Synopsis
The world of the Lands is filled with dangerous beasts, warmed by lava lakes, full of exotic plants, and infused with the magic of nature. This land is inhabited by very different people, but the most numerous and influential of them are called Igni. Not only do their species have a very distinctive look; their culture and way of life are also quite exceptional. This book will familiarize you a bit with them, their world, and their way of life.
The first story will tell you about Sabiri and Iskrila. One day, their quiet and pleasant life was assaulted, their well-being endangered, forcing them to retaliate. They had to protect not only themselves but their entire village. Just like in old times, they go to war. Yet now the threat came from the most unlikely place. Will Sabiri and Iskrila be able to prevail? To what lengths will they be willing to go? Will they be able to show kindness to their enemies, or will they destroy them in bitter rage?
The second story will tell you about Bacara and Maria. To protect their village from an imminent attack, they go on a journey to find magical artifacts of immense power. Or no power at all. You would need to be a mage to understand such objects and control them. But without a mage to help them, Maria and Bacara have to act blindly, all to gain an advantage against their foes. Will they find their prize? Will the artifacts obey their new masters or destroy them?
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Excerpt
From chapter
«The question»
“Why did it happen?” Maria finally said after a few minutes. “Not like it’s the first time I’ve faced danger…”
Maria looked Bacara in the eyes and leaned forward, trying to find answers in them. “Why did I panic? After everything I’ve done before meeting you? After everything we’ve done together? Why did I freeze now? I even had weapons; I even had my shield… I had you at my side!”
Now Bacara leaned forward and took Maria’s hands in hers. Face to face, they were as close to each other as their horns allowed.
“Are you saying you were always fearless?” Bacara smiled. “Do you remember your first time? When you were in true danger? When you knew that a single mistake could cost you your life? Are you sure you weren’t afraid then? I really don’t know — we hadn’t met yet.”
Maria did not answer.
“How old were you back then? I guess you’d been training for a battle, preparing for it, asking advice, hearing stories about it. But you were not ready for it, not really. You didn’t really know anything about a battle, about danger, about fear, about death. Nothing can prepare a person to face that. Nothing but experience.”
Bacara sat more comfortably and started to clean the dried blood from Maria’s sword.
“Same here. I doubt you’ve infiltrated a village before. Your enemy was always right in front of you. You always knew what was coming. But not today. Every door could’ve opened, every shadow could’ve hidden death, every step could’ve been your last. I think what’s more important is that you haven’t had a clear goal. You always push yourself towards it: you count dead enemies, cleaned houses, killed animals, even covered distance. You don’t count how many push-ups you did — you count how many there are still left to do. I also do that sometimes. Today you were wandering in darkness. But the next time will be easier. You know that!”
Maria looked away and lay down. Her sword was now clean. But Bacara wasn’t about to look away as well. Wasn’t going to sleep while she could see the light, reflecting in Maria’s open eyes. Very slowly, the sky was becoming brighter and brighter. How much time did they have until the village would awaken? How fast would they find out what had just happened? Why? Why did that igni wake up? They didn’t have to kill anyone! If they could’ve just grabbed the thing and gotten out…
“I am afraid of many things, you know that,” Maria broke the silence. “Frightened even. That thing I’m teaching people — ‘Don’t think, just do’ — did it ever work? I mean, in a real situation?” she asked.
“You know the answer,” Bacara said. “You definitely kept saying that to yourself today — and here we are! As safe as we’re gonna be. They won’t see us from the ground.”
“As safe as we’re gonna be? But why?” Maria sat up and looked Bacara in the eye. “Why can’t we be home? I know why I’m here. But why did you agree to this?”
About the Author
Anton Anderson is a programmer by trade, but a fantasy writer by soul.
He enjoys creating. And creating fictional worlds offers more freedom than programming.
Anton worked in the field of autonomous vehicles, and now he moved to cybersecurity.
From early childhood, Anton loves fantasy, science-fiction, detective, thrillers, and mystery.
His first published book “The Seekers: Soul Ties” was long in the making, but rich with experimentation and discovery.
Anton holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Informatics in Economy.
He lives on planet Earth.
Cathy has spent over 40 years as a professional chef after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. She was the first female Executive Chef for the Servico Corporation, where she served The Philadelphia Eagles, The Philadelphia Flyers, and The Philadelphia 76’ers. Over the course of her career, Cathy capitalized her creative talents as a restaurant owner and partner, conceptualizing and creating brands for three successful startup businesses, Food Works, in Pittsford, New York, The Bagel Bin in Penfield, New York, and The Nick of Thyme in Brentwood, Tennessee. It was at the Nick of Thyme that Cathy developed long-standing relationships within the music industry. Her clients included Donna Summer Sudano, Naomi Judd, Wynonna Judd, numerous Christian and country music artists, world-renowned wine collectors Billy Ray Hearn and Tom Black. After the sale of her business, Cathy cooked for and traveled extensively to movie locations with actress and activist Ashley Judd and her husband, three-time Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti. She continues to cook privately for exclusive clients and friends.
Leslie is a YA author who loves girl heroes and adventurers. She grew up on fantasy books, anime, fanfiction, and the Lord of the Rings movies, and met her true love in high school choir. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a B.A. in creative writing, and currently lives in Colorado with her wife and two spoiled house cats.
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Every now and then author James S. Parker has a vision. And, when he does, he sees people and places off in the misty distance. Sometimes these visions are futuristic and filled with danger. Most often they are mystical, with good and evil and a cast of characters who beautifully represent both.
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Richard Cox was born in Odessa, Texas and now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His newest novel is House of the Rising Sun. Richard has also published The Boys of Summer, Thomas World, The God Particle, and Rift. He’s written for This Land Press, Oklahoma Magazine, and TheNervousBreakdown.com.
