the ground with its heel – like a goat or dog’s hind legs)
Syrecians (Sigh-REE-see-ins) – Unique Thredalians from the north who are identified by their skin complexion, ranging from bronze to dark, and their eyes with golden edged irises.
Vrendorins (Vren-DOR-rins) – Thredalians who inhabit the namesake northern realm.
Aostigonians - (Os-sti-go-NEE-ins) – Thredalians who inhabit the coastal lands to the west. They are regarded as the best seafarers in Asthradele and some of the wealthiest people in the world. Their warriors fight with a mixture tactics and equipment from Vrendorf and Syrecia.
Zulthaeri (Zol-THAR-ee) – A mix of people from all realms and races that occupy and defend the island chain located far to the west in the Ifante Mair (EE-farn-teh MAY-er) – The Infinite Sea.
Fear not,
The darkness in thy soul.
For ignite thee it shall,
Like an embered coal.
- The Fall of Creation, Verse One
1
- 1 -
THE SAVAGE HERALD
Season of Ash
5th Day of the 2nd Week
The 105th Cycle
THE AIR WAS THICK with dew and the smell of the passing rain. Four days of it. Four days of cold, stinging rain plunging from the stars, able to penetrate shelter, clothing and flesh. It felt like one's bones would become saturated and then freeze from the howling gusts that followed every patch of precipitation.
It didn’t feel natural to Seb; how could it?
Weather like this was inconceivable in his homeland. The coming of rain was usually a welcome phenomenon. It washed away filth, brought bounty to the farmlands, and provided ample, muddy fun for children, albeit to the frustration to their parents who dreaded the inevitable mess. But in this place, it felt as if nature itself was foreshadowing ill tidings when this particular rain poured from the clouds. Nevertheless, it had ceased for the moment and Seb enjoyed the respite for what it was.
He gripped the reigns tighter, spurring Reinhardt onwards with a sense of urgency. Though his stallion’s hooves were caked in the grimy
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EMBERED SOUL
muck that plagued these marshlands, Seb couldn’t help but admire his dear companion’s vigour.
“You’ll have certainly earned your warm bath and a shoe change when we reach town,” Seb uttered as he reached forward, patting Reinhardt’s neck with a grin.
Seb was eager for a bath himself. Perhaps it would even be accompanied by hot food and a refreshing drink. He put the pleasant thoughts out of his mind and focused once again on his surroundings, steering the steed to remain on what he could only assume was some resemblance to a formed track. Seldom did anything in this drowned land feel familiar.
Drowned Land
An apt title, he sniggered to himself. The water seemed more like tar and the ground was unlike anything he had tread previously. Yet it was the odour of this swamp that caught him most off guard.
Now, Seb struggled to recall anything that didn’t smell like festering marsh. All he could think of now was this swamp’s overwhelming scent. It was pungent and lingered on every fibre; like rotten compost and manure coupled with the decaying meat of wildlife carcasses. Such corpses would have been subject to days of soaking in the unnatural rain and putrid swamp water, before being baked to a crisp in the temperamental sun rays. There were no pleasant smells to be found here. Then again, there was nothing pleasant in this realm.
Seb found this land repulsive but his mission had brought him here, and that was reason enough to endure the hardship. He had heard that this realm was home to all manner of decrepit fiends and abominable beasts and if these rumours held true it would be his slaying of such creatures that would move him closer to his goal. But, before he would do anything of the sort, Seb required time to rest and prepare his mount, his tools and himself.
So it was that he pushed on through the elements for five and a half days to reach Bonteveld. From what he knew, it was a modest but secure settlement, renowned for the wrangling and harvesting of swamp fauna that dwelled in the surrounding waters. The skins they produced were highly
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desired by many people of the other realms.
As long as all that money means there are good stables and inns, then there isn’t much else to care about, is there?
“Poor bastard! There’s nothing left!”
“Except for the parts it didn’t like, I guess.”
The two men inspected the decaying mess with curiosity and dread. The only way they knew it could’ve been a man at all was because the ruined wagon was lined with a collection of male garments, each dyed a shade of brown, burgundy or beige. A peasant’s cloth. Perhaps he was a lowly merchant or a wanderer. Whoever he was, all that remained was the site of a massacre. One of the men was kneeling and peered a little too close and retched his lunch into the gully.
It was hard for Seb to look past the gaping hole where the man's head used to be. The jugular had been torn out leaving the muscles and tendons nothing more than shredded strips. The head itself was smashed, sharing the likeliness of a rotted fruit, and it was strewn a good five to six feet away from the rest of the remains. His chest cavity was crushed with its contents spilling out from his back into the swamp water. The impact had been so strong that it pushed the lungs and intestines out through the ribs and skin. Only one arm remained relatively intact. The other had been ravenously gnawed away by bestial jaws, as had a sizeable chunk of the victim’s side.
What was most interesting were the purple and black stains that had spread along the wounds, accompanied with various puncture marks. The cause must have been thick fangs or claws. The skin colouration was evidence of some kind of poisoning. His innards were a disgusting pale-green. It produced a horrendous odour, even for a corpse.
Seb assessed the scene with a neutral expression; such a grizzly sight. It must have truly been a chaotic creature who was responsible. The Drowned Land could well be home to a beast capable of such atrocity; there was something alien and untamed about this land. Seb combed through all the beasts he knew, but struggled to find a feasible culprit based on this evidence. Any of the beasts he could consider responsible were not native to
Willem Neill
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the Drowned Land.
“Any idea what could of done this?” asked the retching man to his companion, once he had gained his composure.
