Blades of War

About the Book

The gods brought humanity to Medievia five millennia ago. The world was untamed in those days, and many fell to the vicious creatures that roamed the land. To aid their chosen people, the gods granted them the knowledge of the Disciplines of War, Stealth, Faith, and Magic, and the struggle for survival began.

Many fell, but the creatures of Medievia were pushed back to the depths of the wilderness. Humanity prevailed, but then the gods left for their lofty domain.

Before they went, they formed the clans – groups of people bonded together in a single purpose through the clan Minds. In their wake, they left the first Heroes – men and women who had mastered each of the four Disciplines. Though the world was still dangerous, humanity thrived and spread across the continent. Each clan built a town for itself, and many cities and towns of the Free – those who had refused the chance to join a clan – sprang up.

With the war for survival won, the battles for dominion began. Clan and Free fought – both as allies and enemies. Alliances formed and sundered in days, and many were the cities and towns destroyed by force of arms or treachery.

Relatively few clans and cities of Free survive in these days, but all watch each other warily, and none dare to ignore the wilderness. Actual conflict is now rare, with mere skirmishes often deciding matters of dispute.

The Heroes have their own agenda – to be the best of the best. They fight in a series of duels they call the Game – contests arranged by the gods to prove the worth of the contenders. The rank of Hero is the ultimate goal of all who follow the Disciplines, for those who attain mastery of Faith, Stealth, War, and Magic are blessed with immortality. The only end for a Hero is death in combat.

Ever watching over humanity’s follies is Marious, Eternal Wizard of Castle Medievia. Set in place by the gods before they left for Godshome Mountain, he remains in his rocky domain, floating over the City of Medievia. Many seek his counsel, but few appreciate his advice.

Against this background, Princess Berirea seeks to master the Discipline of War. Her position in the Torhan bloodline has granted her a position of command, but her desire to avenge the death of her father is set against the needs of both her clan and others in a critical alliance to thwart Zachri, Regent of Clan Kassis. He has gained the unwilling allegiance of several other clans, tipping the balance of power in Medievia.

Should Berirea follow the Discipline of War, or should she be the key in an alliance that will oppose Zachri’s machinations? Heart or duty is her choice, but what will she do? The fate of Medievia rests upon her decision.