A Darkness Unleashed (Book 2)
T
he winds of Chaos blow eternal, and kingdoms rise and fall. The dark Dragonsoul still seeks its vessel and those who crave power continue to scheme. Tallen and Maddi struggle to find themselves and each other as their world crumbles. With the fortress of Highspur broken, and most of its garrison slaughtered, Boris and Jaerd search for aid in a land gone mad with indifference. Armies rise to fight, and broken families seek to heal.
While the tempest continues to brew, new hands reach out to shape it. The ancient story of the storm’s beginning continues to transform and evolve. Truth is hard to discern in war when terms like good and evil become relative.
A Darkness Unleashed
is the highly anticipated second book of the
Dragonsoul Saga
, sequel to the fan and critically acclaimed
A Balance Broken
. It dives right back into the action that left everyone craving for more at the end of the first volume. New secrets will be uncovered, revealing more truths of the human heart, even when that heart is not so human.
THIS BOOK IS PUBLISHED BY
IMAGINED INTERPRISES, INC.
Text copyright © by J.T. Hartke
Jacket art copyright © by Imagined Interprises, Inc.
Jacket art by
Lars Grant-West
Illustrations in book © by Imagined Interprises, Inc.
Map by
Jason Engle
All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. This includes the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.
Content Editor - Robert Lassen
Proof Editor - Lorraine Stalians
Published in the United States by
Imagined Interprises, Inc.,
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Las Vegas, NV 89149
I.I.I. fantasy is a registered trademark of
Imagined Interprises, Inc.
The Dragonsoul Saga is a registered trademark of
J.T. Hartke
ISBN: 978-1-936525-69-0 (eBook Edition)
eBook Edition: September 2014
Printed in the United States of America
This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this novel are either fictitious
or are used fictitiously.
For Dad, whom I miss.
“The seeds of Change are sown by the winds of Chaos. Whether that Change is for good or evil is entirely relative to one’s point of view.” – Caladrius Dreamwalker
P
rince Jahnar Faroud il’Hasin pushed his left spearman forward one square, his eyes never leaving the spice merchant’s pudgy face. The perfumed trader scrambled, bringing his jade-carved cavalry closer to his emperor where it hid near the back of the board. When Jahnar moved an ebony catapult into range, a single bead of sweat trickled down the merchant’s brow. The Spicing Guild Master retreated once more, his brown fingers barely touching the spearman he placed in front of his emperor.
“I see you have the same taste for blood on the Squares board that you have for the Arena.” Jahnar advanced his right cavalry into a flanking position. “I have not seen you there in my uncle’s presence for some time.”
The merchant launched his catapult forward two squares to take one of Jahnar’s footmen. The man lifted a hand to stroke his pointed beard and hide a grin.
Jahnar kept his face flat.
If I had known he was this bad a player, I would have insisted that we play years ago.
The merchant’s face paled as Jahnar took his last cavalry with a catapult. “I am sorry, My Prince.” His tone groveled. “But the Emperor has not called upon me. I do not presume to bother His Excellence unless I am required.” Perspiration beaded on his brow as he moved his own siege engine back a space. “However, I am eternally at the service of the imperial blood.”
Jahnar slipped his emperor up to destroy the foolishly exposed catapult. “Nevertheless, an occasional reminder of the fealty of the Spicing Guild would be a welcome gift…to my uncle.” He slipped his flanking cavalry into the opening made by the merchant’s retreating footman. Jahnar eyed the bag of gold lying next to the Parisi Squares board.
It’s as good as mine.
The door to the parlor opened with a gust of air. One of the Emperor’s Sunguard stood at attention. “His Excellence has ordered the presence of his nephew, Prince Jahnar il’Faroud.”
Jahnar leaped to his feet, jostling the pieces on the board. He drew up to the soldier’s face, their noses almost touching. “Prince Jahnar Faroud il’
Hasin
is my name, you wretch! I will have you and your entire family flogged if ever I hear you say it wrong again!”