Aqatain, The Last War, The Prequel: The Last War, #0

By Sylvie Grayson

Aqatain the First created an empire. Is Aqatain the Second about to destroy it?

A stunning prequel to the popular Last War series from best-selling author Sylvie Grayson.

Second waited years to take his father's place as Emperor. Now he'll rule the territories his way. He has a son with his mistress. A son with his wife. His own hareem, and his own army. He's convinced he can do anything he wants.

Then he encounters Jenna, a counsellor's daughter, and immediately falls into lust. Why can't he have her, too? After all, he's the Emperor. But General Romero Regiment spotted Jenna at the same time, and determines to pursue his interest. Jenna, however, has plans of her own. She meets Sergeant Ryall Norcross of the empire military and the two fall in love. With determination, Norcross sets out to make her his own. He soon finds himself in opposition to his own commanding officer, and the supreme ruler of the Empire.

Second has a bevy of counsellors to obey his orders and help manage the empire, none of whom dare to question his demands. So as he sets out to capture Jenna, what could possibly go wrong? Yet, when rebellion arises south of Headquarters, his rage knows no limits. As the insurgency gains support throughout the Empire, it swiftly heads out of control. Second has to set aside his pleasures and lead his military into war. Will he be able to save his father's Empire, or is it already too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sylvie Grayson
• Release date: Dec 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781989491133

Sylvie Grayson

About the author Sylvie Grayson has published romantic suspense novels, Suspended Animation, Legal Obstruction, and The Lies He Told Me, all full of tension and attraction, about strong women who meet with dangerous odds, stories of tension and attraction. She has also written The Last War series, a romantic sci/fi - fantasy set to be released in 2015. She has been an English language instructor, a nightclub manager, an auto shop bookkeeper and a lawyer. She lives in southern British Columbia with her husband on a small piece of land near the Pacific Ocean that they call home, when she's not travelling the world looking for adventure. Sylvie loves to hear from her readers. You can learn more at her website – http:/sylviegrayson.com or reach her at         [e-mail]

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Sylvie Grayson

Aqatain, The Last War: The Prequel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author or publisher.

Copyright © 2022 by Sylvie Grayson

All rights reserved.

Excerpt from THE LAST WAR, Book Two, copyright ©2015 by Sylvie Grayson

For information write to

Great Western Publishing at

[e-mail]

ISBN: 978-1-989491-13-3

Great Western Publishing is a trademark of Sylvie Grayson.

Cover art by Steven Novak  [e-mail]

Books by Sylvie Grayson

Romantic suspense in a sci/fi fantasy world

THE LAST WAR series

Khandarken Rising, Book One

Son of the Emperor, Book Two

Truth and Treachery, Book Three

Weapon of Tyrants, Book Four

Prince of Jiran, Book Five

Banderos, Book Six

The Sovereign, Book Seven

Romantic suspense

Lies He Told Me, Book One

Rain Man, Lies He Told, Book Two

Don’t Move, Lies He Told, Book Three

Game Plan, Lies He Told, Book Four

Stand alone

Suspended Animation

Legal Obstruction

Dead Wrong

False Confession

My Best Mistake

Historical

Prairie Storm

Moon Shine

Praise for Sylvie Grayson's books

I've been reading Sylvie Grayson - can't seem to put them down. How do you come up with these exciting mysteries? Very fun reading!!

Suspended Animation

Wow! This book is amazing, its very well written and the characters are very well developed. This is my first book by Sylvie Grayson and it won't be my last. I was hooked from the first page and this book was very hard to put down.

Interesting characters, family conflicts and divided loyalties make this a book that kept me up half the night

Legal Obstruction

I loved this book! I’ve found my new favorite author.

Emily is a fiercely professional woman who is on her own and determined to protect her little family. Joe is a solitary guy who often doesn’t deal with problems until they are front and center. But boy does Emily wake him up and does he take notice. Add in a wildcard assistant and a few unsavory characters and I was up all night finishing the book to find out what happens.

The Lies He Told Me

If you are a fan of the heartwarming craftiness and domesticity of a Debbie McComber romance, and the intense intrigues of Sandra Brown, you’ll enjoy the writing style of Sylvie Grayson; where the bad guys are not heartless, and the good guys are virtually flawless.

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Khandarken Rising, The Last War: Book One

The General of Khandarken sends his son, Dante, to investigate the situation. When Dante meets the lovely Beth she eyes him with suspicion. But he won’t stop until he solves the tangle of motives, fueled by greed, which threaten Beth and her family. I enjoyed this book very much. The well-developed characters and sensuous love scenes make this a page turner. I look forward to reading Book Two and Book Three

... this story is one of a kind in its own and couldn't be truly compared to anything but itself. It has so many unique characteristics to it. The personal relationships are intriguing and different from many other fictional relationships. The names are cool, the plot gets thicker with each page, and I loved the author's style. It became evident that I was addicted to reading the book once I was sad to be finished. I'm going to give this a strong recommendation. It's my kind of book.

Son of the Emperor, The Last War: Book Two

I am a big fan of The Last War series. I loved Book One, the story of Major Dante Regiment and Beth Farmer. The dystopian world Grayson has created, where women are scarce and Clones are used to replace them, where the Emperor has finally been defeated but his son takes up the fight,  just gets better in this second book. ...Thrills  abound on the race to freedom and home. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for Book Three. Grayson has great imagination, the fantasy series is awesome.

Truth and Treachery, The Last War: Book Three

4 stars - Format: Paperback

Ok, this series is just getting better and better. The increasing complexity of the characters and the development of lead characters is a pleasure to read. The plot, with its twists and turns, intrigue and adventure, is a real joy. If you liked the first two books in The Last War series (and, seriously, that's the place to start before reading this book - it's worth doing) then you will love this book.

Weapon of Tyrants, The Last War: Book Four

4 stars

The Last War has been a truly excellent series so far, and Weapon of Tyrants is staying strong. Exciting, full of intrigue and adventure, wonderfully developed strong lead characters with a great supporting cast, neat world-building and excellent writing. I mean, what more can you ask for? You do need to start with book 1 in this series, but it too was excellent so you can't go wrong, and I can guarantee you'll have a ball with this one when you reach it.

Prince of Jiran, The Last War: Book Five

I was surprised and completely enthralled! I haven’t read a book like this ever. I could not put it down. You fall in love with prince Shandro and princess China Who against all odds fall in love. Their long journey and the difficulties with Judson set this up partner from most other books. This is a book you’ll love and have to read from beginning to end without putting it down!. Very highly recommended!

Banderos, The Last War: Book Six

As with the other five novels in the Last War series, the descriptive narratives of their world, and of the characters and their family groups are terrific. Each of these can be read as a Stand Alone with a HEA! However, there are so many fine characters that build upon their inter-relationships, I urge you to start with the first book and read each one successively, as I have done. I was hooked with the first story

DEDICATION

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I am blessed with wonderful support that has enabled me to write. To my husband, who gives me the freedom to work but is always ready to listen, read and lend a hand with difficult passages. To my children who had faith in me and helped with their support and practical suggestions, the choosing of titles and cover art. To Lara and Nicole, who both inspired me in choosing the cover design, to Nicole for drawing the maps and creating my author photo.

To my critique group who all supported me to polish the words for publication, my many thanks.

Any errors or omissions are mine alone.

Sylvie Grayson

www.sylviegrayson.com

Aqatain

THE LAST WAR:

The prequel

Sylvie Grayson

Map Description automatically generated

Characters in this book

Aida, companion to Jenna Birnbaum

Aqatain the Second, Emperor

Aqatain the First, Aqatain’s father

Banderos, rules part of the Unclaimed Territory

Bender, Captain in the military

Birnbaum, Hamill, Counsellor for Aqatain II, silver hair, bright blue eyes, Jenna’s father

Birnbaum, Ivanna, Hammill’s wife, Jenna’s mother, her companion is Macy, recovering from the black skin dots

Birnbaum, Jenna, daughter of Hammill and Ivanna, just returned from college in the City in Central, companion is Aida

Carlton, Aqatain’s son by wife Sita, beats up on other boys at military school

Counsellor Birnbaum, for Aqatain

Counsellor McGrath, for Aqatain

Cowden, see Lanser

Dante, see Regiment

Empress, Sita, Aqatain the Second’s wife, mother of Carlton

General Cooper of military

General Walsh, last general

Gus, sidekick of Norcross

Irenie, a companion of Empress Sita

Jukes, working with Paulo Regiment in the rebellion

Lanser, Cownden, son of Second and Jessalyn Lanser

Lanser, Jessalyn, sister of Judson Lanser, mistress of Second

Lanser, Judson, brother of Jessalyn, becomes Advisor to Aqatain the Second

Macy, companion for Ivanna Birnbaum

Mallatrat, enforcer and cleaner for Aqatain II

Marian, a member of the hareem

Marshall, comrade of Carlton

Master, Harold, runs the Senior School near the City

Maude, Lieutenant Colonel Frank, works under General Romero Regiment

Moore, Emmerson, professor of chemicals at Senior School in the City in Central

Nocross, Sindell, father to Sergeant Norcross

Norcross, Ryall, Sergeant, assistant to General Romero Regiment

Norcross, Zane, Ryall’s deceased brother, also Ryall’s son

Paulo, see Regiment

Pittman, in charge of rebellion in Sommerset

Regiment, Dante, Paulo’s younger son

Regiment, General Romero, older brother of Paulo

Regiment, Paulo, Major, younger brother of Romero

Regiment, Virgil, older son of Paulo

Romero, see Regiment

Ross, working for Bender at entrance to Helmcken trail

Sakaguchi, buddy of Carlton at military school

Sandy, in hareem

Second, Aqatain the Second, Emperor

Shafoneur, Amroliwala, is the young leader of the Shafoneur tribe

Sita, see Empress

Suchet, working with Paulo Regiment

Tessa, an older member of Second’s hareem

Van Horne, aide to Aqatain II

Van Sant, Private in army

Virgil, see Regiment

Yannick, sidekick of Norcross

Zane, see Norcross

Prologue

A few years earlier—

In the flying snow, Aqatain the Second pulled his cape around him and huddled against the side of his mount where they stood in the dense woods. The horse shifted and he cursed under his breath as he pressed closer, seeking its warmth. The wind had picked up and he’d never have suggested meeting here if he’d known how cold it was. Blinking rapidly to clear his vision and rid his lashes of snowflakes, he finally spotted a horse approaching through the storm. It appeared to be an old work horse, plodding slowly between the trees, a bulky figure hunched in the saddle, the snow almost invisible against the white hair of the rider.

This was exactly how Mallatrat operated—hiding in plain sight. He did his best to avoid attracting attention. Another man might wear a formal uniform with polished brass buttons, but Mallatrat wore the oldest worn leather jacket he could find, with rips and scuffed spots marking it up. Second often wondered what his family had been like, never having met anyone related to him. This man was his fixer, the person Second turned to when he needed to make things happen or problems disappear. And today was exactly about that—a meeting to make a problem vanish.

Mallatrat, he greeted him, as the horse drew to a stop. The man dismounted awkwardly as if he seldom rode a horse, gripping the saddle horn to prevent himself from falling, when Second knew he was a trained and accomplished rider.

Second snorted. You don’t have to go overboard. I happen to know how well you can ride.

A slight smile flitted across Mallatrat’s weathered features, a rare event indeed. Just using the opportunity to practice my technique, he muttered as if to himself.

Aqatain gazed off into the wind-whipped snowflakes, holding onto his temper. He found he had to do that a lot these days. His anger might just be his undoing if he couldn’t keep it under control. He was impatient, demanding, sarcastic – if you believed Ospina, his mother. She seemed to spend her time trailing after him, cajoling and reprimanding in equal measure. He couldn’t wait for things to change, had no patience with his current situation. That’s why he’d arranged this meeting.

Glancing back, he realized Mallatrat was waiting for him to speak, shifting his feet impatiently. It’s too cold to stand here if you aren’t in the mood to tell me why you asked for this meeting, Mallatrat said, his deep voice booming from his chest.

Keep your voice down, Second snapped, looking quickly about. I’ll tell you why I’ve called you. It’s time to put our plan into action. I have no patience to wait a moment longer.

Mallatrat stared, unblinking, as he seemed to process that statement. We agreed there would have to be firefight to carry out our plan.

Second shrugged. I know. But there isn’t a fight looming that I can see, and I’m unable to delay further.

Mallatrat stilled, turning his head into the blowing snow. Finally he squared his shoulders and shifted his stance. So, what you are saying is, you’re leaving it in my hands to handle this.

Second blinked. Uh, yeah. That’s what I’m saying. He hated it when he sounded indecisive, and he narrowed his eyes to glare at Mallatrat in an attempt to give him the idea it was his fault he sounded that way.

The fixer gave a decisive nod. Fine. I’ll be in touch. He bounded into the saddle with much more skill than he’d shown while dismounting, and rode off at a trot. That horse wasn’t as old and tired as Second had first assumed.

~~~~

By the time Aqatain the Second had paid a visit to his mistress, darkness was falling and the snow blew faster. He rode to headquarters in time to find a regal coach waiting in the entry and his fianc e putting on a cloak over her formal robe as his mother bade her farewell. Oh, Second, Ospina said. I couldn’t reach you to let you know Sita was paying a visit.

Second brushed the snow from his shoulders and bowed formally over Sita’s small hand. Good afternoon, my dear, he intoned. I’m sorry I wasn’t home when you called. This woman was a high-ranking member of the Empire elite and they were to be married shortly. Just one more nail in his Emperor’s throne. His stomach didn’t rebel at the sight of her, but nor did she fire the blood in his veins. But even once married, he could still enjoy himself elsewhere. It simply meant he would have legitimate children as well as small bastards like Cownden, his eldest son.

Just then, a small posse of military arrived outside the entry and there was shifting and loud bellowing as men dismounted and horses reared. Second whirled, gazing through the plexi to try to determine what was happening, as Ospina put her hand over her mouth in alarm. Second waved the women away and the house staff herded them down the hall to the private quarters while Second forced the entry doors open and strode out into the driving snow.

What is the meaning of this? he barked. You are upsetting Empress Ospina.

The first soldier strode forward. Emperor, he said. There has been an incident... I mean, an event has occurred. He blinked rapidly in the fierce wind as a second man came up behind him and placed a calming hand on his shoulder.

Emperor Aqatain, the second man declared. Your father has been killed. They are transporting him here as we speak.

Second stared into the man’s eyes in shock at being addressed in this fashion, yet reading the truth there. Mallatrat had acted exceedingly fast.

Aqatain staggered slightly, moved to the side of the entry, and vomited quietly into the snow.

Chapter One

In the Southern territory, Emperor Aqatain the Second stalked across the playing field, a cape of wolf skin flaring open as he moved, bodyguards positioned at his sides. His hair had been heavily waxed and combed back from his forehead, nose hairs clipped, eyebrows carefully groomed. The HeadBall Games were about to commence here in Sommerset, the headquarters of his Empire, but they dare not begin play before his formal arrival. Today the Northern Team faced Central. He preferred it when the Southern Team played. They represented his Empire more closely than any of these other heathens, and he always rooted for them to win.

But Southern would play later today. Their first game would be against the winners of this morning’s faceoff. He’d ordered it to be organized that way—the Southern team would be fresh for their encounter in the afternoon, while their opponents would be tired after the first game. The sky was clear, the morning clouds having dissipated. The grass of the ball field had been given a close cut in the early morning, and now the boundaries of the playing field were clearly drawn with lines of white talc from the Hawker Hills talc mines.

He glanced up the stands to where his wife, Sita, dressed in a formal robe with sapphires encrusted around the throat and down the front lapels, waited patiently on the seventh tier for him to join her. Their seats were already surrounded by members of the political elite who supported him in all he did. Most of his Counsellors and their families were already here, spread out on the sixth tier below Aqatain’s throne. Some of the military were attending as well, although the majority were in other parts of the Empire doing their duty. General Romero Regiment looked very formal in his dress uniform, conversing politely with the Empress. When he spotted Aqatain approaching across the field, he bowed to Sita and moved off to take his seat with a couple of other army types. Major Frank Maude and one of the sergeants shifted over to make room as he joined them on the sixth tier.

Aqatain climbed the steps and settled himself on the Big Chair before removing his heavy cape. The animal skin robe was formal and provided an impressive display, but was much too warm for the season. He laid it across his wife’s shoulders in a show of courtesy, although he knew she hated the smell that emanated from the skins. She glowered up at him and he smiled fondly back at her.

Now that he was properly seated, there was no further reason to delay the play. The horn blew and both teams raced into position on the field below. Excitement stirred amongst the attendees in the stands. These may not be his favourite teams, but the action in any HeadBall game was lively enough to keep him engaged. The horn blew again and the match commenced.

Immediately, two opposing players clashed and one had to be carried from the field on a stretcher, knocked out cold. He chuckled. It nearly always started this way. That’s what made the games so thrilling. Aqatain settled in for an entertaining morning.

A few minutes later, to his great annoyance, he noticed his bodyguards standing below on the first tier of the stands, waving and frowning up at something behind him. Then General Regiment turned to have a look and leaped to his feet at what he saw. He ran up the steps, followed by the other military men. There were thundering footsteps, then some thumping and bumping ensued, punctuated by shouts and grunts.

Aqatain maintained his composure, motioning for his guards to climb the stairs and take care of the situation. No one should be higher than the Emperor in these stands anyway, and they certainly shouldn’t be interrupting the play below. What were they thinking? He’d have their heads, just not right now. The game continued on the field before him, the Central team slowly pulling ahead as play stopped while more Northern players were carried off the field. They were quickly replaced by other men who waited eagerly on the benches for their turn to engage.

Now it looked like the Southern Empire team would be playing Central this afternoon. That would be all right. Central hadn’t won these games in several years, the teams they fielded just didn’t measure up to what South produced. And the Northern team had little discipline, so seldom did well in the rankings.

Regiment had reappeared beside him. Aqatain turned his head as the General leaned in near his ear to speak. His face was flushed and he sported a burgeoning bruise on his jaw. Emperor, he said in a low voice, glancing anxiously toward Sita. There were three insurgents who must have climbed the scaffolding behind and were approaching your throne from the back. You can be assured the men have been taken away by the guards, but you need to be extra vigilant. I think we should replace your bodyguards. Perhaps they are not as reliable or attentive as needed in such uncertain times of unrest.

Aqatain frowned. These might be times of unrest but Regiment didn’t get to decide that, he did. He waved the General away and turned back to the game.

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Chapter Two

General Romero Regiment stepped down the tiers to the playing field, Sergeant Ryall Norcross, his assistant, at his heels. The game was over, Central Empire having defeated Northern by three goals. Northern was a team of ferocious players, so the result was surprising, but Central had a new group of coaches this year, and obviously someone had stepped up with a better game plan than in previous years.

He glanced behind him at Colonel Frank Maude who had followed them out of the stands. Good game? He raised his brows.

Maude grinned. Not bad. I have to admit... and here he leaned in and lowered his voice, ...I always root for the Central team.

Norcross bellowed a laugh and Regiment grinned.

I’m in your camp, Maude, Norcross said. Just don’t tell anyone else.

Regiment nodded. My nephews might be on their team in a few years. Virgil is already fifteen.

Norcross folded his arms. What do you think those men were doing, climbing the scaffolding behind us?

Maude sobered as they both turned to Regiment, who shrugged his shoulders. I think they were after the Emperor. It’s not as if we haven’t seen activity like that before.

Norcross nodded. Yah, but it hasn’t been so blatant in the past.

The insurgents are getting more desperate, Maude muttered and stepped out of the way as more people descended the tiers to head across the field. Aqatain was hosting a luncheon for the nobility today and most of the occupants of this stand of seats had been invited to the event.

Maude and Norcross walked on as Regiment turned his head to greet one of Aqatain’s Counsellors. Morning, Birnbaum. He gave a respectful nod, then noticed the young woman who walked with the man, seemingly attached to his arm. He couldn’t remember the Counsellor’s wife but thought this woman would be too young for that role. She wore a formal linen robe, glitters attached to the collar and around the hem. Birnbaum waved toward her. Morning, General. This is my daughter, Jenna. Jenna, meet General Romero Regiment.

Romero gave a deep bow. Pleased to meet you, Ms. Did you enjoy the HeadBall game?

She dropped a quick curtsey, tugging her robe to the side, then wrinkled her nose in a mischievous expression as she pushed a strand of pale gold hair behind her ear. Not too much, she replied in a light voice. It was very violent.

Her father laughed quietly. Yah, it’s certainly that. And don’t worry, the violence will ramp up noticeably before the games are done.

Romero smiled, watching the impish expression on her face. It always does. Perhaps these games are not for you, Ms. Perchance there are other entertainments that might better suit.

She gave him a brilliant smile and, to his astonishment, his chest tightened dramatically. Do you live in Sommerset, Ms? he asked, driven to know more about her. I don’t believe we’ve met before.

Oh, I’ve just returned home. Mother sent me to the Senior School in the City, Central Empire. I graduated last month.

I see. Well done. He glanced at Counsellor Birnbaum, who raised his brows.

It wasn’t my idea, the man said.

Jenna tapped her father lightly on the shoulder. But you knew it was a good idea, Da. It’s the best educational school in the Empire.

Birnbaum bowed his head in acknowledgement.

Romero waved toward the Great Hall at the Emperor’s Headquarters in the distance. Are you joining us for lunch?

Yes, we are. The Counsellor nodded. However, I need to return home to bring my wife. She had a previous engagement this morning that prevented her attending the game. He looked expectantly at Romero.

He nodded. May I escort your daughter in to lunch while you run your errand?

That would be perfect. He peeled her hand off his arm and handed her over as if delivering a package. Thank you, Regiment. I won’t be long, he said, patting Jenna’s shoulder.

We will secure two seats for your wife and yourself, sir.

Birnbaum walked off, the light wind playing with his silver hair.

Romero extended his arm as he looked into Jenna’s face. Shall we proceed? It shouldn’t be hard to secure a table with four vacant seats. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll have my men evict some people to clear the space.

He watched her eyes crinkle at the corners as she laughed at his joke, and felt that same unfamiliar tightness fill his chest.

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Chapter Three

Her personal aide at her side, Sita watched the