Kordan The Wizard

Manufactured in the United States

First Edition

Dedication

Bob and Dave would like to dedicate this book and accompanying music to:

Dave’s sons: Matt and Adam

Bob’s son: Jeff and his wife MaryAlice

And we wish to give extra acknowledgement to:

Dave’s wife Kimberley for her support and allowing us to use her marvelous vocal talents for the songs in our story.

Bob’s wife Kelli for her complete support and positive feedback to all our combined endeavors.

And a special shout out to Matt’s wife Chelsea, who came to the table at the last minute and loaned us her voice to help complete the final song so we could present our work to the publisher.

Bob and Dave are most grateful and appreciative for the support and trust shown to us.

We love and thank you all.

Preface

Welcome to Singing Stories™. This is our unique offering to help enhance your reading experience by adding another layer – songs.

Throughout the book musical links will be available so you can listen to a song specifically written for that segment of the story. For the E-books you will have a direct link you can click.  For the paperback book reader, we’ve supplied easily accessible QR codes which will take you to the songs.

So, turn on your speakers, sit back, read, relax and listen. We hope you enjoy the story and music as much as we did creating it for you.

For more information go to www.singingstories.net or

Kordanthewizard.com

DISCLAIMER: All songs are stored on remote servers. While we don’t expect issues, servers do go down.  We cannot guarantee 100% up time.  If you find you cannot access the song(s), please wait.  The server should return to normal shortly.  We strongly suggest that you save the song(s) to your hard drive for your convenience allowing you to listen at any tim

Table of Contents

PROLOGUE

Chapter 1

ALICANTH

Chapter 2

TIMOR

Chapter 3

LORAYNE

Chapter 4

THE COURTSHIP

Chapter 5

THE WEDDING

Chapter 6

THE COURT OF KING TIMOR

Chapter 7

STELTH

Chapter 8

THE ENCOUNTER

Chapter 9

THE RESURRECTION OF NINGTHUS

Chapter 10

THE BETRAYAL

Chapter 11

THE EXCLUSION OF ALL ELSE

Chapter 12

THE PROMISE

Chapter 13

THE ROAD

PROLOGUE

The solitary hooded figure walked slowly through the dark forbidding forest.  In the distance, the low rumble of thunder could be heard yet the figure did not hasten the pace against the advancing storm walking slowly, even deliberately, deeper into the dark.

Suddenly a bolt of lightning lit the forest like daylight revealing, if only for a moment, the cloaked-hooded figure. The individual’s stature was tall and slender. The light showed quite clearly the ashen staff being held by the left hand.

A gust of wind blew the hood from the head revealing the male countenance and slight beard.  His eyes pierced the dark as if nothing could keep them from seeing.  His physical appearance seemed slight, but that did not belie the power and strength that seemed to emanate from him and the staff he wielded.

He spoke, VENIRE, or was it another clap of thunder? From deep within the shadows, he saw his quarry approach. It was Ningthus the Giant.

Who calls me? boomed the Giant.

My name is not for you to know, spoke the man. What you need to know is why I am here...and that is to tell you to leave the farmers’ crops and livestock alone!

I will do as I please, laughed the giant, including crushing you like an insect, little man.

I think not, said the figure.

The giant hearing mockery in the man’s voice became enraged and charged forward.  The man raised his staff and spoke in clear audible tones which seemed to rise above the heavy air.

Mutatus Lapis!

The giant fell in mid stride. He had completely turned to stone.

The man walked to the smooth, granite figure which lay on the ground and tapped it with his staff. 

You may now know my name since you can no longer find power with it. I am Kordan, the Wizard.

Chapter 1

ALICANTH

Alicanth couldn’t remember the last time a thunderstorm had scared her – kept her awake. But tonight’s encroaching storm felt different. She couldn’t smell the moisture in the air, the thunderclaps were louder and felt like they were right over her room. Yet the approaching storm looked some distance away.  And the lightning, normally white and bright enough to light up the whole valley, had a green cast that did not look natural.

Despite her misgivings, she was thankful for the storm. This will keep the farms and livestock safe from Ningthus, she thought. He never seemed to attack and raid the farms during inclement weather. She had only seen the giant one time when he had wandered near the castle. He stood 12 feet tall with a full beard down to his round protruding stomach. He had a bulbous nose that bore the scars of many battles and large elephantine ears. Actually, he looked quite comical if it were not for the deep-set jet-black eyes that could pierce holes with their stare. Her Father’s army had confronted him at that time and the soldiers and guards drove him back; their arrows and catapulted rocks did little to harm him. They quietly spoke of his evil intentions. Despite the thoughts of thunder, lightning, and giants, sleep took her to a restful place where she did not stir again until morning.

The sun’s rays broke through the window of Alicanth’s bedroom moving slowly across the floor towards her bed. As the gray of night left the room the face of the sleeping young lady slowly became visible in the light. She was beautiful. She had deep-red hair and piercing green eyes which complimented her soft freckled complexion. She stood 5’4 inches tall and had a slender but well-proportioned frame. She was strong-willed, something which her father fostered. Since he had no male heirs to his throne; he prepared her to be Queen.

She was well liked, even loved throughout the kingdom. She was kind and did her best to protect and help the people, treating them more as equals than subjects.  It wasn’t uncommon for her to see someone walking in the road during one of her rides and stop to walk and talk with them like they were close friends.

At 18, she was still single and though there were many suitors vying for her hand, she just smiled and politely refused.  She was in no rush. Her father put no pressure on her; he knew his daughter would marry when she was ready.

In the meantime, she would learn about the problems with the kingdom. Most were internal and she let her father deal with such things as Ningthus and other unpleasantries. As fate would have it, her father was at peace with the surrounding Kingdoms. He was an honored and respected King – a man true to his word. 

By the time the sunlight had reached her face Alicanth was awake. She rose quickly, dressed, and headed to the stables so she could take a morning ride. She enjoyed this immensely, especially after an evening storm. Everything always looked so fresh. As usual her two guardians were there to accompany her. They had saddled and prepared her horse and were awaiting her arrival.

The three rode from the castle at an easy gait. Alicanth loved her father’s land. It was beautiful and the people kept it well.  The two guards, Darien and Kir, rode silently behind her – far enough away to give her privacy, but close enough to spring to action if necessary.

The guards had been Alicanth’s protectors since she was a baby. It was a personal request from the King. You two are the bravest and strongest of my army. I am not asking you to be nursemaids, I’m asking you to protect the future of my kingdom. I will ask no others, because I trust you with my life; I know I can entrust hers to you.

They accepted and rarely left her side since that day. They did their job well and to be sure she loved them both with all her heart and treated them as her uncles.  Each man knew he was her favorite.

The day was beautiful - the morning crisp - the air clean.  As Alicanth and her companions left the castle, she could see the people dotting the fields as they began their day working the land.  She knew many by name and returned greetings as they respectfully rang through the air.  Good morning, Princess.  Good day, she brightly responded.

She was clearly enjoying herself. These rides always made her feel closer to the people and the land.  As she looked ahead, she could see a lone figure walking slowly on the road moving toward her. The figure held a staff and was covered completely by a robe and hood.

The guards, aware of their charge, changed positions Darian moving to the front and Kier bringing up the rear with the princess safely between them. They felt no danger, but precaution is always the wise choice. Their pace slowed as they approached. All would have proceeded as if nothing had happened except for the figure’s lack of acknowledgment for the passing royalty.

Stranger, said Kier, In this realm we stop and pay respect to the royal princess when she passes.

I meant no disrespect, said the stranger, but I am weary and have traveled far with little sleep. I am making for King Timor’s castle to have audience with him.

And is my father expecting you sir? chimed the princess. The King is busy and sees no one without prearranging it.

No, my Lady, he is not expecting me...yet. I am ahead of my time. But it matters not, he WILL see me!

The stranger bowed at the waist straightened, turned, and slowly walked past the entourage making his way to the castle.  The princess stared in disbelief as the figure slowly distanced himself from her. My father will take care of this, she thought and galloped off to finish her ride.

Chapter 2

TIMOR

Timor was a well-respected King. In fact, he was known throughout all the kingdoms as Timor the Just.  It was a title he earned at a very young age. At seventeen, his father King Fadron died suddenly, leaving the young prince to rule and fend for himself.  One other nearby kingdom saw what they felt was an easy chance to expand their own realm and attacked Timor's kingdom.  When the first wave arrived at his castle, the young king was seen dressed in his battle armor standing with his troops vowing to remain with his men to the last man. 

King Godrin's army attacked without warning, but he found Timor no easy mark, as the young King's castle was well armed and well defended.  Timor was a natural at strategy, a fact Timor's men quickly learned. As a result, they found it easy to obey and follow the young king.  Godrin's men beset Timor's castle for three days with little effect.  Godrin's men were tiring.  On the fourth day Godrin left, and he left quite quickly.  He was needed at home because the giant king Ohmthus and his horde had attacked his lands.  Godrin was not sure he would be able defeat the giants as his men, now battle-weary and fewer in numbers, would have to rally themselves to fight. Godrin's men were strong and well trained, and he had faith in them, but they were already exhausted, and the long journey home would tax them further.  Godrin knew he was in trouble.

Timor, seeing the haste in which Godrin had left wondered what had called his enemy away.  He sent a scout to follow.  The scout returned within a day.  He had caught up with the retreating army, and masquerading as a farmer, spoke to one of the troops as they passed.  So, said Timor, the giants attack Godrin.  Call my war council, I would meet with them now.

Godrin was fighting for the life of his people and for his kingdom.  If he hadn't been so greedy and sought to take Timor's kingdom for his own, his men would not be exhausted. His front lines would be holding, and the giants would be driven back.  Godrin summoned the captain of his guard.  Sire, said the guard.  We need help. We cannot hold back Ohmthus.  I do not wish to keep losing men.  We must surrender." 

Godrin heard truth in his Captain's voice.  He could call for aid from one of the other kingdoms, but that would take time, time he did not have. Bring my generals to me.  Maybe there is some way out of this.

But Sire, said the Captain.

Bring them to me! snapped Godrin. The Captain reluctantly left and returned with two of Godrin’s four generals. The others are dead Sire, said the Captain.

Godrin listened intently as his men laid out the situation. There was no way for him to win. In the few hours that he had wasted on trying to find a way out of this mess, he lost more men. Now he would have to live with that. He had no choice. Send word to Ohmthus, said the King. Ask him for his terms. The Kings head hung low as the soldiers silently saluted and left. 

As Godrin returned to his castle, he wondered what Ohmthus would want.  Most likely leave his brother Ningthus in charge. The king shuddered.  His subjects would become slaves, toiling every day to feed the voracious appetites of the giants.  He called his personal servant.  Remove my daughter from the castle.  See to her safety.  The servant bowed and left Godrin sitting in the dark on his throne alone.

The captain of Godrin's army made haste to the front lines. He hoped his men had held the giants long enough for him to arrive and represent the King's desire for surrender. But as he neared the front of the battle, he began to hear cheers from the men.  Could they have turned this battle around? What miracle could have saved us? he thought.  He could not believe his eyes.  He dismounted his horse and walked over to King Timor as he pulled his sword from Ohmthus.

Timor's men were everywhere; the giants were scattering.  The captain spoke to Timor. My Lord, how is this possible...I mean no disrespect, but why?  After....

Captain, said the young King. I have my reasons. Take me  to Godrin. I would speak with him.

Indeed, Timor did have his reasons.  After Godrin's army departed and Timor had learned the nature of his situation, he met with his war council.  He listened intently as his Captain and his chief officers made their case for counterattack and war. It would be easy to attack the rear flank and push through. With Godrin's army scattered, they would continue the surge and take out the giants as well.  No one would dare stand against us, said Irick, Timor's captain.

Timor listened intently, weighing all his options. After a few moments, he spoke. Gentlemen, I am not convinced that attacking Godrin is our best option or in our best interest. Please hear me out.