The Curse of Revenge: An Ancient Legends Prequel: Ancient Legends

By Lauren Lee Merewether

Uncover the origins of Thruna, the woman from Thrace, who captured the heart of the titan Oceanus and became the Tethys of Greek legend.

 

This novella is a series prequel for the Ancient Legends collection, a family saga surrounding the origins of Greek mythology and its true place in history. The series begins with the award-winning story, The Curse of Beauty.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LLMBooks Publishing
• Release date: Feb 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9781737905035

Book preview

The Curse of Revenge

The Curse of Revenge

An Ancient Legends Prequel Story

Lauren Lee Merewether

LLMBooks PublishingLLMBooks Publishing Logo

Copyright © 2022 by Lauren Lee Merewether. All rights reserved.

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, people, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The opinions expressed are those of the characters and should not be confused with the author’s. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

While the author has taken great lengths to ensure sensitive subject matters are dealt with  compassionately and respectfully, they may be troubling for some readers. This book contains violence and adult themes. For permissions, to visit the author’s website, or report a pirated copy, visit: www.laurenleemerewether.com

ISBN: 978-1-737905035 (eBook)

ISBN: 979-8402967007 (paperback)

Contents

1. The Curse of Disobedience

2. The Curse of Choice

3. The Curse of False Promises

4. The Curse of Empathy

5. The Curse of Prophecy

6. The Curse of Revenge

A Look Into the Past

Glossary

About the Author

Also By Lauren Lee Merewether

Map of Ancient Greece

Men regard it as their right to return evil for evil and, if they cannot, feel they have lost their liberty.

Aristotle, 384 BC - 322 BC

Chapter 1

The Curse of Disobedience

Thrace, 1673 BC

Y ou were destined for honor and greatness! King Agriani’s roar defeated the royal soldier's proud shoulders as they shrunk back from his rage. Yet you stain yourself? The disgust flipped off of his tongue, much like the wind flipped the royal tent flap back and forth.

Thruna’s sharp gaze snapped toward the King, and she lifted her chin in disrespect. "I did not stain myself, Father," she said—her tone cold. Her face remained expressionless, unamused by his antics. Her black-dyed wool tunic made the paleness of her skin paler.

"You were supposed to be a virgin bride for the King of Hatti. You were supposed to use the knowledge I gave you on war and strategy to gain his favor." His fist pounded his bronze framed throne in rapid succession. The gold inlaid within its frame reflected the flame of the soft oil lamps against the flaxen sun-bleached weave of the grand tent.

She yawned before she shook her long red hair with a wide shake of her head. The silky locks danced in the inner chamber's soft light, drawing a few soldiers' eyes. Then I was to kill him—yes, I know. But you do not need me. You could already take his land by marching in with our fierce warriors. The Hatti are a weak tribe.

Her father's face matched the color of her fiery waves. They live in the mountains across the channel, and we must go there by boat. They will not be easily taken. He threw the prophetess a glance, who stood in the back corner and observed the debacle.

For a warrior king? Thruna huffed and shrugged her shoulder. She turned her head to her lover, kneeling beside her before the throne. Cae could have led our united tribes into conquering such lands. He has already led the raids on the wood-and-copper rich mountains in the West many times.

It is the only reason he is still alive, King Agriani spat from between his teeth.

Thruna dipped her chin and set a deathly glare upon her father. I have chosen my mate, and it is not the King of Hatti.

Her father leaned back in his throne as she continued speaking.

I am the daughter of the King. Shall I not fight for a choice in marriage as is the custom of our tribe?

He narrowed his eyes as she spoke more.

You deny me the courtesy shown to every other woman,—her voice tingled with envy and grew with passion—"yet I am your daughter? You should grant me more."

He snapped his fingers. The prophetess came and knelt before him, unrolling her cloth of dead things: an eagle for air, a small hare for earth, and a trout—marbled in its scales—for water.

The divine's table, the prophetess whispered.

Thruna shut her mouth and bowed her head—as did Cae—in reverence of the goddess' presence among them. The prophetess placed her forehead on her hands folded on the dirt floor. The wooden dais on which the King sat shook as he stood and widened his stance.

Daughter, let us ask the Great Mother Goddess once more what your purpose shall be. I do not wish to anger her again by asking a second time.

You had only asked when I was born, not when I became a woman.

So much time wasted with you. He shook his head before he faced the prophetess.

Thruna lifted her gaze and