Kingdom of Ash

Quite long after the world we occupy, when man reaches the very heights of decadence and treachery, the first great breaking upends dominance and sends us into the ashes of failed greatness. Fire and stone ground down the vast masses into flickering tribes of roving survivors, the world unfriendly to those solemn few who so tirelessly remain. And yet, as always, humanity survives...

Before coming north, Brandin of Lotin, a farmhand, fought for his independence in the southlands. Battling against the tyrannical rule of Bradick of Thukra, the hopeful King of the region, Brandin risks everything for a chance at true freedom. How can such a man keep his dignity and hold to bravery under oppression, against odds, with his life teetering precariously at the edge of reason? (A short introduction to the world of the forthcoming "Kingdom of Ash" series, to be released in autumn of 2012)

Richard of Tenneth, after witnessing his father murdered over mounting debt, flees to the city of Loridium to be taken in by the Holy Order. Protected and educated, the lecter grooms young Richard to lead the faithful, to sit atop the Order and follow the bidding of the Almighty without question, without mercy, and with absolute devotion. This is the second of three short stories from the world of the forthcoming series, Kingdom of Ash, to be released in autumn of 2012.