Book four of The Navelan Chronicles is here!

Hello Readers,

I would like to let everybody know that book four of The Navelan Chronicles is now available for purchase. I am extremely exited to have finally finished the series and really looking forward to some feedback. I am very proud to have completed this and hope that people will check it out and enjoy it. Here is a sample chapter to check out hope you like it.

Chapter 1

Velanario surveyed his growing army with an increasing sense of pride. He had spent several weeks drilling the hodgepodge force and he was finally beginning to see the fruits of his labors. He watched one hundred elven spears march in tight formation while centaurs and saytors alongside Rock Elve, practiced moving around the formation as they would in battle. He watched the crisp maneuvers with satisfaction, confident this force that had once been a random collection of beings was now ready to face the dreaded Imperial Legion.

He thought of the many hours of work it had taken to get them to this point. He could not help but recall the first days of the army’s formation and the stress he had endured for his effort. The recruits had been raw and undisciplined, speaking a multitude of languages and mistrusting each other. He had first had to break down those barriers before he could even begin to form them into a cohesive unit.

He had built his unusual army around the strengths of its members and by their ability to work together. The process had taken some time and was still not perfect but he had made far more progress than he had expected. He had organized them into units of one hundred and by type of soldier, infantry, cavalry or artillery. He made sure to mix them up so that no unit was made up of any great concentration of a single race or type. He also decreed that all orders were to be given in Navelen so they would have a single common language in battle.

The infantry was made up of elves, goblins, and humans for the most part. They were armed mostly with spears and carried shield of various design. They looked like a pageant of color as they marched the greens, browns, and other hues of the elves and the variety of their dress nearly overwhelming the senses. They spoke the widest variety of languages as well and teaching them to march together had been one of the greatest nightmares of the whole process.

The cavalry was composed primarily of hooved creatures, centaurs, saytors, and even a few fierce, half bull minatours. A group of about one hundred Rock Elve goat riders were also a part of the mounted wing of the force. The rest was a spattering of Properiens, humans and any other creature that could ride. They equaled about five hundred and had thus far proven to be the best of the newly formed army.

The artillery was comprised mostly of the little folk who had pledged themselves to the cause of freedom. The halfens, gnomes, and dwarves. The hob-goblins and dwelfs as well as a group of satyrs had also joined the force. They were armed with slings, javelins and short bows, more of a skirmishing force than true archers. They were the least disciplined of the army for the most part except for what was fast becoming known as Kilgren’s Legion.

The group was comprised of two hundred dwarves, heavy infantry meant to guard the archers in case of attack. They had first resented the assignment, thinking they were not being taken seriously. The knowledge that they were responsible for keeping their fellow warriors safe had soothed their anger and they soon looked on their job with a sense of pride. They had been trained under the watchful eye of Kilgren and Velanario believed they would prove to be terrible foes.

He found his thoughts pulled away from matters military as the Southern Mountains came into his line of sight a moment later. The news that his dear friend Powhak had brought to him from the mountains had stunned and shocked the young Navelen more than he would have thought possible beforehand. The recent development of a relationship with Myela only complicated the issue and he did not know what to do.

Pokkahenna had named the elvling Libertus Rock Elvatore, according to her brother. He had shared the mind blowing news with his friend as soon as the two were reunited; still unaware that Velanario was now seeing Myela. He had not been angry when he had found out but had clearly been disappointed. Velanario felt horribly guilty and now did not know what to do.

He had become involved with Myela, but did not believe that he was in love with her. He had first fostered the relationship to enlist her aid in his rebellion. He had soon found himself drawn to and involved with the infamous outlaw. She had brought a large number of recruits to the army and he did not want to lose them because he broke her heart. He also did not want to hurt the female who had become his friend and lover though he knew in his heart there was no future for them.

He was now a father and Pokkahenna not Myela was the child’s mothher. He had shared much more intimate relationship with the Rock elve, though they had been together physically only one time. He had once planned to build a life with her but had given up that dream due to the danger he faced from the Imperials pursuit of him. He now wondered if he might still find a way to build a life with the elve who had helped to sooth his broken heart and who had given birth to a son he had not yet seen.

He would see the child soon though, he vowed to himself as he watched the army drill. He would soon be leading a mission into the mountains to scout the way for the army and approach Divine Lords about joining their cause. He had decided he would go and see the child on the way, a day or two added to the journey would be more than worth it. He planned to go and see his father as well, to show him he was wrong about him and offer him a chance to join him.

He would be leaving in a few days, a handful of knights joining him on his quest. He hoped they would be able to find a path through the mountains for the army. He too hoped he would be able to convince a least a few nobles to join them, their wealth and fighting elves were resources they would greatly need in the days ahead. He was still doubtful they could succeed but he believed in his goddess and the leaders of her faith.

He called an end to the day’s training and headed toward the large tent that was serving as his chambers. He had moved into the camp in the valley, thinking it prudent to live among the beings he hoped to lead to freedom. He entered the tent and poured a mug of water from the large pitcher that sat on a small table in the corner of the tent. He blew out a long sigh and fell back onto his cot, relaxing his mind for the first time since waking several hours before dawn.

He tried to push all of his cares away as he lay there, needing time to sort through his many conflicting feelings. He needed to have his mind clearly focused on coming events but found himself unable to concentrate. The news that he was now a father had given him a lot to think about, on top of all the things he was dealing with. He felt quite overwhelmed by recent events, the weight of the world seeming to be resting on his shoulders.

He heard activity around the door of his tent and knew his peace was soon to be disturbed. He heard Frugge try to tell the visitor that Velanario did not want to be disturbed. He also knew that the visitor would not be turned away. He recognized Myela’s voice and knew he would not be able to ignore her any longer. He had avoided her since learning of the birth of his son, a fact he did not feel particularly good about.

The Half Navelen, half Forest Elve female walked into the tent angrily, having already sent Frugge, the large and fierce Orc running. She stormed directly to Velanario as she entered, beginning to yell almost immediately. “Why have you been avoiding me, you bastard”.

He did not have an immediate response, being unsure how to put his news into words. The alluring female took his silence as indifference, which sent her into an even greater tyraid. “You have some nerve. Laying with me in the wild, then avoiding me once you are home.” She yelled at him angrily. “I had thought you a better elve than this, you bastard.” She finished before bursting into tears.

“Myela, I am sorry, but there is something I have to tell you.” Velanario said softly, feeling guilty for the hurt he was causing the female elve, who had already been hurt so much. “I have recently learned that a female I had a relationship with before you has given birth to a son.” He told her, hoping she would understand why he had avoided her.

“Do you love this elve?” She asked him through her tears.

“I did once. I do not know how I feel about her now.” He told her honestly, unsure how she might react.

“Do you love me?” She asked him a look somewhere between curious and hopeful stamped on her green and white molted face.

“I don’t know that either”, he admitted wishing he was somewhere far away having a different conversation or facing a pack of angry Commandario’s. “I will be leaving soon to make the way for our army”, he began uncomfortably. “I plan to go and see the child and his mother. I hope to figure out how I feel about her then.” He told unsure whether he should share that with her or not.

“Do you see a future for us or not?” She interrupted her tears stopping, her heart needing him to address their situation first.

“I care for you very much Myela”, he told her slowly, struggling to find the right words. “I do not believe we have a future together though.” He confessed, guilt showing on his face. “I know you wish to return to your forest home and I would not be happy there”. He pointed out needing her to understand he did not want to hurt her. “I also now have a son, a son who will need me to teach him how to be strong and brave.” He told her, his thoughts becoming clearer on the subject.

“I understand”, she said, the look in her eye changing from desire to a look of acceptance. “I will avoid you from now on”, she said stiffly.

“I do not want you to avoid me Myela.” He said strongly, placing his hands gently on her shoulders as she spoke. “I cherish your friendship and appreciate what you have to offer greatly.” He assured, needing her to know his choice was not meant as an evaluation of her worth. “I just do not believe that we have enough in common for our romance to last.” He told her, sad that his relationship with the female was going to be changing forever.

“I know you are right Velanatio. I have known since this began,” she told him with dry eyes. “Just promise me we will remain friends.” She told him, knowing in her heart they were making the right choice.

“I promise Myela”, he said tears trying to take his voice.

She left the tent a moment later, nothing left to say. Velanario felt both upset and relieved once she was gone. He would miss her and think fondly of the time they had spent together but he knew he was doing the right thing. He did not know if he would end up with Pokkahenna but she had his son, whose life he wanted to be a part of.

He heard the sound of Kilgren clearing his voice a moment later, the rough one eyed dwarf seeming to know something was wrong without word being said. He wondered what his friend wanted but figured it would be a problem he did not want to deal with at that moment. He sat up anyway knowing that the dwarf would not go away until he had taken care of whatever he wanted.

“What is it now Kilgren?” he asked tired of the mantle of leadership he now carried.

“Some news has come in you need to hear, Magia has commanded it.” He told his already overburdened companion.

“I will be right there”, Velanario replied more sharply than he intended, his voice somewhat louder than one would use in normal conversation.

“I’ll wait outside”, the dwarf responded sympathetically.

Velanario stood up and walked to the large wash bowl by the door. He poured some water into the dish and washed his hands and face. He could not let his cares show in front of his soldiers, their fragile unity would not bear it, he knew in his heart. He let out one long deep sigh as he put on his cloak.

He then walked out of the tent to join Kilgren and answer the summons of Magia. The ancient priestess of Ilumini was the last of the first elves and a powerful sorceress. They had found her deep in the mountains while fleeing from Prince Ilindor, her assistance proving to be instrumental in his defeat. She was now their spiritual and political leader, her wisdom guiding their actions.

“I am sorry I snapped at you friend.” He offered to his best friend as he moved to join him.

“I understand it’s been a long day”, he replied, having already forgotten his friend outburst.

“What can you tell me about the news?” He asked wanting to arrive with some idea what to expect.

“Just that it caused the folks that do know go about looney.” He observed wishing he had more to offer his friend.

“Well let’s get going then. It sounds like it might be important.

The two friends walked out of the camp together, telling the two elven sentries that would return shortly. They then began the climb to the caves of Ilumini and the quarters of Magia. They expertly navigated the maze twisting tunnels that honey combed the mountain, picking the inclining tunnel whenever they had a choice. They soon found themselves standing outside Magia’s door, on the highest level of the complex.

The pair entered to find several others had also been summoned and had arrived before them. He worked his way to the front of the small ground, finding Magia sitting calmly on a small cushion on the floor, Leodamus and Cornrilius at her side. They each kneeled down and bowed to her in respect before stepping back into the crowd. Leodamus stood up a second later, clearing his throat and straightening his robe before he began to speak.

“I thank you all for answering our summons so promptly, it is greatly appreciated.” He began as the assembled being began to quiet. “We have received an extremely alarming report from Properia. We will need you to remain calm once we share it with you. Once I have finished we will then discuss it.” He told them before even began to share his news.

“The Imperials have slaughtered every non-navelen in the city”. He said in a melancholy tone. “The Regent has also ordered the killing of all non-elves on the estates. We do not yet know if the Lords have obeyed or not.” He informed them while trying not to imagine the horror of the events he was describing. “He also executed the councilors he held prisoner along with a few thousand other Navelens who opposed him.” he concluded as the news set in among the group, an uncomfortably long silence taking over the gathering.

Velanario’s brother Petrolani was now dead. He felt a twinge of remorse at the news but not nearly as much as he would have expected. He had never been terribly close to his eldest brother. He was nearly two hundred years older than Velanario and had been gone to the Imperial city before Velanario had even been born. He had really only seen him on his infrequent visits.

The news that the regent had killed thousands of innocents in cold blood disturbed him much more, he found. He his blood was soon boiling as he thought more about the horrifying situation. The very idea that something so horrible could happen when they were so close to ending the regent’s reign. He now wanted to kill Adolphus even more, which he had not thought was possible before that moment.

“What are we going to do?” Velanario called out in a loud monotone, his mind already planning his foes death as he spoke.

“We have decided that we will move up our invasion plan.” Cornrilius said rising to his feet as he spoke. “I will lead a small unit to make sure the army will have a clear path. Then I will go into Properia and rally what support again from among the nobles.” He told the gathered beings, each chosen by Magia to go on the appointed mission.

“What if they will not rise for you?” Nevos asked his doubts clear in his tone.

“Then then they will die a traitors death”, the young Emperor responded with angry dripping from his voice.

“I will be leaving in the morning.” He told them with a steely edge to his tone, anger simmering just below the surface. “Magia has chosen each one of you to accompany me on my journey.” He informed them as they began to show there surprise. “She tells me that you represent the best of the warriors of Navela”, he said. “I have faith that we will rally the nobles to our cause and bring justice to our land, but if anyone does not wish to join me then you are free to stay here. I thank you for your time.” He said before returning to his place next to the sorceress.

“Well that’s the plan guys”, Leodamus said a moment later. “If anyone is not going let me know. Everyone who is going is to meet me in front of Velanario’s tent at dawn.” He said, knowing none of the hand-picked warriors would retreat from the duty being placed before them.

Thanks for checking my sample out hope you liked it. If you are interested in reading The Navelan Chronicles al  four Volumes are available on Amazon, they are in order, The Liberator, The Hunted, The Abductor and The Revolutionary. I hope you will check them out and enjoy.