The Great Game: Game On

By D.M. Twigg

Goblins, humans, and a host of familiar and unique fantasy cultures clash in a world where their conflict is only a stage in a great game as strange as it is surprising. Ivan Subudo is plainsman far from home fighting a war he no longer understands. When called on to lead a pivotal battle, his life and perspective are irrevocably changed by the stunning results of his defeat. Game On is the first in a series of short stories forming a serial novel written by D.M. Twigg. Each stands as a short story and alongside its companion tales weaves a complex tapestry to be enjoyed in its entirety.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.M. Twigg
• Release date: Mar 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311935526

D.M. Twigg

I have been hooked on science fiction and fantasy ever since my great aunt gave me the book Ender’s Game from her bookshop when I was eight. I spent my life an unrepentant geek reading science fiction, fantasy and comic books and gaming with my friends. I got my start writing for the fantasy pop-culture website Critical-Hits. I am currently work with Crafty Games on the ongoing Mistborn Adventure Game. Among other projects there, I brought comic books to life writing for the award-winning Marvel Heroic Roleplaying. By day, I’m an attorney licensed in Pennsylvania and Maryland where I focus on Elder Law, Estate Planning and Administration. I live in Westminster, Maryland with my wife and our dog.

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The Great Game

Game On

The Great Game

Game on

By D.M. Twigg

Contents

1. Khanfrontation

2. Khanfusion

1. Khanfrontation

Khantain Ivan Subodo stood with his fist clenched to his heart as the great Naran Transport docked at Fort Broadside. His stomach recoiled at the sight of it. To be a passenger on an abomination built of wood sickened him. And yet, their enemies lay across an ocean of water. The great beasts that his father and his father’s father before him rode would not carry them to this battle. The part of him that loathed cities and loved the old nomad way thought it was better to die on a horse than live on the sea.

And yet, as much as his knees ached to buckle at the altar of necessity, he could not accept these transports. He begrudgingly boarded one to get here, but he would never do it again by choice. Subodo would not give voice to his thoughts, but the sentiment was undeniable. At the moment, he was the ranking officer in Virtundria. The transport lowered its ramp and a troop of cavalry made its way from the mammoth vessel. At the head of the column, much to his surprise, were the colors of Khan.

Subudo rode Wrath as a matter of habit. He would not let his skill in the saddle be nibbled away by the walls he built and the days of endless waiting. The black and white mottled hair of the horse was immaculately groomed. He brushed, fed, and watered the horse by his own hand. As the ship’s flags came into focus he tensed. Wrath whinnied as well. He patted his trusted steed reassuringly and dismounted to approach the shoreline for a better look. One of the camp boys guided Wrath away.

The Royal Burgundy sent a ripple of murmurs through his troops. Subodo grabbed a messenger boy gently by the arm, Run along, and tell me who is leading these troops.

Subodo cursed. If some foal that had barely mounted a warhorse was here to lord over him it could be a disaster. Great Horse Spirits knew the diminutive devils that he faced were relentless and clever. Other commanders on this cursed continent had been less fortunate and the result was slaughter.

The boy rushed back to his side. It’s Khan Narrath himself!

Subodo inhaled sharply. The Great Khan was here. He need not worry about a whelp undermining him. He would be ceding his command to the Great Khan himself. The Uniter of the Tribes, Saint of the Steppes, and Blessed of the Great Mustang. He held his posture and clasped his fist to his heart, The Great Khan! All hail!

His hundred men echoed the same. All hail!

Khan Narrath the Great was at