The Hunted (Stonecrusher Legacy Book 2), page 1
THE HUNTED
STONECRUSHER LEGACY™ BOOK TWO
DAVID K. MACDOWELL
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This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Sometimes both.
Copyright © 2023 David K. MacDowell
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LMBPN Publishing
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Version 1.00, August 2023
eBook ISBN: 979-8-88878-072-5
Print ISBN: 979-8-88878-615-4
THE HUNTED TEAM
JIT Readers
Zacc Pelter
Angel LaVey
Paul Westman
Dorothy Lloyd
John Ashmore
Editor
SkyFyre Editing Team
CONTENTS
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
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Endnote
Author Notes
Connect with the author
Books by David K. MacDowell
Other LMBPN Publishing Books
CHAPTER ONE
The moonlight shines through the barren branches of the trees that ring the hidden grove. The dusting of snow blanketing the ground makes everything glisten like an explosion of tiny diamonds.
The overwhelming bombardment of fresh air stings my nostrils, having never breathed anything but the fetid stench of Brackenbuell's stronghold.
Peering down from the cave mouth of the secret tunnel, Tempress and I begin our descent. The damp vines and snow-covered leaves make our climb down dicey, so I hold Tempress’ hand to provide stability.
The armed elf standing in the grove hasn’t moved forward, but I keep an eye on him nonetheless.
Temp follows me down the rock face. I’m twice her size, but she doesn’t need my hand for support since as an elf she has more grace and agility in her dainty little finger than I do as a clumsy brute of a dwarf.
As she reaches the forest floor, I casually step in front of her should the elf attack. Her ability to project magic shields makes my efforts symbolic more than anything, but he did draw his swords.
Besides, I spit-swore to protect her.
There’s nothing more binding than that.
My entire life, I’ve despised elves for the slaughter and destruction of my clan. Temp proved to be the exception, that not all elves were bloodsuckers.
Here we have another.
Although he called Temp dear sister, she doesn’t like him much. The swords hanging in his hands offset his casual stance as we approach. He pushes off a tree trunk and points with one of his weapons. “It’s about time you escaped. I’ve been patrolling the Brackenbuell lands for thirty years, waiting for a sign from Mother’s precious daughter.”
“If you knew where I was, why was there no rescue?”
He shrugs. “Our spies in Father’s court assured us you were safe. Mother saw the benefit in allowing Chief Oghark to sequester you, to be used as leverage against him. Praise the goddess you finally made your royal appearance so we can go home.”
“All of you knew where I was for three decades, and you were fine with me being a prisoner?” Tempress’ voice hits a high, squeaky pitch reserved for moments like these.
I wrap a comforting arm around Temp’s shoulders. “It’s okay. We’re free now.”
Eryndor uses his sword to wave Tempress away from me. “Stand aside.”
“Why?” Temp looks confused.
“So I can kill the dwarf for touching an elven princess. I assume you’re still a pacifist. I don’t want to get any blood on your…rags.”
As he advances, my god-given battle gear appears without conscious thought. The churning lava of my armor illuminates the grove and melts the snow around me. Twin bearded axes appear in my hands, and lava drips from the blades.
The elf takes a step back and waits with his swords ready.
I point an ax at him. “Stand down or be put down.”
“Skohldr.” Tempress utters her power word, and a wide green shield appears between the elf and me. “Waldorf, put away your armor. My brother, Prince Eryndor, will be sheathing his swords immediately.”
Eryndor looks from his sister to me, then reluctantly does as directed. He casually points at my armor. “Nice trick.”
My gear disappears, but my distrust doesn’t.
“I thought it was only the dwarf that smelled, but I can’t tell where his stench ends and yours begins.”
Tempress walks between her brother and me before dropping her shield. “Eryndor, this is Waldorf Spudsticker, the dwarf who saved me. He broke me out of lockup and brought me into his clan. I trust him and consider him a close friend.”
Ouch. Close friend?
Eryndor glares at me, then extends his hand. I accept, and we shake like civilized men.
“Much better.” Tempress hugs her brother. “I’m glad you’re here. This will make our escape safer.”
Eryndor hugs her. “We’ll take the dwarf if that’s your wish, but we need to move. Father’s forces are in the area as well, and I have no desire to fight them.”
“There’s more than just me,” I say. “My clan is inside, down the tunnel. We’re escaping, and Temp and I were sent ahead to make sure it’s safe.”
Eryndor’s eyebrows rise. “Is this true, Temp? We have an entire clan to rescue? Also, since when did you allow Temp? You hated that as a kid.”
Tempress shrugs. “People change. Thirty years alone in prison gives a person time to reflect and mature. Before we bring out the rest of the clan, I have to ask. Did someone come out this way before us?”
Eryndor wraps his cloak around Tempress and fastens the platinum clasp. The fur collar and dark leather highlight her blonde hair.
He’s not a complete jerk, I guess.
Eryndor nods. “Keir ran out of this cave with a large dwarf slung over his shoulders like a felled deer.”
“Keir?” I ask.
“Father’s commander of the hunt. He’s always been a stocky elf, but he carried that dwarf like it was a child.”
“Did you notice anything else?”
“It’s weird, but I swear I smelled cooked meat. Was there a barbecue inside?”
“Of a sort. I burned Oghark to a crisp. Fire armor is handy. It’s too bad your father’s man carried him away.” I leave them to catch up and go to get my clan.
Mongo’s massive, curled horns push through the vines covering the cave opening. The sudden appearance of the battle ram’s massive head causes me to stagger back.
His eyes shine brightly in the moonlight, searching for his new best friend. He bounds to the ground with a powerful leap and trots to stand beside Tempress. After a quick once-over of Eryndor, he snorts at the elf in summary judgment.
I laugh and call over my shoulder, “Protect Temp, Mongo. I’ll be right back.”
Eryndor scoffs. "A ram as a protector? Ridiculous."
Instead of running to my clan, I stand behind the vines, chuckling and observing. This should be good.
Mongolesku snorts again and stomps his hoof.
Eryndor steps back, his hands instinctively moving toward his swords as he sneers at the ram. "Leave my presence, pathetic creature."
Tempress works to keep the ram calm. "Show some respect, Eryndor. This is Mongolesku, my loyal companion and protector."
“He is a beast of burden and nothing more.”
Tempress steps toward her brother. “Still the same petulant boy. Quick with insults and slow with apologies.”
“I see you haven’t broken your disgusting habit of helping the wretched. So, it’s dwarves and goats this week, is it? Both hairy, smelly, and thick-skulled.”
“Take that back.” Temp shoves his shoulder.
Eryndor shoves her harder.
His words make me bristle and his actions more
Temp would want me to show some self-control, but emotion has the better of me and my battle gear appears again. It's been a rough day.
I leap down and advance on Eryndor. "Watch your tongue and keep your hands to yourself.”
Tempress spins to face me. “Calm yourself, Waldorf. No harm done.” She looks at her brother.
Eryndor looks disconcerted but regains his composure. "Fine. I apologize. Get your people so we can leave."
Tempress offers me a reassuring smile. “Go. I’ll be fine. My brother won’t actually hurt me. Besides, I have Mongo.” She smiles as she pats the goat’s neck. He is happily munching on withered grass and fallen leaves, one eye watching Eryndor.
The cave's darkness brightens as I jog through, the glow of my armor acting like a torch. In minutes, I’m back with my clan.
Mom is the first to speak. “You were gone longer than expected. Is everything all right? Where’s the princess?”
I nod. “Everything is fine. We met Tempress’ brother, who’s a piece of work. I’ll catch you up later. Let’s focus on getting everyone out of here. The faster we’re out, the faster we move.” Without waiting, I turn and leave.
Shuffling feet quickly catch up.
The winding tunnel seems shorter this time as I navigate through the cave and past the vine-covered exit. I call over my shoulder, “Careful. This is slippery.”
Tempress is in the middle of the grove, petting Mongolesku while he munches. As my clan spills out onto the forest floor, the rest of the goat herd bounds down the rockface to join Mongo, munching and frolicking in the chilly night air.
Eryndor avoids contact with our clan as he stands at the side of the grove and packs his belongings in his rucksack.
Mom is the first to approach him. “Greetings. I’m Nerak, clan chief of our small group. I understand you’re the princess’ brother?”
Eryndor gives Mom the once-over, making no effort to hide his disdain. “I am indeed. I’m Prince Eryndor, Chief Nerak, but please, call me Eryndor. She is obviously on a first-name basis with your clan, and I will follow her lead.” While not as elegant as Temp’s, his courtly flourish is still well executed.
“Just Nerak will do, Eryndor. Yes, the princess is very special to us. Now, shall we put distance between us and this prison?”
“What say you, sister?” Mild contempt taints his tone of deference.
Tempress looks from her brother to my family. “Stonecrushers, it’s time to begin our new lives. In elven tradition, you are now under our protection.”
A quiet cheer arises in the grove.
Tempress turns to her brother. “I hope your usual gang is about because we’ll need their help to keep everyone safe.”
Eryndor nods. “Yes, they’re around. They’ll be happy to see you after all these years, even if only because it means they can finally go home.”
“Then let’s not waste time. Lead on, and everyone will follow.”
“I’m guessing everyone includes the goats?”
“It does.”
Eryndor rolls his eyes. “I can only hope that the goats come with their own wranglers?”
Kal, Ker, and Szara step forward and bow. “We’ll take care of the goats, Your Highness. Don’t worry. They’ll behave.”
A large grin crosses Eryndor’s face. “Some well-mannered dwarves. How refreshing.” Eryndor looks sideways at me. “They are your charges, ladies. If they wander, they’re either lost or become dinner.”
A look of horror crosses Kal’s face. “We can’t eat these goats, Your Highness. They’re our friends.”
Eryndor glances at his sister. “Someone after your own heart, Princess.” He places a hand on Kal’s shoulder. “Very well, but we’ll have this conversation again when we’re all starving from days of marching.”
Eryndor turns on his heel and strides to the edge of the grove. Crunching brush and undergrowth follow his sharp whistle.
The long face of a moose pokes through the bush, followed by snaps and cracks of breaking branches as he forces his five-foot-wide rack through the tangle of brambles and alders. His dark eyes look down on Eryndor while chewing his cud.
“Phustion!” Tempress beams. “It’s good to see you after all these years.”
The long face turns at the sound of his name.
“Sadly, this is Phustion’s son. Phustion the First died of old age while you were away.”
“What is Phustion’s son’s name?”
“Phustion the Second, of course! I’m keeping the lineage alive. It’s a bloodline as regal as ours.”
Tempress chortles. “Very original, Ery. Now, lead us to safety.”
The gigantic moose looks at Eryndor, who points away as he whispers in elven. Phustion lumbers ahead without a backward glance.
Akaryia strides forward to walk beside Eryndor. “Prince Eryndor, it is my honor to meet you. My name is Lady Akaryia. I’m curious what your plan is. There are over thirty of us, which will make it hard to hide.”
Eryndor glances sideways at the petite, dark-haired woman as they walk, stride for stride. “Well met, Lady Akaryia. May I ask—what is a human doing with a small clan of dwarves? It seems odd.”
“They’re my clan family.”
“As simple as that? I’m looking forward to hearing that story, Lady.”
She grins. “Akaryia will be fine, Your Highness.”
“And I am Eryndor. At your service.”
They shake hands as they walk, both grinning.
“Back to my question. Do you have a safe location to hide thirty dwarves?”
Eryndor nods. “It will give us cover, so your clan can rest while we plan. We also have food stored there so we can properly feed everyone.”
“Is it far?”
“We’ll arrive in a few hours. Honestly, I felt I explored every contingency, but I should have known my sister would destroy my well-laid plans.”
“How so?”
“I thought when she finally surfaced, we would need to ride hard and get away safely. I never planned on thirty dwarves, a handful of humans, and a herd of goats.” Eryndor sighs. “Not to worry. We’ll do our best. I trust my team to keep us out of harm’s way.”
“Was that one of them in the grove, at the far side? I heard movement that wasn’t from an animal.”
Eryndor looks sideways at Akaryia. “I am impressed. I would never have guessed a human could pick out an elf in the forest, at night, with goats and dwarves milling around.”
Akaryia grins. “A female, if I’m not mistaken.”
“That would be Raxothe, one of my finest scouts.”
“Remembering not to swear when she slips in the mud would make her even better.”
Tempress and I walk behind Eryndor and Akaryia, listening.
“You never mentioned you have a brother, Temp. That’s big news. What else are you holding back?” I nudge her with my hip.
“I have two more brothers and two sisters, all younger than me.”
“Why aren’t you asking Eryndor about them? If it were me, it would drive me nuts.”
“Once we get to camp, I’ll ask him. He should focus on getting us out of here.”
I point at her brother. “Why wait? We’re walking, and he’s right in front of us.”
Tempress steps closer to me. “In this instance, we—that is to say, my brother and I—are your hosts, if you’ll pardon the relaxed analogy. In elven culture, it would be considered rude to discuss our family while we have guests to entertain or in this instance, protect.”
