Apollonia

By Roz Munn

A storm is heading towards the city of Apollonia, and it is not just the bad weather. It is on horseback and in the shape of the Flock invaders. Being led by a man of mystery, the invaders are not necessarily there to break down the fabled walls, but can the Apollonians be convinced of the newcomer’s intentions?

The usual problems persist within Apollonia; lack of jobs, high taxes, trade deals along with an unpredictable monarch who has taken a fancy to making his mark in history. Sorvus, the last mage of Apollonia, is eager to save the city from the invaders but if he could not save the king’s wife, can he be relied upon to help save the city? A killer is on the loose but could he be the answer to stopping the onslaught by the Flock or even trusted?

Amongst all the chaos is a young boy called Tius, who just is after adventure with his friends but ends up getting more than he bargained for.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Dec 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781398459892

Roz Munn

Roz Munn is an avid reader of Terry Pratchett novels and took inspiration from these along with his travels to write his first novel, Apollonia. Although having worked the majority of his career in financial services, he would much rather describe himself as something more exciting, such as a writer. He is based in London and lives with his family and a very curious, fluffy cat who kept him company many nights during the writing of this novel. He would dedicate the book to his cat, but is not sure whether it is allowed or ever done before.

Book preview

Apollonia

Roz Munn

Austin Macauley Publishers

Apollonia

About the Author

Dedication

Copyright Information ©

Acknowledgement

About the Author

Roz Munn is an avid reader of Terry Pratchett novels and took inspiration from these along with his travels to write his first novel, Apollonia.

Although having worked the majority of his career in financial services, he would much rather describe himself as something more exciting, such as a writer.

He is based in London and lives with his family and a very curious, fluffy cat who kept him company many nights during the writing of this novel. He would dedicate the book to his cat, but is not sure whether it is allowed or ever done before.

Dedication

To my parents, without their help and sacrifice, this book would not even be possible.

Copyright Information ©

Roz Munn 2022

The right of Roz Munn to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

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

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398459885 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398459892 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2022

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank Austin Macauley for taking a chance on me to publish my first novel. Thank you for making the process as smooth as possible and providing me the resources to make Apollonia a reality and reach a wide audience.

Thundering across the steppe land, the neighing of the horse seemed more like a roar as the rider tugged on the reins to bring it to a halt. He looked up at the circling eagle, his braided pony-tail fluttering in the wind, and after a while stretched out his arm, whereupon the eagle swooped down majestically and wrapped its claw around his thick glove. Galloping on a bit further until he could just make out the snow-covered peaks of the Tan Kush mountains in the distance, he tightened the reins once more and dismounted from his steed. He raised the horsehair standard he had been carrying and bringing his arm down with some force, planted it firmly into the hard earth. Jumping back on his saddle, he rode towards the mountains…the Flock would soon follow.

It was the morning of the Panothenea festival, the main public holiday of the year in the greatest city in the world of Iasturia, Apollonia, or so the citizens proudly claimed. The central thoroughfare through the city was lined with enthralled spectators, several rows thick, eagerly observing the annual carnival parade held in honour of the deity Pano, a centaur with the head and torso of a human but limbs of a horse. Entertainers of every description: jugglers dressed as centaurs, fauns, or satyrs, fire-breathers carrying burning torches, sword swallowers delicately manoeuvring sharp blades of metal down their soft gullets, made their way in leisurely procession along the cobbles, all the while accompanied by the sound of flutes and the banging of drums. Meanwhile, the ordinary citizens jostled with one another for the best view of the performers, alternately cheering or gasping in amazement at the sights that were unfolding in front of their eyes. The air was thick with excitement and the usually fickle inhabitants of the city were in fine spirits.

Tius, trying his best to dodge the puddles after a recent downpour, was sprinting through the carnival procession eager to meet up with his friends, Jupiter and Meredith. Every so often, he would look behind him to make sure his mother was keeping up and when he would hear her call out his name, he saw it as an excuse to run faster. In the centre of the square was an imposing marble statue of the city’s founder, the great Apollon, mounted on a plinth.

Legend had it that he had single-handedly slayed a thousand invaders, and the sides of the pedestal were adorned with bas-reliefs, commemorating some of his victories. Amongst the various inscriptions engraved on the base, the one that was discernible, although written in ancient Apollonian was ‘Tribute paid to Apollon’. It was the pride of the Apollonian citizens and most events either started or ended at this juncture. Any visitor to the city made sure to visit the statue as it was very difficult to miss.

Approaching the figure, Tius gazed admiringly upwards, imagining for a moment how wonderful it would have been to have served under him, helping to vanquish the city’s enemies. Surely his name would have been included forevermore in the roll call of honour, extolled by the bards across Apollonia who frequently told of the heroes from that glorious generation. Tius the Brave. Right-hand man and most loyal general of Apollon… So engrossed was Tius in his thoughts that he did not hear Meredith creep up on him and suddenly shove him from the side. He turned around, startled, to see the slender, red-haired friend of his beaming back at him.

How’s Apollon doing today? she asked.

Majestic as ever, replied Tius, as they were shortly joined by Jupiter with his trailing parents. Jupiter stood fixated as well making an exaggerated impersonation of the statue’s pose, his chest puffed out and enormous imaginary biceps bulging, much to the annoyance of Tius and the laughter of Meredith.

If Apollon took on Frenus, who do you think would win? Jupiter asked, maintaining his comedic pose.

Why, Apollon, of course—wouldn’t even be a fair fight! Apollon would smite the barbarian Frenus within seconds, Tius responded, shocked that his friend would even ask such a question and in jest, grabbed Jupiter playfully in a headlock and ruffled his dark messy hair.

Ahh, young Mr Tius Reisbalk and Ms Meredith Grimsdottir, how are you both today? asked Jupiter’s father Harold, who by now had reached the youngsters.

I am well, Mr Thurstan, Tius replied. Before Harold could ask another question, his wife, Gisela, interrupted to say, Where is your mother, Tius? Huffing and puffing, Freya Reisbalk had caught up to her son and leaned down on his shoulder. She gave Tius an angry look which soon turned to a smile after Tius gave her a cheeky grin.

You will be the death of me, said Freya.

Freya! exclaimed Gisela as she grabbed Freya by the hands and took her to one side. You should really watch what you say around the children. Jupiter noticed Meredith had come on her own and asked, Meredith, where are your parents?

You know, busy as always, she responded in a downcast manner.

It doesn’t matter, you are with us, said Tius cheerfully, we can have a good time together but without our parents. The three youths started to silently slip away which turned into a run, as each one tried to outpace the other.

Kids, don’t go too far! shouted Harold with his voice trailing off as he realised they were too far away to hear.

Apollonia, the once golden spired city with impenetrable walls, stood on the banks of the River Panch, with the highest peaks of the Tan Kush visible on a clear day. Historically more prosperous than its neighbours, Arkal and Vismar, located to the south, it had once been famous for its golden spires, which were said to gleam in the distance from miles around, offering a welcoming sight for any weary traveller in need of refuge. But time had not been kind to the structures, and now devoid of their gilding, they had a haunted look, as though standing symbolically for the city’s decline.

As legendary as the spires were the accounts of how they had lost their covering, the most popular being that centuries ago it had been stripped away to pay a ransom to the barbarian invader Frenus. Upon entering Apollonia, he had set up an immense balancing scale, and seating his squat frame on one of the plates, demanded that the citizens offer up his weight in gold. After they had handed over their trinkets and other valuables, the scales began to tilt against the invader, at which point Frenus infamously gestured towards the golden spires and exclaimed My gold! The structures were stripped of their gilding and given to him in tribute, but thankfully the walls of the city were allowed to remain intact. Often when a bedtime story was not sufficient to put a child to sleep, parents would finish the story with the lines Frenus is at the gates! the children hurriedly tucking themselves into their beds.

In the great halls of Apollonia, bards told tales of how Apollon single-handedly slayed a thousand invaders and was the first person alongside his multinational army to cross the Tan Kush to ward off the uncivilised nations. People say that he must have had wings to cross the impassable snow-covered Tan Kush mountains. More recently, Apollonians had started to comment on the lack of the snow on the mountains but of more relevance was the fact that, at certain times in the year it was now actually possible to swim across the River Panch, as opposed to walking across it.

Among citizens, there was a never-ending debate about the colour of the River Panch. Everyone agreed it was definitely not blue, but whether it was green or brown was the difficult part. Alchemists theorised that if there is a new colour the River Panch was most likely it. Suffice to say, although technically possible to swim across it, it was highly unadvisable. The expression ‘crossing the Panch’ came to mean that there was no turning back as there was nothing to literally turn back to when you are lying at the bottom of river.

Recital competitions about the epic tale of Pano which consisted of approximately 5,023 lines, the number most likely being so specific to add realism to the story, were held all day in front of the main theatre in Apollonia. Competitors vied with each other to dramatize their version of the tale, keeping the audience in awe with their thespian and poetry skills. Near the city gates, where the army barracks were situated archery, swordsmanship and wrestling games took place entertaining the crowds who gathered eagerly to watch the athletes. Winners of each event would be honoured with a victor’s wreath, becoming instant household names throughout the city. For some considerable time afterwards, the victors would walk around Apollonia with their wreath flocked by admirers hoping for a chance to touch the celebrity or even the wreath.

Finally arriving at their destination, Tius and his friends observed that a crowd of a few hundred spectators had gathered at the far end of Heroes Square, in anticipation of the king’s annual address to his subjects, which would form the centrepiece of the Panothenea festivities. This was a long-standing Apollonian tradition and one of the few occasions the public were able to see the king. Since the death of his wife Queen Julia some years ago, King Leo had become a recluse withdrawing from public duties and turning to drink to sooth his pain. The citizens also became concerned that as the current king was childless and with Leo being adamant that he would not wed again, much to the chagrin of his advisors, who would inherit the throne after him.

A temporary wooden stage had been erected for the king’s speech and was presently occupied by Chief-Councillor Warwick, much to the spectator’s surprise. He was dressed in a trailing purple cloak and slowly made his way to the front of the stage to stand behind the lectern. Followed solemnly by his fellow councillors who gathered on either side, he unfurled the scroll in his hands and cleared his throat, doing his best to ignore the jeers from the crowd where some were demanding to see the king.

Citizens of this great city… he began, before letting out a loud cough. He attempted again but this time he paused and looked intently at the scroll.

Oh dear, someone should have warned him about Councillor Theobald’s handwriting, said Councillor Hubert, struggling to contain his laughter with Councilwoman Edith giving him a disapproving look.

Sush, give him a chance, rebuked Edith who was beside Hubert.

Citizens of this great, historic, impregnable city. I will not read of a script on this great occasion but speak from my heart, said Warwick, thumping his fist on his chest and dropping the scroll before continuing on, I speak on behalf of King Leo, who has faithfully entrusted his loyal councillors to oversee the running of his kingdom. It has been another great year full of highs. We have continued to render great service to the city, providing opportunities and a better quality of life. I myself, have regularly advised King Leo on policy issues and at this very moment, he is busy working on new ways to improve roads, farming, and trade—hence the reason for his absence. Apollonia remains prosperous and strong thanks to the efforts of its people working together. The councillors may presently stand above you on this stage, but every day we are next to and with you. We the councillors work for the people; we are the people!

There was a mixed reaction from the crowd and a small section could be heard chanting We want the king! which drew more traction as the councillors left the stage.

As the councillors were heading back to their respective abodes, Theobald purposely slowed down to walk alongside Warwick whose expression was one of irritation.

Sir, that was an exceptional speech, said Theobald with a broad smile.

No thanks to your handwriting, where in Pano’s name did you learn to write? responded Warwick taking off his cloak and thrusting it into the stomach of Theobald.

Well sir, as a matter of fact, I studied at the temple of Pa— Ignoring Theobald’s answer, Warwick pulled him to one side looking over his shoulder to make sure no one was within earshot. His cough was getting worse and it was becoming difficult to speak. Some phlegm had gone onto Theobald’s clothing, which Warwick brushed away with the cloak he had just passed to the councillor.

This weather has gotten the better of me, said Warwick, before letting out another bout of coughing. I need you to go to the king and give him an update of his kingdom he supposedly loves so much.

Theobald was in momentary shock, but gathered himself enough to shake Warwick’s hand and say, Sire, that would be an honour.

Well, don’t just stand there. Off you go, demanded Warwick.

Now Sir? questioned Theobald, surprised with the suddenness of the request.

Yes, now. Warwick eyes followed Theobald as the young councillor hurried off to meet King Leo.

Located atop a densely forested hill in Apollonia stood the majestic Royal Castle of Apollon, with its vast complex of rooms and halls. Two towering black spires covered the entrance whilst some smaller ones could be seen on the roof. Surrounded by gardens and statues of the former kings and queens of Apollonia, the castle had been the imperial home of the royal family going back to its founding. Visible to all citizens, it was seen by some as a physical reminder of the lowly status of the average Apollonian compared to the high status of royalty that resided there. Not all were welcome here and only the privileged were allowed access.

Theobald ran up the dimly lit castle stairs and just before he reached the entrance to the king’s court, he stopped and tidied himself up. He wiped the sweat of his face and frantically paced in front of the huge doors rehearsing in his mind the words he would say to the king. The door creaked open and the large head of a guardsman popped out. He looked Theobald up and down and barked at him, Who are ya?

Councillor Theobald, here to see King Leo, answered Theobald.

Never heard of ya. Where’s Warwick?

Councillor Warwick is indisposed for the night…

Before Theobald could continue, a voice inside the room shouted, Let him in.

All right, c’mon on in then, said the guardsman as he proceeded to open the door. Leo was sat at the head of a long table with a feast laid out for him. All manner of food and drink was present and some plates were half empty or not touched at all. From time to time Leo would break from his eating and feed Tiny, his fluffy cat, with scraps from the table. Tiny had grown sufficiently large since Leo had first named her, receiving the cat as a present from his parents when he was younger. Leo got a particular joy from throwing pieces of meat onto his throne behind him and seeing Tiny chase after it. The throne was vacant in a proverbial sense, Theobald thought, the only occupant being the cat. Repulsed at the mess in from of him, Theobald looked away from the king for an instance and composed himself.

My lord, how is your dinner? Theobald asked.

Warwick, my dear lad, Leo mistakenly said as he struggled to get up from his chair. The guardsman offered to help Leo, but was violently pushed away. Theobald was contemplating whether to correct the king, but thought otherwise. With a goblet full of wine in both hands, Leo started to stagger towards Theobald, who was in two minds over whether to go close to him or not. The guardsman signalled to the councillor to stand still and impersonated a drunkard, making sure the king could not see. Leo balanced himself using the chairs that lined the table and eventually made his way to Theobald.

Now, tell me about the state of my kingdom, Leo asked excitedly.

Theobald, after anxiously having to watch the King Leo make his way to him, cheerfully said, Where should we begin?

Soaring high above the steppe land, the eagle glided on the warm air currents looking for its next meal. The eternal battle between the small creatures of the land and the eagle in the air went unabated in the steppe lands just before the ascent to the Tan Kush mountains. A rabbit poked its head out of a burrow, checking whether it was safe to come out. It made its way out and went about scavenging for any kind of food it could find, constantly looking to the sky for any sign of danger. The steppe grass was lush this time of the year and more so the closer you go to the Tan Kush mountains.

After having chomped on some grass, the rabbit heard a sound coming from the air and started to hop back to its burrow. The sound got louder and louder as the rabbit neared its burrow and then there was a THUD! The arrow had missed the rabbit by a few inches and it quickly escaped into the hole, as the Flock horseman stroked his beard and galloped towards it. In one fell swoop the rider picked up the lodged arrow and rode on. The danger was not just from the sky, but from the land as well.

The red-bricked Ministry of Trade building was flanked by the Alchemist Academy and the Faculty of Performance Arts building, the similarity of the latter two confusing Apollonians for years. Each of the buildings had an emblem at the entrance, which had eroded over time making it indistinguishable to the untrained eye. It was even more difficult as both had chosen the mythical gryphon as its emblem, albeit the alchemists had chosen the creature to carry a beaker and the performing artist had chosen the harp.

One of the ways to tell the two buildings apart was to go through the path between the buildings, and very soon you would hear a musician sing at the top of their voice, which was not always a pleasant experience if you were too close. Judging by the damage to your ears, you would easily know which building was which. There was also the fact that the Alchemist Academy had a few lights on after hours, whereas the Faculty of Performance Arts was shut exactly on time with the students racing to the local bar to enjoy some mead.

The trade delegation from the neighbouring cities of Arkal and Vismar arrived, with both cavalcades trudging through the muddy streets of Apollonia. All three cities were part of the League of Trading Nations and there was an uneasy alliance between them with members constantly haggling over all manner of issues. The Great War between the three cities was almost a century ago and left unresolved issues with each side claiming victory, although they all knew there was no winner. It was a bitter and a hard-fought war which left deep mental scars on the participants which often came to the fore whenever members from the cities came together.

Countess Nisa of Arkal had recently come to power after the death of her husband whilst Grand Duke Jarloff of Vismar had just married for the third time. Rather than attend themselves, both sent their ambassadors to the upcoming trade meeting.

Making their way to the Ministry of Trade, the ambassadors were joined by Victor the unofficial guide of Apollonia. Already assigned the gatekeeper of the city, the extra responsibility for Victor was of no concern to him as he was a proud Apollonian. Victor was quick to point out the various landmarks providing the history and any other interesting facts concerning them. It was not so much that he was a smart person but rather, to pass the time from just opening and closing the city gates, he decided to learn more about his beloved city. His inspiration came in the form of a pamphlet which was thrown out of a passing carriage titled ‘Your Guide to Apollonia’, which contained all the relevant information a visitor would really need. Over time Victor embellished his accounts and never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Passing the Alchemist Academy and the Faculty of Performance Arts buildings, Victor prepared to cover his ears but was so engrossed in recounting the history behind the gryphon emblems, that he failed to cover his ears and to warn the delegates to do likewise.

Where is that awful racket coming from, are we passing the slaughterhouse? Ambassador Javin from Arkal shouted.

Sitting on the right-hand side of the carriage and being closer to the Performance Arts building, Victor did not fully hear the question and answered, Yes, this is the famed Faculty of Performance Arts buildings. Before he could continue, the carriages came to a screeching halt outside the Ministry of Trade building. As the delegates exited the carriage, they were approached by some bystanders who offered to help them dismount but were rudely told to stay away by Javin.

Hubert looked out from the trade building window and annoyed, said to Edith, Oh Pano, they are here already!

Edith had always been impressed with the efficiency of the people from Arkal and Vismar and replied, If only we could be as efficient. The councillors made their way down to greet the visitors and as Edith passed Victor, who was sat on the pavement scribbling some notes, she gave him a few coins for his service. Satisfied with his renumeration he headed back towards the city gates.

Welcome to Apollonia, I hope you had a pleasant journey, said Edith to the ambassadors, more out of politeness than to pose a question. I am councillor Edith and this is councillor Hubert.

Yes, it was good, ambassador Odal from Vismar replied. The people from Vismar were always considered to be well mannered and cheerful people and this could be seen across the face of the ambassador.

Does it ever stop raining in Apollonia? Javin, with a look of disdain, mockingly asked.

Last time I was in Arkal, it rained all day, Hubert was quick to respond.

You must have visited at the wrong time of year.

Edith sensed the tension in the air and gently moved Hubert aside. Hoping to move proceedings along, she suggested Let’s make our way inside, shall we.

The halls of the Ministry of Trade were graced by pictures and busts of the former heads of the ministry alongside notable contributors to trade in Apollonia. There was a large painting of Alvar the Grim who was officially stated as the first trade minister. He was in fact the first known explorer from Apollonia and was portrayed in his finest animal skin outfit alongside his gruffy looking companions. A few nervous looking and subdued tribal people were also included on the canvas.

Felicity Midsen was the first female head of the ministry and she was painted in all her natural finery, in the sense that there wasn’t much clothing to paint. She was heralded as a champion for women’s rights and during her time, she would wear or not wear whatever she felt like and Pano help those who looked at her inappropriately. Felicity became such a popular name for girls in Apollonia that parents started to name their daughters something akin to ‘Felicity Ackles Eastofriverpanch’.

As the ambassadors passed the painting of Felicity Midsen, Odal paused and stared at it.

She looks like Countess Nisa, said Odal observingly.

No lady from Arkal would ever be seen in such…such… responded Javin irked at the comparison made by Odal, before finding a suitable description, an atrocious attire, let alone the Countess herself.

Hubert had not taken a liking to the ambassador from Arkal and retorted, Well, it’s obvious you do not know your city so well. Last time I was in Arkal, after a night of trying some of your finest beer, I visited an establishment that had plenty of atrociously attired—

Once again Edith had to intervene and grabbed Hubert before he could finish his sentence. Hubert gave a cheeky grin to Javin, who could not hide his disgust at the comment. Before they all entered the main hall, Hubert whispered to Edith, Their beer is horrible just like—

Hubert stopped as Edith put her hands on her hips and gave him a look of frustration and said, Are you going to be like this all afternoon? Hubert made a motion of zipping his lips and followed Edith into the hall.

Harry the Homeless was arguably the most respected person in Apollonia, to the extent that people felt embarrassed to give him money feeling that it may be a form of disrespect. He was admired for his belief that ultimate freedom lay in not being attached to anything and that included a home. Everyone knew Harry and it was easy for him to survive on the streets of Apollonia, as he would just walk into an eatery and be given something to eat, often the special dish of the day. When it rained, Harry was given shelter but he loved sleeping out in the open under the starry skies of his beloved city and of course he was eagerly afforded a bath whenever he needed one.

After his offer of help was rudely declined by the trade delegation earlier, he made his way down to the River Panch. Harry was also the only known person to be able to eat the fish from the River Panch and survive and had just finished his meal when Tius and his friends approached him.

How’s it going, Harry? asked Tius.

I’ll tell ya, mate, the best fish in the world! Harry said as he wiped his mouth with his hands. Would have left some for ya if I knew you lot were coming down.

That’s very kind of you, Harry, a bit early for lunch, isn’t it? asked Meredith.

Well, some foreigners came and I offered to help but they told me to get lost. No manners I tell ya, so I came down to the river for an early lunch, responded Harry, following this up with a burp before continuing, I can still probably get some fish for ya, if you want?

Maybe next time Harry, Tius quickly replied, as Harry was starting to make his way further down the river in anticipation of receiving a ‘yes’ response. Who were these foreigners?

I don’t know, they spoke funny, said Harry.

Did they sound like this, said Meredith in a Vismarian accent.

Jupiter squeezed past Tius and Meredith and said, "They don’t sound like