Child of Beauty (Prophecy Series)

  T. N. Hayden

  ~ Child of Beauty ~

  T. N. Hayden

  Child of Beauty

  Copyright © 2014 by T. N. Hayden

  Cover Art © 2014 by Juan Guiterrez

  All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  First U. S. Edition, Createspace, 2014

  Dedicated to:

  Jesus Christ

  “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

  1 Peter 3:4

  My husband

  Thank you for all of your support and love.

  Table of Contents

  ~ Introduction ~

  ~ Prologue ~

  ~ Chapter 1 ~

  ~ Chapter 2 ~

  ~ Chapter 3 ~

  ~ Chapter 4 ~

  ~ Chapter 5 ~

  ~ Chapter 6 ~

  ~ Chapter 7 ~

  ~ Chapter 8 ~

  ~ Chapter 9 ~

  ~ Chapter 10 ~

  ~ Chapter 11 ~

  ~ Chapter 12 ~

  ~ Chapter 13 ~

  ~ Chapter 14 ~

  ~ Chapter 15 ~

  ~ Chapter 16 ~

  ~ Chapter 17 ~

  ~ Chapter 18 ~

  ~ Chapter 19 ~

  ~ Chapter 20 ~

  ~ Chapter 21 ~

  ~ Chapter 22 ~

  ~ Chapter 23 ~

  ~ Chapter 24 ~

  ~ Chapter 25 ~

  ~ Chapter 26 ~

  ~ Chapter 27 ~

  ~ Chapter 28 ~

  ~ Chapter 29 ~

  ~ Chapter 30 ~

  ~ Chapter 31 ~

  ~ Chapter 32 ~

  ~ Chapter 33 ~

  ~ Chapter 34 ~

  ~ Chapter 35 ~

  ~ Chapter 36 ~

  ~ Chapter 37 ~

  ~ Chapter 38 ~

  ~ Chapter 39 ~

  ~ Chapter 40 ~

  ~ Chapter 41 ~

  ~ Chapter 42 ~

  ~ Chapter 43 ~

  ~ Chapter 44 ~

  ~ Chapter 45 ~

  ~ Chapter 46 ~

  ~ Chapter 47~

  ~ Chapter 48 ~

  ~ Chapter 49 ~

  ~ Chapter 50 ~

  ~ Chapter 51 ~

  ~ Chapter 52 ~

  ~ Epilogue ~

  Glossary

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  “A peasant shall lead the rebellion and destroy the king.

  Out of common blood, blue blood will flow.”

  ~ Introduction ~

  Kapok, Perso’s Creek

  508-519

  When he was twenty, Prince Navion Perso of Perso’s Creek decided his parents were too kind and generous to their people. The prince poisoned his parents, blamed common folk, and became king. Within a few years, he gifted his fifteen most loyal noble families with the added advantage of being high noble. King Navion assigned Viktor Little, his most loyal follower and friend, the responsibility of raising a new generation of elite soldiers. Viktor, along with his young wife and son, had envisioned the training school and began building Krijar Castle.

  Brad Killer, a sorcerer from Najos, was loyal to the king. King Navion asked Brad to enchant the noble families in the land, giving their blood an added advantage because of their status. Brad Killer worked with Viktor to fashion a weapon which would be deadly against those who fought against the new order of Perso’s Creek. The weapon was called a Wopler, and the first one created belonged to Viktor, and it could only be used by him. No one of common blood could use the weapon.

  But the king was always suspicious of his faithful followers, so he had Brad add a little something extra to the Wopler. It couldn’t be used against anyone with the magic of nobility in them.

  Viktor’s vision of elite soldiers became what he called Soldatas and Soldats. He began training six-year-old children: children the same age of his eldest son, Sage. Along with Sage, Thea Barton, Jane Goebel, and Sam Reece were the six-year-old children of the high noble families.

  To fill a class, Viktor decided to have seven Soldatas and Soldats trained each year, and in order to fill the rest of the class, Viktor devised a lottery system to give the noble families a chance to give their children the honor of becoming an elite warrior as well.

  Those children in noble families who weren’t picked to be a Soldata or Soldat could join the king’s forces as soldiers, who would later be led by a Soldata or Soldat. Yet, within this new order of Perso’s Creek, high nobles were unkind to mere nobles.

  The opening of Krijar Castle and the beginning of the Soldats’ and Soldatas’ training was not a celebration for the common folk. There was a regime of rebels who attacked the castle, trying to kill the seven children who were going to start training as warriors. They were led by a man named Cadman Eld. He was strong but of common blood. He didn’t take to the new law that common folk were forbidden to fight, an offense punishable by death.

  As the first day of Krijar came to pass, Cadman and his small army, about fifty warriors, attacked the castle. While the castle itself was large, there were only two teachers, four trainers, and two helpers to protect the seven children. The high nobles were outnumbered.

  The Wopler was the first of its kind, and Viktor Little had never used it. Brad had told him of its magic and explained what it could do. That was the first night Viktor Little used his Wopler.

  He killed forty young men and women that night. The other adults protected the children and Kelvin Hamilton, another high noble, and Viktor Little slaughtered the onslaught of rebels. Viktor’s Wopler was indeed a powerful weapon which the rebels couldn’t defend against. Kelvin Hamilton got his Wopler after that night, and it was a weapon which would be gifted to the Soldatas and Soldats after they had completed their training.

  After the slaughter at Krijar Castle, the commoners were put in their place. It would take something truly powerful to make them fight against the nobles again.

  ~ Prologue ~

  Sake 17, 525

  Kapok, Perso’s Creek

  Ten-year-old Aileen Quint chewed the mutton in her vegetable stew. It was spiced, and her mother, Gwen, promised to show her how to make it when she was willing to learn. But training to be her father’s apprentice was more important to Aileen.

  Her four-year-old twin brother and sister, Barrett and Faryn, brought mouthfuls of the stew to their lips, ignoring their spoons and slurping the broth along with the vegetables and meat.

  “Aileen’s going to be an amazing blacksmith one day.” Her father, Creedon, dipped a piece of bread into his meal, using it to wipe every inch of liquid from his clay bowl. “She’s learning the trade rather well.”

  “When I git to learn hamwring?” Faryn sat with her legs folded underneath her so she could easily slurp her stew. She rubbed her crystal-blue eyes as she looked at her older brother, Peyton.

  Creedon chuckled. “When you’re older m’ dear.” He tousled the blonde ringlets atop his younger daughter’s head. “You, Barrett, and Peyton will learn in time.”

  “I git to learn soon, right Pa?” Small pieces of corn and pea flew from Peyton’s mouth.

  “Don’t talk when you’re chewing.” Gwen scolded.

  Peyton swallowed. “Surry Mum.”

  Aileen chuckled.

  Gwen stood and looked at her children. “Peyton, help your father clean up. Aileen, help me get the twins ready for bed.”

  “Awe Mum.” Barrett rubbed his eyes. “I no sleepy.�
�

  “Me too.” Faryn yawned.

  “It is early for them to be getting ready for bed.” Aileen was surprised to see the twins forcing their matching eyes open.

  Gwen picked Barrett up, and Aileen got her sister. Mother and daughter brought the twins to their room. After cleaning up the twins and dressing them in their bedclothes, Aileen kissed Barrett and Faryn’s foreheads before whispering. “I love you. Goodnight you two.”

  “G’nite Ailey.” Faryn whispered, eyes shutting as she spoke.

  Gwen set her daughter down and tucked her under the covers as Barrett rubbed his eyes. “So sleepy Mum.”

  “I told you.” Gwen kissed her daughter’s forehead and embraced her son.

  The boy yawned. Gwen tucked him in next to his sister and kissed his head. “Goodnight my children.”

  She blew their candle out and left the room with Aileen, leaving the door slightly ajar.

  “Peyton’s cleaning the dishes.” Aileen stated as she saw her brother in the corner of her eye.

  “Your father’s probably in the shop.”

  “I’m going to read for a while.”

  Gwen nodded and embraced her daughter.

  Aileen went to her room. It was barely big enough for her bed and hope chest. Her mother filled the chest with something new every year. Aileen waited eagerly for the year when she married and could open the chest and see all the presents her mother had gifted her with through the years.

  Aileen grabbed her tattered book and flipped to lie on her back, the dim glow of her candle helped her see the soot smudged pages. Her mother had taught her to read, and Aileen loved to escape her mundane life. Fingering through to her spot, she let out a low sigh as she started reading once more.

  Five pages later, a loud crash made Aileen jump. Her book flew from her hand, and she reached under her bed to grab the crude sword she’d made. She was supposed to keep the weapon hidden, but Aileen would do what she could to protect her family, even if fighting was illegal.

  She ran out of her room, but to her shock, someone grabbed her from behind, clutching her left forearm and pinning both arms with just one. A sharp prick at her throat let her know whoever held her had a knife. She struggled and dropped her weapon; her captor was strong. Aileen looked to see her father facing them from the doorway leading to his Smithy. Her mom knelt over Peyton in the kitchen, checking his breath. Aileen’s heart thumped against her lungs, and she couldn’t breathe.

  “Let her go!” Creedon cried.

  “Who are you?” Gwen’s voice cracked as she looked up.

  “No one you need to know.” The voice was deep and from a man. “I want something you have.”

  “The shop is closed.” Creedon’s eyes narrowed as he gazed at the man.

  “Not something in your shop.” The man tightened his hold on Aileen. She cried out as his elbow dug her arm into her side and stomach. She growled in frustration. How dare this man treat them as he was? Shivers of fear made her back twitch. He had no right to break in and threaten them.

  “Then what?” Creedon shifted his grip.

  “I want your younger daughter.”

  Gwen gasped. “No.”

  “I will pay you handsomely.” The man offered.

  Aileen jerked her shoulders, trying to gain her freedom. She was appalled that someone would offer to buy her sister. The man’s grip tightened around her waist, and she groaned in frustration.

  “You will not take any of our children.” Creedon hissed.

  “You have no choice.” The man threw Aileen against the closest wall. The hard surface slammed into her head, and she crumbled down. Her deep-blue eyes closed. “I will take her with or without your permission.”

  Aileen slowly blinked her eyes open. Her head ached with intense pain. She tried to get up, to move, but all she could stir was her eyelids.

  Creedon attacked the man, yelling nonsense. The man kicked Creedon’s feet out and grabbed his weapon. The man smashed the hilt against Creedon’s temple. Aileen winced as her father crumpled to the ground. This man had to be noble. He was trained to fight.

  Gwen threw herself on him, clawing at his face. He turned and grabbed her right hand with his free one. Aileen silently encouraged her mother in the battle.

  “I admire your heart.” The man whispered. “She was definitely right.”

  “What?” Gwen panted. “Who’s she?” Gwen thrust her knee between the man’s legs.

  He bellowed in pain and shoved her back against the wall. Her head hit, and she fell on top of Aileen. Aileen struggled, but she couldn’t move her mother off to see what the man did next.

  ~ Chapter 1 ~

  13 Years Later

  Krijar Castle

  Derbon, Perso’s Creek

  Atz 538

  “Are you almost done?” Jerrika Little cried. She was ready to break every reflective surface in their room. “We are going to be late. Again.”

  Her sister, Rayna, slowed her movements as she braided her golden-blonde hair, watching herself in the mirror. “Beauty is never late.”

  Jerrika rolled her eyes. One day, she just might kill her sister.

  Rayna stood and adjusted her training tunic. “I am ready.”

  Jerrika moaned and grabbed her sister’s arm. “Come on.” Her stomach growled in agreement.

  The two left their room and rushed down the long hallway, Rayna caught her reflection in every shiny surface. Jerrika hated mirrors. She had thin brown hair, but her arms and legs were covered in thick, dark brown strands which had led others to calling her “Hairika.”

  They rushed down the staircases two at a time before entering one of the loudest rooms in the castle. The east dining hall was a scene of fine dishes, well dressed trainees, simple servants, and extravagant trainers.

  “Good morning Rayna.” Red-haired Mae Hamilton stepped up. She was Rayna’s best friend. “I have been thinking a lot during the past few weeks, and I need to apologize to you Jerrika.”

  “What?” Jerrika must have misheard Mae. She was calling her by her name. The girl enjoyed tormenting her; she never offered a word of kindness.

  “I should not have put that powder over all your clothes.” Mae continued. “I am sorry.”

  Jerrika frowned. She had been pretty sure Mae was responsible for the itching which had left her scabbed, the burning feeling had lasted for two weeks, even after all her clothes had been washed several dozen times. However, Jerrika was sure that Mae never felt remorse after doing something awful to her, so she eyed the girl carefully. “Well thank you.”

  Mae looked at Rayna. “Perhaps we should have Jerrika sit with us.”

  “Then you do not mind if I join too?” Kurtis walked behind them.

  Jerrika instantly felt safer. Davion Kurtis Jarger was the son of a noble family, and he was the only noble in his class. His lower rank had caused the other students to mistreat him until Garrik Little, Jerrika’s older brother, took Kurtis under his wing. Almost like paying him back, Kurtis had befriended Jerrika after seeing how the girls in her year treated her.

  Mae sighed. “I suppose. It is bad enough Radley sits with us.” She grabbed a tray to start dishing her food.

  Rayna locked eyes with Kurtis for a moment, almost as if in an unasked question, before silently following.

  “What was that about?” Jerrika whispered to Kurtis. She’d often wondered what was going on between her awful sister and her caring best friend.

  Kurtis looked at Rayna as he whispered back. “See, I told you you would be friends with Rayna one day.”

  “I am not holding my sword that this kindness will last.” Jerrika spooned scrambled eggs mixed with pieces of bacon onto her plate. She didn’t want to join Rayna and her friends, but Kurtis seemed happy to. Jerrika didn’t mind the others in Rayna’s group of friends, just Mae and her sister.

  Kurtis grabbed two pieces of sourdough toast and followed her to Rayna’s table. Mae and Rayna sat next to each other, and Jerrika and Kurtis sat across
from them.

  “Well this is a surprise.” Wilma Reece, dark haired and kind-hearted, sat next to Jerrika. “It is nice to see you here with us.”

  “Thanks.” Jerrika’s smile was genuine. Wilma was the only one of her sister’s friends who was always thoughtful around Jerrika. She’d studied with her when they were younger and cruel words never left Wilma’s lips.

  Radley Forney, bright green eyes always seeming to take in more than most, sat between Wilma and Mae. “Good morning everyone.”

  “Hello my darling.” Prince Navion Perso II took his seat next to Rayna.

  Rayna smiled at him, but she didn’t return his sentiment.

  “Both sisters at one table,” Garrik Little, Jerrika and Rayna’s older brother, sat between Kurtis and the prince. Jerrika smiled at him. Now she had two allies.

  “It is an irrational day.” Rayna admitted.

  “How does it feel to be one month away from becoming a Soldat?” Jerrika looked between her brother, Kurtis, and Prince Navion, since they were all nineteen. The thought made her sad, since she would be losing both Garrik and Kurtis after that month.

  “It is quite amazing.” Garrik held out his left arm and looked at the fourteen lines tattooed on his forearm.

  Jerrika only had twelve lines thus far. She couldn’t wait for her tattoo to be finished.

  “I cannot wait until our joining year is done, and we get our assignments.” Prince Navion looked at Rayna. “Hopefully my father will assign me to Derbon, perhaps working with your brother.”

  “Sage enjoys being the only Soldat assigned here.” Rayna answered. “But I will not be surprised if your father assigns more.”

  “Especially since new rebels are invading this town.” Mae jabbed her fork into her pancakes. “We need to wipe out all the instigators.”

  Jerrika stiffened. She hoped the rebels would never stop fighting the king.

  “Seems like the king has tried that before.” Wilma stated. “The rebels are fueled by more than just one person’s feelings.”

  Mae rolled her eyes. “What do you think of cuscas[1] Jerrika?”