a dark path

Heads rolling across the ground, cities burning in flames, terrifying creatures rising from the darkness of night, a society pulling the strings of the Empire from the shadows, a mysterious faith seeking to restore destiny to the path it should never have strayed from, the end of the world, sword fights, magic, humor, foul-mouthed characters, the odd sumbitch running loose, and, as always, struggles for power.

Emperor Upodis has managed to seize the Imperial Throne with the help of the Black Hand. To legitimize his rule, he plans to obtain the seven sacred Orbs. To that end, he assigns the mission of recovering these ancient and mysterious objects to a select group of intrepid characters.

Driven by an ancient prophecy, a ruthless warrior will fight to take the Empire for himself. In his pursuit of glory, a mercenary will be dragged into ruin by his dissolute ways. An unexpected twist will force an assassin to ally with the very person he was meant to kill in order to survive. To obtain what he desires most, a scholar will risk bringing about the end of the world. Pushed by greed, a thief will seek the wealth he longs for.

A journey across a world filled with dangers, betrayals, strange alliances, conspiracies, shattered dreams, and magic, in which all of them will strive to recover the Orbs...

…if the Night Hunters do not finish them off first.

Content Warning

This work of fiction contains themes and scenes that may be disturbing or sensitive for some readers.

Throughout these pages you will encounter scenes involving violence, strong language, sexual content, physical or psychological abuse, substance use, death, discrimination, horror, and supernatural or fantastical elements. Reader discretion is advised.

This book is recommended for an adult or mature audience capable of distinguishing between fiction and reality.

Not recommended for readers under 18 years of age.

Contents

Chapter 1

Cleaning Day

Regasi

available January 19

Chapter 2

An Unexpected Promotion

Ceonis

available January 26

Chapter 3

A Risky Bet

Tyxidis

available February 2

Chapter 4

Lost in the Desert

Fanum

available February 9

Chapter 5

A Lovely Black Hair

Cydrae

available February 16

Chapter 6

A Very Convenient Superstition

Norvi

available February 23

Chapter 7

A Long Wait

Golantis

available March 2

Chapter 8

Seen in the Flames

Ceonis

Chapter 9

A New Destination

Larinae

Chapter 10

A Rad al-dawsa Must Learn to Suffer

Regasi

Chapter 11

A Successful Plan

Tyxidis

Chapter 12

A Crooked Pillar

Cydrae

Chapter 13

A Dark Passage

Fanum

Chapter 14

Not Even Telorum Himself Would Tell You

Ceonis

Chapter 15

A Second Edition Copy

Norvi

Chapter 16

Fallen Fruits

Larinae

Chapter 17

On the Black Hand’s Account

Regasi

Chapter 18

A Sailor on Land

Tyxidis

Chapter 19

Under Examination

Cydrae

Chapter 20

A Precious Cargo

Ceonis

Chapter 21

A Brittle Branch

Fanum

Chapter 22

A Closed Door

Larinae

Chapter 23

Between Two Monasteries

Regasi

Chapter 24

A Tempting Apple

Norvi

Chapter 25

An Easy Job

Tyxidis

Chapter 26

Broken Toys

Cydrae

Chapter 27

Friendly Fire

Ceonis

Chapter 28

A Steep Slope

Larinae

Chapter 29

A Rapid Descent

Regasi

Chapter 30

Treacherous Cuts

Fanum

Chapter 31

A Path Strewn with Tears

Cydrae

Chapter 32

A Heavy Burden

Norvi

Chapter 33

The Father Commands and We Obey

Ceonis

Chapter 34

A Lake of Dark Waters

Regasi

Chapter 35

Drops on the Sand

Larinae

Chapter 36

Wrong Diagnosis

Cydrae

Chapter 37

A Child’s Play

Norvi

Chapter 38

A Puppet Show

Fanum

Chapter 39

May The Father Guide You

Ceonis

Chapter 40

Defective Material

Regasi

Epilogue