My father, Gordon, who is practical, full of common sense, and gives the best advice when you ask it of him. A man who can strip any machine down to its constituent parts and rebuild it better, faster, stronger. I am forever in awe of his technical knowledge, his ability to just do things that my brain refuses to comprehend. He is Scotty, whereas I am Spot (Data’s cat)—and I know that’s mixing the series up, but it is probably the best analogy of our relative technical skills. He proves to me again and again that if I need solid ground to stand upon, he will lay out the dimensions and pour the cement. And Wendy, I know he is a pain, but thank you for looking after him.
My brother, Jonathan, combines the best of both my parents and somehow augments with his own special ways. A musician through and through. He was born with the talent for music, into a family of musicians and rose above them all (in my humble opinion). During our younger years we fought like brothers do all across the world, never listening to our parents who told us we would be best friends when we grew up—once again they were proved right (strange, this skill of good parents, to be right more often than wrong). Jenny, you remain a wonder to me—I grew up with him, but you have made him even more than he was.
My own family leave me alone long enough to write, most of the time, and that alone is a gift. Thomas and Holly, my children, remain a constant joy (and irritation, in equal measure), and I hope I raise them at least half as well as my parents did in raising my brother and I.
In summary; my successes are theirs, the fuck ups are all mine.
I will also have to give a lot of credit to the crowd from BristolCon and those I’ve met through Grim Gatherings—you are all too numerous to mention, but let me pick out a few; Rob, Tom, Laura, Dyrk (for coming over the pond to see us all), Rosa, Dolly (my first Con buddy), James (from my hometown) J.P, Mike, and all the others.
I apologise now to all those authors with whom I have forged friendships and whom I may have asked awkward questions or made silly jokes to during panels—feel free to return the favour. I am looking at you, Steve, Anna, Adrian, amongst others.
Thanks also to the Purple Skies group. Mariëlle and Jude, who make me smile at least once a month, even during lockdown, and I value those talks and catch-ups. Adrian Selby, who not only helped me with my synopsis, but remains a constant source of advice, humour, and inspiration. Without you all keeping me sane, I’d be a much poorer man.
Julia, my first supporter, my beta reader, my proof-reader, my champion, and seriously folks, if you’ve read this far and you enjoyed this book (or any of my others) you have to know that without her help and assistance the books would be nowhere near as good as they are. Andreas too—a man of infinite patience and joy. You have my thanks, and I do owe you a good meal and some decent beer!
Marc and Jennie at Fantasy-Faction. Thank you both for taking me under your wing, for supporting me, and for letting me join your world. It really has been amazing, and continues to be so!
Mark Lawrence, for the snippets of wisdom, the beer, and that photo of us where I appear to be drinking a vase of flowers. Also for championing the SPFBO and starting that initiative off. It makes a difference.
T. O. Munro (Matthew), we got started together on this writing lark and that encouragement and sense of camaraderie through those first years set my feet securely on this path. Those first books will always be with us.
Graham Austin-King, my friend, and a man who has punched me in the face numerous times (during martial arts practice, I’ll add) which knocked a good deal of sense into my head.
Thanks to Natalie, without whom a sentence would not be as perfect as it is now.
Sammy HK Smith for taking the last year of this journey together with me, sharing the fears, worries, and excitement as publication days draw closer has been a joy and a comfort. And with regard to fluttering loins, you’re right, the book is better without them.
Kate Coe, my editor, for taking a chance on the book, for seeing the promise and helping turn it from a good book to a great book. It has been a learning experience, and I’ve done my best to take on every lesson.
Jamie Cowen, my agent, who turned down two previous books of mine, but each time with good advice, with encouragement, and words of wisdom. I promise I took it all on board as I wrote the next one, and look, it worked. Thank you!
Mark, Martin, Jon, Polly, Rhys, Simon, Tristan and Tom, my friends, RPG, and board game buddies. This year (2020) has been hell, and getting out to play has been difficult, but playing online has been a salvation; City of Mist, Adventures in Middle Earth, Invisible Sun, Star Trek. We live in different worlds for a short time, but the fun stays forever. Thank you all.
Also, to some of my oldest friends, the members of Arte; Andrew (Ty), David (Ed), Mark (Garth), and Alan (Cal)—we fought for Albion, amongst other realms and worlds, in wars too numerous to mention. The Roman skeletons on Salisbury Plain, the monsters of Darkness Falls, all fell before us, but we should never forget the Black Dog which ended up being one of our number’s greatest foe.
Lastly, to friends I see but very rarely but always have a place in my heart and take up a large portion of my memories; Claire W, Claire H, Tony, Paul, Justin, and Gi. I love you all and miss you.
And those who’ve read this book and supported my writing—my eternal thanks!
That’s it. I’m done.
Thank you for reading this far and I hope to see you in the next book!
Glossary
The Empire
The Emperor
The Empress
Alhard: First born, son and heir to the Imperial Throne.
Aelia: Second born, daughter and second in line the Imperial Throne.
Historian’s note: Imperial law and tradition dictate that only a direct blood relative may sit on the Imperial Throne. However, a careful reading of Imperial History would indicate this has not always been the case.
Ruling Council: Comprised of the Emperor, General of the Empire’s Army, High Priest of the Flame, Master of the Gymnasium of Magicians, Dukes/Duchesses, and those of rank invited by the Emperor.
General of the Empire’s Army: Bordan
High Priest of the Flame: Godewyn
Master of the Gymnasium of Magicians: Vedrix
Historian’s note: The presence of the Military, the Priesthood, and the Magicians on the Ruling Council is both historical and practical. The Emperor can be assured that all realms of advice and points of view are explored in Council, while balancing the three major branches of Empire power against each other.
Army Ranks and Organisation
Emperor
General
In charge of the three armies
Legion (3)
In charge of an army
An army is 15,000 Foot
Commander (3 per army)
A Command is 5,000 Foot
Each Commander leads 5 Prefects
Prefects (15 per army)
A Prefect is 1,000 Foot
Each Prefect leads 2 Spears
Spear (30 per army)
A Spear is 500 Foot
Each Spear leads 10 Cohorts
Cohort (300 per army)
A Cohort is 50 Foot
Leads 5 Shields.
Shield (1,500 per army)
A Shield is 10 Foot
Foot: A single soldier.
Immunis: Possess a specialised skill; Carpenter, Quartermaster, Musician, Hunters, Engineers, and do not have daily duties.
Historian’s note: While the number of 15,000 Foot is regarded to be a Legion, the true number of each Legion is higher. Those of the Immunis are not counted amongst the Foot, nor are the civilian labourers and others who service the requirements of the army. Similarly, a Shield is considered to be 10 Foot, but in reality, can vary between 7 and 14 Foot. Amongst the Immunis are those who have completed their requisite years of service but elected or been chosen to remain part of the military—quite often the General or a Legion will employ Immunis for specialised tasks or duties.
Weapons and armour
Gladius: a short stabbing sword. The main weapon of the soldiers.
Spatha: a longer sword.
Pugio: a dagger.
Pila: throwing spears, javelins.
Lorica segmentata: the usual armour of the soldiers. Metal strips formed into circular bands and fastened to leather straps.
Lorica hamata: made from alternating rows of rings and rows of riveted rings.
Historian’s note: The weapons and tactics of the Empire Army have developed over the years and through contact with other peoples. Most recently, the Lorica hamata was adapted from armour worn by those of the tribes who used to call the old, long since felled forest near Sudrim, home.
Ranks in the Church of the Holy Flame
High Priest
Bishop
Deacon
Curate
Priest
Justice/Inquisitor: Outside of the formal ranks and report directly to the Bishops and High Priest.
Historian’s note: The Church of the Holy Flame is the dominant religion of the Empire. Arising over eight hundred years ago, it is regarded as the cause of the Old Empire’s schism. Promising a life eternal with the Flame, the simple message of this new religion quickly swept aside the old household gods whose complicated and imprecise worship was viewed as heretical and paganistic.
Ranks in the Gymnasium of Magic
Master of the Gymnasium
Master
Journeyman
Apprentice
Magister: Outside of the normal hierarchy and report directly to the Master of the Gymnasium.
Historian’s note: In the scrolls of the Old Empire, it is clear that the Magicians held much more power and were in the ascendency when compared to the centuries since the Schism. The Gymnasium itself is maintained by the Emperor and the Empire, its members protected by law. A recent survey of magician numbers indicates a decline in the amount of apprentices joining the Gymnasium; however, the reason for this is unclear.
The bond between men and the gods is weakening.
A dead man walks between the worlds and foresees Odin’s doom.
The only survivor of a slaughter unleashes a monster from fiery Muspelheim.
Long hidden among mortals, a giantess sighs and takes up her magics once again.
A chief’s son must overcome war and treason to become the leader his people need.
And the final battle is coming...
“Holdt wows in her Norse mythology–inspired debut… an electrifying adventure.” -- Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Packs a punch worthy of the Thunderer himself. It rocks!" -- Joanne Harris, author of The Gospel of Loki
"Ferocious, compelling, fiercely beautiful. Fantasy at its very best." -- Anna Smith Spark, author of the Empires of Dust series
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Dragons. Art. Revolution.
Gyen Jebi isn’t a fighter or a subversive. They just want to paint.
One day they’re jobless and desperate; the next, Jebi finds themself recruited by the Ministry of Armor to paint the mystical sigils that animate the occupying government’s automaton soldiers.
But when Jebi discovers the depths of the Razanei government’s horrifying crimes—and the awful source of the magical pigments they use—they find they can no longer stay out of politics.
What they can do is steal Arazi, the ministry’s mighty dragon automaton, and find a way to fight…
“An arresting tale of loyalty, identity, and the power of art... Lee’s masterful storytelling is sure to wow.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Fiercely original.” – Adrian Tchaikovsky
“Powerful. Unforgettable. This is another amazing piece of work, and I have the feeling I need to read it again to get it fully!” – Stephen Baxter
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Seven Deaths of an Empire Page 52
