Downfall of the Gods: Clovel Sword Chronicles, #3

DOWNFALL OF THE GODS

Clovel Sword Chronicles: Book 3

Works By gordon brewer

Ray Irish Occult Mystery

A Shot of Irish

(Ray Irish Occult Suspense Mystery Book 1)

Die If You Want Praise

(Ray Irish Occult Suspense Mystery Book 2)

Drink with The Devil at Midnight

(Ray Irish Occult Suspense Mystery Book 3)

No Remedy Against Death:

(Ray Irish Occult Suspense Mystery Book 4)

Ray Irish Occult Mysteries: Omnibus Edition

Death Stalks the Runway: Ray Irish Mystery Case File #1

Reaper Walks the Garden: Ray Irish Mystery Case File #2

Paranormal and Fantasy

Beowulf: Curse of The Dreygurs

Infinite Loop

The Curse of Blackbane

Clovel Sword Chronicles Series

Shield of Skool (Book 1)

Battle for Three Realms (Book 2)

Downfall of the Gods (Book 3)

Clovel Sword Chronicles: Omnibus Edition

Clovel Sword Saga Series

Clovel Sword Saga: Volumes 1 - 2

Skeletons of Nilgava: Clovel Sword Saga 3

The Bleeding Mountains: A Clovel Sword Saga 4

DOWNFALL OF THE GODS

Clovel Sword Chronicles: Book 3

GORDON BREWER

Brewer Internet Publishing LLC

2023

Text Copyright © 2023 Shannon G Brewer

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, people, or real places are used fictitiously. All characters in this book are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Revised Edition

Brewer Internet Publishing LLC

Cover Illustration Artwork © Dusan Kostic | Dreamstime.com

Cover Illustration Design: https://www.fiverr.com/oliviaprodesign ©Gordon Brewer

ISBN-13:  9781945590245

Visit the series website at

www.gordonbrewer.com

Dedication

To my son, Teige, for the friendly reminders and questions about my characters, which helped push this final book of the series forward.

Also, special thanks to those readers who continue to send emails and posts in support of my work.

Contents

Chapter 1: Battle of Eran

Chapter 2: Prisoner of Eran

Chapter 3: Bitterness and Vengeance

Chapter 4: Underworld Rises

Chapter 5: Grave of Heptarc

Chapter 6: Prepare for War

Chapter 7: Route to The Sky Realm

Chapter 8: Ynys Garraid

Chapter 9: Deadly Alliance

Chapter 10: Blood of Heroes

About the Author

Chapter 1: Battle of Eran

The twin moons of Kamin cast a pale light on the forest floor, greeting the intruder who stepped from behind the lellowtere tree. A haunting melody of nature’s songs coming from the cruicads and tantals suddenly stopped as the insects felt the presence of the fiend. A tall, bulky figure quickly picked up fresh scents, quickly setting off with purpose between the thin ranks of trees. Stopping occasionally, the massive white creature held up its head, sniffing at the air with a long muzzle, exposing sharp black teeth. Directed by the smell of its prey, the hairy creature resumed its quad pedal gait. Using two stubby hind legs to propel its thick body forward, the underworld animal kept its balance by using large knuckles at the end of long, fur covered arms. Sharp claws curled up under the knuckles provided the underworld ogre with deadly weapons for use against its sometimes-armored quarry.

As the creature grew closer, it smelled the overpowering mix of wood smoke and cooked meat as it moved toward the aroma. It also heard several humans gathered around the supposed safety of their fire. The monster growled softly, keeping its mouth open to draw in the tantalizing aromas to guide it. The black eyes focused on the black silhouettes in the distance. Slowly, the hunter silently closed on the open patch of ground ahead. Sliding behind the last row of trees and crouched low, the fiend continued watching and listening while the men ate their meal.

Wet drool flowed along the sides of the closed muzzle as the waiting became too much for the creature. Suddenly, with a chilling roar, the Clovel rushed headlong into the camp. Landing upon the back of the closest man, the monster sank its large teeth into the neck of the armored fighter. The massive jaws crushed the victim’s spine with a snap. Flinging its kill to the side, the hairy beast immediately sprang upon a large man got in hesitation between pulling his sword and running away. Large claws raked across the screaming warrior’s belly, effortlessly cutting through the man’s coat of chain mail like it was thin parchment. The monster went for the screaming man’s neck as the prey fell to its knees. It finished the warrior off with a savage bite that ripped open the throat, instantly silencing the human.

Distracted by warm blood spraying across its muzzle, the Clovel felt the sudden agony of two swords cut into the creature’s back. Howling with pain and rage, the monster spun around so fast its powerful arm backhanded a fighter who fell hard into the dirt. Jumping on the man, the enraged beast’s claws sliced through the metal helmet, along with the top of the dying man’s head. The beast again felt another sharp strike from a warrior’s sword, and it swung around again. The last of his prey scrambled away, trying to run away from the slaughter. Powerful legs pushed the creature forward, propelling it high in the air. It landed on top of the screaming person, sending the hunter and prey tumbling along the grass. As the man frantically struck out with his sword while he tried to crawl away, the monster’s claws held fast.

With uncanny agility, the great beast lifted itself up, pulling the warrior high by his legs. It clamped its jaws around the victim’s neck, nearly severing the head. The remains of the fighter in the green tunic convulsed as the monster let its prey fall to the ground. Turning slowly around the area, the Clovel sniffed around for any remaining threats, fresh gore dripping from the gaping, open mouth. The forest was silent again, but for the distant echo of hoofbeats as the ossanes continued their mad dash away from the area. Satisfied it was alone; the monster began ripping the armor and flesh of its prey. The monster’s deep wounds quickly healed by the time it sank its muzzle into the open belly of the last victim.

Unleashed upon human realms by an ancient, bitter god, the fearsome Clovel lived again. Created with foul souls from the underworld using the miraculous waters of the Exyts Spring, the beast remained nearly impervious to weapons. As intended by the maker of the beast, word of the attack would spread, forcing the elders to acknowledge the return of the Guardians and their monsters. Terror from the underworld created the chaos necessary to bring down the Sky Realm and to install a vengeful master over all three realms of Kamin.

~~~

As the afternoon wore on, the sea breeze increased in intensity across the bay of Eran. The Clovel Destroyer stood on the ramparts of the red stone fortress, paying little attention to the cooling breeze whipping his long brown hair. Instead, his rough right hand slowly kept the beat as he unconsciously slapped the sandstone used to create the small fort’s solid walls. He was standing on the top walkway which connected the four square turrets of the fort. His hand tapped out the beat coming from enemy drums along the harbor of Eran. The perch gave the giant Esterblud warrior a full view of the activity across the area. Yet, at the moment, the man’s thoughts were far away.

Urith’s scarred face remained thoughtful as he recalled his many voyages across the Maflow Sea. Since the time of his youth, dreams of adventure and new discoveries always beckoned him. From raiding enemy lands to f trade, the briny water provided the tribes of Esterblud an outlet for their warrior ambitions. Before the extra burden thrust upon him with the Shield of Skool, the Clove Destroyer dreamed of leading an expedition. He sought to head toward the unknown sea far past the lands of Regiussa.

Old tales from the skalds and stories he overheard during his youth claimed great riches and exotic spices awaited. Those who discovered the mythical lands far beyond the boundaries of the Maflow Sea would become demi-gods. For a moment, Urith drifted back to his young self, a young boy listening intently while fantasizing about islands with mountains going high above the clouds. Lands filled with dark skin people who drank from golden cups, living among exotic and deadly plants unknown to his people.

Soon, the pleasant visions left him when he returned to the present. His gray eyes revealed the concern at the steady stream of Aberffraw troops coming ashore below his vantage point. Throughout the morning, the enemy fighters scrambled across the area, taking up defensive positions near the fort. During the day, they steadily increased their strength.

In the bay, the ships of their Esterblud’s mortal enemy, the kingdom of Cahmais, filled the waters. Several of the war boats lay beached upon the sand, deliberately driven ashore the day before. Stripping the ships of their timber, the enemy would use the wood for scaling ladders and other tools of war.

For Urith and his comrades, any thoughts about their quest for the last piece of the Skool waited until the end of the upcoming battle. The thought and their predicament made Urith curse the elders of the fort for their hesitation.

In Esterblud society, they looked to the elders for their wisdom and guidance. However, the few leaders who remained at the fort spoke as defeated men before the enemy even fully came ashore. In his eyes, the elders argued about petty little details, forgetting the need to strike quickly and boldly. Instead, the leaders of the Esterbluds waited in vain for their dead king.

The unfortunate news came the sunrise before. A tired and blood covered messenger came from the south. The rider informed the people inside the fort about the gallant death of King Penhda during the massacre of the Esterblud army.

Hordes of foul monsters from the underworld destroyed the army, butchering the living along with their leaders. While the news vindicated the prophetic visions of his companions, Fedelm and Mivraa, it meant the kingdom was in disarray. Two of the three dominant clans of Esterblud were missing the leaders needed to stop the invasion from the sea.

Worse, some of those inside the fort could not believe monsters reached out from the underworld to slaughter the army of humans on the battlefield. Instead, rumors of treachery circulated as some men who turned against Urith and those in his small group of followers.

Urith, along with his nephew Oslaf, were fugitives of the late King Penhda, thus tempting targets for the coming power struggle. On top of the concerns about the Clovel Destroyer, the elders were immediately suspicious of Fedelm, who was foreign to their lands.

As a hakra, or seer, the lovely woman’s early prediction about the destruction of the Esterblud army were initially ridiculed by the men. The thought such monsters would reach out from the underworld to decimate a human army appeared farfetched. Besides, many men held woman as nothing more than chattel. A female carried little influence in the world of Kamin unless they held the strength of a warrior or used their cunning to manipulate those in power.

The messenger caused the elders to reassess her words. Urith remembered the grim satisfaction on Fedelm’s face when the news arrived. However, he recognized the suspicions about the small group who followed him as rumors swirled inside the fort.  

The warrior thought about Mivraa, who remained silent while she listened to round after round of bickering during their time in Eran. A demigoddess, as well as a powerful warrior in her own right, the woman kept her identity secret to those in the fort. During the discussions, she sat next to Urith among the warriors. Her action sent glances of indignation from the men around the table.

Fortunately, no fighter challenged the formidable woman’s presence. Only later did Urith tell the other leaders around the table about the goddess of Haligulf in their presence. The acknowledgment of her attendance made most of the warriors accept her willingly, but did not bring an end to the bickering. Towards the end of the day, Mivraa leaned over, telling Urith that the men inside the fort were fools. The man nodded gravely, but he softly reminded her he would be wary of any stories coming from two strangers and two outlaw Esterbluds if he was in their place.

It was clear the elders would not make up their minds as a group about what strategy the defenders of the fort should pursue. Some, like Wilgam, Urith, and Oslaf, sought an immediate attack while others opposed the idea, insisting upon defending the fortress.

Severely outnumbered, the Esterblud’s bickering cost them time to gather more forces. Just as the enemy surrounded the stronghold, the elders finally sent word to the tribal leaders in Cilgarran. However, they recognized help would not come swiftly.

The situation left those in the fort with few options. Only a small amount of provisions remained since King Penhda took most with him for his battle against Cahmais. A long siege would be impossible to withstand, and the lack of leadership did not sit well among the warriors.

While King Penhda considered Urith and Oslaf to be traitors, Wilgam asked those in the fort for the two men to remain as free men until they decided upon a successor. Seeing the dire situation in place, the elders reluctantly gave their blessing on the idea. They acknowledged the two men’s fighting skills were necessary.

The big warrior gave a thin smile when he heard the news, knowing the elders did not want to anger the Esterblud tribe coming to help against the Aberffraw. Both warriors were from the village of Cilgarran.

Limping from his still injured leg, the Clovel Destroyer crossed the ramparts while he struggled to hold his temper. Inaction in the face of an enemy gave him a bitter taste, similar to defeat. Unknown within annals of Kamin invasions, over forty cuggles and other types of ships filled the harbor. Each ship was unloading fighters and ossanes to smaller craft which carried them toward the beach.

Further up the beach, the man saw a steady stream of villagers leaving the port town of Eran. The refugees taking their carts loaded with goods on the road past the fort, heading to Cilgarran. He noticed a few stragglers moving about in the large village. Urith hoped those people would leave soon. Seasons of warfare told him such people either ended up dead or as slaves when the enemy entered the towns.

Unconsciously, he rubbed the long scar running down the on his face as he thought about the events leading up to his arrival at the capital of Esterblud. Hanging on his back was the Shield of Skool, the formidable weapon of the gods. Nearly complete with only one piece remaining to be discovered, the shield, combined with his Clovel Sword and the amulet around his neck, held enough power to wipe out the fleet before him.

The thought sickened him.

While the warrior realized the enemy would happily remove his head, the Aberffraw warriors were only on the beach because of the lies and betrayals. Urith understood better than most that this war came from the gods. He knew the deities of the Sky Realm and the underworld used the rivalries of kingdoms in their quest to stop him. The gods were afraid of the Skool and the power in the hands of a mortal. The immortals would be happy with the slaughter of people like him to ensure the Skool remained incomplete. That was the burden the Clovel Destroyer bore.

You seem lost in thought, Oslaf’s words broke his uncle’s examination of the enemy and his own beliefs. Urith looked down the stone steps next to him as his nephew, with Henther, climbed toward the battlements.

It’s about time you woke, Urith gave Oslaf a slight grin as he limped away, allowing them to enter the narrow walkway.

I couldn’t help myself. Henther kept me up all night, quipped the young warrior as he dodged the woman’s slap at his head. The couple playfully huddled next to Urith, smiling like most new couples. At first, their playfulness between his nephew and the former docke got under his skin. However, the senior warrior grew to respect the ex-prostitute during their travel together.

Steadfast and loyal, Henther carried many of the same traits as her father, who Urith remembered vividly. Urith also believed he acted the same way when he met his wife many seasons before. Once, he carried a similar feeling for Mivraa after they met as well. However, such genuine affection was fleeting now. Mivraa carried a fierce grudge against those in the Sky Realm. The need for vengeance forced the goddess away from her lover. No thoughts of the future were possible until the Skool was complete and the chaos coming from the underworld stopped.

Oslaf saw his uncle’s pained expression.

The coming battle concerns you, but why the worry? With the power on your back, the Aberffraw has no ability to defeat us. You control the Skool,

Urith stared at him, anger filling his face.

Does that appear noble to you? To destroy many good and honorable fighters sent by a corrupt king. Even worse, many of these warriors will follow their dead king if I use this Skool. The big man shook his head in disgust.

I’ve thought about this, and I believe this battle comes because of the duplicity of the gods. Is it honorable to use a weapon against them which defeats gods? 

He turned away, staring over at the fleet.

I’m sure many of them would say the same as you if they had possession of the shield.

But they are the enemy. Are you not Esterblud?  Oslaf asked, perplexed at the hesitation of his uncle. It was a side of the man he seldom encountered.

Urith nodded, lowering his head a moment before turning back to his nephew.

"Of course, and these fighters the beach are my mortal enemies. Our kingdoms fought over land long before you and I walked into battle. Now, let me ask you a question. Do you believe the gods use their monsters to kill only Esterblud or Aberffraw? Of course not!

His face showed his growing rage.

We’ve seen they send such beasts to kill everyone. It does not take a seer to understand these same gods are happy to have people slaughtering other people. Our journey in search of the Skool has convinced me we have gods using men to create the carnage we find.

No, hear me out.

The man raised his hand to silence the coming protest from his nephew.

The deities play us for fools. Remember, we came into a fight with gods of the Sky Realm. The god Uugor we once gave offerings to in the temples tried to kill us. For your support, the god of the sea gave you that wound in your belly. And do you remember what that creature said he would do to your woman, Henther? 

The giant warrior turned back to look at the ocean.

Tell me the truth. Do you feel any need to worship these creatures now? These are the same entities we are told to pray for their blessings, to help us in our time of need. 

Urith went silent for a moment.

Why should I wish to kill others to receive the approval of such entities?

The wind whipped his long hair as the couple watched him. Even after their long journey together, neither heard him express such hesitation from the warrior.

Priests we’re supposed to trust once begged the underworld god, Caruun, to trap the souls of my wife and my father in his realm.

He continued, his voice nearly a growl.

"The only help from the Sky Realm we have found comes from Mivraa. Now, would you take offerings to the temples for those half-brothers of Mivraa? These are the same ones who raped her and left her as food for the ranqels."

Oslaf wanted to say something, but he realized his uncle was correct. The gods of the Sky Realm tried to kill all of them for the Skool on two occasions. He saw how much the demigoddess changed in the mountains from her torment.

He thought about the small village of Hyropda, destroyed by the gods as their little group traveled through the town. Oslaf lowered head, suddenly feeling a bitterness rise within him.

Urith’s voice softened a bit when he glanced at his nephew.

It’s good you remember what we’ve gone through. Now, ask yourself why we must fight these men from Cahmais? Who benefits from this bloodshed, human or gods? We already know both leaders who once ruled the kingdoms are dead. So, any battle will only lead to more death and turmoil in our lands. And we tell ourselves if we die a glorious death, our spirits will live for eternity among those gods. 

The big warrior spat on the stone floor under his feet.

I’m sure I don’t want to see such monsters who live in a paradise like Haligulf, let alone to live with them. So, think of my words. Then remind me who the enemy is. 

The giant Esterblud turned and walked away before Oslaf could reply. The nephew followed, but Henther grabbed his arm.

Let him be. He has the world on his shoulders, the blond woman told him softly. His words make sense. I wish more people would listen to him.

Maybe, but those Aberffraw warriors will not hesitate to kill and maim as many of us as they can. He watched as his uncle went down the steps leading to the courtyard.

Words won’t stop the fight that’s coming. I hope my uncle doesn’t forget that.

He won’t. From what I’ve seen, he’ll always fight. It’s in his blood, just like you. Right now, those from Cahmais make themselves the enemy. Perhaps soon they will realize the gods are the real foe.  Henther smiled at him.

Oslaf just grunted, telling her she did not really believe the Aberffraw would change.

Ok, it is just hope.

She agreed, then gave him a kiss on his smooth cheek. He smiled and put his arm around her, and he guided them along the stone walkway.

Not long after Urith stepped into the courtyard, the guards began shouting. They pointed to a group of enemy fighters walking toward the fortress. Looking out through the closed wooden grating at the entrance, Urith and Oslaf watched a small group of enemy warriors coming their way. The rest of the increasing numbers of Aberffraw stayed behind. A few rowing vessels, each filled with more men and material, slowly made their way toward the beach from the bay. The view reinforced the perception of overwhelming Cahmais strength building on the sand by the water.

Draca, an elder from the Eranis tribe, and Bucnar, a Gramcle clan leader, moved to the gate. They were council members of King Penhda. As such, they would lead any discussions with the enemy. The elders told Wilgam, leader of the fort guards, to gather several men to escort them to meet the group of Aberffraw. Both of the elders stared at Urith and Oslaf when the two fighters joined them. They said nothing about the giant warrior who made it clear he would come with them. Their expressions revealed they were not happy about Urith’s actions. Urith’s past position as a leader of the Geniht, or kinship guard, gave him some authority, forcing the older men to remain quiet, despite their suspicions.

The small group went through the gates and underneath the lifting gate. Stepping past the trail which led to the village of Eran, the warriors strolled toward the enemy leaders coming their way. The elders carried only their swords, which hung on their baldric belts. By leaving their helmets and shields back in the fort, the leaders displayed their positions as peacemakers. However, Urith and Oslaf carried their helmets on their belts and their shields over their backs. Wilgam and his guards remained slightly behind the elders, each armed lightly as well.

As Oslaf walked with his uncle, he wondered what Urith was thinking. His uncle would not join in political discussions against their enemy. Oslaf took a quick glance back at the fort, glimpsing Henther, who was back at the top of the battlements. She stood next to Fedelm. He did not see Mivraa, but assumed she was somewhere along the top, looking over their procession.

The two enemy groups met on the cusp of a dune ridge. Six Aberffraw fighters, dressed in their full armor and brilliantly adorned in spotless blue tunics, stopped a couple of paces away. Some of their brethren watched the meeting from the ridge behind, but most of the enemy continued to prepare for battle.

The enemy leader, his silver helmet decorated with white and black karker feathers, met the two elders who stepped forward from the rest of the Esterbluds.

Urith, followed by Oslaf, veered away from the Wilgam and his warriors, placing themselves on the side of Aberffraw leader and his men. Uncomfortable with someone on his flank, the enemy leader gave Urith and Oslaf a glare. Urith returned his death sneer.

We come to give you one chance to save yourselves, the leader haughtily told the elders.

Draca remained unmoved by the man’s words.

And who is foolish enough to land upon the lands of King Penhda?

I’m called Mycru, leader of this Cahmais fleet sent by the great King Asgurd. 

The man placed his hands on his hips, staring triumphantly at the group. When Urith grunted and spit on the ground, Mycru gave him another glare.

My king comes from the south with just punishment against your lands. I’ve been told by messenger spikes holding the heads of those who resist already line the roads. However, I can give some leeway. If you leave the fortress before the sun sets in the east, my men will spare the lives of you and the villagers.

Wilgam and his men took offense at the Aberffraw words, immediately reaching for their swords and cursing. Urith scowled at the enemy leader and Oslaf quickly recognized his uncle’s rising temper at such words. Draca turned, telling his guarding party to remain quiet.

And if we refuse this offer, what makes you think you can remain on our lands to siege this fort? Your ships cannot sustain your warriors for long.  Bucnar, the other elder, spoke up. Once your men have empty stomachs, we will ask for your sword and surrender.

Your eyes are getting old, Mycru laughed, as he gestured to the bay. Behind us are more ships filled with supplies. We have enough supplies to last the winter. But it does not matter. My overlord will join us soon where we will strangle your land like a snake. When the king arrives, his vengeance at the death of his son will be merciless. I recommend you save yourselves from this fate. I can be lenient for the moment.

The look between the two elders showed they believed the Aberffraw leader. They still doubted the messenger’s words of the monster given to them the day before. The two old men showed their anxiousness as a large group of Aberffraw warriors moved away from the beach, heading toward the village.

Urith and Oslaf eyes watched the enemy leaders who stood nearby while listening to the conversations. Both knew their enemy would be attacking the village to pressure the elders within the fort and to scavenge anything that remained.

So, we have a coward offering our lives?

Suddenly Urith spoke up loudly, to be heard over the murmuring conversations going on between the Esterbluds. Urith stepped closer to the enemy leader.  

Apparently, you don’t realize your king is dead, and the rest of your Cahmais army lies rotting in the sun. 

Urith stopped about an arm’s length away.

Now, since I’m a fair man as well, I give you a chance to call off your warriors heading to the village. You are being duped by the gods. The underworld opened and destroyed King Asgurd and his men. We receive this news last sunset.

The leader of the fleet shook his head smugly.

You think me a fool to believe such a tale? No doubt you are the jester for your people.

Urith’s eyes narrowed at the insult.

"I’m Urith. Perhaps you have heard of me? I’m the wafaoil who destroyed many of your Aberffraw fighters at Du-Rinell. They evaporated like smoke in the wind. I ask you to remember this before you make the mistake of your life." 

He slowly put on his black helmet.

Mycru shook his head, laughing as the men behind him growled and cursed.

"It is a good joke, giant man, but we are not fools. The great Lyncus came from that battle after he saved the reminder of our warriors from that