Maldene II: Mysteries Of Olde

Maldene II: Mysteries Of Olde

Mark Anthony Tierno

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Of all that Sabu and his companions discovered in the bowels of Th?r T?orca, a simple looking map was the most mysterious. An indestructible map in an unknown language that starts them on a quest to seek out answers from the fabled Great Sage at the Foot of the World. And yet, these answers are only the beginning, for it puts them on the road to the most incredible secret anywhere on or off Maldene. A terrifying awe-inspiring revelation that provides the first clue as to the real goal of the villainous Miro.

Chapter 0 PROLOGUE

Tall and black of skin, muscles bulging through scale-studded furs, bright blue sun glistening off large ebony arms, bald head reflecting mid morn light entering through stone-lined window. Friendly smile upon the big man's face, right arm resting lightly upon the magically-runed sword kept safely strapped within the sheath at his side. Careful regarding eyes, gazing down upon the new recruit before him.

"Well, we certainly can use the man-power, " Baldegron nodded, "especially experienced help such as your own. What rank did you say you held in your last employ?"

The dark-faced man brushed back a lock of dark hair with a wave of his hand, a humble expression creasing its way across his stubble-covered chin. His eyes showed just slight eagerness, as if ever ready to be of service, as he gave answer.

"I was a full captain, sir, " came his not-quite-deep not-quite-gravely voice, "but it was in a rather small army. In such an army as that which you lead, I would expect nothing more than lieutenant."

Baldegron looked the man up and down as he stood there at attention in front of him. Baldegron walked slowly back to the iron-wood desk of his small office before swiftly turning around on heel to face the dark-haired man once again.

"Lieutenant it shall be then, my good Mister Gormal, " Baldegron gave him a good-natured slap on the shoulder, "you'll be assigned under Captain Starke. How soon can you start?"

"Immediately, if it would please you sir."

"Please me it would, " Baldegron smiled. "Consider yourself in the King's Army then. The sergeant will show you where to report to."

"Thank-you, General Baldegron, " the dark-haired man nodded, "I shall serve to the best of my abilities."

"Sergeant, " the large man called out, "show this man to Captain Starke's regiment. Okay, who's next?"

As the next potential officer stepped up to Baldegron, the sergeant led the dark-haired unshaven man away through the barracks and down and out into the open orain-colored skies of Th?r Glomd?ita?or. They walked across the early spring morning, tall white towers shining around them, the sergeant making small-talk about Captain Starke's growing abilities as a leader, while other troops bustled about them. The dark-haired man ignored the sergeant's ramblings as he thought to himself; thought about the master which he loyally served.

Inwardly, he smiled.

Oh, he served a master all right, but not that fool of a King for which he'd just been recruited. No, the lord he served was of a darker, much more sinister heart.

Darker, even, than this assassin's own.

BOOK I:

The Map

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