“You spoke to the girl?”
“Pris? Yes. The Third was a great man. She did not wish to poison him, but you forced her to.”
“No, you did, Nicolas.”
There was the anger again, flashing in the prince’s eyes. Hermann hammered home the point, leaning forward in his chair. “With your reckless decisions. Surely, you see that a ruler cannot allow his kingdom to rise and fall on such trivial whims.” He leaned back, shivering again despite himself as another winter breeze blew in.
“Your whims are more trivial than mine,” Nico said defensively. “And more reckless by far. As much as anyone, you plunged this empire into civil war. I am saddened that you don’t see that.” He looked away from Hermann momentarily, locating an object in the room. He stepped to the blanket and unfolded it while he continued speaking. “Your actions were for personal gain. Mine were for the good of the empire.”
Nico came forward to spread the blanket on his father’s legs. Hermann allowed him to do so, for it was a gesture reminiscent of another son, another time. And even his hardened heart resonated at the poignancy.
He smiled, banishing the anger from the discussion. “I always believed you were more ambitious than you let on. I am pleased to see that my actions are justified.”
“Justified? Sacrificing your own son?”
“Had I done nothing, you and Markolac would certainly have clashed, and in so doing ripped this kingdom asunder. My actions saved Akenberg from being torn in two.”
“You exaggerate to shield your ego from the truth. You failed yourself, this kingdom, and your family.”
Hermann snorted. “Have I failed? I don’t see it that way. My son will be emperor, after all. Even if it isn’t the one I expected.”
The brief silence that followed loomed profoundly. He found it telling that Nico did not attempt to deny this destiny. The natural progression was clear enough, even to that obstinate mind.
Nico paused to consider his words. Exactly what was expected from a good ruler, and another promising sign. “The future will bring what it brings. I’m not trying to shape it.”
“You don’t really believe that. Ever since you returned, you’ve seized power at every opportunity.”
“The difference between us is that you see power as treasure, to be collected and coveted. But power isn’t treasure, it’s more like a sword. To be used only when needed, and treated with respect. With honor.”
“This foolish code of yours makes you take unnecessary risks, young prince. Those risks will catch up to you, sooner or later. And when they do, where will your precious honor leave you?”
“Honorable.”
Hermann’s eyes narrowed. At first, he thought his son was making game of him. Now he could see the boy was earnest.
“You’re not Eberhart, Nicolas. Leave the heroics to the heroes.”
He could tell those words had stung. Not that Hermann wished to be cruel to his only living son, but it appeared that was the only way to get the message through.
Once more, Nico needed a moment to rein in his embattled emotions. Then he called out in a loud voice, “Captain Reikmann.”
Hermann’s old friend entered the chamber, striding boldly to the prince’s side. The king greeted him with a smile. “You have joined with the boy, Reikmann?”
“I side with winners, Hermann. The Third has proven himself to me, as you once did.”
The Third. Bah. When did that become more important than blood and friendship?
Nico cleared his throat.
Here it comes. Will it be death, then? Or banishment? Public humiliation, perhaps?
“Captain Reikmann, my father is unwell. He sees the importance of strong leadership in a time of war, and relinquishes his duties to those better able to perform them.
“Yet he is to be respected for all he has done to benefit Akenberg. Maybe there is still time for him to learn that respect—the giving and receiving—is more valuable than power.
“He is confined to quarters until the transition is complete. After that, ceremonial duties can resume.
“Does this suit you, Father? Do you ‘know where the ground lays?’”
Not death, then. Not even a trial. Smart, for the boy would not benefit from certain secrets becoming known.
It was far more than Hermann expected, and probably better than he deserved. Perhaps he still had more service to provide his kingdom.
“Very well, then, I abdicate. Rule with my full support, for the time I have left. What’s in a title, anyway? You seem to accumulate them faster than one can keep track. Prince, Thane, Commander, General, Third.
“I suppose you have one more to add to your list, King.”
Author's Note
The hardest thing about being a new author is getting noticed by the world of readers. The Internet Age has made it possible for all kinds of aspiring writers to publish, which is a truly great thing. At the same time, writers have never had a harder time standing out from the crowd, nor faced tougher competition. A few authors rely on massive marketing campaigns or dubious shortcuts to game the system. Most of us simply put our heads down and keep writing, hoping that word of mouth will pass from reader to reader and slowly but steadily build our audience.
I invite you to be part of my team and help me make a mark on the literary world. If you enjoyed any of my books, recommend it to a friend or leave a review—or both. Be sure to check out my author page on Facebook or Amazon, and definitely visit my website where you can get a free color map to accompany the Empire Asunder series. I make sure the readers who join the email list are rewarded for their support by holding contests to award signed books, posters, tee shirts, and other interesting prizes.
I also like hearing from readers. Have a question or comment about a book? Let me know at [email protected]. I try to answer every email personally.
Thanks as always for your support.
Michael
About The Author
Michael Jason Brandt is a specialist in history and geopolitics. Born in Washington, DC, he has lived, worked, and studied in the US, England, and Spain. He received his first degree in business from (the highly underrated) Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. After a decade in the corporate IT world, Michael returned to education and received degrees in International Relations from (the two best schools in the world, in his opinion) George Washington University and The London School of Economics and Political Science.
Now dedicated to research and writing, Michael is a co-founder of Casus Belli Books. He currently lives in Maryland.
His first novel, PLAGUED, WITH GUILT, is the story of five friends confronted by war, disease, and the end of humanity. The EMPIRE ASUNDER series is his second writing adventure and first sojourn into fantasy.
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Dedication
For Terri
Other Books
By Michael Jason Brandt
The EMPIRE ASUNDER saga continues in BOOK 3: SHIELD AND CROWN, coming soon.
Or, if you’re looking for a change of pace, why not check out his first novel?
PLAGUED, WITH GUILT
What if the world were coming to an end, and it was your fault?
Dr. Ben Appelstein and his archaeological team unwittingly unleash an ancient plague on the modern world, derailing their promising lives and threatening to destroy life as we know it. Against a backdrop of war and disease, four friends fight through transformative journies both personal and monumental: Rich, a brilliant gay athlete struggling for esteem; Wendy, a querulous coed caught between two men and an uncertain future; Halfus, a quiet hero with a tragic pa
st; and Ernie, a fun-loving charmer with aspirations of grandeur. Bound together and pulled apart, they struggle to save all they hold dear from impending doom.
PWG is the critically-acclaimed, character-driven epic novel about the best and worst tendencies of humankind. Tackling the difficult themes of terrorism, abuse, and mental illness, and providing insight into history, science, politics, and psychology, the novel is a must-read for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the complexities of today's world.
"At once a fierce academic thriller and a powerful meditation on humanity... A striking, powerful debut that heralds the start of a promising career."—Kirkus Reviews
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters and events portrayed in this novel are either fictional or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
EMPIRE ASUNDER BOOK 2: HEARTS OF FIRE
Copyright © 2017 by Michael Jason Brandt
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.
ISBN 978-0-9964984-4-9
www.MichaelJasonBrandt.com
Cover & Map Design: Autumn Birt and nuvue creative
Lead Editor: LeeAnna Groves
Hearts of Fire (Empire Asunder Book 2) Page 23
