Monarchs And Principalities

In an era where the grandeur of mighty empires echoes through its majestic architecture and advanced engineering, the world stands at the cusp of a transformative age. It is a time when the marvels of intricate aqueducts, cannons, grand coliseums, flintlock pistols, and sprawling roadways coexist with ancient rituals, mystical artefacts, and clandestine sects.

In this world, Marcellus, a young teen from Wisbech, finds himself at a crossroads. Destined for training in the art of the sword at the revered Church of Combat, Marcellus instead chooses an easy path. Turning away from the warrior's way, he immerses himself in the simpler life of a cook in a local inn, seeking solace in the simplicity of daily life. This tranquillity is shattered when his inn is suddenly besieged by unknown assailants. In a moment of sheer desperation, Marcellus seeks refuge, his prayers for safety leading him to a realm beyond comprehension.

Awakening in this new, mysterious world, Marcellus is confronted with a reality that intertwines the ancient with the mystical. Here, the grandiose structures and citadels coexist with the arcane and the occult. Potions, divination, hexes, demons, and sealed artefacts are as much a part of this world.

As Marcellus navigates this realm, he finds himself caught in a web of intrigue that spans both the orthodox and unorthodox sects of the empire. He is drawn into a world where mystery and the supernatural are never far away, and where his burgeoning powers, fueled by mysterious potions, slowly emerge.

Amidst the shadows of towering edifices and the whispers of ancient lore, the question emerges: In such a world, who can truly aspire to the mystifying and elusive status of the divine? Marcellus's story unfolds — a saga of a young man stepping into a destiny filled with wonder, danger, and the untold potential of «The Hollowed».

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In the grim shadows of an inn where he toils tirelessly, a young boy's life takes a nightmarish turn. As terror descends upon him, he finds refuge in a closet, a silent witness to the brutal murder of those around him. In the throes of desperation, he clings to a thread of hope, praying fervently to the deity his mother revered—the god of combat, seeking divine intercession. Yet, his pleas seem to fall upon deaf ears, and despair grips his soul.

Just when it appears that all hope is irrevocably lost, a glimmer of possibility emerges. But is it an answer to his prayer, or the beginning of a new nightmare? In any case, as the boy awakens, he discovers himself in a surreal dream world, a realm where reality blurs into the ethereal, and the line between dream and waking life grows fainter with every step he takes.

A few important points to bear in mind:

Exposition is absent from our narrative canvas.
Our tale commences amidst a death ritual in full swing.
Marcellus, driven by the spectre of imminent death, unwillingly becomes a part of this ritual.
If one is inclined to bypass the ritual's intricacies, they may opt to begin their journey from Chapter 19, albeit not recommended.
The narrative may appear Languid at the outset, yet it swiftly transforms into a relentless whirlwind of events. (The narrative maintains a deliberate pace, avoiding the imposition of contrived plot twists. Marcellus, a commoner, finds himself thrust into a world teeming with politics, mythical powers, and enigmatic mysteries.) (check my review for more)