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

available January 19

Chapter 2

An Unexpected Promotion

available January 26

Chapter 3

A Risky Bet

available February 2

Chapter 4

Lost in the Desert

available February 9

Chapter 5

A Lovely Black Hair

available February 16

Chapter 6

A Very Convenient Superstition

available February 23

Chapter 7

A Long Wait

available March 2

Chapter 8

Seen in the Flames

Chapter 9

A New Destination

Chapter 10

A Rad al-dawsa Has to Learn to Suffer

Chapter 11

A Successful Plan

Chapter 12

A Crooked Pillar

Chapter 13

A Dark Passage

Chapter 14

Not Even Telorum Himself Would Tell You

Chapter 15

A Second Edition Copy

Chapter 16

Fallen Fruits

Chapter 17

On Behalf of the Black Hand

Chapter 18

A Sailor on Land

Chapter 19

Under Examination

Chapter 20

A Precious Cargo

Chapter 21

A Brittle Branch

Chapter 22

A Closed Door

Chapter 23

Between Two Monasteries

Chapter 24

A Tempting Apple

Chapter 25

An Easy Job

Chapter 26

Broken Toys

Chapter 27

Friendly Fire

Chapter 28

A Steep Slope

Chapter 29

A Rapid Descent

Chapter 30

A Road Filled with Tears

Chapter 31

A Road Filled with Tears

Chapter 32

A Heavy Burden

Chapter 33

The Father Commands and We Obey

Chapter 34

A Lake of Dark Waters

Chapter 35

Drops in the Sand

Chapter 36

Wrong Diagnosis

Chapter 37

Child’s Play

Chapter 38

A Puppet Show

Chapter 39

May The Father Guide You

Chapter 40

Defective Material

Epilogue