Dawn of the Sun Panther: Adventures of Finen Ravenno: Dawn of the Sun Panther, #1

By S. C. Coleman

Following the events of the Glass Empires, Age of the Third Arcon, and Populla's Shadow, Dawn of the Sun Panther follows the exploits of four different champions; seeking to make their mark and do what they can to stave off total destruction, in the endless wars of the Greater Continent, and beyond. Following calamitous events in the hidden city, beneath Molina, it appeared that the shadows were abated. However, the danger had not yet passed, as the ever present shadow of war threatens different places; seeking to unbalance the kingdoms that still rule. Finen Ravenno, cast from his home, is thrust into a foreign place and into a new adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. C. Coleman
• Release date: May 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201189785

Book preview

Summary:

Following the events of the Glass Empires, Age of the Third Arcon, and Populla’s Shadow, Dawn of the Sun Panther follows the exploits of four different champions; seeking to make their mark and do what they can to stave off total destruction, in the endless wars of the Greater Continent, and beyond. Following calamitous events in the hidden city, beneath Molina, it appeared that the shadows were abated. However, the danger had not yet passed, as the ever present shadow of war threatens different places; seeking to unbalance the kingdoms that still rule. Finen Ravenno, cast from his home, is thrust into a foreign place and into a new adventure.

Chapter One

The Flying Ocean Flea

Along the eastern coast of the Greater Continent, the northern winter winds had settled in; bringing with them grey clouds and a constant drizzle of rain. The waves of the ocean were churned into a frenzy, due to this strong winded season, but the cold of the storm winds was mild; in comparison to that of the snowy north. Instead of snow, the winter winds always brought storms to the south. However, this day, along the southern most portion of the coast, the storms were relatively bearable. The ocean waves were choppy and agitated, but there were not violent, nor enraged. Instead, the wind whipped across the watery surface of the sea scape, splashing lines of rain into its abyss. However, a different type of storm plagued one unlucky vessel, caught too far out to sea. Just beyond the coast’s edge, a ship was rocking to and fro, among the restless ocean waves. Struggling to stay afloat, this large boat was in a desperate fight for survival. This was a Xelmes Xebec, which were known for swiftness and durability. Unfortunately for this vessel, nothing could survive the onslaught that it was embroiled in. Like a multitude of rats, swarming over her body, a large number of rival ships were surrounding and boarding her. These numerous ships hailed from the Island Domain; which resided further out into the ocean.

The Lumainese pirates, as the islanders were often styled, preferred light and fast vessels. Although, far from their home, the sailors of the continent were unsure how the small vessels could be found so far from their homes. Somehow, small sail boats managed to traverse a vast sea; between the continent and the pirate islands. These quick crafts were the preferred method of the Lumainese, and they preferred to hunt their pray under the cover of storms. Naturally, the winter season was the best time for this activity. A constant menace, the Lumainese pirates were always more active in winter. Of course, the Xelmese ship should’ve been aware of this, and not allowed itself to be caught so far from the coast. Unfortunately, being too close to the shore would spell out a different type of danger. A strong gust might drive the Xebec into the shore, breaking it across a rocky cliff, or those hidden mounts under the surf. The passage around the southern horn of the continent was a dangerous one, as any seafarer would be caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place; with pirates on one side, and a dangerous coastal landing on the other. Meanwhile, the light craft of the Lumainese was similar in design to the Xebec, only it was much smaller. It was a flat vessel, with high walls on the side; like high wooden wings. The Lumainese boat was curved like the Xebec, causing it to form the shape of a square banana. However, the Lumainese boats were wider and thicker toward the rear section. This is where the mast was kept, as a strong gust of wind would lift the front of the Lumainse boat; while it was sent skipping over the ocean waves. This was helpful for ramming, as the boats had long spikes placed at each front corner. Furthermore, inexplicably, the ships would gain an unnatural boost of speed; the closer they came to the Xebec. Like a swarm of fleas, leaping onto a camel, these small boats would fly off of a wave and imbed their spikes into the hull of the enemy Xebec; allowing the crew to climb aboard their prey with ease.

The Xebec had left its escorting murder fleet of small box boats a few moons back. Foolishly, the ship captain, of the Xebec, had thought it imprudent to sail so close to the coast. Following a heated disagreement, the Xelmese captain parted ways with his fellow, escort, ships; making himself perfect prey for the pirates, now assailing his vessel. The Xebec continued firing its cannons, but with little effect. The fast Lumainese boats were hard to pin down. In addition, the boarders swarming her deck would only compound the anxiety of the ships gun crew. The gun crews would have to fight off random attacks from boarders, while trying to keep their own instruments in working condition. Therefore, the odd shot from the Xebec’s deck was in frequent and rarely struck anything, beyond the dark surface of the ocean. Rain continued to drive against the decks of those involved, and was threatening the onset of a much worse storm. This was a distant worry for the Xebec crew, as they were quickly becoming outnumbered on their own ship. The foreign warriors that boarded the Xelmese vessels made no war cries, nor sounds of any kind. They were silent as death, as they leapt aboard the Xebec. The only sounds came from the Xebec crew and the lashing of the ocean around them. It was apparent in the crew’s reaction to the boarding pirates that they were unfamiliar with the exotic fighting style of their opponents. Like coiled vipers, ambushing a mouse, the Lumainese pirates kept their legs wide and their bodies close to the deck. Then, they would spring at their opponents in a flash. Striking quickly and savagely. Conversely, the crew of the Xebec, clearly, had practiced little with melee weapons; and were quickly overwhelmed by the onslaught of skilled swordsmen. Previously, the crew of the Xebec had numbers on their side, being able to overwhelm their skilled opponents; but that advantage was quickly dwindling.

The Lumainese pirate, as they were referred, wore a strange cuirass of hardened snake skin, and a wide brim conical helmet of a sort of black metal. Their weapon of choice was a long handled, thick bladed, curved sword. However, on their back they wore a square case, which they mostly only used while approaching an enemy ship. These cases on their back would be used to launch a projectile that would erupt in the air. While the projectile was not as destructive as a cannonball, it had concussive properties, and the resulting explosion would produce a flash of light and a shower of sparks. It was almost like the attack from their back cases had no solid compound, but caused a bright, daze inducing, beating on the senses. This would be very beneficial for boarders, as it would keep their prey off balance; keeping the crew from molesting the would-be assailant, as he scaled their ship hull and climbed the railing.