Showing results by author "D.E. Olesen" in All Categories

The noble houses gather to choose a new Lord Protector, sparking old rivalries. If they can't agree, civil war looms. That is if foreign kingdoms don't smell blood in the water and invade first. Lord Vale wants to take up the mantle, spurred by his ambitious brother Konstans. Lord Isarn likewise seeks this power. He is aided–or thwarted–by the return of his brother, the knight and war hero Athelstan, whose squire, Brand, hopes to restore his family’s fortunes no matter the cost.

Martel's only ambition is to become a Weathermage, able to ensure good harvest and prosperity for his family. But he'll have to graduate from the Imperial School of Magic first. A few problems. Martel is from a rural farming village. He has no experience with the harsh and deceitful ways of the imperial capital. And there are plenty who would take advantage of his naivety to see him fail, from fellow students to masters.

While hesitant to use fire magic, it's saved him more than once, and his gift for destruction is undeniable. But others take note, and protecting his secret only gets more difficult. Every day bears the risk that his talent is discovered, and the Empire will force him to fight their conflicts. Those same wars that flood Morcaster with problems and cause clashes between Asterians and Khivan immigrants, including Martel's friends.

Outlanders have invaded in force. As they strike at the kingdom of Hæthiod, an Order army rush to repel the invaders, only to learn of treachery by the jarl of Isarn. With the knights departed from Adalrik, he has seized Middanhal and prepares to declare himself high king, once he has crushed the southern nobles. With his brother at his side to lead his soldiers, the famous commander Athelstan, victory seems assured.