Copyright © 2010 by Delson Armstrong
Art by Maciej Rebisz
Book Design by Steven Peterson
Photo by Michael Turino
All rights reserved.
Published by 9ine Inc.
All characters and events in this book are fictitious.
All resemblances to persons living or dead are purely coincidental.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of 9ine Inc.For information regarding permission, write to 9ine Inc., Attention: 9ine Inc, 1710, First Avenue, Suite 169, New York, NY 10017
Library of Congress Control Number: 2010912377
ISBN 978-0-9829523-2-0
Printed in the U.S.A
9ine Inc. Release: October 2010
www.9ineinc.com
For Mom, Dad, and Baby
Thanks for your support, your commitment and
for being the way you guys are. I love you all very much!
Acknowledgements
This book would not have been made possible without the following people whom Id like to acknowledge.
First and foremost, Id like to thank my editors, Kenneth Brosky and Daniel Kenyon for their advice, ruthlessness, and complete faith in this work.
If it were not for Sidhesh Sarda and Rudraksh M. Kulshreshtha, this book would have never been as it is now. Theyve been and remain my constant critics.
In India, they say that the most important person in your life, more than your parents, is the guru, the teacher. And I tend to follow that view because I have been blessed by such teachers while I was actually in the writing process. It was because of them that I was able to get a broader view on life which, at the time, I desperately needed. Those teachers are:
Sandeep Sehgal, for nourishing my mind with some great literature and practical wisdom.
Dr. CVL Srinivas, for helping me to advance spiritually and broadening my creative abilities.
Cmdr. D.N. Joshi and his family, for making me a part of their home.
Nishanth Nagavar, for his constant help and insights on life and for the fun times we had.
Pritha Mukherjee, for helping me with the historical and political basis of this book, without even knowing it!
I also want to acknowledge Luke Sequeira, for those crazy times in Bombay, the love and support of a true friend and just for being the way you are and helping me more than was ever required!
And of course, there are so many people out there whove touched my mind and heart in a way thats helped to go on with the mental journey of completing a book that took a total of almost nine years. There are literally hundreds of people that Ive met along the way whove shaped my views on life. Id like to thank those nameless faces whove done so.
The Kings Prologue
The Generals Prologue
Chapter One: Graduation
Chapter Two: Revelation
Chapter Three: Capture
Chapter Four: Changes
Chapter Five: Decisions
Chapter Six: Ultimatums
Chapter Seven: Elements
Chapter Eight: Preparations
Chapter Nine: Mission
Chapter Ten: Clash
Chapter Eleven: Aftermath
Darkness eclipsed all of Migra and its people as they waited. This is a damn waste of time! said the beefy man, as he looked up at the window of the highest tower of the castle.
His wife was three feet shorter than him but almost as plump. She looked at him, her eyes widened and glistening with relentless fear. Dont say such things, Kalev, she scolded him.
Good riddance to the wretch, he said, continuing his steady gaze.
The surrounding crowd pushed and shoved, awaiting news. Some hoped for good, but most for bad. The ones who wanted him to die waited eagerly for the word. They looked up to the window, wondering when the hour of his death would arrive. Those who supported Anaxagoras XXIX wept, praying the king would escape from this fate.
A man nearby, skinny and fraught with a noble arrogance, said to Kalev, Youre wrong, you know. Mind your tongue or Ill report you to the commander. His beady eyes pierced at Kalev.
Will you now? the large man said. His fuzzy mustached face reddened. Do you know what hes put us through? Weve suffered four deaths in the family. He boldly pointed to the castle, He threw my son into the dungeons. Its been thirty years since we last saw him! Not a day goes by
you return, the blood will be yours and your peoples life. They will no longer produce kin to take over their welfare. But those they wish to inflict slavery upon they may do so by spilling blood from their victims and making them feed on the blood of our race. The dark one paused, waiting for Anaxagorass reaction. The king was mesmerized. So do you choose life or a death with no glory or honor?
I choose life! the king said, struggling to sit up on his bed. His features remained obscured by the shadows of the curtains as he leaned on a silky pillow.
Listen to me carefully, the figure said. Just then, his right hand swirled around and a mist started to form above his palm. The smoke darkened and formed into the shape of a silver chalice, encrusted with rubies and emeralds. Drink this and listen, hissed the figure. The king did as he was told. There will come a day when I am gone. You must conquer the Men of the Earth and you must resurrect me so that I can come and reign in peace. I will tell you more soon. For now, just drink.