Blood and Bronze

By David J Guyton

The doom of the western world is on the horizon. Hope that was promised has turned to dust, and the violent storms of rebellion begin. Beings from hidden realms demand their freedom, or threaten all of mankind with their legions of the dead.

Will Medora fall to shadow and flame? Or can our heroes bring the light of freedom to the fallen realms?

• Language: English
• Publisher: David J Guyton
• Release date: Nov 24, 2010
• ISBN: 9781301547524

David J Guyton

See the Mighty Hammer Down book trailer on youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIWyr_h-Baw I am an author and artist living in the eastern United States. My work is fantasy, but it is an allegory for the modern political struggles in the United States.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Thunder grumbled quietly in the distance, as if complaining for the loss of summer. The storm was still a ways off, but the gray and purple clouds had begun to creep across the sky. A few fat raindrops fell, but dried quickly on the warm stone paving the streets of Brinn. The breeze had become less gentle, and the fiery autumn leaves that had fallen to the streets danced on the wind swirling through the city. There was no other movement; no people in the streets or the squeals of children playing. The ruins of Brinn were as quiet and dead as the gray skies above.

Rommus stared at the fallen columns and blocks of marble littering the ground before him. The crimson leaves that gathered in the crevices between them made it seem as if the city itself was bleeding. He was amazed to realize how much he hurt inside because of some damaged buildings. Suddenly he felt the need to sit down, not so much to gather his strength, but rather out of respect for this once great metropolis, crumbled at his feet.

Again the thunder cried out for attention. As if in answer, the rain picked up slightly, battering the dry leaves and finally filling the streets with sound. The clouds thickened, blocking out the last of the sun’s rays, and muting all the colors before him. Brinn looked like nothing more than an unkempt tomb.

They’ll rebuild it Rommus, Alana said as she sat beside him.

He didn’t look at her, but kicked his feet out and leaned back. I know they will. I’m not worried about that.

Well what’s on your mind? You haven’t been around and we’ve been worried.

He sighed. Everything is on my mind. I can’t even begin to figure out how we’re going to put things back together. And with Uritus in control of the whole Empire, I don’t know how we can fix anything. I feel very small.

Rommus, it’s not your fault that Brinn and Taburdum were destroyed. You can’t blame yourself.

He laughed and turned to her. I certainly don’t blame myself. I blame the Vindyri who pulled these columns down. I blame the Bhoors who helped them. I blame the Medorans who were so caught up in the idea that we had to be tolerant and accepting of those people. I would never blame myself for this.

She paused and then proceeded more cautiously. What worries you then Rommus?

It’s just I don’t know what to do and people are looking to me for answers. Before all this happened I felt very lost and alone, and now that I have been saddled with this responsibility, I feel that way again. It pains me that I don’t have answers for the people who need help and reassurance.

He stared at the leaves, now sticking to the wet ground and suddenly realized how silly it was to be sitting in the rain. He felt her put her hand on his back but she withdrew it rather quickly, only to place it on his shoulder out of embarrassment for the withdrawal. She had been very careful about touching him ever since she admitted she tried to kill his father. He did his best to understand, but he wasn’t entirely comfortable with her being that close to him. He didn’t need to tell her. His body language did all the talking.

Sensing his coldness to her gesture, she put her hands in her lap. At least they have someone to look to Rommus, even if you don’t have all the answers.

He sighed again and shook his head. I’m not the only one they are going to for answers. They will want comfort from their new Emperor. I’m afraid Uritus will be able to persuade them better than I can. He’s a gifted speaker, and well-known here in Medora. These people don’t have a clue of the monster he is. I didn’t have a clue either.

She pulled some wet strands of hair from her face. Well it’s our job to tell them.

I don’t know how to reach out to people. I don’t know how to make people understand my views. I have spent the last several years wondering why no one listens to me. I simply lack the talent of winning over hearts.

After a long silence he looked over at her and for a moment he wondered if there were tears hidden on her wet face. He sensed an uneasiness that was different than usual.

He brought his eyebrows down in concern. What’s wrong?

She cleared her throat and picked her chin up. Nothing. Just feel a little weird sitting in the rain. Why don’t you come back to the Emperor’s Hall and get something to eat. I know you must be hungry by now.

He let out a frustrated grunt. I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. I want to know where Uritus has been hiding for the last few weeks. Is he afraid of confronting me? Why has he done nothing to help the people of Medora?

From the way you’ve described him, he doesn’t seem like helping people is on his mind at all. Have you heard when the wedding will be? He can’t hide from that.

He looked off to the west as he took a deep breath. No, I don’t know the date. But I did run into Mirra’s mother. She says it’s true. They expect some kind of announcement from Uritus soon.

Does it bother you to hear she is marrying him?

No. I mean, it should, but it doesn’t. I miss her sometimes but the person I miss wasn’t really who she was. She stayed with me because of pity, nothing else. Her feelings for me meant nothing, and so it’s not all that hard for me to forget my own feelings for her. Besides, I have a lot more important things to worry about right now.

I know you do Rommus. I find it hard to sleep at night thinking about what you must be going through. I wish I could help make you feel better.

He shot her a sidelong glance as she raised a comforting hand once more. I told you before I don’t care about how I feel. All I care about is keeping the shadow of oppression at bay. This is my purpose. I cannot let the world down.

A crack of thunder tore across the sky, making them both jump. Suddenly the wind turned much cooler and violent, bending the trees and forcing them into a shuddering song. The rain began its assault, attacking the innocent stone of the streets and creating blurry curtains of mist. It was time to get indoors.

They took shelter in a nearby library. Most of the books inside had been burned by the invading Vindyri, but the building itself had been spared. The interior, made of beautiful marble and polished mahogany wood, remained mostly intact. Rommus supposed that the brutes didn’t have time to destroy every structure in Brinn. He still shook his head in disgust.

Alana sat at a table and flipped open a random book. He watched her pretend to read in silence until she finally felt the need to speak. Your father has forgiven me you know.

His shoulders slumped as he sighed. I know Alana, I know.

I understand that you hate me. I will leave Medora if you want me to. I just thought that after all we have been through, you would want my help, or at least want my company.

I don’t hate you Alana. You have to give me some time. I haven’t had time to even really consider what I think about the matter.

She closed the book and looked away, hanging her arm over the back of her chair. He had been getting a strange vibe from her lately; something he used to feel with Mirra. He could never be sure, but it seemed to him that she had grown fonder of him, as if her admiration of his character had turned to quiet desire. This confused him, because he had done nothing but recoil from her careful advances. Ever since he had learned that she tried to kill his father, he felt nothing for her. He was no longer stunned by her beauty or caught up in her charm. How she could have feelings for a man that ignored her was beyond his reasoning.

But he was telling her the truth. He didn’t hate her and he was trying to deal with it. His father did indeed forgive her, and he even caught him with his arm around her shoulders once. Such playfulness was not like Tannis Tirinius, but she seemed to have everyone around her spellbound with her beaming personality. It was only when she alone with him that she stared off into the distance with a silence that would normally break his heart.

But his heart didn’t break. He didn’t feel anything for her at all. The only thing he did feel was a bit of guilt; not for how he treated her, but for feeling nothing for another human being. He searched inside himself every day, trying to find some ghost of an emotion for her so that he could begin to mend things between them. There was just nothing there.

She still looked off in the distance, but spoke confidently. Do you want me to leave Medora Rommus?

He heard his own voice answer before he could even think about the question. No.

I’m surprised to hear you say that, she said, looking at him briefly.

He fought for the right words. We need you here Alana. We’re a team and we have the same goals in mind, at least for the most part. It’s too dangerous for you to leave us and we can certainly use your help.

I want to help Rommus, I really do. I have learned so much from you and your father. The whole world looks different to me now. I know it sounds silly, but if I never came to Medora— she stumbled and caught herself, to do what I did, then I would have never met you. I would just be some Vindyri in Vindyrion thinking that all was well. I have a new respect for freedom and it’s all because of you. Even if we didn’t meet under the best circumstances, I wouldn’t change it if I could.

He ran a finger over the spine of the book she had abandoned. I don’t question your loyalty. Can we just not talk about this right now?

She let out an exasperated breath and stood up, only to freeze in her tracks.

Immediately he sensed her alarm. What is it? What’s wrong?

She bolted across the room towards the doors as she yelled. He’s hurt!

Rommus turned around to see Vohl at the library door, covered in blood and rain, just as he collapsed to the floor.

Chapter 2

The blackness slowly turned into a blurry mess of color. Sounds that seemed distant now rang loudly in his ears. His head throbbed with every heartbeat. The outside world pierced his senses and pain once again gripped his body. He was on the floor, looking up at the ceiling of a library. Two figures knelt over him, and suddenly he remembered where he was.

Vohl, are you alright? Alana asked as she wiped blood from his forehead.

He tried to sit up some to appear more dignified. I need some rest my Lady. I will heal but I am in great pain.

What happened to you? Rommus asked.

Vohl swallowed painfully as he tried to remember all that had happened to him. I was attacked. There must have been a dozen men or more. All of them in black robes. I was hit with two arrows. When I fell, men rushed in from all sides. I do not remember seeing any blades, but I was beaten with clubs or something until I lost consciousness. I awoke in the rain, and saw you come in this library, so I followed.

I thought you were immortal, Alana said.

I am immortal my Lady. I am alive.

But you’re bleeding. You can be hurt but you won’t die?

He carefully laid his head back on the floor. Yes, that is correct. Being immortal does not make one immune to pain. I bleed like anyone else.

Alana ran her hands over his torso, looking for his wounds. Where are you hurt Vohl? Can we do anything to help?

I pulled out the arrows when I awoke. The blood you see is not new blood. My wounds are healing as we speak.

She pulled an envelope from between his vest and shirt. What’s this?

He stared at the envelope but could not understand how it had gotten there. Rommus reached over and took it from her. He had a puzzled look on his face, and hesitated to open it.

What is it, Master Rommus? What does it say?

He flipped the envelope over to inspect it further, to find only a red wax seal and some dots of blood on the back. It’s addressed to me.

Well that is odd. What is the mark on the seal?

It’s the Medoran seal, a four-pointed star surrounded by olive branches. It’s only used for official business in Medora.

Vohl watched for a long moment before interrupting Rommus’s thoughts. Are you going to open it, Master Rommus?

He blinked a few times and finally broke the wax seal. He pulled the letter out, and read out loud:

Dear god of war,

By now you know that I am not only the new Emperor of Medora, but also the leader of the Mages. You have done a lot of damage to my plans, and this ends today. I am offering you something of great value, and you will offer me something of value in return. There is no room for negotiations. You will comply with my demands or suffer great consequences.

My first demand is that you tell no one that I am involved with the Mages. The prosperity of Medora depends partly on the fact that the people see these leadership roles as separate.

My second demand is that you turn over the sword and the armor. These items do not belong to you, and belong to the Mages.

My third demand is that you turn yourself in to my men. You will remain imprisoned for the rest of your life, but only because I don’t believe I can kill you.

Failure to comply with my demands will result in the deaths of your dear Mirra and Alana. Your immortal friend’s wounds are enough to show you that none of you are safe, and you know that I will stop at nothing to bring Medora to greatness. I will not have you interfering with matters of such importance.

Meet my men at the Great Arena. You have until sunset tomorrow to turn yourself and the artifacts over.

-Emperor Uritus Tecadelion

Alana tried to cover her fear with a hand over her mouth. Rommus just stared at the letter in his hand. The wind howled as it threw rain against the windows. Vohl tried to break the silence by clearing his throat, but it hurt and he ended up just coughing. Neither Rommus nor Alana seemed to know what to say, so he asked the question burning in his mind.

What do you intend to do about this, Master Rommus?

He still stared at the letter. I don’t know. I don’t know what I can do.

Alana stood up and crossed her arms. Don’t you dare give up because of me. And isn’t he marrying this Mirra? Why would he threaten you with her death?

He threatens me with that because he knows it will get to me. He knows how much I cared for her. He knows that I know his drive, and willingness to sacrifice lives to bring his agenda to life.

And why did he threaten to kill me? she asked.

He ran his hand through his hair. I don’t know Alana. He just wants me to comply. I don’t know any more than you do.

Vohl studied her face as they spoke. It appeared that he had given her a different answer than she wanted. Her lower eyelids rose almost imperceptibly, as if his response made her angry or slightly jealous. Her chest rose and fell with a hidden, irritated sigh. Her jaw clenched and her mouth tightened ever so slightly. Rommus probably missed all of these subtle cues, but Vohl had spent more than 3000 years honing and perfecting his ability to examine and manipulate the soul. Alana wanted Rommus. He was almost certain. If he could get her to look in his eyes, he would be able to feel the emotion himself.

Relax my Lady. We will do what it takes to get through this.

As expected, she looked right at him. Her subtle expressions cooled and her shoulders relaxed. She stared into his eyes and was immediately caught in his gaze. His own soul was flooded with her emotions, boiling up through him and sending his own mind adrift into the torrent of passion she felt. She was good. Even he had no idea that she cared this much for Rommus. He began to feel sorry for the poor woman, and averted his eyes so that he would not transmit that sadness to her soul.

She shook her head to clear it. Well I guess we already failed to comply with his first demand. There are several of us who know he is head of the Mages.

Rommus nodded. I don’t think that matters all that much. He really just wants me out of his way and he wants these artifacts.

You can’t turn yourself in Rommus, Alana pleaded. You’re too important.

I don’t intend to. I can’t do that even if it means he does kill you and Mirra.

Rommus was much harder to read than Alana was. He was good at hiding emotion, but made up for it with his honesty. Vohl saw worry in his eyes; a deep worry for the troubles weighing down on him, but also a more temporary worry. He was afraid that Alana would be offended by his comment. His eyes glistened softly with such a pale shadow of sorrow. He wanted to take it back, but it was true. He probably meant to say that the fate of the world was more important than any of their lives, but that’s not what came out of his mouth. Alana couldn’t see what Rommus was feeling, and she was no doubt hurt by his words.

But there was something else. There was a coldness there in Rommus that didn’t seem part of his nature. There was a void in his soul, a part that should be there but wasn’t. There were storm clouds where there should have been sunlight. Suddenly Vohl knew what it was; he didn’t care for her.

Rommus cleared his throat. I can’t allow this doom to come to us and do nothing to stop it. I won’t be of any help to Medora if I am powerless in a cell. And I can’t simply hand over this sword and armor to my enemy to allow him to destroy the world we know. Aside from giving up any power I have, these artifacts would grant him even more power than he has already. I will do all I can to protect every Medoran, including Mirra, but I can’t give in to these demands.

Vohl felt a sting of sorrow for Alana. He was sure that she wanted to hear that Rommus would do all he could to protect her too. He wanted to say something but he felt it would be out of place to do so.

You too Alana, Rommus said. I won’t let anything happen to you either.

A wave of relief came over Vohl just as thunder boomed and shook the stone building. Thick black clouds churned overhead, taunting the city. Wind and rain tore at the roof and threatened to rip the slate shingles from it. Mist poured by, blending all colors outside into a purplish gray. Vohl now knew that similar storms raged inside both of his companions; Alana’s passion for Rommus, and Rommus’s turmoil for needing to protect his people.

Vohl sat up, feeling the need to comfort his friends. His head still ached and his chest still burned where the arrows had hit him, but he was already feeling much better. Against their protests, he stood, attempting to brush the dirt from his wet clothes, but only smeared it in. He supposed it didn’t matter; they were covered in blood anyway. He would have to have new clothes tailor-made, and black fabric was going to be expensive in Medora.

Sitting in a chair, he did his best to appear regal. Well Master Rommus, what will we do about this? We don’t have much time to think of a plan.

Rommus pinched his lower lip in thought. We only really have the three of us, plus my father. Pirius is probably willing to help, but he won’t fight against his brother. I don’t really know how helpful he would be anyway. We have the sword, the armor, and our wits. We need to come up with a plan using only those assets.

Alana strolled by the bookshelves, eyeing the few remaining books as if one of the titles might give her an answer. She stopped suddenly, pulling one off the shelf. Rommus, these letters on the spine are gold.

He cocked his head some as she leafed through the pages. So?

The book isn’t made of gold, but there’s gold lettering on it, she said.

I don’t understand what that has to do with our problem Alana.

She snapped the book closed. It’s the answer to our problem, Rommus Tirinius.

Chapter 3

Do you think they can see us from here? she asked.

No my Lady, he said as he looked to the skies again. There are too many people gathered here for them to notice us.

She kept wrinkling her nose and looking up, wondering what he saw above them. She found the behavior rather odd, but Vohl often did strange things, so she tried to ignore it. She did notice some lingering rain when it hit her face, and she was thankful for the cloaks Rommus had purchased for them earlier.

The storm from the night before had pulled a lot of the leaves from the trees, along with some shingles from the roofs. It was a terrible storm, but the pathetic ruins of Brinn did not appear much different. It was a welcome change to finally see people in the streets again, but it also made her nervous. She had no idea where their enemies were hiding.

I wonder how many people are here, she said as she scanned the crowd.

Certainly many thousands, he replied. This must be the city’s entire population.

She pulled her hood down lower. I don’t like being here. I’m worried Vohl.

I am worried too my Lady. I hope your plan works.

When I saw Rommus last, he said he was almost finished. He might be done by now for all we know.

I do not doubt his ability. I just hope that these men do not see through the lie.

That part doesn’t bother me so much. It’s what comes after. We don’t have a plan for when they try to take Rommus away.

He finally turned to her but paused before he spoke. I know you care for him Alana.

She swallowed to stall. We all do.

Not like you do, my Lady. I sense what you feel for him. Does it make you uncomfortable to speak of it?

Her eyes darted searching hopelessly for something to change the subject. I don’t understand what you mean.

He laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. Alana, I can sense feelings. I can see into souls and understand their inner workings. I felt your feelings for him yesterday when I was wounded.

She cleared her throat. I guess there’s no sense hiding it from you. Please don’t tell him. It will only complicate things and he has too much to worry about already. I know he will not have me, not after what I did to his father, but I can’t help the way I feel.

His lips tightened as he nodded. It is true that we are slaves to our emotions. It is as much a blessing as it is a curse. I will not tell him how you feel, but I wanted you to know that I am aware of your feelings and I offer my friendship should you feel the need to discuss the matter.

Thank you Vohl. But we have far more important things to worry about and I am not going to cause any trouble. I have done enough damage already.

Of course my Lady, but in my lifetime I have seen what such feelings can do to someone. Such simple emotions can lift us to the peaks of mountains, or crush us with their weight. While we cannot have all we desire, it is important to follow our hearts so that we can be attuned to the world and live our lives in the most productive manner possible.

This time she wrinkled her nose at him instead of the sky. Vohl you make life sound so cold and stiff.

Suddenly the crowd began to stir. What was once quiet chatter became booming cheers, sweeping through the streets to all corners of the city. She looked to the balcony on the Emperor’s Hall where Uritus now stood, and was suddenly terrified that they were too close and would be spotted. She pulled her cloak closed at her neck and covered her face as best as she could. It was silly for her to think that Uritus could see them, but this was a dangerous man; a man of magic.

He held his hands up to quiet the crowd. "People of Medora, this is indeed a great day. A great storm has come and gone. Not one of thunder and rain, but one of steel and flame. Our enemy has made himself known and brought his intentions to deed here in our great city. I know many of you are afraid and confused, but I assure you that I am doing all I can to protect Medora and bring justice to our enemies. However I am afraid that things will get much worse before they get better.

"I have traveled to distant lands beyond the southern wall and returned with an item of magic that the Mages will use to help us. The Mages are our only hope for a safe and prosperous Medora. I know many of you do not trust them, but you will learn in time that they are only people like yourselves, interested in doing what is best for our nation. Even my own father had a close relationship with the Mages, and this is one of the reasons he ruled this land so well.

"I have only recently learned the level of danger before us. We face not one enemy, but three. Never in the history of Medora has such a massive force conspired against us, and things will be grim for quite some time before we see the light shine on us once more. Our time is a time of crisis and sacrifice, not a time of prosperity. We must find it in our hearts to do what must be done in order to save our land. It will not be easy, and it will not be quick, but we will prevail in our endeavors.

"Our first enemy visited us here not long ago. The Vindyri rode in while the army was away, killing innocent people and pulling our buildings to the ground. But do not worry for the loss of these buildings, for they are but stone. Medora is not made from these dusty rocks, but rather from the foundations in our souls; the part of us that desires to help our fellow man back to his feet when he has fallen. The Vindyri have shaken these walls, but they cannot shake our souls.

"Our second enemy is Bhoor-Rahn. It has been reported to me that the Bhoors have aided the Vindyri in their attacks on Medora. While no Bhoor attacked Brinn or Taburdum, they staged a false battle on the Vindyri planes to draw the Medoran Legions away from our homeland. This allowed the Vindyri to strike at us unopposed.

Our third enemy is Rommus Tirinius. This man has not only impersonated a god, but has worked with the Bhoors and the Vindyri to destroy Medora. I know that many of you believe him to be the god of war, but in your hearts you know that cannot be true. No mere mortal can take the place of a god, and for his blasphemy I have drafted a new law, signed by the Nobles, that states that it is legal within the Medoran borders to kill Rommus Tirinius and his two companions; the Vindyri Alana and the Dirujen who travels with them. In addition to this law, I offer a reward of 1,000 gold pieces for each of these three people brought to me dead or alive.

Alana stood there stunned, mouth open and unable to move. She was too shocked to even be angry about his ridiculous lies. Even though she wasn’t looking at Vohl, she knew his mouth hung open too. If it wasn’t for their cloaks, the Medorans around them would surely have taken off their heads and collected their reward. She suddenly realized she had pushed herself up close to Vohl in a pathetic attempt to feel protected. He reached down and squeezed her hand for reassurance. For a moment she wished it was Rommus, but then realized how grateful she was that he wasn’t there.

Uritus threw his arms up again. But do not let these troubles burden you. Our war with the rest of the world will have to wait until after winter, for we cannot risk sending the army to war when food and fair temperatures are absent. No army would be foolish enough to attack us now for the same reasons, so I assure you that we are safe for the time being. We will take this time to rebuild our cities, orchestrate our attack, and when the time comes, we will have our revenge.

He raised his chin and smiled. "I have also come to you with great news. It has been many years since Medora has had an Empress. My own mother died giving birth to my dear brother Pirius, and there has been a hollow left unfilled for far too long. In order to bring goodness and light back to Medora, I have chosen a wife and we will marry in the Great Arena in one week’s time. Many of you know the Odera family. I have asked Mirra to marry me and she has agreed. I hope that by bringing happiness to our hearts, we can bring some to yours in these troubling times.

A new dawn has come for Medora. While we all will need to adjust to some new things, better days are ahead. Some of us have lost much and are in great need, and some of us have more than we know what to do with. This crisis has changed Medora, and through the will of the people, or the will of their leaders, we will implement a new comprehensive strategy for moving forward. I offer equality for all. I bring hope and change.

It was obvious that Uritus was a gifted and powerful speaker, but she couldn’t help but lose interest in his speech as she thought to herself. The odd reaction from the crowd surprised her. About half of them cheered almost violently, and the other half stayed mostly silent with scowls and crossed arms. What Uritus was offering them sounded a lot like what King Weryn of Vindyrion offered his own people, and she thought that Medorans were not interested in such equality. Of course, her only window into Medoran politics was Rommus, and it was certainly possible that he misunderstood the complexities of government. Still, there was something very uncomfortable about seeing the crowd split down the middle. It made Medora seem at war with itself, while waiting for real war to come to their doorsteps in just a few short months. Such lack of unity in times of tragedy could spell disaster for a nation, regardless of their views.

However as she stood in the streets full of confused and emotional people, she saw the ruins of Brinn all around them and it struck her that disaster had already come to Medora. It was difficult to know what reasons the Bhoors and the Vindyri had for doing such harm, but an argument could be made that the Medoran system was flawed enough that it was able to weaken and crumble. She admitted to herself that the ways of the Vindyri weren’t working very well, but perhaps the Medorans could find new solutions to the inherent problems. She didn’t think equality was such a bad thing; it was finding that delicate balance between freedom and oppression that confused her. Apparently the same thing confused the Medorans surrounding her.

My Lady, your hair, Vohl whispered.

Wrapped up in her thoughts, she didn’t realize that the wind had freed a few strands of hair from the hood of her cloak. She quickly tucked it back in behind her ear, hoping no one saw. Of course there were probably many Vindyri peppered through the crowd, but she didn’t want her blonde hair attracting any attention to them.

Then she realized that Vohl was still holding her hand. She let go of his hand and tried to scratch her face in a convincing manner. She felt so silly for allowing him to hold her hand that long. He was probably just trying to comfort her, but she didn’t want to make him think that she had any interest in him. She hoped that his ability to see into her soul would let him know that she only thought of him as a friend, but she couldn’t be sure.

From the rhythm of the crowd, she could tell that Uritus was winning many of them over. Certainly there were many who disagreed with their new leader, but there was nothing they could really do. Too many Medorans were afraid of the doom coming for them, and wanted some sense of safety from their new Emperor. A few cold drops of rain fell from the sky as if weeping for the loss of the old ways. She couldn’t know how much change Uritus hoped to bring to Medora, but she knew what kind of man he was, and he was not going to let the will of the people interfere with his own agenda.

Icy terror filled her when a heavy hand came down on her shoulder. Dread consumed her but she dared not scream. She spun to see a man in a dark cloak towering behind her.

Chapter 4

Dusk came far too fast for comfort, but there was still a little too much light left for his liking. The pale blues of twilight were slipping into deeper hues, and shadows eagerly crept in to welcome the night. Rommus checked those shadows carefully as he walked slowly to the Great Arena. He knew enemies waited for him inside, but he was still cautious about any hidden dangers on his way there.

The Great Arena was a massive structure in Western Brinn able to hold 50,000 people. The Emperor always spoke to the masses from the Emperor’s Hall, but other officials would often speak at the Arena. In earlier times, the Arena was used to entertain Medorans with violence; pitting warriors against one another in battles to the death. This practice had ended decades earlier, but mock battles and plays were still held there, as well as the Winter Festival