Free the Darkness
Chapters (27)
King’s Dark Tidings
Book One
Free the Darkness
By Kel Kade
This novel is a work of fiction. All characters, places, and events in this novel are fictitious. Opinions and beliefs expressed by the characters do not reflect the author’s opinions and beliefs.
This book is intended for adult readers. It contains graphic violence, creative language, and sexual innuendo. This book does not contain explicit sexual content.
First digital e-book edition © 2015 Kel Kade
Revised digital e-book edition © 2016 Kel Kade
Print edition © 2016 Kel Kade
Also available in audiobook, 2016 Podium Publishing
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, by current or future technology.
Written by Kel Kade
Edited by Leslie Watts
Interior illustrations by Kel Kade
Cover art by Chris McGrath
Acknowledgement
Thank you to my family and my most patient and understanding daughter who have encouraged and supported me throughout this writing process.
Map of Eastern Ashai
Map of Eastern Ashai
Regional Map of the Souelian Sea
Regional Map of the Souelian Sea
Prologue
“Good men want only the power to make things right. Great men seek to make things right and gather the power to do so. Great leaders find those who are worthy of wielding power and set them to the task of making things right.”
- Coroleus, J.E. 1,067
Relief washed over the weary rider as his destination finally emerged from the gloomy, moonlit darkness. He had not at all been certain of the success of this mission, and if he had failed, he would not have lived to regret it.
Tree branches creaked at the night’s gentle exhale. It was soft and passive, so unlike the aggressive sucking pops and sloughs of the mud pulling at his mount’s hooves. He shivered beneath his damp cloak and shifted the bundle that was carefully tied about his torso as he repositioned the various weapons worn both openly and secreted beneath his padded leather armor. He reminded himself that if these people had a mind to end him, his weapons and all his years of training and experience would be worthless.