Chronicles of the Four: The Complete Series Read online

  CHRONICLES OF THE FOUR

  THE COMPLETE SERIES

  MARISSA FARRAR

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Through a Dragon’s Eyes

  Chapter One | Dela

  Chapter Two | Warsgra

  Chapter Three | Dela

  Chapter Four | Orergon

  Chapter Five | Vehel

  Chapter Six | Dela

  Chapter Seven | Warsgra

  Chapter Eight | Dela

  Chapter Nine | Vehel

  Chapter Ten | Orergon

  Chapter Eleven | Dela

  Chapter Twelve | Warsgra

  Chapter Thirteen | Dela

  Chapter Fourteen | Vehel

  Chapter Fifteen | Dela

  Chapter Sixteen | Orergon

  Chapter Seventeen | Dela

  Chapter Eighteen | Warsgra

  Chapter Nineteen | Dela

  Chapter Twenty | Vehel

  Chapter Twenty-one | Orergon

  Chapter Twenty-two | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-three | Warsgra

  Chapter Twenty-four | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-five | Vehel

  Chapter Twenty-six | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-seven | Orergon

  Chapter Twenty-eight | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-nine | Warsgra

  Chapter Thirty | Dela

  Chapter Thirty-one | Vehel

  Chapter Thirty-two | Dela

  With a Dragon’s Heart

  Chapter One | Dela

  Chapter Two | Vehel

  Chapter Three | Warsgra

  Chapter Four | Dela

  Chapter Five | Warsgra

  Chapter Six | Orergon

  Chapter Seven | Dela

  Chapter Seven | Vehel

  Chapter Eight | Dela

  Chapter Nine | Orergon

  Chapter Ten | Dela

  Chapter Eleven | Warsgra

  Chapter Twelve | Dela

  Chapter Thirteen | Vehel

  Chapter Fourteen | Dela

  Chapter Fifteen | Vehel

  Chapter Sixteen | Orergon

  Chapter Seventeen | Dela

  Chapter Eighteen | Vehel

  Chapter Nineteen | Warsgra

  Chapter Twenty | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-one | Vehel

  Chapter Twenty-two | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-three | Warsgra

  Chapter Twenty-four | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-five | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-six | Orergon

  Chapter Twenty-seven | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-eight | Vehel

  Chapter Twenty-nine | Dela

  Chapter Thirty | Dela

  Chapter Thirty-one | Dela

  Into a Dragon’s Soul

  Chapter One | Dela

  Chapter Two | Vehel

  Chapter Three | Dela

  Chapter Four | Warsgra

  Chapter Five | Dela

  Chapter Six | Dela

  Chapter Seven | Dela

  Chapter Eight | Warsgra

  Chapter Nine | Orergon

  Chapter Ten | Dela

  Chapter Eleven | Dela

  Chapter Twelve | Orergon

  Chapter Thirteen | Dela

  Chapter Fourteen | Dela

  Chapter Fifteen | Dela

  Chapter Sixteen | Vehel

  Chapter Seventeen | Dela

  Chapter Eighteen | Vehel

  Chapter Nineteen | Dela

  Chapter Twenty | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-one | Vehel

  Chapter Twenty-two | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-three | Warsgra

  Chapter Twenty-four | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-five | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-six | Warsgra

  Chapter Twenty-seven | Dela

  Chapter Twenty-eight | Vehel

  Chapter Twenty-nine | Orergon

  Chapter Thirty | Dela

  Chapter Thirty-one | Three Months Later

  Cast of Characters

  Duendes

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by the Author

  Through a Dragon’s Eyes

  Chronicles of the Four

  Book One

  Marissa Farrar

  For a cast of characters, and the different races and their homelands, you can follow this link to the end of the book.

  Cast of Characters

  Chapter One

  Dela

  DELA STONEBRIDGE COULDN’T take any more of her mother’s tears. Maybe she could have handled it if either of them had gotten any rest, but morning had taken forever to arrive.

  No one slept the night before The Choosing.

  Her fingers automatically went to the ring held on a string of leather at her throat, and she bit down on her irritation. She understood her mother’s sorrow. She’d already lost her son—Dela’s older brother, Ridley—three years ago, and now every six months, on the day of The Choosing, she was terrified she’d lose her remaining daughter, too.

  It was highly unlikely Dela’s name would be called to go on the journey. The population of the capital city of Anthoinia was several thousand, and though those of a higher class were not entered, that still left plenty of others. Her mother or father was as likely to end up traveling through the Southern Pass as she was. Besides, for the most part, people came back safe and well. It had only been bad luck that meant they’d lost Ridley.

  The thought of her older brother caused her heart to tighten with grief. She tried not to think about him—how he’d shared her coloring, with their strawberry blonde hair and golden brown eyes—knowing it would only bring her pain. They had been three years apart in age, but people always commented on how they could have been twins, had they been closer together. He would be twenty-three, had he lived, and she was now the same age he’d been when he’d been killed on the journey.

  Dela slipped out of bed and quickly pulled her short tunic over her head, covering the vest she’d slept in. Most women wore their tunics longer, but Dela found it wasn’t practical, especially when she was trying to work. She pulled on her soft leather pants, tugging the belt tight around her waist, and shoved her feet into her boots. Finally, she tied her long hair into a knot at her nape.

  Her mother and father’s bed was across the room from her own. The house wasn’t big enough for separate bedrooms. They had one living area, where they lived and slept, and a bathroom out back. It was barely a house, really, more of a shack, but even the presence of a bathroom was considered luxury to some.

  Most young women her age would have left home by now, but she hadn’t wanted to leave her parents alone. It was hard enough getting by in this city, especially during the time approaching The Choosing when food was stored up to exchange with the population on the Western coast. They needed her income to get by, and she wasn’t about to just up and leave them. Besides, since losing Ridley, she’d known her mother, Johanna, had needed her in more than just a practical way. The hole he’d left in all their hearts was an impossible one to fill, but that didn’t stop Dela from trying.

  She went to her mother’s bedside and crouched next to where she lay. Her mother’s eyes opened as she sensed Dela approach, and Dela covered her hand with her own. The back was crepe-papery with age, though her mother was only in her forties. But a hard life had caused her to age fast.

  “It’ll be okay, Mama. Just like it has been for the last five Choosings.”

  Johanna sniffed and sat up in bed. Beside her, Dela’s father, Godfrey, grunted and rolled over.

  “You don’t know that, Dela, darling. And I know you’re trying to be kind, but until this day is over and I
can be sure you’re not one of the people going, I’m going to stay upset, okay?”

  Her mother once had the same strawberry blonde hair as Dela, but now the tresses were streaked with white. She wore it long, like Dela, but Johanna’s was caught up in a thick braid which fell down her back.

  “I know, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting to make you feel better.”

  “You’re a good girl.”

  Dela leaned in and kissed her mother’s cheek. “The Choosing isn’t for a few hours yet, anyway. I’m going to go out and fetch us some breakfast.”

  “Okay. Be careful.”

  “I will.”

  Dela crossed back to her side of the room and bent to slide her hand beneath the thin mattress. Her fingertips met with cool steel, and she pulled the dagger out from where she’d hidden it, its weight solid in her palm. There were times when her job came in useful, and getting her hands on this dagger of Elvish steel for a fraction of what it was worth was one of those times. She pushed the blade into her belt, and then pulled the bottom of her tunic over the hilt, hiding the weapon from prying eyes. If someone tried to steal the blade, they’d find themselves sorry. It might not be a full-sized sword, but Dela was skilled with the dagger.

  She didn’t have work today. Normally, she assisted the blacksmith, forging various tools, household goods, and weapons, but today was a special day, and unless you were one of the market stall holders, or one of the taverners, hoping to make some extra money, it wasn’t worth working over.

  Dela opened the front door and stepped out onto the street. Already, the city was busy, people rushing about, getting ready for The Choosing. She walked the narrow winding streets, stepping over puddles and dodging small children playing chasing games. The little ones didn’t really understand the importance of the day. Anyone under the age of sixteen wasn’t eligible, and only when children approached their teenage years did they consider this to be something that would affect them. Parents sometimes went away, but for the most part, they came back. Pregnant or nursing mothers were also exempt from The Choosing, and often families had many children in order to prevent the mother of the family ever being entered. Unfortunately for her own mother, nature hadn’t been kind, and Johanna had been unable to have a big family. And when their family’s name had come up in The Choosing, it had been the youngest male of the family who’d gone and never returned.

  As Dela approached the market square, she sensed the atmosphere building. There was understandable tension in the air, but also excitement. There were some who wanted to be part of the Chosen, who looked forward to an opportunity to escape the confines of the city and prove themselves.

  Food stalls were already crowded with people, and the scent of spices filled the air. Small buns filled with fried vegetable patties, crispy pastry containing raisins and spices, flatbreads stuffed with spiced potatoes and chickpeas. Prices had begun to rise as the City Guards started to store grains for the Passover. Once the Chosen had returned from their mission, however, they would have several months of opulence before things started to get expensive again in time for the next Choosing.

  Located behind the market square, the intimidating fortress of the castle rose into the sky. Its splendor was a contrast to the poor slums of the rest of the city. There were a few areas where wealthier folk lived, but most of Anthoinia were like her family, or even poorer. Officially, King and Queen Crowmere ruled over the whole of the lands of Xantearos, but each of the races had their own region, which the humans stayed well away from. During the forging of the Treaty, one hundred and fifty years ago, Xantearos was divided up so each of the races no longer needed to mix. The only time they did was during the Passover, when commodities were exchanged to ensure each race was able to survive comfortably, and even then, it was only for a short while.

  Knowing her mother loved the raisin pastries, Dela headed over to that stall.

  Suddenly, hands grabbed at her waist from behind, and her stomach lurched. Dela reached for her dagger and spun around at the same time.

  When she saw who had grabbed her, she exhaled a sigh. “By the Gods, Layla, I almost stabbed you!”

  Her friend took a couple of dancing steps back, her dark hair flying around her face. “Only if you were fast enough.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Don’t tempt me!”

  Layla Buckley laughed. “I’ve always been quicker than you. Even when we were at school together.”

  “Things can change, you know.”

  Layla grinned, not taking her threats seriously. “You getting something for Johanna?”

  “Yeah, she’s worrying herself sick again. Just like every Choosing. I thought a decent breakfast would make her feel better.”

  Her friend appraised her. “And how are you feeling?”

  She shrugged. “Okay. Same as every Choosing. How about you?”

  “I’m fine, but I’m not the one who lost my big brother through this process. You’re allowed to be a bit freaked out by it all, Dela. I know you want to stay strong for your mother, but this affects you, too.”

  “Like I said, I’m fine. In a few hours, this will all be over, and we can get back to our normal lives.”

  “For the next six months, at least,” Layla pointed out.

  “True.”

  She’d reached the front of the line, and so ordered three of the pastries. “Do you want one?” she offered her friend as she was ordering.

  “Nah, I’m fine. I ate already. Save them for your family. We can all barely afford to feed ourselves, never mind other people’s families.”

  “Your family is a lot bigger than mine,” she said. “And anyway, you’re practically family, Layla. We’ve known each other since we were in diapers.”

  Layla nudged her in the side. “We certainly fight like sisters!”

  It was true, but they looked after each other like sisters, too.

  The stall holder handed Dela a paper bag containing the warm pastries, and she paid him the money in return, not getting anything like the sort of change she had for exactly the same thing only a matter of weeks ago.

  Dela nodded to the castle overlooking them. “I bet they don’t have to pay double for everything this close to The Choosing.”

  Layla snorted. “Even if they did, it’s not as though they couldn’t afford it. They’re probably sitting on more money than either of us will see in our lives. Queen Crowmere probably wipes her backside with bills.”

  “Layla, hush!”

  She glanced around, making sure none of the City Guards were around. They could get in trouble for talking about the queen in such a way. The City Guards would be especially vigilant this morning when emotions were running high, expecting fights to break out, or even lootings and runaways.

  “I should get back,” Dela said. “It’s only another hour until The Choosing, and I don’t want my mother to get worried.”

  “Of course.”

  Already people were gathering near the platform at the base of the castle’s walls where the names would be called. The number of people called would be twenty or more, and everyone would want to hear each and every name, just in case either they or someone they loved—or even hated—was called upon. People jostled shoulders to get the best spots near the front, not wanting to miss anything.

  Dela leaned in and gave her friend a quick hug. “Good luck.”

  “You, too,” Layla said before turning and running off in the opposite direction, quickly engulfed by the crowds.

  Clutching the warm pastries to her chest, Dela headed home.

  Her father was standing outside the front door, frowning at her as she approached. “Where have you been? Your mother is worried sick.”

  “To get breakfast, Pops.” She lifted the paper bag containing the treats. “And I’m not a child anymore. I turned into adulthood four years ago, when I was sixteen. I’m only still living here because of—”

  Dela cut herself off, realizing she was about to say it was only because of them. She did
n’t want to say anything hurtful, not now. They were good parents, all in all. Her mother worried too much, and her father could be a little gruff, but considering the hand life had dealt them, she didn’t have much to complain about. She knew other girls who’d been put out to work in the brothels as soon as they’d turned sixteen—or sometimes even younger when the parents lied about their ages—and the money earned was given back to the household. At least she’d been allowed to learn a trade that didn’t involve her lying on her back or being on her knees.

  Her mother appeared, dressed in a long version of Dela’s tunic, which brushed the older woman’s ankles. “There you are. I was worried.”

  “I know, Mama. I’m sorry. But I brought your favorites.”

  She pushed the paper bag into her mother’s hands. Johanna opened the bag and burst into tears.

  Alarmed, Dela asked, “Don’t you like them anymore?”

  She swiped away at her tears. “Yes, I do. I love them. I’m just so frightened that tomorrow you’ll be gone.”

  “I’ll be fine, Mama. Just eat now. We have to leave soon.”

  “You need to eat, too.” Johanna reached into the bag and pulled out one of the pastries and handed it back to Dela. “It’s important you stay strong, just in case ...”

  “Everything is going to be fine, Mama. Wait and see.”

  Dela took the pastry her mother offered her and brought it to her mouth, only to discover her appetite had vanished and a cold worm of worry had replaced it.

  Chapter Two

  Warsgra

  HE LIFTED HIS AXE AND brought it down directly over the neck of the boar. The animal didn’t even have time to squeal before it collapsed to the ground, and hot blood spurted from the cut. The dying animal kicked its legs a couple of times, jerking in its death throes.

  Warsgra sent a prayer for the boar’s spirit up to the mountain Gods as the final breath left the animal’s body, and it fell still for good.

  Not wanting to let anything go to waste, Warsgra dipped his hand to the wound of the dying beast and allowed his palm to fill with the hot fluid. It warmed his skin, and, before it got the chance to cool, he brought the blood to his mouth and drank deeply.