The Forest's Keeper Read online

  THE FOREST’S KEEPER

  E. E. HORNBURG

  THE FOREST’S KEEPER

  By

  E. E. Hornburg

  Copyright © 2023 E. E. Hornburg

  Edited by Tee Tate

  Cover Design by MiblArt.

  All stock photos licensed appropriately.

  Map Design by Cartographybird.

  Published in the United States by City Owl Press.

  www.cityowlpress.com

  For information on subsidiary rights, please contact the publisher at

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior consent and permission of the publisher.

  Contents

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  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

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Epilogue

  Sneak Peek of The Laird of Duncairn

  A Guide to the Deities

  Find Your Next Read

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  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  About the Publisher

  Additional Titles

  Praise for E. E. Hornburg

  “The Night’s Chosen is a fairytale-like fantasy romance about the burden of duty and following your heart. From the characters to the prose, the fairytale vibes are strong in this book. The world building pulls you in immediately. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!” – Gabrielle Ash, author of The Family Cross and For the Murder

  “Fantastic world building! Mystery and deception. People are more than what they seem. I could not put down, The Shadow’s Heir! I was totally captivated right from the start. I knew that Myra and Alvis’ story was going to be truly special, and I was not disappointed! The characters added color and flavor to the story. Unique in their own way. This is a series I highly recommend and has fast become a favorite of mine. Enjoy retellings with a twist? These books are for you. Take a chance. You won’t be disappointed! I give this 5 stars.” – The Literary Vixen

  “This stunning fantasy debut swept me away. The Night's Chosen offers up a delectable blend of intrigue, magic, and romance all wrapped up in fresh takes on fantasy tropes and themes. The author's vivid, lyrical writing is perfect for the story and brings to life a world of wonder in the most divine of ways to create an immersive experience sure to completely transport the reader. Hornburg's story is a total page turner that will keep you guessing through twists and surprises.” – Kat Turner, author of Hex, Love, and Rock and Roll

  “E. E. Hornburg has invented a world with several charming aspects. Her vision of a free-thinking society with fewer sexual hang ups is refreshing. Her pantheon of deities offers cultural variation, and her main character’s devout nature is an admirable trait… The value in Ms. Hornburg’s story-telling lies in the smaller touches which are sprinkled like stardust throughout the pages.” – InD’tale

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  Don’t miss more of the The Cursed Queens series, and find more from E. E. Hornburg at www.emilyhornburg.com

  And discover THE LAIRD OF DUNCAIRN, by City Owl Author, Craig Comer!

  A war is brewing between the worlds of fey and man . . . but only one can prevail. Find out which in this fantasy featuring nefarious plots, dashing knaves, and militant gnomes.

  When Sir Walter Conrad discovers a new energy source, one that could topple nations and revolutionize society, the race to dominate its ownership begins.

  But the excavation of this energy will have dire consequences for both humans and fey. For an ancient enemy stirs, awakened by Sir Walter’s discovery.

  Outcast half-fey Effie of Glen Coe is the empire’s only hope at averting the oncoming disaster. But she finds herself embroiled in the conflict, investigating the eldritch evil spreading throughout the Highlands.

  As she struggles against the greed of mighty lords and to escape the clutches of the queen’s minions, her comfortable world is shattered.

  Racing to thwart the growing menace, she realizes the only thing that can save them all is a truce no one wants.

  GET IT NOW

  For Dale, the Cal to my Rose.

  And I hope you enjoy the swamp zombies.

  Chapter One

  ROSE

  Wind whipped around Rose’s red hair as she stared at the mountain where Luana’s castle should be located. The air had a bite to it even though it was close to the summer solstice. At the top of the Paravian Mountain peaks there were hints of crisp snow still collected. A reminder that this was not Rose’s realm. It sent a shiver down her spine and a twist of unease into her stomach.

  She needed to see Eira.

  Rose thought she was prepared but standing before the mountain she knew nothing was further from the truth. She gripped the reins so her knuckles turned white. There’d been many adversaries in Rose’s life before. A mountain was a first.

  How in the deities’ names were they supposed to get inside?

  The journey took far longer than she’d wanted, filled with stops and visits to the villages along the way so the people could greet the new future queen and she make connections with the local leaders. Pretending that she was excited to take on the role Eira had left.

  Everything was not fine.

  How was it possible for everything to be fine when Eira and Father didn’t speak to each other? When Eira was living in the mountains doing deities knew what? When Rose had to act as though she were the heiress to the Cresin throne when it was the last thing she wanted? When the only communication Rose had with Eira was through letters over the last several weeks? Each piece of correspondence was a frail whisper of the long conversations the two of them once had when they were younger.

  Sometimes they were apart. It was only natural. When Eira left for university or Rose was on a mission, and when Eira journeyed to the Paravian mountains in the first place to find the cure for Father’s curse. That time, Rose would have gone with her, but she ended up trapped inside of Amelia’s mirror instead.

  Now, Rose was in a different yet still awful trap.

  She needed to see her sister.

  The caravan paused their horses in front of the mountain showed on the map, but it looked like any other mountain. Weeks ago, Eira sent a letter and asked Rose to join her in the Paravian mountains for a summer solstice tournament. Delighted, Rose wrote back right away to let her know she would be there. Now if only she could figure out how to get into the mountain where Lunana’s castle stood.

  On his horse at Rose’s side, Cal looked at the mountain with furrowed brows, his sharp blue eyes taking in the area and strong chin firm. He messily tied his dark blonde hair back since he’d grown it out some over the last few months now that Amelia was gone. He said she liked it when her men were “clean cut” and growing it out was his minor act of rebellion and freedom. The hair wasn’t unkempt or wild - not like Rose’s unruly curls - and still manageable. Rose liked it more now that she was used to it. It made him look rugged and husky. She told him this once, and he only rolled his eyes and told her to mind her own business. But she swore she saw a small smile tug at his lips.

  He loosened his grip on the reins and looked over to Rose. “How are we supposed to get in?”

  Rose shook her head. “I don’t know. Eira failed to mention that tiny detail.”

  The rest of the people in the caravan, a small group of knights and courtesans from Faren Castle who wanted to join the festivities, murmured among themselves. It was just another thing to add to their ever-growing list of reasons Rose was a terrible future queen. She wasn’t even able to get them to another castle’s event. The tournament was going to take place in Paravia, and the priestesses secured rooms for them to sleep in. Still, some were curious about Luana’s castle, and Eira in her kindness said a small number could come for a night.

  Believe me, I
agree with you all. I’m terrible at this, Rose wanted to tell them. But knew that wasn’t possible. Eira needed Rose to hold her ground, at least for a little while longer. But they needed Rose to lead them now. Despite the summer solstice coming, as they were so far north and in the mountains, Rose was glad to have her mother’s red cloak around her shoulders.

  She fiddled with the fastenings as she tried to think of what to do. She’d never asked Eira how to get inside a mountain.

  There was a tiny sliver of a crack in the mountain wall that didn’t fit with the rest of the rocks and stones. A slight glow came from it. Rose leaned forward to see what it was. Floating out of the crack were tiny sparkles of light, like stardust, and little by little it opened wider. On Rose’s other side, her close friend and lady-in-waiting, Lady Evony, gasped.

  “Oh, Rose,I think we found it!” she squealed, then elbowed Priestess Cynth. “I told you Rose knew what she was doing.”

  Wonderful. Even Priestess Cynth had been doubting.

  The crack in the mountain wall opened even further and from it, Eira and Cadeyrn came walking through, stardust floating around Rose’s older sister in silver clouds. Her long black hair fell across her shoulders in waves and her silver tunic flowed like a gown.

  “You’re here,” Eira squealed and all of Rose’s doubts and worries vanished, even if for the moment.

  Rose grabbed her crutch that was attached to the saddle and slid off the horse. The two sisters met halfway and collided together in a bone-crushing hug. Everything was going to be fine.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the entrance,” Eira said once they broke apart. “I wanted you to have a surprise.”

  “You did that,” Rose said. “But was not sharing how to come inside the best way to welcome everyone?”

  Eira looped her arm through Rose’s and leaned toward her. Her voice was low so others didn’t hear. “It’s not ready for the tournament. I’m glad only a few of you are staying tonight.”

  Rose stilled. Not ready? What did she mean by not ready? “It’s not?” She tried keeping her voice light but wasn’t able to hide the panic behind those two words.

  Cadeyrn clasped Rose’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. The tournament will be in town as planned. We’d hoped the castle would be ready for people to come visit, but outside of this group we won’t be able to. We’ll explain everything when we get inside.”

  Rose’s shoulders relaxed, and she nodded. At least the tournament wasn’t off. Still, her mind filled with questions. Wasn’t part of the point so people would see Luana’s castle? Then they would believe Eira’s story about being touched by the goddess and let her take her place as heiress to the throne again. Eira could return home in peace.

  Eira broke away from Rose and faced the group, a wide and dazzling smile across her face. She glowed as she spoke. “Welcome, everyone. We’re so pleased you made the journey here, and I can’t wait to greet each one of you. Luana’s Castle may not be what you expect, but I hope you can see the beauty and wonder in this place and grow to love it as we do.”

  She faced the mountain and Cadeyrn joined her and together they placed their hands over the long-cracked stone. After a few moments, light spread from their palms across the mountain wall and the crack opened large enough for a person to walk through, light pouring out of it.

  Evony gasped. “Their love opens the door,” she cooed.

  Cal only rolled his eyes. “At least we can get inside now.”

  “You’re such a grump,” Evony told him. “It’s romantic.”

  “It’s a clever barrier to keep people out.”

  Cynth nudged Evony with her elbow. “Ignore him. I’m sure he’s just frustrated.” She winked.

  Evony giggled, and the group followed Eira and Cadeyrn into the mountain while Cal seemed to growl at them. He never was one for romance and grand gestures. Cal was practical and jaded with relationships. Rose assumed it must have been from his work with Amelia and seeing the way she manipulated her own trysts and affairs. Actually, Rose couldn’t remember the last time Cal was interested in someone. They’d been so focused these days on Rose adjusting to her new role and Cal being second in command on the guard. They didn’t have time for romantic endeavors.

  One by one, they all walked through the mountains opening. The tunnel widened enough to fit each person and their horse, and the soft, sparkling moon rock walls brushed against Rose’s shoulder. Even if the castle was ready for more visitors, she had a hard time picturing crowds of people using this entrance to come for the tournament. Even if it was amazing.

  Cal appeared to be more hulking than usual with the walls surrounding all around him. In fact, Rose couldn’t remember the last time she and Cal spent any time together outside of duty and responsibility. It was possible there was someone in his life and he hadn’t bothered to ask him about it. Her shoulders slumped at the thought. In fact, she had spent little time with Evony or Cynth either. Some friend she was. Maybe this trip would be helpful for all of them to get away from the troubles of Farren Castle and rekindle their friendship again.

  The tunnel opened into a vast cavern filled with stars and sparkling streams, with shimmering green-blue grass. Rose gasped. Eira described in her letters what mountain looked like inside, but seeing it was something no one would have been able to prepare her for. A shooting star flew overhead across the grand castle ahead of them.

  At her side, Cynth’s horse paused, and her chin quivered. A single glistening tear glided over her dark cheek, and the light of the shooting star caught in the circlet around her shaved head to make it glimmer. “It’s beautiful. I can feel her. I can feel Luana here.”

  Against her better judgement, Rose wished high priestess Nyx had joined them. She was one of the most vocal about Eira not becoming queen and Rose was sure her opinions had swayed the Council. She should have been here to face the truths she tried to deny. It may have been petty of her, but Rose hoped once people saw the castle and everything Eira was doing there, Nyx would be ashamed of her behavior. Besides, if Nyx believed Eira, it would be one step closer to Eira coming home and Rose not having to be playing this charade anymore. She hoped the stories people would share once they returned home would be enough to convince her.

  Eira hired some people from the village to help around the castle, and it was clear she’d made the correct choice. Luana’s castle was in various states of disrepair. Some areas were clean and polished and shone with stardust. Others were void of color, with ragged tapestries with crumbled stone walls, as though a storm blew through and rid the place of any care or love. For months, Eira had been living here trying to break a curse put on by the goddess Luana centuries ago when Aytign experimented with death magic and it killed his lover and destroyed the temple in the castle and left the rest of the building in disrepair. When Eira received Luana’s magic, it bound her to Aytign, the dragon who lived there. With her magic, Eira was supposed to restore it to its former glory, and in time, break the curse.

  Then she could return home, claim her throne, and everything would go back to normal. The way things should be.

  Rose could only hope.