Dawn of the Sun Panther: Adventures of Nebex: Dawn of the Sun Panther, #2

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. The son of a cheese merchant, Nebex will set out on a mission to save his father. However, this journey will prove eye opening in more ways than Nebex could imagine. It will be a dangerous journey of discovery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. C. Coleman
• Release date: Jun 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201128401

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. The son of a cheese merchant, Nebex will set out on a mission to save his father. However, this journey will prove eye opening in more ways than Nebex could imagine. It will be a dangerous journey of discovery.

Chapter One

The Dutiful Son

With the later stages of winter setting in, the southern coast of the Greater Continent was experiencing harsh storms. However, one coastal city was free from this natural curse; which made its rounds every lunar year. The city of Xelma was experiencing an early summer, as the oppressive heat of a hot sun relentlessly scorched the gilded city. Xelma was a city between four worlds, which was reflected in its name. Its full name being Xelma Xelex Xema, translated as the city of four worlds, this trade hub was stuck between four separate environments. Perfectly placed around a bay, Xelma was flanked by swamplands on one side, and grasslands on the other. Meanwhile, opposite the coast, the great desert of the Zoran Sands stretched beyond the horizon. This desert was known for its changing colors, as the shifting sands would reflect the sunlight in oranges, reds, and yellows. On the other hand, Xelma, herself, was known as a gilded cage. The segmented walls that defended the city’s land side sealed the inhabitants around the bay; which, of course, was referred to as the bay of Xelma, or the bay of the City. While the mouth of the bay was open, it was well guarded by the sea gate; which was an enormous boom chain that was stretched between two high towers. Of course, this boom chain was, generally, left deep under water. Additionally, this bay was one of the few that could be considered deep water, so larger ships could easily navigate into its protection; and even disembark among the impressive rotating dock systems. With such a position, this city dominated trade in the region and was able to exploit the benefits of all four environments. On the other hand, as with most centers of prosperity, the city’s corruption had festered, until most of the city’s gains were controlled by only a few wealthy overlords; while everyone else languished in poverty. The nickname gilded cage, referred to the city’s oppressive nature, and the golden walls that defended it. However, these walls were not actually constructed from gold, but had been made from hardened sand. On the other hand, segments of the walls were actually decorated with gold inlay, and intricate carvings; which would dazzle newcomers, by the reflected brilliance of the sunlight. Of course, this contrasted to the stench of the buildings behind the walls; where only the wealthy section retained well-kept estates. The three parts of the city that were most cared for included the wharfs of the rotating dock systems, the city residence, and the gilded portions of the walls. While the docks were well built, and protected, for the sake of commerce, the gilded portions of the walls were well defended to ward off thieves. These two reason, and a few others, formed the basis for a heavy guard presence in the residence; of course, this was also where all those men of high social standing resided. The rest had to content themselves with the danger and filth of one of the city’s three other living quadrants.

It was in the Fish quarter of the city that a humble boy was found wondering its streets. This section was where most simple foreign traders and merchants found themselves. The boy’s name was Nebex, and his father was one of those simple foreign traders. Nebex had been staying with his father at the Oxem Xamen, which was a common boarding house for traveling merchants. However, Nebex and his father were alerted to the city being under siege, when a great force of city soldiers surrounded the Oxem Xamen building. All of the soldiers bore the fish mouth, an emblem of that quarter’s garrison; which was a neck guard that had been fashioned in the shape of a fish’s mouth. This neck guard hung over the chest, and protected the throat; it was, for all purposes, a status symbol. It was made from interlocking metal scales, all inlaid with silver, gold, copper, or iron. In addition to be made from many types of metal, each scale was symbolized an award of merit; demonstrating the bearer’s rank and experience. Of course, the commander of the force that surrounded the Oxem Xamen had an impressive array of metal scales. His throat plate had grown into a chest plate, and almost reached to his naval. Unfortunate for the merchants that had chosen to stay at the Oxem Xamen, there was a city ordinance that forbade trading, while the city was under siege. Under this easy pretext, the traders were arrested, and all their wares were seized by the fish mouth guards. This fate, Nebex imagined, had beset traders and merchants in other sections, but no area was hit as hard as the fish quarter. This was because most in the fish quarter were foreigners, and an easier to exploit class in the city. Fortunately, instead of arrest, Nebex was turned out into the street. Although, this was because Nebex was only a boy, and because he would be of little use in the galleys of the Xebecs; warships, tasked with the defense of the bay. Therefore, as his father was being prepped as a galley prisoner, in this dire hour, Nebex was the only advocate for his father. Fortunately, he was left with his knife, a gift from his father, which he would