Chapter 21: Gates Of The Moon City

Chapter 1: The New Life

Chapter 2: Echoes, Calls Of The Past

Chapter 3: Lesson In The Arcane

Chapter 4: The Road Of Fate

Chapter 5: The Summer Court

Chapter 6: The Forest Of Roses

Chapter 7: Heart Of The Snapper

Chapter 8: The Forest Wall, Enter The Forest Of Death

Chapter 9: Dangers Of The Forest

Chapter 10: The Village Of Gloom

Chapter 11: The Divine Winds

Chapter 12: The Usurper

Chapter 13: The Canyon 

Chapter 14: Power Of The Eight

Chapter 15: Battles Of Vengenace & Tragedy

Chapter 16: A Brave Fool & A Broken Heart

Chapter 17: Keno, The Lost Child

Chapter 18: Grove Of The Seasons

Chapter 19: Journey Of Memory

Chapter 20: Rebirth In Light & Darkness

Chapter 22: The Snow Queen

Chapter 23: Face The Snow Tyrant!

Chapter 24: End Of The Cycle

&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;We traveled for a couple of more days after leaving the grove. Despite the looming threat, we didn&#x2019;t encounter any dark elves in our journey. The trees here were covered with ice. Ice that was a charcoal color, and seemed to radiate an aura of maliciousness. Thom was leading the way, with him &#x26;amp; Rex lighting the way using arcane fire. Keno was silent as she walked next to me, understandably so. As much as I wanted to provide comfort, we were running out of time.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;Everyone, hold,&#x201D; Thom said raising a hand before lowering himself down.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;Going to the ground, I looked out at the clearing ahead. Walking down the trail was a caravan of Hobgoblins, drawn by a pair of massive creatures. They were covered in snowy white feathers, with a body built like a grizzly bear. At the front, was a downward curved beak. One notable thing was these black feathers that formed a pair of brows above two yellow eyes. The cargo was a familiar sight, the Coinin, and they were stuck in gigantic metal cages.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;Oh no&#x2026;&#x201D; Thom said, raising his eyebrows. &#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;Rage built within me, and I felt my fist instinctively clench. I was holding it back as best I could, but I was seeing red. Turning to my companions, they shared my anger with steely determination. After a bit of discussion, we spread out in position, moving ahead of the caravan&#x2019;s path. I had an arrow drawn, ready to free one of those creatures from their reigns. A perfect distraction to get the jump on them. When the front of the creature&#x2019;s beak came into view, I turned right to my target. With divine winds, I will hit my target!&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;Don&#x2019;t worry guys, we&#x2019;re getting you out,&#x201D; I said under my breath. &#x201C;Guide my arrow, Lord Hachiman.&#x201D;&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;With a loud whistle, my arrow flew forward with great velocity. And with a loud clang, it broke the chain that held the creature&#x2019;s harness. The Hobgoblins were scrambling as the creature reared up letting out a surprised screech. Bolts of electricity fired down from the side, hitting the back wheels. The wagon stopped in its tracks, and we lept into action. With Ratt and Keno leading the charge. Ratt immediately confronted two hobs by slamming his shield into their skulls. Keno drew the blade of summer, causing gouts of flame to rise from the blade.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;Jumping down from the tree I nestled in, I found myself face to face with the bird creature. Which Flurph had told me was an Alfheim Snowy Owlbear. Its massive yellow eyes were full of malice, and I could tell that reasoning with the creature was off the table. The owlbear swiped down a gigantic paw as I ran to the side. Letting an arrow loose, it struck the creature in the side. Focusing my chi into my right hand, I swiped my hand in a wave motion. I felt a powerful gust of wind slammed into the creature. Which caused the bear to fly right into a tree.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;When the bear stood back up, shaking snow off it let out another screech. And in a quick moment, the screech would be interrupted as Rex slammed right into the creature&#x2019;s neck. Blood pooled down as the creature began to thrash around wildly. Drawing my blade, I charged the creature and stabbed it right in the bottom of the neck. Colliding on its side, the creature stopped moving and began its eternal rest. Despite that victory, the battle was not over. A band of hobgoblins wielding spears was charging. &#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;Rex, can you take care of these guys?&#x201D; I looked at Rex.&#x26;nbsp;&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;Without hesitation, Rex charged headlong into the gang of Hobgoblins. They unanimously let out a scream as he charged through them all. One by one, they all fell into the ground like sacks of potatoes. Running past them, I dashed towards the wagon. Where our rabbit friends were anxiously watching as I approached. After finding the lock, I broke it with a good kick. Swinging the door open, the Coinin sprang out onto the snow turning to me. &#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;Get out of here!&#x201D; I exclaimed pointing in the opposite direction.&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;No, we fight with you!&#x201D; One of the Coinin said, nodding to his kin.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;Running to the nearby unconscious Hobgoblins, they took up their arms and looked up to me. It made my heart happy to see their bravery, but I knew damn well this was why they were captured. While I directed their charge, I saw nearby an explosion of fire. A group of Hobgoblins flew in all directions as Keno stood up, swinging her flame sword. Slashing down into the ground, a line of flames shot forth across the ground. I also saw bright red and black feathers around her as she fought.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;Holy crap, here I thought the Damascus blade was awesome,&#x201D; I said with a big grin. &#x201C;How are you feeling?&#x201D;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;Oh my gods, the power is unreal!&#x201D; Keno said with marvel. &#x201C;I feel alive!&#x201D;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;Retreat! Retreat! We must warn the queen!&#x201D; A nearby hobgoblin yelled as the ones we knocked down began to stand.&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;Do that, and tell her that her daughter has returned,&#x201D; Keno pointed her blade in the hobgoblin&#x27;s direction. &#x201C;With the blade of summer!&#x201D;&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;One by one, the hobgoblins began to flee the scene. With their metaphorical tails between their legs. This provided a golden opportunity, and after letting them get some distance. We began tailing them through the dark woods. We were approaching our destination, Svarflmyr, the city of the dark blue moon.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;CURSE THEM!&#x201D; I screamed as a wave of shadow shot out in all directions.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;The useless hobgoblins were nothing but frozen corpses now. But that didn&#x2019;t quell my anger. Those fools, they had failed the kingdom. And our plan, conflict was inevitable, with the sword of summer in hand. She could inspire the sun-walkers to arms. In our current state, we won&#x2019;t stand a chance. My plan has not changed, but the preparations must be hastened.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;My queen! The usurper and her party have been spotted! They are at the gates!&#x201D; A messenger yelled frantically as he ran in. &#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;The gates of Svarflmyr were gigantic, with a height that rivals the treeline. A stone wall stood with an ominous presence of power. Once we arrived, I looked at my friend. Keno hadn&#x2019;t said a word since our skirmish with the Hobgoblins. But I knew what she was thinking, and we all wanted the same thing. For this terrible conflict to end, and answers for Keno. Standing at the gates, we were taking a moment to figure out a way to break in.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;However, the gates began to open before we could make any moves. Drawing our weapons, we prepared for an ambush or an army. Yet, one didn&#x2019;t appear, just an open pathway. Looking at each other, we all shared a look of concern and suspense. Stepping into the city revealed a sprawling city built upon a series of small hills. With buildings built with ice-covered wood, they seemed to blend in with the dark skies above. There were no signs of any people anywhere. This unsettling silence filled the city, which served to make our footsteps echo all the louder. As we traveled through the city, we saw a large castle standing atop the largest hill.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;So, you have arrived.&#x201D; An unfamiliar nearby voice said.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;Standing at the entrance of the castle was a dark elf clad in bright purple armor. This armor appeared to be made from a mix of pelts and cloth, with a chainmail jacket at the front to reinforce it. He carried what looked like a danish-ax, with an axehead forged with Damascus. Looking at each of us, he glared deeply with a clear look of malice. And it only took a moment to realize we were surrounded. Dark elves had been in wait, and now I was picking up on their presence. In the castle levels above, I could feel a piercing gaze looking down upon us.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;span style=&#x22;background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);&#x22;&#x3E;&#x201C;The queen will see you now.&#x201D; The dark elf grinned.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/span&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;

&#x3C;p&#x3E;Thom Beck &#x26;amp; May Tekani, two friends from earth who would step into a new world and find more than they had expected. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;There, they found allies, friends, and fearsome enemies.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Now, several months have passed since their arrival.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Our heroes would gain invitation to a banquet at the court of the faerie king, Oberon. There, Keno finds an eerie familiarity that leads them to question everything. When the party at the Summer&#x27;s Court goes awry, our heroes are called into action. To save King Oberon, and stop a war that could tear the realm apart. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;

Drakkonus Academy: Heir Of The Faerie King (Book #2)