Kingdom in Chains: Kingdom in Chains, #1
By J.W. Zulauf
()
About this ebook
The common people have become the currency, outlaws have shifted to mercenaries, and freedom is no more than a thought of the past. Fear, violence, slavery—throughout his adult life, Barloc has known no other way.
A quarter of a century has passed since King Sclavus decreed slavery legal in the Kingdom of Kuldaire, certain it was the only way to keep the economy strong. When Barloc is sold to Lord Harbor, his new owner offers queer promises of freedom, promises only King Sclavus can honor after a thirty-day trial. Barloc, as someone who has lost everything, or who never had anything of his own to begin with, is forced to question everything around him as he embarks on this new trial.
Whom can he trust? Why has he been selected and thrown into this strange new setting? What happened to just being a slave? How can life be any different from the only way he's ever known? What is freedom, and at what cost?
This is Barloc's chance—perhaps his last chance—to once and for all cast off the chains that bind him. And maybe, just maybe, he can bring others to freedom with him.
EVOLVED PUBLISHING PRESENTS the first book in a YA fantasy adventure series unlike any other, from the multiple-award-winning author of "The Balderdash Saga." [DRM-Free]
"J.W. Zulauf has crafted a YA fantasy tale that pre-teens and early teens are sure to enjoy, and parents of those kids will be comfortable with them reading. There's much to like about this novel. The characters are engaging and well-developed, and the plot moves right along, punctuated with clever action sequences framed around a truly despicable villain and a cheer-worthy hero. I also found the story very relevant to today's world as it deals with the challenges of achieving freedom and peace - both personal and societal - as it tackles the painful topic of human trafficking, which sadly still exists. These are important themes to be sure, and crucial for young readers to learn about and explore as they make their way to adulthood. As always, Zulauf takes on this subject matter in a way that educates rather than preaches, and as he did with the excellent "The Balderdash Saga" series of books, expands young readers' vocabularies by cleverly folding uncommon words into the text, cleverly framing them in such a way that they become easily understandable. There are some threads here I'd like to see expanded upon more, but this wasn't really a problem for me as this is the first book in a series. If you have a YA reader in your family, I highly recommend this thrilling fantasy adventure!" ~ Dale L. Elster
J.W. Zulauf
I would love to say that from the second I could use my fingers, I began to write, but I can’t. Sure there were times through my life when writing surfaced and fell away, but the truth is, I couldn’t even read all that well through most of my teens. Then one day, my father gave me a copy of The Stand by Stephen King, and even though it took me a year to finish, I did it. This experience changed my life. From that point, I strove to become the best reader and writer I could be. I was driven by an unbelievable passion to become a writer, and here I am. I truly started from the bottom and worked hard to become who I am now. I am a believer in the words. Reading saved my life. Writing made my life.
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Kingdom in Chains - J.W. Zulauf
Copyright
www.EvolvedPub.com
~~~
KINGDOM IN CHAINS
Kingdom in Chains – Book 1
Copyright © 2017 J.W. Zulauf
Cover Art Copyright © 2017 Luke Spooner
~~~
ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622533518
ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-351-0
~~~
Editor: Deb Hartwell
~~~
eBook License Notes:
You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold 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, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
~~~
Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.
Books by J.W. Zulauf
THE BALDERDASH SAGA
(Chapter Book Series for Readers 7-11 Years Old)
The Underground Princess
The Prince’s Plight
The Shaman’s Salvation
~~~
The Balderdash Saga – Special Edition
~~~
www.JWZulauf.com
BONUS CONTENT
We’re pleased to offer you a Special Sneak Preview at the end of this book, in which you’ll enjoy the First 4 Chapters of Ciara Ballintyne’s critically-acclaimed, award-winning IN THE COMPANY OF THE DEAD, the first book in The Sundered Oath
series. Just click on the link below the image to get your sneak peek.
Special Sneak Preview: IN THE COMPANY OF THE DEAD
~~~
OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!
FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:
THE SUNDERED OATH Series at Evolved Publishing
Dedication
This book is for Daddy. Life wasn’t always easy for us, but you did the best you could and taught me how to be a good human.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
BONUS CONTENT
Books by J.W. Zulauf
Dedication
INTRODUCTION
Map – Full
Map – East Reach
Chapter 1 – A New Set of Rules
Chapter 2 – Initiation
Chapter 3 – Becoming a Hero
Chapter 4 – Another Day at the Mines
Chapter 5 – The Funeral
Chapter 6 – More than a Healer
Chapter 7 – A Eulogy of Sorts
Chapter 8 – The Trial
Chapter 9 – King of East Reach
Chapter 10 – Preparations for War
Chapter 11 – A New Beginning
Chapter 12 – The Battle Square
Chapter 13 – A Thief in the Night
Chapter 14 – A Howler in Drudgeburg
Chapter 15 – The Final Challenge
Chapter 16 – The Whisperer
Chapter 17 – A Different View
Chapter 18 – Dreston
Chapter 19 – Emancipation
Chapter 20 – The Calm before the Storm
Chapter 21 – The Sorting
Chapter 22 – First Blood
Chapter 23 – A Man’s Last Whisper
Chapter 24 – For MJ-8
Chapter 25 – Into the Fray
Chapter 26 – The Fallen Leader
Chapter 27 – Keep the Fire Bright
Chapter 28 – Farewell
Chapter 29 – The Council Meeting
Chapter 30 – No Room for Love
Chapter 31 – One of Many
Acknowledgements
About the Author
What’s Next?
More from J.W. Zulauf
More from Evolved Publishing
Special Sneak Preview: IN THE COMPANY OF THE DEAD by Ciara Ballintyne
INTRODUCTION
~~~
Greetings!
Thank you so much for picking up Kingdom in Chains, and welcome to the Kingdom of Kuldaire. I’ve been slowly piecing together this world for some time now, the story having been on my mind for nearly three and a half years. To see it come together is an incredible feeling for me.
To keep this brief, I’ll leave you with a fun fact about the map, a thank you, and guide you to my website for more information about Kuldaire and all things JWZ.
I was born at Lake Tahoe. If you’re not familiar with it, allow me to summarize and just say it’s easily one of the most beautiful places in the world. That place holds a significant place in my heart. In fact, I’m certain my heart could be the very shape of it. This leads me to my fun fact.
I took a topographical map of Lake Tahoe, flipped it on its side, and used that as the outline for Kuldaire. I mapped everything out for perfect measure, and all the lakes and ponds surrounding this beautiful place have shifted to islands and other land masses. Point is, when you look at this piece of land—Kuldaire—know that it’s so much more than a generic land mass. It was created with the love I feel for the very place I’m from.
If you visit my website (www.JWZulauf.com), I’ll continue to update items and expand the world outside of this book.
Once again, welcome to the Kingdom of Kuldaire, thank you for stopping by, and I hope to see you again soon!
JWZ
10 May 2017
~~~
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: In the eBook version, if you click on any of the maps below, or the iconic images at the start of the chapters (such as the one right above Introduction
at the top of this page), they will return you to the Table of Contents for easy navigation. Thank you, and please enjoy!
Chapter 1 – A New Set of Rules
~~~
Barloc and seven other slaves marched through the outer gatehouse of Drudgeburg, an old castle at the end of East Reach. The temperature chilled as they entered the castle grounds, and the familiar sense of dread washed over him at the thought of being sold to a new owner. They pulled a Slavers’ Sleigh barely large enough for the slaver sitting atop, the wooden cart’s chipped wheels wobbling with each rotation. Old rusted chains connected them in two rows of four, yielding only a yard of space between their shoulders. A handful of guards and another cart remained outside the keep.
A man in a green woolen cloak stepped in their path and signaled for them to stop. Greetings!
His black hair hung to his shoulders in straight, sharp lines, and white peppered his dark beard. His gray eyes resembled storm clouds, and a mixture of scars and age lines traveled across his right cheek. When he spoke, a row of surprisingly white teeth flashed in the sun. And to whom do I owe the pleasure?
The slaver’s nasally voice carried over their shoulders as the reigns connecting their chains slackened. "Martin, my... lord.... You are Lord Harbor, leader of Drudgeburg?"
Barloc turned to better view the interaction. Martin eyed Lord Harbor from head to toe, and somehow Barloc knew what the slaver was thinking. Traditionally, lords adorned themselves in fancy armor or exotic garb, but this man wore a simple woolen cloak that floated an inch above the ground. His hands, covered with black leather gloves, rested on his crossed arms.
The one and only.
Lord Harbor bowed, not removing his eyes from the slaver.
Martin scoffed and glanced from Lord Harbor to his surroundings.
Barloc used the brief distraction to accomplish the same. The keep stood tall before him, the walls fusing with the sky. The courtyard stretched away on both sides. Six thatched, windowless buildings lined the curtainwall, three on each side of the front gatehouse. Dozens of slaves worked on various tasks around the yard: two men laid hay along one of the rooftops; more than a handful tended a small square of crops; and a tall man in a leather apron beat a hammer against a piece of glowing steel atop an anvil. Guards dressed in all black paced back and forth, surveying the labor, ignoring the arrival of Martin and his cargo.
Lord Harbor smiled and cleared his throat, drawing the attention back to him. How fares your travels?
As well as one could hope, I suppose,
Martin said, his jowls wiggling as he spoke. We were caught in a storm. It didn’t bother me much, but this filthy rabble seemed miserable holding the tarp above us.
The slaver smiled, revealing crooked and yellowing teeth. How about you, my lord? How have these days been treating you?
Oh, normal, for all that matters. It’s tough to keep an eye on so many.
Lord Harbor lifted his arms. Say, you wouldn’t want to sell me one of your vanguard?
He leaned forward slightly, looking past Slaver Martin to the guards outside the castle.
Martin’s smile fell into a straight line. He wiped sweat from his lip. "I don’t sell free men, my lord."
Of course not.
Lord Harbor waved the conversation away and stepped toward Barloc, the first of the eight slaves. I would never think you so inhumane. I was merely commenting on my lack of trusting hands.
Lord Harbor moved between them, ducking under their chains, inspecting the manacles. Whose markings are these, Slaver Martin?
You don’t have to style me Slaver. Martin will do fine, and it’s a mixed bag. Some were Lord Rhotec Helory’s. He needed coin to repair winter damages. Some were picked up from the dungeons, and others were traded as we went... and then the story was told.
The slaver spread his hands out as if that phrase explained it all.
Lord Harbor lifted his hand to his chin. "The thing is, you are a slaver, and your name is Martin, so, therefore, you are Slaver Martin, is this not so? Also, you don’t have the right to address me in any tone you please, for you’re on my land, and I’m the man purchasing the king’s merchandise. Yes?"
Martin’s jaw dropped.
The slaves drew a collective breath and held it.
Barloc’s muscles tightened, waiting for the snap of the whip, but it never came. Only King Sclavus has the authority to speak to a slaver with such indignation, especially some upstart noble at the edge of civilization. Barloc watched Lord Harbor closely. The road must have stolen the slaver’s vigor, he thought. More like drained his purse.
Martin cleared his throat. My apologies, my lord. It’s been a long journey, as you can imagine.
I can hardly imagine. I don’t travel. I get to live here in the comfort of my castle while men like you do all the hard work.
Lord Harbor smiled again and moved to the front of the slaves, his cloak fluttering with each step. "But it’s said that slavers are the backbone of the kingdom, which is why you’re paid so well.... Speaking of which, what is the price for these men?"
"These slaves, Martin emphasized the word,
are fifteen gold coins for the lot."
Lord Harbor glanced between the first two.
Barloc met his eyes and quickly looked down.
Fifteen is high. Is the king inflating the cost for good labor?
I can’t do anything about that, now can I?
No, I suppose not, but let’s say the king only requested twelve for the lot, the same price it’s been for three moons, and you added a few to further your own pockets. Surely he sent orders with these fine slaves, and I don’t doubt for a moment that you can read, Slaver Martin, but I must insist.
Lord Harbor’s open palm materialized in front of him, inches from Barloc’s chest.
The certainty that Martin’s whip would graze his ear on its journey to split open Lord Harbor’s skin kept Barloc’s muscles and shoulders tight, but when it didn’t, he chanced another glance back.
Martin’s cheeks flushed as he wiped his lips with his arm and opened a worn purse strapped to the side of the carriage. He withdrew two rolled parchments, both with the king’s seal: red wax with two intertwined manacles. After inspection, he clapped his hands and laughed. Look at that. I seem to have mixed up my orders. Yours is, in fact, twelve gold coins.
Lord Harbor smiled. Of course, and your ability to read through a sealed and rolled parchment is impressive.
Martin withdrew his whip and snapped it forward, striking the closest slave’s back. Blood misted the air. What are you waiting for, scum?
The parchment traveled down the row of slaves until it passed to Lord Harbor’s hand, where it vanished inside his cloak.
And my coin?
Martin now held his palm out before him.
Lord Harbor produced a small sack, opened it, and counted out twelve coins. He closed the bag and sent it floating hand to hand until it dropped into Martin’s grasp.
The slaver tucked the coins into his purse. Let this filth attach me to the other Sleigh outside, and I will be on my way.
He lazily lifted a hand and waved. A moment later, three armored men guided the other Sleigh and its eight slaves down the bridge and into position.
Martin gripped his whip and pulled back, ready to strike the slaves, but before he could, Lord Harbor had withdrawn his own and sent it flying between the two rows. The whip wrapped around Martin’s wrist and pulled taut.
The slaves spread apart as far as their chains would allow, gasping.
Blood crawled down Martin’s arm. He reached out with his free hand and uncoiled the snakelike whip, watching it slither away. You dare attack a servant of the king?
Lord Harbor flipped his cloak back, revealing black leather armor, and clipped the whip to his side. "You dare come on my land and presume to speak to me any way you please, lie about the king’s cost, then attempt to assault my slaves? He crossed his arms.
Release them and leave, Slaver Martin. The need to endure your presence has expired."
Martin rubbed his wrist, then wiped blood on his pants.
Two more guards rode into the castle, hands on their steel. They stopped next to Martin and the other three men. You’ll find my guards are very cautious.
Lord Harbor slipped two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Feet shuffled all around the entrance where guards appeared, pointing their bows down at Martin and his men. I’ll also find that your guards favor their lives over your coin.
Sweat leaked profusely down Slaver Martin’s face and into his eyes. With slavers vanishing this far east, and this blatant disrespect, you’ll never see me return.
I wouldn’t be too sure of that, Slaver Martin. In fact, you can’t be sure about much these days.
Martin pursed his lips and shook his head, beads of sweat dripping into his lap. I will tell the king of this. Now, what are you waiting for? Turn this cart around, and let’s be off!
No one moved. The slaver’s guards held their positions. The slaves all watched, and Lord Harbor stood with his arms crossed.
Martin slammed his fists down on either side of him. Now! Get this swine off my cart, connect me to the other Sleigh, and let’s move!
Martin’s guards dismounted at once, and within seconds, they unhinged the sold slaves, dropped the chains to the ground, and connected the two Slavers’ Sleighs. The carts jolted forward as the slaves pulled onward, and the guards remounted and fell into the march.
Lord Harbor stepped into the center of the entrance and waved his hand. The portcullis lowered shut, but before it did, he faced the slaves and considered each one, walking slowly in front of them.
Two hooded figures emerged from the inner gatehouse and made their way toward the new arrivals.
Lord Harbor waved to one of the nearby guards, a bearded man in a green cloak, and pointed at the slaves. Remove that chain linking them together so they can line up properly.
Barloc couldn’t help but notice the change in Lord Harbor’s accent. He had spoken proper and clean when dealing with the slaver, but now, the southern drawl of the inlands tacked onto the ends of his words.
The guard quietly removed the chain linking them together, and once they slipped free, Barloc fell in line with the other seven slaves.
Lord Harbor paced, his arms hidden inside his green cloak. Things will work differently here. There is a new set of rules. You’ll address me as Lord Harbor or my lord.
He stopped suddenly and raised his voice, How can you possibly see me if you’re staring at your feet?
The two hooded figures arrived, taking their places on either side of Lord Harbor. He nodded at them. Now, where was I? Ah, yes. You’ll address me as Lord Harbor. This large brute to my right is Sir Vigoronious, styled Sir Vigor. Address him as Sir Vigor only. He hates the title Master and Vigoronious is an awful job on the tongue.
Sir Vigor stood a foot taller than Lord Harbor, and even under the large, green cloak, he was as thick as both Harbor and the unnamed figure together. He drew back his hood with gloved hands, revealing a shaved head and oily, black skin. Two thick eyebrows lined his wide eyes, and a goatee faded into a design of three lines progressing up each cheek. A scar crept from under his facial hair, explaining the unique pattern. The damaged skin prevented the growth of hair and the opposite cheek was groomed to match. A hooped earring hung from his right ear, and two small flaps dangled where one used to be in his left.
And this is Madam Constance.
Lord Harbor directed his hand to his left.
Madam Constance drew back her hood.
Out of habit, Barloc glanced away but not because he wanted to. It wasn’t often he’d seen a woman this close, and out of all the women it could have been, she was easily the fairest. Long, brown hair billowed past her shoulders, and she, too, wore the same black leather gloves as Lord Harbor. Her soft, olive complexion blossomed from beneath her hood, revealing high cheekbones that ended just below two almond-shaped, green eyes.
She scanned the line of slaves, slowing enough to meet their gazes. When she arrived at Barloc, he stared at his feet, warmth climbing into his cheeks.
These are two members of my council. First and foremost, you will respect them, hopefully without too much trouble. All of the Green Cloaks are masters in one sense or another, so mind yourselves around them.
Lord Harbor moved to the first slave in the line. What’s your name?
The slave blinked rapidly. I’m sorry, my lord?
Your name, what is it?
The man’s eyebrows knitted together and he didn’t respond.
Did I confuse you? Don’t you have a name?
Lord Harbor persisted.
Still, the man remained silent.
Lord Harbor pivoted around and returned to his place between Sir Vigor and Madam Constance. "Let’s make this clear now. I’m not playing games with you, as some may have in the past. When I speak, I’m direct. My words are law. If I ask your name, don’t fear retaliation. Simply answer the question. The only warrant for retaliation is insubordination.
I’m a reasonable man. Now, down the line, I want your names. First and last if you have one.
He pointed to the slave on the left end.
The man spoke, but his voice broke as if he hadn’t used it for some time. A-archer, my lord. My name’s Archer Redkin.
Next,
Lord Harbor said.
Madam Constance held a piece of parchment where she scratched down each name.
Barloc did all he could to avoid dropping his attention to the ground, away from his new master’s eyes. Barloc, my lord.
No last name?
Maghild, my lord. Barloc Maghild.
Thank you.
As the words left Lord Harbor’s mouth, the slaves straightened up and cast subtle glances to one another.
Thank you? Barloc closed his eyes and lowered his head as if he were hit. He waited a moment before lifting his gaze.
Madam Constance scribbled down each name upon announcement until they had all been recorded, and the parchment vanished into her cloak.
Lord Harbor clapped. Well, that will do it for records. You’ve come from all over the kingdom. The saying ‘all is fair in trading bodies’ has led you to be captured, disrespected, and treated like scum. You’ve been thrown from hand to hand like no more than a game of Stone Toss. The king’s slavery doesn’t target one, but all. Sclavus doesn’t care what color your skin is, who your parents are, or where you were born. If you can’t produce the coin to cover the king’s tax, you lose your freedom.... But this can end here for you.
He slipped his hands into his cloak. If you follow my instructions, you can be free in thirty days. If you don’t, you’ll be here until you decide to follow orders.
Barloc scanned the row of slaves. All of them appeared to react in different manners: some opened their mouths in shock; some tightened their jaws wearing unbelieving looks; some held fear etched into their features.
"You’ve no reason to believe me. You should question everything I’m saying. If you’ve learned anything up to this point in your seemingly useless lives, it’s that you can’t trust a soul outside your own.
"Every day will be filled with labor. You’ll be given a new quest each morning. Upon completion, you’ll be rewarded and moved onto the next. Your wrist manacles will be removed after the completion of your tenth consecutive day, your legs on the twentieth, and your freedom comes on the thirtieth.
"If you can’t complete the quest given to you, you’ll be sent back to day one and start from the beginning. We currently have one man who refuses to make it past his thirty days. Maybe he’s afraid of freedom after so many years of enslavement, maybe he’s simply dumb as a stone.
"If you strike a guard, you’ll be brought back to day one. If you run, you’ll be made an example of, and that’s not something you’ll like. If you speak without being spoken to... well, you get the idea.
You’ll be given a new name, a loin cloth, sandals, and nothing more. As you complete your assigned tasks, you will earn more clothing.
Lord Harbor addressed his two counterparts. Have I missed anything?
Madam Constance and Sir Vigor shook their heads.
Very well.
Lord Harbor turned back to the slaves. I don’t care about your past. I don’t care about the guilt of your old lives, your lost loves, or your families. Here, everyone starts fresh, and they work their way to freedom. Do you have any questions regarding my expectations? This will be the only time I’ll ask, so speak now.
Silence filled the air between them until Barloc stepped forward. Do you speak truly about freedom, my lord? If we complete your quests, we will be freed?
Lord Harbor nodded. I’m a man of my word. You just have to follow the rules.
Barloc lowered his head and returned to his spot in line.
In that case, men. Welcome to Drudgeburg.
Chapter 2 – Initiation
~~~
Lord Harbor’s voice crashed through Barloc’s mind, followed by a wave of images: I’m a man of my word. He pictured home, though home had been destroyed, and talking with his father, though his father was dead.
He compared himself to the slaves standing down the line. They ranged in age, color, and health, and he hated that he’d just traveled across a kingdom alongside them yet knew nothing about their lives.
Barloc stood an average height compared to the other seven, and his skin held the same almond color as his eyes. His facial hair grew only on his lip and chin, and his scars and cuts from being whipped lined his back and arms.
Follow me.
Madam Constance interrupted his thoughts, stepping past the line of slaves.
Sir Vigor took the rear, and together they advanced toward the pavilions lining the inside wall of the outer bailey.
Chains scraped the gravel with each small step. The slaves moved in unison, a practiced march from tugging Slaver Martin across the kingdom.
Horses brayed from the stables across the yard while the steady banging of the blacksmith’s hammer