Epic fantasy, action, historical fiction, supernatural thriller that takes place in ancient China.
Upon unifying the seven warring states under one banner, the First Emperor of China began solidifying power for what he envisioned as a thousand-year reign. Using those he conquered, the Emperor began a series of arduous projects, Including the first Great Wall, the Linqu Canal, and a national system of highways. Ignoring the physical and emotional toll exacted upon the people, his insatiable desire to further his own power has led to a growing, and secretive insurgency. One such organization is the Dragon's Spite who wishes to usurp control of the throne by nearly any means. But first they must marshal their forces strewn throughout the kingdom. More importantly they seek out three extraordinary girls who hold vast supernatural powers that can tip the balance in their favor. But do these unknowing heroines realize the talents that they possess? Will the Dragon's Spite reach them before the agents of the Emperor?
Excerpt
He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not
know.
– Lao Tzu
Location & Time: Xianyang, State of Qin – 212 BCE
A diminutive shape could be seen approaching the base of the lengthy stairs leading up to the assembled
party standing at the pinnacle. The First Emperor, Qin Shí Huangdi, scrutinized the well-aged man’s every step as he approached without any noticeable concern. A maelstrom
of emotions swirled deeply within the Emperor; uncertainty, abhorrence, and even a tinge of admiration battled to hold sway over him. It was believed that the man now kneeling below was the renowned leader of a shadow organization known as the Dragon’s Spite. Even before the unification of the seven warring states, the
Dragon’s Spite had made its presence known during countless occasions, beginning as a mere nuisance but
quickly transforming into an instrument of chaos and disorder. Though they had not prevented the unification,
they remained hell-bent on bringing as much hardship as possible upon the Qin Empire.
The Emperor’s eyes flickered left and then right to rouse a sense of security. Although thousands of soldiers
stood at the ready on either side of the vast courtyard it did not give Qin Shí Huangdi any comfort. This man was
extremely dangerous, and those within his organization were among the finest warriors in the land. Their reputation had spread like a scourge throughout the
country, and the Emperor knew that to annihilate such a movement would call for drastic measures and taking
advantage of the few opportunities that would present themselves. This was one of those occasions, and perhaps
the opportunity.
Stroking his thin, graying beard, Qin Shí Huangdi studied the man circumspectly for quite some time. Although there were seven sizeable sets of steps separating the two of them, the Emperor could make out nearly everything. The flowing white robe was purposefully worn to be in direct contrast to the official color of the Qin Empire, black. The book in the elderly man’s hands was no mere coincidence either; it was a cool, calculated statement protesting the recent crackdown on the intellectual elite. Perhaps the book’s contents will give me insight on his intentions, he thought to himself.
“Captain, bring me the book that he carries,” he commanded to the awaiting officer on his right.
Shifting his eyes to the battle-hardened Captain, Qin Shí Huangdi watched the officer scurry hastily down each and every step. Typically the palace chamberlain would have carried out the order, but given the circumstances, the Emperor felt more comfortable having one of his most
reliable and competent men deal with the matter. Trust was a difficult commodity in a world steeped in
subterfuge, and the Captain was one of the few individuals that had earned high regard amongst his peers.
If anyone was capable of detecting deception, it would be him.
In under a minute the Captain had retrieved the book, examined it meticulously, and begun his ascent up the palace steps. The Emperor did not realize that he was clenching his fists tightly until he subconsciously released them upon seeing the officer returning to him. Relief washed over him as the Captain stopped a single pace away.
Bowing deeply and then presenting the book with both hands cupped underneath it, the Captain said, “It is blank, Your Majesty; every page.”
Dismissing his officer, the Emperor tilted his head slightly as he examined it. Being held together by a bundle of bamboo reeds did not allow for a great many pages to be contained inside. Each page was made of the smoothest white silk, which made the next discovery a very perplexing one. After moving past the remarkable craftsmanship the Emperor flipped through the pages and noticed that none save one had any writing on it. So it is not devoid of meaning…
A single page in the exact middle of the book had one word written in perfect calligraphy:
敗
Bài. Defeat. Qin Shí Huangdi read the antagonizing word several times in disbelief. It was purposeful, and he
understood it to be for his eyes only. Slamming the book shut, he stared down upon the elderly man who remained
kneeling at the bottom of the stairs. He does not intend to go through with the exchange.
“Ying Zheng!” boomed a female voice from the gathering below. The words resonated along a gathering wind that seemed to come from all directions. Fear
stabbed at the very soul of the Emperor. It had been a great many years since that name had been used, as it had
been his name prior to the unification. Uttering his ancestral name had been outlawed on pain of death the moment that he had taken his current title. Yet it was not hearing his former name that brought about the trepidation in his agitated heart. The thunderous voice that spoke the name was one that he instantly recognized, although he had not heard it for a great many years.
Without warning, a small figure leaped forward over the still-kneeling man. Within a split second, the figure
had soared high enough to be at eye level with the Emperor, then slowed down considerably. In an instant
the figure gave a playful wink and then tumbled back down to the ground, slamming a fist into the bottom row
of stairs and causing a ripple of twisted earth to heave forward in all directions. The devastation would be
immense, signaling that the battle was only beginning…
The ancient kings of Whitehawk were all too aware of the temptation of magic. They could feel its threat, a presence in their courts, a serpent slithering at their feet, even entering into their beds.
To de
Valiant escapades, wicked battles, and heart wrenching loss await readers in this fourth installment of the bestselling Dragoneer Saga. Hold onto your dragon!
