Allevatore_dicapre

Bound in chains yet yearning for freedom, Alpheo, a modern historian, finds himself enslaved in a land on the brink of chaos.

As the empire of Rolmia plunges into civil war following the death of the emperor ,  his three ambitious sons  vie for the throne. In the midst of this turmoil, Alpheo finds the chance to break his chain and escape, leading his companions into the ashes of war, trying to thrive in it,  selling their swords to the highest bidder  .

But beyond the borders of Rolmia, hungry eyes watch  as the empire's grip loosens. The Sultanate of Azania, ever the opportunist, sees a chance to expand its domain and influence , while to the south, neighboring principalities breathe a sigh of relief as the once-dominant giant stumbles and falters.

In the sea, the confederation of the Free Isle finds their chance to restore their old maritime power , denied to them by an empire that is now crumbling beneath  itself , lacking the strenght to stop them.

In this crucible of conflict, where dynasties crumble and empires fall, Alpheo find his call and the chance to  forge his own destiny amidst the ashes of empires.

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Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Robert stared down at the priest, whose torch was now lowered, the warm light casting a soft glow over the man's features. His hair was white, cut short, a stark contrast to his amiable face—one lined with age yet absent of weariness. A quiet understanding lingered in the mirthful curve of his lips, in the steady gaze of his brown eyes.

There was no judgment there. No pity. Only patience.

Something about that patience made Robert's shoulders sag under its weight.

With a deep sigh, he reached up, fingers fumbling briefly before he loosened the knot at his throat. The rope slithered away, the coarse fibers scraping against his skin one last time before it hung limp around his shoulders. "Fine," he muttered, more to himself than to the priest. "But make it quick. I've no patience for sermons."

Falling into the abyss(2)