Dragon

By Rustin Petrae

I read Dragon and liked it - Piers Anthony, bestselling author of the Xanth novels.

Rooks have embraced science and technology, inventing microscopic robots called nanos to create any machine they need. The Terraquois are their opposite. They embraced the spiritual and developed a deep bond with nature. This bond allows them to shift into the animal that resembles their true inner selves.

These two races have fought each other with brutal savagery for centuries, but a new threat called the Blak Army has emerged and its evil is matched only by its ruthlessness. With insidious, ancient power at the fingertips of their mad leader, Wilhelm Coran, their victory is nearly assured. The only threat to his plans are a Terraquois girl named Keiara and the Rook Prince, Rone Varlamagne. When Rone crashes near enemy lands after he is shot out of the sky, Keiara is the one that stumbles upon him. Instead of leaving him to die, she saves his life. It is one conscious choice but it sets in motion a chain of events bigger than either of them could imagine.

Together, the two face foes from every direction and they will stop at nothing to protect each other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rustin Petrae
• Release date: Mar 2, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301556007

Rustin Petrae

Rustin Petrae is the author of the Histories of Purga Novels, the Bane Pack Novels, Hybrid Earth, and Forfeit. He is also an art director/graphic designer and recent BFA graduate from The Ohio State University. Currently, he lives in Ohio but was actually born in San Antonio, TX. However, he spent most of his childhood and early adulthood overseas in Japan and Korea. The experiences gained from living in Japan (Misawa Air Force Base) and Korea (Yongsan Army Base and Osan Air Force Base) helped shape his writing. Living among other cultures did a lot to expand his worldview. He started writing very early on but was interested in becoming an author even back in elementary school. In fact, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up as part of a school project, he said he wanted to be either a cartoonist or an author. While he still draws here and there, he spends most of his time working to hone both his writing and graphic design skills. He's written several stories, flash fictions, a few novellas, and six novels. He also creates his own cover art and promotional materials.To get up to date news on Rustin's projects, freebies, and more, check out his official website at: rustinpetrae.com.

Book preview

Chapter One

Keiara woke with the sunlight filtering through her window. It was dappled as it passed through the canopy of her forest home. She got out of bed with excitement filling her heart and hurriedly and quietly got dressed. She pulled on her long skirt and threw on a simple white shirt. Then she grabbed her wrap and carefully arranged it over her upper body until it was situated just right. She took her lustrous black hair and pulled it up into a ponytail. When she was finished, she tiptoed to her door, pulled it open as quietly as she could and headed down the hall to her little brother’s room.

She opened his door as quietly as her own and silently went inside. She found Asher underneath his covers, his feet near the head of his bed and his head near the foot. He was snoring loudly, the sawing noise of it making her feel like giggling. She stifled it and gently shook him.

Asher, she whispered.

He moaned, turned over and then started snoring louder.

She smiled. Then she reached out a hand and shook him again, this time rougher.

His eyes flew open.

Wha-? he asked, his voice a sleepy slur. Wha’s goin on?

Asher, wake up, she whispered.

His eyes fluttered open.

What are you doing? he complained. I don’t have any chores to do. Lemme sleep.

Nope, she responded. And be quiet. You want mom and dad to hear us?

That caused him to get up, his body alert and cautious.

What do you mean? he asked, his eyes narrowed with suspicion. What are you planning?

She smiled mischievously. Her brother might only be twelve, but he was definitely sharp.

Oh no. No. Absolutely not, he shook his head. Mom already said no.

I know, but it will be such an adventure. Just imagine it, she returned, a wild gleam in her eyes. We'd get to see the forest and the animals. Then there's the wide open air. The beautiful sky. I've seen it, Ash. It's like nothing you've experienced before.

Asher sighed miserably. His big sister was a notorious adventure seeker. She was always looking for the next thing to sate her seemingly insatiable need to explore.

Mom and dad are going to kill us if we go.

That’s why we leave before they notice we’re gone, she replied, flashing him her most charming smile.

He let out a miserable breath.

Fine, but only because I have to be the one to look out for you.

Whatever, Ash, Keiara replied. Hurry up and get dressed. I’ll meet you at the backdoor.

She got up and left him to it, navigating herself downstairs and through the back hall to the kitchen.

She stopped suddenly. It felt like someone was behind her. She turned around slowly and a gasp of fear escaped her.

Good morning, dear, her mother, Aeole, said. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she had a disapproving look on her face. Where are you off to so early in the morning?

You know, the thing is, Keiara started, fumbling with her hands nervously, I thought I would get some work done.

There is no work to do as yet, her mother replied.

There’s always work to do? she tried.

Is that a statement or a question?

Whichever sounds more convincing? she tried again.

I told you I didn’t want you getting more akavi herb for Heari, Aeole said.

Mom. Please. I’m not a child anymore. I can handle it. Haven’t I proven that many times now? Keiara pleaded.

Her mom seemed to think it over. Keiara felt a fierce bit of pleasure rise up in her. She could tell when her mom was going to crack and she was exhibiting all the classic signs.

I’ve been looking forward to this all week, she begged. And Heari really needs the herb. Her store of it is nearly gone. I’ve gotten the herb for her, successfully, over a dozen times before. Why can’t I go now?

Because you’re getting too old for this nonsense. You are needed here. That life isn’t for you, honey, Aeole said, nearly pleading herself.

Then what is? Yours? I don’t want a life like…, but she stopped herself, her voice dying out. She put a hand to her own mouth in shock and she looked with pleading eyes at her mother.

A life like mine? Aeole asked. There was a touch of sadness to her eyes.

That’s not what I meant, Keiara replied, but she didn’t sound very convincing.

No. If that’s how you feel, then by all means go. Gather the akavi. Don’t let my life dull your spirit, Keiara. She abruptly turned her back on Keiara and left, heading back upstairs without another word.

She watched her mother disappear up the stairs and felt horrible for what she’d said. It was true, but she never intended for her mother to know that. She debated with herself to make things right or go ahead on her journey. She spent an agonizing few minutes fighting internally with herself and ended up deciding to continue on with the journey. She could make it up to her mom later. Right now, she was too enthralled with the idea of another adventure.

She went around the kitchen and grabbed enough food for both her and Asher. She packed a big loaf of bread, various berries, two wheels of cheese, some noodles coated with a thick herb sauce and two canteens full of crystal clear water.

Just as she was finishing up, Asher came down. He wore a pair of black pants with grey patches over both knees and a loose hunter green tunic. His bow was strung and dangled in his left hand. A quiver with a full set of arrows was slung across his back.

Did you and mom get in a fight? he asked.

A little one. Where’s my dagger? Keiara asked.

Asher pointed to the chest that rested against the left wall. Her dagger sat on top, glistening in the scant sunlight.

Keiara grabbed it and sheathed it in the scabbard that hung across her left hip. Then she draped the pack with the food over her shoulder and opened the back door.

Ready?

Do I have a choice? he asked, sarcastically.

No, she responded, with a wide smile. You need to expand your horizons, Ash. You need to see what our world has to offer.

She never took her brother with her on these kinds of expeditions but she really wanted him to experience it. That's why she wanted him to come with her this time.

Fine, he answered, dryly.

They headed out the backdoor and stepped onto their porch. The world wove itself into view and Keiara paused a minute to look at the splendid beauty of her home.

She looked down, and down, and down. Her house was almost four hundred feet in the air, suspended in one of the giant monoak trees that made up the Qarri Forest. Each one of the majestic trees rose so far into the sky that their tops were covered in heavy, thick clouds and mists. The forest itself covered nearly half of Purga and there were millions of the great trees in it with the Terraquois city-tribes nestled throughout it. The others were beautiful, but she loved her home, the city-tribe of Vitari, most. It was by far the biggest and most complex city of her nation.

Are we going or what? Asher asked.

She smiled and nodded.

They stepped onto a bridge that was suspended between their house and the gigantic building in the exact middle of Vitari. It acted as a central hub and most of the other buildings and homes were connected to it by suspension bridges.

It was a ten minute walk from her porch to the hub and when they got there it was already full of people. They said hi to several of them, but Keiara was trying to keep small talk to a minimum. She was excited to leave and didn’t want any long delays. They picked their way through the throng of people until they came to a bridge that disappeared into the forest beyond. It was one of the several bridges that ended at the forest’s edge.

It took more than half the day to get to their destination. That included stopping for lunch at the mid-station and the several times they gawked at some of the wildlife that came in close enough for them to see.

It was nearing evening when they finally spied a simple hut amidst the branches. They came up to the door and knocked. It opened and a man Keiara had known most of her life greeted them. His name was Gar and she smiled brightly when she saw him. He was an older warrior, his body a map of scars from old injuries. He walked with a noticeable limp and around one shoulder was a small monkey with brown fur and a pure white face. It chittered happily at them as they walked up.

Hush up, Fortun, the old man grumped. The monkey kept on chittering. His body went up and down with excitement. Damned monkey doesn’t know when to quit.

Gar, don’t be mean to him. He’s so cute. Keiara laughed. She stuck a hand into her pack and pulled out a couple of berries.

Fortun chittered more excitedly. Then he crawled down Gar’s arm and snatched the berries. He climbed back up to his perch on his human's shoulder a moment later and gobbled up the berries quickly and efficiently, not wasting a bit of the tasty food.

And where are you two headed? Gar asked.

Out into the Javardi Desert. Heari needs more akavi herb, Asher answered.

Ah, I see, Gar responded. Well, have a seat then. Get some dinner in you two before you go traipsing about in the desert. You've had a long journey.

Keiara was about to pull some food out of her pack, but Gar quickly stopped her. He went to the small kitchenette where a pot was simmering over his wood-burning stove. He grabbed some plain bowls and ladled thick stew into each. He pulled out half a loaf of bread and brought that and the bowls over to a nicked and pitted table pushed against one wall. There was only room for three chairs so they all took a seat and started eating.

This tastes great, Asher proclaimed, shoveling spoonful after spoonful of the stew into his mouth. He was barely slowing enough to chew.

Keiara ate hers more slowly, savoring the rich taste and the thick cut vegetables in it. She tore off a chunk of bread, dipped it into the stew, and then ate it.

"This is good," she said through a mouthful of food. Her cheeks expanded like a chipmunk’s.

Gar and Asher both laughed.

They ate until their bellies felt like exploding and as they finished, the sun was disappeared in the west.

Keiara looked over that way, tracking its slow fall through the sky. It was easier to see here, at the outer edge of the forest. The leaves were thinner and the canopy was less dense. She could even see the Javardi desert out there. Sand dunes humped and flowed over it. The vegetation was mostly sparse, scratchy looking bushes and spiny cacti. Desert animals flittered here and there. Lizards, desert foxes, insects, snakes. Keiara wasn’t worried about them though. Most animals weren’t a problem to the Terraquois.

Gar got up and walked over to the center of his lonesome building and popped open a trap door. He kicked a heel on the edge of the hole in the floor and a ladder suddenly unwound itself and fell to the ground far below. He beckoned Keiara and Asher over and helped make sure each started down it safely.

They climbed down as fast as they could. The sentry post was up in the higher elevations of the tree to provide maximum security and the most advantageous point of view. It was a long (slightly unnerving) climb to the ground.

Keiara looked up but couldn't locate Gar’s hut. It was too far up and blocked by all the branches and leaves. She waved anyway, readjusted her pack, and then her and Asher headed to the edge of the forest.

Most of her people were nervous to stray away from the protection the forest offered, but Keiara was different. She enjoyed going. She loved the feel of the open air and loved seeing the millions of bright stars in the dark night sky.

Asher, on the other hand, was one of the nervous ones. He didn’t like the open air. In fact, it felt oppressive. It was a weight that settled heavily on his head and shoulders. It seemed to make it hard for him to breathe at times. But he did his best not to let it get to him.

Come on, Ash! Keiara yelled, laughing. She started running out into the desert. Come see what I was trying to tell you.

Asher bit down on his fears, took a deep breath, and ran to catch up to her. Sometimes he really hated being related to her.

Wait for me! he screamed, but she didn’t listen. She just kept running.

Asher poured on the speed and finally managed to reach her. They raced next to each other for a bit, both of them running fleetly over the shifting, desert sands. They ran on like that for a few more minutes. Then they both slowed down until they were walking. Their faces were red and sweaty but the brisk wind blowing through the desert quickly cooled them off.

Why do you always do this? Asher suddenly asked. Why can’t you ever just be happy with the life we have at home? It’s a good one you know.

I know it is, Ash, she replied. But that just isn’t for me. I can’t explain it. I have to see what’s out in the world or I don’t feel complete.

What about the Rooks? he asked, looking in the direction of their lands. The sky over there was as dark as the rest, but he could imagine them there, invading Purga like a plague all the same. Do you have to see their cities? Do you have to explore there?

I don’t know, she replied, ignoring the shocked expression on Asher’s face. Can you imagine what those cities are really like? How wonderful they must be?

Wonderful? Asher asked, disbelievingly. I always thought you were crazy, sis. Now I have proof.

I’m not crazy, she told him. I just like to see and experience new things. Why is that such a crime?

Because Rooks are dangerous. They just want to destroy us, Asher replied.

How do you know? she shot back. Have you ever met one?

No, but I don’t have to meet one to know that. It’s a fact, he replied.

Maybe I’ll just keep an open mind until I’m proven wrong. She smiled at her brother. Then she broke off and started running again, heading toward the akavi thicket twenty yards to their right.

Asher let her run, electing to keep his sedate walking pace. He thought about what his sister said and a shudder of fear ran through him. For the first time, he realized just how dangerous her ideals were to her. If she wasn’t careful, she was going to get hurt.

And he couldn’t let that happen.

He came to the akavi thicket and quietly helped her pick as many of the herbs as they could fit. They didn’t talk and the silence thickened around them.

Look, Keiara said, nodding her head to the left.

Asher turned to where she was pointing and found a curious desert fox sniffing the air a couple of feet away. Its dark eyes seemed to twinkle from the moonlight as it watched the two of them.

I am like that fox, Asher. It knows we could be dangerous to it. It knows we could end its life, but it still gives in to its curiosity and watches us.

She turned to the fox.

Come here, little sister. She beckoned the little tawny-furred fox over. It raised its head and then did as Keiara demanded. It stopped at her feet and sat on its haunches, staring up at her. She bent down and gently rubbed the fur on top of its head. The fox’s eyes closed in pleasure. You see. Sometimes it pays to follow your curiosity. You never know where it can lead.

I bet it’s nowhere good, Asher replied under his breath.

Keiara fed the little fox a couple of berries from their dwindling stores and then bid it to leave.

Asher watched it run away, its little body swift and sure. Then he went back to picking the akavi herb, focusing intently on the task. The bush was littered with painful thorns.

For a long time, they picked and filled the bags in silence. Then, when they both had them packed to the brim, they started back to the forest. They walked together, their conversation turning lighter and filled with more laughter. For the moment, the only thing in the world were the two of them, the open sky, and the sand beneath them. Nothing else mattered.

Asher had to admit, it was kind of fun and he was slowly losing his fear of open spaces. He looked around, searching the wide landscape around him. It shocked him how long it seemed to go on. He never realized how big the world he lived in really was.

He turned to look back at Keiara and as he did he saw something glint in the light of the moon.

What is that? he asked before he could think better of it. The minute it was out of his mouth, he slapped his hand over it, cursing himself for being such an idiot.

Keiara’s eyes took on that wild glint that always caused him so much grief.

Let’s go look, she said.

Chapter Two

Rone stood on the massive terrace of his apartment overlooking the Kingdom of Roanoke. He sighed miserably and placed his head in his hands. In little more than an hour there was going to be yet another function at the Citadel, a towering structure that rose several hundred feet into the air. The giant building was his home but it was also the heart of his kingdom. He groaned loudly at the prospect of another boring, drawn out royal function featuring more tedious fools from the Upper Tier. His mind’s eye showed him the endless train of people parading in front of his father’s throne. It usually took two or more hours for the whole process to finish, and that was just the parade. It didn’t include the conference, the dinner, or the party that concluded the whole thing.

He went back inside his suite and glanced at the holographic vid-screen covering the entire right wall of the living room.

Come on down to Blue City for all the latest, and greatest, blueprints! a man with outrageously blue hair shouted from the screen. His eyes popped out of his head and he had a big, overly-cheery smile plastered to his face.

Rone glanced at the display on his living room wall. It was broken up into several sections. The commercial with the blue-haired man (a very minor Duke named Astor Fonnan, he remembered) finished and an archaic Terraquois PSA took its place. He ignored the ludicrous commercial that showed the tribes people brutalizing Rooks and ended with instructions on what to do if one or more is seen. He turned instead to the weather section of the display. It showed a simple yellow ball with the current temperature at seventy-nine degrees. He stepped closer to the screen and placed a finger on an arrow in the bottom right corner of that section. The display expanded and showed an hour by hour weather prediction. He read over it carefully, noting that it said the skies were clear for the rest of the day.

Perfect, he murmured to himself. Then he raised his voice slightly and called out, Bastion.

Your Highness, a male voice answered. There was a low humming sound and the vents on the mechpaks embedded into both of Rone's forearms opened, spewing a cloud of microscopic nanobots into the air. They eventually coalesced into the head of a young man that closely resembled Rone’s own face. There were subtle differences, however. Bastion had blonde hair so light, it was nearly white while Rone’s was a dark brown with a coppery tint. Bastion’s eyebrows were almost invisible and his eyes were so dark, it made them look like two black marbles. The avatar’s cheekbones were a bit higher than Rone’s own and it had also taken on a long, slightly hooked nose. Rone’s was shorter and rounded at the end.

Open a direct channel to my father, King Rowan.

As you wish, Your Highness, Bastion said before dissolving and flowing back into the mechpaks.

The screen in front of him suddenly went dark, the Terraquois PSA blinking off. When it came back on, his father was peering at him. His one remaining eye (a light blue nearly the same shade as Rone’s own eyes) glittered inquisitively at him. A circular patch made of dark metal covered the ruined hole where his other one used to be.

Rone stared intently at the thick scars that twisted from his father’s scalp and slid diagonally over his face and neck, ending a couple of inches beneath the King’s collar bone. There were four sets of scars, made from a vicious slash Tarvo, the Terraquois warrior chieftain, had delivered in his bear form. The fight between the two was the stuff of legend.

Son, his father nodded, a small smile on his face. And what reason do you have today for trying, again, to renege on your duties as Prince in tonight’s gala?

I only wish to take a small flight. To clear my head.

A small flight? his father asked, incredulously.

Yes, he replied. To…clear my head. I won't even ditch the lackeys you send to guard me.

That is not wise. The gala is only a few hours away. Maybe that time would be better spent preparing. There are several distinguished guests that would appreciate…diplomacy from you this time around.

Come on, Rone said, throwing his hands up. That was one time. It’s not like Lord Guilder's nanos didn’t sense the firecracker and create that shield first.

I believe failure to achieve actual injury doesn’t quite defeat your intent to do him harm, either physical or by embarrassing him in front of the entire Upper Tier.

He was beating his wife. I’ve told you all this before. And what did you do? You gave him another parcel of land. You rewarded him!?

I did no such thing. After your antics, I was forced to try and appease him. He wanted your head on a platter, Rone! You know how our judicial system operates. You must have irrefutable proof of such things before I can act appropriately against a noble, he responded.

Rone could tell his father was trying to keep his voice calm, but there was an undercurrent of anger and frustration there.

Look, I’ve already apologized to you, to Lord Guilder, and to half the Upper Tier. There is nothing more I can do, he said, his own tone exasperated. Can I take the flight?

No.

The screen went blank before Rone could even say anything back. He roared with impotent fury. He focused his mind, picturing what he wanted his nanos to create. It was an extremely difficult exercise without a blueprint, but he was one of the rare people that could create machines without one.

His nanos flew out again and encased his hand in a protective shell that resembled a giant silver fist. He slammed it into the wall with all his strength, yelling out his rage again. There was a hollow thump and a big dent appeared there. The nanos dissolved and returned to his mechpaks. He yelled again, his face flushed. He was breathing hard and he had to force himself to calm down. He took several deep breaths until his rage quieted down. Then he walked away as the tech in the wall repaired the dent.

He went over to his sea green sofa in the middle of his living room and sat down. He stared intently at the fire in his fireplace and let himself get lost in watching it flicker back and forth.

He knew it was stupid to get so worked up, but he couldn’t help it. He hated being controlled. He hated being manipulated. He hated having every second of his life laid out for him.

He let out another breath and shook his arm absentmindedly. It tingled slightly from the impact with the wall.

Your Highness, Bastion said, sometime later. Your garb for this evening’s gala is ready.

Rone let out another miserable sigh and watched as a section of wall slid open to reveal a pin-striped, three piece suit of charcoal grey. A sea green, button-up shirt showed beneath the suit’s jacket and vest. Added as an accent was a dark purple tie. On the left breast of the pin-striped suit was the Varlamagne crest. He looked at it intently for a moment.

It was comprised of a shield made up of four quadrants. Two of them were black, one was sea green and the other was purple. Two identical towers were placed in the middle of the green and purple quadrants. A lion rising on its haunches dominated the left side of the crest, while a sleek hawk with outstretched wings dominated the right. A scroll bearing the Varlamagne name in fancy script rolled underneath it.

The crest was a symbol to him. A symbol that gave him strength. He looked at it and saw everything that the Varlamagne line had struggled and fought for over the centuries.

His eyes went back to the entire suit again. He thought about his conversation with his father for a long time, especially where it concerned Lord Guilder. Rone hated that man. He was an insufferable, arrogant, egomaniac that enjoyed inflicting pain. Something had to be done about him.

And Rone wanted to be the one to do it.

He got up, walked over to the suit, and began putting it on. He told Bastion to create a mirrored surface on the wall closest to him. Then he examined his reflection, making sure everything was in order. He gave his tie one final tug to straighten it and then headed to his door.

He pictured in his mind the last time he’d seen Lady Guilder. It was just after he’d walked in on the conclusion of an argument between her and her husband. Or rather, an argument Lord Guilder had been having with her. He could still see her bruised and swollen face and her split, bleeding lip. There’d been no question that he’d beaten her, but he hadn’t been able to prove it. The act had already been done and over with by the time he’d walked in and the slimy bottom feeder would've had a plausible excuse to explain what happened. He couldn’t give testimony to abuse he hadn’t technically seen. But Lord Guilder had done it. That was what Rone knew and if he wouldn’t be punished for it by

Reviews for Dragon

[isisunit · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is a creative mix of fantasy and science fiction (that isn't likely all too futuristic, though it may seem that way when reading, yet the building blocks are already well established). Be prepared, for this book is filled with fascinating characters, a creatively designed world, and plot twists that easily challenge a corkscrew. Once you begin reading you won't want to stop until you've finished the book, and then all you'll do us want to grab Book Two, which sadly isn't due out until July, 2013.The story gets off to a bit of a slow start, and it is a bit difficult to feel lots of empathy for the main male character, but all that changes as the story progresses. The characters develop depth as the story finds its stride, with the plot serving as an excellent vehicle to create this world that seems familiar and foreign at the same time.As the description states, Rone is the wounded Prince, and Keiara saves his life, yet they are mortal enemies. But the truth is, it is their people that are mortal enemies. They are just two young people attracted to each other. With the persistence of youth in the first blush of a possible romance she convinces her people to allow him to stay for a time and learn about their culture. Then, once educated about the real Terraquios, Rone can return to his people, the Rook, share his newly discovered truth about the Terraquois, helping dispel all of the ridiculously manufactured fairy tale stories of what heinous monsters they are supposed to be.Slowly many Terras come to see the truth of Prince Rone's desire for peace between the two peoples - and his shame for the way his people always attacked the Terraquios, without any provocation to justify such attacks. Just as things are starting to look up for the pair Rone acts on his feelings for Keiara. Confused and flustered by her own emotions, Keiara runs away to another tribe without a word. Before she can return and explain her behavior to Rone the world is plunged into chaos.Rone's father, the King, is overthrown by a villain and the capital city is attacked by evil forces. Once Rone learns of this, by running into a family of refugees that he knows from home, he promptly returns home, determined to fix things. Skirmishes and battles ensue across the planet. Keiara is taken prisoner by one of the antagonists and taken to the capital of Rone's 'former' kingdom.From here on the action just keeps going without a pause - action on emotional, physical, and mystical levels. To avoid any spoilers I'll just say that families and friends are torn apart, while there are reunions for others. Secrets of all sizes are revealed. There is far, far more to this tale than I have shared here, and having to wait until July to learn what happens next is going to be sheer torture!

[cbilbo-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was given a copy of Dragon: Book One (Histories of Purga) by author Rustin Petrae, in exchange for an honest review. I met Mr. Petrae on [...]. After a quick discussion about his book, I was more than interested in reading what he had. I actually was to read the book Roc: Book Two (Histories of Purga). However, in order to understand what was going on, he sent me the first book, just to catch up.Dragon starts off in the Kingdom of Roanoke. Rone sees that Lady Guilder is sporting wounds that she received at the hands of her brutal husband, Lord Guilder. Not having patience with this, his father, King Rowan Varlamagne, expels Lord Guilder from the kingdom. Not only is he expelled, he is stripped of title an all benefits he has received for his title. Just a little upset over this, Guilder has basically sworn revenge for this action and will stop at nothing to make King Rowan pay.To help Guilder exact his revenge, a dark hooded, mechanical voice, mysterious individual appears and offers his help. Not questioning who it is or what will be expected from him in the future, Guilder seizes the opportunity to make Rowan pay.Knowing that the only thing that could bring King Rowan down would be to witness his beloved son Rone suffer. With the help of a little magic, mysterious person changes his appearance into King Rowan and gives permission for Rone to do what he is never allowed to do, go flying. Never questioning his father’s motives, Rone, being the adventurous and young man that he is, takes the leap and is flying over the kingdom.While flying, Rone is all of a sudden attacked by something. Thinking that he can out maneuver the missile, he heads for the Javardi Desert. Over the desert, he has the room to do some fancy moves and avoid the attack. Unable to avoid the attack, he is hit, thrown into a dune and left to die.While out wandering out in the Javardi Desert looking for akavi herb, Keiara and her brother Asher discover Rone. Bringing him back to their village for help due to his injuries, Keiara brings the wrath of her parents down on her. The Tarraqouis are enemies of the Rooks. This is only going to cause problems for the Tarraqouis.However, being the kind hearted person she is, Keiara insists that they help Roan. This is their one chance to prove they aren’t the evil and cruel people they have been made out to be. Seeing the logic behind his daughter’s argument, Roan is welcomed into their village. He learns of who these strangers actually are. He sees that the Rook’s have been wrong in their views of the Terraqouis. Now it’s up to him to prove this to his father and the people of Roanoke.I really enjoyed this story. The author did a great job at describing this new world the he created. His descriptions are so vivid that you can actually picture what everything looks like. It also helps that he has created a detailed map that shows the lay of the land. Some books go overboard with details on geography or they just lack the details. This was just the perfect amount of what you needed to envision this fantasy.I really enjoyed the way that the characters were able to grow and adapt to the way things were evolving. With the two tribes not knowing and misunderstanding, it takes the younger generation to see the wrongs of the elders.The book builds up to this really dramatic ending. At first, I was questioning the title of the book. I was enjoying the sci-fi parts as well as the magical aspects. But it was the ending that has me gasping and wanting more. I do have the second installment, Roc, I can’t wait to jump to this book and see how things continue.I can’t say enough good things about what this author has created. It takes a special person to create an entire new world of things that we have never seen. The imagination of Rustin Petrae has me in awe. I admire people who are willing to put those thoughts into words.