Eric Vann [Vann - Soul Weaver

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, countries, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright 2019 Eric J. Vann

Map by Jessica Khoury

Character art by Eudia

ISBN: 978-1-5136-4528-5

To my family,

Whose love and support made writing this story possible.

Contents

Prologue

Sir, the reports for the day, the young man with messy brown hair announced, placing a sheaf of documents on his superiors desk.

The long-haired elf sitting behind it did not look up. Let me guess, Negan. Nothing new? He turned a page in the small but thickly-bound book he was studying.

Actually, the young man began, there was something different

The elf stopped what he was doing to look up at once, his silken blond beard trailing across the desk. Really? he asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Of course not. Negan grinned. After all these years of waiting, do you think this place would be so calm if anything had happened?

The elf sighed, but then a small smile graced his face. Oh, I wouldnt say that. You could actually act like the trainee youre supposed to be and read something. He gestured to the endless shelves stacked with books around them, before turning back to his own book. You are standing in the greatest collection of knowledge ever collected in one place, after all.

What has you so engrossed in this one, Vhal? The young man stepped around the desk to stand beside him. I thought you read everything in here already?

Vhal adjusted his spectacles and again glanced up, one eyebrow raised. It would take a hundred years to read everything in here. And you know youre not supposed to shorten my name or act so friendly, Negan. I am your mentor and superior, after all.

But you elves of noble houses have such long names! And speaking to you is the only fun thing I can do here. The rest are always so serious .

Vhal tapped his finger a few times against the desk and stared at his trainee with a passive expression. The younger man began to fidget slightly, before finally sighing in defeat.

Vhalnuel, whats so interesting about that book? he asked in an overly polite tone.

Vhal shook his head. It was always like this with the newer ones. We just received a new shipment of books from the capital. I must say, the emperors decree that all books and documents entering the empire be copied was a masterstroke. This one is a particularly interesting find. It goes into great detail regarding the nature of the necrotic artsit even has a few spells and rituals fascinating stuff, really.

Negan smiled. If only I could be so excited about books. He took a seat beside Vhal and started whistling lightly, causing the elf to flinch.

Is that truly necessary, Negan?

His trainee seemed about to reply when the sound of clanking metal made them both turn. Two armed and heavily armored-men had entered the library from the direction of the restricted section to the rear, holding nondescript boxes in their arms. Both were wearing gold-lined black cloaks with a silver phoenix embroidered at the center, the heraldry of the Caelian Empire and its Imperial Family.

As they passed, one of the guards glanced at Vhal, their eyes meeting for a moment. There was something there, but Vhal couldnt put his finger on it.

The Imperial Guard has been around a lot lately, and the regular guards have all but vanished as well, Negan whispered when the men were out of earshot. Do you think the emperor is here?

The Imperial Family has every right to be here, Vhal replied crisply. The Facility and everything within it, including you I might add, belongs to them, and their ancestors invested a lot of time and resources in making it comfortable over the years. You must know that expanding this place in any way is a colossal undertaking The mountain rock makes sure of that.

Vhal did not usually pay much attention to the comings and goings of the guards, but was Negan right? It was not his place to question such things but there was something else which scratched at his mind. He did not recognize these guards. They were not the same men who usually accompanied the imperial family.

Vhal closed the book before him with a loud thud, startling his companion. He stood and slipped the book into an inner pocket of his multilayered black robes, then picked up the documents on his desk and began walking away. Negan jogged after him to keep up.

I hear theres is a lot of trouble brewing all over the empire, the young man whispered. Something about the Jannatin tribesmen being up in arms. And of course, the Ejani never lets a chance like some internal strife go by without taking a swing at us. He glanced quickly to either side. I even heard there were riots in the capital, he continued ominously. You wouldnt know anything about that, would you? You must have some access to the outside.

Vhal stopped, frowning, Other than having my own room and office, I have no other privileges as the lead researcher. He raised one eyebrow. But do tell: how did you come to hear such rumors?

Uhhh well, the guards like to talk when they think no one is around Negan replied, a little guiltily.

Vhal sighed. How many times do I need to tell you this, Negan? That part of the Facility is off limits. Youll get yourself killed, or worse, over silly rumors. Why does it matter to you what happens on the border? We have our hands full with researching the artifact, for the greater glory of the empire. Anything else is a distraction.

Negan took a step back, looking Vhal straight in the eye. I cant help it! Were practically prisoners here. We cant leave or send letters to anyoneand all in the name of secrecy for a project so old most of us dont know when it even started ! His hands balled into fists at his sides. Meanwhile, the emperor and his daughter come and go as they please. Ive heard that the emperor has even brought guests with him on more than one occasion. How secret can this place really be if?

Vhal grabbed the young man and pushed him against the wall. Have you lost your mind, child? he growled. What if one of the Imperial Guards heard you speak of such things?

Negan blinked, shocked. Slowly, Vhal released him and let out a deep breath.

Listen to me for once, Negan. You can resent the fact you are here due to events not within your control, but you must accept the situation and move on. Vhals tone was not without sympathy. You are here and you will remain here, so you must make the best of it.

Negan looked down at his feet and closed his eyes for a few seconds before replying. I really hate it here, you know, he said. I miss the capital, the open air and, of course, the girls, he added, with feeling. I might have been a second son, but I am still from a noble family. I dont understand why they couldnt get some commoners in here instead.

Vhal sighed. It had already been a long day. We are all from noble families. You should be thankful to the emperor for giving you the opportunity to study, learn, and serve the empires interest here, instead of some far-flung outpost in the middle of nowhere. These commoners you speak of would beg for a fraction of what youre getting. Now go back to your studies, I have important tasks to attend to.