Sean Hinn [Hinn - Spawn of Fury

Spawn of Fury is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events and incidents are either the products of the authors imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

2017 by Sean Hinn

All rights reserved.

Published in the United States of America by Bobdog Books.

First Electronic Edition

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

To my children, and the gift of their laughter:

the only magic I need ever know.

See a full resolution map at www.seanhinn.com/Maps

T HE D AYS OF A SH AND F URY

PART FIVE

CONTINUED FROM

T REMORS OF F URY

I: THE FARMLANDS

T he blonde young man addressed the wagon loader as the sorceress fumed.

Earl, my outsized friend. Be a good pal and fill us in, will you, before this all turns sideways?

Mila Felsin brimmed with rage as she assessed the group assembled before her, sending out tendrils of magic to gauge the threat: an old elven woman, dressed in a light-yellow travelling robe, clearly quite powerful. This is the one who cast the whirlwind. Beside her, an elf with black hair, youngish, not overly tall but well built. Perhaps a ranger? She glanced at the sword in his hand. No, a soldier. Mila found it difficult to probe his aura but decided he would be easily dispatched. He stood as if guarding a young elven woman, platinum of hair, slight, beautiful, a bit frightened, yet bold. Some magic here She turned to the young blonde man, the one known to Earl. Magic, again, unfamiliar A dwarf male; strong, bearded face, dark of hair and fierce in demeanor, axe at the ready, formidable . Also possessing power? Odd A gnomish girl, wary, protecting her dog, little more than a pup. Mila locked eyes with the red-haired, pigtailed girl; what she saw looking back at her was not the gaze of a mere child. Mila decided that, perhaps, the group as whole may very well pose a threat, but so be it. Her wrath would not be stayed.

I will fill you in, fool, Mila sneered at Lucan. The man you just saved was Sartean DAvers, and in doing so, you have committed an atrocity!

The company from the Grove exchanged glances as Yano and Sienni approached behind Mila. Earl lifted a calming hand towards Mila; a look from the sorceress froze his reach. He turned to Lucan and opened his mouth to speak, but Trellia interrupted him.

Sartean DAvers ? You three, alone, subdued the Master of Kehrlia ? Who in Fury are you people?

Earl cleared his throat. Ah, well, this is

Who are you, elf ? demanded Mila. And what are you doing here? And why did you interfere?

Mikallis took a step towards the sorceress. You will speak with deference to the Vicaris of the

Mila turned her attention to Mikallis. Or what , elf? Youll try to stab me with your pointy little shard of iron?

Mila, please . Earls expression turned pleading. Mila gritted her teeth.

Young woman, Trellia began gently. Mila, if I may? I am Trellia Evanti, Vicaris of the Grove. This is Princess Aria Evanti at this Milas eyes widened and these are our companions. We are here because we saw a man being killed and would not ignore it. If you find that unreasonable, I suppose we shall not become friends. Now, if you would be so kind, please tell us why you were killing the Master of Kehrlia.

Sienni stepped forward. Because he is a foul, loathsome, murderous wretch! Is this not known in Thornwood?

Oh, certainly, replied Trellia. But that does not explain why you three were doing the deed. Nor how you possibly could manage it.

Shyla tugged at Jarns sleeve, whispering. Whos Sartine Dabber?

Jarn replied in a hush. Wizard. Bad one.

Bad as they come, Lucan added. And powerful. He turned to Earl. What happened here, Earl?

Earl looked to Mila, unsure. The sorceress shook her head and addressed Trellia.

Vicaris, is it? She turned to Aria. And the princess of Thornwood? Just out for a stroll, then, and happened upon this field?

About like, said Lucan. And this here is the Firstson of Belgorne. So lets not lose our heads, here.

Yano spoke up. Assuming you are all who you claim to be, and I have my doubts, what in Fury are you all doing here?

Arias patience wore thin. She straightened and addressed Yano severely. Sir. I am Aria Evanti, Princess of Thornwood. This is my Captain of the Guard, Mikallis Elmshadow. This is Lucan Thorne, of Mor, and Shyla Greykin, of Gnaath. This is Prince Jarn Silverstone of Belgorne, and you have met the Vicaris. There, we have introduced ourselves. Our company has been travelling and came across whatever this is. We have told you why we intervened. If you have justification for your attempt on the Master of Kehrlias life, say so now, or we will detain you, and send word to Mor to arrange your arrest. Have I made myself clear?

Trellia blanched. Princess, perhaps you might

Enough! Aria quieted the Vicaris. The law is the law, and we are in Mor lands. Our treaty requires that we uphold that law. If this was not an attempt at murder, say so now!

Mila shared a long look with Aria. The tension between the two women was palpable. No one dared speak, but no words were required, in any case. The battle of wills between the two women was plain. In the end, it was Mila to break the silence. The darkness of her tone chilled Aria to her core.

Princess, she hissed. You are correct. I sought to murder Sartean in cold blood and retained the assistance of these before you to accomplish it. You are right to detain us, but you are powerless to do so, I assure you. Shall we all begin killing one another, or would you care to know why?

Aria swallowed. I will hear your reasons.

Mila told of Sarteans plans for Mor, of the Flightfluid operation, of the pain and death the potion caused. She did not diminish her own role; on the contrary, she took responsibility for all she had done. After several turns of explanation, she concluded.

I have no remorse for attacking that vile man, she said. And when I leave here and I assure you I will leave here I intend to hunt him down again.

Mikallis replied without pause. And in doing so, you believe you will earn redemption? For the lives you have destroyed? There is no redemption for people like you.

Mila turned to speak. Earl interrupted.

And what do you know about it? Who gave you the power to decide the worth of a person? I cant say as to what Mila Felsin was before, but shes makin it right.

Mila put a hand on her friends shoulder. No, Earl, perhaps he is right. Perhaps I cannot be redeemed. She turned to Aria. But neither will I be dissuaded. Hear me, Princess. Sartean will die, by my hand. You cannot stop me. For your own sake, do not try.

Aria regarded Mila for a moment, then looked to Trellia. The question went unasked. Trellia answered.

Sartean DAvers is a blight on the face of Tahr, Princess.

Aria nodded and turned to Mila.

It would seem so. But murder is murder. Mila Felsin, I believe you when you say we cannot detain you, and I will not risk the lives of my friends in the attempt. But know this: you will be subject to arrest in Thornwood. All of you. For the attempted murder of Sartean DAvers, and the the abomination you have carried out here in his name.