Age of arrogance, p.1
Age of Arrogance, page 1
BOOK THREE OF THE LEGACY OF BOULOM
AGE
OF
ARROGANCE
TIMOTHY WOLFF
Copyright © 2024 Timothy Wolff.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.
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ISBN: 979-8-9907730-0-4 (Paperback)
ISBN: 979-8-9867655-9-4 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 979-8-9867655-8-7 (eBook)
ISBN: 979-8-9907730-1-1 (Audiobook)
Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Names, characters, and places are products of the author’s imagination.
Front cover image by Alejandro Colucci
Edited by Jonathan Oliver
World map by Chaim Holtjer
Title page image by Coe Landsell
Book design by Lorna Reid
First printing edition 2024.
Table of Contents
Map
Tears of the Maelstrom Recap
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Epilogue
Meet the Author
Thanks, Acknowledgements, Etc.
Map
Tears of the Maelstrom Recap
After seven months unconscious, Zeen finally wakes in Terrangus with Serenna by his side. He learns of Emperor Francis, Empress Mary (who is expecting a child), and new entities known as Vanguards: those who have surrendered their freewill to serve the God of Wisdom/Arrogance. Their reunion is short-lived as the Goddess of Fear unleashes a Harbinger after David accidently tortures the Time God. With Francis and Mary unable to join the Guardians, Serenna reluctantly recruits Vanguard Five (Robert Cavare) and Dumiah Bloom: the zephum mechanist. Warlord Sardonyx forces his son Tempest to join the Guardians as a one-time combatant.
The Guardians succeed in slaying the Harbinger at great cost. Pyith is slain and Tempest has a permanently wounded leg. The Goddess of Valor reveals herself to Serenna as the ascended Everleigh and they train back in Mylor, while Zeen attempts to help Tempest avoid the wrath of Sardonyx. David is enraged by Fear’s actions and vows to create a realm without gods.
David does not create a realm without gods. He defeats Francis, but is easily beaten by Arrogance, who imprisons him in the Terrangus dungeons, where he reunites with Nyfe. After spending time with Tempest, Zeen learns the God of Death is speaking to the zephum. Riots in Terrangus grow worse as the number of Vanguards increase. Vanguard Five uses the chaos to escort David out of Terrangus and back into Mylor. David and Serenna’s reunion is cut short as Valor openly attacks Fear. While Valor is defeated, Serenna takes the opportunity to grab the Herald of Valor’s scythe off the ground. David knocks the scythe out of her hands before Serenna can slay Fear.
Zeen is banished from Vaynex after a skirmish to protect Tempest. He returns to Mylor, then does adult things with Serenna. Their fun reminds David of his lost Melissa, so he drinks himself silly until Valor demands his service as the next engager. He agrees, accepts some armor from Senator Charles, then trains in the gardens. Serenna accepts a meeting with Alanammus Archon Faelen Gabriel. He proposes assassinating Francis to limit Arrogance’s influence at the upcoming wedding.
The riots grow worse in Terrangus. Nyfe is made into Vanguard Omega, then after Francis and Mary are nearly killed in Terrangus, Francis uses the Herald of Arrogance staff to burn his own subjects, saving their lives but creating an atmosphere of terror.
Tempest and Sardonyx are betrayed in a Vaynex uprising. Zeen ends up slaying Warmaker Dubnok, father to Eltune, before being sent back to Mylor with Bloom. Tempest finally accepts the God of Death’s offer to become a Harbinger. He lays waste to all the warmakers, then eventually, his own father.
With the Guardian team still reeling, Arrogance and Valor convince Serenna to accept Vanguards Omega (Nyfe) and Five into the Guardian team, with Davd as their Engager. The team portals to Vaynex. Eltune begs their aid in restoring order, but Serenna denies him. Tempest is eventually defeated, then finds himself in the Great Plains in the Sky with his father, the newly-ascended God of Tradition. There is no resurrection, but a final farewell.
Back in Mylor, David goes sober and reminisces with Bloom over the mountains in the outskirts. Serenna introduces Valor to Landon, since Guardian Everleigh was always his favorite. Everleigh reveals Landon is her son and they have a teary reunion.
Mary gives birth to her son, Calvin. Francis is in awe at the child in his arms, and vows to pay any price to give him Serenity. If he must cross the line between damaged and broken, he will gladly do so.
Chapter 1
Burden of Perfection
Sitting on the Terrangus throne, Emperor Francis Haide sighed as he leaned his head into his left hand. Ever since the birth of his son Calvin eight months ago, the throne felt…invisible. It was odd and, a bit ironic, considering how often Nyfe had used the phrase “Invisible Guardian” to torment him during simpler times.
But these days, the only phrase Nyfe—now Vanguard Omega—could speak was, “Yes, Emperor.” In a perfect world, it was all anyone would say.
The crowd of senators, soldiers, and people with enough gold to visit the castle but not enough gold for Francis to remember their names all flooded the throne room halls, mesmerized by Empress Mary and their child. General Marcus had vetted them all of course. Can’t risk any of the rioters putting the royal family in danger. The mere thought drew sweat from Francis’s brow, so he grasped the Herald of Arrogance with both hands and took a deep breath. Would they dare? Calvin should never have to pay the debts of his father, but cowards always target the helpless. If anyone dares, for their sake, they better die in the attempt.
People gave oohs and ahhs, laughed, applauded, enthralled as the baby did… baby things. Did Mother treat me this way? Parading me around like a dog? It was all so undignified. Francis had assumed this nonsense would end after a few weeks, months at worst, but here they were, entertaining the easily entertained, treating the future emperor like an actor in amateur theater.
“Are you unwell, Emperor?” asked General Marcus from the left side of the throne.
Francis tightened the grip on his staff. “Well? No, General, I am not well. Too much risk. Too many people. Too much everything. They could strike at any moment. We should be solidifying our defenses before the wedding, not inviting potential assassins to my very throne!” Perhaps Wisdom was correct and I need a new general. Unfortunately, I think Marcus is the best of the worst. If only this kingdom had a better selection.
Marcus chuckled, which seemed an inappropriate response. “You have a father’s mind. Try to relax, Emperor. With all these Vanguards, Terrangus Castle is the safest place in the realm. I guess, well, this is what perfection looks like.”
It was the god’s turn to chuckle from behind the throne. “Oh, my dear General,” Wisdom said, remaining invisible. “Look around. Expand your imagination. Would you consider this to be perfect?”
Marcus looked around, but it was unlikely he had the capacity to expand anything thought-wise. “I sure hope not.”
“If you hold even the slightest thread of doubt, then rest assured, perfection has not yet prevailed. But the time shall soon arrive. Sooner than my original hypothesis, I dare say. Oh, is that a chill in the air? Cold winds on a temperate spring morning always spell danger to the complacent. You may have a job to do, General. An important job indeed.”
A chill? I don’t feel anything. Oh well. It seemed Wisdom always enjoyed playing with words. Maybe he could explain in greater detail after the room cleared—
“Francis!” Mary’s voice rang from the center of the hall, snapping him to attention in a way only she knew how. “Stop slouching up there and come down. Your subjects yearn to see you! Leave your staff by the throne.”
He couldn’t recall exactly when she had stopped referring to them as their “people” but it was a welcome change, nonetheless. But leave his staff? Truly? He rose, keeping the staff in-hand, pretending he hadn’t heard that last line. Lying without words is a weapon all leaders should master if they crave stability. “Coming, my beloved.”
The oohs and ahhs dissipated as Emperor Francis Haide, Architect of Paradise, Herald of Serenity, approached with his staff sheathed behind his back. Was their silence meant to be a slight? Of course. They loved Mary. They loved Calvin. The cornucopia of snails infesting his throne room loved Francis’s family, but no one loved the man who provided for them. Is this the burden of perfection? Have I fallen too far to ever reclaim their love?
“Francis? Hello?” Oh, Mary’s voice again. Her tone shifted to annoyance, suggesting she had said his name more than once. Best to respond before she shifted to the tone that would often come next.
“Forgive me, there is much on my mind.” Not that any of these people would know what that's like. I need more words. A compliment? “You look simply ravishing, my future empress. And you too, little Calvin. Um, not ravishing but handsome. You know what I mean.” Damn them all for snickering.
Mary gestured to the crowd to stop their noise, then said, “Say hello to Daddy!” as she coerced Calvin into waving.
Calvin laughed, waving at Francis, but staring at Mary. Every child has a favorite parent, and it seemed most children choose the mother. The boy had such a large heart inside his tiny frame. Perhaps the mind would follow in time.
Francis surrendered his dignity and waved back, holding back a sigh as the onlookers said, “Aww” and clutched their hearts like they had witnessed the most precious act in the realm. Who were these people? Why were they here? Marcus was usually competent, but had he really vetted everyone?
“There is someone you should meet,” Mary said. Despite the cacophony of people, her voice was always as clear as the skies of Serenity. “This is Sabastian, master of the Blacksmiths’ Guild. He has a little son of his own named Francis.”
And that is interesting…why? “A pleasure to meet you, Blacksmith.” Surely, none of them expected him to address the child. By Francis’s educated guess, the child was at least three, which made his name a convenience rather than a planned honor.
The blacksmith bowed, then nudged his son forward, who said, “Mr. Emperor, if I work hard and tend to my duties, will I become wise and strong like you?”
Ugh. Children stop being cute the moment they can speak. You are the son of a blacksmith. When you have a child, you will be the father of a blacksmith. That's where the dream begins and where it ends. I envy you, in a way. Such a life never has to consider the price of paradise, never has to weigh how much a person can be damaged before they are considered broken. When Serenity graces our realm, you will scantily tell the difference.
Oh, I’m taking too long to respond. “My boy, keep your wits about you, and the glory of Serenity itself will be the limit of what you can accomplish.”
The crowd cheered, enamored as their emperor lied to them. After all these years, it would seem lying was a simple task. You conjure what people wish to hear, then yell it out loud. Let them cheer. If Francis was forced to be an actor, he may as well be the lead role—
“Get down!”
Hmm? Was that Marcus? Get down from what—
Until that moment, Francis had never been stabbed. A “sharp pain” seemed an ironic description, but a sharp pain indeed coursed through his upper-shoulder. He clutched the wound, immediately finding blood, too much blood. The room went silent. That was unlikely, considering everyone rushing around making a mess of things.
Marcus tackled his assailant to the ground…a senator? He looked somewhat familiar. What an ungrateful cur. Out of all the people who could have grievances with Francis, the nobles have done just fine under his rule.
Sound returned as Francis collapsed into the arms of Mary. It was startling enough to break the light-headedness. “Mary, I told you. It's not safe. It's never safe. Nothing is safe. Enemies…everywhere. All around. They yearn so badly to be unhappy. They cling to it like some sort of…some sort of…” Out of all the sounds that barraged him, Calvin’s cries wounded him the most. A son should never see their father’s fragility until they are perceptive of their own.
“Hush,” Mary said, cupping his face. “Save your energy. I’ve seen my share of stab wounds. None of your organs are in danger. In fact…they couldn’t have done a better job avoiding a fatal blow if they tried. Just keep your eyes open and stay awake. Look at me!”
Actually, sleep was a great idea. He rested his eyes, using Mary’s soft hand as a pillow…
“Look at me!”
They met eyes for a brief moment, and all pain subsided in the face of Mary’s terror. It was nice that someone cared. Mother never did. Certainly not any of the Guardians.
Their intimate moment was dashed as the Vanguards arrived, analyzed Francis, and told Mary to tend to Calvin. They addressed the injury like it was a mathematical equation, not being gentle as they pressed the wound to stop the bleeding, then cleaned the blood and pressed it together with bandages. A comforting warmth came from their wands; Francis would have fallen asleep if not for the floating deity above him.
“Unacceptable. Simply unacceptable,” Arrogance yelled from above. “This results from putting safety in the arms of imperfection. What say you, General?”
Marcus was obviously flustered; sweat poured down his face as he drew his sword to the senator’s neck. “I cannot excuse my failure, but allow me the task of sending this traitor to the void.”
“You will do no such thing,” Arrogance said, drifting towards him. “Interrogate this wretched husk. I want to know everything. And I mean everything.”
Marcus pressed his blade against the senator’s neck harder. “That's absurd!”
“No, my dear General, there is only one thing I classify as absurd, and such moments exemplify my rationale. Vanguards, escort our two prisoners down below. I have tolerated imperfection for far too long. At least enjoy the irony of it. By committing your grandest failure, you have secured the pinnacle of your destiny.”
“I would sooner die,” Marcus said with a grimace. “Francis…I was always loyal to your family. I commanded good men to their deaths to protect you and yours. Don’t…don’t do this to me. Banish me if you must, but don’t take away who I am. Please.”
Francis groaned as he leaned up. “Think of it as addition, not subtraction. We are taking nothing away other than your weakness. When all is said and done, you will be my finest Vanguard. Considering the alternative is to hang, your lack of gratitude is a disappointment. To join Serenity’s Vanguard is the zenith of esteem.”
Marcus threw his sword to the ground, his eyes filled with tears. “Every tyrant eventually runs out of people to hang. I spit on your esteem. If there was any truth to it, you would be a Vanguard. Mary would be a Vanguard. Your son would be a Vanguard.”
Never. “My family is already perfect. They don’t allow murderers to roam free in the throne room. I will pardon your insults as a moment of passion, and allow you to usher in the paradise of Serenity by my side. Vanguards, take him away.”
Francis expected some sort of objection from Mary, but she was several feet away, tending to the distraught baby Calvin. By the way he flailed and screamed, one would think he was the one who had been stabbed. Oh well, such was life. Mary obviously loved them both…but Francis was well aware who held priority.
Chapter 2
A War of Lies
Serenna Morgan leaned against the balcony of her gardens with Zeen by her side, gazing out towards the mountains on the outskirts. Her lilies had grown nicely since the dawn of spring—a beautiful distraction from the fact she still hadn’t told Zeen about Archon Gabriel’s proposal to assassinate Francis. Fortunately, withholding information and lying are not the same thing.
“It's funny,” said Zeen, squinting his eyes towards the view. “I always feel a bit distant out here. It's like we're drifting above the mountains from inside those clouds. I suppose that's a good thing, right? Like a sort of peace? Maybe this is what Serenity is like.”
