A Puzzle of Stone

by V. Ajinkya

While Lester recovers from his injuries Lyliana is forced to return to the Lessar Lands to aid her father back in Hillaway. Lyliana escapes incarceration and meets Piearsa and Syngh who have been banished from the Pride.

The witch’s coven makes plans to expand their influence sending Mhairi to visit Hillaway though she doubts the wisdom of alliances with people who can’t be trusted.

Neem’s efforts to bring about chaos and destruction reach a new level as he attempts to murder Lyliana and destroy potential alliances between the pirates and the pixies. Captain Kie launches a series of attacks on human settlements and makes some discoveries of his own.

As the influence of the displaced stones spreads magical disaster around the world, many of the population, particularly in Gamola Harbour and Hillaway, suspect treachery on numerous fronts. As each faction works to solve their own mystery they begin to understand that greater forces are at work against them.

Developments in Lyliana’s personal life force her to make decisions she would prefer not to, but with her hands tied, she commits herself to an attack that could redefine her command and the alliances she seeks to make. As the lines between friends and enemies grow clearer Lyliana must risk everything for success or revenge.

Excerpt

Preface

Several species in the Greatar and Lessar Lands of the new world survivors came to call the historic event “The Clash”, though most were reluctant to mention it during the early years, so vastly diverse was the loss of life. Humanity reverted to technology of a simpler time. Many believed that magic would take over, while others refused to believe at all.

What caused “The Clash” was never discovered, mainly due to the extinction of the giants, but years later, as races began to recover and accept integration with their formerly unknown neighbors such as werecats and pixies, intriguing stories of untold horror emerged. Corrupted fairy magic became the favourite theory as to why much of the population suddenly died, but as the fairies died out with the giants, there was no one left to ask.

“The Awakening” brought forth a renewal of old traditions, such as arranged marriages intended to promote good genetics in the sudden absence of more advanced science. Discontented humans split off to create new factions, further weakening humanity and hobbling development.

As the years passed and the stories were diluted or lost, no one considered who or what might have filled the gaping holes in the world’s population. Old, hard-learned lessons were lost to history.

*Events in this book follow immediately from those described in Rakshasa’s Wrath.

Chapter One
Syngh

The flame rippled in time with a tickle at Syngh’s cheek as he picked his way through the trees. Ahead of him, the Pride Master lumbered noisily despite admonishing Syngh to be silent. The man’s advancing age made stealth nearly impossible. Syngh placed his feet down at the same moment as the man in front of him, hoping to reduce the noise, although they sounded like a great machine churning up the path.

Trees loomed menacingly around him, and a great cloud turned into foreboding beings that obscured the moonlight. He followed the dull shape leading him towards the holding cages and studied the man’s back, hoping for some clue as to what was going on.

The Pride Master arranged their meeting that afternoon. He had cut through Syngh’s reluctance to help him and forced him to “fulfill his duty.” Syngh had been in no mood to hear about duty. The morning’s guilty verdict against Piearsa was still raw, and his memory of the Ellipse’s positive power and size would be forever marred by the despair caused by the verdict, as if those words had destroyed the place. The shock grated like rocks on smaller rocks.

She had refused to see him afterwards, claiming she needed to be alone. He tried to see things from her point of view, but it hurt that she would not want to spend her last few hours with him. That she had also denied access to her family only helped a little. His mind had replayed the verdict over and over during the afternoon, like the memory of a bad dream.

A twig broke the silence. The crowd shifted as though the noise threatened to smash their concentration. Irritated looks flashed about the Ellipse. The pacing guard stopped and glanced about him. He threw apologetic looks at some of the crowd before hurrying away, silently scolded by the audience.

“We have come to a decision. There were two dissenting votes, but they have been overruled by the majority,” announced the tribunal leader.

The Pride Master glanced at the speaker and returned his gaze to the stone table at which he sat.

“Piearsa of the Fang,” he paused, apparently for dramatic effect. “Stand to be recognised.”

A whisper rolled over the crowd. Piearsa rose somewhat unsteadily. She glanced once in Syngh’s direction, but no recognition showed in her piercing blue eyes. Her chin jutted high. She stood rigid, like a mighty force, waiting to pounce.

“On the count of wilful disobedience, you have been found guilty.”

That result came as no surprise to Syngh. It was almost a given. Yet in that moment, he knew the verdict on all the other counts.

Syngh held his breath.

“On the charge of wanton disregard, you have been determined guilty.” The leader spoke with annoying slowness as though savouring the moment. “There was dissention regarding the count of premeditated violence. However, you have been found guilty.”

Syngh resisted the burning in his lungs and continued to hold his breath. The air pressure seemed to decrease as the leader opened his mouth to speak the final verdict.

“Finally, you were additionally charged with attempted felocide.” He took a visible breath. “On this count, you have been found not guilty.”

There was a resounding silence about the Ellipse, as though the audience did not believe what they were hearing. The air stilled.

“You will be banished. Never to return for the remainder of your lifetime. It is said then it shall be done.”

With the official closing words uttered, the guards took Piearsa away.

After his attempts to see her, Syngh had reflected that the situation could be much worse. Had she been found guilty of attempted felocide, the punishment would have been execution. Not that such an observation would make her feel any better.

He forced himself to look positive as they approached the clearing that marked the edge of the settlement’s prison area. He placed one foot in front of the other with deliberate precision, forcing a confidence he could not possibly feel in that moment.

The Pride Master stopped suddenly in front of him. His pale golden eyes bore into Syngh as though all the power in the nine universes was behind them. “We have to be quick. There is no time for goodbyes. I have already spoken to your man servant. He will take care of your father until you return. But come, we must hurry.” He turned and almost ran the rest of the way to the cage.

Syngh took only a moment to consider the situation. Whatever was going on, the Pride Master was clearly on his side. That was enough for now. He could wait to find out what his senior was talking about.

“…I don’t want to see anyone. How many times do I have to tell you people? Let me die in peace without causing additional pain to those I love,” Piearsa said as Syngh caught up to the Master.

She wants to die. Syngh inhaled, trying to force the pressure from his ribs.

There was a rattling of chain against metal, and the rigid vertical bars leaned apart. Syngh frowned. So that’s how they get people in and out. He stared up into the blackness where the bars disappeared high above him. No doors into the cage were evident upon visual inspection. He had wondered before just how people were put into the jail, but once the bar leaned over, it was a simple matter to step between them. He turned his attention to Piearsa.

“We don’t have time for this. As I have just explained to your affianced, we must hurry.” He offered his hand to guide Piearsa between the bars. She declined his hand with a raised eyebrow before stepping through.

A couple of paces and she was in Syngh’s arms. He held her tightly. A lump swelled in his throat, and he blinked away the tears that flowed forth. He squeezed her tighter.

“Ouch, too tight, my love.” She leaned back slightly and smiled. She kissed him hard on the lips and softly wiped away the tear that had escaped his left eye.

“Oh Piea…” His voice caught in his throat.

“I love you too. Forever,” she whispered.

The quiet tones of her voice hit him harder than if she had yelled those words.

The Pride Master coughed. “Come on, come on, you must leave now. All of you. I shall walk you to the edge of town and explain, but I cannot be long for fear I am missed.” He turned and took a few lumbering paces.

Footsteps sounded behind them. Two men approached. Syngh squinted into the darkness between the trees. They emerged from the shadows, and rage puddled in Syngh’s core. He gripped Piearsa instinctively closer. Her usually skinny frame was even thinner than normal. He could feel her ribs. He looked into her shining eyes and saw the recognition in them. Surprisingly she did not seem angry, only surprised to see the two people who had been her downfall.

Oswald and Kalito approached stealthily and stopped a few paces from them.

“This is not good,” said Syngh involuntarily.

Piearsa’s grip tightened.

The Pride Master took a step forward and gestured at the two boys. “Come closer, you two. I don’t want to be shouting.” He waited until the two new arrivals drew in and then lowered his voice. “Now, I know you lot have your issues, but you will have to get over that. I remember how you were during your learning days. What has happened lately is merely an extension of that. The tribunal overreacted, in my opinion, but you did not hear that from me. Do you understand?” His brow furrowed.

The four glanced at each other. After a moment’s hesitation, they nodded.

The Pride Master looked at Piearsa. “Your banishment actually helps. That is why I did not dispute it. I know,” he held up his hand to forestall any comment. “It was not good for you, but do not worry. I will straighten things out once you have done as I ask.” He looked about furtively and took a few paces before turning to walk away from them. “We can talk as we walk. It would not do to be seen together.”

Syngh frowned and held back. He looked first to Piearsa who was ready to follow without question then to Oswald and Kalito. The former was mirroring Syngh’s doubts, his stocky figure hesitant and wary as he shuffled from one foot to the other. Kalito stood behind his friend, unconcerned at the strange turn of events. Syngh made eye contact with Oswald and shrugged.

Oswald raised his eyebrows briefly and put his arm out, gesturing Syngh to go first. Kalito remained still and passive.

Piearsa flashed a meaningful glance and took the lead behind the Pride Master who was already some paces away. Her pace appeared sure and steady, though her step was shorter than usual. We’ll have to take it easy for a few days.

When they caught up to the Pride Master, he was already speaking as though not realising they were so far behind.

“...noting some changes over the past few weeks. I have my theories as to why, but I would rather not say at this time. Also, it would be beneficial for you not to form any preconceived notions of the situation. I would like your reports unfettered. Do you understand?”

The confused silence was interrupted by Kalito, “But sir—”

“Sh-s-s-s,” ordered Oswald.

Kalito staggered as he was shoved in the ribs.

“I need you to travel to Gamola, or as far as needs be, to determine the extent of the disruptions in the world. Syngh, I heard something of your findings at the coven. I shall say no more than that, but these questions might be related to your suspicions. You will report only to me. I am trusting the four of you. Do you understand?”

Syngh nodded and then realised he probably could not see the gesture in the dark. “Yes, sir, I think so,” he took a breath. “You should know that I have discussed this already with Piearsa, sir.” He gripped her hand in silent reassurance.

“I assumed you might. The same applies to you, Piearsa of the Fang.”

Piearsa nodded. “Might we know the nature of your concerns?”

The Pride Master stopped suddenly. Syngh almost tripped over him again. “I believe the Guardian has been forsaken. The air grows warm. You shall know what you seek when you find it. You four are the vanguard. You must put your personal differences aside, and, come what may, you shall not fail. Piearsa, I can help you only if you help me.” He drew closer. “That is not a threat, merely fact. You must earn forgiveness. If I am not here when you return, and it is possible I will be discovered, such treason has only one penalty. You must do everything you need to protect this pride. It could well aid other prides in equal measure. Ilhay of the Rocks is a personal friend. If needed, you can find him with the Cougars on the Sunken Plain of the Lessar Lands. If not there then the tarn south of Hillaway. Tell him everything I have said, and everything you learn. He will know what to do.”

“How do we contact you if we cannot return?” asked Oswald.

“You can return, but only if word of this does not get out. I told Jaden, Syngh’s manservant, that he would act as a conduit. Only him. Do not contact me directly.”

“We have no supplies,” moaned Kalito. “How shall we live?”

“Stupid boy,” snapped Oswald. “We shall live off the land.” He shoved his friend once more, almost causing him to fall over.

“Enough, you two. There is a camp in Marshland Bay. Stop there before you go across the hills. Stay out of the desert and away from the Northern Track. Neither is safe, even for us.” He took a deep breath and stared at the floor for a moment. “Go now.” He pointed north. “And keep your wits about you.” He turned and stalked back through the trees.

The dim gold of the Pride Master’s eyes stayed with Syngh for some hours after that. As they picked their way through the darkness with the wind growing in intensity, he could not help feeling that their aging leader was holding information back from them.

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