The Secret Haven

Leah Warren

Description

Inspired by R. A. Salvatore's 'The Legend of Drizzt'; this book brings a fresh take on traditional fantasy; 'The Secret Haven' is a journey of love; friendship; family; and honor; wrapped in elements of escapism.
A talented horse master with unrealized potential, Zachira faces each day with determination. Her simple life is all she’s known. As her nightmares worsen, Zach struggles to keep them from overpowering her. When tragedy strikes, she must flee her home, leading her down a path to find her family. The search for the truth unearths many dark secrets, but there is only one important question: Will Zachira hide from her destiny or fight for the peace she so desperately longs for?

Sujets

• Adventure
• Fiction
• Action

Informations

• Publié par: AuthorHouse
• Date de parution: 07 septembre 2022
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781665568340
• Langue: English

Extrait

THE Secret HAVEN





Leah Warren









AuthorHouse™
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
www.authorhouse.com
Phone: [phone]






© 2022 Leah Warren. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/15/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-6825-8 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-6655-6824-1 (hc)
ISBN: 978-1-6655-6834-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022915286




Cover illustrations by Savannah Fell.



Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.



Contents
Prologue
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Pronunciation Guide



Prologue
“L ong ago, before humans had emerged from the forests, the great dragons ruled over this land. They were kind and fair, teaching our ancestors community and justice. They struck an accord with our family, allowing us to bond with their kin. They shared their innate magic with us, giving us the chance to rise in power and claim the land for our communities. The dragons saw how we prospered and left us to live and work as best we could.”
“But where are the dragons now, Papa?” The black-haired prince looked up at his father, hazel eyes wide as saucers.
“Besides Aulay and that egg in your lap, no one knows for sure. There are rumors they flew north, into the wilderness. But it is very possible that our two are the last of the royal dragons.”
“When will mine hatch, Papa?” The little boy became very concerned for his shimmery egg.
“Soon, my son, soon. You are just now five years old. Take good care of that egg and it may hatch in as little as two years. But you must keep it a secret. There are wicked people who would like nothing more than to capture a dragon for trade or sport.” The little prince hugged the egg close to his chest and nodded solemnly. The king smiled kindly at him. “Now, run along, Malcom. I have an audience with the horse master today. Take your egg down the secret path to the dragon’s keep. It will be safe there.”
The little boy slipped behind the large family tapestry and disappeared down the hidden steps. King Cedric opened the door to the throne room, alerting the stewards to his readiness to receive. He took his place on his throne, straightening his back, and schooling his features into a neutral mask. The horse master entered a moment later, swiping his cap from his head as he bowed.
“Master Cole Draighean, it is a pleasure to see you again. Please, rise and state your business.”
“My king, I requested audience with you so that I might discuss the needs of your horses. I understand that you wish them to be well cared for, and I have a proposition that would benefit not only the animals, but your stable hands as well.”
“You certainly have my interest, Master Cole.” Cedric listened with rapt attention as Cole presented his idea.
Later, Cole placed his hand on the black rose crest on the door and entered his little home, his weary smile greeting his wife and child. He scooped up the little girl, snuggling her close.
“What did the king say, Cole?” his wife asked eagerly. His smile brightened as he looked at her and pulled her in for a hug, squishing their giggling daughter between them.
“He thought it was a great idea. They will begin building a tower in the pasture for us to live in next spring. It may be five years before it is complete. Our little Zachira will be ten by then, old enough to help out. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?” He bounced the girl on his hip.
“I’ll help, Papa! I’ll be big and strong by then.” The trio laughed together, blissfully unaware of the misfortune that would fall in those five years.



1
B lackness engulfed her. A sudden burst of fire lit up the darkness. The sight paralyzed her. Thatch homes burning, women and children screaming and running for their lives, corpses strewn about. Many bodies were bloody from being torn to pieces, but most were just heaps of charred flesh. Though she saw the people screaming in agony, her ears were deaf to their cries. Suddenly, she heard a low and vicious growl. She turned toward the noise and faced a pair of red eyes. Deep blood-like pools of hate and vengeance. Another growl came from the awful, bloodied maw. She could feel the heat of the dragon’s breath scalding her skin. As he opened his mouth, the flame swallowed her.
Zachira bolted up in bed, sweating, skin tingling from the red dragon’s flame. She pulled the covers off and put her bare feet on the cold stone floor. She sat on the edge of her bed, breathing heavily. It was just a dream , she thought, though that did little to convince her. She forced the images to the back of her mind and started to get ready for the day. She had to step over her big, black wolf, Kellion, to get to her wardrobe. As she did, the wolf raised his head and looked at her with a sleepy stare.
“Don’t look at me like that, you lazy rug. If you weren’t in the middle of the floor, I wouldn’t have to step over you.” The wolf seemed content with the answer and lay back down. Zachira chuckled and thought back to a time when Kellion was much smaller.
The young pup had wandered away from his pack, following a deer’s scent. When he finally found the deer, it was being field dressed by sixteen-year-old Zach. She noticed the pup but hoped it would eventually leave, not wanting a pack of wolves trailing her. But, as she dragged the deer back home, the little wolf followed, tail wagging, panting happily. Zachira left him outside in case his mother came looking. As the sun began to set, the little pup remained outside her door, dusting the ground with his tail. She sighed, took a bone from the deer carcass, and tossed it to the pup. He yipped excitedly and began chewing. The next morning, Zach found the pup curled up outside, shivering from the cold dew. Zach bit her lip, unsure if her next move was the right one. She grabbed a nearby blanket and wrapped it around the little puppy. She took him inside, gave him a warm bath, and let him curl up by the fire. Four years since and the pair had been inseparable.
Zach smiled lovingly at Kellion before shaking the memory away. She opened the old cedar doors and rifled through her clothes. She pulled out her usual shirt and breeches and put them on. Then she pulled out a simple cotton dress. It’s only proper to wear a dress for the parade. She laid the dress on her chair and slipped on her leather work boots.
“Come on, Kellion, we have work to do. The horses won’t get back to the castle by themselves.” She nudged the large lupine with her toe, and he lazily got to his feet. She left the four storied stone tower with Kellion close behind.
Once outside, they headed straight to the grazing fields. Zachira whistled and a beautiful brown and white Courser galloped to her.
“Time to get the last herd, Awsta.” The horse whinnied in response. Zachira mounted the steed, flexing her strong arms as she swung herself up, and rode toward the large group of equines . She circled the horses and caught her rope around a dark chestnut Palfrey, the leader of the herd. As she led that horse, the rest followed. Kellion played the part of a sheepdog to encourage any stragglers to keep up. Together, they had the horses ready in moments.
Rounding up the horses was not so difficult, especially since Zachira had been doing it most of her life. Her father had once been the kingdom’s greatest horse-master. It was he who convinced the king to put the kingdom in a peace-lock, a month when no knight would leave the court so the castle horses could graze elsewhere. It was a brilliant plan to which the king readily agreed. The stable boys were glad for it because it gave them a chance to clean the stalls thoroughly. Unfortunately, Zachira’s father died four years after the tower was built and the law was passed, leaving her to carry on at the tender age of fourteen. It might not have been so hard if she had someone to help her, but her mother had died when she was even younger. Instead of a mother or father, Zachira had Kellion.



2
W ith the horses finally rounded, they headed back to her tower. Zachira changed quickly into her cotton dress, hopped on Awsta’s bareback, and made for the castle. The herd kicked up a cloud of dust on the dry road, and the guards at the gate saw her before she saw them. As the thick wooden doors and the iron portcullis were opened, Zachira and the herd of horses made their way into the city. The Parade of Steeds welcomed them with bright streamers and cheering crowds. Straw and flowers had been scattered for the horses to walk on. Zach caught a glimpse of the scorched stone beneath, all that remained of the last magic user burned at the stake. She forced her frown into a smile as she continued down the path.
The knights approached the herd with practiced ceremony, dressed in polished armor and traditional golden yellow capes. They led their steeds to the stables in order of seniority: wise and greying Sir Rahbek with his horse, Eoforhild, commanding and tanned Sir Rilkard with his horse, Guiomar, brawny and ginger Sir Calesh with his horse, Agrona, stoic and dark Sir Devan with his horse, Griselda, rowdy and golden Sir Jamwil with his horse, Duncan, and wiry and fre