Lilith's Sword: Chronicles of Mahon Book Three, page 1
LILITH’S SWORD
Chronicles of Mahon Book Three
BRENDA MURPHY
Copyright © 2022 by Brenda Murphy
Cover Art by Sarah Waites Copyright © 2022
Published November 2022 by Quinby Sideshow Publications, Ohio USA.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Brenda Murphy @ brenda@brendalmurphy.com”
Created with Vellum
For C, until the rivers of time run dry.
CONTENTS
Untitled
Untitled
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
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by Brenda Murphy
LILITH’S SWORD
by
BRENDA MURPHY
1
Smoke drifted through the courtyard. Mara stepped over the smoldering remains of the human she had dispatched. The late afternoon sun glittered off her guardians armor as they marched forward, destroying all they encountered. The screams of the living and the dying surrounded her, soothing the ache in her heart. Once clear of the outer gate, Mara rose to her full height in her goddess form. From her position she assessed their progress. Most of the defenders had retreated to the citadel. With the massive gates closed the fighters left outside were abandoned to their fates.
On the parapet next to her, Faizah, resplendent in her multihued dragon form, spread her wings, opened her mouth, and blasted the writhing mass of warriors below with her fire. The yellow flame incinerated the humans and shades alike leaving nothing but Mara’s eternal guardians behind. Immune to the flames, they advanced toward the towering gates of the castle citadel.
The scent of seared flesh surrounded her. Bits of burned cloth floated on the gentle breeze. Mara focused on the barrier before them. She turned to Faizah and Lilith. “Is there any way out of the citadel?”
“Not unless they have wings.” Lilith lifted her chin toward the tower. “They are trapped like the vermin they are.”
“Time to exterminate them.” Mara held her hands up palm out toward the gate. “Now” Lilith, atop Faizah, joined her, adding her power to Mara’s energy. The towering gates creaked and squealed, bowed out, and then exploded inward, the blast shredding the wood and iron.
Mara inclined her head toward Lilith and Faiza. “No mercy, no prisoners.” Mara’s guardians poured through the gates. On the far side of the plaza, conscripted shades and red robed humans, the last of the castle defenders, formed tight ranks, lowered their spears, and rushed the guardians.
“Let’s go before there are none left for us to dispatch.” Lilith stroked her hand over Faiza’s shoulder and they rose in the air. They circled the group. Faaiza swept low, catching humans in her claws, squeezing the life from them before she dropped them back to earth.
Mara strode forward, holding tight to her fury, craving the death and destruction of the usurping forces holding Lilith’s castle. She focused her energy and sent a pulse of blue flame toward the citadel. From every window flames flickered. Humans crowded the narrow openings. She inhaled the rich scent of burning flesh as their screams and shouts filled the air. Some jumped. Their flaming bodies tumbled as they fell before landing on the defenders below. The last of the fighters were backed against the wall of the tower. Mara inhaled their fear and suffering, letting it wash over her. A tug on her skirt drew her attention. A man clutched at her robe with his blood-stained hand.
Mara jerked her skirt from his grasp. At her feet a human lay on his back, eyes wide open with one hand clasped over his belly. Bright red blood and shiny pink guts oozed between his fingers. “Save me. Please, goddess. Have mercy!”
Mara paused. “Why? Why would I save a traitor to Mahon?”
“I didn’t know. They said Lilith was dead, that you abandoned us.” His voice wavered.
“Fool. A goddess cannot die. You had so little faith in your goddess you believed their lies about me.”
The man stretched out his trembling hand in supplication. “Mercy, Mara, please forgive me.”
“You are a disgrace to Mahon. You and the Sons of Aaron put children, women and men to sword, killed thousands of my guardians, slaughtered innocents simply because they held tight to their faith in me. Mercy? I’ll show you the same mercy you showed them.” Mara laid her hand on his head. “You will wander the pit of despair for all eternity. You will eat and never be satiated, drink and ever be thirsty, love and never know love in return.”
The man’s wound closed. His body faded until it was a transparent shadow. He rose to his feet, ran his hands over his form. “No. No. Please. Kill me. Let me go to my rest.”
“No rest for evil. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of company.”
Ahead of her, the undying guardians were making quick work of the remnants of Ebal’s forces. Mara left the shade crying behind her. She strode through the yard stopping to curse anyone she found still breathing.
“Is that the last of them?” Mara inclined her head toward the bodies piled before her.
“It is, my lady.” Gwen rested her bloody axe on her shoulder. “Or what was left of them.”
Mara eyed the pile of men stacked high and wide, filling the courtyard. “So many had so little faith.” She lifted her hands, spoke the words that would send their spirits to the pit.
Their bodies shimmered and faded until their shades oozed into the ground. Mara turned from the scene. “Where is Lilith holding the remaining shades?”
“In the bailey. They’ve not answered any of her questions.” Gwen lifted a shoulder. “She’s not able to wield her power as she once was. It’s like a lamp with dirty shades. You can see the light but it is dim.”
Mara pursed her lips. “Her sword is the key to her power. She will be diminished until we retrieve it.” A vision of Reika’s handsome face filled her mind, followed by one of her tortured grimace as Reika let go of Mara’s hand to follow Ebal through the traveling ring. An ache spread through her soul. She turned from Gwen, unwilling for her to witness her pain. Mara swallowed her rage and hurt, willing herself calm. “After we find Reika and retrieve Lilith’s sword we will return and put an end to the Sons of Aaron for all time.”
“No need to hide yourself from me, Mara. Your love for Reika burns as a star. I can feel how much you miss your mate.” Gwen rested her hand on Mara’s shoulder.
Mara turned back to Gwen. “Guardians are gifted with empathy. And yes, it’s as if my still-beating heart was torn from my chest.”
“Where do you think she is? Where would he take her?”
“The question is when, not where. The traveling rings are unholy objects created by Aaron. He warped the power of time and turned it to do his bidding. They could be anywhere in the stream of time.”
Gwen pushed her forelock back between her horns. “Will the shades tell us the truth?”
Mara shoved her despair away. Knowing her love was under Ebal’s power because of her promise to him rubbed against her like cheap cloth. She sent a plea to her mother, Brennan, goddess of all things, to keep Reika safe. “I doubt they know anything. But let’s have a little fun finding out.”
She turned and walked toward the bailey. Her mind filled with thoughts of torments she would put Ebal through when she found him.
2
Reika peered up at the brick and block towers surrounding her. Rising up on all sides, they shaded the street. Wide steps in front of each white stone building led to an expansive landing. Shining silver double doors glittered against the white block. White and smooth, the towers crowded together along the streets in orderly rows. Octagon shaped glazed windows proceeded up the buildings. It was as if a hive of bees had built a town. Reika marveled at their height, taller than any fortress or tower she had ever seen.
“Close your mouth, warrior. You look out of place enough as it is. Can’t you sheathe that thing?” Ebal tugged at his clothes. His red robes had vanished and were replaced by trousers, a white shirt, and a close-fitting coat.
Reika rested the flat of the sword on her shoulder. “No. It’s not meant to be carried. It’s meant to reside in Lilith’s temple. Forcing me to carry it beyond the temple walls is just another of your crimes.”
Ebal stopped and turned to Reika. “Please spare me your noble speeches. You made a promise. Anyone who has killed as many people as you have has no moral high ground to stand on. We are
“I’m an honest warrior. I’ve never slain the innocent nor anyone who surrendered to me or was unarmed. I am only here because of my promise to you. I am not here in service of your ridiculous fantasy of ruling all of Mahon. You will not succeed.” Reika lifted the sword from her shoulder. She eyed Ebal’s neck where it was visible above his short collar.
A vision of his head rolling at her feet, his eyes unseeing, mouth agape, gave her life. She calculated the distance and the arc of her swing. One blow and it would be over. And then what? Would she be able to make the traveling ring work as he had? Or would she be lost in time? Alone. Without her mate. Her promise to him nagged at her. She had never broken her word. She would not now.
Ebal squared his shoulders and stepped back “Whatever you are contemplating warrior, you should not act on it. I alone can return you to your time. No one in this time and place has that power.” He lifted his hand and swept it outward in smooth motion while murmuring to himself.
Reika’s skin tingled. Her clothes disappeared, replaced by an outfit that matched the cut of Ebal’s clothes. Her fighting leathers were gone. Tight pants covered her legs. Tall leather boots rose to just under her knees. Her long knife rested in a sheath strapped to her thigh. Her shirt was soft and white, covered by a jacket that ended at her waist. Leather straps crossed her chest. She shifted in the tight clothes. “Could you have at least asked permission to dress me?” Reika plucked at the straps that crossed her chest. “I hate carrying my sword on my back.”
“I don’t care. Now sheathe your weapon before we draw even more attention to ourselves.”
Reika placed the sword into the sheath nestled between her shoulder blades. “You’re afraid of calling attention to yourself? An all-powerful sorcerer like you? Or is your brother more powerful?”
“Watch your tone. This is his empire. He rules over all things. There are worse things than death. Unless you want to find out what they are I would not mock me.”
“You need me. And until you don’t, you won’t do anything about it.” Reika glanced around the street. “We’re alone. Who do you think is watching us?”
“Everyone. Thousands live in this city. Underground and above it’s a hive of activity.” Ebal gestured to the buildings and the towers flanking the street. “Ebronah sees all, knows all, his flock are everywhere.” He pointed to buildings around them. “Each of those towers holds a multitude above and below ground.”
Reika rubbed her chin. “You’re hiding from him? He is more powerful than you.”
“In this time, yes.” Ebal shifted his gaze from Reika’s face.
“You said he’s not immortal. Take me to him. I want to be done with this business.”
“On my own time. Before we proceed, speak your oath to me again.”
Reika leveled her gaze at Ebal. “In exchange for you returning me to my time, I will slay Ebronah and all evil associated with him.”
Ebal cocked his head to the side. “Done. You may have your opportunity sooner than I expected.” He lifted his chin. “Behold, Ebronah himself.”
Reika turned and stood next to Ebal.
On the street before them a purple mist coalesced into the shape of a man, the mirror of Ebal. His suit of clothes shimmered with gold thread. A dark purple round hat sat atop his head. His beard was closely trimmed. His dark brown skin shone over his cheekbones. As he walked toward them his mouth pulled into a sensuous smile. Handsome, seductive, with amber eyes his charm was on full display. Ebronah sauntered toward them. Jewels encrusted his clothes. A large golden ring set with a blue stone caught the light as he raised his hand in greeting.
As the smoke cleared, the street filled with humans. Each bore a curved sword and wore only purple trousers that ballooned around their legs before ending tightly above their ankles. Slippers of gold adorned their feet. Well-muscled and handsome, the men wore their hair pulled back into long braids. All were clean shaven with thick golden rings though their nipples. Reika wondered how long it had taken Ebronah to find so many that were the same height and build. Maybe he had magicked them? She lifted her hand and clasped the hilt of her sword.
Ebal gripped her upper arm and squeezed hard. “Not here. Wait until I tell you.”
Reika shrugged out of his grasp. “Why?” She spoke softly, keeping Ebronah in her line of sight.
“He has something I want. If you kill him before I get it from him our bargain is off.”
Reika studied Ebal’s expression. “As you wish. But know this. I will not be handled. If you touch me again you will not draw back your hand.”
Ebal waved his hand as if shooing flies. “Whatever. Smile now. Try to look less menacing. You’re here as my guest. He’ll assume you’re my most recent lover and bodyguard. You will play along, or you’ll never see Mara again.”
Reika clamped her teeth on her lips to still her shouting and forced herself to relax her clenched fists. She rolled her shoulders and faced Ebronah with what she hoped passed for a smile on her face.
“Better.” Ebal turned to face Ebronah.
“Greetings, Brother.” Ebronah’s honeyed tone surrounded them. “Where is Hester?”
“She’s…”
“Dead.” Reika rested her hands on her hips and spoke over Ebal.
Ebronah’s shaped eyebrows rose in arched perfection. “Well, aren’t you forthcoming. And gorgeous. Did you kill her?”
Reika met his stare. “Yes.”
Ebal shot Reika a hard look. “It was an unfortunate incident.”
“For her.” Reika glanced at Ebal and brought her gaze back to Ebronah’s face. He laughed, the merriment never reaching his eyes. Reika stared into their murderous depths.
His lips curled into a sinister smile before he spoke again. “Oh she’s clever isn’t she, Ebal. Not your usual type. What a pity. I liked Hester. She was so giving of her charms. So accommodating in the barracks. My men will be so sad to know she’s no longer with us. Unless, of course, you are as loving?” Ebronah took a step closer to Reika.
The short hairs on Reika’s neck prickled. She shifted her feet, flexed her fingers, prepared to draw her sword. She lifted a shoulder and feigned indifference. Reika held Ebronah’s gaze as he approached her.
Ebronah held out his hand. The blue stone set in the ring on his forefinger glowed with its own light. “Who are you, deadly creature?”
Reika glanced at his hand, peered into his face and kept her hands planted on her hips. “Reika Na’ Mhadaidh.”
Ebronah kept his hand extended. His brows drew down. “We clasp hands here to show our good will and that we mean no harm.”
Ebal stepped in front of Reika and held his brother’s forearm, blocking her from Ebronah. “Reika is unschooled, Brother. A gem in the rough, as it were. Excuse her rudeness. I assure you she has other charms.”
Reika snorted at Ebal’s obsequious tone and groveling posture.
“Does she? Maybe I’ll sample her before my men have their time”
Ebronah’s eager tone set Reika’s teeth on edge. She stepped around Ebal. “If you touch me I will send you to the void.”
Ebronah’s laugh boomed off the buildings along the street. He turned and walked away from them toward his troops. “Hear that, beloveds? She threatens me. Perhaps we should teach her the ways of love?” He turned back to face them. Sunlight flashed off his bejeweled clothes and he spun his ring on his finger as he talked.
Ebal turned toward Reika, his face flushed with rage as he whispered harshly. “What did we talk about? Why have you provoked him?”
“Because I would be done with this business. He is a murderous rapist. I am sick of this.” Reika met Ebal’s glare with her own.
