Ancient Magic

by J.S. Wayne

More than two decades have passed since the Hodans invaded the peaceful kingdom of Jurav. In their zeal for conquest, they have mercilessly rent the Juravian national character asunder, starting with the temples of their gods.

Varath's uncle raised him to one day assume his father's mantle—command warden of the Temple of Noradi, the most beloved goddess of the Juravian pantheon and the deity of heart, hearth, and the fires which burn in both.

Melody would have been High Priestess to Noradi, and her own family has groomed her with equal care against the day when the Hodan hordes will be expelled and she can assume her rightful place as the most powerful figure in the entire nation . . . and as Varath's bride.

When Varath departed to serve in the Hodan army, Melody saw it as an unconscionable betrayal. Now Varath has returned to take his father's place as the sole guardian of a temple where no one dares enter, and he has made overtures to claim the other half of his bequest: Melody herself. But can Melody see past the deceptions and lies his rebellion has forced and learn to love the man who seems to have turned his back on his own people?

41 pages, ebook

First published October 24, 2011

About the author

Born in Amarillo, Texas, J.S. Wayne has lived, worked and traveled through roughly ¾ of the contiguous United States. Currently, he resides in the Pacific Northwest and feels no pressing need to be elsewhere. He is fascinated by the use of language, human sexuality, occultism, quantum physics and trying to figure out just what the hell the lyrics to "I Am The Walrus" were actually trying to say.

Writing as Jericho S. Wayne, he is the author of the dark urban fantasy series The Soulforger Chronicles. J.S. enjoys hearing from his readers and fans. He can be reached through his website at https://jswaynereloaded.com or on Twitter @iamlordunicron.