Death's Rejected Child

Death's Rejected Child

The Wolfcaller Chronicles vol. Two

Written by: Melody Hewson

Smashwords Edition

Copyright Melody Hewson 2019

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgments and Special Thanks

I have so many people to thank for their help with this book. Without all of them, this book would still be an unfinished manuscript.

I think the biggest thank you of all time goes to Karl Lauterbach, who not only gave me constant and unwavering support, but also put up with my constant chattering on about the story and gave me endless amounts of encouragement to keep writing it.

My beta readers were also awesome and I greatly appreciate their generous donations of their time to read over the book and give me their valuable feedback. So another huge thank you goes out to Melissa Mack, Becca Wilfong, and EVERYONE in my Fantasy Writing Discord server.

The beautiful illustrations were provided by Mirta, who can be found at mirta_draws on instagram, Mirta Draws on facebook, and mirtadraws on tumblr. The amazing cover art was done by Ooki whose work can be found at https://www.instagram.com/ookiink/. I urge you to give both of these amazing artists a look if you need artwork done.

And of course, last but absolutely not least, I want to thank dad, for his support of my writing career, even though he occasionally tries to convince me otherwise.

The Wolfcaller Chronicles

Uprising – Book 1

Death's Rejected Child – Book 2

Other Novels By Melody Hewson

Eyes of the Wolf

An Angel Named Dog

Oh! Hello there, friend! Come in, come in! Set yourself by the fire and warm yourself up. Nasty weather out there tonight, isn't it? It's not just the rain, it's also that chill that sinks down into your very bones and eats into your soul. Most sensible folk stay safe and warm in their homes on a night like this.

Would yah care for something warm to drink? Why that's a silly question, now isn't it. Of course yah would. Some nice hot cider to knock that cold right out of yeh. I'll be but a moment to fetch it.

What's that? Nothing to drink, eh? I see. Say, you sure look mighty familiar, friend. I may not remember names so well anymore, but I never forget a face. Have you been here before?

Ah, but forgive my poor manners, asking your name when I didn't offer mine. I'm an old man, y'know, and sometimes you forget things when you get to be my age. The name's Teller! 'Fetch us a good story, Teller!' they say to me. That's because I know all the stories. Even the ones some folk would prefer to forget. But like I never forget a face, I never forget a story either, even in my twilight years. Say, you look like you could do with a good story. Have you heard the one about the Ork and the sorcerer? Ah, but that's a right popular one these days. Or how about the little kentaur that could?

No? None of those sound interestin' to yah? Oh, you want to hear about the Wolfcaller do yeh? I knew you looked familiar. It's not often I get asked about her anymore. But I told yah I know all the stories, and I do. Even those most folk aren't too keen to asking about.

Come a little closer now, can't speak too loudly about the wrath of the Wolfcaller, y'know. There's still some ears that just don't need reachin', if you get what I mean. Now then, if you'll recall, Nadirah Wolfcaller was a mighty warrior, and a fearsome creature in her own right. So fearsome, that the King of the Undead, Malthamus, wanted her for himself, and he had her killed so that he could resurrect her into one of his elite warriors that he called MidKnights.

While under the Undead King's control she committed some mighty atrocities and her name become one to fear. But that's not really where the next chapter of her story begins, y'know. The real story begins much, much later, after she meets someone very special.

Chapter One

The golden eagle's cry echoed across the barren land. Watchful golden eyes scanned the soil, seeking any signs of life, but observing only the evidence of past carnage and the discarded casualties of war. Bones, long scattered and picked clean, lay half buried in the blood-colored soil, while broken and rusted armor littered their resting places.

Another lonesome cry spilled across the red dust, sending a scavenging reebird back into the safety of its burrow. A cluster of dust devils stirred, rising from the ground as if to challenge the trespasser, but they scattered quickly under her gaze. Her cry was a sound of mourning, carrying the weight of memory with it.

Not many years ago, lush grass and tall reaching trees had covered the ground. Herds of kordox had grazed peacefully in wide open fields while serenaded by the mating calls of amorous insects. But war had come, with its endless appetite.

In the name of conquest, it had devoured the trees, turning them into barricades and ash. Vast armies had trampled the grass and slaughtered the kordox before slaughtering each other. The blood of the slain had cursed the land and stained it crimson. The once fertile soil was left barren, capable of only growing misery and memories.

A final echoing call released the last of the eagle's sorrow before she dropped from the cliff face, gave a flap of her great wings and soared away.

To'roc raised a hand to his face, shading his eyes from the brutal suns. The high screech of an eagle had reached his ears, but the toxic sky was empty. Eh, Gruk. He called to his companion. You see anyt'ing up dere?

The ork grunted and scanned the sky, then shook his head. Nothing but that bird over there.

Another cry tumbled across the land before To'roc finally spotted the approaching shadow in the green sky. Wow. It really be a bird, yah. Haven't seen one ah dem in so long. As the pair watched, the eagle began circle above them. To'roc scratched his chin in puzzlement as he tried to understand what could be attracting the animal. The only living creatures left were the little reebirds, and they were too small to make a meal for a large bird of prey.

Lower and lower the eagle circled, her cry echoing loudly in the stillness of the fort. Suddenly, the eagle folded her wings and dived toward the watchers. Gruk remained impassive as his eyes traced the eagle's path, but To'roc scrambled backwards, not wanting to be attacked by a desperate predator. As she came closer to the ground, the great bird spread her large wings and fluttered to a graceful landing. Golden eyes studied the two curiously for a moment, before she let out a series of chirps and whistles.

When the eagle offered no threat, To'roc inched closer. A wild bird would never behave in such a manner, but he thought it was possible the eagle was a messenger bird, As he stepped closer still, he spotted small protuberances atop the eagle's head.

The eagle tilted her head as she looked at the nervous jruu. She offered no threat but clicked her beak questioningly before taking a hopping step in his direction. She then gave her wings a half flap and looked at him expectantly.

To'roc began to extend his hand towards the eagle's feet, looking for a tied on message, when something hanging around the bird's neck caught his attention. He looked up to see a carved wooden talisman resting on the eagle's chest, half obscured by her feathers. Looking back to the eagle's head he saw what appeared to be tiny branching horns growing from the animal's skull. Druid? He asked out loud, half to himself and half to the bird.

The eagle cocked her head at his words, then fluffed out her feathers. Before the astonished agwa's eyes, the feathers softend and melted back into the bird's body. The eagle dipped her head and began to grow in size. The eagle's wings spread and elongated, the feathers thickening and fleshing out into fingers. Talons widened and legs stretched until finally a tarin doe stood where the eagle had a moment before. The doe lifted her head to look at To'roc, her golden eyes changed to a pale blue, and offered an awkward smile. I'm so sorry. She said, her voice thick with a barely restrained giggle. I always forget that non-druids can't understand me when I'm in my forms.

What bring yah here, druid? To'roc asked, his surprise falling into a scowl as he looked over the odd doe.

Her face was painted white in the way of druids, colorful symbols drawn across her cheeks, forehead and muzzle. Her vest looked to be made of the same golden feathers that had covered her as an eagle while her trousers were made of a tanned hide with feather patterns carved into the dyed leather. Feathered gloves matching her vest covered her hands.

Oh, yes. That. She replied, flashing another awkward smile. I'm Taiyra Sunmourne. She waited expectantly, but the name meant nothing to To'roc. He continued to scowl at her, waiting for an explanation. The druid. She added. To'roc's scowl increased. You... uh, didn't receive a message about me? She tilted her head slightly.

A soft tinkling sound drew To'roc's attention to the top of the druid's head, and he noticed for the first time that her horns had been shaped into small anters. Tiny trinkets dangled from each tine, jingling softly with her movements. Coiled around the base of her antlers and disappearing into her mane was a slash of green like some sort of plant. The jruu found them to be strangely charming and softened his mood.

Nuh. He finally replied. Don't get much uh anyt'ing heah. He let his eyes drift down again to take another look over the confused doe, her fawn-colored fur already gathering a layer of red dust. What it say?

Hm, well they did warn me that the messengers have been having trouble reaching you out here, but they were sure that one had gotten through. Taiyra said, shrugging off the bad news. Oh well. I mean, it's not a tragedy that it didn't arrive, right? I still made it here just fine. And I think I made rather good time if I do say so myself. I suppose being able to just up and fly over helps a lot too but I-

To'roc held up a hand to interrupt the string of babble. Da message?

Oh! Right! I'm sorry. Taiyra giggled softly, her ears flattening in embarrassment. I tend to get a little sidetracked sometimes. I can go on and on about nothing sometimes. Especially when I'm excited. You know, my grandmother used to tell me I could talk the ears off of a deaf kordox! But yes, the message. Well, it said, er, well I suppose it was supposed to say that I was being sent here to help. I'm Taiyra Sunmourn, by the way, have I mentioned that yet? Oh yes, of course I did. Anyway, I'm supposed to report to Commander To'roc Re'korik. That is you, right? They said you have a blonde mane and you like to paint the tips of your tusks red. So when I saw you from the air, I presumed you were him. You are him, right? Commander To'roc, I mean? Did I say your name right?

To'roc closed his eyes, trying to sort through the flood of words in order to find the important information. He ignored Gruk's amused grunt, but made plans to chide him about it later.Yes. He said slowly, finally looking at her again. I be da Commander, yah. But why did dey send yah heah?

Oh! The doe's ears perked up again and she opened her mouth to answer, raising her hand to point at the wall surrounding the compound.

Ghouls! The warning shout interrupted her words, causing both of them to turn their attention to the scout. A whole herd of them! And they're coming this way!

Because of those. The doe said.

To'roc ran to the scout's tower to confirm his call. The small outpost burs into activity around him as the other inhabitants readied themselves for the attack. The agua scrambled quickly up the ladder to the top of the guard post and looked out.

A shambling carpet of corpses was rapidly approaching. The rising dust half obscured the oncoming ghouls, but their wordless groans already began to drift to his ears.

You are supposed to hold them off as long as you can. The doe called from down below, her voice as calm as if she were discussing the weather. Reinforcements are coming. I'll help as much as I can.

To'roc muttered a curse under his breath, then spun to face the courtyard. Orks and agwa alike scurried with tasks to fortify the outpost against the coming attack. Secure dah gate! Ready dah rocks! Let's send dese felkahs back to dah dust dey came from, yah!

His hearts were beating furiously. Venom began to ooze from his skin in preparation for battle. He let out a war cry that was echoed by others, filling the air with a furious roar. To'roc allowed himself a brief smile before leaping down from the sentry tower. He let out another war cry as his feet hit the ground, which was once more echoed by those under his command. It would have no effect on the approaching undead, but it would bring a rush to the blood of those about to face them.

The moaning grew louder as the ghouls continued their forward march, their voices lobbed over the top of the wall like stones to disturb those below. The sentry continued to call out their progress as they came closer. There was nothing for To'roc to do but wait. His limbs began to shake. He had never expected the undead king's minions to make it so far into reclaimed lands, and certainly not so many of them at once. The jruu closed his eyes and clenched his fingers into a tight fist, waiting for the invasion to begin.

They...They've stopped. The sentry reported uneasily. To'roc opened his eyes again to look up at the posted guard. Now they're just standing there. Like they're waiting on something.

What do you mean? He called up. Something was wrong, the agwa could feel it in his core.

I mean, they're just... standing there. Just out of effective firing range. The sentry replied. Almost as if...

As if they're waiting for something. The jruu muttered to himself. Suddenly his eyes widened as the realization struck him. Diversion!

The wyverns were quick and silent. They swooped down out of the clouds so suddenly that those snatched up in their talons barely had the chance to utter a cry of surprise before being lifted into the air.

To'roc had the air knocked from his lungs as something heavy slammed into his back and sent him pitching forward. His arms were roughly grabbed and the ground fell away from his feet. He watched helplessly as the tide of ghouls finally began to advance on the fort amid the confusion.

He looked up at the creature carrying him higher into the sky. He knew the flying reptilian would drop him to his death once it flew high enough, and his venom would not work fast enough to stop it. Despite the futility of the actions, To'roc began to thrash about, trying desperately to kick or scratch the beast, but succeeded only in wearing himself out.

His energy spent, the agwa fell slack in the wyvern's grip to await his fate. His only hope was to grab the creature's foot or tail when it finally released him. He was distracted by his plans when a golden blur sped past him and an eagle's sharp cry filled his ears.

The agwa was forced to close his eyes when the wyvern suddenly began to spin in a rapid circle, making him dizzy. He was shaken violently and felt the wyvern's grip loosen on his arms while some sort of commotion took place above him. From the screams of both creatures, he surmised that the wyvern was being attacked by an eagle. It could only be the druid.

Unable to tell who was winning, To'roc renewed his own struggle to attack his captor from below, finally managing to land a solid blow to the wyvern's vulnerable belly and causing it to release him.

For a single breath, To'roc felt weightless. If he flapped his arms, he would surely soar off into the sky. Then gravity reinstated its claim, and he began to fall. The jruu frantically grasped at the air for anything to hold on to as he tumbled back down, but there was nothing. A sense of peace began to flow over him as he accepted his fate. He had fought his enemy all the way, and is death would be quick. Honorable. He had served his brethren well and would be remembered for his loyalty. Closing his eyes, To'roc began to recite the old prayer that would allow his spirit to join those of his ancestors long past.

His prayer was interrupted by the prick of claws on his ankle. Release me yah daft beast! He yelled furiously, assuming it to be the grasp of the returning wyvern. The claws dug deeper into his skin and his decent begin to slow. Glaring up at his captor, To'rock was surprised to see that it was not the wyvern gripping his leg but a large golden eagle. Druid?

The druid in eagle form flapped her wings furiously as she attempted to halt his decent, but her best efforts were only managing to slow his fall a little. The ground was rushing up to meet them at an alarming speed and To'roc was helpless to assist. Blood began to trickle along his leg as talons tore through his meager armor and begin to pierce his skin. The desperate flapping of her large wings was almost deafening.

The ground continued to surge up until, for the second time that day, the jruu had the breath knocked out of his body. The eagle let out an indignant squawk as they both went tumbling to the ground. As the bird rolled across the soil, her form melted away until she was a doe again, laying face down in the dusty soil.

To'roc gasped for breath, filling his sore lungs. As soon as he was able to move again, he rolled over and scrambled to the druid on all fours, crouching low to the ground as he gingerly lifted her into his arms. Drood! Drood! He panted, fear exaggerating the slur of his words. Ju be okay, yah?

Taiyra blinked up at him, her features slackened in her daze, but then her blue eyes found his and she smiled up at him. Oh good, you're alright. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to slow us down enough. Her smile faded slightly. You are alright, aren't you? Anything hurt or broken?

To'roc shook his head without thought. If every bone in his body had shattered during his fall he'd deny it just to keep from worrying her. I be fine, yah. Ju hurt?

The doe shook her head and allowed him to assist her back to her feet. I'll be fine. But if you'll pardon me... Taking a step back, she stretched out her arms and lifted her head to look up at the sky. Mere moments later, the golden eagle spread her wings and launched herself back into the air.

To'roc watched her for a moment as she chased another wyvern until she disappeared. Impressed by her bravery, he allowed the ghost of a smile grace his lips before he lowered his gaze to his surroundings.

He found himself still within the confines of the fort walls, shattered bodies littering the ground around him. To'roc shuddered as he thought about how close he had come to being one of them. The wailing of attacking ghouls filled the air. Calling upon years of training, the jruu set is feelings aside for later and grabbed a dropped battle ax as he ran toward the skirmish at the gates. His war cry was flung into the air as he ran, heartening him as the others echoed his call.

For days, the siege continued. The wyverns had long ago been driven away, but the endless army of undead continued their relentless assault, and each hour left fewer to drive them back. Those who were still remaining fought the claim of exhaustion as hard as they fought the ghouls.

To'roc knocked a cresting ghoul back down with a swing of his axe, but another was right behind it. His limbs were growing increasingly leaden with each slash of his weapon. His venom had long since dried, giving his skin a chalky white appearance. He had been fighting nearly non-stop and even his last reserves of strength were running dry.

Mindless puppets, nothing more than the reanimated bodies of the fallen, the ghouls knew no pain, no fear, and no exhaustion. Their movements were slow and jerky, they were easily destroyed, but they had sheer numbers on their side.

The jruu's axe and gloves were coated in ichor. Severed limbs squirmed at his feet. He had long ago lost count of how many of the creatures he himself had dispatched, and there was still no end in sight. A few feet to his side, Gruk swatted two of the creatures into the air with a swipe of one meaty arm. Ey, Gruk. He called to his second in command after dispatching another ghoul. I t'ink we're finally tirin' dem out now, yah?

The Brun grabbed the heads of two more ghouls and smashed them together before letting the bodies drop back behind the wall, then cast a glance in To'roc's direction. The ork's face had a gaunt and sunken appearance, his thick grey skin scratched and cracking. His red-rimmed eyes also betrayed the exhaustion that pride would never let him admit to. Yeah. He replied gruffly. And those paladins are certainly helping too.

To'roc slashed at the top of a head that had just begun peeking over the wall, getting a splash of ichor across his face as the ghoul fell away. What? What paladeens? He dared to lean over to get a peek of what lay beyond the wall. A sudden blinding flash of light made him cry out in pain and tumble backwards, falling from the small walkway and thudding to the ground below.

Those paladins. Came Gruk's monotone reply.

The world was nothing but pain. Unconsciousness melted away like ice, exposing a desert of red agony. The tarin's eyelids fluttered but she couldn't seem to find the strength to open them. Questions began to bubble up in her mind. Where was she? What happened? Where was everyone?

Flashes of disconnected memories rose to the surface of her mind before sinking back into the mire of confusion. There was a battle. Was she in it? Ghouls. So many that they carpeted the land. Wyverns. Falling. A blinding explosion of white pain. Pain that had turned her blood into shards of glass. Pain so deep that it had taken permanent root inside of her, sending out its tendril-like roots to feed on her throbbing aches and taking nourishment from her fractured nerves until it bloomed into a fiery blossom of agony within her chest.

She tried once more to open her eyes, but while they twitched, they still stubbornly refused to open. Moving on, the doe attempted to move her hand next. Her fingers shook as she slowly stretched them out and then curled them back into a loose fist.

The muscles were stiff and sore, but they responded to her desire for movement. So she was alive. Somehow. After moving her fingers, she began to bend her wrists up and down until she