The Champion of Inferius: New Paladin Order

By Michelle Cromwell and Mark Cromwell

In the heart of a world shrouded in mystery and magic, "The Champion of Inferius" invites you on an unforgettable journey. This epic fantasy short story, penned with a masterful blend of suspense and intrigue, will transport you to the realm of Lacopolis, a land where the line between good and evil is blurred, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Our hero, Lila, a young woman turned gladiator, finds herself thrust into a desperate quest for justice. It is more than a story of good versus evil. It's a tale of sacrifice and courage, of love and loss, and the lengths one will go to protect what they hold dear. As Lila's journey unfolds, readers will find themselves questioning their own notions of power and morality.

Will Lila rise to the challenge and thwart her true enemy's nefarious plans? Can love truly save a world on the precipice of destruction? Descend into "The Champion of Inferius" to uncover these answers and more. This epic fantasy short story, brimming with captivating lore and thrilling twists, is a must-read for fans of the genre. Prepare to be enthralled.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kenneth Cromwell
• Release date: Jul 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223301868

Book preview

Lila, hurry!

Lila knew today her life would change forever.

When Jericho asked her to go with him to the coliseum to watch the dawn, her heart had leapt. She had said yes, even though it was a holy day. Even now, her family was at the Chapel of the First Dawn with hundreds of others, giving praise to Avum, waiting for the first rays of light. Never had she missed this sacred rite.

The city had abandoned the coliseum for a century. For a tragically brief time, Manicor’s Coliseum hosted gladiatorial fights with beasts and fighters from across Medias. Transformed into a peaceful refuge, it had become the preferred meeting place for lovers.

She ascended the dusty stairs of the faded yet still awe-inspiring coliseum, a reminder of what was lost in the Great Fall of Lacopolis. The two were alone in the vast structure, for dawn had not yet risen upon the dome on this special holy day. She tried to envision the terror the citizens of Lacopolis must have felt a century ago, trapped in darkness when the city was cast under the lake, and the joy they must have felt when the dome shone forth a new sun for them.

Why, Jericho? She panted.

I want to show you something!

Lila looked up at her paramour and gave him an exasperated look. What?

You’ll just have to come and find out! he teased. Then he bounded ahead, jumping between the steeply set rows of seats like a goat.

Lila swore under her breath. She could have chosen anyone to be involved with. She had to choose a madman. A madman who got her up at the crack of dawn to scuttle around this marvelous monstrosity when she should be at the Chapel with the rest of her family. Lila had told her mother that she had been called on a patrol for the guardsman of Tera. Her last words to her mother that morning were a lie.

Jericho knew Lila loved the coliseum. She had been obsessed as a child. Her father had taken her there, retelling his grandfather’s tales of gladiatorial matches. Lila dreamed of being a gladiator and fighting great battles against thieves, murderers, and great and terrible beasts. She had taken up a short sword and a trident and become master of them. It was only natural that she joined the Teran watch and became a sergeant-of-arms. Jericho had joined her.

She struggled over weeds and vines growing amongst the seating and finally caught up to him. They had finally reached the highest tier. Jericho led her through a hidden passageway, finally emerging into a little nook that offered panoramic views of the dawn in the east and the Chapel to the west. What is it?

Look, we’re just in time! We can see dawn rise on Lacopolis all the way from Inferius to Primus! He waved an arm around. All the times Lila had been here, training, or walking the corridors, she had never seen this miracle that Avum had granted them.

Above them towered Primus and the Celestial Cathedral seemingly untouched from the cataclysm of the Great Fall. Below them lay the ruins of Inferius, ringed by orchards of cornucopia trees. Not one building was untouched by the cataclysm. Above all was the magnificent dome that Avum created, providing heat, light, and air. While it had saved them from the wrath of Aten, it had also imprisoned them.

She held a hand to her side and tried to regain her breath. Her argument with her mother had taken far too long. They had barely made it. The first light of dawn was breaking upon the surface of the dome. They watched as the light of the dome illuminated all in a golden glow.

Lila imagined being there, a century ago, with the ageless and undying wizard-priest Master Sternthorne. The city was in a near total darkness. He had gathered the terrified survivors at the Chapel of the Sun and bid them to gaze to the east. As if by command, a brilliant light rose, bringing the light, warmth, and love of Avum to all. He had commanded the city ever since.

We should pray, said Lila as the light from the dome granted Lacopolis another day. Lila began to sing:

"In the embrace of Avum's dome, dawn found its way,

Lacopolis stirred, as night turned to day.

A sun born of grace, from Avum's hand,

Shone resolutely over