The Last Calling

Paperback Edition

Hardcover Edition

### Content Guide

Use of advanced vocabulary and fantasy terms (avid reader recommendation); fantasy violence; war themes; some scenes of emotional stress and peril

### Themes

Courage in the face of great odds, Forgiveness, Sacrifice, Following One’s Calling, Failure

## Chronology

### Previous

The Sword of Stars

The Last Calling is Book Five in the Dragon Calling series and continues the story straight from the events of The Sword of Stars (Book Four). It *concludes* the Dragon Calling pentalogy. The book was first published 13th November 2020, by independent publisher, Starsea Press, located on the Gold Coast, Australia.

The author, N. R. Eccles-Smith, as with the other books, is also the illustrator of the map, glyphs and book cover.

The Last Calling is available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats.

## Dedication

*"For My Family, in a fictional scenario, would that I’d have Laeka’Draeon’s courage and determination to undertake an epic quest to find and save you."*

The author dedicated the final book in the series to her family; in gratitude for their continued and unconditional support while she pursued her writing dreams and all the hurdles and valleys that entailed.

## Book Blurb

*"At last I can show you. At last you will see; see the truth that has brought us all to this desperate brink. The truth of the dragons, and their calling."*

The power of three Beacon Thrones has been temporarily restored. One Throne remains. Along with Belzor's revelation, Laeka'Draeon is at last closing in on obtaining enough power and knowledge to uncover the mystery of the dragons' disappearance.

Sadukravon and his hobgoblin hordes have struck the first blow against Valadae, forcing the armies of the allied kingdoms to take action. A second Gathering looms on the horizon, but without the might of the dragons or the magic of Klonnoth Aire, the first counter-attack could be Valadae's last.

Laeka'Draeon and his companions undertake their final trials under the terrible weight of urgency, coming face-to-face with astonishing revelations, and devastating truths.

At last, all mysteries will come to light under the looming shadow of a battle that will shape the future of Valadae and all its creature-kinds.

## Glossary

#### Titles and Phrases from the Hilesal Language:

**“Alin Yilaranod. Tu’ga alin donad stela, ko’opre alin donad tanetho, she daho teltsa”**—Translated: *‘My King. Into me strong happiness, out from me strong honour, of your appearance.’* Shifra’s greeting to her king, Kibaton Senjin VII.

**“Akres wemus tu’ga daho, Kotha Va’eleon. Hilesa akres tu kithon she daho sa”**—Translated: *‘Our help into you, Lord Va’eleon. Summon us in time of your wish.’* Ametrine’s offer of continued service to Lord Va’eleon should he have need of it.**“Alin Yilaranod.**
Tu’ga alin donad stela, ko’opre alin donad tanetho, she daho teltsa”

**Beruun Terrolaghn**—Meaning, *Black Mountains*. Once known as the Border Realm, the mountain range of the far north was re-named after an influx of corrupted manna transformed it into a perilous, desolate wasteland.

**Denin**—Meaning *magic*, or *of magic*. The term used to describe an individual or creature-kind capable of manipulating manna, both from their surroundings, and from their own body.

**Elrathil**—Meaning, *beautiful*, or *of beauty*. The title once belonged to the forest now known as Darks Whelm. Elrathil is also the name of the Great Power from the unicorn’s ancestral creed, said to bestow the energies of rejuvenation and beauty.

**“Elrathil. Ta’li regunona she yeko stelin”**—Translated: *‘Beautiful. It is crown of all stars.’* Ubi’s slip into the hilesal language while gazing upon the Eye of Empyrean.

**Et’denin**—Meaning *not magic*, or *not of magic*. It is the term used to describe an individual or creature-kind incapable of manna manipulations. Although possible for Et’denin to reach a degree of magic through certain influences, it is a difficult art to master, and inferior compared to its natural counterpart.

**“Gisdonetu yunt’inan tu’ga alin”**—Translated: *‘Maker’s wrath into me.’* Aurnraulath’s expression of dismay after realising the full extent of destruction caused by his betrayal.

**“Ko’opre alin goweln, tu’ga dakre, wenok’shodun besod’Coron-Mias”**—Translated: *‘Out from me welcome, into you, fearless friends of Coron-Mias.’* Va’eleon’s greeting to Laeka’-Draeon and company upon their arrival to the Crown Meet.

**“Ko’opre alin thewelt she daho telteln. Tu’ga daho li men ols donadin wemil”**—Translated: *‘Out from me permission about your departure. Into you be rest also.’* Lord Va’eleon’s reply to the hippogriffs, after their service to Laeka’Draeon and company.

**“Ko’opre rush Kotha Va’eleon’towa’terinan, tu’ga kres goweln’dast li thewelt ga atunel wen, hilis wen, Goldling ielth”**—Translated: *‘Out from his Lord Va’eleon of the White Realm, into these guests be permission to abide with, speak with, Goldling heir.’* The statement given by one of the evaish escorts, to the unicorn sentinels guarding the secluded glade.

**Koruhand’minokul**—Meaning *Destruction’s Bane*. It is the third tower of Klonnoth Aire, and the largest.

**“Misht lema ko’opre alin, tu’ga dakre”**—Translated: *‘High thankfulness out from me, into you.’* Lord Va’eleon’s expression of gratitude to Laeka’Draeon and company, for restoring the eastern Beacon Throne.

**“Prien’ara Veilkiir, gisun’hinobel”**—Translated: *‘Prince Veilkiir, consider …’* Part of a statement made by Va’eleon, to Veilkiir in regards to the heir apparent’s assault on Yarad.

**Teles**—Meaning *follow*; literally to go or come after.

**“Tu’ga alin daho blens hilana li goweln, her”**—Translated: *‘Into me your good words are received, child.’* Lord Senjin’s reply to Shifra’s respectful greeting.

**“Tu’ga alin leneth ta’li’wenok’atun”**—Translated: *‘Into me love unending.’* Celetheal’s final words to Aurnraulath.

**“Tu’ga daho li welil kithin. Larate her, tunthralan ade Idasuth ade Welimus”**—Translated: *‘Into you is new destiny. Blessed child, protector of Promise of Redemption.’* Aubrianna’s declaration over Shifra, after she affirms her calling as the Heir of Aunuen.

**“Tu’ga daho wemil she unop, gisun, ols gisdel”**—Translated: *‘Into you recovery of body, soul, also spirit.’* Va’eleon’s well-wishes over the gathering after the shared meal in the Risenden Pavilion.

**“Tu’ga dakre goweln, Ilethin Seksai, ols draeons her”**—Translated: *‘Into you welcome, Lady Seksai, also dragons child.’* Paytha’s greeting to Aubrianna and Laeka’Draeon, as they reached the room hosting the heirs of the Aunuen.

**“Wiyelo tu’ga alin.”**—Translated: *‘Sorrow into me.’* Spoken by Ametrine and the other hippogriffs after learning of Dontriavien’s suffering.

**Yurek’stelin**—Meaning *Evil Star*, or *Star of Evil*. It is the hilesal name given to the abhorrent, alien entity that emerged from a fallen star, wreaking untold destruction. The creature is highly corrupted and noxious, capable of killing any living thing it touches. It expels gelatinous masses from its mouth, which transform into Don-Chease.

#### Other Titles and Phrases:

**Aradus**—The capital city of the Setting Lands, and domain of recreation and learning for dragon-kind; known for its museums, libraries, and architectural designs. Also famous for being built upon a volcano made extinct by dragon magic.

**“Ashvard! Ashvard, ulv sharv forzaeder doen!”**—From the near-extinct *phylkir* dialect, translated: *‘Attention! Attention, upon breach/ violation (of) traitors duel!’* Shouted by Throralvin, Lord of Duintrai, when Ghinzel enters the duelling arena to try and save Yarad.**Aradus**

**Aunuen**—Also known as the *Troth of Penitence*. A seemingly trivial gold amulet, it is in truth an artefact of incredible power, capable of untold manna manipulations. It is revealed to be of dragon origin, along with the other four Channelling Stones.

**Balefire**—A rare form of fire that burns without the need for wood or oil. It is believed to have first been created and perfected by the whintrii. The fire attracts and interacts with incorporeal energies, including spirits. Balefire is also part of a key process in the taboo practice of necromancy.

**Braeweur**—The Yokushin of the dragon creature-kind.

**Cacodemon**—A corrupted spirit capable of sustaining a physical form by means of receiving a deliberately surrendered body from a living creature, or summoned into the physical realm (subservient or not) by powerful dark magic.

**Centaur**—One of the ten ruling creature-kinds of Valadae. Cultured and beautiful, centaurs are often the inspiration for sculptures and eloquent proses. They are fierce warriors, and devoutly spiritual, both traits lending them a strong sense of justice. Although Et’denin, centaurs have studied the arts of Healing magic for hundreds of cycles, and those who dedicate their calling to the gift, often excel at it.

**Dae**—The capital city of the kingdom of K’tailiur, and hub of morwulf nobility, military, and economic might.

**Deep Ways**—A grand network of underground roads and structures created by the duarden creature-kind to connect their subterranean empire. The Ways span the length and breadth of Valadae, as well as the Banded Plains and the Black Mountains. Most of the Ways have been abandoned, since the fall of the Duarden Empire of Hunadreas and the decimation by the hobgoblin raids during the War of Shores.

**Deijech**—From the faerie dialect, meaning *damned* or *curse and condemn.* It is a predominantly coarse and vulgar declaration, used in anger or frustration.

**Delkraul**—The horvish translation for *dragon*.

**Dragon**—One of the ten ruling creature-kinds of Valadae. Intelligent learners, formidable fighters, and unsurpassed in magic and foreign culture, dragons are received with a mixed response: revered by some, abhorred by others. Despite the mixed reputation, dragon-kind signifies Transcendence and Might—the unity between the Eternals and the Temporary.

**Duard**—One of the ten ruling creature-kinds of Valadae. Duards are robust and hard-working, skilled in mining, metal smithing and all variants of stone craft. They are renowned for their architecture, innovative inventions, and loud, obstinate natures.

**Duintrai**—The primary structured domain of the manorphis creature-kind. It is located between two steep coastal bluffs with a maze of weather-eroded valleys on one side, and the sprawling Wistlight Sea on the other. Known as the *City of Shadows*, due to being cast in the shadow of cliffs for most of the sunspan.

**“Ect’vularm, onorvuil twyns”**—From the near-extinct *phylkir* dialect, translated: *‘Deep appreciation, honourable prince.’* Yarad’s expression of gratitude to Laeka’Draeon.

**Elder Age**—The first chronicled Age of Valadae. Very few physical records of that era survived, though several tales have carried through the generations in the form of legends.

**Enargri Vierin**—From the near-extinct *phylkir* dialect, meaning *Energy Purge*. An ancient and powerful manna manipulation technique, documented as being used to rend demons from possessed forms, and purifying corrupted flows of energy. Considered a controversial and dangerous form of magic.

**Fellis**—A bipedal creature-kind with a long tail, large fox-like ears, and feline facial features. Fellis are hardy creatures, with a strong devotion to family and honour. Their naturally oily fur and superb sense of direction make them adeptly suited to the labyrinthine marshy regions in which they dwell.

**Flame and Flight**—The titles used in reference to a dragon’s inherent ability to control fire and air.

**Forzaeder doen**—From the near-extinct phylkir dialect, meaning, *traitors duel*. An ancient Duintraian custom in which the perpetrator of a crime and the accuser (or representative of) duel to the death in one-on-one armed combat.

**Fuls ov Kuvvasharrn**—From the horvish dialect, meaning *Fire of Judgement.*

**Gaalainven**—From the near-extinct *phylkir* dialect, meaning *foreigner disciple*. It is a title given to anyone who undergoes the shivscrit ovairl and integrates into manorphis society.

**Gestk**—From the faerie dialect, meaning *get off it*, and is generally used as a mild expletive of surprise or annoyance.

**Ghoshmyl**—Large, powerful quadruped reptiles, with two leathery wings and a plated head armed with thick twisted horns. Aggressive and greedy by nature, they pose a threat to nearly all other inhabitants of the tundra and mountain regions they occupy. Ghoshmyls live in a hive-like social structure—with the most vicious female as the matriarch.

**Haunjer**—One of the ten ruling creature-kinds of Valadae. Tall and robust, with grey skin covered in hair, thick tails, pointed ears and vivid eyes, haunjers affect an arresting presence among other creature-kinds. They live by strict tribal customs, and generally view other kinds as socially inferior, with the exception of morwulves and dragons.

**Hemlan**—One of the ten ruling creature-kinds of Valadae. Hemlans are a well-adapted, creative, and generally impulsive kind, with a wary disposition toward powers greater than their own. Their original culture is difficult to source from amidst the sundry blends adopted from other Valadilian kinds, although it is due to this inherent curiosity and absorption that their expanse of knowledge is one of the greatest.

**Hippogriff**—One of the ten ruling creature-kinds of Valadae. Known for their rigid, logical dispositions, Hippogriffs are well-respected across all the kingdoms. They are reclusive and rarely leave their kingdom, even at the behest of allies. Of the Three Winged Kings (gryphons, hippogriffs, and manorphis) hippogriffs are the largest, strongest and most obstinate.

**Hobgoblin**—The infamous *Enemies of Valadae*, hobgoblins are abhorred by every sentient creature in the eleven kingdoms. Once a strong and proud tribal kind, they were enslaved and indoctrinated by the manticors, turning them into savage butchers, with no empathy for other living things.

**Horvish**—The native language of the duards and hobgoblins.

**Idojinsku Scroll**—A powerful Written spell capable of teleporting its wielder instantaneously from one location to another. Invented by the mages of the Opaline Monks.

**Inedelands**—The land covering the eastern and south-eastern region of Kiiyoten, with Ine Lookout as a central landmark; predominantly comprised of tor-strewn moors.

**Ku’in**—A morwulf title, bestowed to those who are masters in their pursued occupation or duty.

**“Lautta inu ev Varjos’Kaunkil!”**—From the near-extinct *phylkir* dialect, translated: *‘Return me to Duintrai (Shadows City).’* Aena’s words of activation of the idojinsku scroll.

**Ludas**—The largest sentient plantae creature in Valadae. By nature, they are docile and nurturing, able to ‘bleed’ their own manna into their surroundings, stimulating periods of potent purification. They feed off sunlight, which is absorbed directly into their skin, and enrich the soil by burrowing underground and filtering dirt through their hollow thorax cavities. A Ludas capable of producing seeds is called a *Lungatos*.

**Manna-bleed**—Also called a *manna-bubble*, this natural phenomena occurs when a portion of the world’s manna flow becomes separated from the main current and closes in on itself, creating a separate flow. Unlike corruption, which is a *complete reversal* of the original manna flow, manna-bleeds continue to flow in the correct direction, though their presence can warp natural laws (e.g. gravity, mass, and light).

**Manna Hold**—A specialised technique of using one’s internal manna to hold onto something outside of the body. Requires close proximity and can quickly lead to exhaustion if misused.

**Manorphis**—The third in the Winged Kings triad, manorphis are sleek, elegant creatures, with red claws and eyes, and bodies covered in black feathers and flexible spines. Manorphis are isolationists, with strict customs and a ritualistic culture that remains largely a mystery to outsiders.

**Manticor**—An ancient and powerful creature-kind with a feline body, webbed wings and spine-studded tail. Believed to have hailed from the desolate tundras of the Undone Lands, they were the catalyst behind the War of Shores, and the tyrants who enslaved and ultimately destroyed the peaceful hobgoblins. Ruled by a culture steeped in dark mysticism and cruel indoctrination, manticors are intelligent schemers and pitiless in their manipulation and torment of others.

**Morwulf**—One of the ten ruling creature-kinds of Valadae. A quietly passionate, reclusive kind, morwulves are one of Valadae’s oldest civilised inhabitants, and have an enduring dedication toward their kingdom and creed. Elite contenders in the fields of music, art and war, they are both feared and respected by all other ruling kinds.

**Mothuurdresh**—The largest and most grotesque of the harpies. Also believed to be the first harpy corrupted by the wicked fellis magician, Kazthal.

**Rogue**—In reference to dragons, the Rogue condition is a violent internal disruption of the natural manna and a spiralling descent into madness. The condition occurs when a dragon’s manna stream is severed from the unified streams of the rest of its creature-kind. The severing is almost always a deliberate act, and can only be accomplished by a dragon of greater physical and mental strength. There is no known reversal for the Rogue condition.

**Satyr**—A raucous, hardy creature-kind, native to the kingdom of Gelian. They are lovers of music and have a strong passion and connection to all forms of plant-life, especially trees.

**Se’ciel**—A beautiful, tiered city located near the base of the Nemblem Mountains, on the southern side. It was once the capital of the whintrii creature-kind, before their decline.

**Seksai**—The most influential position within the hierarchy of morwulf nobility, second only to the king and queen. A Seksai is the official guardian of sacred histories and secrets, and the chronicler of such details that occur during their lifetime.

**Shivscrit ovairl**—From the near-extinct *phylkir* dialect, meaning *Trial of Joining*. It is a sacred manorphis rite in which an individual from a different kind undergoes a physical and mental sifting to become a Gaalainven (a process which often extends their lifespan to that of a manorphis) and grafts themselves into manorphis society so that they can operate under the Concord for an assigned purpose.**Aradus**

**Soul Guard**—The title of an individual who has sworn their life to the service of another. The calling of Soul Guard is stringent and often requires cycles of pre-planning and a long initiation. It is a life-long vow, which only death can break. **Sphinx**—One of the ten ruling creature-kinds of Valadae. Sphinx are as strict and uncompromising as the desert realm they inhabit. Generally proud and indifferent to other creature-kinds, the sphinx are careful in their promises and do not place the mantle of trust lightly, making their allegiance all the more powerful to those who have earned their confidence.

**The Hold**—The ruling regime of the hobgoblin creature-kind, comprised of twelve members. Members are as follows: *Hongrin Priest* (head of the Hold), *Thane* (retainer to the Priest), *Chancellor* (record-keeper and order executive), *Spyrd* (spy-master), *High General* (commander of military forces), *Base General* (second-in-command under High General), *Sky Legion Captain* (leader of airborne armies), *Ground Legion Captain* (leader of ground armies), *Us’hur* (overseer of general populace), *Arguul* (overseer of consumable resources), *Porcvant* (overseer of Spawning Chambers), *Cultist* (indoctrinator).

**The Gathering**—An epic event in the history of Valadae, in which all the armies of the eleven kingdoms gathered beneath the towers of Klonnoth Aire and drove the last of the enemies of the War of Shores into exile.

**Ukaito Pack**—A famous fellis invention that dematerialises and stores almost any object into one of its many small compartments, indefinitely. The technique of crafting a pack is one of the fellis’ greatest secrets.

**Unicorn**—One of the ten ruling creature-kinds of Valadae. Alongside the morwulves, unicorns are another of Valadae’s oldest civilised kinds, renowned for their beauty and skill in Healing and Light magic. They are graceful, gentle, and steady in their disposition, although hold a fierce intolerance against any sort of corruption.

**Vala-Kas**—A division of elite morwulf warriors, answerable only to the king and queen of K’tailiur. The Vala-Kas carry out missions of a sensitive nature, including reconnaissance and assassinations.

**Valderia**—The original name of the realms beyond the Black Mountains (now only known as the Undone Lands) before its untimely ruin by the first documented Manna Eruption.

**“Vershvikk onjthied! Anvaar oordvonis, forzaeder!”**— From the near-extinct *phylkir* dialect, translated: *‘Abomination (more exact translation: horrible falsity)! Accept judgment, traitor!’* Hastklingr’s words to Yarad, while chasing him down.

**Vetashra**—The Yokushin of the morwulf creature-kind.

**Yokushin**—An ancient and complex Continuance spell, created by merging the magic law of Spoken with that of the Blood Oath. A Continuance spell is a self-sustaining casting, which does not require additional channelling or energy from those bound to it. In this case, the Yokushin is a Continuous spell placed over several dozen creature-kinds, and activated through the vocal recitation of specific names. The Yokushin’s primary purpose is to protect the thoughts and conversations of its users from forces with malicious intent.