Forgetting Fallenwood

Forgetting Fallenwood

by Leslie D. Soule

Published by

Melange Books, LLC

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

www.melange-books.com

Forgetting Fallenwood, Copyright 2013 by Leslie D. Soule

ISBN: 978-1-61235-685-3

Names, characters, and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Published in the United States of America.

Cover Design by Stephanie Flint

FORGETTING FALLENWOOD

by Leslie D. Soule

Ashley Ash Kensington wakes up in the Other Realm, to find that she has lost all recollection of the fantasy realm known as Fallenwood. She continues holding down a normal job and a serene though unfulfilling relationship and life, until she finds a talking cat who begins filling her head with fanciful tales of another place and time.

Dedication

To Professor Toise, who taught me that ultimately language is all we have. And to Mike, for giving me my metaphorical sword.

Table of Contents

Forgetting Fallenwood

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

About the Author

Previews

Chapter One

~ Fallenwood’s War ~

Ever since Ashley Ash Kensington stepped through a portal into Terra Illumina, a land known by the locals as Fallenwood, she’d sought peace in the hope that aiding this troubled realm would somehow brush away the storm clouds that had gathered in her mind and heart since the death of her beloved stepfather. Yet now, as she looked around, she saw only chaos. Once again, she felt like she’d gotten in over her head in this place. So different was it from American life and her home in Sacramento, California. Here, the silence spoke untold volumes about the roiling turbulence beneath it. It was so quiet on the battlefield that she looked around hesitantly as though expecting an ambush. She sat astride the black unicorn and urged it into a canter as she scanned the bowed heads of the amassed hordes. All six of Fallenwood’s kingdoms had sent their armies to destroy each other in a senseless power struggle.

She exhaled slowly, trying to keep herself from wincing as a sharp twinge of pain shot through her back. Only an hour before, she’d destroyed the crystal in the cavern of the Wolf King. The destruction blast sent her hurtling into the cavern’s rock wall, just after she’d rendered up the Heart Aflame shard. With this one act, Ash effectively destroyed the source of Fallenwood’s magic.

I say again, our time of peace is at hand! she declared. She spread her arms to the sky as a cheer rose from the gathered armies. Cries of exultation filled the air, increasing to a deafening roar. Still, there were a select few on the battlefield who were not pleased at all.

Queen Genevieve sat perched upon her white mare, arms folded and brows creased. Her Captain of the Guard lay dead before her on the field, his sword half-buried in mud. Ash tipped her chin up as she glanced behind her at Queen Genevieve. That’s right. Look at what I have done. You can go cry now.

But the queen did not cry. Instead, Ash saw a wild look in the queen’s eyes, a look that hinted at a dark purpose. Shocked, she glanced from the queen to Prince Edward. Say something. DO something! She’d thought the day had been won, that victory had been grasped. Now, she was starting to realize that the real battle was only beginning.

Will Everett stood next to Prince Edward and clapped a hand onto his shoulder. Now, king, what are you going to do about the former leaders of your kingdom?

King Harold’s eyes grew wide. My son, he called out, his voice cracking, Edward, you must spare our lives. I beg you.

The prince shot a defiant glare at his father and then grew silent. He walked over to Will’s horse. May I? he asked Will, grasping the reins.

Certainly.

He mounted Will’s horse, Ruby, and urged her forward into a trot. Ruby stopped when they reached the spot where Queen Genevieve and King Harold sat astride their own steeds.

You locked me away in the dungeon for five years. I will never get those five years back—never. So give me one good reason why I shouldn’t hang you both.

Ash watched the scene unfolding and joined her husband-to-be as the black unicorn trotted up beside her. Hang them? Isn’t that a bit harsh? Then the rational part of her brain gave way to a more emotional appeal. You poor thing, she thought as she noted the rage and indignation that made themselves known in the sharpness of his tone. She saw the tears beginning to form in his eyes and noticed how often he flexed his hands into tight fists.

What a difficult position for him to be in, Ash thought. I hope he’s wise. We’ll both have to deal with the consequences of his harshness or leniency. She resisted the urge to interfere, though it hurt her to see Edward in so much pain.

My son, King Harold replied, it was never our intention to keep you there for so long. I can only imagine what you’ve been through. You have grown into a good man. You’re no murderer. Tears welled up in King Harold’s eyes, but Queen Genevieve’s countenance remained stern and coldly defiant.

Prince Edward scowled.

She still puts on such airs, Ash thought. Well it’s a good thing I’m not the one making the decision. He should be kind and good though, not vindictive like me.

Be merciful, my love, said Ash. Their kingdom is yours now.

The prince raised a gloved hand to his reddened forehead, and then closed his eyes, exhaling slowly as though in physical pain. After a moment, he opened his eyes and turned his gaze to the ranks of Evendown’s forces. Rupert, he called.

A red-haired man with a full, ruddy beard emerged from the crowd. He walked over and took a knee before his new leader. My liege. Rupert looked up at Edward, waiting to receive orders.

See to it that the former queen is banished to the farthest reaches of the Eastern Desert. Rupert gaped as he received this command. After a moment, he composed himself and silently nodded his acquiescence.

And what is to be done with your father? asked Will, pointing a gloved finger toward Evendown’s former king.

Geez, thought Ash. Give him a break. Her fingers twitched. No! I must not interfere in the proceedings.

Prince Edward raised a gloved hand to his chin and looked deep in thought, brows knitted. He paused for a short while and then replied, He can stay if he likes. I care not.

Ash nodded. Good decision, even if you are a liar. I don’t believe for a second that you truly care not.

Well, I...I will not abandon my wife, said Harold. If she is to be banished, then you must banish us both.

Don’t ask him to do that. Ash’s spirits fell as she noted the resolute posture of Edward’s father. His blue eyes, a sky blue to match Edward’s, bespoke the strength that lay hidden within the king’s mortal frame. No, she determined, he will not be swayed.

Ash saw Prince Edward’s jaw tighten and both fists clench. She wondered whether anger, familial love, or a need for justice would win out. So she waited in tortured silence. She wondered what tumult of emotions churned beneath the surface of Prince Edward’s relatively calm exterior.

Then you are both banished, said Edward. Let us consider this matter to be settled.

Unable to control herself, Ash blurted, Perhaps you ought to reconsider—

Silence! Edward barked, giving her an angry stare. I will do no such thing and you will not question my authority.

Ash folded her arms and glared back. That’s how you want to play it, huh? Like you’ve got some kind of power over me? She had so much that she wanted to say to him, but she didn’t know how to explain that she sympathized with his pain, but despised its backlash that felt like daggers piercing her heart. Every angry look and harsh tone added fresh cuts to her wounded sense of compassion.

She stroked the black unicorn’s mane. The unicorn neighed loudly. Easy, Shadowmere, said Ash, pleased with the name she’d created.

Rupert, said Edward, if you would do the honors, please escort the former leadership to their new place of residence. He turned to the ranks of Evendown’s fighters. Gold! he said, and two soldiers advanced, carrying a wooden chest between them. Ash puzzled over this archaic battle tradition, one that looked like something straight out of an ancient mural.

Take as much as you need, he instructed Rupert. The soldiers bean dutifully filling heavy leather bags for him.

Ash had been so intent on observing the activity taking place that Will’s presence beside her startled her.

I suggest you ride around, and announce the armies to disperse, he said.

Oh yeah, Ash replied. Then she sat up straight in what she hoped was a regal posture. I mean, of course.

She urged Shadowmere into a gallop, savoring the feeling of the wind whipping past her and her cloak fluttering behind her. What now? At first, she merely rode around, observing the collection of armies that had, only moments ago, been posed for destruction and chaos. What do I do? She wondered what to say, how to say it, and if perhaps by doing things her way, she’d be breaking tradition.

The battle is over, she shouted to the nearest group. Return to your homes. Live your lives in peace. Good enough. She repeated this series of sentences countless times, to every group she approached as she made her way around the battlefield, seeking penitence for all of the anger she still harbored in her heart. If I cannot find peace for myself, she reasoned, then at least I can give it to others.

Eventually, all of the armies dispersed and Ash rode back toward her group of friends. She watched as the former king and queen of the kingdom of Evendown rode off, side by side, led by Rupert on his black steed. They quickly became mere specks on the horizon. The only problem still remaining to be dealt with was the war’s only casualty.

Ash rode over to the motionless body and dismounted to get a better look, now that he posed no threat. Akaji’s dark eyes looked forever onward and his sword lay beside him in the dirt.

Say a prayer for the dead, said Will as he approached and then stood beside Ash. Won’t you?

Ash seethed with rage, ignoring her pretense of self-control momentarily. He tried to kill me, she muttered through her teeth.

He’s dead, Ash, Will replied. He can’t hurt you now.

Yet a burning rage had ignited in Ash’s heart and she didn’t know how to make it subside. She took a deep breath. You’re right, she admitted, but I don’t know any prayers for the dead.

Terces approached and stood next to her, and Edward stood beside him. Greymalkin scampered up. They moved to form a circle around Akaji’s lifeless form as Will led them through a chant.

Ash attempted to muster up sympathy for the departed, but could not. She breathed in deeply, and glanced over at Edward, who had bowed his head. I’m no less marred by anger than you are, she thought, no less scarred. She pressed her palms together. I cannot pray for Akaji, she admitted to herself, but instead, I will pray for us.

Chapter Two

~ Together, Apart ~

Ash and Edward rode off toward Castle Evendown. The miles faded away as they rode in silence, together and yet so very far apart. Ash hoped that Edward’s personality hadn’t been permanently altered by the unfolding of events—that the world’s darkness and cruelty hadn’t seeped into his soul and poisoned someone she so deeply cared for, to a point beyond recovery.

Wait a minute. Stop, said Edward. His steed halted. Edward grimaced, and slapped a hand to his forehead. That’s what’s wrong.

What? asked Ash.

Did you notice anyone missing from the war?

Ash racked her brain, but couldn’t seem to recall anyone conspicuously absent.

Hieropraxis, said Edward.

Oh no. The gravity of their situation made itself known to her. Relaxation would be impossible with the court wizard lurking around within the castle, possibly mounting a planned attack. What do we do?

Continue on to Castle Evendown, for now. Once we arrive, we can further weigh our options.

Ash didn’t bother answering, even to agree. Soon enough, Castle Evendown appeared in the distance, sitting atop a hill. The two rode on in silence. Although Ash wanted to speak, she dared not. This seemed to her a time when words were doomed ultimately to fail. She rode Shadowmere up to the outer gate, a dread foreboding stirring in her heart with each step closer. Prince Edward’s expression remained unreadable to her as he rode beside her.

Guardsman, called Edward up to the tower, round up a search party. I want every room of the castle searched. Alert me the moment one of your men finds Hieropraxis.

Yes, sir! the guard replied, saluting and then disappearing from view.

Now what? asked Ash. Riding without reins or saddle, Ash had woven the fingers of her left hand through Shadowmere’s mane. With her right, she clutched Greymalkin tightly against her as the castle grew larger upon approach. Shadowmere halted. She scooped Greymalkin up in her arms and he nuzzled her shoulder.

Now we wait, answered Edward.

Oh. Okay. She scratched Greymalkin’s chin. Will should have come with us. With his powers, he could probably scan the castle in a matter of minutes. Then she remembered. No, he can’t do that anymore. The destruction of Fallenwood’s crystal, its catalyst for magic, meant that sorcerers had become obsolete. Ash looked around, wishing Will had come.

Edward? said Ash.

What? he snapped.

Ash shook her head. Never mind. Jerk.

Edward folded his arms. Well, do you have something to say or not?

No, she replied. I guess I don’t. We’re probably in for a long wait. She wished at that moment that she had telepathy, so she could hold a private conversation with Greymalkin. Her expression became dour as she remembered what a friend had said—I’m married. I have no privacy.

That will soon be my fate.

Ash closed her eyes, to avoid being bored out of her mind. If nothing’s happening, at least I can get some rest in.

Are you sleeping right now? Edward exclaimed.

A fight so soon? Yeah. So? Ash answered, keeping her eyes closed. I just saved this whole realm. I deserve a minute’s rest.

How can you sleep at a time like this?

You gonna order me not to? asked Ash. Do it. I dare you.

I can’t, he replied irritably.

That’s right. Ash grinned, self-satisfied. No man will ever get the best of me. She closed her eyes again. This time, though a measure of comfort came, she still could find no peace. Something’s tearing us apart, thought Ash. I can feel it, and it’s like a canyon’s opened up between us—an abyss too wide to cross, too treacherous to bridge. I thought we were destined for each other, but look at what things have come to. Surely this much disconnected pain wouldn’t have been foreordained.

After an hour’s wait, the huge wooden gates began to creak open. Ash opened her eyes, feeling refreshed from her nap. She readied herself, placing a cautionary hand on the hilt of her sword. Edward stared blankly ahead. His thoughts are so far away. His mind and heart reside in a place that I cannot reach, and even if I could, I wouldn’t dare go after them. A company of guardsmen strode forth through the entryway. The brass buttons of their uniforms glinted in the sunlight. Their leader took a knee before Edward and Ash, and then the five other guardsmen in attendance followed suit.

My liege, said the lead guardsman.

Did you find him? asked Edward.

We searched every room of the castle, m’lord. He is gone.

And you checked his bedchamber?

Of course—but...well, you should come and see for yourself.

I will bring Shadowmere with us, said Ash, loathe to leave the black unicorn behind, lest it fall into the wrong hands.

Into the castle, my lady? asked the guardsman. It can be stabled if you like.

No, replied Ash. Shadow...the black unicorn comes with me. I will not part with it.

Admittedly a strange habit, said Edward, but please indulge her.

Admittedly, thought Ash, her eyes shooting poisoned darts at her future husband. Ash, Edward, and Greymalkin followed the guardsman down the winding corridors of Castle Evendown. Upon reaching Hieropraxis’s bedchamber, they found that the heavy oak door stood slightly ajar. Edward reached out a gloved hand and pried the door farther open. It creaked on old hinges. Ash looked in and then gasped. She glanced at Edward and then the guardsmen.

What does this mean?

The sorcerer’s desk no longer stood in its spot. The bookshelves were gone, along with their contents. The bare walls glared back at Ash. Not a single item remained in the room that had belonged to the old court wizard.

It means that we must all be very careful, the guardsman replied.

Be careful? Of what? Ash thought, proud that she’d been the one to destroy Fallenwood’s crystal. There are