Blood of Ancients

Book 4: A Study in Shadows

by Sara C. Roethle

Genres: Epic Fantasy; Sword & Sorcery; Visionary & Metaphysical

Synopsis

Eiric won the battle, but Lyssandra plans on winning the war. With her bond broken, her magic builds, threatening to consume her—a price she is willing to pay if it means she can bring Eiric down with her.

Only, not everything is as it seems. She had thought the Ivangard witches villains, not victims. When acolytes start dying in mysterious ways, Lyss is torn between helping them, or taking advantage of their weaknesses. Only one thing is for sure: the truth will come to light, shining itself not only on the killers, but on another dark secret hidden in Lyssandra’s blood. A secret that could bring ruin to the one she loves the most.

Blood of Ancients is the epic conclusion of A Study in Shadows.

Release date: December 31, 2023

Publisher: Vulture’s Eye Publications

Print pages: 436

Sample

Chapter One
Lyssandra

Daylight woke me. I had been trapped in this wretched carriage for nearly a week. At night, Cael
sat with me, though I had nothing to say to him. During the day, it was Xavier or Cerridwen. I
had no desire to speak with them either, but I tried. Any information that might help me was
worth digging for.
I had no idea who currently drove the horses outside. Probably some poor human possessed by
Eiric. I’d caught glimpses of the drivers, but they never looked my way. Eiric himself was yet to
make an appearance within the carriage. I suspected he was off somewhere else, implementing
other areas of his plan.
Even with him gone, any escape attempt would prove futile. I was defenseless. I knew others
rode outside the carriage. I could hear them whispering. I suspected Cerridwen and Xavier were
often out there during the night. Or perhaps sleeping in another carriage where I couldn’t
smother them to death.
Without my sword or my magic, I could not best them. And . . . I wasn’t sure I wanted to try. I
wanted away from them, yes. And even more I wanted to know if Asher, Tholdri, Steifan . . .
everyone—I wanted to know if they were still alive.
But escaping Eiric would put me back to the beginning, unable to locate him and unable to
divine his plan. No, I was better off playing along, for now. Once we reached Ivangard—
My thoughts halted as the carriage slowed and the door opened. But it was just for Xavier to
climb inside. I caught a glimpse of another man on a horse. I didn’t recognize him.
The door shut behind Xavier, and I heard the lock outside sliding into place, then we started
moving again. I stared at the door. Normally a lock would be found inside the carriage, but this
one had been prepared especially for me.
On the occasions I was let outside to relieve myself in the dark of night, it felt like I was walking
on quicksand. All my body knew was the jolting and rocking of the carriage. Sometimes other
members of our small entourage would glance my way, but the glances were never helpful.
Xavier sat back against the cushions across from me. His clothing was different today. Usually
he wore simple fabrics in muted tones. Today his tunic was green brocade. His linen pants, a
darker green, were fitted to his body. Even his normally shaggy light brown hair had been
trimmed.
He watched me from beneath his shortened bangs. “No insults today?”
“I think you enjoy them too much.” I had been given fresh clothing as well. Gray woolen
breeches, a simple cream shirt, and a pale blue traveling cloak with a deep hood. The outfit was
not one I would have chosen, but it was better than Xavier’s. I said as much, with a few
obscenities sprinkled in.
The corner of his mouth curled. “Ah, there we go. That’s better. I was beginning to think all the
fight had gone out of you.”
“No, I’m just saving it for when I decide to kill you.”
“I can’t wait.”
And he wasn’t lying. I knew he still wanted me to kill him, to free him from Eiric. It was a strange
relationship we had. We were enemies, but in a way, we were also allies.
I crossed my arms and leaned back against the cushions, resisting the urge to fiddle with the
silver bracelet embedded into my skin, cutting me off from my magic. “When will we reach
Ivangard?”
“Tonight. I’m surprised you haven’t tried to escape.”
“I can’t kill Eiric if I’m not near him.”

He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. “You know, I feel the same way. And just
look at all the good it has done me.” His words dripped with sarcasm.
“Women often succeed where men fail.”
He laughed. “I will try to maintain my faith, then.”
I sighed heavily, tilting my head to look out a narrow strip of window visible between the
curtains. I couldn’t see the ocean, but I spotted a gull in the distance. Tonight, we would reach
Ivangard. And I wasn’t sure where I would go from there.
Silence stretched on. I could feel Xavier watching me, but I kept my attention on that distant gull.
“You know, he was a good man once.”
I didn’t acknowledge him. If he wanted to speak of Eiric’s alleged virtues, I would hear none of it.
“He was my best friend. When we were young, he would have done anything for anyone.”
I finally looked at him. “If you think I care, you are mistaken.”
He tilted his head. “You are a noble woman for now, Lyssandra. I only hope you can remember
yourself once that bracelet is removed.” He nodded toward my wrist. “I hope you can remember
your purpose after you have experienced undiluted blood magic. It will be different now, without
your master to hold your leash.”
The carriage went over a few more bumps, then the road smoothed considerably. The city was
close. I stared at Xavier, unsure of what to say. “Was Eiric telling the truth when he said he could
keep the magic from consuming me?”
He leaned his head back against the cushions, looking up at the wooden roof. “Perhaps he
could help you, for a time, but if I were you, I wouldn’t trust a single word he says.”
“I don’t. I just want to know if there is a way.”
“Nothing is set in stone. Not life. Not death. You know that better than most.”
I heard voices outside as the carriage slowed, and distantly, I could hear the city. Xavier’s
estimation that we would make it there at nightfall was likely correct. It was difficult to tell now
that I no longer had the keen hearing of a human servant.
I wondered where I would be taken within the city. Probably a dungeon. I also wondered where
Tholdri and the others were, and if they were trying to find me. I knew if Asher was still alive, he
wouldn’t be far. Even without the bond, he would come for me.
I wished I could tell him to give me time. I could play Eiric’s game, for now. All I had to do was
somehow outsmart a being so ancient, just thinking about it made my teeth hurt. Simple. I was
used to the odds never being in my favor. I had survived this long.
Xavier lifted his head to watch me. “My, that’s an unsettling expression. I wonder what thoughts
are churning around in that skull of yours.”
I answered him with a cold smile.
He replied with a smile of his own, just as cold, and far more . . . unsettling.
“Where will we go once we reach the city?” I asked.
“To the temple. Your new jailers will be the witches of Ivangard.”
I considered his words, remembering blue flames sweeping through the streets. The witches of
Ivangard had fought beside Eiric.
Xavier’s smile broadened. “Well, at least it’s not difficult to guess what you’re thinking now.”
“Which is?”
He laughed. “The witches killed many the night you were taken. You want revenge.”
My only reply was a blank stare. He was right. There was no reason for me to confirm it.
The carriage halted. Voices murmured outside.
“Have you ever been to Ivangard?” Xavier asked.
“No.”

He smirked. “Well then you’re in for a treat. Do try to enjoy yourself.”
Once again, I only stared. The only joy I would find would come when I chopped off Eiric’s head,
burned his body, and scattered the ashes across the sea.
* * *

The carriage ambled through the city for a long while as the sky slowly darkened beyond the
curtains. Some areas carried the scent of ale, fresh baked bread, and roasted meats, while
others reeked of refuse. No one questioned us, though judging by the sound of horses’ hooves
on the surrounding cobbles, we currently had only a small retinue.
Xavier hadn’t spoken again since we entered the city, which was just as well. I did my best to
memorize every turn, and stole glances beyond the curtains whenever I could. Knowledge of
the city’s layout could prove invaluable in the time to come.
The sky turned black by the time we stopped, though lanterns blazed against the darkness.
Wherever we had ended up, it was quiet.
Xavier leaned forward as the carriage door opened. Cael stood outside with two other men I did
not recognize. Both wore pale blue livery the color of my cloak, with swords belted at their
waists. Judging by the way they held themselves, my guess was that they knew how to use the
swords. They were both in their middle years, one with dark hair, and one with silver.
Cael stood out in stark contrast with his crimson hair and black clothing. He was also a good
head taller than either of them. I always thought I got my height from my hunter blood, but it
wasn’t true. My height came from my Blackmire heritage.
Cael watched me from beneath his furrowed brow. The last words we had exchanged had not
been pleasant.
When I made no move to exit the carriage, he offered me his hand.
I looked at it like it was a venomous snake. “I don’t think so.”
Chuckling to himself, Xavier pushed out of the carriage between us. He stepped around the
silver-haired guard, then offered me his hand with a mocking smile.
It was petty, and I only did it to hurt Cael, but I took it.
Xavier’s hand was warm and dry, gripping my fingers as I walked down the carriage steps, my
new boots clicking on the cobbles below. Xavier released my hand, then reached toward my
shoulders.
I jerked away.
“Easy now. You need to look the part.”
Realizing what he was getting at, I held still as he lifted the hood of my pale blue traveling cloak
over my head, covering my hair.
I took a moment to observe the gated courtyard and the temple beyond. The tall walls were
white and pristine, with carved buttresses and arched windows. Dozens of lanterns blazed
needlessly, lighting up every decorative alcove. The gates were open for our arrival, though we
hadn’t ridden through. A few other riders surrounded the carriage, none of them looking our
way. As far as I could tell, they were human.
I turned as one white door opened beyond the gates, revealing a woman in a similar cloak to my
own. Her blonde hair had a reddish hue, but it was nothing like mine. It fell in a shining curtain
around her round face. She smiled across the courtyard at us.
Xavier leaned in near my shoulder. “Don’t be fooled,” he whispered. “She would love to see you
dead.”
“She can get in line,” I muttered.
The two unnamed men fell in behind me while Cael moved to my other side. Everyone watched
the approaching priestess.

She pressed her palms together as she walked through the open gates, then stopped in front of
us, looking me up and down. This close, I realized she was older than I had first thought. Light
lines decorated the corners of her slightly uptilted brown eyes.
“Sister Yonvrode, we have anxiously awaited your arrival.” Her smile was that of a gracious
hostess.
“At least someone is excited about it,” I muttered.
Her smile faltered, then quickly re-established itself. “Yes, well, you must be exhausted. I can
show you to your chamber. Please, come in.” She gave the men around me a dismissive look.
Xavier stepped closer. “She does not go anywhere without an escort. I believe you were already
informed of the rules, Gwenvere.”
Her smile slipped away, and this time did not return. “Sister Haith. And I am more than capable
of watching over her.”
“We must both do as we are bade, Sister Haith.” Xavier’s smile said that he could stand here
forever, waiting for her to back down. I wondered if she knew it was true.
She pursed her lips, then darted her gaze to Cael. “I don’t know you.”
“He is her uncle,” Xavier explained. “Eiric wants him here.”
Her expression pinched further, but at the mention of Eiric’s name, she didn’t argue. Did she
know just what he was, or was she simply an unwitting pawn in his game?
“Very well,” she said finally. “Welcome to our temple, Cael. This way.” She turned and walked
back the way she had come.
Xavier gestured for me to follow. Cael was silent at my other side.
If I wanted to escape, this was probably my last chance. Cael had betrayed me, but I didn’t think
he would hurt me.
I lifted my nose and marched forward. I was here now, and I would see it through to the bitter
end. I knew now that the only way to defeat Eiric was to get close to him. I would do what I
must.
I followed the woman—Gwenvere—into the temple. The passage was more narrow than I had
anticipated. She took up a lantern from the floor against the wall, glancing back at me. “I’m told
you’re not to be placed with the other acolytes. You will have your own private chamber. It is an
honor reserved for very few.”
When I said nothing in reply, she continued walking, and I followed. She had said chamber, not
cell. And here I had been quite sure I was to end up in a dungeon.
Cael and Xavier followed, shutting the other two men outside.
I didn’t acknowledge either of them. I simply watched Gwenvere from within the shadows of my
hood. She walked with a slight limp, almost imperceptible, but it grew more pronounced as she
went up a set of stone stairs.
I followed her, my muscles tense and aching from too much time spent sitting. At least with a
private chamber, I should have enough room to move around and regain my strength.
I memorized our progress as she led the way down several dimly lit corridors, finally ending at
one of many closed doors. I noticed a fresh lock mounted into the stone beside the door. It was
the only one I had seen. None of the other doors locked from the outside.
So I wouldn’t quite be in a cell, but it was close. Since I no longer possessed the strength of a
human servant, I might not be able to break down the heavy oak door.
Gwenvere opened the door, then ushered me inside.
I stepped into the room, then took a moment to stare. It was most certainly not what I had
expected.
A large, fourposter bed took up one corner with an ornate woven rug beneath it. Candles lit a
bedside table, the polished, cherry-hued wood matching a second larger table with two chairs
beneath an arched window. Against the opposite wall, a matching armoire loomed in the
shadows. Another door led to a modest bathing chamber.

“I will fetch you in the morning,” Gwenvere said tersely, “and we’ll have a long . . . chat.”
I turned to demand an explanation, but she was already walking out the door, leaving me alone
with Xavier and Cael.
“Why am I here?”
“You have much to learn, Lyssandra.” Xavier took a step back toward the door.
I looked at Cael, hoping he would offer me something more, but he simply gave me a sad smile,
then followed Xavier through the doorway. He turned back for a moment like he might say
something, but then he shut the door. I heard the lock sliding into place outside.
More confused than frightened, I quickly searched the room, looking first under the bed then
within the armoire. I didn’t want to go to sleep when surprises might lurk. There was nothing
under the bed, and only more clothes like the ones I was wearing within the armoire, though the
cloaks were thinner, more suited to daily wear.
Finally, I took one of the lit candles into the bathing chamber, but found nothing of interest. A
bath would have been lovely, but the small wooden tub was empty.
I carried the candle back toward the bed. At least I could lie stretched out—not curled up on a
carriage cushion—though sleep would not come easy.
But I needed it now, just as much as any other mortal. I lowered myself to the burgundy
blankets, stretching out my stiff limbs. I reeked of blood, sweat, and a week’s worth of travel
despite my fresh clothing. Perhaps that was the real reason Gwenvere’s expression had been
so pinched, though I doubted it.
I laid on my back and stared up at the fabric draping the bed posts, wondering where Asher
was, and what condition he was in. I wanted to see him more than anything, but if he was still
alive, as Cael claimed, I needed him to stay away. If he tried to rescue me now, he would only
get himself killed.
I didn’t need rescuing. I needed him safe. The rescuing part I could take care of myself. ...