J. D. Buchmiller
Author
Novels by J. D. Buchmiller
Silver Skeletons: Book 3 The Rose Tree Chronicles
If prophecies are destined to come to pass, how is it that even a queen can interfere with one? And what does it mean for the future of the kingdom?
The silent battle between land and sea intensifies when Nadia is sent to reside with the Royal Family of Noelle, and Queen Ariana decides she has a much better idea. With the help of her retired White Knight, Sir Rallian, Nadia is enslaved and Ariana initiates her plan to make Noelle an empire again. However, the mutually beneficial relationship between the queen and former knight is under pressure when Sir Rallian discovers Nadia's value and Queen Ariana begins to question if the she made the right decision letting Nadia live. Will this powerful friendship withstand the test of greed?
Meanwhile, the Royal Advisor, Polaris, looks a fool as what he announced to be a prophecy no longer appears as such. Furthermore, correcting the intended course of events is more complicated with the queen involved, not to mention Nadia is seafolk AND cursed. Poor Rein Bow also finds herself overwhelmed and powerless in helping Nadia, and she hopes that joining forces with Polaris and his resources against this cruel villain will be enough to deliver the princess-turned-slave. Will Polaris manage to save his reputation without committing treason? Will Nadia have the better life she was promised outside the ocean?
The story of the descendants of King Jorge and Emperor Gerardo continues in this tension-packed Book Three of "The Rose Tree Chronicles." New unique characters are introduced and clash in this fight for a prophecy to be fulfilled. Powerful alliances are strained and personal feelings are mingled in politics. Read "Silver Skeletons" and immerse yourself in a world of war and prophecy.
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Chapter: Chapter Thirty: Lady Ivanna's Phobia
"Those birthed from a Slave are immediately determined to be a Slave. The proper paperwork of the Slave's official birth must be turned in to the Association of Slave Owners within the day of that Slave's birth or the following morning."Rein's posture changed to defensive upon seeing the sheer panic in Ivanna's eyes. She looked at the webbing between Ivanna's fingers and then glanced at the four assassins. "Yes, they know you're part mermaid. I'm sorry. I thought it was necessary to explain your plans involving the marquis as a way to further explain your feelings about elves since he plans to use cuffs engraved with Elvish against you again.""Please don't feel concerned that we have this knowledge," said Elion. "We also understand what it's like to be
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Sword of Defense
"All Slave Auctioneers must carry proof given to them upon being appointed, stating that they have been affirmed by the Association of Slave Owners. If proof is not available upon questioning, it will be assumed that the auctioneer in question is not legally appointed.""Your queen will now choose the sword she deems most important by which to rule."Queen Ariana rose and set the orb on a marble podium between the thrones and leaned the scepter against the same podium. She then made her way down the steps of the dais and lifted the sword with the black hilt from the floor. She returned to the top of the dais and with both hands held the sword out towards her audience."These are dire days in our belo
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Triumph of Evil
"All Slave Auctions must be run by auctioneers appointed by the Association of Slave Owners. Any auctioneer not authorized by the Association of Slave Owners will be taken into custody and sold in the next scheduled Slave Auction."Hours after Nadia's lessons ended, Ivanna sat in front of Polaris's active grand fireplace in the drawing room deep in thought with a chalice of lona in her hands. There was much to contemplate and it all distracted her from enjoying her drink and admiring the fire. Polaris soon entered with a glass of bourbon and sat in the seat across from her."So," he began. The sudden utterance snapped Ivanna back into the room. "You have a plan to prepare the kingdom for Nadia's ethnicity."
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Hard-Headed and the Stubborn
"All Slave Auctions will take place once a month on Market Day, the date and time of which will be determined by the mayor of the town."Despite the fact that Ezra knew her skills were limited, she could never forgive herself if she didn't at least try and end the naiad to save her brother in Iah-Ra. Suddenly, the flame in her hands erupted into a ball of fire larger than she thought she could manage. She pushed her confusion aside for the moment and threw it at the naiad where it exploded into an inferno that left nothing behind but a puff of vapor.  
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Six: The Rogue Assassins
"Each town is allotted one auction stand to be kept in the center of town for the Slave Market. Each scaffold must be ten feet tall, twenty feet long, and eight feet wide."Nadia didn't appear any better than she had looked before Makiar forced her to touch the ball. She lay there motionless, breathless, completely void of any sign of life. No one said a word while Makiar placed his fingers against Nadia's throat."Her pulse is back to normal, my Lord," he informed."Good," Rallian said as he released the breath he had held. "Inform the nursemaids that I want her nursed back to health as soon as possible so that she can get back to her chores quickly."
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Five: Secrets
"The death of a Slave must be reported to the Association of Slave Owners forty-eight hours after the death."There was so much information in Marquis Rallian's journal that Rein wanted to read the entire thing right then and there. Unfortunately, she knew that she didn't have enough time to do so. She would just have to return once Rallian was asleep and read it then. In the meantime, she had to prioritize the more important subjects within the pages: Ariana and Nadia.Much of the content of the journal was surprising to Rein. There was silent strain and much mistrust between Rallian and Ariana. He expected her to demand Nadia's death any day now and predicted it to be the beginning of the end of their friendship since he was prepared to refuse. However,
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
The Key: Book 2 The Rose Tree Chronicles
A naiad faces two choices: do what it takes to save her adopted mermaid daughter, or risk her life and the lives of others to satisfy her own selfish desires. Which will she choose?
Empress Renée has been told numerous times to lighten up. Her negativity and oppressive nature are effecting the health of Nadia, the only heir to the throne of the Five Oceans. She is informed that if she doesn't change her attitude by the time the rose bud on the key she is given has fully bloomed, Nadia will be sent some place where she can live a full and happy life. However, this key unlocks a wonder that Renée decides to take advantage of to end a personal problem she believes will solve everything.
Meanwhile, as a result of her last adventure, Rein Bow remains a wingless pixie. When she learns that the empress plans to seek out the Mystery Miracle Worker, she decides to tag along since this is who can give her wings again. Unfortunately, traveling with someone who flaunts a key which the most power-hungry of people desire provides Rein with a whole new set of obstacles. Will Empress Renée submit to her own selfish desires, or will she do what it takes to save her adopted daughter? Can Rein help the empress see the light? Or will they both suffer at the hands of the many villains after the key?
"The Key" officially sets "The Rose Tree Chronicles" in motion. Here is where the ocean meets the land, a collision unwelcome by most and if all seafolk are like Empress Renée, it may not be difficult to understand why. Fraught with personal struggles and new mysterious characters, "The Key" is the spark which ignites the inferno that is "The Rose Tree Chronicles."
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Chapter: Chapter Twenty: The Truth Comes Out
Back at the Obsidian Palace beneath the Aquamarine Ocean, Empress Renée had picked up a mussel shell and stormed into a garderobe for privacy before speaking with anyone. She required immediate answers before she could face any seafolk. There she urinated on the underside of the shell and set it aside for a minute to process. She paced dramatically in the tiny chamber, anxiously waiting for the time to pass quicker."Change color," she growled at the shell. "Change,change!"Nothing happened to the color of the shell. Once the minute was up, the empress bashed and punched the walls of the garderobe. The Mystery Miracle Worker's theory had been proven accurate, at least in Renée's case."Curse you!" Ren&
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Nineteen: The Cataras Springs
The garden of the Cataras Springs was the most beautiful wonder on Xyntriav at its time. Specks of gold light floated about the brightly-colored trees and bushes. Mossy vines draped the silverstone walls and bright, colorful bubbles served themselves as rocks beside the shimmering rivers and streams. The sweet smell of lotus, lilies, lilac, and lavender was so strong that the visitors could taste it. And though the Springs were located underground, there still seemed to be a light blue moonlight present to illuminate everything in this enclosure."Me eyes have never beheld such a sight," murmured Captain Tzatara."Aye," agreed Yacomé with his jaw dropped.There was one visible waterfall right beside the entrance which poured into the same body of water through whi
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Eighteen: The Cursed Waters of Carnific
Not long after Ravan had left Roznova, the Mystery Miracle Worker packed a small bag of food for herself and a couple of oddly shaped, multi-colored, glass bottles. She wrapped the bottles in a thick, soft cloth and tightly packed them in her satchel to make sure that they were kept safe. Then she put on her large-brimmed hat, threw a gray shawl over her shoulders, and turned to her king cobra who was perched in his tree."Are you ready, Stephocra?""I couldn't be more ready, Miss," Stephocra replied as he slithered up her arm.The Miracle Worker put out all the lights in her lair and raced to a dinghy she kept some distance from the beach, her burgundy skirts catching and tearing on foliage along the way. She had covered the boat with damp moss to hide it from any visit
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Seventeen: The Sirens' Threat
Rein couldn't find any sign of Renée as she made her way to Carnific, so she decided to wait until the empress arrived inside the Cataras Springs. She landed in a tree on the island after about three hours of non-stop flight and scanned the jungle-life around her to make sure she was in the right place before she set the seagull free.Rein opened a hidden hatch in the tree, jumped inside, and slid a long distance deep into the island. It had been a while since she last visited the Cataras Springs, so this dark tumble into the underground made her nerves a bit flustered. She soared out of an uprooted tree root and safely caught herself in the air. She glanced around to verify her location and then flew toward a small mushroom town deep in the garden. There, she approached a specific lavender mushroom home next to a sparkling blue stream and she knocked on the tiny wooden doo
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Sixteen: Meet Ravan the Great
The Mystery Miracle Worker removed two copper cups from her cupboard and set them on the counter. Meanwhile, the mysterious man took a seat in front of the fireplace and never removed his hood to show his face."You knew I was here all along," he said. "And here I thought you would be surprised to see me again.""The only thing that surprises me is that you stayed for so long," replied the Miracle Worker. "I thought you would surely leave after I convinced my last clients to stay. You must really want what you came for.""Indeed, I do.""So, what is it?" the Miracle Worker asked, turning to face him. "My instructions failed you?""You remember everything, don't
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Fifteen: The Deal
Empress Renée was confused. She furrowed her eyebrows and waited for an explanation from the Mystery Miracle Worker. However, she didn't get one."I thought we had already established that I won't give you the key," she said."Yes, and then I figured, 'what if she didn't need the key?'" the Miracle Worker replied. "You see, Empress, I know of an entrance into the Cataras Springs where you don't need a key. You can enter from beneath the island in which the garden is located."Renée processed these words. "I still need the key to know how much time I have left.""How does the key show you?" asked the Miracle Worker. She held out her hand to receive the key.
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Follow: Book 1 The Rose Tree Chronicles
He is universally renowned as a useless burden in the midst of a continent-wide war. Does he have what it takes to be the agent of victory?
Gerardo of Liko is the lone survivor of a battle to the death, though he'd argue he'd be better off if he wasn't. Especially when he's tasked to rescue a prisoner of war, Jorge of En Why, who happens to be his greatest enemy on a personal level. Evidently, Jorge is destined to bring an end to the Stone War, so Gerardo agrees to take on the mission. Upon being captured in the process of releasing Jorge from the clutches of the enemy, Gerardo accepts his impending demise, and even welcomes it.
But not all hope is lost. Rein Bow, a pixie with prophetic dreams, understands the importance of rescuing Gerardo. She recruits the help of a forest sprite and a colony of rodents living within the walls of the enemy's palace to devise an elaborate prison break. Meanwhile, Jorge's conscience, along with his fellow warriors who had escaped with him, urge him to use his shape-shifting abilities to repay Gerardo's efforts. Will Jorge be able to set aside his personal disgust and become the competent warrior required to rescue Gerardo? Will Jorge's and Rein's combined efforts be enough? And will Jorge's experiences mold him into the proficient warrior capable of bringing peace back to the United Empires?
"Follow" is only the beginning. Within these pages is the birth of two majestic families whose generations are chronicled in this epic fantasy series filled with specters, fairies, elves, dragons, mermaids, and more. If you enjoy fantasy stories filled with adventure, politics, and the struggles with the balance of emotion and logic, "The Rose Tree Chronicles" is for you!
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Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Three: A Promise Fulfilled
Gerardo returned home to his mother only to find that she had expected (and hoped) that he had died during the Stone War and had sold all of his possessions. Since he wasn't particularly welcomed home, Gerardo decided to leave his mother and build a cabin in the Lucierna Forest to live in on his own. He spent what little money he had received from serving in the military on clothes and necessities and despite being exceptionally lonely, he did well enough to get by.When not hunting or struggling to sell his kill, Gerardo spent most of his time sitting on a hill in Helvetica looking over the Aquamarine Ocean. He enjoyed the beauty and peace this location had to offer. However, the quiet that surrounded him on this hilltop sometimes gave way to questions and negative thoughts. For instance, now that he had fought in the war and served the purpose given to him b
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Two: Bravery, Love, and Regard
Everyone in the room remained silent, awaiting to hear a reaction from Emperor Plake. The emperor gently tossed the letter onto the table in front of him."Well it is a good thing this is no hoax," he said. He called to his scribe. "Cal! Address a message to Emperor Mandingo and include everything we have discussed. There is no need for code or such. I trust this pixie can avoid capture. Be sure to write every detail.""Yes, Your Majesty," Cal replied."Should we begin preparation then, Sire?" asked a general."No," replied the emperor. "Mandingo seemed skeptical in his letter. You know as well as I that we cannot execute this plan without his assistance. In the meantime, I would like to make Jorge a general of his
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-One: A Prophecy Narrowly Avoided
The next morning Gerardo woke up peacefully for the first time in ages. His eyes opened painlessly and his head turned without soreness as he studied his surroundings in astonishment. He lay on a chaise lounge covered with a fur blanket in the most luxurious cave he had ever laid eyes on. In front of him was a selection of fresh fruit on an oriental table, and further toward the entrance, Calder slept atop a cluster of cotton pillows.Gerardo did not desire to get up; he was too comfortable. With any luck, the forest sounds would help him to fall back asleep: the trickling water, the soft chatter of tiny voices, the wind rustling the leaves of the trees, the lulling birdsong... then a conversation between the voices of Calder (who had just awakened) and Dil distracted him so that relaxation was no longer possible for him to obtain.
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Twenty: There is More to be Done
Now that she could no longer fly, Rein would have to get accustomed to running and climbing, and depending on other animals for long-distance transportation. She soon realized that although riding an animal may be a faster way to travel, it took practice and she didn't have time to learn. She rushed through the tunnels of the rats and mice domain towards the east wing of the palace and emerged on the opposite side. She found herself looking at the stone wall, which served as a barrier between her and the wood beyond it. Climbing up the wall was a tiresome challenge, and descending it without slipping and dropping the rest of the way down was even more so. Halfway down the wall, she decided it would be faster to simply let go and tumble into the thick snow at the bottom. She emerged freezing cold, but all she could do now was continue onward as quickly as possible and hope that the activity would warm her up soon.
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Nineteen: Divine Intervention
Guided by the torches illuminating the courtyard, Jorge made it to the top of the stone wall and climbed onto the overlooking branch of a tree. Twilight had passed and the light of the orange moon was all Jorge had to aid his way through the Lucierna Forest and the thick snowfall. Ahead, he could make out the dim glow of a campfire and he ran towards it. He only morphed back into his original form once he had arrived and verified that he knew the members of the group surrounding the fire."Captain!" Travis exclaimed. "Where have you been?""Spying.""Did you learn anything?" Jole asked anxiously."They're going to search the forest for us tomorrow.""And what o
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
Chapter: Chapter Eighteen: After So Much Effort...
The prisoners rampaged down the corridors brandishing their swords and any other weapons they were able to get their hands on. Those who couldn't find any weapons worked their creativity and made use of chairs, small tables, potted plants, and whatever blunt objects they could manage to lift. It was a war in itself. There were fistfights, sword-fights, and some of the palace workers swatted, kicked, and stomped on the rodents scurrying about on the floor. Jole and Travis managed to avoid most of the chaos and searched to find the woman who had freed them. Then they caught sight of a black cat, which called to them."Travis! Jole! It's me, Jorge!" Jole and Travis watched him jump onto a console table. "Listen, I require your aid with something. I suspect the emperor is still in the throne room because he isn't in his chamber. I plan to attack it."
Last Updated: 2022-04-09
The Tragedy of Ravan the Great: A Rose Tree Chronicles Story
Who is Ravan the Great and what is he after? What events caused him to become the widely feared "Ravan the Great?"
Born Crest 8, 375 to a slave under the Earl of Rivas, Ravan was quickly sold to work at a slaughterhouse where he would grow up slaughtering animals with numerous other boys. And that is only the beginning of the unfortunate history that is the life of Ravan of Rivas. Fraught with loss, strife, and revenge, the many years which formed the slave-boy into the powerful man we fear are brought to the surface in these pages.
From the creator of the mysterious man in the silver cloak first introduced in "The Key: Book 2 of The Rose Tree Chronicles," comes a series of tragic tales chronicling the events of Ravan of Rivas. While his mysterious ways deepen as "The Rose Tree Chronicles" continues, this backstory uncovers the whys and hows behind his complicated actions.
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Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Eight: Missions Accomplished
Ravan and Zair didn’t speak a word to each other as they followed the monks past the wraiths and vampires into the Temple. Once they were inside, they found themselves surrounded by a soft yellow light. Many varieties of bright pink flowers lined the archways and poured from the balconies like waterfalls. Here, the monks started to chant, and the ominous chorus echoed off the tall, stone walls as everyone traipsed across the petal-speckled floor. The moaning song didn’t end even after they had arrived at the bright white sanctuary. Ravan observed the shadows behind the marble statues and the koi ponds between the pillars, and he made sure that he and Zair kept some distance between them and the crowd. When it seemed all the monks were efficiently focused on their chant, feeling safe and secure, Ravan locked eyes with Zair and gave him a subtle nod. Zair tensed and waited.Right when the chorus hit a particularly high note, all the documents in the room erupted int
Last Updated: 2023-07-01
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Southern Arts
Screams, howls, and various screeching continued beyond the heavy Temple doors. Ravan stood there for a long moment, pressed against the door, feeling as though only he could keep it shut against the soul-hunting creatures beyond. He breathed a deep, stabilizing breath and slid down the door beside Zair on the floor, who was hyperventilating. “Steady your breathing, Zair,” said Ravan. “Before you lose consciousness.” “He’s dead,” said Zair. “Adrian’s dead! What am I going to do?” “We can still finish this mission.” Zair jumped to his feet. “No, you don’t understand! How do I face the Northern Council after thi
Last Updated: 2023-06-01
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Six: The Curse
Ravan waited for the drunken elves to ride away from the inn before he rushed across the street and attempted to enter. The door was locked. Ravan knocked and waited, struggling to suppress his rising panic. “Curses, curses, curses…” Zair mumbled at his side. Ravan knocked again. “They’re not going to let us in,” said Zair. “Shut up!” Ravan snapped. He knocked again, harder this time. “Hello!” he called out. “Listen, we’re tenants here! Might someone let us in?” Zair shook his head and looked fearfully at Ravan. Frustrated, Ravan left the front door and peered around the corner for silver sentries before searching the second-story windows. “Which one’s ours?” Ravan asked. “How should I know?” Zair answered. Ravan made a guess based on his view of the street from their room in the inn, and he threw a rock at one of the windows. Zair gazed up, ho
Last Updated: 2023-05-02
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Five: The Detour
The longboat which had been prepared for their departure was simple and inconspicuous so as not to draw any suspicion once they docked in Fyodor. Ravan tried to take comfort in the bright-side of being on another ship; that being he had no responsibilities or a need to constantly look over his shoulder. It was an opportunity to relax and complete his recovery from the plague. He took in much sun, drank plenty of mead and water, and ate heartily. Before long he felt his strength renew and he watched as the color returned to his skin. For a time, Ravan thought perhaps this voyage would be somewhat more tolerable with like-minded people on board, even with his distaste for Adrian, but one night Zair decided to get nosy. “So after infiltrating the Maja Forest and obtaining the Silver Cloak, you are now going after the Eye of Raida.” Ravan glanced up at Zair from his bowl of stew. The lanterns which swayed from the ceiling below deck cast just enough l
Last Updated: 2023-04-01
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Four: The Bloody Plague
It took a couple days, but the captain eventually managed to round up his crew for the impromptu trip to Le’ Kire. All the while, Ravan made sure that Zair of Flor du Cyan and Adrian von Le’ Mille hadn’t left the country yet. No one offered the sailors any issues for leaving the island, so long as they weren’t headed to any of the neighboring islands or a country on Paradisius. Ravan found himself growing really sick of the sea though, and once he had officially memorized his entire journal, he verified Zair was still in the country, almost finished planning his mission with Adrian. They would be scheduling their departure soon. While this was good to know, it was less than entertaining. Upon finding himself with nothing more to occupy his mind, Ravan brought his attention back to Quinn Forsythe, who seemed to be in a bit of a rush. Ravan found him in his room at an inn frantically gathering loose pages of pa
Last Updated: 2023-03-01
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Three: Burning Desires
Ravan’s voyage to Morcaida was yet another long and uneventful one. He tried not to be ungrateful considering pirates often frequented these waters and he much preferred not to experience any unnecessary delays. After about two and a half months, Ravan figured that Quinn should’ve arrived back in Arderé, and he happily utilized his Silver Cloak to watch his unpleasant half-brother’s demise. Unfortunately, Ravan had forgotten that Morcaida was closer to Duraland than Arderé, and even though Quinn had departed before Ravan, the bounty hunter still had a way to go before he would arrive. So, Ravan tried to check up on Zair, but either he was still wearing his talisman, or he had already arrived in Le’ Kire. When Ravan found Farzaad’s life had changed little since he’d last saw his half-brother, he didn’t bother using the Silver Cloak for a few more weeks, and rather he endeavored to memorize the contents of his journal. He had studied his own scribbles well enough that he’d a
Last Updated: 2023-02-02
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