Destiny of the Dead is the second audiobook in the genre-bending Shroud of Prophecy series from New York Times bestselling author Kel Kade.
The God of Death is tired of dealing with the living, so he’s decided everyone should die. And he’s found allies. The Berru, an empire of dark mages, has unleashed a terrifying army of monstrous lyksvight upon everyone with a pulse.
While the wealthy and powerful, the kings and queens, abandon the dying world, one group of misfits says no more. Through dogged determination and the ability to bind souls to their dead bodies, Aaslo and his friends fight on.
In the mountains of the far north, another bastion of defense is opened. Cherrí, the avatar of a vengeful fire god, has united the survivors amongst her people and begun her own war on the invaders.
Now, Aaslo and Cherrí must find a way to unite their powers, one divine, the other profane, to throw back the monsters of the Berru, and challenge Death itself.
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books
Release date:
November 9, 2021
Publisher:
Tom Doherty Associates
Print pages:
400
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I looked down at young Corin. It was his first time listening to the story of the Grave War, and I could tell by his wide eyes and worried lips that he was upset yet enthralled. I remembered the first time I sat beside the hearth in the community house listening to my mother tell the story. It was an old one, one that would likely soon be forgotten by time; but it was our duty to keep it alive for as long as people were willing to listen.
Corin’s brother, Maydon, turned to gaze in my direction. I was glad they had each other. Maydon kept vigil over his younger brother while their father was away. Their father had been gone for some time, and I wasn’t yet ready to tell Corin that he probably wasn’t coming back. Although the Grave War was long over, the world was far from safe.
I felt a tug at my sleeve and looked back down at Corin. “Leydah, what happened to the undead army? What did Axus do when the forester destroyed the giant tree monster?”
“Yeah,” said Brenna, also a first-time listener. “I want to know what happened to Greylan and Rostus.”
A few of the adults chuckled over the children’s exuberance. I, too, was glad for their appreciation of our history. “Aren’t you tired?” I said. “We can pick up the story tomorrow night.”
“No,” whined a dozen children in unison.
“Ple-e-ease,” said Corin. He pointed toward the window as two ghostly figures passed by without a glance. “The wanderers are out there. Nothing’s happening. We’re safe here. Tell us what happened.”
“Very well. Shortly after the Battle of Ruriton, the undead army Aaslo had raised fell back into the swamp, and Aaslo and his friends returned to the marquess’s estate.”
“That’s it?” said Brenna. “The whole army just disappeared? That’s not very exciting.”
“That’s where history differs from fairy tales, Brenna. Sometimes things just end, and it isn’t very exciting. In this case, it was a good thing. You see, Aaslo didn’t know what we know now. If he had continued pouring his power into those long-dead bodies, he would have been pulled down with them.”
“But Greylan and Rostus were different,” said Brenna. She lifted her chin and spoke with certitude. “They were different.”
“That’s right,” I said. “But to know why they were different, you have to let me continue the story. You see, Aaslo and his friends were not the only ones who were trying to figure out what happened during the battle. Aaslo had managed to do something perhaps even more intriguing than raise the dead. He had confused the gods.”
Anxious chuckles flitted through the room from the older children, and the younger ones’ eager stares implored me to explain. “A confused god is an angry god, especially when his plans have been foiled. Aaslo’s interference had repercussions across all of Aldrea.”
I leaned toward the young ones and with gravity said, “There were many who suffered fates worse than death. Aaslo’s story is not complete without that of Cherrí.”
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