Stone Lord Read online

Stone Lord

  A short story in the Night Warriors series

  By Brenna Lyons

  Note: The muse loves games of 'what if.' In this case, the game went something like... We know that the Stone's plans are capable of going awry. We know the young Stone lord is typically in his twenties, thirties, or even forties, when the previous one dies, leaving the younger lord to the Stone.

  So, what would happen if the Stone's timeline for succession to the Stone was fouled, and the young Stone lord was a child, when his predecessor died? Would the Stone be lost to them, until the new lord was cursed? Would a child hold the Stone? As it turned out, the Stone gave me the story of a young Stone lord from an earlier Beast War, in just such a situation. The answer was...neither of the above...

  Happy reading!

  Brenna

  Night Warriors

  "Brenna Lyons is formidable in the art of world building and storytelling. This novel delivers and carries its own creative weight, where the contemporary world meets Teutonic legend. This is not just a tale where a mocking Stone god uses Warriors as weapons against blood drinking monsters; this is about change, never-ending love, family, and devotion."

  Reviewed by Patrice F. for Joyfully Reviewed

  "The story is rich in Germanic lore and history of the two classes of people. The book is done in sections or parts and I think this gives a richer understanding of the overall story being told here. The world-building is excellent. The Warriors lifestyle is very inventive, as well as the Beasts'. By the end of the [first] story I was seriously on the edge and loving every minute. The ending however shocked the hell out of me. Not what I expected. But the story is fricken fantastic and worth it! The second part of the story starts out years later, and the battle still rages on between Beasts and Warriors. The book could have ended and I'd have been fine, but knowing there is more to come makes me excited to revisit this world! It has vampires, warriors and bad chicks! The sex is hot! The fight scenes while not overly bloody, still kick ass! Don't let it pass you by!"

  Reviewed by Acquanetta Ferguson for the San Diego Erotica Books Examiner 5 stars! "Highly recommended buy!"

  "Ms. Lyon's Night Warriors is one of the most intriguing stories I've read in a long time. The depth of detail is well complimented by the fully developed characters and Machiavellian twists and turn of the plot. From the enigmatic stone which guides the Night Warriors, to the political power plays the different house Lords enact and most importantly to the risks the warriors and their ladies are willing to take, this saga will have you fascinated with the complexity of the Night Warriors world and their struggle to live, love and protect mankind."

  Reviewed by Brenda Edde for Romance Junkies 4.5 Ribbons

  "Brenna Lyons has created an amazing fantasy world. My emotions went through a roller coaster; I laughed, I cried, I cringed, and at times, I wanted to scream in agony. I love this world; I love these characters. Brenna Lyons is one of my favourite authors, and so far, Night Warriors is my favourite book of hers. I would not hesitate to recommend it, and her, to everyone."

  Reviewed by Jaynie for Fallen Angels Reviews 5 Angels

  Will of the Stone

  "There is so much going on, yet it all fits within the confines of the story. The world-building is excellent and it feels so big yet the author contains in 80k words. The lore in the story is totally believable. Great characters and great fight scenes make this a great paranormal read. The love scenes are told in loving detail. Seriously, do not let this one pass you by!"

  Reviewed by Acquanetta Ferguson for San Diego Erotica Books Examiner 5 stars "Highly recommended buy!"

  Remember Me

  "Jorg is one of the most compelling Vampires this reviewer has read about. Lyons herself states that she is not sure if Jorg is the villain or the hero and leaves it to the reader to choose. This reviewer clearly sees him as the hero. Lyons shows us his pain, his vulnerability, his deep undying love for one woman. Jorg's deep sensuality and sexuality comes through in Ms. Lyons' writing. She hints at more exotic sexual experience, yet is sensitive to the novice reader. Admittedly, this reviewer enjoys reading about men who are strong, protective, unafraid to show their passionate love yet have vulnerabilities? Jorg is all of this and more."

  Reviewed by Gina for Love Romances 4 Roses

 

  "This is definitely not a "feel good" light kind of read. This story is filled with tortured souls, lost love, and the inhumanity of man. It explores the darker part of life, from torture, bought women, and the struggle for power, we gain an insight of how a favored warrior can become a beast. For all you lovers of the darker side of the human soul, this story is one I recommend putting on your TBR list."

  Reviewed by Chere Gruver for Sensual Romance

  Veriel's Tales I: Crossbearer Turned

  "Ms. Lyons has given us another great story, one that answers the questions of why Veriel turned beast. It makes a heart-wrenching tale, to read of the pain he went through. She has once again gripped us by the shirt collar and woven a spell of a fantasy world that has warriors that protect the innocent. It may be that all is not what it seems and that Veriel isn't as evil as we thought. The love he shows for Regana, her mate and her family shows he is more warrior than beast."

  Reviewed by Donna for Fallen Angels Reviews 5 Angels

  "The story of love, honor and betrayal unfolding against the ruthless backdrop of the warriors' lives, mortal risks and immortal souls being at the stake. The blend of romance, drama and mystical lore makes the reading experience quite enjoyable."

  Reviewed by Daria for Romance Junkies 4 Ribbons

  Opposites Attract: A Lesson In Temperance

  "Brenna has done it again. This book is outstanding and though it's short, it leaves you completely satisfied. What happens between them is powerful, intense, and ultimately fulfilling for them both. If you want something that makes you sit back after and sigh happily, Opposites Attract - Temperance is the book for you."

  Reviewed by Cyndi Witkus for In The Library Reviews

  Devon's Price: Ten of Cups

  "As I read Devon's Price, I found myself hurting along with Devon, fighting the madness with him. Yet at the same time feeling the conflict Michelle was going through for loving him and wanting to be mated, yet being torn at leaving her family. But the main thing that sold me on this book was Devon. He is a leading Warrior in his family, yet is still sensitive and able to show his feelings."

  Reviewed by Debbie for Fallen Angels Reviews 5 Angels! Recommended Read!

 

  The Blade Chaser's Son

  "I have read Ms. Lyons work, and she has never put out something that I did not enjoy. Maybe I'm just that agreeable . . . but I think she is really just that good. Yeah, she's just that good."

  Reviewed By Marissa for Novelspot

  Sweet Jacquine

  "The author has crafted the rival tribes of Beast and Warrior, whose societies combine aspects of both Celtic and Teutonic cultures in refreshing new ways. Appetite whetted by this glimpse into a fascinating new world, I will look for more of Ms. Lyons' Night Warrior books."

  Reviewed by Alegria for Reviewer for Coffee Time Reviews 4 Cups

  ? 2009 Brenna Lyons

  Cover by Brenna Lyons ? 2010

  You can find additional Night Warriors series at Phaze.

  Stone Lord is a work of fiction from the Night Warriors series. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events is entirely coincidental.

  Thank you for downloading this free e-book. You are welcome to share it with your friends. This book may be reproduced, copied, and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form. Reselling of this e-book is strictly prohibited and may be punishable by law.

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nbsp; {Come to me. Come now.}

  Brand went still, listening for the voice again. Who was it? The bright sunlight and the lack of response from his older brothers who had sealed their curses attested that it wasn't a beast.

  {Come now.}

  His head spinning, he launched into the trees. His young legs pumped hard, and he scrambled over rocks, jumped obstacles, skidded down steep inclines.

  His lungs burned. His muscles ached. Brand was sure he was bleeding from a dozen places, and still he ran, following the voice calling to him.

  At last, he collapsed, panting, shaking, coated in sweat. His body protested a hundred abuses, and he was too weary to do more than scoop a handful of water from the rushing stream an arm's length away and give in to his body's demands to crumple.

  Brand stared at the darkened sky in disbelief. His mother hadn't summoned him to midday meal yet when the voice had called to him. He'd lost the day? Though his aching body confirmed that he could have run that long, his reasoned mind insisted even a Warrior sealed in Krankheit had limits that didn't stretch this far.

  How far had he come? Why had he? There were no answers forthcoming.

  {Sleep.}

  In the next instant, he did.

  * * * *

  "We will find him," Tel promised his mate.

  How the boy had managed to disappear so completely was a mystery. One moment, he'd been playing with his brothers and cousins. The next, he'd vanished.

  So far, the best trackers had only been able to follow him a league, and they'd lost his trail four times, in that length. A trained Warrior couldn't travel so stealthily, let alone an untrained boy. But, he had.

  "Why would he do this?" Gia sobbed.

  There was no answer to that. It was as much a mystery as everything else about this situation. Brand was a responsible child...or had been until this.

  At a loss to offer any further comfort, he hugged her to his chest. Gods but her pain killed him. When he found Brand, the boy would learn a lesson usually reserved for those cursed already.

  * * * *

  {Wake, young Warrior. Come to me.}

  Brand dragged himself up, emptied his bladder, and swallowed several mouthfuls of water. He looked around, but he didn't recognize his surroundings. Plants he'd never seen before confirmed that he was far from the safety of his home.

  He'd spent the night in the open, only his father's amulet protecting him, and he had no idea which way was home.

  {I protect you. Come to me.}

  Brand winced at the sharp edge to that voice, and it softened.

  {Come to me, Brand of the Sword.}

  He nodded numbly, pivoting on his bare heel. Where had his boots gone? Had he lost them the day before and not realized it?

  The voice crooned to him. He placed the sun at his back. Then he was in motion again.

  The world sped past him, around him, a blur of motion.

  He stumbled to his knees, letting his head fall back. The sky was dark again, the day inexplicably gone. Brand slid to his side, reveling in the damp soil beneath his cheek, letting his eyes close.

  How long would this last?

  {Tomorrow. Come to me tomorrow.}

  Brand groaned at the idea of another day like this.

  {Sleep.}

  * * * *

  "How could you lose him?" Tel shouted at his brother.

  Bil ground his teeth. "I cannot explain it. How could a child do this?"

  Tel's answer was lost in the thunder of hoof beats. He turned, watching Alreed of the Sun pull his horse to a halt. The other man tipped his head in a curt welcome.

  "We need your son, Tel," he blurted out.

  The words to reply stuck in his throat.

  Bil did it for him. "You need which son? And why?"

  Alreed sighed. "My father is dead."

  Tel's heard pounded in fear. "The Stone." Gods alive! Had the Stone called for Brand?

  "He was carrying it," Alreed hurried on. "He died before we reached him, and without the connection of his living injuries, we have been unable to find the Stone. Perhaps...your son could --"

  "Brand is missing," Tel grumbled. "But now I know why he is."

  Alreed let loose a string of harsh curses. "I must return to my range. We will have every Warrior searching for the young Stone lord."

  "Wait!"

  Alreed turned back, his brow up in a silent question.

  "I am coming with you."

  He hesitated only a moment and then nodded.

  * * * *

  Brand hardly remembered rising that morning. He ran. All that was left was the steady burn of his moving muscles and the sweet voice calling to him.

  He stopped short, his mind clearing. It had released him...yet not. Brand couldn't feel the bone weariness he knew was to come.

  The cave he'd stopped at was deep and dark, even in the low sun slanting into it. A shiver worked down his spine at the thought of entering it.

  {Come, Brand of the Sword. I protect you.}

  He nodded numbly, staggering into the darkness, his legs quaking.

  The smell brought him up short, and he gagged.

  Beast. Surely, that stench could be nothing less.

  {No, young one. There is no beast.}

  His thinking mind -- what little was left of it, in his exhaustion -- cautioned that it was a trick...a trap of some sort. Something deeper won out. Without reason or explanation, Brand trusted the voice.

  His eyes adjusted to the semidarkness, and shapes stood out from the rest. His eyes watered, and his nose and throat burned. With every step, it got worse. At last, he turned and emptied acid from his clenching stomach.

  Brand wiped the back of his hand against his cracked lips. His legs protested rising again, but he managed it.

  A lump of fur and rags took shape into a fallen Warrior, sacred weapon in hand. The scream of horror he wanted to vent caught in his throat.

  It is the life we lead, he reminded himself.

  {Take his weapon.}

  Brand shook his head, his voice rasping out. "I am not permitted to. Not for three more years."

  {Take the weapon.}

  His blood mark heated, searing his flesh. Was it the Stone commanding him? Why would the Stone speak to an untrained child? His hand shaking, Brand complied.

  {Dig his rest at the mouth of the cave, young Warrior. Return my son to me.}

  He turned, picking his way to the entrance. The first thrust of the blade into the soil met with resistance. Brand wrenched it free and attacked again...and again.

  As when he ran, his mind deserted him, retreating from the pain and fatigue.

  Brand came to consciousness over the open grave, the sun a distant memory. He bowed his head. Sleep. He begged for it, sure that he would see none of it until the Stone allowed it.

  {Soon. For now, we must lay your brother Warrior to rest.}

  He groaned, hoisting himself up and stumbling into the cave. The Warrior was a large one, larger even than Brand's father was. How was he supposed to move him?

  {You are stronger than you think, Brand of the Sword. You use my strength well.}

  The first tug succeeded in toppling the foul bulk against him. The second moved them both half an arm's length toward the grave.

  There was no retreating from this unpleasant task. Brand felt every tearing pain in his muscles, suffered every frustration when the body caught on rocks and roots.

  He certainly suffered the smell. Twice, he had to turn his head and bring forth whatever his stomach would release, trying desperately not to lose his grip on the Warrior.

  It was all he could do to fall atop the body instead of beneath it at the graveside.

  {Remove his packs and belt. You will wear them now.}

  Beyond the idea of arguing, Brand did as the voice commanded. He donned the weapons belt and sheathed the sacred weapon reverently. He left the rest on the ground, so as not to burden himself until he'd laid the Warrior to rest.

  He rolled th
e body into the grave with a grunt of pain. Then he lay on the ground, begging silently for rest.

  {Soon. Finish the task, young Warrior.}

  Brand let loose a string of curses worthy of his father or eldest brother. He started pushing piles of soil over the body.

  A poke at his ribs reminded him that he still wore his wooden weapon. Weapon. Warriors were buried with their weapons, when they fell in battle.

  But the voice had ordered him to keep the weapon. Torn, he considered it. A Warrior was buried with weapons. His hand shaking, hoping it wasn't sacrilege, Brand dropped his wooden weapon into the grave.

  {Well met, young son.}

  He nodded and went back to filling in the hole. He knelt wearily on the loose-packed soil. Please...may I sleep now?

  {Soon.}

  Fury lit in him, and he cried out in anger.

  {Open the pack but do not touch the object within.}

  Brand stomped to it and fumbled the ties open. His breath caught at the sight of the Stone, the blue glow radiating out in warming waves.

  He glanced to the grave and swallowed hard. The Warrior had been the old Stone lord. Ready or not, trained or not, Brand was next in line.

  {Draw your blade and touch it to me. Quickly now. There is much to do.}

  His hands trembling, Brand did as the Stone bid. His head rocked back at the connection, and his mind went numb at the knowledge coursing through him.

  {Remove your amulet, young Warrior. You must protect me, as a Warrior would.}

  I do not know how. He had no training. Even if his curse was upon him, Brand had only seen his brothers train and played at battle with wooden weapons. He couldn't protect the Stone that way.

  The flow of information increased. Snips of strategies and battles fought passed by him.

  {Remove your amulet, Brand.}

  He reached up with his free hand and snapped the thong.

  The flow sped past, so quickly he couldn't focus on single items in it. At last, it ended, and he slid to the ground, his breathing harsh. There was blood in his mouth, and his jaw ached. In the distance, the first rays of rosy dawn were breaking.