Entangled web of destruc.., p.1
Entangled Web of Destruction, page 1
Also by Mari Ann
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Entangled Web of Destruction
Chronicles of the Vale I
Copyright © 2026 by Mari Ann Caudill
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 as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
Book Cover by MAC Book Cover Designs
Book Formats Available:
eBook
ISBN: 9798273594333 (print)
ISBN: 9798273594524 (hardcover)
Holler Creek Books
Authors website: www.marianncaudill.com
Business website: www.hollercreekbooks.com
To my mother,
who doesn't read all of my work
but couldn't put this book down.
No, it was not a game of who
could hold the book longer,
although she would be prepared to win.
Contents
Prologue
1. Nelia
2. Nelia
3. Neila
4. Elbas
5. Richard
6. Victoria
7. Richard
8. Richard
9. Nelia
10. Constantina
11. Constantina
12. Nelia
13. Constantina
14. Charnell
15. Aurlynn
16. Roselynn
17. Constantina
18. Nelia
19. Richard
20. Nelia
21. Constantina
22. Nelia
23. Nelia
24. Charnell
25. Nelia
26. Charnell
27. Nelia
28. Kyle
29. Cora
30. Kyle
31. Nelia
32. Richard
33. Kyle
34. Cora
35. Charnell
36. Cora
37. Cora
38. Kyle
39. Constantina
40. Kyle
41. Cora
42. Kyle
43. Charnell
44. Kyle
45. Cora
46. Charnell
47. Nelia
48. Cora
49. Nelia
50. Charnell
51. Cora
52. Pugh
53. Jack
54. Cora
55. Kyle
56. Cora
57. Charnell
58. Constantina
59. Cora
60. Kyle
61. Charnell
62. Elbas
63. Charnell
64. Cora
65. Charnell
66. Cora
67. Charnell
68. Cora
69. Kyle
Epilogue
Thank you!
Connect
Newsletter
Appendix
Coming Soon!
Excerpt H.T.S
Prologue
Waves crash against the docks of Splintered Vale as a storm moves in from a distance. A faint skyline of lightning spans over the landscape, bringing with it roaring thunder. Queen Lilianna’s death weighs heavily on High Priestess Nelia Winifred, a sorceress from the Hidden City. She failed to protect the queen, allowing an assassin to gain access to the royal garden and slay her.
A boat navigates the rough waters, creeping closer to the landing.
“Jonathan asks you to stop by before you leave.”
“Please forgive me, Lady Constantina. I cannot, not after all the pain I have caused him and the people of Splintered Vale.”
“Does Charnell know you are leaving?” she asks.
“No, this is for the best. I will not ask you to lie for me or to keep any secrets.”
“I appreciate that, Nelia, but listen to me. Neither Jonathan nor I hold you accountable for his mother’s assassination. We both know who may have been behind the plot, and that will be something he will figure out. He will need your guidance as he takes the throne. Can you at least stay until that time?”
“My departure is necessary.”
“Fleeing the kingdom will start rumors of your involvement, and there will be nothing either of us can do to prevent that.”
“I will accept that as a consequence for my untimely departure.”
They stand in silence, watching the unidentified man dressed in a dark robe guide the boat against the pier. He ties off the vessel, waiting for Nelia.
Nelia hugs Lady Constantina before grabbing her belongings and making her way down the stairs to the landing.
The wind drifts over the water before crashing against the structure, and she tightens her grip on the bags as a breeze pushes them back. As the wind calms, she hands them over to the man and she is relieved to get rid of the weight.
Turning back around to see Constantina waving goodbye. She returns the gesture.
Grabbing onto the edge of the boat, she climbs inside as the man untangles the rope, and they float further into the lake before he starts rowing. They sit in silence until they reach the river, and the strong currents pull them downstream.
“Your sister sends her best,” he says.
“Who else knows about this?”
“No one. Once you are settled in, you can send word back to Splintered Vale, but I would strongly advise against it. The Vale will be in mourning for a while, and the Privy Council may demand a bounty after learning you have fled. They will be looking for someone to blame, and with no proof, other than Charnell’s word, you will be accused of treason.”
“I never plan on returning, Garwin. Your loyalty will never be forgotten, and I am sure my sister will reward you greatly.”
“No need for any reward, sorceress. Your family has given me enough. Once we reach Port Welch in a few days, we part ways. Another guide will escort you to your next destination. Our paths will never cross again, which I am sad for, because we have known each other for a long time, but that is part of our fate.”
“You never know when our lives will be entangled, but hopefully it will be on better terms. Hand me an ore. I can help with rowing.”
1
Nelia
Green Haven
Nelia listens to a few nuns humming, as she snaps beans for dinner. It has been over nine years, since she arrived at Green Haven Monastery. She’s been at peace watching her son, Christian, maturing into a boy on the cusp of manhood. The night of his birth is branded into her memory like yesterday. She handed him over to the monks, as if he were an orphan, which still tears at her heart. She has kept her true identity a secret from him, telling him she was seeking solitude at the monastery, and she will travel the world again someday.
Christian races through the flower garden after a rabbit, laughing with three other youths as they play a game of chase. Her eyes widen, and she gasps as Christian trips over a stone, falling to the ground. Racing to his side, she instantly pulls him into her arms, running her hand through his thick, brown hair, and checks him for injuries as his chin trembles. His right knee peeks through a hole in his pants, and blood trickles down his leg. Cradling him in her arms, she rocks him slightly, fighting back the tears seeping into her eyes.
“Sister Nelia, I am fine,” Christian says, trying to struggle free. “The other children are watching us.”
Nelia releases her grip, realizing she has embarrassed him.
“Christian, I am—”
“Nelia, you have a visitor,” Father Zackary calls from the porch.
“I wonder who has come to see you,” Christian says, climbing to his feet. “You never have visitors.”
Christian accepts Nelia’s hand.
“The visitor intrigues me as well.” Once they reach the porch, she continues, “Father Zackary, can you take Christian to the infirmary? He had quite a fall, and his knee hurts.”
“Come along,” he says, reaching for Christian’s hand, but he refuses.
“I am not hurt, Father. Sister Nelia is just worried.”
“I am sure she is, but you must come along.”
Nelia watches the two disappear before entering the monastery. She overreacted, causing a scene, and it’s not like he hasn’t fallen before. Turning a corner, she dodges tw o monks as she glides down the narrow hall. There will be plenty of time for him to find mischief as he gets older, and if he is anything like his father, there will be more scars before he turns sixteen. She smiles as a few nuns stroll by. Nelia picks up her pace and becomes anxious about who has found her. Only a few people know her identity and whereabouts.
In the main hall, she sees Sir Alexander pacing, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, gazing at the ground, seemingly unaware of his surroundings. He is much older than she remembers; his hair is partially gray, and his face is shadowed with deeper lines. She knows something is dreadfully wrong for Queen Constantina to send him after her. Tears stream down her pale cheeks, as she knows the time has come for her to return to Splintered Vale.
To face her past.
“Sir Alexander, what has brought you here?” She brushes her long hair over her shoulders as their eyes lock.
“Her Majesty requests your attendance.” He hands over a letter with the royal seal. “We depart in the morning at sunbreak. Meet me at the Devil’s Inn.”
“Are . . . you alone?” she asks, her voice almost quivering.
“Her Majesty gave strict orders to keep your whereabouts a secret, sorceress. I shalt not betray either of you.”
“Thank you.”
Nelia’s hand trembles as she brushes her thumb over the seal. It’s been years since the two have corresponded, not because Nelia was reluctant but because the fear of leaving her son kept her from reaching out. There was also concern someone might intercept their letters, placing them both in danger, which neither of them wanted. Her son would be a powerful weapon in the hands of their enemies, if he inherited the magical power of the Winifred family. Still, it’s too early to know. Yet.
Nelia,
I request your presence back at Splintered Vale as soon as possible. I am with child, and I am afraid for our family’s safety. There are rumors King Richard plans to overthrow my husband and take over the kingdom, destroying our homeland. Please return with Sir Alexander and help me protect my children. I do not wish to burden you with my fears, but you are our only hope.
Love, Constantina
Nelia releases the letter into the fireplace. The embers scatter as the letter cascades down into the fiery glow. She watches the letter’s edges burn slowly, as if time has stopped. She realizes her life is about to change. The days of watching Christian chasing rabbits or experimenting with elixirs are fading quickly from her mind. The memories she once locked away will emerge, drowning out any recollections of her time at Green Haven. Everything will unravel like it was yesterday. The remnants of the letter turn to ash, and she moves on.
ABBOTT MICHAELSON WELCOMES NELIA into his office. He is much older than the other monks and is a strong leader. His white hair cradles his shoulder, and he stands a foot shorter than Nelia. He leans on a cane, waving for her to sit, but she declines.
“Abbot Michaelson, I must return to the mainland in the morning.”
“We greatly appreciate your company here at the monastery. Don’t let this departure bring heartache. Christian will continue to be safe in our hands,” he says, giving her a faint smile. “Those who succeed me will be instructed to ensure he is shielded from the world beyond us. If he starts to exhibit magical powers, we will send for guidance, but otherwise, you will not hear from us.”
“Your kindness is too much. Please, give him the letters I wrote when he is old enough to understand my heartfelt decision to give him up.”
“You are always welcome here, Nelia. Remember, not every heartache needs to be pushed aside or hidden.” He wraps his soft hands around hers. “May your journey give you peace and hope, knowing everything you leave behind will flourish.”
“Thank you for everything.”
She pulls away from his grasp to go and find Christian.
Nelia peers inside the apothecary class, trying to find her son. This will be one of the hardest things she must do. She must tell him she is leaving, but not knowing how he will react worries her. He wraps his arms around her waist, gazing up at her. His dark brown eyes remind her so much of his father.
“You have been crying?” he asks as he brushes a tear off her face.
“They are tears of joy, little one. I am returning home in the morning.”
“I should be happy for you, but I am sad.” He sniffles. “I pray for a safe journey home.”
“It has been a pleasure meeting you and hanging out over the last few years. I will truly miss our time together, Christian.” She hugs him tightly. “Please don’t give Father Zackary too much trouble, while I am gone.” She brushes her finger across his nose. “Next time we meet, you must show me everything you have learned since our time apart.”
“I am glad you have found peace, Sister Nelia.” He chokes back his tears. “Please have a safe journey back home. I can write to you, if you would like.”
“Yes, give all of your letters to Father Zackary,” she promises, but knows they will never be able to correspond.
“You will be greatly missed, Nelia,” Father Zackary says, joining her by the door after Christian returns to his studies. “A few of us know his identity, and none will ever betray you.”
“I know he is in good hands. Please forgive me, but I must be going.”
As she hurries out of the classroom, tears escape her eyes. The most challenging part of her job is not showing emotion, and relationships are forbidden, until she has fulfilled her duties serving the royal family. Her sister would say, “Focus on your job, not the knight you have fallen in love with, and the Elders will send for you once your job is complete.”
She is no longer close to her sister, but they will always be there for one another, no matter what happens. Aurora rules their homeland in the Hidden City and reaches out from time to time, but not often. Nelia was sent away to Splintered Vale when she was sixteen. That was the last time they had seen each other face-to-face.
LEANING AGAINST THE WALL of her bedchamber, Nelia no longer fights tears. Her eyes burn as the tears flow down her cheeks, and she brushes them away. She slides down to the floor, cradling her knees. Losing her son, and the thoughts of seeing Charnell, flash repeatedly in her mind as a rippling current hammers against a rocky shore. Charnell will accept no explanation for why she left after they both found the late queen murdered in the rose garden. Not telling him about his son will torment her when she is around him, and the thought of casting a spell to rid herself of her memories of Christian is the only hope that she doesn’t go mad.
Cuffing her trembling hands together, she closes her eyes to rest. The private room is small, with a large bed, a dresser, a shelf, and a desk for her writing. The room has a small fireplace for warmth. Red velvet curtains drape around the bed and are tied to the large bedposts. The windowless room brings back memories of her homeland. The beautiful Hidden City is situated on the mountainside of the snowy northern peaks and serves as a training ground for those with magical powers.
A cool breeze blows into the room, drastically dropping the temperature as Nelia’s powers intensify, and magic churns through her body. Jumping to her feet, she tosses sage into the fire and grabs her family grimoire off the shelf. She runs her fingers along the pages to find the protection spell to protect Christian. Using her magic will call upon her family’s ancestors to notify all living descendants that black magic is being conjured, but there is no time to worry about the consequences.
Nelia chants, “The descendants of House Winifred protect Christian from the forces of evil and guide him toward good. Keep him hidden until the bond is broken and the path reveals itself, no matter what the price of my happiness. He is the blood of Winifred and a human. Do not forsake him for my downfall at my weakest moment. Protect him, as he may one day be called up to rule our homeland.”
She quickly writes the name Christian in the grimoire. She will never forget his name, no matter the price of losing the memories of her son. He deserves a life without family responsibilities and happiness, not a life of worries or conflicts, such as protecting the royals and putting his family aside, as she has done. He may never forgive her for all her lies, but that is a risk she must take. One day, he will search for the truth about his family. Hopefully, when that time comes, she will brace for the impact of telling Charnell the truth. Until that time, she must embrace the fading memories.
