Wounds of ash book one o.., p.1
Wounds of Ash: Book One of the Vendi Chronicles, page 1
Wounds of Ash: Book One of the Vendi Chronicles
Copyright © 2023 by KL Hester
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
For information contact:
K.L. Hester
klhesterwrites@gmail.com
Cover design by GetCovers
Author Photo by Holly’s Hobby’s Photography
Map design by KL Hester
Final Page Artwork by Valerie @mleram on Fiverr
First Edition: June 2023
Second Edition: February 2024
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Contents
Dedication
Author's Note
1. Chapter 1
2. Chapter 2
3. Chapter 3
4. Chapter 4
5. Chapter 5
6. Chapter 6
7. Chapter 7
8. Chapter 8
9. Chapter 9
10. Chapter 10
11. Chapter 11
12. Chapter 12
13. Chapter 13
14. Chapter 14
15. Chapter 15
16. Chapter 16
17. Chapter 17
18. Chapter 18
19. Chapter 19
20. Chapter 20
21. Chapter 21
22. Chapter 22
23. Chapter 23
24. Chapter 24
25. Chapter 25
26. Chapter 26
27. Chapter 27
28. Chapter 28
29. Chapter 29
30. Chapter 30
31. Chapter 31
32. Chapter 32
33. Chapter 33
34. Chapter 34
35. Chapter 35
36. Chapter 36
37. Chapter 37
38. Chapter 38
39. Epilogue
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40. Acknowledgements
41. About the Author
This book is dedicated to those who supported me through the darkest moment in my life.
My husband, who has been my rock. My parents, who have been my strongest supporters. Jess, for being my best friend through it all. And finally, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Through Him, all things are possible.
Author's Note
Wounds of Ash is a NA epic fantasy romance with thematic elements that may not be suitable for all readers. It contains scenes of fantasy violence, torture, kidnapping, flashbacks of trauma, murder of a loved one, child loss, grief, and an off-page sexual assault. If you are in need of more clarification about any of the content, do not hesitate to reach out to the author on Instagram @klhester_author.
Chapter 1
Aliyah loved the smell of the rain.
For once, the cobbled streets of Elwryn smelled of something other than unwashed bodies, horse dung, and the chamber pot contents tossed from windows. Rain had a way of muting the scents she had been forced to become accustomed to these past few years.
Unable to resist, she leaned farther out of the carriage to feel the rain. A fat drop landed on her face, and she relished the movement of it down her cheek. Another one landed on her forehead as a gloved hand pulled her back into the carriage.
“It is not proper for a lady to have her face stretched out the window of a carriage like some wide-eyed peasant! To think what Sir Caldryk would think if he saw you like this!”
Aliyah turned to her aunt, an older version of herself, but with fair hair and a pinched nose above her ever-disapproving frown.
“Have you ever wondered,” Aliyah asked, as she ran her fingers through her chestnut brown hair, “if I don’t care what Sir Caldryk might think of me?”
Matylda gasped and Aliyah braced herself for the slap she knew would follow. Her aunt did not disappoint.
“I don’t care whether it matters to you what he thinks of you,” Matylda breathed, seething. “What matters is that you are convincing as the proper young woman he has been told you are. He cannot have his prized Wyvanni looking and behaving like some backwater brat.”
Cheek still stinging, Aliyah resisted rolling her eyes. Not at the barb toward her upbringing, but at the term Wyvanni. It was not her choice to be an oddity- specifically, an oddity coveted by the nobility this side of the Vendis.
“Yes, aunt,” she said, shrinking down in her seat, assuming the mask of the subservient young woman her aunt beat into her over the years.
“Much better. Now, remember, you are to be engaged- the least you could do is act happy about it.”
Aliyah sighed and forced a smile before returning to stare out the window. This time, however, she remained in the carriage.
The rain began to bounce off the roof of the carriage with gusto, drowning out the sound of the horses’ hooves. The town gave way to rolling green hills as a tall, peaked roof behind a stone wall came into view.
As they drew near, a wrought iron gate in the wall opened like a great maw of a wild beast. Aliyah shied away from the window and twisted her gloved hands together ly. She counted each ping of rain on the roof to calm her racing heart.
At last, the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the elaborate mansion. The coachman proffered her an umbrella and Aliyah followed her aunt out of the carriage and onto the gravel drive.
The Caldryks do not do anything halfway, Aliyah mused, as she took in the view of what would now be her home.
The two-story house had a gray stone façade interrupted by white columns. The columns rose to the sky like giant sentries. Hundreds of windows reflected the gray storm clouds above them. An enormous staircase led up to intricately carved front doors that were opening.
A blonde-haired man walked impatiently through the doors and descended the stairs toward them, not bothering with an umbrella. Through the rain, Aliyah noted the crisp general’s uniform he wore, and the jagged scar that ran from his right eye and continued down past the collar of his uniform. The smile he gave the pair of women did not reach his cold blue eyes and Aliyah trembled as those eyes roamed over her.
“My dear Matylda, you have arrived,” Sir Caldryk said upon reaching them. He had a nasal-sounding voice that demanded respect. He took Matylda’s hand and raised it lightly to his lips. The blush Matylda gave him made Aliyah want to gag.
“And this is the girl?” Sir Caldryk asked, switching his attention to Aliyah. Chills again slithered down her spine at the greed she found staring back at her. Trying to avoid looking at him, she gave a small demure curtsy.
“This is my niece, Aliyah...Brandhold.” Matylda said.
“Brandhold, you say?” Sir Caldryk said as he appraised Aliyah. “With the gold tint to her eyes... her father was indeed a Myralian?”
“Without a question. My sister brought shame to the family and herself the day she ran off and married that traitorous filth,” Matylda spat. Aliyah clenched her fists at her aunt's words and bit back the retort on the tip of her tongue.
“However,” Matylda continued and grabbed Aliyah by the shoulders in a mock embrace “Imagine the surprise when we discovered that the brat my sister and her husband spawned was none other than a Wyvanni. When news reached me of my sister’s murder, I had to do something. I could not let their child grow up an urchin. So, out of the goodness of my heart, I took her into my own home and raised her as if she were my own daughter.”
Sir Caldryk continued to stare at Aliyah as her aunt spoke. “What an... interesting tale,” he said, not sounding the least bit intrigued. “Perhaps you should continue to bore me in my study. Come! We have a lot to discuss.” He turned and walked stiffly back into the mansion.
Stunned, Matylda followed in a bustle of skirts and heels. With a longing glance at the carriage, Aliyah followed up the steps as a feeling of foreboding settled around her.
The interior of the house was as extravagant as the outside hinted. Stopping in the foyer, Aliyah stared mouth agape, at the grand sweeping staircase and the black marble floors polished to reflect the ornate gold chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
Gorgeous, Aliyah thought. She had never seen anything finer.
Matylda and Sir Caldryk had walked to a room adjacent to the foyer and she hurried to catch up. Before she could enter, one of the guards standing outside the study shut the door. The sound of the oak door shutting reverberated around the stone manor.
A short, middle-aged woman in a gray dress came and tugged at her sleeve. When Aliyah didn't respond she leaned in close and whispered, “Come, Miss.”
Shocked by having the door shut in her face, she let herself be pulled away from the door and led up the staircase.
The hallway at the top of the stairs was long but well-lit. A plush red rug ran down the center of the hallway and her feet were near silent as she walked past a handful of doors. Detailed paintings of far-off landscapes decorated the walls but Aliyah gave them no more than a cursory glance, worried about where the woman was taking her.
The servant stopped in front of one of the doors and pulled out a k
It was a bedroom. A giant mahogany bed dominated the center of the room. Its gold duvet and pillows were one of the most inviting things Aliyah had ever seen. Matching mahogany furniture lined the walls, which were painted a pale blue. Across from where they stood in the doorway was another set of doors that led to a balcony. A handful of thick rugs, the color of the walls, lay dispersed around the floor and were a stark contrast against the black marble tiles.
“The bathing room is to the left, Miss.” The servant said with head bowed. She motioned to an archway and continued, “The master wishes you to be bathed and dressed before dinner.”
“What’s wrong with the clothes I am wearing now?” Aliyah asked, confusion showing on her face as she inspected the yellow dress she wore. Its voluminous skirts embroidered with dainty silk flowers matched the lace and pearl buttons adorning the bodice.
“Nothing, Miss,” the servant said, “The master would prefer it if you wore one of his selected dresses. Please, the bath has been drawn and dinner will be soon.” Her voice had a tone of urgency as she motioned again for Aliyah to enter the bathing chamber.
The theme of the bedroom continued into the massive bathing room. Long stained-glass windows lined one wall, letting in light while still giving privacy. A dressing screen was set up in the corner and the servant gave an expectant nod toward it.
Aliyah forced herself to take deep breaths before stepping behind the screen. With shaking hands, she began the tedious process of undoing her buttons.
She heard a frustrated sigh as the servant came around the screen to help. “Allow me.”
The servant was efficient and soon Aliyah stood naked before her.
“What is your name?” Aliyah breathed out. She was not used to having anyone see her naked—let alone a stranger. The woman only motioned for Aliyah to enter the tub.
“My name is Linna," the woman replied once Aliyah was in the water. Her voice was no more than a whisper. “But it is not proper for you to address me. The master would not like it one bit if he found us servants conversing with you.” She clamped her lips together as if she said too much and refused to participate in any more of Aliyah’s other attempts to converse.
I cannot even talk to those around me? Aliyah thought dismayed.
Despite Linna not being allowed to talk, she was efficient, and Aliyah found herself rinsed and dried off sooner than she'd expected. She followed Linna to an opulent vanity where the woman worked with deft fingers to style Aliyah’s hair into an intricately braided crown atop her head.
Once finished, Linna brought her a dress of green silk. Sliding into it, Aliyah spared a glance in the mirror as Linna buttoned up the back.
Her previous dress had been feminine and reserved. This dress was daring and bold with every curve exposed. Only the tightness of the material on her skin kept the bodice in place. When she moved, a long slit revealed the entirety of her leg.
Her shoulders and arms were bare, save for the silver bands Linna slid up her arms. Kohl was then applied to her eyelids to complete the effect. Her deep blue eyes, flecked with the faintest of gold, were now a prominent feature.
I look like a goddess from legends, Aliyah thought as she looked at the otherworldly creature staring back in the mirror. My parents would not recognize me. I don't even recognize myself. The thought was jarring and one she would not let herself dwell on. She had not been herself in a long time.
“Come, Miss,” Linna said, eyes cast down. When Aliyah did not respond, she firmly escorted Aliyah out of the room and back to the first level where they stopped in front of a large set of doors.
"The dining room, Miss." Linna motioned demurely for her to enter. Aliyah took a breath, steeled her nerves, and opened the door.
Chapter 2
The room was full of people. A band played in the corner of a dance floor while women wearing exquisite dresses were being spun around by men in expensive suits. Other impeccably dressed guests stood in small groups around the room. The sound of their laughing voices could be heard above the music. No one was familiar to her.
Aliyah took an uncertain step farther into the room. As she did, everything went quiet, and all eyes turned to stare at where she stood. She had never felt as self-conscious as she did at that moment, and she took a step backward.
Before she could get any farther, Sir Caldryk dispatched himself from where he had been talking to a group of men by a massive stone fireplace. He prowled toward her and the fire’s heat did nothing to warm the cold pit of dread that formed in Aliyah’s stomach as his predatory gaze roamed over her exposed body.
With an effort, she suppressed a shudder and glanced around the room. A group of women near her age stood to her left. She met their gaze, and they stared back with animosity.
“My dear, you look ravishing.” Sir Caldryk's voice pulled her attention from the women, and she turned to find him standing directly in front of her. His gaze roamed up and down her body. Aliyah’s skin crawled at the compliment.
Wishing her dress contained more fabric, she found herself saying, “I was hoping we might get to know each other over a quiet dinner. I was not expecting so many others. Whatever is the cause of this... celebration?”
“Why, it is our engagement party!” Sir Caldryk motioned around the room as if that fact were obvious. “And you, Aliyah, are the guest of honor!”
The heat of embarrassment rushed to her face as he proffered his arm. Feeling repulsed about being in such close proximity to him, she reached out with a shaking hand. Faster than she could blink, he grabbed her arm and yanked it to his, holding it tight enough to hurt. She grimaced and bit back a cry and did not miss his look of innate joy in seeing her pain.
He towed her along beside him up to a round dais on the far side of the room. Aliyah had to run to keep up.
Whispers of “Who’s that?” And “a Myralian!” followed them as those in attendance stood expectantly and waited for whatever announcement Sir Caldryk was sure to make.
He did not disappoint. “My friends,” he began, his nasal voice filling the chamber, “in our fight against Myral, it is with immense pleasure that I announce our newest strategy for fighting those heathens! They stole magic from us in the past, but now we will reclaim what is rightfully ours!” He paused, looking each attendee in the eye. The anticipation in the room was palpable.
“I have found myself a Wyvanni.” He let the last word hang in the air as he motioned toward Aliyah standing next to him. An excited buzz filled the room as the audience turned to whisper among themselves.
“Prove it!” A male voice yelled from the crowd. Aliyah spotted the owner of the voice, a tall middle-aged man standing next to a pale woman in all white. Both wore skeptical expressions.
Sir Caldryk narrowed his eyes at the man before taking a decorative knife out of the sheath at his side. Before she had a chance to react, he held Aliyah’s arm to a straight position and brought the knife down hard.
Aliyah struggled to no avail. The metal was cold as it bit into her skin, and she unleashed a scream. The knife made its path from the inside crease of her elbow halfway down to her wrist. Tears streamed as Aliyah sobbed from the unexpected pain.
No one in the audience moved.
Sir Caldryk smiled wider as he took a step toward her and held a small cup to the wound to collect her blood. She stared in mute horror as he pulled the up to his lips and threw back the contents.
An iridescent aura began to emanate off him before it sunk into his skin. He opened his eyes wide and stared at the crowd. A woman in the audience gasped.
“His eyes! Look at his eyes!” Someone in the crowd shouted. Turning her head, she looked up at Sir Caldryk. His pale blue eyes were now flecked with prominent gold.
“With a Wyvanni on our side, we shall unlock the magic forbidden to us by those so long ago!” He shouted. “We can take back what is ours and extinguish those heathen Myralians.”
Thunderous applause echoed around the chamber. He paused until it died down. “Think it over my friends. I would like to meet with you individually over the next few weeks to discuss the benefits of swearing fealty to me. Until then... Drink up and think of the rewards we shall reap by conquering Myral!”
