A Dread and Dire Work

Continuing the story started in "The Poisons of Aemida", this describes what happens when Octavian Tiani and his crew bring to fruition the plans of the Republic of Savrille to make war with the Alchemist King. This story is 6900 words long of action, intrigue and adventure. Further stories in this cycle are "The Strangers of Racontal", "The Gaol of the Republic" and "The Dragon of Qadis". <p> As an author, I attempt to write characters caught up in worlds of mystery and horror, keeping an eye to verismilitude and psychological depth. I try to avoid most of the tedious cliches of fantasy fiction, writing for adults, mixing exoticism with gripping characterization and strong plots. My influences in fiction include H. P. Lovecraft, Robert Howard, George R. R. Martin, Roger Zelazny and Michael Moorcook.