Plots and Intrigues

By Andrew Clegg and Matthew Kimball

Plots and Intrigues

The Shepherd city of Brionne strains as the frictions that have arisen between the twin nations of Aviendora and Farstrider begin to leak out into Brionne's streets. Constable Adrik and his Farstrider wife Elayne find themselves at the center, torn between two nations as plots come to fruition and intrigues abound.

Can they survive as their two worlds collide in explosive ways?

Realms & Shadows

War looms like a shroud over the great nations of Aviendora and the Land of the Farstriders. Greed, the center point of most contentions, lies like a plague within the hearts of both nations. The lands of Moraedo, vast swathes of rolling hills and verdant fields that separate these two giants, is claimed by both.

Aviendora, a proud and hearty nation under the belief that it has been marked by divine providence, has established shepherd cities and farmsteads within Moraedo’s lush fields. Its aristocracy, the noble Astrael a majestic race of winged men and women, have ordained expansion for the nation. Using their technological wonders, airships have allowed for rapid settlement upon Moraedo’s fertile landscape.

The Land of the Farstriders claimed Moraedo as its own centuries ago. Though a seafaring people, the nation instantly saw it for the untapped riches that it represented. The Farstriders colonization although limited over the centuries does not negate its ownership of the contested land. Janis Farstrider leader of the nation and lord of ships has decreed that none shall impugn the nation’s legal rights and authority.

Peacemakers work diligently on both sides to prevent an escalation of animosities. Many fear it is a slow inexorable grind toward war, however, for both countries have cultural schisms that seem to antagonize and enflame the other. The longer the ambassadors debate the more frequent hostile and violent contacts erupt. Time is the greatest enemy of these twin giants, and it is running out; soon there will be only war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew Clegg
• Release date: Sep 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9780463290798

Andrew Clegg

Andrew Clegg is an avid reader who has been interested in publishing his own stories for many years. His primary writing interest is Fantasy because of the ability to create worlds that can take you away to lands of wonder. He also has an interest in Contemporary Fantasy which melds today’s world with the unseen world. Andrew is excited to be a part of what Smashwords has to offer.With his friend Matthew Kimball, Andrew has created a publishing company to bring a whole new world for readers to experience.He currently resides in the Southwest with his family.

Book preview

Plots and Intrigues

a Realms and Shadows story

By

Andrew Clegg

and

Matthew Kimball

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this work are either products of the authors’ imaginations or are used fictitiously.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be distributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase additional copy for each recipient. If your reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Plots and Intrigues

Realms & Shadows

Copyright 2018 by The Scribe Vault

All rights reserved

A ‘The Scribe Vault’ book

Published by The Scribe Vault

Published in the United States of America

Realms & Shadows

War looms like a shroud over the great nations of Aviendora and the Land of the Farstriders. Greed, the center point of most contentions, lies like a plague within the hearts of both nations. The lands of Moraedo, vast swathes of rolling hills and verdant fields that separate these two giants, is claimed by both.

Aviendora, a proud and hearty nation under the belief that it has been marked by divine providence, has established shepherd cities and farmsteads within Moraedo’s lush fields. Its aristocracy, the noble Astrael a majestic race of winged men and women, have ordained expansion for the nation. Using their technological wonders, airships have allowed for rapid settlement upon Moraedo’s fertile landscape.

The Land of the Farstriders claimed Moraedo as its own centuries ago. Though a seafaring people, the nation instantly saw it for the untapped riches that it represented. The Farstriders colonization although limited over the centuries does not negate its ownership of the contested land. Janis Farstrider leader of the nation and lord of ships has decreed that none shall impugn the nation’s legal rights and authority.

Peacemakers work diligently on both sides to prevent an escalation of animosities. Many fear it is a slow inexorable grind toward war, however, for both countries have cultural schisms that seem to antagonize and enflame the other. The longer the ambassadors debate the more frequent hostile and violent contacts erupt. Time is the greatest enemy of these twin giants, and it is running out; soon there will be only war.

Plots and Intrigues

Search them. The dark eyes scrutinized the meager wagon train with cold interest. Search them well and thoroughly.

Constable, is it really necessary? The Query came from a sun-weathered man lounging on the seat of the first wagon, faded crimson long coat once fine hung wide as he fanned himself with a long brimmed hat.

Dangerous times Tarryl, and you know I’m no constable. The barrel chested senior guardsman growled humorlessly jerking the small cadre of armed men forward with an impatient wave of his arm. Like insects they swarmed down upon the wagon train: prodding, moving, shifting, searching every nook and space.

This much attention? If I didn’t know you better I’d think you didn’t like me. Tarryl smiled, amusement playing at the edges.

The Senior Guardsman grimaced at the remark but kept his gaze on his men and their search. They were a model of efficiency, resplendent in the bright sapphire and emeralds of the Shepherd city uniform colors. The half dozen fat wagons were ladened down with boxes, crates, and casks. Each was systematically being taken apart. Every bit of cargo removed and verified against invoices. The wagons themselves checked and double checked for hidden compartments or smuggling rigs.

Prudence is one thing, Allon, but this is getting ridiculous. Tarryl waved his hat in frustration, as he was escorted from his seat to line up along the stone walk with his drivers. It’s too hot for prejudices.

Prejudices, Darryl. Allon’s voice was cold; his gaze did not even flicker to the man, staying unwavering on the process before him. This is duty. It would be unconscionable in times like these when raiders have burned homesteads and increasingly attacked caravans to not do all within my power to protect this city. And if that means making a Farstrider stand in the heat a little while longer to ensure his cargo is safe, then, I will do my duty.

My error, prejudice plays no part at all, Tarryl muttered dryly slapping his hat back on his head. Allon reacted not at all, his gaze following the slow progress of his men as they worked.

Tarryl sighed, not for the first time, his gaze sliding over the walls of Brionne, their looming presence an arms length from him. They were a broad stone barricade shining brilliantly white in the sun. Their face brushed clean of dirt and grime weekly by the sweeps guild. Tarryl found the idea amusing. Leave it to the Astrael to clean the walls, as if dust and storm would not come again.

But that was the greatest definition of the Aviendoran state as he saw it. Everything had its purpose and its place as did every one. The culture strived to be the perfect reflection of what the Astrael claimed society should be. Walls if designed to be a certain way would be a certain way; neither entropy, elements, nor man would deter its intended purpose.

Even Allon mirrored that philosophy he supposed. Allon was many things, most Tarryl found distasteful. He was broad of shoulder and thick of limb, his mind was brutish and singular in nature. This gave him strength and single minded efficiency. Just what one might expect in a soldier, or need. Allon had found his perfect job, or rather it was found for him.

As Tarryl understood things apprenticeships were come upon at an early age and could be given and administered by the state. What would a father back home say to that, or worse a mother? They would tongue lash the poor fool who even brought up the idea near enough to seek the hag witches for relief.

Welcome to Brionne, Tarryl. The Senior Guardsman grunted breaking Tarryl from his contemplation. "You know the rules well enough. Don’t give the city purpose to confiscate any goods or