First Crossing: Marixian Empire: Tales from History, #1

By Matthew Luke

Nasee tether desei - Arrogance is a gift from the gods.

 

A short story from the history of the Marixian Empire.

 

Marix, now a sprawling city at the heart of an empire was not always so thriving. In its early days it was little more than a trading post between great city states. But through the vision of Reparten Decissus, and the cunning of Rexus Oreothus, this outpost rose through chaos and rivers of blood to become an evergrowing, all encompassing empire. 

 

Travel back to the beginning when Reparten took the reins of his father's business and embarked upon his first trip across the desert as the leader of a caravan, at his side the young and ambitious Rexus, leader of the new mercenary group, The Broken Company. To reach their destination, Laresk, the exotic trading city across the desert, they must manage the dangers of raiders and competition, as well as the desert itself. 

 

First Crossing is the first short epic fantasy story based on the history of The Marixian Empire by master storyteller, Matthew Luke. Set four hundred years before the Marixian Empire books, this series is a great introduction to the world. Suspense, cunning and violence, begin your adventures in The Marixian Empire here.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matthew Luke
• Release date: Sep 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215955123

Matthew Luke

Let Matthew Luke draw you into worlds of darkness and horror, grim determination laced with brutality, or enchant you with humorous fantasy and light-hearted musings. The depths you descend when you engage with the dark, masterly written series: Dargen can only be matched with the light humour of the fantasy world of Morel, or at least tempered by the raw brutality of The Marixian Empire. Whatever your reading or genre preference may be, Matthew Luke is certain to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Book preview

First Crossing

Marixian Empire: Tales from History, Volume 1

Matthew Luke

Published by Matthew Luke, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

FIRST CROSSING

First edition. September 3, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Luke.

Written by Matthew Luke.

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Marixian Empire: Tales from History, Volume 1 – First Crossing

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Marixian Empire: Tales from History, Volume 1 – First Crossing

‘C an’t do it Reparten , I’m sorry’ he said, casually sipping his wine from a finely carved wooden cup. The wine was poor but the best that could be found in the small trading post that was Marix at that time of year. The wood, however, was of the highest quality. An oily wood shipped from the southern forests. It was smooth to the touch with a unique aroma that accented whatever beverage it held.

Reparten licked his lips as he sat back in his chair, considering the rebuff. A light breeze toyed with the edges of the cotton sheet spread out above for protection from the afternoon sun, though it did little to cool the ardent anger swelling behind his eyes. They were sitting at the only table outside the small shop, snacking on sweet biscuits and drinking the overpriced red drop.

‘Can’t, or won’t?’ Reparten replied, a bitter taste in his mouth despite the sweet food.

‘There is no difference. Not as far as you are concerned. The result is the same,’ the older man said casually, as if it was nothing to him. A little wine escaped his mouth and dribbled through his white beard like a drop of blood escaping the skin.

This was the fourth investor that had pulled out since his father had died. Reparten was a young man for this trade at only twenty-one summers, but he knew he was up to the task.  His father had led caravans across the desert on more than thirty occasions, and five times Reparten had been allowed to join and learn the business of it.

He knew the desert, he had his father’s maps, he understood the risks and had the contacts. But he couldn’t get the trust. He needed this. Without it, the debtors would take his family’s estate. His father had become ill only part-way into the desert on the last trip and they were forced to turn back. Contracts were broken and the owners had come knocking, demanding what was promised. If Reparten could make just one good trip, they could weather the storm.

He didn’t say a word as he slapped down two coins for his share of the afternoon snacks and wine, then stood and left the other man shaking his head. He had three investors left, plus two partners who brought