An Excerpt from Chapter 5 (Intrigue in the Court of Ravendune)

Brandin led Lady Jessica to a secluded

area of the castle which looked out over the gardens. It was quiet and peaceful.

She turned to him, her expression stoic. “Lord Brandin, what do you know of your real father?”

Brandin regarded her with a puzzled expression. “I know almost nothing of my true origins. The priests brought Eric and I to our father when we were but newborns.”

Jessica looked sympathetic, her hand touching his cheek.

“You poor dear, your mother abandoned you...” her voice was soft, sweet. Brandin felt an urge to kiss her but he remembered himself.

“M’lady, you said you know who my real father is, please tell me,” he said, waiting for an answer.

She nodded taking his hands in hers. “Your true father was the father of Duke Armand of

Wolfshire. Your mother was his...mistress. Thus you are Duke Armand’s half-brother,” she explained.

“Armand’s half-brother?” Brandin repeated, disbelieving. “Yes,” she answered. “It is true, when the two of you were born, your mother disappeared with you, knowing you would never be heirs to Wolfshire- since Armand was the

Firstborn. He was the only legitimate son,” she replied.

Brandin felt anger swelling inside him. “Are you saying Eric and I are the bastard sons of the old Duke of Wolfshire?”

Lady Jessica squeezed his hands. “Please forgive me, I meant not to insult you, but I felt you and your brother should know the truth,” she was near to crying.

“My father, Lord Magnus is fearful of Duke Armand. It is said he wishes to be King of Amarcain and will wage war with those who do not support his ambition, she explained further.

“There are those in Wolfshire who would like to see him dethroned, and would welcome the rule of one of the old Dukes’ other sons,” She fell into his arms, sobbing.

“Please do not be angry,” she pleaded. “I swear before all the Gods it is the truth.”

Brandin held her, not knowing what to say. “I’m sorry Lady Jessica, please do not cry. I’m not angry with you.”

He comforted her as best he knew how, wiping the tears from her face. She looked up at him, her eyes full of sorrow. Again he felt the urge to kiss her.

Who is this girl? He wondered, why am I so attracted to her? He looked into her deep blue

eyes; wondering if she was indeed telling him the truth.

“So you are saying that since Ravendune has a surplus of Heir Dukes, that Eric or I should assume the throne of Wolfshire- if Armand is deposed?” he asked summarizing what she had said thus far. Jessica smiled at his sarcasm.

“Yes, that is what many in Wolfshire wish for.”

Brandin sighed, “M'lady, you have given me much to think of. I shall discuss this with my brother. How long will you be in Ravendune?”

Jessica smiled, replying. “I shall be here a few days more.”

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Excerpt from Chapter 4 (Bring me the Head of a Troll!)

Chapter Four: The Test of Knighthood.

They waited by the campfire as it approached sundown, eating a rabbit they had caught in the forest and washing it down with more ale. Soon, darkness had fallen and the forest was alive with the chirping of insects and the calls of night predators.

“Eric,” said Brandin. “What if more than one Troll lives in that river?”

Eric scowled, “Then I suppose we’re in for a bit of trouble brother,” He replied. Brandin smiled nervously, throwing a few more branches onto the fire.

The night was dragging on slowly and the twins were growing restless, deciding to go investigate the bridge. They walked halfway across, towards the Ravendune side and peered into the wet darkness of the river below. Eric carried a lit torch with him and held it out over the water, seeing nothing but his reflection in the river below. “Perhaps we’re wasting our time here brother,” commented Brandin. “I don’t think there is any Troll around here,” he added.

As if on cue, a leprous gray hand reached out of the river, grabbing Eric's torch hand and pulling him over the edge with a splash. Eric surfaced, spitting out water as the Troll struck him across the head, knocking him further away from the bridge.

Brandin shouted, drawing his sword and leaping into the water onto the back of the creature. He plunged his sword into its back, seeing its point emerge from the Trolls’ chest. The creature howled pitifully, a mixture of pain and anger. It began swinging around wildly, trying to throw off Brandin.

Eric drew his own sword, striking the creatures’ left arm, severing it at the elbow. Black ichor gushed from the wound as the creature grabbed Eric with its remaining hand, lifting him from the water and slamming him into the cobblestone bridge. Eric fell into the water half conscious. Brandin twisted his sword blade, wrenching it free to strike at the creatures’ head.

The creature spun around, slamming Brandin against the bridge, feeling him fall free. Eric emerged from the water, gasping for air as he brought up his sword to strike the Troll again.

He swung his sword in a deadly arc, half- severing the creatures’ neck. The Troll was now choking on its’ blood, striking desperately at Eric, its nails tearing into his tunic and across his breastplate.

“Brandin! the campfire, get the oil and crossbow!” he shouted as the creature

struck him again, Its’ nails digging into his chain mailed arm.

Brandin staggered out of the water, collecting the oil flasks and cross bow. He quickly took one of the oil soaked arrow tips and loaded his weapon, taking a torch with him. He

scrambled back to the water’s edge as the Troll grabbed Eric’s sword in mid stroke, pulling him off balance. Eric pulled out his dagger, plunging it into the creature’s side. He then wrenched his sword from the creature’s hand.

Brandin lit the arrow, taking aim and firing. The bolt struck the creature in the back, the flame slowly igniting its’ blood. Eric shouted in triumph.

“Brandin, the oil flask, throw it to me!" Brandin followed his instructions, tossing his brother the flask.

Eric caught the flask, opening it and dousing the Troll with its contents. Brandin knocked another flaming arrow to his bow. He fired, the shaft plunging into the Beasts’ chest, quickly engulfing its body in flame.

Eric fell backwards trying to avoid the thrashing of the creature. He struck it one last time with his sword, severing its head completely. He reached down into the water to retrieve it, throwing it to the riverbank.

Eric staggered from the water, falling exhausted at his brother's feet. He wiped the wet hair from his eyes and gave out a heavy sigh.

“Well done brother,” said Eric, as Brandin sat down beside him, patting him on the shoulder.

“You did well too brother,” replied Brandin.

They both sat there awhile, laughing and discussing the battle. “It was a long enough wait, but we've done it. We’re Knights now brother,” exclaimed Brandin.

Eric nodded, the realization now hitting him. “Yes, we’ve passed,” he said smiling. 

“Come,” said Brandin. “Let’s go and dry off by the fire before we catch our death of cold.”

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