Dual Destiny

Paperback Edition

Hardcover Edition

### Content Guide

Use of advanced vocabulary and fantasy terms (avid reader recommendation); fantasy violence; some scenes of bloody violence; torture scene; some scenes may disturb younger readers

### Themes

Adversity, Trust, Duty, Facing Fear, Resolve

## Chronology

### Next

The Sword of Stars

Dual Destiny is Book Three in the Dragon Calling series and continues the story straight from the events of The Beacon Thrones (Book Two). The book was first published 12 March 2016, by independent publisher, Starsea Press.

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

Dual Destiny is available in both eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats.

## Dedication

*"For Chris Desmarais, Like the North Star, your support has been constant and true"*

The book is dedicated to a family friend, who, the moment he became a fan of the series, went above and beyond in showing support to the author and her works; dedicating time, energy and finances into promotions, book events, and various Dragon Calling projects.

## Book Blurb

*"So, you are willing to do anything for the chance to save your friend–that is what you are truly saying, yes?"*

Laeka'Draeon and his companions have awakened the first of the Beacon Throne guardians.

But only with the power of all four guardians can he hope to stop Valadae's imminent destruction and fulfil his calling as the last of the dragons.

His journey takes him west, into a kingdom rife with conflict and unexpected perils. And when one of Laeka'Draeon's friends is captured by Trappers, his actions lead to terrifying consequences.

Twisted magic, wicked schemes, and a choice that threatens to doom his quest to failure–Laeka'Draeon faces his greatest challenge yet, and this time the powers of a dragon are useless.

## Glossary

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

**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.

**“Daho lema li tu’ga alin”**—Translated: *‘Your gratefulness is into me.’* Ubi’s acceptance of Ku’in Tovin’s show of gratitude for healing him.

**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.

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

**“Larate tu’ga daho, Elrathil’her”**—Translated: *‘Blessing into you, Beautiful Child (unicorn).’* Ku’in Tovin’s expression of gratitude toward Ubi.

**Med’neth’dast**—Meaning, *Fleshless Ones*. Abominations made using rare necromantic magics which infuse a fleshless corpse with a demon whose willpower has been completely subdued. Soulless, and driven solely by an insatiable hunger for flesh, Med’neth’dast are the most heinous of necromantic creations, and can only be destroyed by purified balefire.

**“Nokleralus olem tu’ga daho ko’opre alin”**—Translated: *‘Knowledge will into you, out from myself.’* A more accurate structural translation into vadish would be: *The knowledge I have I will give to you.* They are the first words Ku’in Tovin speaks to Laeka’Draeon and his friends; spoken in hilesal as a show of respect.

**“Tu’ga daho ols”**—Translated: *‘Into you, also.’* Shifra’s reply to Ku’in Tovin’s farewell.

#### Other Titles and Phrases:

**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. Its origin is shrouded in mystery.

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

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

**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 obstinate natures.

**Elt Pine**—A sturdy evergreen tree found exclusively in the mountainous regions of K’tailiur. The sap is used to harden and water-proof morwulf cloth armour.

**Enquelandria**—The largest kingdom in Valadae, primary domain of the duard and hemlan creature-kinds, and governed by a powerful hemlan monarchy. The landscape is dominated by Valadae’s largest mountain range, the Ghiaroan Mountains.

**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.

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

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

**Goblin**—A loutish and highly adaptable creature-kind, found across multiple regions of Valadae. There are three types of goblins, all of which have unsociable and uncouth tendencies toward other creature-kinds. Their shared anatomy includes horned heads, two-toed feet, and tough, leathery skin.

**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.

**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 brutally 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.

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

**K’tailiur**—The small and secluded northern kingdom ruled by the morwulves. Though rich in culture, history, and beautiful landscapes, K’tailiur has suffered heavily from the impacts of war and conquest, and as a result is very unreceptive to outside influences, including cultural exchange and import.

**Lythaen**—The second of the morwulves’ natural dual-form. Increases their size and strength ten-fold, enabling them to kill formidable creatures such as dragons and manticors.

**Manna**—The energy that forms and sustains all things. Manna that is manipulated by Denin or spells is called magic.

**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.

**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.

**Melio Cress**—A small flowering plant which grows in damp, well-shaded regions. Both the flower and stem contain strong antiseptic properties, and are used both orally and topically to combat various illnesses and injuries.

**Memory Phantom**—A Spirit Message unable to impart its message to its recipient or return to its creator. As a result, the Message wanders in perpetual purposelessness, unable to fulfil its calling, and so unable to return to the manna stream of life.

**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.

**Moxlin**—A fox-like creature with three tails, known for its mischievous behaviour and cowardice.

**Nyetu’an**—Also known as the *Island in the Storm*, and considered by most Valadilians to be nothing more than a fable. The island is hidden by a cyclonic storm, and floats above a dangerous manna rift. Some believe it holds tombs and temples filled with priceless treasures.

**Pixie-cat**—An intelligent and impish creature-kind, native to the forests of Enquelandria. Pixie-cats are known for their occult traditions and spiteful natures. In ratio to size, they are one of the most powerful Denin creature-kinds in Valadae.

**Rellornen**—Capital city of the kingdom of Bandu’ur, also called the *City of Black Stone*. It is famous for its fortified walls and ramparts made from arcrite, or *black rock.*

**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.

**Seinuanu**—An ancient fellis rite of passage, in which a fellis Pawling leaves his/ her village to live as a drifter for a full cycle, before returning to claim the status of Full-Grown.

**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.

**Setren**—A Written spell, usually sealed on small parchments, able to be used by both Denin and Et’denin creatures. Setrens can only be activated once, and have a limited duration.

**Shoumeign**—A hemlan city set at the base of the Ghiaroan Mountains, in the western kingdom of Enquelandria. The city is notorious for its illegal slave trade of Denin creatures.

**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.

**Spirit Message**—A composition of raw manna implanted with the thoughts or words of an individual, intended for a chosen recipient. Steady concentration and the ability to use Spoken magic are crucial in creating a Spirit Message, although neither is needed to receive one. Spirit Messages are capable of absorbing copious amounts of information while retaining their original message with unalterable integrity.

**“Trozen din odelir”**—From the near-extinct phylkir dialect, meaning *‘Defy your fate.’* The words Yarad spoke over Laeka’Draeon before leaving to pursue General Wrathmere.

**Ukaito Pack**—A famous fellis invention that can de-materialise and store 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 stunning beauty and their 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.

**Yokushin**—An ancient and complex Continuance spell, created by merging the magic law of Spoken with that of the Blood Oath (one of the very few irrevocable castings of manna lore). A Continuance spell is a self-sustaining casting, which does not require additional channelling or use of individual 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.