Of all that Sabu and his companions discovered in the bowels of Th?r T?orca, a simple looking map was the most mysterious. An indestructible map in an unknown language that starts them on a quest to seek out answers from the fabled Great Sage at the Foot of the World. And yet, these answers are only the beginning, for it puts them on the road to the most incredible secret anywhere on or off Maldene. A terrifying awe-inspiring revelation that provides the first clue as to the real goal of the villainous Miro.
Tall and black of skin, muscles bulging through scale-studded furs, bright blue sun glistening off large ebony arms, bald head reflecting mid morn light entering through stone-lined window. Friendly smile upon the big man's face, right arm resting lightly upon the magically-runed sword kept safely strapped within the sheath at his side. Careful regarding eyes, gazing down upon the new recruit before him.
"Well, we certainly can use the man-power, " Baldegron nodded, "especially experienced help such as your own. What rank did you say you held in your last employ?"
The dark-faced man brushed back a lock of dark hair with a wave of his hand, a humble expression creasing its way across his stubble-covered chin. His eyes showed just slight eagerness, as if ever ready to be of service, as he gave answer.
"I was a full captain, sir, " came his not-quite-deep not-quite-gravely voice, "but it was in a rather small army. In such an army as that which you lead, I would expect nothing more than lieutenant."
Baldegron looked the man up and down as he stood there at attention in front of him. Baldegron walked slowly back to the iron-wood desk of his small office before swiftly turning around on heel to face the dark-haired man once again.
"Lieutenant it shall be then, my good Mister Gormal, " Baldegron gave him a good-natured slap on the shoulder, "you'll be assigned under Captain Starke. How soon can you start?"
"Immediately, if it would please you sir."
"Please me it would, " Baldegron smiled. "Consider yourself in the King's Army then. The sergeant will show you where to report to."
"Thank-you, General Baldegron, " the dark-haired man nodded, "I shall serve to the best of my abilities."
"Sergeant, " the large man called out, "show this man to Captain Starke's regiment. Okay, who's next?"
As the next potential officer stepped up to Baldegron, the sergeant led the dark-haired unshaven man away through the barracks and down and out into the open orain-colored skies of Th?r Glomd?ita?or. They walked across the early spring morning, tall white towers shining around them, the sergeant making small-talk about Captain Starke's growing abilities as a leader, while other troops bustled about them. The dark-haired man ignored the sergeant's ramblings as he thought to himself; thought about the master which he loyally served.
Inwardly, he smiled.
Oh, he served a master all right, but not that fool of a King for which he'd just been recruited. No, the lord he served was of a darker, much more sinister heart.
Darker, even, than this assassin's own.
BOOK I:
The Map
Inspector Flaatphut is back, this time teaming up with Tiffany and a whole group of miscreants to track down a lethal drug, clones, and the world's most deadly assassin. And all because his mother came to visit.
In a future world where Man has uplifted a variety of species to two-legged sentience, the problems that have plagued the world have only gotten worse. Enter Inspector Henry Flaatphut of InterSpec; a former computer hacker now stuck at what amounts to a desk job, he has a 300-pound badger for a boss, a wise-cracking computer named ICy, and a pretty 5-foot feline named Miss Calico for a secretary that he never seems to have time for. A dreadful existence until that one person enters his office who sets him off on a wild search for conspiracies and mayhem on an international scale.
She thought he was the villain. He was only trying to save his soul. Rena lives in a world of sunshine, sweets, and simple dreams. Until one reckless decision drops her into a dark realm of secrets, curses and werewolves. Kidnapped, heartbroken. She doesn't know who to trust anymore especially not Logan, the arrogant, cruel Alpha who's keeping her as a hostage. Until she discovers his dark secret. He's been hearing her thoughts all along. Now the walls between them are crumbling. And when feelings grow where hatred once lived, a curse demands that blood becomes a love that demands sacrifice. But how can she give her heart to the one who might need it to die?
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn't love her, but that was the last straw for the camel's back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, "Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce." The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.