Knights of Eternity – Chapter excerpts
Enjoy some of the highlights from the “Knights of Eternity” epic fantasy series as kings, knights, warriors and dragons battle it out for supremacy across the dramatic lands of the known world. Who will win? Will Alectorious and his brave knights manage to thwart the imperial juggernaught or will Nerosis and his black knights manage to conquer all before them in their quest for total control? There is only one way to find out!
All copyright © Myles Alexander 2017 – do not reproduce in any form
Part 1: In Search of the Great Dragon
Eternian High Council
“It reminds me of the ancient dragon prophecy…” the king dreamily remarked, suddenly freezing before delving deep into thought. The council chamber and all that surrounded blurred mystically into the background as he nostalgically recalled the ancient prophecy of the great dragon’s return. It was something Alectorious had been most reluctant to mention; for fear of ridicule more than anything else, many having come to believe it a story of pure fantasy; but the delusional ramblings of ancient scribes and mystics. The king was finally ready to defy his doubts; sensing something quite inexplicable was asking, inviting him to do exactly thus.
“Have no fear.” whispered a quiet, soothing voice, emanating from deep within his soul.
“The gods are with you…” it continued. Alectorious felt the most unusual tingling sensation throughout his entire body as the gathered councilmen grew increasingly anxious. They watched with great perplexity, sensing all was not well.
“My king?” “Whatever is wrong?” “King Alectorious!” their concerned words came, unable to comprehend what was happening. Inspired by this mysterious voice; the king snapped dramatically out from his trance-like state. He slowly looked up; gazing at the council chamber, in sudden realisation of its grandiose magnificence. The dome-shaped room was filled with beautifully-mastered coloured paintings and mosaics; depicting Eternity’s rich history of heroes, legends and great victories throughout the myriad of ages. It was most certainly a sight to inspire any soul. He turned to face the mesmerised councilmen, who were watching with tremendous curiosity – yet unable to understand. With a deep breath, the king finally spoke with words of great profundity…
Insights of Wisdom
“We shall now begin.” the Oracle said without warning, the king bracing for what could be a great revelation. She was suddenly deep in concentration, gazing meaningfully into the mysterious purple-blue coloured crystal sitting upon the middle of the table. The Oracle sat perfectly still and with eyes firmly shut, her delicate hands suspended close to the mystical crystal ball, waiting for the right words… and inspiration to find her. After concentrating deeply for several moments, she finally spoke, in that familiar voice of profoundly insightful wisdom.
“I see the never-ending winds of change blowing towards a better world, great king Alectorious; one of hope, brightness, fortitude… and betterment for all. You have the power within to lead your nation to this enchanted place; if only you have the bravery to follow the pathway of your heart… and your soul…” she dramatically revealed. The king was instantly beguiled by her poetic words of wisdom, silent as if to signal his desire to know more. The Oracle squinted her cat-like deep blue eyes, concentrating more deeply than ever before; as Alectorious began to feel an intense, other worldly-energy permeate the entire room. “Your greatest nemesis… the one thing standing between you and this glorious place are the armies of the Gomercian Empire. Indeed they are strong; but are weakening – and will become yet weaker still…” the Oracle emphatically claimed, provoking a strong response from the king. Her powerfully prophetic words caused Alectorious to sit straight up in his chair, seeing there was more than just a slight glimmer of hope. His eyes and ears were absolutely fixated as the Oracle continued, unabated in every way. She began to slightly raise her voice as a subtle chill ran up the king’s spine…
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Part 2: The Fight for Freedom
Knight’s Tournament
As Sandros approached the centre of the arena, Lichtriouss’ menacing eyes stared upon his adversary; as if convinced the fight was already his by some divine right of the gods. Sandros had other ideas as to the outcome of what would be a truly enthralling contest. He stood not a few spears from his opponent as the two warriors stared each other down, with the excitement in the crowd steadily growing. All were cheering and whistling for their respective favourite combatant, praying victory would be theirs.
“Warriors of Eternity! In the name of the king, be ready!” the adjudicator dramatically announced, as both Sandros and Lichtriouss positioned their weapons for combat. The anticipation in the auditorium had reached boiling point, with all excitedly cheering.
“Engage!” he shouted, signalling the start of the battle, the crowd responding with a deafening roar of approval. Lichtriouss immediately lunged at Sandros with all his muscular might, swinging his sword wildly, as an enormous cheer rose throughout the circular arena. Sandros instinctively jumped to the right of his challenger, striking several blows in reply with his broad sword; only to be deflected by his opponents’ shield. Lichtriouss regained his footing, once more launching back at Sandros, who, to the delight of the crowd, rapidly counter-attacked with an equal ferocity, delivering several heavy blows in kind to his rival. The two warriors became embroiled in a series of parries that seemed to last for an age; utterly captivating the all gathered. Lichtriouss’ large frame made him very immobile, something Sandros was well aware of; exploiting it to the maximum. He moved his opponent around, attacking at every possible angle, wearing him down as much as possible. The two titans suddenly withdrew from engagement, circling one another, awaiting the other to strike. Although he tried his best to hide it, Lichriouss was rapidly tiring. Sandros intuitively knew his chance for victory would soon present itself – and that he had the upper hand. It would be only a matter of when, before his large opponent run out of energy – and the final devastating blow could be delivered. The crowd were now in a frenzy of excitement, so moved were they by this thrilling contest. They cheered on both warriors, for what would be a most dramatic climax. It was the brute physical strength and power of Lichtriouss versus the explosive speed and agility of Sandros; a quite spectacular contrast of styles. The great heroes would most certainly be looking on in approval. Alectorious sat in the distance with his knights, absolutely captivated by this tremendous display of courage, guile and swordsmanship.
“I say my lord, quite the contest, indeed.” offered councilman Periclosis, leaning over his chair to the king, whom he sat beside.
“I had expected nothing less, my dear councilman.” Alectorious confidently replied, unable to draw his eyes from the duelling titans…
The Path Home
The path to Sandros once village followed along the edges of a gently flowing, crystal clear blue river – twisting and turning its way through the mystical forests to a secret place in the mountains, far away. Alectorious cast his eyes towards the gentle body of water, into its deeply contrasting rough, pebble stone bed, clearly visible through the ripples of the current; noticing countless species of colourful fish swimming upstream to their place of sanctuary – and eventual home. The opposite side of the river was lined with countless trees, leaning over the edge like curious animals, their leaves occasionally falling to the elegantly flowing waters below, only be taken downstream… to a destination yet unknown. Such was Eternity’s future thought the king; carried away by the mysterious river of destiny, to a place known only to the gods and Great Spirit. Alectorious paused for a moment on that thought, that idea – Destiny: that omnipresent yet intangible concept that had baffled, intrigued and mystified soldiers and philosophers alike, for countless eons. What would it be for his nation and wider world, thought the Eternian high king, in a moment of philosophical reflection; a destiny of glory and prosperity for all – or an eternal struggle: a titanic battle between light and dark? Would he and his mighty city have the power to alter it? He contemplated further; was it that the destiny of a place or person had been preordained, set in stone and unchangeable – or could be altered by one’s thoughts, beliefs and actions? It was something Alectorious had often pondered, but a question to which he had never received a clear answer. It was a notion not even the wisest of philosophers and teachers in all Eternity could truly fathom, nor possibly explain. The king knew he could never hope to answer it himself; but was well aware that, as leader of Eternity, he had within him, the power to significantly influence the events currently unfolding within the known world, for the most positive possible outcome for all. Realising he was now outwith his glorious kingdom, Alectorious cast those burdenous thoughts aside for a moment, trying to absorb the tranquil energy of the mystical forests throughout his weary body and soul. The adventure into the mountains had passed what seemed like many moons ago; but tiredness still lingered. The further within Alectorious rode; the calmer and more serene the river and surrounding forests seemed to become. Those feelings; the emotion, atmosphere and energies were becoming ever more peaceful, with every step upon his mighty steed. It was a sensation of tranquility Alectorious had never before felt, in all his eons. It was almost as though he were passing through a gateway to another realm; a place far removed from the known world – and its many unwanted influences. They were now entering the lands of Catharia; that undefined, borderless entity on the very edge of all that was known and understood. Abound with all manner of natural wonders and quant secretive villages; it had been populated for untold eons by mystical nature-worshiping peoples; about whom yet even now, very little was known. To many, Catharia was a mysterious place of the unfamiliar; a secret, almost mythical abode in the minds of Eternians; not least Alectorious, who had for long held a secret fascination with its mysterious peoples and intriguingly organic culture. It was a veritable world away from the elaborate city states of Eternity, Brasovia and Saphoria; immersed in the splendorous tranquility of the forests – and Great Spirit’s vast natural creation. Catharia existed in an age long past to the known world; when men were as one with nature, the mythical forests and all creation, where mystical spirits roamed freely throughout its wild expanse. It was a world – and existence Alectorious had secretly yearned, for many eons; but knew it a life, he could never have. The king now had a tremendous responsibility to Eternity, whose very existence as a nation was under imminent threat. It was something he could not even for a moment, ever forget. Perhaps he would have to wait until another incarnation, if he wanted to pursue that life of freedom so dearly yearned. For now, Alectorious had no other choice but to concentrate on the immediate path ahead. The high king smiled as he looked around at the stunning beauty of the forests surrounding; absorbing their peaceful energies deep into the fiber of his soul. He already felt a sense of healing and renewal, knowing he would find it a place difficult to leave…
Invasion of Brasovia
“I hope to the gods you’re ready for this Gavastros; there’s no turning back now.” warned Sandros, swinging his head subtlety to the young prodigy. Gavastros to this point had been eager to join the assault on Brasovia and prove there was nothing in the world he feared. There could not however have been anything that prepared him for this most daunting challenge. As he glared up the imposing cliffs to the mighty fortress above, there was a sense of doubt Gavastros had never felt in all of his suns. The prodigy quickly shook himself, trying in vain to dismiss his fears – and companion’s doubts.
“I have been ready all of my life, Sandros. I would not give up the chance for anything, to be part of the greatest invasion ever attempted. They will write fables about it for a thousand eons and more; of that I am sure!” Gavastros enthusiastically answered. Peering up to the imposing mountaintop fortress above, the seemingly impenetrable behemoth of stone looked back at him with a tantalisingly haunting glare. The city of Brasovia was surrounded by high walls on all sides – like Eternity, interspersed with thick conical turrets at a distance of some twenty spears each. Upon the mighty Brasovian city walls patrolled a number of Gomercian sentries, waiting to pounce on any soul daring enough to attack. They would stop intermittently, casually peering over the walls searching for impending threats. The guards seemed rather disinterested in their work; most probably conscripts who would rather be spending their evening in any number of more enjoyable pursuits. Sandros looked up, knowing if he and his men could just make it up this sheer face of rock, they would secure the city with little resistance from the occupying army. The allied commando force of Eternians and Catharians waited in their thick forested hideaway for the perfect moment to strike, as collective tension built to a proverbial crescendo. There was no questioning the skill and commitment of a single man amongst them, but the risks involved were unquestionable; even for the deftest of warriors. As leader of the group, Sandros knew responsibility of the mission’s success lay firmly on his shoulders. It was however, a role in which he truly revelled, having all his eons been groomed for this moment by his mentor and uncle, Skolastros. The Eternian middle king remained calm and collected, carefully observing the sentries movements, high upon the Brasovian city walls.
“Alright, that’s it, the second changing of the guard – we move, now!” Sandros whispered, his eyes lighting up with a rush of adrenaline as he grabbed his sword and pack. The allied soldiers immediately responded, jumping to their feet and gathering their equipment for the perilous climb; the likes of which had never been attempted, in the history of the known world. Some twenty allied souls would now attempt this brave feat – and with their weapons to burden them, no less. Success was far from guaranteed; but with Sandros at the lead, they had a better chance than ever. There had been minimal preparation for this audacious climb, the Catharians expertise in rock climbing and guerrilla warfare being considerable. It certainly placed them in a stronger position than their Eternian counterparts. Without question, whatever the allies would face beyond those mighty walls; they would be ready.
“Not a word be spoken!” warned Sandros as they rapidly made their way to the edge of the thick forest, before streaming out one-by-one across open ground to the foot of the mountain. Each man lodged himself hard up against its rock walls, their veins pulsating with a mixture of excitement and fear; yet maintaining a strict silence in accordance with orders. Sandros looked up to the top of the sheer cliff faces to ensure they were undetected, raising his hand to his men for silence. When sure all was safe; the allied leader issued his orders.
“Periclosis, you go up with Gavastros; I’ll climb with Ramasosis. Straebious, look out for Maxious. The rest of you know what to do!” he ordered, readying for what would surely be his greatest test of strength, willpower and resolve. The allies began to unravel their ropes in preparation for the climb, not one amongst them displaying the slightest hint of trepidation. Even Gavastros was at least outwardly relishing the chance to confront what secretly was one of his greatest fears.
“Sandros, I think it best we head up the east face, it’s not as steep – and better hidden from the guard’s view.” advised Perosious, peering up the cliffs in search of the safest possible route.
“A wise call, my companion. Men! Move toward the east face!” Sandros ordered, his subordinates acting in compliance. Before long, the allies were lined up along the sheer walls of rock, awaiting their final order to ascend their destiny. For Sandros, this was not an unfamiliar task, having spent many of his youthful suns scaling rock faces in the vicinity of Catharia and great Buvarious. For Gavastros and some others, this was one of only a handful of attempts climbing – and a daunting one indeed. The Eternian prodigy had been most adamant in his expressed desire to partake, with the high king’s insistence making the powerful swordsman an indispensable member of the allied group of warriors. Sandros had different ideas, looking to the prodigy with a subtle sense of unease – despite Gavastros outward change of heart toward this bold undertaking.
“You still want to go through with this, Gavastros?” Sandros asked, genuinely concerned the prodigy might jeopardise the operation.
“Do not be ridiculous!” baulked the robust Eternian knight, putting on a somewhat unconvincingly brave face. “By Guerris; you actually think that I … Gavastros, am scared?!” he defensively added. Sandros mouth curled up in a wry smile.
“Just making sure.” he replied, with a mischievous chuckle. He knew Gavastros was well out of his depth – and far from comfortable with the task at hand. But there was nothing he could do now – they had to press on with the operation. The allied leader turned to his men, seeing they were all ready for the challenging climb ahead.
“Alright men, let’s move! You know what to do! Remember, when you reach the top, stay close to the walls until everyone’s up! May the Great Spirit be with you all!” he ordered.
As one, the allies fixed their ropes to their belts, throwing their grappling hooks up as far up as possible onto the rock walls. The group was evenly divided into pairs, the more experienced climber making his way up first to secure the rope on the steep cliff walls.
As this was done, the allied force finally embarked on their ambitious ascent up the cliffs, every one of them to a man in total concentration of the task at hand. The climbers grappled the solid rock firmly with both hands, wedging their feet in even the smallest of crevices. Straining every last muscle in their bodies, they pulled themselves up little by little; ensuring to always to remain as close as possible to the cliff face. Sandros relished the thrill of being so close to the edge of life and the netherworld – where he was truly in his element. It was a sentiment however; his once great rival did not particularly share. For Gavastros, it was already far more than he had bargained for. He suddenly felt a wave of fear rush through his body as he looked to the ground far below, realising that one false move could spell the end to the entire operation. The prodigy had faced much greater dangers on the battlefield; he had had never imagined climbing a rock face would frighten him so. Like Sandros, the much younger Maxious was relishing the thrill of being so close to the edge, elated to be partaking in a mission of such audacity. Suddenly a trickle of stones began to fall the cliff face, then a large portion of rock was unwittingly dislodged by a member of the allied climbers.
“AAAHHHH!” screamed an unidentifiable man, followed by an unceremonious thud to the ground. Sandros turned in sheer trepidation, immediately fearing the worst. His first thoughts were of the prodigy; desperately hoping it was not so.
“Gavastros! Are you alright?” he nervously whispered, looking frantically round.
“It wasn’t him, Sandros!” whispered Gaulaeous, one of the expert Catharian climbers.
“Who was it?” demanded Sandros in frustration. Struggling to see through the darkness of the night, he looked up, listening for a reaction from the imperial guards. Gavastros meanwhile had been stunned into silence, looking down in sheer terror; thanking the gods he was safe.
“It was Dadaelious; but he´s alright!” cried the Catharian, Icaerious, not far from his fallen companion. “I think it’s only a broken leg! I’ll go back and help him!” he added, readying to climb down the steep rocky mountain face. Sandros drew a sign of relief it had not been too serious, but was deeply concerned their position had been given away…
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