Free Taming the Elements: Elwin Escari Chronicles: Volume 1 by David Ekrut Page A

familiar.”
    “Enough about me,” Abudan said. “Let us talk about you.”
    “What about me?”
    “This forest for example,” Abudan gestured around him. “Where is it?”
    The shadow cleared around Abudan’s face for a moment to reveal eyes of black fog, as if the pupil had consumed all of his eyes. Elwin flinched back from the man’s gaze.
    Abudan held up his hands as if calming a frightened calf. “I meant no alarm. I know you are in the Island Nations, but I cannot be sure as to where. You are shielded from me. It is her, I have no doubt. Can you hear her?”
    “The singing?” Elwin asked. The urgency hadn’t lessened, but he still couldn’t make out any words.
    “Yes,” Abudan said, frowning. “I do not know how she touches my realm, but I am certain you are the root of it.”
    “This is the strangest dream I have ever had,” Elwin said.
    Abudan’s laugh sent shivers down Elwin’s spine. Again he wanted to flee, but he did not allow his fears to get the better of him. It was just a dream. It was. Whenever he wanted, he could just wake up.
    “This is just a dream,” Abudan said. “But it is also more. I am your destiny, Elwin of Solsec. You will be the one to Awaken us.”
    “Solsec?” Elwin said. “That is not my name. You have me mistaken for someone else.”
    “As I have said,” Abudan said. “Whatever you are called, I would know blood that is mine. Now, where in the Island Nations do you reside?”
    Something in Abudan’s tone made Elwin wary. He took a step back, but didn’t seem to move away from Abudan. So, he took another step, a much bigger step, and nothing seemed to happen.
    “Shh,” Abudan said and made a calming gesture. “I mean you no harm. Just the opposite. I would like to give you a Gift. You are destined for power, Son of Bain. The world can be yours, if you only accept what is yours by birthright.”
    Abudan took a step toward him, and Elwin stepped back on instinct. Despite Elwin’s efforts to get away, Abudan still moved closer.
    “There is nothing to fear,” Abudan said. “In the end, you will accept my Gift. Save the lives of those around you and take it now.”
    “I am not who you think I am,” Elwin said, backing away. “I’m a farmer. I don’t have any birthright. The land isn’t even ours.”
    Abudan’s hand felt like ice on his shoulder. Pain moved through Elwin as the cold began to spread to his arm and chest.
    “It can all end,” Abudan said. “Just repeat this simple phrase. ‘I accept your Gift, Abaddon. My soul is yours.’ Then, power over Life will be yours.”
    “Abaddon!” Elwin gasped. “You are the Seeker of Souls. Not Abudan. You are the Bringer of Death.”
    “Such an ugly name, that,” Abaddon said in a soothing tone. “My gift is warmth. Take my hand and speak the words. Without my warmth, you will surely perish.”
    The cold continued to spread. Even his thoughts began to become rigid.
    “Wake,” Elwin said. “I want to wake.”
    He focused his mind on the comfort of his bed and the warmth of his room.
    “This isn’t real,” he heard himself say.
    The cold vanished, and he could see himself sleeping in his bed.
    For a moment, he felt as if he was staring down at himself. Then, somehow, he and the body became one.

Chapter 4
    Summer Solstice
    Elwin sat up, feeling strong hands around him. He kicked with all of his might but couldn’t shake loose the grip of those strong hands.
    “Elwin, open your eyes.” It was his father’s voice.
    Even though the morning’s light spilled into his window, his mother stood in the doorway holding a lantern. Strong arms rubbed warmth back into Elwin’s limbs.
    He looked up into his father’s face and saw concern in Drenen’s eyes. “Your skin is cold. The night was not so cold. Do you need another blanket at night?”
    “It was so real,” he said, trying not to loose the tears filling his eyes.
    Drenen continued to rub warmth back into Elwin’s arms. “It was just a dream,