The Knight of Honor (The Arising Evil, Book 1) Read online

  Ulysses Troy

  THE KNIGHT OF HONOR

  THE ARISING EVIL

  “THE TIME HAS COME.”

  The Knight of Honor

  Ulysses Troy

  All Rights Reserved.

  Copyright © 2021 by Ulysses Troy

  Editing by Joanne Murray

  Cover Art by Ömer Tunç

  Formatting by Bodie D. Dykstra

  This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  For permission, business contact and fan mails:

  [email protected]

  Official Website: thearisingevil.com

  Official Instagram Page: the.arising.evil

  ISBN: 9798576005352

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  About the Author

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Appendix

  Part One: Characters

  Part Two: Locations

  Part Three: Adventurer’s Glossary of Terms

  Part Four: Documents, Books, Poems And Songs

  The Knight of Honor

  Chapter One: The Road to Gannát

  Chapter Two: The Road to LaPellás

  Chapter Three: A Night at Plains

  Chapter Four: The Search for the Castle

  Chapter Five: Strike at Unac’h Dorn

  Chapter Six: The Aftermath

  Chapter Seven: The Duel of Honor

  Chapter Eight: Parting the Ways

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Just a man who loves to dream.

  DEDICATION

  I dedicate this book

  to the ones who chase

  their dreams no matter what,

  for they are the ones

  who'll make a difference.

  -Ulysses

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I want to . . .

  . . . thank my teacher for helping me with my writing, counseling me and spending her precious time for me, correcting endless errors in the book. She is the one whom I named the Jade Forest after.

  . . . thank Ömer Tunç for creating this amazing artwork and even supporting me further.

  . . . thank all my friends for reading my book and helping me to improve it, giving their supports and advice during the process.

  . . . thank people all over the world that agreed to help me with the book’s spread, even though they did not know me.

  . . . thank my mother, for listening to me all the time and being the most precious person of my life.

  . . . and thank God, for everything.

  Appendix

  PART ONE: CHARACTERS

  Heroic Adventurers, Wanderers, Bards And The Ones Without Home

  Conrad Of Battum: A newly famed adventurer hailing from the south with the heart of a hero. He has been traveling through the land for years, adventure after adventure, with his loyal friend Gavise Of Beocur.

  Gavise Of Beocur: A talented, shrewd, chatty, subtle yet also daring, sharp, selfish, cowardly, and unlucky bard. Being Conrad’s best friend, Gavise is mostly known for getting himself in trouble while seeking fortune, glory, and women.

  Veron de Charn: A legendary bard and also the greatest hero who has ever lived, made up by Gavise to hide his real identity.

  Jarn Wittern: A famous Utornian Sword Dancer who appears to be Veron’s sidekick, made up by Gavise to hide Conrad’s real identity due to a possible encounter with the Brotherhood of the Dark Horse.

  Lady Ellessayn: A great and subtle musician known throughout the land.

  Terebin Of Caevours: A young and talented, yet fameless, bard.

  Household Of Gannát

  Edmond de Gannát: The honorable, brave, honest, but also young and naive Baron of Gannadár. Rides through the lands of LaPellás to participate in a dangerous contest, to resolve a feud of old that lasted for generations between his house and House of Wellon.

  Merlon: A fat and unfortunate man with a great desire to eat under the service of House de Gannát. Sent after Edmond de Gannát by Lady Jennefer to turn the Young Baron from the way of the contest.

  Jennefer de Gannát: The concerning lady mother of the Baron Edmond and widow to his father Eudes. Holds the real power at Gannadár according to servant Merlon.

  Geoffrey de Gannát: The former Baron of Gannadár and fiancé of Lady Claudia de LaPellás. His and Jacquard de Wellon’s common love for her caused a dynastic feud between the noble houses of de Gannát and de Wellon. After Lady Claudia died, Geoffrey married Lady Mariene and fathered Eudes and Chester.

  Eudes de Gannát: Firstborn son of Geoffrey de Gannát and his old heir. He died before ascending to his father’s position as the Baron of Gannadár due to an accident with his horse, leaving his son and only child Edmond as the heir of the house.

  Chester de Gannát: Deceased uncle of Edmond and father of Louis, Lisenna, and Leliane de Gannát. Died because of Red Syphilis.

  Louis de Gannát: Cousin of Edmond de Gannát and one of his closest friends.

  Lisenna de Gannát: First daughter of Chester de Gannát and Edmond’s cousin. Engaged to Ser Jefron de Pountey.

  Leliane de Gannát: Second daughter of Chester de Gannát and Edmond’s cousin.

  Roule: A man-at-arms under the service of the house of Gannát.

  Marie: A cook working at the castle of Gannadár.

  Felton de Chinnay: the young but dedicated squire of Louis de Gannát.

  Household Of LaPellás

  Chanel de LaPellás: Young, smart, and fair lady regent to her nephew, Baron Theodore.

  Theodore de LaPellás: Child of the late Jodeph LaPellás, and current Baron of LaPellás. His aunt Lady Chanel rules in his name until he will come of age.

  Jodeph de LaPellás: The late Baron of LaPellás and the brother of Lady Chanel. Died in an unfortunate accident.

  Claudia de LaPellás: The old daughter of Herberth de LaPellás. Her love caused the rivalry between the houses of Gannát and Wellon. After her father imprisoned her in a castle due to her unknown actions, she killed herself.

  Caselle de Terabell: Mother of the little Baron Theodore and the widow of the late Baron Jodeph de LaPellás.

  Robard de Fennard: A respected Knight under the service of House LaPellás.

  The Old Servant: An old and experienced servant of LaPellás.

  The Young Servant: A young and inexperienced servant of LaPellás.

  Herberth de LaPellás: Herberth was the old Baron of the LaPellás. He died due to an illness after her daughter’s mysterious death.

  Household of Wellon

  Evrard de Wellon: Known as the Black Knight through the Baltaire, Evrard is a knight under the service of House Wellon and Baron Antonin’s cousin, also a masterful swordsman and deadly fighter.

  Antonin de Wellon: The current Baron and head of House Wellon.

  Elaenne de Wellon: Evrard’s younger sister. Engaged to Renfred de Joshau, a southern Baron.

  Jacquard de Wellon: Brother to Baron Albert and uncle to Baron Antonin, Jacquard was an excellent swordsman and famed Knight who carried the color of his house with glory. Yet, his incident with Geoffrey de Gannát over Lady Claudia de LaPellás’ love caused an incident, which resulted in his death, and a bitter feud between two noble Houses.

  Albert de Wellon: The old Baron of We
llon and brother of Jacquard. Albert is Antonin’s father.

  Elias de Wellon: Deceased father of Evrard and Elaenne.

  Jean de Terebaum: Was a landless and loyal Knight to House de Wellon, and father to Quenton de Terebaum. Died years ago.

  Men of Brotherhood

  The Dark Rider: A fierce outlaw with an unknown identity, leading the dangerous Brotherhood of The Dark Horse. Rides a great war stallion as dark as his cloak.

  Quenton de Terebaum: A Knight and Brotherhood’s second in command as the Rider’s right-handed man. Associated with the green coat he always wears on.

  Retlaff The Vampire: A dangerous and bloodthirsty cutthroat with exceptional skills and belligerence at his side. Known as a ‘vampire’ among the folk due to his strange looks, consisting of extremely white skin and hair, red eyes, and grotesque facial features.

  Cout: An outlaw that is very popular among the Brotherhood.

  Small Village of Hoél

  Old Mellina: An angry and strong-willed old Hag, also the de facto leader of the village.

  Guillaume: An honest inhabitant of Hoél.

  Eddon: A clumsy lad from the village of Hoél.

  Southpaw John, Looney Wyles, Fat Berta, Dermot: Brotherhood sympathizers in the village.

  Vincent: A gardener and part-time transporter.

  Noble Guests of Plains

  Robert de Lothiré, Angus de Toyne, Anselm de Mellard, Melloine de Pamon, Rennes de Nellfoy, Gilles de Jalsoff, Melden de Courbonne: Important guests of House LaPellás from nobility.

  Other Nobles Worth Mentioning

  Philippe de Balthar: King of the Baltaire, Philippe is known as an honorable, honest, just and kind man. Even though some may criticize his methods for being too “soft”, King Philippe’s rule over the lands of Baltaire is one of peace and prosperity.

  Wilhelm Von Vanheim: The King of Vanheim, Wilhelm is a strong and stern ruler. Even though he had to become a King at a very early age due to his father’s premature death, he has shown to all of Bralon that he is a competent and successful sovereign with his deeds so far.

  Martell de LaVos: The respected count of Loussión and head of House de LaVos.

  Jeanne de LaVos, Lienna de LaVos: Daughters of Count Martell.

  Fiona de LaVos: The youngest of Count Martell’s daughters, and also the smartest according to Robert de Lothiré.

  Jeron de LaVos: The only son and heir of Count Martell.

  Etienne Leonella de Paquin: The most powerful woman in Northern Baltaire, Lady Paquin owns endless rich estates. Even though she has forged an alliance with the Baron Robert de Lothiré by marrying her daughter to the Baron, Robert is not fond of her.

  Pierre de Ardisé: A competent and respected nobleman, Pierre de Ardisé is the only duke in the Baltaire and the most powerful man of the Kingdom after the King. Known as wise and honorable, Duke Pierre serves the crown as an important advisor to the King. Some say he is the most trusted vassal of King Philippe.

  Elton de Armand: The Count of Armand.

  Geoffrey de Channot: The Baron of Channot and an old rival of Conrad. Once, his men kidnapped Gavise of Beocur.

  Simon de Morne: The Count of Morne.

  Other Smallfolk Worth Mentioning

  Unwin: The owner of the Wedding Wench of Vanheimian origin.

  Peryl of Nellen: An old friend of Conrad’s, Peryl is a respected merchant and businessman.

  Fenhir the White: An old, wise and plainspoken scholar who lives in a tower of his own near Fenesse.

  Gisele: An astonishingly beautiful but also extremely scheming town girl. She had a two-day affair with Gavise Of Beocur which nearly resulted in Gavise’s death.

  Gisele’s Father: A rogue and menacing blacksmith who is devoted to his daughter. He nearly killed Gavise Of Beocur with his unsharpened blade set, believing his daughter’s slander against the unfortunate bard.

  PART TWO: LOCATIONS

  Unac’h Dorn: An ancient and ruined castle of an unknown origin. Lies in the woods of Jade Forest and considered to be cursed by the local folk.

  Gannadár: A small Barony in Northern Baltaire under the rule of the County of Loussión.

  Plains Of LaPellás

  Jade Forest

  City of Beocur: Capital of the Kingdom of Baltaire and also the most prosperous and advanced city in the whole kingdom. Called “The Land of Prosperity” by the people of Baltaire.

  County of Loussión: Ruled by House of LaVos, Loussión is a small but prosperous county with vast forests in its north and fertile farmlands in its south.

  River of Lanaél: One of the longest rivers in Baltaire and a major source of income for the fishermen among the common folk.

  Ferenaon: A rich town known for its juicy oranges and red roses in the County of Maine.

  Benovia: One of the Sunmarine Islands at the east seas.

  Hoél: A small village where the main livelihood is selling lodges and organizing hunts in the forests nearby.

  Castle Wellon: Seat of the House Wellon.

  Duchy Of Ardisé:

  Chérris: A town in southern Baltaire.

  Algeise: A county in northeastern Baltaire.

  PART THREE: ADVENTURER’S GLOSSARY OF TERMS

  Fresh: Cool nights are called “fresh” by Baltarians.

  Punisher: An angel in hell who is responsible for the sinners’ punishments, in the Holy Faith.

  The Holy Faith: The most dominant religion in East Bralon, based on The Holy Prophet’s sayings and the Holy Texts written by his apostates.

  Bastard Sword:

  Eggs: An expensive food in the lands of Baltaire due to a chicken killing flu that happened years before.

  Knight: Lowest title of nobility in Baltaire.

  Baron: A nobility title in Baltaire, someone who rules a Barony.

  Count: A nobility title in Baltaire, someone who rules a County.

  Duke: The highest title of nobility after the King. Even though there were two of them decades ago, the Duchy of Huttam’s separation from Baltaire after the successful Huttamian Rebellion left the Duchy Of Ardisé as the only Duchy in the Kingdom, and the dukes of Ardisé as the only Dukes.

  King: A nobility title in Baltaire, someone who rules a Kingdom.

  Crimson Steel: The best kind of steel in the lands of Bralon. Can be crafted only by Carassoni Mastersmiths.

  Beocur: The capital and most prosperous city of the Kingdom of Baltaire.

  Mastersmith: A famous professional title given only to the best and most talented blacksmiths, who receive professional and special training in lodges, located in Carasson. They are the only ones to bend the crimson steel of the west in the known world.

  Rakh’orun: A class of magicians in Akahnar.

  Baltarian Wine Culture: Baltarians always prefer new and fresh wine over mellow ones due to their historical origins and base culture, and this strange attitude of theirs is always criticized by Jamedians, who are known for their good taste in wine.

  Dark Angel: The Grim Reaper Of Holy Faith.

  South Shore: Baltaire’s Line Of Coasts, Featuring its South Provinces Beaches (Like Battum) It’s more of a term than an actual geographic location.

  Lamelle: A province in South-West Baltaire.

  Lamellen: A horse breed from Lamelle.

  Bralon: The name of the known world in Baltarian tongue.

  Ferenaon: A small town in the county of Loussión.

  Baron: Apart from landed knights, the smallest title which holds fiefs in the Baltarian nobility. The importance of a Baron may vary as their power changes from hold to hold. Barons must swear fealty to the count of the county to which their land belongs.

  Count: A powerful nobility title which means the holder of the title rules an entire county.

  Tourin: The currency of the Baltaire. While being worth more than the Vanheimian Vinanch, it is worth less than the Utornian Uran.

  Parlar: Was an independent city-state in the Baltaire sphere, located between Baltaire and Vanheim lands after being
conquered by King Wilhart Von Vanheim at the end of “The Battle of Eight Days”. Now, ruled by the Vanheimian nobility.

  The Brotherhood of The Dark Horse: A mysterious bandit gang with proper training and access to high quality steel. Their motivation or desire remains unknown.

  The Dark Rider: The mysterious leader of the Brotherhood. No one knows his real identity, including his men and companions.

  Vinnach: The currency of Vanheim.

  Red Syphilis: A deadly disease that once caused the death of nearly ten percent of the Bralon.

  Vanhard: The proud and glorious capital city of the Vanheim.

  Battum: A county in the most southern part of Baltaire.

  Crimson Horse: The best inn in all of the Gannadár since ‘The Touch of The Lady’ was closed.

  The Wedding Wench: The worst inn in all of the Gannadár from the day it is established.

  Fenhir The White: Fenhir is an old and capable scholar who lives in a tower near the town of Eduan. Being a mentor and a teacher to him, Fenhir taught Conrad most of the knowledge he possessed about the world of Bralon in his youth.

  The County of Loussión: A county ruled by Count Martell de LaVos, located in Northern Baltaire.

  Bellácoir Green: A plant species endemic to Baltaire.

  Ascender: An angel in The Holy Faith, believed to escort men’s souls to the Holy Heaven upon death.

  The Battle of Eight Days: A very important historical battle between the Kingdoms Of Baltaire and Vanheim, concluding with Vanheim’s decisive victory and Parlar’s total annihilation by the Vanheimian crown. It is also generally acknowledged as the last major military conflict among the two Kingdoms.

  Parlar: A city-state in the Eastern Bralon, standing between the two Kingdoms Of Baltaire and Vanheim. A decade ago, Parlar was a wealthy free city-state acknowledged by all political powers of the Bralon, until Vanheimian aggression claimed the city for the Lion Banners. As Parlar was supported by the Baltarian Crown as a crucially important strategic territory standing between the lands of Baltaire and Vanheim and seen as a political ally in the eyes of Baltarians, its freedom was guaranteed by the Kingdom. When Lion’s armies knocked on the doors of the City of Parlar, the Kingdom of Baltaire, led by the Prince and Marshall of the Kingdom Rimbaut de Balthar, marched towards the City State to defend it from Vanheimian aggression, and the Battle of Eight Days occurred near the city of Parlar. After eight days of constant struggles, the Vanheimian army commanded by King Wilhart Von Vanheim snared the Prince’s forces. Given no other choice to save the lives of his men, Prince Rimbaut had to make a peace treaty with King Wilhart in favor of Vanheim, and gave up Parlar’s status as a free City, thus acknowledging the city and its nearby lands as a Part of legitimate Vanheimian territory.