The War of the Gilded Beasts Read online

  The War of the Gilded Beasts

  By Grady P. Brown

  The Magnus Dynasty Saga

  The War of the Gilded Beasts

  Copyright  2018 by Grady P. Brown

  All rights reserved

  PROLOGUE

  Three hundred years ago . . .

  Emperor Caelum II Marvak sat upon the Imperial Throne, fiddling with his scepter. He stared blankly at the empty throne room, listening to the sounds of the all-out chaos that was taking place outside of the Imperial Palace. The torches flickered dimly in the growing darkness while the dusty tapestries flapped limply from the ceiling. Among the tapestries were banners bearing the sigil of House Marvak, a gold serpentine dragon wearing a crown-like a necklace on a red field. Resting next to the Imperial Throne was the Sword of Power, Gramfyre, sleeping in its scabbard.

  Compared to his more glorified forebears, Caelum II was a mere shadow of a man. He was emaciated and looked twice his age. His normally ornate robes were ragged while his gold crown sat crooked on his brow. What was even more disturbing was the mad look in his eyes while his soulless face was drooling slightly. Overall, the Emperor of Gradaia was a wretched creature to gaze upon. In the depths of his psyche, Caelum II’s thoughts and emotions had vanished.

  From out of the dark halls emerged High Princess Ella Marvak, escorted by four guards. Ella was a young woman who was showing signs of being pregnant. She wore simple garb, which made her look more like a commoner than a High Princess.

  Firmly, Ella demanded, “Brother! The Sylva rebels are outside our gates! We have to leave now!”

  Scratching at the iron rods stitched into his clothing, Caelum shrieked, “Glass! My blood is glass! My skin is glass! My flesh is glass! Gods keep me from shattering!”

  Sighing, Ella protested, “For the last time, you are not made of glass! It is all in your head! We don’t have time for your nonsense!”

  Softly, Caelum muttered, “The Dark Death turned them against me! Me! Their lord and master! The gods have cursed me! Damn them all to hell!”

  Confused and frustrated, Ella asked, “What are you talking about, Caelum? Our reign is over! The best we can do is leave this place and go into hiding! Let’s go!”

  “Demons in the dark! Demons in the blood! Demons beyond my walls, howling for my death!” Caelum ranted loudly.

  Snarling with disgust, Ella said, “Why am I wasting my breath with you? Your mind abandoned you a long time ago. You won’t listen to reason anymore. If you like the Imperial Throne so much, then I’ll let you die in it.”

  At that moment, a courtier ran into the throne room and cried, “Your Imperial Majesty! The Privy Council has betrayed us! They’re opening the gates and letting the rebels inside!”

  With haste, Ella walked up and snatched Gramfyre from Caelum and walked away with her guards, saying, “Goodbye, brother!”

  With Ella and her guards gone, the lone courtier turned to Caelum II and frantically asked, “Your Imperial Majesty, we have to get you to safety and follow your sister! The rebels will be here any moment!”

  “Phoenix! Dragons! Gryphons! A white stag with gold antlers!” Caelum said as though telling a prophecy.

  Baffled, the courtier asked, “Your Imperial Majesty! What are you talking about?”

  Suddenly, a crossbow bolt shot through the courtier’s chest, and he toppled to the ground. From the shadows emerged a hundred men-at-arms equipped with crossbows aimed at Caelum. Leading them was King Atticus IV Sylva of Waes, clad in gold and purple armor and a surcoat that displayed a gilded gryphon on a violet field. Atticus was a handsome young man with a clean-shaved face, silver hair, and aqua eyes. In his right hand was the Ferruman sword, Gryphclaw, which glittered silver in the torchlight.

  Grinning with triumph, Atticus announced, “Emperor Caelum! You have failed to hold the Empire together as it descended into chaos from the Dark Death! I hereby declare you unworthy of your crown! Like you, I am a grandson of the great Emperor Valdrek III Marvak! I declare my claim to the Imperial Throne to be stronger and more worthy than yours! I will succeed where you have failed and bring stability to this failing Empire you left to rot! Do you have any last words, coz?”

  Looking at the rebel king, Caelum declared, “Rise again!”

  Turning to his men, Atticus ordered, “Loose!”

  A volley of bolts shot across the throne room and impaled Caelum II dozens of times in an explosion of blood and screams. Caelum’s corpse collapsed limply from the Imperial Throne and his crown toppled from his brow, rolling towards Atticus’s feet.

  Atticus removed his own silver crown and handed it to one of his men, saying, “Give this to my kin in House Baen. I relinquish Waes and everything that comes with it to them.”

  After his soldier took his former crown, Atticus snatched Caelum’s crown and casually placed it on his own head. Once the Imperial Crown was fastened to his brow, Atticus felt an intoxicating sense of empowerment he never felt before. It was like he died and became reborn as a different person. Taking a few steps forward, Atticus turned to his troops and raised Gryphclaw over his head.

  “The reign of the wretched House Marvak is over! Today, the glorious reign of House Sylva begins!” Atticus declared.

  All of the men-at-arms promptly knelt and chanted, “Hail to the Emperor!”

  ______

  One year later . . .

  In Umbran, Ella stood next to her new husband, Felix of House Vegran, the third son of the baron of Meginfort Castle. Standing before them were dozens of men constructing a new castle from the ground up. Felix was a handsome young man with auburn hair and blue eyes and was ten years Ella’s junior. Cradled in Ella’s arms were her infant son and daughter, who she gave birth to two months ago.

  Felix did not know Ella or her children were Imperial Royalty. As a third son, he had little hope of inheriting his family’s lands and wealth, so he bought this patch of land to build a new seat for himself with whatever wealth he had access to. Also, as a third son, Felix was free to marry whoever he chose instead of for political gain. Ella took advantage of this by seducing him while disguised as a tavern maid. As far as Felix’s family was concerned, their third son married out of love.

  With their birthright taken, Ella knew she and her children would need wealth, titles, and lands in order to survive. Upon arriving in Umbran, she discarded her Imperial identity and sought out a potential noble to marry. After much investigation, she came across Felix, who was malleable, ambitious, and wielded a respectable degree of political influence. These features made Felix the ideal candidate for Ella to target. Now she and her children had a secure future in their exile.

  Surveying the construction of his new castle, Felix said, “The masons are making good time. At this rate, it could be completed in three years. I must say it feels great to be out of my family’s shadow and have a seat of my own.”

  “Aye. I’m glad you took us in. However, I am concerned about how your family feels about you leaving them. Are you sure it is wise to leave them?” Ella asked.

  “I couldn’t care less what my family thinks of my choices. They pampered my eldest brother all his life and gave me no regard at all. Because of that, they gave me the freedom to do whatever I want. In this case, I plan to build my own castle and found my own cadet branch of House Vegran. The only problem I have so far is I cannot come up with a name for this cadet branch,” Felix stressed.

  “How about House Magnus?” Ella suggested.

  Smiling with approval, Felix said, “A wise choice. That’s the old Homani word for great. That is what our new House will be, a great House! I swear by all the gods!”

  “Could you care for the children for a few moments? There
is something I must do.”

  “What would that be?”

  “That is my business, not yours.”

  “As you wish.”

  Ella handed Felix the two babies and walked towards the construction site. Once Felix was out of sight, Ella walked towards an oaken door on the far side of the courtyard. Once inside, she was greeted by one of her guards disguised as one of the stone masons. In his hands was Gramfyre in its scabbard, wrapped in dark cloth.

  “Is it ready?” Ella asked sternly.

  “Yes, High Princess. It is down these stairs,” the guard replied.

  “Take me to it,” Ella ordered.

  Ella followed the guard into the darkness of the lower levels of the castle. Eventually, they reached a vast chamber that was illuminated by torchlight and occupied by Ella’s other guards, who were also disguised as stone masons. At the center of the chamber was a stone replica of the Imperial Throne, which was as imposing as the original.

  “The preparations are complete, Your Imperial Majesty,” one of the guards reported, bowing his head to Ella.

  “Then let the ceremony begin. Hand me the Sword of Power,” Ella instructed the first guard.

  The soldier unwrapped Gramfyre to reveal its gilded hilt. Ella pulled the sword from its scabbard and approached the stone throne. Gramfyre’s black blade glowed red against the darkness and Ella could feel its intoxicating power surging through her veins. Once she was beside the stone throne, Ella violently plunged Gramfyre into it. A shower of sparks exploded from Gramfyre as its blade slid into the rock.

  After Gramfyre was in place, Ella stepped away and declared, “One day, my bloodline will regain its strength and reclaim our birthright. Until then, the Sword of Power shall rest here. We will rise again.”

  Then Ella and her guards left the chamber, leaving Gramfyre alone in the darkness.

  CHAPTER 1

  A gold phoenix flew over a field of white roses and red grass that was positioned along a beach. Swimming in the sea beyond the beach were groups of dolphins that emitted high-pitched cackles. On the other side of the field was a mighty volcano that roared with fire and fury. Roaming amongst the white roses was a great bronze bear. As the phoenix continued to fly overhead, the atmosphere was peaceful and tranquil like heaven on Earth. Releasing a proud shriek, the phoenix became encased in a gilded aura.

  Suddenly, the utopian landscape was shattered as the volcano crumbled like soft bread. Shortly afterward, the field of roses and bear were set on fire. The sea was boiling like a seething cauldron as the dolphins were cooked in their own waters. Within moments, the phoenix stood alone amongst the fresh chaos, screaming in anguish.

  From out of the inferno rose a fierce gryphon that was as gold as the phoenix, snarling like a ravenous predator. Mad with grief, the phoenix charged at the gryphon. The chorus of steel and battle echoed through the field as the two gilded beasts clashed.

  ______

  Present day . . .

  Kemrin Magnus awoke in a cold sweat, the images of his dream still flashing through his mind. Across the room, Kemrin could see his reflection in a mirror hanging on the wall. He was a young man who was a healthy balance between lean and muscular with the traditional Magnus features: red eyes and black hair with a streak of white.

  He returned his attention to his dream and pondered on its significance. Was his dream a scene in a moving painting or was it a portent of something that was to come? Kemrin did not know, but, due to his mystical Druid heritage, he knew he could not take his dreams lightly.

  Suddenly, Kemrin heard someone knocking at the door, causing him to groan irritably. As he shifted his weight, Kemrin noticed the two nude girls who shared his bed, Shaera and Bella. Both women were one or two years older than Kemrin and were beautiful and buxom. Shaera possessed dark skin, full lips, and a mane of thick white hair, which were classic features of an Aemarran. Bella had curly brown hair and pale, fair skin. The pair looked like sleeping angels as they smiled warmly.

  The pair were girls Kemrin had known since childhood and loved since he was fifteen. They were daughters of his mother’s handmaidens and grew up in Magnus Keep as courtiers. Finally, the previous night the three of them had consummated their feelings for each other to celebrate Kemrin’s eighteenth birthday. Even though Kemrin had been betrothed for ten years, he intended to keep Bella and Shaera as his mistresses.

  Thinking about his Druid vision, Kemrin wondered what it symbolized. Were those locations and creatures sigils of noble families or real creatures no mortal has seen alive? Kemrin did not know, but he had a feeling that something terrible might happen. The biggest problem was that Kemrin did not know if or when the premonition would take place. He may have inherited his mother’s magic and she may have taught him some of her secrets, but even he did not know how to interpret his visions sometimes.

  Suddenly, Kemrin’s thoughts were interrupted when he heard someone knocking on the door again. Moaning, Kemrin rose out of his bed and hastily put his trousers and tunic back on. Bella and Shaera remained asleep even as Kemrin left them.

  Opening the door, Kemrin was greeted by a guardsman who wore a surcoat that bore the Magnus sigil, a gold phoenix on a black field. The man looked gruff and stern yet intimidated by Kemrin at the same time. Kemrin was annoyed by the guard’s presence because it meant only one thing.

  “My Prince, your father has requested your presence at once,” the guard announced.

  Rolling his eyes, Kemrin replied, “Fine. I will be there as soon as I can.”

  Kemrin closed the door and turned to find Bella and Shaera awake and looking at him with longing. Drawn by their alluring eyes, Kemrin sat next to them on the bed and said, “I’m sorry, my ladies, but the king needs me.”

  Sighing with disappointment, Bella asked, “Do you really have to go, My Prince?”

  Gently caressing both girls’ cheeks, Kemrin sadly said, “I’m afraid I must, my ladies. I am the king’s firstborn son and heir. Because of that, I have responsibilities that require my attention. He is a grouchy whelp. It won’t be long before Gramfyre finally kills him. Then I will be free from all of his expectations forever. I will be my own man with no one to tell me otherwise. I can’t wait for him to be dead and gone!”

  Smiling warmly, Shaera said, “You would be the king we would follow without question, my prince.”

  Rising to his feet, Kemrin said, “I will return when time permits, my ladies. For now, the wretch summons me.”

  ______

  Caelum Magnus was sitting in the library at Magnus Keep. The chamber was vast, containing hundreds of books. Laying in front of Caelum was a copy of Sylva Dynasty Records by Sage Murrman. Next to Caelum was his family’s scribe, chronicler, and Sage Wil Famul. Wil was in his early thirties and wore the traditional white robes and silver helm of a Sage. Compared to his older brother Kemrin, Caelum was somewhat gaunt with a scholarly frame. However, Caelum still had the red eyes and black-and-white hair of House Magnus.

  Noticing what Caelum was reading, Wil asked, “Why are you still reading that, my prince?”

  Shrugging his lean shoulders, Caelum explained, “I may only be second in line to the throne, but I still have to do my part in case the Sylvas view us as a threat. I am by no means a warrior like my brothers, but my mind is the sword in my hand. Due to this, I will learn everything I can about our potential enemy such as how they overthrew our ancestors and held their power until now. By knowing those factors, we will better understand how to bring them down if the time ever comes.”

  Smiling proudly, Wil commented, “I have taught you well, my prince. If given the chance, you would be a great king.”

  Sighing, Caelum said, “Perhaps, but like I said, I am not the firstborn. I love my brothers dearly, but we each have our flaws. My eldest brother Kemrin is great with leadership and combat, but he is selfish and ambitious. My younger brother Daegar is a brilliant warrior and military commander, but is neither wise or a scholar. Finally, my youngest brother Vaero
n is an excellent hunter and warrior, but he is too shrewd and ruthless for his own good. Sure, we have the potential to be good kings in our own rights, but none of us have what it takes to be the greatest king of Umbran. Then there is our little sister Ymir, who has potential as a warrior yet is immature and not interested in the political responsibility that is expected of a princess and possible queen.”

  Shifting his weight in his seat, Wil said, “With all due respect, my prince, you think too harshly of your family. We are only human and there is no such thing as a perfect prince or king. They only exist in songs and fairy tales.”

  Caelum sat quietly as he pondered a distant memory. Noticing, Wil asked, “What’s troubling you, my prince?”

  “I read your chronicle about the rebellion my father put down after my mother died giving birth to our sister. Many of the barons despised us because our mother was a Welt and would not accept a dynasty who had Welt blood in their veins. To make things more complicated, many people still referred to my father as a usurper and detested his bringing a dragon into the land. Despite Father’s extermination of Houses Baal, Karlor, and Ubba, the barons’ hatred outweighed their fear of death. Instead of raising an army to quell the rebellion, my father rode his dragon, Vaerox the Blood Demon, and incinerated the insurgents. After that, the rebellious barons finally submitted to Magnus rule. In order to keep the peace, Father held Robar Baal’s sole surviving heir, Regan, as a hostage. We may have peace now, but how long can Father keep it up? What if another uprising breaks out any day?”

  Saddened, Wil replied, “That is a question I do not have the answer to, my prince. Even though relations between Civil Folk and Welts have improved, centuries of animosity between them still exist despite the king’s best efforts. I fear that will always be a part of Umbran’s inner nature.”

  After a tense moment, Caelum whispered, “I wish I spent more time with my mother. Why did she have to die so that my siblings and I could live?”