Warrior's Ascension: The Legacy Series, #1

By Jason Varrone

From fantasy fiction writer Jason Varrone comes the stunning debut novella that leads to a trilogy of novels – The Legacy Series.

Renowned warrior Crennan Dawnblack is mortally wounded during a fierce battle with a hated enemy. Only in the fated delivery of a chronicler will he find solace in relaying his story. Thus begins his tale of honor, vengeance, and love. Through the recorded account, Crennan's legacy as a hero may pass through the ages. This novella tells the courageous story of the life of a warrior and sets off events that place the Kingdom of Rothesia in peril.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jason Varrone
• Release date: Jun 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201524142

Jason Varrone

Jason Varrone accidentally stumbled into the world of fantasy fiction in elementary school, becoming quite obsessed with the genre, and then fostered that love by delving into the realm of fantasy role-playing games. Little did he know that his desire to write was born during those carefree days as a child. It took him until adulthood to throw caution to the wind and realize his dream. By day, he is a captain of the insurance industry, a husband, and a father, all the while trying in vain to keep his houseful of cats content. By night, when the magic takes hold and the dreams begin, his mind fills with valiant knights, deadly spells, and flame-breathing dragons. When not reading or writing, he is playing the drums to his favorite '90s-era grunge songs.

Book preview

WARRIOR'S ASCENSION

The man whose story I am about to tell will soon be dead, the wound in his side leaking droplets of blood, the bright sun reflecting off the sword he wielded. I set out to find this man after rumor took flight on eager wings that a battle would occur in the middle of the open plain where I stand. And what a battle it was! I observed from a distance, along with others captivated by the thrill of battle. The common folk around me gasped and applauded as the warriors fought. I have witnessed many fights in my short life, but this one will echo in my mind for years.

I alone approached the survivor, curious to know more. He knelt in the torn-up grass, spitting blood, a proud smile of satisfaction on his face as if he shared a private joke with death. I introduced myself as Rexhall, a young chronicler of some renown from the north. His eyes opened wide as he bade me stay and speak with him. He quietly mused if the gods sent me here to transcribe his tale. His gaze traveled from my head to my feet. He smiled and told me I had the look of a fighter, not a writer. I laughed and shared his joke, telling him my people were a large lot, my height and broad frame always surprising to those I told my occupation. My father was bigger than I, a warrior with few equals, I told him. He guessed my father must have been fierce if his size trounced my own.

I gazed into his eyes, transfixed. My thirst for knowledge overwhelmed me.

Next to the kneeling man lay a massive corpse, entrails smoking in the cool air, still gripping a notched, red-stained axe. I winced at the sight of the wound and his dead eyes staring at the blue sky.

I had to know. What drove this victor? What brought him here? How did he survive this battle with a giant of a man?

I could not refuse his request to write the story of his life. He asked me to sit and scribble down every word he spoke, even the statements and questions directed at me, his storyteller. At times I was tempted to interject an opinion or comment, to describe my feelings about how his story affected me. I resisted. What follows is my faithful recording of his words. His intelligence and grasp of fine language surprised me, but the reason for this will become clear as you read about his life and the education he sought.

This is the story of a fighter, a man who, in the short time I spent with him, earned my respect and admiration.

And my pity.

I WAS BORN AND RAISED a warrior. Today, I'll die a warrior. I've traveled the breadth of our Kingdom of Rothesia, defended its lands from a horde of barbarians, and slain a dragon. I have defeated gladiators in a gore-filled arena and inhaled the cheer of the crowd as my sword blazed its path. Though I’ve only known the tender love of one woman, I have loved as deeply as any man. Never have I bounced my kin on my knee or tended a garden near a home constructed with my hand, yet I've lived a happy, fulfilling life.

I must emphasize that word: happy. I've known camaraderie and glory, vengeance and love, a life full of emotion. Many don't believe it is possible for a man to be happy living a fighter's life. What right do they have to question what gives a man joy? Curse them, as I