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Copyright © 2020 Leo Anthony All rights reserved The timeline and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the author and/or publisher. ISBN-13: 9781234567890 ISBN-10: 1477123456 Editor: Leslie O'Brien, Goldenwest Editing Cover design by: BurenErdene Altankhuyag Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309 Created in the United States of America
PROLOGUE
There are two brothers, princes, sworn enemies and rulers of their own vast lands. The king fears that his elder son would not be fit for the monarchy, and he could not assign the younger as heir without vengeance from his brother. An astounding decree is written: It is hereby bequeathed that, in the stead of the princes, it will ascend upon the eldest of these fathers to inherit the weight of supreme ruler over the Northern Realm. A treacherous race begins for the first born. A mastery of deceit is perpetrated. A painstakingly guarded secret is revealed. This places the ultimate sacrifice on two reluctant cousins. They stand at the precipice of what may decide the destiny of a kingdom.
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CHAPTER 1 END OF INNOCENCE
In the year 298 AD in Northeastern China, in a place called the Neutral Lands, thunder and lightning jostle in the distance, as rain hammers the horizon on this overcast and dreary night. A castle sits in the expanse accompanied by two grand fortresses, each positioned at pyramidal points, unmistakable if viewed from above. An immeasurable field spills out of the vast opening between the formations and goes on for much of the reserve. Motionless are two massive armies on an immense battlefield, poised for the command that will result in blood and fury. Front-line colonels, standing mere inches apart and glaring into the eyes of the other, are in a pose so rigorous that they can be mistaken for sculptures, if not for the slight breathing. Vibrant color-guards approach with a magnificent display of flags in tribute to the respective divisions. Opposing captains stand with swords vertically to their faces, prompting the men to collectively reverberate a battle cry…“Yonggan!” Two generals adorned in immaculate regalia sit atop superlative horses. Both give nods and the colonels react with precision, “Ready men…about face!”
The troops turn culminating in a tremendous thump. It’s a strange order for forces on the brink of engagement. This demonstrates more of a ceremonial flaunt, than that of a confrontational temperament. They are facing a marked-off circle, illuminated by hundreds of torches. The focus is on two warriors within, one standing at the east rim, the other, on the ready at the west. The intense expressions and aura surrounding them is as confusing as the weather. Encompassing this ring of fire are dignitaries with insignia befitting a military parade bursting with pomp and gallantry. Two festooned princes are mounted on stallions directly behind each warrior, reverently, and each general a stance beside them, three steps rearward by decorum. The king and queen of these lands are not present. Both warriors are dressed in black, one with a gold sash, the other with red. Curiously absent are the customary protective wear, and the helmets are more in line with non-combative trimming. They get down on their knees and place hands and head to the ground, then peer up to the sky…and pray to the God, Huangdi, The Yellow Emperor, for bravery and guidance. “Dear Huangdi,” pleads the one in gold. “Please allow me, here on this night and at this hour in the Neutral Lands, to conduct myself with honor. Have me not bring shame to my family, and exit this 5
circular, be it life or after-life, with dignity and courage.” “Praised be Huangdi,” whispers the one in red. “I beseech you to bestow on me the energy to flow through my hands and unto my sword and wield it to victory. If the opposite shall be true, then so be it, but let me go with honor and integrity to my family name.” They are ready for confrontation, but not of free will. Nonetheless, they answered the call and are standing at the precipice of what may decide the destiny of a kingdom. This was not preordained as the zenith of their lives. At this moment of certainty, they are to carry out this fight without fear of consequence, but for only one, providence. The reluctant ones arise, unleash swords, pointing them outward, and are now at the ready. A man of apparent distinction walks to the center. He signals for readiness, and both nod in affirmation. The man produces a pear, and slowly shows the gathering. He glances at the opponents once more and recites, “May the gods be with you.” The man crouches a bit, and with a thrust of his legs and a mighty upswing of his arm, the pear ascends into the night sky. With a collective gasp, thousands of eyes seize on that fruit knowing that once it touches ground, the repulsiveness begins. For most, they wish it never
reaches its pinnacle and descends to the inevitable. For at least one prince, he is praying that it dangles forever, that there was no such thing as gravity. The atmosphere is so thick that the lightning cannot penetrate this barricade of trepidation. The combatants are fixed on each other. As the pear crosses their line of sight and thumps to the ground, they charge past the point of no return, as both weapons upwardly strike creating a bright spark, and… A time not long ago…
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CHAPTER 2 THE NORTHERN REALM
The Northern Realm, nestled in the Manchurian Plain of China, is a picturesque valley that lies between two mountain ranges, one small and the other steep, with three nourishing rivers running through this vast and fertile land. This terrain is ideal for the inhabitants. Water, crops, livestock, fruit and fish, are abundant, and the forests provide raw materials for building and weaponry. The villages are plentiful and the region is bustling with goods for trading with the rest of China and afar. His Majesty, King Zhao Guang, reigns supreme. He's an unpretentious monarch, which is indicative of his philosophy. This king does not rule by an iron hand. He rules with a beating heart and logic. His wife, Queen Nyima, is of Tibetan origin and regal upbringing. This marriage was not arranged as one may think. It was an unintended meeting at a trade summit in Tibet. Nature took its course, and was not forced by any powers that be, as customs dictate in this part of the world.
Before this union took hold, while she was Princess Nyima, a condition was set forth. She would not, under any circumstances, allow the practice of footbinding in her bloodline. He gave his solemn oath to abide by her demand. They have two sons, Prince Shen and Prince Wei. They do not celebrate a bond as brethren. Wei has a fair way about him, and Shen, the contrary. There is evil circulating in Shen’s blood, and it was something that their father recognized early on. Wei offers help to others and he is respectful to his parents. However, his brother is rebellious and combative and does things such as treating the servants horribly, and torturing the children of peasants, burning animals for fun, extenuating it all as playful. This safe-haven is at peace with its neighbors, but tensions developed over the past decade with the Huns to the west. Part of their domain, the Gobi Desert, is being encroached upon. The Huns deem this their territory. This has not fared well with them as this intruder from the east slides westward by sleight of hand. By his temperament of forging treaties, Zhao attempted many times to negotiate a compromise with the horse-riders of The Steppe, but to no… 9
If you are truly interested in reading The Un-Kings, I humbly ask that you continue here: https://books2read.com/u/bOxPBQ Your support will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Antonio Bellew Published by ABMG Publishing, 2020. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. THE UN-KINGS Written by Antonio Bellew First Edition: July 17, 2020