Empress Aurora Trilogy Quest For the Kingdom Parts I, II, and III Revised With Index (Quest For the Kingdom Set) Read online

  Of Feasts and Frolics

  Chapter XVII

  In the Garden of Frivolity

  Chapter XVIII

  Lothair and the Legend

  Chapter XIX

  The Desert of Dubar

  Chapter XX

  The City of Gold

  Chapter XXI

  Koohyaram

  Chapter XXII

  The Ashkani

  Chapter XXIII

  The Merchant

  Chapter XXIV

  A Fortunate Escape

  Chapter XXV

  The Isles of Solone

  Chapter XXVI

  The Strangers In the Inn

  Chapter XXVII

  The Temple of Light

  Chapter XXVIII

  The Pearl

  Chapter XXIX

  The Hermit

  Chapter XXX

  The Waterfall of Wisdom

  Chapter XXXI

  The Champion

  Chapter XXXII

  The Decision

  Chapter XXXIII

  In the Garden of Agreement

  Chapter XXXIV

  Logos

  Chapter XXXV

  River of Life

  Part II Conquering the Domain of Darkness

  Table of Contents

  Chapter I

  The River of Remorse

  Chapter II

  Lycenium

  Chapter III

  Festival In the Streets

  Chapter IV

  Tullia

  Chapter V

  A Proposal of Marriage

  Chapter VI

  A Soldier

  Chapter VII

  Betrayed

  Chapter VIII

  A Confession Most Unexpected

  Chapter IX

  Brothers of the Blood

  Chapter X

  Farewell To Lycenium

  Chapter XI

  The Forest of Forgotten Delights

  Chapter XII

  A Dangerous Storm

  Chapter XIII

  A Vision In the Night

  Chapter XIV

  Cort

  Chapter XV

  Dag’s Tale

  Chapter XVI

  The Decision of Dag

  Chapter XVII

  Land of the Long Day

  Chapter XVIII

  A Strange Celebration

  Chapter XIX

  The Confrontation

  Chapter XX

  The First Battle

  Chapter XXI

  Return To Gaudereaux

  Chapter XXII

  The Folly of Fanchon

  Chapter XXIII

  Goodbye

  Chapter XXIV

  A Perilous Crossing

  Chapter XXV

  In the Dragon’s Belt

  Chapter XXVI

  A Desperate Dilemma

  Chapter XXVII

  The Mysterious Isle

  Chapter XXVIII

  A Maze of Confusion

  Chapter XXIX

  The Hideous Secret

  Chapter XXX

  Customs

  Chapter XXXI

  Elena’s Story

  Chapter XXXII

  Arrival In Valerium

  Chapter XXXIII

  News From Afar

  Chapter XXXIV

  Encounter With Valerius

  Chapter XXXV

  What the Empress Proposed

  Part III Invitation To Eternity

  Table of Contents

  Chapter I

  The Old Ones

  Chapter II

  An Icy Heart

  Chapter III

  A World of Water

  Chapter IV

  A Father’s Fame

  Chapter V

  The Healing Spring

  Chapter VI

  The Choice

  Chapter VII

  Felix Has a Plan

  Chapter VIII

  Rivers of Living Water

  Chapter IX

  The Mountains of Moogotypan

  Chapter X

  A Rooftop World

  Chapter XI

  The People of the Forgotten Tongue

  Chapter XII

  Stairway To the Sky

  Chapter XIII

  The Temple of the Starry Hosts

  Chapter XIV

  Night of the Star Showers

  Chapter XV

  Song of the Siren

  Chapter XVI

  Isle of the Flaming Flowers

  Chapter XVII

  The Flame Throwers

  Chapter XVIII

  Mountain of Fire

  Chapter XIX

  To Never Walk Alone

  Chapter XX

  The Sacred Stones

  Chapter XXI

  The Rays of the Sun

  Chapter XXII

  Confrontation On the Mountaintop

  Chapter XXIII

  The Cliffs of Albinium

  Chapter XXIV

  Tidings From A Distant Land

  Chapter XXV

  An Unexpected Return

  Chapter XXVI

  The Grove of Oak Trees

  Chapter XXVII

  A Warm Welcome and A Hostile Encounter

  Chapter XXVIII

  A Friend For Cort

  Chapter XXIX

  A Dark Festival

  Chapter XXX

  The Circle

  Chapter XXXI

  The Secret of Life

  Chapter XXXII

  Farewell To Good Friends

  Chapter XXXIII

  News From Lycenium

  Chapter XXXIV

  Encounter With the Empress

  Chapter XXXV

  It Was She and She Alone I Sought

  Quest For the Kingdom

  Part I

  The Legend of the Great Pearl

  By L. M. Roth

  Text Copyright© 2012 L. M. Roth

  All Rights Reserved

  Preface

  “I heard of a legend, one I have never forgotten. It was said that there is a great Pearl, a gem of marvelous and terrible beauty. It was said that it is more costly than gold, more precious than silver, more glorious than any other jewel to be found in all the world. And it was said that any one could buy it, but the price of it cost all that one possessed. Have you ever heard of this Pearl, Marcus?”

  “No, Your Grace, I have never heard of it.”

  “I have been obsessed with the thought of possessing that Pearl since first I heard of it. I sent messengers far and wide for further news of it, of where it might be found. But no one could tell me more. Yet I know it exists; of that I am certain.”

  Aurora leaned toward Marcus, gripping tightly the arms of her throne. Her jade eyes glittered with a greedy light in their green depths.

  “I want that Pearl, Marcus. I will never rest until I possess it. And I want you to find it and bring it back to me.”

  “But, but…I would not know how to find it, Your Grace. Indeed, I would not know where to begin.”

  “Why, you just simply start in the land of Gaudereaux, and go from there. You are a resourceful young man. Anyone who could escape from the Eirini could surely find a way to the Pearl.”

  “What of my parents? My journey may be a long one. What of them? How long must they be your prisoners?”

  Aurora lifted her head slightly and shot Marcus a dazzling smile. Then she laughed a tinkling laugh like the jingle of silver bells.

  “Oh, did I not make it clear to you? The release of your parents depends upon the success of your quest. No Pearl, no parents.”

  Marcus struggled for breath. He stared at Aurora blindly, the room spinning around him once more.

  “I want that Pearl. You go and get it for me. Then we will talk about releasing your parents. But, Marcus, you bring me that Pearl.”

  Table of Contents

  Chapter I

  The Gate In the Garden

  Chapter II

  The Enslavement


  Chapter III

  A Change of Fortune

  Chapter IV

  The Homecoming

  Chapter V

  News of An Astonishing Nature

  Chapter VI

  A Stunning Revelation

  Chapter VII

  In the Palace of the Empress Aurora

  Chapter VIII

  The Order of the Empress

  Chapter IX

  A Most Enlightening Interview

  Chapter X

  The Quest Begins

  Chapter XI

  The Land of the Long Spears

  Chapter XII

  The Introduction of Dag

  Chapter XIII

  A Journey Through the Forest

  Chapter XIV

  The Stowaway

  Chapter XV

  The Land of Gaudereaux

  Chapter XVI

  Of Feasts and Frolics

  Chapter XVII

  In the Garden of Frivolity

  Chapter XVIII

  Lothair and the Legend

  Chapter XIX

  The Desert of Dubar

  Chapter XX

  The City of Gold

  Chapter XXI

  Koohyaram

  Chapter XXII

  The Ashkani

  Chapter XXIII

  The Merchant

  Chapter XXIV

  A Fortunate Escape

  Chapter XXV

  The Isles of Solone

  Chapter XXVI

  The Strangers In the Inn

  Chapter XXVI

  The Temple of Light

  Chapter XXVIII

  The Pearl

  Chapter XXIX

  The Hermit

  Chapter XXX

  The Waterfall of Wisdom

  Chapter XXXI

  The Champion

  Chapter XXXII

  The Decision

  Chapter XXXIII

  In the Garden of Agreement

  Chapter XXXIV

  Logos

  Chapter XXXV

  River of Life

  Chapter I

  The Gate In the Garden

  It was on a day of birdsong and roses that the world he knew ended forever. The dew still shimmered on the carpet of green grass. The trilling song of the thrush pierced his heart with its unbearable sweetness. The scent of roses as light as gossamer floated to his nostrils on the air, and as he exulted in the promise of romance they symbolized he dreamed of Tullia.

  Marcus leaned back on an iron bench and breathed in the day. The thrush and his mate soared past, warbling a duet as they flew, and he smiled as a vision of Tullia rose to his mind. He had met her only three months ago, yet already he wondered if she would be his mate, much as the pair of birds whose song enchanted him so.

  Tall and elegant, with a dignity that was much admired among the members of his father’s generation, as much as her blue-black waves that rippled from her bandeaux, and azure eyes that rivaled the brilliance of the noon sky provoked excitement among his own, Marcus cherished her gracious refinement as much as he adored her beauty. Yes, she would be a wife worthy to bear the name of Maximus!

  The June morning was fresh and cool; a day for rejoicing in the gift of life. Marcus breathed deeply the heady aroma of the bouquet of roses. The delicate sweetness of the pink blossoms mingling with the spicy hint of cinnamon that emanated from the vivid red blooms was borne aloft on the morning breeze.

  The garden had been laid out in meticulous detail in a manner in keeping with the stately villa whose grounds it graced. Bricked walkways wound through the garden, taking the stroller from one delightful vista to another. A spray of water leapt from the lips of the faun in the center of the marble fountain, splashing on the pool whose drops of water dazzled in the morning light. The sun glazed the amber and bronze tiles of the floor of the pergola, turning it to a blaze of golden flame.

  But Marcus had not come to the garden of his father’s estate to idle in the dew-drenched morning, nor to daydream of delights not yet tasted. No, for he had an appointment with his close friend Felix.

  For as long as he could remember, Felix had been the brother he had always longed for. With his quick wit, keen intelligence and a charm that could disarm the most disapproving of old ladies, Felix could always be depended upon to brighten even the gloomiest day. Many were the escapades they had shared, many the adventures they still hoped to savor together.

  Their custom was to meet in the garden of the Maximus estate, then walk together to the arena, where they engaged in a round of sparring and some sword play before heading to the baths. This daily practice was vital, for the very life of their society depended upon the strength of its warriors. At seventeen, Marcus longed for the day he would see real combat and test his strength against seasoned warriors.

  Valerium was a mighty empire that ruled most of the known world. What it didn’t dominate, it sought to subdue. For more than seven hundred years it had lusted for power and might, bringing all within its grasp under its control. The very name of Valerium struck terror into the hearts of those who heard it and were not so fortunate as to be part of its ruling class.

  It had been born when a crafty young statesman named Valerianus had sensed the time was opportune to overturn the weak, ineffectual king of his day. With a magnetism that drew others to him and a brilliant mind that perceived all possible angles of every question, he prevailed on the laboring classes to rise up against the unfortunate sovereign. Strength to conquer every other nation and rule the known world was what he promised, and he was true to his word. Within a year of taking the throne he had forged an army that fearlessly invaded other lands and brought them to heel. One by one they fell to the power of the army, until Valerium’s domain was so vast that it would take a man a year on horseback to traverse it from one end to the other.

  Slaves from every corner of the Empire were brought to its center, to ease the lives of the aristocrats. Escape from slavery in Valerium was nearly impossible, as was discovered by those who attempted to flee their bonds. For her Imperial Army was invincible, and the Imperial Guards mounted constant watch over the citizenry, both free and slave. From the snow-tipped mountains of Lucerna to the sun-drenched beaches of Golida the Empire spanned, a realm uneasily inhabited by slaves both actual and possible, since one’s life depended upon the favor of its ruler.

  Nowhere in all its vast domain was anyone to be found more ruthless than the Empress Aurora. As bloodthirsty as she was beautiful, she brooked no challenge from any man. Those who dared to think she was a weak woman not worthy of her throne soon found out their mistake.

  Marcus reflected on this as he basked in the glory of the morning. He would not want to be the one who made the fatal error of underestimating Empress Aurora!

  Aurora had come to Potentus, the capital city of Valerium just four months ago upon the death of her father, Emperor Beatus, beloved by the Valerian people who mourned his passing, and dreaded the rule of his vain and tempestuous daughter. Although she had lived and ruled as Governess representing the Empire for many years in the province of Gaudereaux, the stories about her in Valerium itself were legendary.

  It was said that it took little to offend her, and those who did quickly regretted it. Her temper inspired terror in the bravest of men, and she looked on all women as rivals for supremacy of beauty, a contest she determined to win.

  All of Potentus was stunned when Aurora’s husband, Liberius, suddenly died only one week after their return to Potentus, where she quickly assumed her imperial duties. Yet, the citizens were shocked even more by Aurora’s behavior upon his death: she did not wear the traditional garb of mourning, nor curtail any of her social festivities, and displayed no sign of grieving for husband or father. Speculation was rife, but whispers were stifled, as no one wished to take up residence in the Imperial dungeons…

  Marcus realized abruptly that the morning was getting on and he was still alone. He had left the gate in the garden open for Felix. But the min
utes passed and he did not come…

  Suddenly, Marcus was jerked out of his reverie by the sound of metal clanging on metal. He leapt to his feet and with reflexes sharpened by long training he whipped out the dagger he always carried in the pocket of his robe.

  Into the garden poured a legion of armed men, tall, erect, and broad of shoulder. Marcus recognized the black and rose-red livery of the Palace Guards. But what were they doing here, in the villa of General Valerius Maximus?

  “Put down your dagger,” roared the Captain of the Guard. Lean and bronzed with rippling muscles earned from many a hard campaign, he looked fierce and ready to kill any foe who dared to oppose him. Marcus knew he had better obey. But he was not to be so easily intimidated.

  “What do you want? How dare you enter the Villa Maximus in this manner!” he challenged the Captain as he drew himself up to his full height with dagger at the ready.

  But the guards were too many. Three of them encircled Marcus. They danced away from his outthrust dagger, deftly dodging his furious stabs. One side-stepped the dagger only to be caught with an upper cut to the jaw from Marcus’ right fist. Another moved to Marcus’ left but found himself flying to the ground as Marcus whirled around with a well-aimed kick to his rear.

  Then one guard crept up from behind and brought a stunning blow from his spear down on the crown of Marcus’ head. He sank to the ground and into darkness…

  Chapter II

  The Enslavement

  Creak, creak, creak. Splash, splash, splash. Creak, splash. Creak, splash. Creak, splash. Slowly, he returned to the surface. As of one coming up from the darkest depths of the ocean and back to the light of the world, he fought his way from slumber. Dazed, he lay in the darkness listening to the sound of waves smashing against timber, the incessant creaking grating on his weary brain.

  It was dark. Even when he opened his eyes it was dark. Marcus lifted his head and winced. Pain crashed through his skull and flashes of light darted through his vision. Then he remembered; the blow to his head after the assault on the estate. But where was he now?

  Gingerly he glanced from side to side. His eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness and he saw wooden walls on either side of him. He became aware of a heavy weight on his wrists and ankles. He tried to lift his arm and heard the clanking of chains. He pulled up his legs, but they raised only so far. He was shocked into complete awareness as the full truth of his position smote him: he was manacled.