“Have you seen our latest warfare gadgets? My army has destroyed many of these vampires using new, effective weapons,” said Caprius. “These weapons of ours were obtained from Koriston. The Taughtenslotte army is the most lethal with the latest gadgets. Queen Amenova herself has personally signed a deal with Elysium so that we can obtain these weapons from them. We are united with them. Queen Amenova and my father have all signed agreements. She and my father are in constant talks. Just days ago my father went to Koriston for a meeting. He, Amenova, and Ganner have agreed to resume talks on the continuing peace with your Bramonians. We are moving ahead.”
Loris could not believe what he was hearing. “Caprius! I know of Ganner. To believe that he is willing to open his doors to outsiders baffles me. It is just too hard for me to believe! And I don’t know why he has agreed to resume peace negotiations and to settle terms primarily set by the Elysians. He is a snake. Yes, my Bramonians are at peace with you Elysians. And my house is open to the Seatons. But Ganner works dirty. He cannot be trusted! I can see through the fog. And I say to you that this web of lies spun by Ganner is a trap.” Loris took a sip of his wine. “I am worried. I do not have a good feeling about this.” He took another sip of his wine. “Today he says he wants peace. But mark my words, it is only a matter of time before he strikes again. If the majority of Bramonians really wanted to put the past behind them, to have everlasting peace, GANNER ISN’T THE ONE TO GET THE JOB DONE! In my professional political opinion, Ganner has to be assassinated! Then a new leader would be appointed—one who would have diplomacy on his or her resume, one who would be willing to lead his people in nationwide peace, one who can stomach the change.”
“Yes, but are the people looking for change?” asked Caprius.
“The people grow restless. They are tired of war. I can honestly say that a vast majority are looking for a new government, a party that would do away with the traditional sovereignty. Our people are eager to accept foreign policies and ideas. Those who do not are the toxin that has poisoned the minds of our people, all because of the government, which has been in control of the city for centuries. And it isn’t just Ganner. There are key players in Bramonia serving its government who are in control. It is all very complicated, my friend.”
“Then why Ganner’s sudden interest in resuming diplomacy? He set the meeting,” said Caprius.
“Diplomatic issues are a good sign of change,” said Loris. “But I don’t think Ganner’s heart has softened.” Loris shook his head. “I don’t know, Caprius. It is hard for me to believe that the lion was transformed into a loving kitten,” said Loris. “Where did you say this meeting was taking place?”
“It is in Koriston. Queen Amenova wrote the letter. She stipulated that Ganner has agreed to this,” said Caprius.
“Why didn’t Ganner write the letter himself?”
“I don’t know,” said Caprius.
“Have you confirmed this meeting with Queen Amenova?”
“No, we did not,” said Caprius. “We assume the meeting is taking place. In the past, all meetings with Queen Amenova occurred and were well-executed.”
“My friend, your people assume too much,” said Loris. Loris sighed with relief. “Well, at least the meeting’s in Koriston. He will be well-protected there.”
“Precisely! Which is why I am not worried,” said Caprius.
“I am surprised that this meeting isn’t on Ganner’s home soil,” said Loris.
“Well, we will see how the meeting goes.” Caprius had had enough of politics and war. He went back to a previous discussion. “So, you like to live independently without the worry of change. What about the constant need for new medicine?” asked Caprius. “The ability to heal is a powerful thing. One might need healing. Almanite is the leader in medicine.”
“Here we use natural remedies for healing. They are quite affective,” said Selene.
“I have to disagree with you on that. Almanite has effectively cured many patients,” said Caprius.
“Caprius, Bridimar is a sanctuary. Here we heal naturally. And people come here for peace of mind,” said Loris. “We are not ashamed to go swimming in our pools without the need for trunks. We bare it all. There is no shame in it, for this is Bridimar—a place like no other.” He spread out his arms. “This place is paradise on earth!”
“Yes, it is beautiful here,” said Caprius. “Loris, can I at least count on you and your people to go to war with us? If the undead overrun Alamptria, it could mean the end for mankind. It will come to it. The time will come when all men will need to unite. We will need warriors.”
“We are a small army here, two thousand strong. We are quite protected here. No harm will come to us,” said Loris.
“Yes, and I have my dear Loris to protect me,” said Selene. “And we have the Seatons!”
“Yes, of course you do. And for that reason I need to know that I can count on you. Can we, Loris?”
“I do not intend to send my people to their deaths. We fight for us,” said Loris.
Caprius edged closer. “Loris, if the undead take hold of you, you will be destroyed. But together we have a chance.” Loris thought about it for a moment. He crossed his arms. “If you do not help us, then you are alone, and you will die. Makoor will enslave you. You’ll be made to serve him.”
Loris drew a breath, scratching his chin. “If the time comes, and you need my help, you have my sword. I will fight along your side, Caprius Seaton. You have my word. I tell you this as a brother.”
“Thank you, Loris!” said Caprius, touched by Loris’s words of comfort. He sat back, more relaxed, and smiled.
This book has been a special presentation of the dark, magical world of Alamptria. Exciting scenes have been brought forth to you from both past and future books. I cannot wait for the release of Serenity Incident, due for publication on Christmas of 2017, and Lantrinon, due for publication in 2018. Also to be released is the book: ‘Deadfall.’ I hope you have enjoyed these exciting scenes that I have comprised for you, and I look forward to bringing you more of the Dead Path Chronicles. And as the great Grongone says, “Embrace the vim, young knight master!”
About the Author
Richard A. Valicek was born to parents of Croatian descent in Toronto, Canada. He is proud of his heritage, as his great grandfather used to take care of the Austrian king’s horses before the First World War. In his early adulthood, he began writing short stories. As he grew up, his ambition as a storyteller merged into a career in visual arts, and he graduated with a degree in graphic design.
In 2001, Valicek decided he wanted not only to illustrate stories; he wanted to write them himself. He began taking courses in writing and graduated with a diploma in a Liberal Studies program. He slowly began to develop what would become his first major work.
His first book entitled Alamptria: Red Moon Rising was self-published in 2010 and went on to win the Buzzillions Reviewers Choice Award.
Currently, in addition to publishing several stories with the Internet magazine ScreamofTerror, Valicek is now working on the Dead Path Chronicles series, as well as his science fiction tale Prominent.
The Dark Magical World of Alamptria Page 13
