Most people in Ios know better than to challenge Vivarre and its powerful navy. Queen Thea, however, is not afraid to challenge anyone who gets in her way. For years, her kingdom has been supported by pirates. They sail the Iosian sea and raid any ship they come across for resources.<br><br>When Thea takes the throne she is challenged by enemies and allies alike. Though women can be warriors, they can never be true rulers. She hopes to change that belief, but she cannot do it alone. Driada is the only female pirate enlisted in Ios. She has served her kingdom faithfully for years, her dedication inspired by her father’s work on the royal ships. When she sees injustices being done against innocent people, she cannot simply sit idle while they suffer.<br><br>When these two bold, powerful women meet, it is obvious that they must form an alliance to keep Ios safe. But this alliance quickly shifts from being solely a political move, to one of the heart. Thea is forced to decide which path will lead to victory -- fighting Vivarre without divine help or betraying her promise to never bow down to the gods ever again.

Thea

“Would you like some?” Marcus said, motioning to the wineskin at his hip. “Wine, that is. It is my specialty, after all.”


Herkuan took it before she could answer and drank deeply. “Hmm!” he exclaimed. “Not bad, for Vivarrian wine.”


He passed it to Erjon and Doreius, who drank deeply as well. Finally, Thea had a sip.


“I’ve tasted better,” she said, placing the wineskin in her saddlebag. She turned her attention back to Marcus. “Once we get to the cave, how will we travel to the Underworld?”


Marcus blinked away the memories from the past. “Ah. We do not simply travel there. We must summon the forces of Penelopia to aid us first. We may only travel there once she’s allowed our entry.”


Thea smiled sadly. “So, it is not like the mythic tales, after all. We cannot just force our way in.”


“I’m afraid not.” Marcus shrugged. “But that’s why I’m here, isn’t it? To help you find your way.”


“Then tell me how we must summon the goddess.”


Chapter 53