Prologue from book one of the Forces of Nature series.
“It cannot be true , Ayuss.”
Ayuss then twisted the dagger, having been skillfully placed into Argonis's spleen. An almost inaudible grunt could be heard. “This was not my idea, friend. In fact, I voted against it.”
Argonis managed to furrow his brow even more, but then he felt himself go wan. He felt the blood rush from his face. Still, he focused on what was at hand. His near life-long friend and right-hand-man had stabbed him with a fatal blow, and to top it off, there were enough betrayers to vote against the king to convince Ayuss to betray his only friend. “I brought peace to these lands.” He barely managed to get the words out as he crumpled to his knees. Ayuss kept him from falling forward.
“Well, from what I understand, you interrupted a wealthy business. They profited well off of the war in which I helped you put to an end. There are also others that wish to abolish the monarchy all together. Guess who joined forces?”
“I had my own plans--”
“Oh, right, your feudalistic confederacy. Even I can see that the people want a republic. They are tired of being led by one person.”
“A Republic? That is what they want, but...” He coughed up blood, and now his teeth and lips were covered in it, “they are proposing an oligarchy. Do not be fooled.” Argonis's vision went blurry, and he struggled to get a hold of Ayuss's face. “Do not be--” He suddenly collapsed into Ayuss's chest; dead.
Ayuss removed the dagger, and laid his bygone friend down gently. As if eavesdropping, someone opened the door to the royal stables. Ayuss suspected it would be the Knight-Commander. As he turned to see who it was, he was met with a hard slap to his face. He furrowed his brow, and breathed in heavily, only to be met with another slap, then another. He calmed his demeanor as soon as he realized it was the Queen.
Lilyanna's eyes were already welling with tears, and a few spilled as she exclaimed, “How dare you!” She swung for another slap to his face, but it was a weak effort, Ayuss easily stopping it.
“It had to be done. There was no other way.” He was only met with increased sobbing, and having to keep another individual from falling forward. He put his arms around her. “I'm sorry.” Ayuss was surprised to feel a tear escape his eye. He did his best to hold it to that, and he began to help her up to escort her back, but she brushed passed him to retrieve Argonis's knight medallion. She then abruptly bumped into him as she left without an escort, running out through the door. Ayuss ran after her. As he opened the door, however, he found she had had a horse ready, and she was galloping off at full speed. Ayuss gave a sigh, but couldn't blame her for running away. He never wanted to be a part of this coup in the first place. Despite that, the deed was done. It was now up to the people.
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The first book in the series takes place on Klairn, a post apocalyptic, yet provincial world where an elite core of Protectors keep watch over those who would cause harm. Becoming a Protector of Klairn is about as hard as making the Olympics on Earth
Born of their seeds, kingdom will rise against kingdom, one will hold great mysteries, one will turn the tide and one will not be bound. War is fought, not only on the field but also within the mind. Nothing is what it seems take nothing for granted.
