Lupus

@drsawzall Let’s see what Bartos is capable of; he’s still a beginner when it comes to channeling Might.🤞 @chrstphrl Bartos will do everything he can to help Josel. He’s the kind of friend we all need: loyal, reliable, and a genuinely good person through and through. A good observation about Vanna: even though she’s evil, she still wants to be a proud mother to Josel and turn her son into someone great. Unfortunately, Vanna doesn’t seem to understand that Josel doesn’t want the same thing.😬

Exactly! Vanna is pure evil. There’s nothing good in that woman.😠 Andreuz must have been either bewitched or blinded by love when he got involved with her.😄 Now that there are so many characters at this point in the story, and they’re scattered across different parts of the world, it sometimes takes regrettably long before a particular person appears again.😐

Bartos Vendum, Grand Duchy of Malkania Sweat trickled down his forehead, and terror clenched at his throat. The clatter of footsteps at the alley's mouth receded for a moment, only to draw near again. Bartos pressed himself harder against the wall and shut his eyes. The narrow alcove wouldn't hide him if the pursuers came any closer. And they were coming. "Did you check the alley?" a harsh voice asked, far too close. Bartos clenched his sweaty hands into fists. "Not yet, but..."

@Seraph28 You’re perceptive.👍 One of the central themes I’ve envisioned for the book is power—its pursuit, and the consequences of power struggles both for the one who seeks control and for those close to them. People who rise to rule over others are rarely pleasant individuals. Elyssa and Dareis are so blinded by their hunger for power that they don’t even stop to consider the consequences or what the ultimate outcome of their actions might be.

Zdain Dimalos, Andiol Empire They had sailed across the Great Ocean to Dundres. Zdain had watched its white harbor and the sun-glittering domed roofs. Dundres was his mother's hometown, and it stirred memories of childhood visits to relatives. He knew his aunt and her family still lived in the city. Could he have slipped away from Renn and sought refuge there? No such opportunity had arisen, and Zdain wasn't even sure he would have wanted to run. After a single night's sleep, they ha

Thank you all!😊 @drsawzall At least it seems clear that Tialing is an active agent in this story, not some timid and delicate princess who needs to be coddled or ends up being taken advantage of. @chrstphrl I’m glad to hear you like Franz. Even though he has his flaws, he’s a very genuine and straightforward person who doesn’t pretend to be anything he’s not. His role in the story keeps growing, as you’ve probably already guessed. In the next chapter, we’ll take a look at what’s going on with Zdain.

That's well said. She was clearly a wise woman.🥰

@RainbowPhoenixWI Glad to hear you like Plink.😊 She’s a fun character, but she isn’t a reflection of myself. Of all the characters, I probably resembled Franz the most when I was younger. I was similarly single‑minded in my views, earnestly patriotic, and dreamed of becoming someone great one day.😳🥴

Franz Northern Trade Route, Andiol Empire Dawn broke sharp and chilly, nothing like the warm, drowsy summer mornings back home in Paidos. Many things were different here in the North. At times Franz found it hard to grasp that these treeless northern steppes, the muddy streets of Eastkeep, and good old Paidos truly existed within the same country. Andiol was a vast place, and soon Franz would see yet another piece of it, for it was time to depart once more. The travelers had bid an e

A very promising start to the story.🙂 I like that even though the world of the story is quite harsh and maybe even cruel, most of the characters are nice people and kind to Wylan. For example, the way Val arranged the training for Wylan in the previous chapter was cleverly done, because after that the rest of the camp took Wylan in as part of the group. I’m looking forward to the continuation!

@RainbowPhoenixWI @chrstphrl @drsawzall Thank you very much for the comments. It’s nice to hear that Ade’s and Plink’s past interests you. There would certainly be enough material about them for a story of their own. I can’t wander too far onto side paths here, though, because I feel like there are already a bit too many characters and backstories in this story as it is🫣 There will definitely be surprises ahead, both for Ade and for a few other characters as well.🤫 In the next chapter we’ll meet Franz and the others. Plink will be there too.😃

By the way, I added an opening paragraph to the prologue afterwards. I had forgotten it was supposed to be there:

Adenolei Dimalos, Andiol Empire The street in front of the Laughing Doorman was quiet as Adenolei Tikienkuu closed the front door behind him. After a quick glance to both sides, he stepped out into the dimming evening. Ade quickened his pace and reached the last rail‑carriage of the night just in time. He jumped onto the rear platform and let out a sigh of relief. No one had followed. He found a seat and allowed himself to relax. A few passengers looked at him — one with surpris

A very promising start to the story. There’s a lot of tension here, and it really makes you hope something might happen between the boys. I think Cooper will soon be the hottest topic on Harrington Now.😁

Thanks, this was a pleasure to read. Your story is entertaining and well written. I liked the characters and the plot. I think it ended in exactly the right way: Elias found peace, and on the other hand Asher met Rhett. It was also good that you left the future of Asher and Rhett’s relationship open — the readers can imagine it however they like.😊

@drsawzall @chrstphrl Thank you! I’m glad you found this useful.😊

Key People Andiol Empire Josel Sandkan ("Goldy", "Josi"): 16-year-old boy from Paidos Andreuz Sandkan: Josel's father, an author Bartos Rigailon ("Bars"): 16-year-old boy from Paidos Berron Rigailon: the chancellor, Bartos' father Danae Dannkas: the 16-year-old heiress of the Malkanian ducal family Anibella Dannkas: a duchess, Danae's aunt Offus: the chief chamberlain of the Dannkas family Darren Temjanion: 17-year-old boy from Paidos Franz Landez: 17-year-

You are correct. The Ksingis are introduced in Book 3, in chapters 17 (from Rezak’s POV) and 32 (from Soek’s POV). And yes, the Dimalis have indeed provoked them.💥

@Seraph28 I’m glad you enjoyed this chapter. Prince Otello is interesting to write because, as a disabled character, his perspective on the world is a bit different. He constantly has to prove to others that he is more than what his appearance suggests. In the case of Dareis and Elyssa, power has corrupted them and they might have been nicer people if they had grown up poor. Or Dareis would probably be an asshole no matter the circumstances. In any case, writing their characters is a lot of fun. Andiol has very biased and racist ideas about what the Ksingi people are like. With that background, it’s easy to understand why everyone in the room was horrified by the news. Your comparison to Genghis Khan is quite fitting, since the Mongols also came from the east. His armies were genuinely brutal conquerors, but as for the Ksingis, we still don’t know much about them.

Otello Dimalos, Andiol Empire Governor Dareis Monteilon was a name Otello recognized. He couldn't quite recall what the Senate reports had said about the former governor of Paidos — likely not much. The province of Paidos was far away, and in Dimalos few cared about the fringes of the vast empire. Monteilon himself made no particular impression. The man was undeniably handsome, but he carried himself with an irritated, unfriendly air. His beautiful wife didn't seem any more cheerful.

@Seraph28 @chrstphrl @drsawzall Thanks for your comments! Zal really does try his best, but it isn’t easy when there are so many enemies and they’re stronger than he is. A great deal of responsibility has been placed on the shoulders of one old man. But surely the villains’ luck can’t last forever… or can it?😶

Zaltarim The Misty Isles, Grand Duchy of Malkania Dusk had already settled by the time they reached the main harbor of Great Shoal. Anden had insisted it was essential to set sail as soon as possible. The Misty Isles were not safe; they had to leave at once. "The wind is rising," Taihan said, having been wary of the idea of a nighttime crossing from the start. But Anden had been adamant, pleading with the others to come with him. The danger, he claimed, was too great — every extra ho

Yeah. These long‑lived creatures need hibernation just as we need sleep.

At least one thing is clear: this world needs heroes.🦸‍♂️

Thank you.😊 Darren is one of my own favorites among the characters.