Deadly Pursuits: The Zargothian Saga, #2

Table of Contents

Copyright Page

Other Books By This Author

Character Pronounciations

Acknowledgments

The Story So Far...

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

A Beast Within

The Lost Son (Second Edition)

About the Author

Did You Enjoy the Book?

Join Aidan's Mailing List

Connect With Aidan

DEADLY PURSUITS

Aidan Lucid

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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 requests, email the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the following email address: [email protected]

Published by Aidan Lucid

© Copyright Aidan Lucid 2024

Front cover illustration created by Microsoft Copilot

Back cover created by Get Covers.

Praise for, The Zargothian Saga Series

"The flow of, The Lost Son (Second Edition), is such that I just kept on reading. There are some great fight scenes in this book and some very well-fleshed-out interactions of totally believable characters. Give it a try; you will enjoy it, especially if you believe in magic."

— J.D. Warner, author of Hexa-tech

"The Lost Son is a unique fantasy novel that begins with a bang. This fast-paced adventure keeps the reader turning pages, while it offers a story that will keep you guessing."

— Brandy Alexander, author of Genesis

The plot of the book is solid and engaging, exciting and well-developed. All told, I believe Aidan shows promise in his story and I will keep my eye out for the next one.

— Scott Collins, author of Days’ End

"The Lost Son was written by Ireland’s own Aidan Lucid; and, let me tell you, he is going to be one of the shining stars in the literary world. From the first chapter, this story has it all …"

Randy Belaire, author of The Reckoning: Chronicles of the Shadow Chaser

Books by Aidan Lucid

The Zargothian Saga

The Lost Son (Second Edition)

Deadly Pursuits

When Worlds Collide (spring 2026)

Jasper’s Christmas Adventure (winter 2026)

The Hopps Town Series

The Scavenger (Second Edition)

Unlucky Charm (Second Edition)

Dark Secrets

Lurking Beasts (fall 2025)

Stand-alone Fiction

The Perfect Christmas Gift (a short story)

A Beast Within

To Joyce,

You were one of my first fans. Thanks for your constant support and encouragement down through the years. May your star shine bright in heaven tonight as it did here on Earth. Rest well, my friend.

CHARACTER PRONUNCIATIONS

Yorin = Yor-in

Jadin = Jay-den or Jay-din

Slyvanon = Sly-va-non

Karina = Kar-ee-na or Car-ee-na

King Zakerius = Zack-ar-ius or Zak-car-ee-us

King Argoth = Ar-goth

Hamorin = Hammer-in

Hernacious = Her-nace-ee-us

Queen Cyren = Siren or Cy-wren

Hannorah = Hann-nor-rah

Xongrelan = Zon-gre-lan

Damone = Da-moan

Marzaq = Mar-zach

Sorluns = Sor-lons or Sour-luns

Torik = Tor-eek or Tor-ick

Chira = Cee-ra or Kiera

Kymeel = Ka-meel or Ky-meel

Queen Eusaba = You-say-bee-a

King Mordoch = Mor-doch

Nemus = Knee-mus or Nee-mus

Fregon = Free-gon or Free-gone

General Haynach = Hay-nock

Milanak = Milan-och or Milan-ach

Gavanna = Gav-anna

Yeka = Yee-ka

Ramor = Ram-or or Ram-our

Tynia = Ty-nee-a or Tie-nee-a

Gambuine = Gam-bu-ine or Gam-boo-ine

Buran = Birr-an or Burr-an

Knavus = Nay-vus

Taran = Tar-an

Yurk = You-ark

Acknowledgments

A massive thank you goes out to the following:

My beta readers: Olivia K. Logan, Manusri Changal, and Simona M. I would be lost without you guys.

My editor, Olivia K. Logan for her superb eagle eyes.

God for giving me the gift of writing

And finally, you for buying this book. It’s my hope that you thoroughly enjoy Henry’s second adventure!

The Story So Far…

As Sergeant Conor MacCall and Captain Edward Johnson, two USAF pilots take to the air in their TBF Avenger in November 1945, they think it’s just going to be another routine patrol. What starts out as uneventful, soon turns into the fight of their lives when they have to fend off two dragons. Having narrowly defeated them, they now have to see how they can safely perform a ditching maneuver as their radial engine has failed and they’re heading towards the water. Just as it seems like they’re going to hit the ocean, a portal opens up and takes them to another world.

Back in present-day America, for Henry Simmons - a seventeen-year-old teenager - life is as it should be for a boy his age: homework, video games, and ogling over the beautiful Tracey Maxwell. His whole life is turned upside down when he finds a mysterious golden coin in his garden. He learns that this coin has magical powers, so he puts it to the test. Henry makes a wish to have Tracey be his date to the prom and she accepts!

However, on prom night, Tracey’s ex-boyfriend, Sid Connors, is jealous and beats up Henry, leaving him wounded and bruised. As the boy lies on the ground, blood from a wound on his forehead falls onto the mysterious coin. Suddenly, he and Tracey are magically transported through a portal into another dimension, to a world where humankind is hiding from an evil race called the Sadarkians. Henry’s also shocked to find that Captain Edward Johnson and Sergeant Conor MacCall along with Jasper—Henry’s neighbor’s cat, which is now a talking being—have also ended up in Zargothia. They are discovered by Xongrelan – a dwarf-like creature allied to the humans—and brought before the human King, Argoth. There, the king’s sorceress, Karina, reveals that the strangers are the Foretold Ones and that they have come through the portal to save them. In fact, Henry is the Special Foretold One, whom the Elders—the creators of this world and its Gods—have destined to play a hero’s part.

As Henry feels lonely and grows accustomed to his new surroundings, he meets Daniel - a snobby boy who secretly envies Henry’s powers and Hannorah - Karina’s apprentice - who can also hold her own in a fight. Tracey and Henry become her friends, but Tracey secretly has a crush on Daniel, too. While in Zargothia, Henry tries to become more than just a friend with Tracey but she chooses Daniel. However, she does get to know Henry better as they learn how to use swords and spar with one another. A relationship blossoms between Tracey and Daniel, leaving Henry a little more than jealous.

Karina tells Henry the history between the humans and Sadarkians. King Zakarius, the King of the Sadarkians, also knows that the Foretold Ones are in this world. He is on the march, determined to seek out and destroy Argoth’s people in their hidden refuge known as Little Zargothia. Zakarius sends a spy, disguised as a boy, to trick Henry so that he can steal the magic diamond that hides their town. The spy succeeds in his mission. This is Henry’s first test as the Special Foretold One – to successfully retrieve the diamond. Henry and the others pursue the thief and recover it.

That night, as everyone else celebrates, Henry learns more about the history of this strange dimension, the shocking truth that he was created by the Elders to save humankind and that the Elders had sent him to Earth for safekeeping until he was old enough to return to Zargothia. The Sadarkian King, Zakarius, hates humanity because they betrayed and abandoned him many years ago when he needed help the most. Since then, he has sworn vengeance.

Just as their relationship is hitting its stride, Tracey catches Daniel kissing another girl. She feels betrayed and grows to respect Henry even more, training harder as a warrior, to watch his back for the upcoming battle, and to help him, along with the other new arrivals, to get home.

Despite his misgivings, Henry continues to train and Argoth prepares his army for war. When all is ready, Argoth and his army set off to reconquer Zargothia and save humankind.

The two armies meet and a mighty battle ensues. It sways back and forth. Zakarius makes a last stand in the throne room. He and Henry fight and the boy becomes mortally wounded. Just before Zakarius is about to behead Henry, the boy’s friends arrive. Karina, through Jasper’s help, manages to defeat Zakarius. Everyone gathers around Henry’s lifeless body; Karina knows what must be done next. So, she performs a special sacrifice in order to restore his life.

Henry lies dead, but the Elders intervene through the use of Karina’s magic. The American teenager wakes up alive and well, flanked by a relieved Karina, Hannorah, Tracey, and Jasper. Zakarius’s army is then defeated.

Now that the war is over, Henry, Jasper, Tracey, and the two airmen return home through the portal that brought them to Zargothia. The two American teens arrive outside their high school just as Prom Night draws to a close. Henry, now knowing that using the coin to get Tracey to be his date was wrong, confesses to her what he did. She is furious and demands to go home. The following Monday at school, she talks to him and although still angry at what he did, Tracey forgives him but says that it will take a while to become friends again.

Eleven months later, Slyvanon, who barely escaped the castle when the battle was lost, is now on a mission to gain his revenge on Argoth. He seeks a weapon to destroy the human king once and for all.

Little does Henry know that Zargothia will need him again…

Prologue

The Forest of Egorthinia - Eleven months after Argoth’s victory

As Marcus rode through the forest, the scorching sun beat down on him, causing his long, red scraggly hair to be tied up in a ponytail and sweat to trickle into his unkempt beard. A powerful scent wafted from the pine trees and flowers.

Marcus was the exiled rebel who had led the failed rebellion against Argoth after the Treaty of Egorthinia was signed. After being banished to the outskirts of the kingdom, Marcus had to hone his hunting skills and became an excellent hunter. Today he caught two rabbits and a stray chicken.

It had been difficult at first, finding only tall, overgrown trees for shelter on a cold or rainy night. Over two months, he had gathered enough wood to build a small cabin. Marcus loathed the fact that he had to resort to ambushing lone riders to steal the tools necessary to build his new house.

Now he had a reasonably comfortable home - his little cabin was finally finished. To many, they might consider it squalor but to Marcus, one bedroom and a kitchen was heaven and was better than sleeping out in the cold. There was no longer any need to seek solace under the scant shade of a tree.

Little shafts of sunlight poured through branches while a refreshing breeze rustled the leaves. Birds chirped a delightful song.

A sudden, high-pitched scream disturbed the peace of the forest. Marcus reached for his hilt. Sitting astride his horse, Yorin, he shook the reins, digging the spurs into the stallion’s side. Yorin broke into a gallop.

After riding for just a few minutes, they could only hear pounding hooves until the familiar scream echoed once more. He followed it until he heard another one close by, accompanied by what seemed like the growling of two rabid dogs.

He halted Yorin, tied him to a tree, and removed the hunting knife from a scabbard attached to the saddle.

Marcus crept undetected toward the source of the cries.

Two large brown and white wolves cornered an elderly Sadarkian dressed in a tattered silky purple robe. The wolves looked like they belonged to the dreaded mercenaries of Ludongorg. Marcus grinned as the Sadarkian pleaded for mercy. He considered letting these wolves kill him until he noticed the jeweled rings on the creature's fingers. This was a person of importance.

He might be useful, Marcus thought as he unsheathed his sword.

Get back, get back! the hunched Sadarkian shouted, holding them at a distance by waving about a short walking stick.

Aiming the knife at the one on the right, Marcus threw the weapon, finding its mark in the wolf’s chest.

The remaining animal spun around, his jaw open in a combination of surprise and rage and ran toward his new target. It leaped at him but Marcus moved out of its way. They circled each other, the animal snapping with saliva dripping from its mouth. Marcus looked into its eyes, waiting for the next leap.

He didn’t have to wait long. As they continued to circle one another, the wolf, impatient and hungry for the kill, lunged at him. Equal to the animal’s move, Marcus raised his sword, the wolf jumping onto the end of his blade, letting out a long whimper before closing its eyes.

The rebel sighed, relieved the animal was dead and removed his blade, wiping it down with a leaf he had plucked from a nearby tree.

The Sadarkian cowered on the ground, shielding his head with both hands. Do not hurt me! I have nothing for you to steal.

I just saved your hide so why would I kill you?

There was a gash over the elderly nobleman’s left eye. A thin line of blood flowed down the side of his face.

Are you badly hurt? Can you walk? Marcus asked.

Ye…yes, I can walk.

Good. My house is fifteen minutes by foot from here and you can clean yourself up there. He sheathed the sword and extended his left hand.

Reluctantly, the wealthy noble took it and stood up.

My name is Marcus. Yours?

Mine is Slyvanon, he answered, limping toward a small stick about ten feet from where they stood.

Slyvanon... Slyvanon... I know that name. His eyes suddenly lit up. You were Zakarius’s wizard.

Correct and his former advisor, he said with a great deal of pride.

Hmm…you will be very useful indeed. Please forgive my appalling manners. Here, take my horse. I can walk.

Thank you.

Marcus helped Slyvanon onto the saddle and they made their way to the cabin.

Tell me, Marcus, why did you help me? Are you not angry at my kind?

The man took care in how he replied. Of course I am. My father died fighting Sadarkians, but I share the same enemy as you.

Oh? How so? Do you not love your King?"

Once, but that was a long time ago, he answered in disdain.

Why? What happened to make you hate Argoth?

I tried to kill him after he signed the treaty, he bowed his head in sorrow and continued, but I failed and he banished me from his kingdom.

I see. A pause lingered between the two for several minutes before Slyvanon spoke again. And do you think of getting your revenge?

Every day, but how can I? I’m just one man. It would be madness to even try.

Yes, I suppose it would be but...ah, never mind.

But what?

Never mind. It would be too much for you.

No. Go on. Tell me, please! Marcus’s cheeks reddened with embarrassment at the sheer desperation in his voice.

I think I might know a way for you to have your revenge. There is a legend about a powerful weapon hidden in a cave about ten days’ journey from here. I am told it holds incredible power.

What is it?

I don’t know. Of course, the legends mightn’t even be true.

While Marcus walked beside his horse back to the cabin, he thought for a moment of getting such a weapon, decimating Argoth’s army and finally, the king himself.

Do you think the legends are true? Marcus asked.

Yes, I do. The person who told me this wouldn’t lie about such things.

A long journey like this needs a lot of food and warm clothing. And you know where it is?

I do but as I said, it’s far away and I was told there are lots of thieves hiding near the roads to the cave.

A minor problem; I’m sure your magic could stop them.

Slyvanon didn’t utter a word but instead, gave a thin, unnerving smile. Instantly, a grimace replaced the smile as he winced in pain.

I could not take on more than one. My magic would be useless against large numbers.

Marcus contemplated Slyvanon’s answer and felt perplexed. Why didn’t you tell Zakarius about this weapon?

I only learned of it after the war was over. There were many times when I wanted to go there but I knew it would be impossible on my own.

What if… Marcus paused, caught amid an inner struggle with what he was about to say. What if we go together? I’m good with a sword and I can hunt, too. We’d never be hungry.

If we do get there, how do I know I can trust you? What would I gain by doing this? Slyvanon asked.

I am a man of my word; I’d never betray anyone and you’d gain revenge on Argoth. If this thing is as powerful as you say, then we’ll kill Argoth and his army and not only rule Zargothia but all the lands beyond its border.

Slyvanon chuckled. I like the way you think, Marcus. His chuckling abated. Do I have your word then that we will share power?

Yes, Marcus said, extending his left hand to shake Slyvanon’s. You have my word.

Slyvanon shook it and their pact was made.

***

A month later and after many days of traveling, they were relieved to finally arrive at their destination.

Behind this lies the weapon you seek, Slyvanon told his new friend.

Lowering his hood, he gazed at the tall rock. He wondered in what form the powerful tool of destruction would come. Let’s not wait any longer. Move it.

Slyvanon nodded. The wizard held out his arms and began chanting aloud in his own Sadarkian language for what seemed like ten minutes before halting.

In a trice, the flame on the torch that Marcus held was quenched. Both he and Slyvanon were now left in complete darkness. Marcus shielded his eyes as Slyvanon was engulfed in a blinding yellow light and hoisted from the ground by an invisible force. He began his incantations again; a low rumbling echoed throughout the vast cave.

Fearing that a malevolent spirit might lurk about, Marcus drew his sword, retreating from the rock. It shuddered while rolling to the right. The room was revealed, showered in light from torches hanging on the walls. In its center was a statue of a bald, sword-wielding warrior with a perfect god-like body, wearing only a leather skirt and sandals.

The supernatural light gradually diminished until it no longer emanated from Slyvanon’s fragile, old body. He stumbled about with vertigo until Marcus caught him.

Are you all right? Marcus asked.

Yes, a little winded but I will be fine.

What happened?

I prayed to my God, Hernacious. He helped me move the rock.

So that’s why you were covered in the light?

Mmm-hmm. Slyvanon stared into the room, his attention focused on the statue. It’s time to take what we came for.

They entered the damp room. Marcus was in awe at the skill of whoever had sculpted the warrior. Never had he laid eyes upon something so lifelike. Every inch exuberated excellence, from the eyes to his chest. There was an inscription at the base of the statue which read, Jadin, The Assassin.

Is this the weapon? Marcus asked.

Yes. I will release Jadin.

How will he stop an entire army?

He’s more powerful than any wizard, almost like a god in some ways. But there’s something you should know. While I was in that trance, Hernacious said there was only one thing that could free this beast, Slyvanon said, pointing to the bald assassin.

What is it? Marcus asked, unable to steer his eyes away from the statue.

Suddenly, the man gasped as he felt a sharp pain in his chest. Looking down, he discovered a blade protruding through the skin underneath his left breast.

Human blood, said Slyvanon in a venomous tone before removing the sword. Blood cascaded from the wound and Marcus’s mouth.

You...scum, was all that Marcus could utter. Taking two last breaths, he pitched forward, never to savor the taste of revenge that he so longed for.

***

Slyvanon bore a merciless grin as the pool of red liquid expanded underneath the human and flowed toward the statue. When the blood touched the base, it slithered upwards, eventually encompassing every inch of Jadin, transforming the sculpture from a dull gray to a dark red.

The torch’s flames altered their color from an orange to a pale blue. Slyvanon stood unperturbed, observing what was happening around him. For the last seven months, he had waited for this moment. All that meticulous planning had at last come to fruition.

When Argoth’s army had defeated Zakarius’s forces, Slyvanon had stolen away, unnoticed from the castle. He hid in the wilderness, always choosing to travel through the backroads to areas that were not heavily populated by humans. The wizard had felt that his god had forsaken him until one night, a soft, fatherly voice spoke from the darkness.

I have not abandoned you, Slyvanon. I am merely recuperating. There’s much use for you yet.

Hernacious explained to him about Marcus and his lust for revenge. The god told him how the man could be found and predicted that he’d rescue him. He told Slyvanon about Jadin, explaining that only the blood of a human who hated Argoth as much as any Sadarkian could free the assassin. This was a curse the Elders had put on the statue so that it would make it harder to unlock. They had meticulously planned every detail and flawlessly executed their plan.

Slyvanon took a few steps back from the blood-covered statue. Dust fell from it as fissures appeared on Jadin’s stoney prison. Bright, egg-yolk yellow beams of light seeped through the cracks. The light pulsed; Slyvanon felt a tremor. It came from the statue.

The tremors intensified. Slyvanon stumbled about until he steadied himself, leaning up against the wall. More cracks formed as the stonework fell apart.

Without warning, the statue exploded. Slyvanon formed a bubble around him to protect himself.

The tremors stopped.

When the dust settled, there, floating in mid-air was Jadin. One side of his body was snow white while the other half was purple.

The old wizard clicked his fingers and Jadin floated to the ground.

Having removed the bubble, Slyvanon said, Awaken.

The assassin woke up. Whe…where am I? Jadin asked, rubbing tiredness from his eyes and staring at Marcus. Who are you?

He is the key to your awakening. My name is Slyvanon and I’m in need of your service.

"My... service?" he regarded Slyvanon with a questionable look.

Yes. You have been created by my God, Hernacious for a special purpose.

The assassin