Sins of the Fire
Phoenix Ward
(Sins of the Fire, #1)
Publication date: September 13th 2024
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Young Adult
No one knows dragons coexisted with humans.
Ancient times long past, we shared magic, weapons and even our very souls with these creatures. Society’s connection between them spanned the test of time, through art, stories, and spoken word. Yet though depictions remain, they no longer exist.
Christian armies, believing these creatures to be devils, laid siege to end their species in a wild pursuit of their Promised Land. Bloodshed for nearly two centuries suddenly came to an end. Concurrently, those winged beasts, admired and feared, were extinguished without a trace.
It’s 2028, and the Crusades are talked about in my college classes. One dragon was able to escape it all by sealing itself in a blade. If such a blade existed, and anyone were to lift it today, they’d reignite the war long dormant—An affront on God himself.
I’m Kane, by the way. Kane Wynde. And this is Mysherra, the affront to God.
—
EXCERPT:
“You shall be tied to the blade, for as long as your mind and spirit remain. Is this acceptable?”
The earth shook, and the rumble of fire howled from outside of the cave. An ultimatum laid before me. To bind myself within
the blade would mean giving up my freedom for eternity. To fight a war that threatened to burn the earth to its core would mean
my death. The Gods have brought upon us a calamity no mortal could ever hope to quell. Humans who were once close to us
rallied for our demise. Our kind torched them, their lands, and their ilk in sport. Whichever side won, there would be no true
victor. Only ash.
Would it be acceptable to live the rest of my life as a weapon? Would it be better if I died fighting a lost cause?
Imprisonment or death; my options were narrow.
Looking down at the human, dressed in burns, I pondered what he thought. He bore no hatred. He held no contempt for my
kind after what happened. He agreed to fight alongside me with eyes ablaze with passion. I wondered why. What would make
someone turn a blind eye to the wounds inflicted by a beast of my caliber? What allowed him to grace my hand, still slick with the
residue of death, and find camaraderie in the midst of devastation?
The silence of the cave was beginning to draw on my senses, my own thoughts starting to cloud the noise of the carnage.
We agreed to fight together, but fear was a wise and stringent guide. Regardless of it, I had to make a choice.
“This is acceptable.”
“In doing this, you will relinquish your body. Your essence shall be ripped completely from within. Your magic, your
strength and your flames will be in the hands of your wielder. Is this acceptable?”
My heart shuddered. It would hurt. I would die, yet I would live. What would happen to my body? Would my heart sit in
silence, left to rot in its empty temple? Would my flesh be torn away with my spirit? Again, I looked towards the human. His gaze
held mine. Though twisted and bloated, he held me in their comfort. He smiled. He did not need to reassure me with words nor
tender touch.
“This is acceptable.”
“The process shall span the turn of the moon. With the dawn, you shall awaken in your new form. Do you accept the terms
of the pact?”
“I accept.”
The dragon’ s eyes flashed. “The terms have been set, and the pact is complete. May fortune favor you, Mysherra.”
As the sword began to gleam, I closed my eyes.
Tingling spread across my body as the sensation of my insides were pulled from within me. And thus, through a pain that
transcended anything inflicted upon my hide of scales, I accepted my fate.
Author Bio:
Phoenix Ward is an indie black writer, and educator from Philadelphia. He has worked in the field of education for over five years, teaching all grades Mathematics and English. When he’s not writing, he is composing music using Logic Pro X, or tutoring children on subjects they struggle in. Currently, he lives in Philadelphia with his dog and cat.
An avid world-builder, Phoenix has created many stories from youth to adulthood, but none have captivated him as much as his latest work Sins of the Fire, which combines his passion for storytelling with his deep understanding of human nature. He draws inspiration from the vibrant city life of Philadelphia and his own experiences as an educator, infusing his narratives with authenticity and depth.
In addition to his work as a writer and educator, Phoenix is committed to supporting young creatives in their journeys. He actively encourages students and adults alike to seek a way to create their own stories. Everyone has a message to share, and doing so in story is the best way to do so.
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4 Stars