Azure's Betrayal: The Land of Azure, #1

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Many Thanks

I WANT TO GIVE A BIG thank you to my hubby, Douglass, without him this journey would not have been as fun. To my children, thank you for being such amazingly diverse people and accepting of moving every few years. Genevieve Scholl, you ROCK girl! Thank you for being encouraging and for helping me realize my dreams! And Anjela Renee for making my cover and formatting my work, thank you so much!

I also want to acknowledge those writers who have come before me and are my greatest influences: Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Edgar Alan Poe. The more contemporary artists: Stevie Nicks, Jewel, Pat Benatar, Jeaniene Frost, Maya Banks, Ann Mayburn, Kallypso Masters. Thank you for sharing your works with us all. Each has had a profound influence in my life.

Chapter One

The Siren’s Call

HOPE IS A PECULIAR thing when mixed with fear. It was hope that filled the hearts of the people of Azure, and fear that filled their minds. Fear of an unknown future, long ago predestined by fate. A fate some believed, while others chose to ignore. Whatever the matter, no one would escape the evil bearing down upon them all.

It was a night not long ago when a siren’s call came upon Malech Riordan. The call was strong, but he withstood it... at first. Over and over, night after night, the temptress beckoned him while he slept. Until the night the voice overwhelmed his soul. So strong was the call, it echoed like a reflection in a mirror as there was no denying its existence. He yearned for her; his heart beat fast with anticipation. Nothing would stop her from her quest. Not even man’s will.

And so, Malech left his bed without haste to ready his horse for the journey. Her pleas were arrows screaming toward him, tearing at his sanity. The creature whispered his name with sweet nothings, enticing him to her. Pictures in his mind’s eye flashed to show him the beauty she was once, a long time ago. But she was not beautiful any longer. She was nothing more than a dried up old witch with rotting teeth and deep, dark circles under her eyes. Her external allure had faded many generations ago. It was this ugly hag Malech would never see. For she was far too cunning to ever allow him to know her secrets, and she had many.

Leaving the Land of Azure, the bright full moon guided his ride. Malech realized it was getting easier for his horse to gallop as the sand turned to more fertile soil. He began to push his horse, and it responded with great speed. The ache Malech felt was gut wrenching. If beating his horse would get him to her faster, he would have done so, he thought to himself as he rode onward through the fields and hills south of the Forest of Phoenix. Never having felt such urges before, it wasn’t something he fully understood. Animalistic urges were for the uncontrolled heathens of other clans; not for someone of such caliber as one who belonged to the clan of Malum.

The Malum were a large group of trained warriors who not only protected the rest of the clans, but also hunted to provide wild game for all to eat. The clans were dependent upon the Malum to train new warriors, to provide provisions, but also to maintain the peace between them all. Much power could be taken with brute force by the warriors of the Malum, but this was not their way. Their motto was protect, provide, and peace. It was a chant they heralded during training. Their instructors wanted them to always remember the importance of their roles within the clans.

Malech saw a light in the night skies the temptress had illuminated for his travels. Far southeast of the Land of Azure and directly south of the Forest of Phoenix, he realized he was heading toward the forbidden Desolation Lands. Ahead of him lay a small forest; beautiful with thick, dense trees. Slowing his steed, he wondered how to proceed into the thick. He moved closer as the trees swung their branches to make an opening for him to enter. It surprised Malech to hear the cracking of wood as, one by one, the trees moved like the wings of birds to guide him to his destination. Turning back to look where he had been, all at once, the trees dropped their branches back into place, and the noise was so loud it startled him and caused his horse to be a bit skittish. He patted his horse to comfort him, not sure if he was trying to reassure the horse or himself.

Looking upon his new surroundings, Malech gaped at the oasis before him, lit by the bright moonlight. Feeling soothed by the beauty of the flowers and seeing the wide spectrum of colors around him, he dismounted his steed. Lily pads floated across the lagoon as the water lapped quietly onto the sands. He found a small tree to secure his horse and decided to walk closer to the water’s edge. He saw a small island which contained a single tree. The tree bared fruit of a dark emerald green with lovely white blossoms engulfing it.

I know this place, though I have never been here, he spoke out loud to himself.

It was a legend weaved of many stories, told by the old men of the clans. Each story was told differently, but all ended there, in the garden with the Tree of Good and Evil. Just beyond the tree, he knew there was a door and entrance to the Desolation Lands.

So many stories meshed together, but all had one consistency: the Prophetess Aisha defeated the evil witch, Caleech, and placed her in the Desolation Lands. A place no one could endure, because the darkness brought on madness no one could escape. Was this his madness, or hers? He didn’t know. What he did know was his head was pounding in pain from her constant call. He had to find a way into her world to either be lost with her or to bring her out to him.

Peering beyond the treasures of the garden was a stone archway and wall at the far end of the oasis. The archway glistened with small flickers of light, eliminating the dark, forbidden doorway. Heavy ivy surrounded the passageway; it contained unusual blue flowers. Curiosity overcame Malech as the scene drew him in and caused him to want to see it up close. Standing a few feet away from the wall, he reached out to touch the flower.

A voice screamed into his ears, No! Don’t touch it!

He pulled his hand away, and not a moment too soon. The blue hew of the blossom turned black. A screeching noise erupted from the monstrous plant as teeth formed from its petals. He drew his sword to protect himself. Several pairs of teeth came rushing toward the warrior as he easily sliced them with his sword. Falling to the ground, the vine plants returned to their original state before drying up and disappearing before his eyes.

Malech turned to view what could be seen in the moonlight. Nervous sweat began to pour off his face as he surveyed his whereabouts; feeling vulnerable out in the open. Many of the flowers had turned into miniature savages with the gnashing of teeth, and those that had not were weeping and whaling like a grieving widow. The site confused him and he held onto his sword, feeling uneasy. Looking into the middle of what he had thought was loveliness, it had turned into an unpleasant nightmare. The tree, however, still stood quietly in the middle of the lagoon with its fruit and its blossoms as beautiful as they were when he walked into the garden.

There was an abrupt sound of cracking tree branches again, which became relentless. Malech had to cover his ears to try to escape the pain the noise was causing him. His horse at the other end of the garden was neighing and whinnying loudly. Malech wanted to calm him, but felt paralyzed by the pain. The horse broke free and left the garden through the thick of trees, leaving Malech alone. He stumbled and fell to his knees as the trees came alive all around him. The roots lifted out of the ground like human legs, moving themselves away from the shore. With their branches high in the air and opening wide, they created the picture of what he couldn’t see before; hundreds of men from the clan of Malum pouring out from around the trees. As they stood before him, he wondered, did they also hear the woman’s cry or see her light in the sky? Why were they gathered here? A ping of jealousy captured his heart as he used his sword to stand, and then sheathed it in its holder.

The light from the witch’s command, lit the warriors for Malech to view; he saw all of them carrying a lengthy rope coiled around their arms. Out of the shadows toward the opposite side of the lagoon, a tall, dark man trekked toward him. He wore armor with a snake on it, coiled in a striking position and drops of blood dripping from its fangs. His cloak hung over his face, keeping his identity hidden. The man compelled a presence among the men; they moved out of his way as he approached Malech’s position. In the man’s arms, he, too, carried a large rope. He dropped one end of the rope at his feet and took the other end in his hands, wrapping it around Malech’s waist. He pulled another warrior over to him and did the same to the next man. Then he tied the men together at the end of the ropes. He was making a relay system of men tied together to enter the Desolation Lands. Never speaking, he pointed the young warrior in the direction of the stone archway with the dark shining hole. He shoved Malech toward it. The witch’s call never ceased, and became so loud in the young man’s ears, he had no choice but to follow the unknown man’s forceful suggestion to head into what he could only think was the gates of hell.

Malech reached his hand into the hole. He felt a strong tug. With all his strength, he tried to rip his hand back out, pulling so hard he stumbled to the ground once he was released. The tall, dark man helped the budding warrior up off the ground. This time, the stranger shoved him hard enough to plunge him into the abyss. As he entered, he tried to gain his bearings, but it felt impossible. The place gave Malech the perception of emptiness; as if nothing existed, not even him. Visions flashed through his mind of bodies in extreme pain, covered in blood and demons eating upon their flesh. The delusion made him want to retch.

The light that beckoned him was gone, but her voice was strong in his ears. Listen to my voice; I will guide you to me. He obeyed her directions, knowing whatever he was being shown in his mind’s eye, it wasn’t real.

He made his way through the abyss by feeling with his hands out in front of him. The hunger from her bewitchery on him leapt him forward. The closer he came to her, the lesser the pang he felt. If he veered in the wrong direction, the intensity increased, willing him back to her location. Finally through the murky maze, his hands felt soft, silky skin. He touched her supple breast as her nipples hardened. He reached out and grasped her hips, bringing her to him. Every inch of her he caressed caused him to surge with expectation.

She rubbed him firmly. Soon, warrior, but first we must escape.

The villainous witch grabbed him around the neck and jumped onto his back as if he were her horse. They began making their way up the rope to the next warrior. Malech tapped him on the shoulders, giving a signal they were ready to leave. Tediously, one at a time, the warriors were wrenched from the darkness, being yanked back into the garden by the man with the hidden face. It seemed like hours to the young warrior, but it was only minutes before he and the witch were the last to be hauled out of the looming shadows. The moon was still high in the sky when they fell upon the ground, her nakedness there for all the men to behold.

The sorcerous rolled off Malech’s back and onto the sands without any shame. She laughed with excitement, happy to finally be freed. He helped her off the ground and she began dusting the grit off her body, as if being naked was a common practice. Moving swiftly, Malech took his cloak from around his shoulders and covered her. Brushing his efforts aside, she laughed at him as the cloak fell to the ground. Mesmerized by the beautiful illusion she portrayed, the young warrior didn’t take his eyes off her. Onyx tribal tattoos covered her body, accentuating the curves around her breasts and hips. They intertwined, wrapping around her neck and down her arms and legs. 

Yearning for her, Malech didn’t want anyone else to look upon her sensual features. The young man’s hardness was no surprise to the witch as she continued to move gracefully, her seductive movements making it difficult for him to keep his self-control. He picked up the cloak and placed it over her shoulders, tying it in place then buttoning it down the front. Being such a small creature, the cloak touched the ground and covered her easily.

You need not worry about clothes for me, warrior. She laughed at him.

The tall, dark man who was hiding his face came over to the witch and gave her a beautiful burgundy cloak with form fitting top, bottom, and shoes. The clothes covered the essentials only, leaving most of her tattoos visible. The lower portion of clothing was a matching skirt that flowed to the ground in the back, but arched up above her knees in the front. She undid Malech’s cloak to put on her own wares.

When she finished dressing, the tall dark man brought her a staff made of gold. It came up to her shoulders and the snakehead had red fangs, and emerald green eyes. She took the staff in one hand, the young warrior’s in the other, and began to lure him to the waters. He seemed resistant to the thought so she let go of his hand and continued toward its shallow depths. The witch tapped the ground twice and the waters parted for her. She smiled at him in a reassuring manner. I am Caleech. Come walk with me. The waters quietly lapped away from her; he relaxed, allowing her to then lead him through the murky pond to the small island. What is your name, my young warrior? Her voice was pleasing to his ears.

Malech, he stuttered. My name is Malech Riordan.

Hmmmm ... I like it. Malech is a very strong name.

Turning toward the Tree of Good and Evil, she reached up and pulled off one of its fruit. She put it to his mouth. Take a bite and eat. Eat it all. He wanted to resist, but it was futile. Hungrily, he bit the fruit and chewed it down to the very last, leaving barely a core. As he finished, she sucked on his lower lip, breathing in his scent and feeling her strength increase. With each man eating the fruit she would give to them, her abilities and powers would return. Once he was done, she gently pushed him aside. Turning to the warriors, she said, Warriors, come; and you, too, can taste the sweetness of me.

Malech tensed at the thought. She immediately felt his distain. She looked directly into his eyes and said, You need me to be more powerful right now, for I am weak. So do not worry yourself, my master. I am yours, but they are mine.

The men lined up in droves, wading into the pond to get to her. Hundreds of warriors surrounded the two of them, all grating on his raw instincts to stop them. Instead, he stood there watching her as she gave each man the fruit that Malech so desired to partake of again. She was not offering it to him; he could only observe each warrior bite into the fruit as she kissed them deeply to breathe in their strength.

He needed this to end. It was then his appetite returned and he picked fruit from the tree for himself. Watching her with another warrior increased his urges as he took one bite after another. Sweat dripped down his face as he trembled from the need. The witch never stopped what she was doing, but the man with the hidden face stood by as if he was her protector, and he turned to look at Malech. Realizing the man was staring at him, Malech became filled with fear. He dropped his fruit when he heard the witch in his mind yell to him, Run! Hearing her voice, he instantly turned to escape the stranger when he tripped over his own feet. He didn’t fall to the ground; instead, he began to feel as if he were plunging into darkness.

He was bewildered and could see nothing. Malech’s breathing began to quicken from panic. As if he were free falling from a cliff, his stomach started doing flip flops, making him feel nauseous. He hoped it would stop, but he feared what would happen when it did. He was sure it was going to hurt when he landed, wherever that might be.

Finally, he saw light out of the corner of his left eye, before he could realize it was the fire from the hearth alit in his bed chamber. He tumbled onto his lumpy bed. It was as if someone dropped him there out of thin air. He sat up and looked around his room in relief, thinking it must have been a dream; a really awful dream.

Hearing a noise from behind him, he turned his head and the dark man was there. He grabbed Malech’s face and, before Malech could react, the man pried open his mouth, pouring a liquid into it. Malech began choking on the foul smelling concoction. Swallow it. The witch needs you to be able to control yourself while you are apart. I will come back, and you will take it. We don’t want others to know what you have done. The man turned and walked out of his bed chamber.

It took the young warrior a moment to gather his thoughts. There was no denying it wasn’t a dream. He stood up and poured himself a cup of water, trying to get the putrid taste out of his mouth. Putting his cup down, he headed out of his room in search of the stranger. Thinking he couldn’t have gotten very far, he searched the hall, which was lit by large candle sconces. Malech walked up and down the corridor, and down the stone stairwell. Alas, he was gone.

Fatigue was setting in, as he said aloud to himself, This is for not.

He went back to his room to sleep.

Chapter Two

Preparations

TIME WAS WORKING AGAINST the women of the Land of Azure as they scurried around, finishing the last touches for the celebrations to take place the next day. Keegan Riordan scampered all over the keep from place to place, making sure every detail was perfect for her dearest friend, Aubrey Conner. Her journey ended in the gardens, organizing the flowers that would decorate the courtyard of the keep.

Tomorrow everything must be perfect, she spoke softly to herself, not expecting anyone to hear.

Of course. It will be perfectly wonderful. She jumped at the sound of Liam’s voice, causing her to turn to the sound of it. Because you, my sweet lass, are helping tremendously. He kissed her cheek, breathing in her sweet scent. Her smile faded as she tipped her head down, going back to work on a flower arrangement of lilies mixed with elderberries and elderberry flowers. Liam reached out his hand to bring her emerald green eyes up to meet his own. Why did your eyes darken just now? he asked with concern in his voice.

It’s nothing, she said in a hushed tone.

I’d accept that if I didn’t know you the way I do. This is a happy occasion; your friend is marrying your brother. What could possibly be worrying you? Especially since this means we can wed once they are bound. Liam ran his hands through her long, dark, silky hair.

A beam of hope flashed across her face, but her expression went gloomy again. I’ve had this troublesome feeling something will go wrong tomorrow. I cannot shake it, and Malech is in such a foul mood as of late, it only deepens my worries.

Is that all? Malech is tired. He hasn’t been sleeping well; then our instructors have been working all of us to the bone. No need to worry yourself. Bringing his arms around her in an embrace, she melted into the warmth of his body.

She sighed. Thank you. It makes me feel somewhat better knowing this.

Keegan loved everything about the man standing before her. His scruffy appearance would turn off some, but for Keegan, it meant he worked hard. Liam’s soft blond hair had curls which fell to his shoulders. His fair skin was different from her olive tone. The milky white complexion from his father, Lord William, was one of the few things he took from his Payne family. His large stature, deep blue eyes, and stern features, all came from his mother, and she was from the clan of Malum. Lady Elizabeth was once considered the strongest female warrior among the clans. Keegan was thrilled to become a part of the well-respected family among the clan of Nobles.

"I have to go and eat before heading back to the arena. Malech and I have been helping