Rewriting the Rules

By Steven D. Brewer

Abandoned by the nobility, everything goes wrong for Revin and he makes a run for it, ready to give up all hope. But when confronted with the choice he must make, will his heart lead him true?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Water Dragon Publishing
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781959804987

Steven D. Brewer

Steven D. Brewer has been a fan of science fiction and fantasy stories for as long as he can remember. He still remembers getting scolded for not reading chapter books in fourth grade because he was avidly consuming The Hobbit late at night, by flashlight under his covers. And he probably got his copy from his older brother and most important mentor.As an author, Steven identifies diverse obsessions that underlie his writing. His early interest in natural history, life science, and environmentalism he learned from his father, an ecologist and ornithologist. He attributes seeing his mother study German for his abiding passion for languages that led him to major in Spanish (as well as Biology) and subsequently learn Esperanto and use it for international correspondence and travel. His fascination with Japanese culture grew from writing haiku and haibun in Esperanto. And his mania for information technology and the Internet led him back to graduate school where he earned a Masters in Earth Science and a PhD in Science Education.His scattered interests led to an eclectic employment history. He did farm work and food service growing up in southwest Michigan. He has worked as a large-animal caretaker, an archeological faunal analyst, a hunter of the fastest lizards in the world, a gas-station attendant, a bilingual teacher’s aide for a migrant-worker education program, and an edutainer with live animals and a portable planetarium. For the past quarter century, he has served as a non-tenure-system faculty member in higher education.Steven currently teaches scientific writing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with his extended family.

Book preview

Rewriting the Rules

Book Seven of Revin's Heart

Steven D. Brewer

Copyright © 2023 by Steven D. Brewer

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, except for the purpose of review and/or reference, without explicit permission in writing from the publisher.

Cover design copyright © 2023 by Niki Lenhart

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Published by Water Dragon Publishing

waterdragonpublishing.com

978-1-959804-98-7 (EPUB)

FIRST EDITION

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Author’s Note

Revin's Heart is my debut work as a new author. When I first wrote The Third Time's the Charm, I had a sense for the larger world in which it was set, but I had not fully plotted out where the story would go. Having the opportunity to tell the rest of the story has been immensely gratifying. But I could not have done it without support of many people.

I'm grateful to my editor Steven Radecki who gave me enough to rope to … No, who trusted me enough to commit to publishing the rest of the series having seen only the first two parts. I have learned a vast amount — and have had a huge amount of fun — writing the rest of the series with the support and partnership of him and Water Dragon Publishing.

I need to also acknowledge the enthusiastic cheerleading of my review team, in particular Francesca Forrest and Martha Allard, who've read the episodes as they've come out and provided unflagging support and encouragement.

I would be remiss to not also mention my brother Philip and my son Daniel who are my trusted beta readers. They read my earliest manuscripts, while they're still sketchy, to help me identify problems with story structure and pacing. And to offer both helpful comments and unfailing mockery.

And there's my mom, Lucy, who reads everything I write if only to tell me how everything I do is perfect. Though even she admits that some things are more perfect than others.

And my wife Alisa. She won't read anything I write, but is always supportive and helps manage my life so that I have the time and attention to devote to my new career as an author.

Finally, thank you to you — all my devoted readers and fans — for coming with me on this adventure!

Rewriting the Rules

Revin arrived promptly at 6 bells at the antechamber of the king in response to a summons. He went to surrender his sword, like usual, but they just waved him straight through. He had typically waited for hours before being admitted to the King’s presence but he was ushered instantly into a dressing room where the King stood, being fitted for a fresh military uniform.

He motioned Revin to enter. Revin stood at attention.

Do you wish a report on the peace talks, Your Majesty? Revin asked.

I regret, Sir Revin, the King began. That I need to communicate something of importance to you.

Revin leaned forward, all attention.

While you have been pursuing peace, the Kingdom has been preparing for war, the King said. This morning, our full armies have launched an assault on Havelock.

What? Revin said, dumbfounded.

It was obvious they had intended to attack Harway from the beginning. I couldn’t let that pass.

So … Revin said, grasping for thoughts. So my entire effort has been a diversion? You used me to pretend to offer peace only while you gathered your forces for an attack?

Once we took the eternite mine, the King said. It was a foregone conclusion we would be at war. I received word this morning that the mine has been taken and is ours. Upon that notice, I ordered our armed forces to attack in full.

Revin just stood there, mute. Then he felt his face flush as his anger began to rise.

I’m sorry if you feel deceived, Sir Revin, the King said. But once Havelock attacked us, there was really no path forward but war.

"Then what are your