Catam Chieftain

by Beth Wangler

Life as an Aimarine chieftain is never secure, but therein lies the glory. When Catam-Chieftain receives word that new enemies are approaching his chiefdom, he welcomes the fight. Any victory is honorable, but Catam suspects this will be one of his great triumphs. Catam prepares to thwart this new nation that has been spreading chaos around the peninsula. He has to: it’s the only thing that can secure his supremacy in the eyes of Orrock, the other chieftains, and, most importantly, his younger brother Mairon. Catam swears to the gods: he shall vanquish Maraiah.

The Firstborn's Legacy: Steward Stories #1

ebook

About the author

Beth Wangler has loved stories since before she could read.

Growing up, she had a voracious appetite for books and loved nothing better than losing herself in a story. On one particular day around third grade, Beth paused in reading to realize that she could add books to the world, too. She’s been writing ever since.

Beth predominantly writes speculative fiction, though she occasionally branches out into poetry or historical fiction. She writes to entertain, inspire wonder, share hope, and explore truth. When not writing, she teaches History and English, reads, and crochets.

Reviews

[Katelyn Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little short story packs a big punch! I read it quickly, and was swept along by Catam’s emotions the whole way. Although Catam was a woefully misguided main character in so many ways, I found myself sympathizing with him, and wishing that he would surrender to Aia. Catam Chieftain is a short story, but a powerful one.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story's quick pacing made this a fast and fun read. To those familiar with Wangler's novel Child of the Kaites readers will be pleased to find some familiar characters. I was pleasantly surprised by the point of view in this story and how if factors into the larger narrative of the First Born Legacy saga. Even in such a short story the culture and world building felt so real and developed. And the ending, was not what I expected. I can't wait to read more.

[Margo James · Rating 4 out of 5]

To spend you whole life fighting to show you have value, and to find a placement in your village is tough. But to finally be the chief and then continue to have to prove yourself everyday to stay worthy must be exhausting. Could you kill even peaceful people looking for a new home? Catam has some hard choices and consequences to decide on. Fast paced read with tons of details to give the story depth.

[E.B. Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Wangler truly shows the breadth of her talent with this short story. Relayed from the point of view of the antagonist and enemy of the characters we have come to love (Rai and Savi), Catam Chieftain is the story of a man bound in pride, lies, and darkness. Raised in a culture that despises weakness, glorifies battle, and worships demons, Catam is threatened by everything the Maraians stand for. His pride cannot allow him to accept the truth, even when he is confronted with it head on.

I love that Wangler tackled this story and all the challenges it presents. All the difficult subtleties are handled with wisdom and taste. I can't help feeling compassion for Catam and his determination to reject the truth makes me sad. But this is perhaps the aspect that rings most true about the story.

[Julia Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I started this little story. The person on the cover looked fierce and I didn't know if I'd be able to connect with such a character, but it's a Beth Wangler story so I thought I'd give it a try.
I'm so glad I did.
As always, Beth's world-building was on point. How she managed to create a believable culture with strange rituals in such a short story, I'll never know. Perhaps she has magic in her pen?
The characters themselves were well-thought-out, vivid and very much alive.
I felt for Catam and even when he was being stubborn, really wanted him to do a 180.
I really liked Anit. She seemed like a sensible, levelheaded person. She was such a nice contrast to Catam.
And then there were some cameos from some other characters from Beth's other works and that made me grin from ear to ear.
All in all, a very good story. Definitely worth reading.