A Tournament of Crowns

A TOURNAMENT OF CROWNS A TRIAL OF SORCERERS BOOK THREE ELISE KOVA This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters and events in this book are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author. Published by Silver Wing Press Copyright © 2023 by Elise Kova All rights reserved. Neither this book, nor any parts within it may be sold or reproduced in any form without permission. Cover Artwork by Polar Engine Developmental Editing by Rebecca Faith Editorial Line Editing by Melissa Frain Proofreading by Kate Anderson ISBN (paperback): 978-1-949694-54-3 ISBN (hardcover): 978-1-949694-55-0 eISBN: 978-1-949694-38-3 CONTENTS Also by Elise Kova Map of the Solaris Empire Greater Map of Meru Book Two Recap Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Chapter 42 Chapter 43 Chapter 44 Discover more from Elise Kova Acknowledgments About the Author: Elise Kova ALSO BY ELISE KOVA * * * See all of Elise’s books and find where to get them on her website at: https://elisekova.com/books/ * * * A Trial of Sorcerers A Trial of Sorcerers A Hunt of Shadows A Tournament of Crowns An Heir of Frost Book 5 Will Complete the Series AIR AWAKENS UNIVERSE Air Awakens Series Air Awakens Fire Falling Earth’s End Water’s Wrath Crystal Crowned Vortex Chronicles Vortex Visions Chosen Champion Failed Future Sovereign Sacrifice Crystal Caged Golden Guard Trilogy The Crown’s Dog The Prince’s Rogue The Farmer’s War MARRIED TO MAGIC A Deal with the Elf King A Dance with the Fae Prince A Duel with the Vampire Lord A Duet with the Siren Duke (More to come) THE LOOM SAGA The Alchemists of Loom The Dragons of Nova The Rebels of Gold NEVER MISS A RELEASE. Get exclusive giveaways, review copies, and a free gift on sign up by subscribing to Elise Kova’s newsletter: https://elisekova.com/subscribe/ THE SOLARIS EMPIRE GREATER MAP OF MERU for everyone who feels like a mess and is just doing their best BOOK TWO RECAP A Tournament of Crowns takes place after the events of A Trial of Sorcerers and A Hunt of Shadows, so readers should make sure they’ve read the first two books in the series before beginning this one. However… I know how hard it is to remember all the little details of a book you might have read weeks, months, or even years ago. That’s why I’ve made a series summary page. Click here (or put the URL in your browser) to read a full recap of the events in the series until now to make sure you’re ready to start book three: https://elisekova.com/a-trial-of-sorcerers-summaries/ Happy reading and I hope you enjoy the continuation of Eira’s story! 1 “Eira, are you ready?” Alyss called through the door. Eira continued to stare at the dagger in her hand. From the golden hilt to the channel up the fuller, it was identical in every way to the one she’d plunged through Ferro’s heart. Yesterday, his blood had flowed between her fingers as fast as the life that left him. “Eira?” She shut her eyes. Scenes from the ball were waiting for her. Dancing with the eligible men Deneya had organized for her, then Cullen, learning of his engagement, Ferro… She forced open her eyes, banishing the last memory. Ferro had haunted her long enough and she had put an end to him. He couldn’t hurt her any longer. But his father still could. The dagger trembled in her hand as she gripped it with white knuckles. Ulvarth, the leader of the Pillars, the man who claimed he was the Champion of the goddess Yargen and who used that claim to whip zealots into a frenzy of followers known as the Pillars. Her magic sank into the dagger, drawing forth the echo of his voice, as sharp and horrible as the first dozen times she’d listened to it: Eira Landan, did you really think that you could thwart me? No, foolish girl. The games are only just beginning and I am the one making the rules. I do hope you and your Dark Isle friends are willing to fight like your lives depend on it. Another knock scattered her focus. “Yes, sorry, coming.” Eira stood quickly, turning to wrap the dagger inside some clothes before shoving the bundle into her trunk on top of the Pirate Queen Adela’s notebooks and haphazardly burying the items under her remaining clothes. She snapped the top shut as the door cracked open. “Need help with anything?” Alyss asked, poking in her nose. “Thank you, but no, I think I have it all.” There really wasn’t much for her to gather. It was hard to think she’d been on Meru for weeks now. Most of her time had been spent underground and running into and away from danger. There hadn’t been time for leisurely sightseeing or mementos to bring back home and now there wouldn’t be because she was still running. This time she was running toward the coliseum waiting beyond Risen. Racing to drive the new dagger through Ulvarth’s heart. “How are you feeling?” Alyss dropped her voice slightly. Her emerald eyes betrayed the deep concern that had been only growing for weeks. “I’m sorry for always worrying you.” Eira gave her friend a tired smile. “I only worry because I care. It’s what friends do. And goodness knows someone has to worry in this group. Now, don’t dodge my question, how are you?” There was a time Eira would’ve avoided answering honestly at all costs.