Machinations of Brutality

By James Vesping

Carmen Ahearn has a fire in her spirit and resentment toward her mother -- or so she thinks. In the chaos of the 5th Mage War, she runs away from home to escape her overbearing mother. But sometimes, running away can raise more questions than answers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Vesping
• Release date: Apr 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463600917

James Vesping

James Vesping is a former network technician, having worked in both the private and the government sector. He has worked in software and web development in both professional and hobbyist capacities, including several simulation projects for popular sandbox games. In 2015, he began writing novels as a hobbyist, which turned into a full time job by 2017. You can find him on the web at JamesVesping.com.

Book preview

Machinations of Brutality

by

James Vesping

Copyright 2019 James Vesping

Cover art Copyright 2019 James Vesping

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Now, young lady, if you sign on the dotted line, I'll file this and you can get ready to depart, the older woman said, pointing to the space on the paper. Carmen eagerly grabbed the pen and was about to sign when the woman grabbed her arm to stop her.

What now? Carmen impatiently grumbled.

Are you sure you want to do this, child? the woman sternly asked, looking over the rims of her glasses. The war in Europe is unlike anything you've ever seen before. Indeed, it is unlike anything in known history; you will be directly involved in the aftermath of some of the most barbaric instruments ever devised by mankind.

As opposed to the barbarity of magic?

"Mages are far more controlled than the typical rabble that lives on the battlefield. There have been... 'Incidents' with other volunteers, not so very different from you."

Carmen jerked her hand back and pressed the pen to the paper, then scribbled her name. She then set the pen down and gave a cold stare to the woman in front of her. I've made my decision, ma'am. I'd rather be over there in the chaos and doing something than staying here and having my mother pester me until the end of my days.

The woman sighed and picked up the papers, then nodded in defeat. Very well then, Carmen Ahearn. Welcome to the American Assistants to Europe. She stood and set the forms into a large central stack, where others were being consistently added – all belonging to those who could not volunteer for military service, but wanted to contribute in a more direct way to the 5th Mage War. America wasn't involved in the conflict, but many people still felt a need to be involved.

Now, where do I go? Carmen bluntly asked and folded her arms. I'm gettin' tired of waitin' here.

The woman pointed to a line forming toward an exit. Over there. You're just in time for one of the ships. Do listen to the instructions from the crew; German submarines have no qualms about sinking any form of shipping that they perceive to be assisting the French. Further, there will be many men aboard the ship, most of whom are going to the front lines. I would suggest treating them with caution.

Carmen lightly laughed and shook her head. Maybe I can get one of them to trade uniforms with me. I can go to the front line and he can stay behind.

You want no part of the fighting, miss Ahearn. Trust me on this.

Yeah, yeah, Carmen mumbled as she stood up. No offense, but you're not my mother.

"And I'm going to guess you're not actually