Crown of a Thorn King
Seventeen years following the ravages of a war that created three bitter generations, a fragile peace dithers at the brink. Like a woven cloth, a web of alliances, treaties, and secrets uphold the delicate balance between two great powers:
The ancient empire of the Elemeri, whose outstretched arms guard jealously the coastline of the known world.
And the Holy See, an amalgamation of squabbling fiefdoms, duchies and papal lands in whose chaotic existence answers to no one ruler, save a single uncaring god.
In such a world Lindel, the son of heroes, has been made a captain of the Palatine Guards. What appears a most envious post at first is a death trap for those caught unprepared, and he knows this best. For to be a guardian to the children of ancient kings is to walk a delicate tightrope. Together with a band of misfits and raw recruits, he must navigate the uneasy and shifting alliances between senators, generals, and less savoury characters.
If not for the fragile peace, the life work of his father, then for his self-preservation, he must seek to preserve a status quo that he does not trust. For in the Empire, pieces of parchment and handshakes are all that stands between peace, and total war.
Like cloth, such things are delicate. They can be cut and broken.
Forever.
The atmosphere is really "chill" or should I say give chills ! War is coming at their door and characters are ready to fight. I like the way they are going on their separate ways. I'll dont spoil here but continue like this; Good work
Awesome read! There's only three chapters so far but the world and the characters are beautifully painted (or war-painted). I'm a sucker for wars on paper, both steel-armed and political. And I can't wait to get to the latter. Also excited on what will become of Cornelius and Commodus. Only reason I didn't give full marks was the shifting tenses. But that can be easily remedied. I'd suggest to pick one and stick to it throughout. It's minor though and only slightly took me away from the fantasy. I hope this comment doesn't come off as harsh criticism but as fellow advice from a fellow author to another. Advice aside, this story was a breath of fresh air. I'd done some review swaps but I like your story the most so far. I'll put your story in my collection, not for the sake of it but because I'm already invested in where the author will take me. Kudos to you and keep up the great work! **: Haven't played Total War yet but because of your story, I might just give it a go :)