Sunshells

by J.A. Self

The kingdom of Salentia is rising in power, thanks to the enchanted machinery developed by Prince Reginald. This rise has been noticed by their enemies, however, and the Beolians to the north have launched a raiding campaign aimed at weakening Salentia. Worse yet, the king of Beolo has just promoted a legendary master of war to take supreme command of the Beolian forces.

Reginald couldn’t care less. He has grown tired of the generations-long struggle with Beolo and would rather spend his days advancing the technology of his kingdom. Unfortunately, his father, King Brentor, is planning to strike back at Beolo with a major offensive. The struggle looks as though it will continue for yet more generations.

But Reginald has a plan. His latest creation, a mobile fortress, is almost complete. Reginald sets out with his half-brother, Kyloth, to meet the Beolians. The plan is Reginald will unleash a secret weapon of immeasurable power, threatening Beolo with complete annihilation.

Prince Kyloth is just along for the ride, not old or experienced enough to be trusted with an important role. When a shadowy threat creeps over the fortress, however, he decides to take matters into his own hands. There’s a traitor onboard the fortress, and Kyloth has to uncover him before disaster strikes.

16,273 words

ebook

First published June 22, 2012

About the author

When not writing, J. A. Self enjoys fostering his wife's insanity. Aside from that (the insanity) you might also find him doing Taekwondo, playing a game, or cuddling his adorable little girl. He speaks of himself in the third person, except when I don't.

I write mostly epic fantasy, but I'm constantly planning forays into urban fantasy and sci-fi. I've written humor a time or two, too. Check out my website at www.jaself.com. I keep it updated, I post my new stuff there first, and you can get on my Story List to get the shorter stories I write from time to time.