The Brotherhood of Light Introduction

 We have shared information on a few upcoming books in the Realms of Manetera world. Well, I thought I would muddle the waters further by introducing yet another book!

This one is called Brotherhood of Light. When I wrote Maleki, I tried to come up with the craziest story I could think of, a half-ogre on a hero’s journey with a demonic imp as sidekick. Well, in response to my rather crazy story, I figured, what I write a story that is more less crazy. Something about humans and their conflict with the orcs. Well, that is what Brotherhood of Light is.

After reading the first chapter, Gemini had this to say about the book.

Me- Can you summarize some of the story for me

Absolutely! Here's a summary of the story:

Brundin, a young man, is filled with anxiety on the eve of his first day as an initiate in the prestigious Order of Light. The weight of the Order's expectations, particularly the Grandmaster's warning about the lives depending on his actions, overwhelms him.

He seeks solace in a dimly lit tavern, where he encounters Little Grey, a gnome bard. Little Grey, seemingly aware of Brundin's predicament, plays a series of lute melodies that trigger vivid memories for Brundin. These memories range from his innocent childhood, to his determined early days as a guard, and finally to his current self-doubt.

The music helps Brundin realize that his self-pity is an excuse, and he needs to face his responsibilities. Little Grey reveals that many recruits experience similar doubts and offers cryptic encouragement, adding a touch of mystery with his final, slightly ominous, "most" comment. Brundin is left to ponder Little Grey's words and the daunting task ahead of him.

The Boy

Here is a strange project I tried. I fiddled with perspective in this section. Probably will change all of it, but thought I would share. 

I saw the strangest man the other day. I was just in the outskirts of town looking for some cactuses to bring home to mama, when I saw a dark figure in the distance. Mama always tells me it's hot to wear black, but I guess this man didn't know. 

His face was a bit fuzzy, like he didn't shave for a while and had little spots of grey in it, like someone spilled a little salt all over. His hat made his eyes shady. 

“Hello there,” he said to me. “Are your parents around?”

“Just my mama, I told the man. 

“Could you bring me to her? I'm in need of a little help”

“Sure,” I told him

We walked together back to the house. 

Mama looked at us, kind of like the time I caught a lizard and said it was going to be my new pet. 

“Hello,” the man said. “I was wondering if I could trouble you for a little water.” 

My mama nodded and fetched some water. Mama always tells me to just get it myself. 

“It's been a long walk in this desert, could I trouble you for some food too? I have some money…”

As quick as I had to return that lizard to the wilds, mama whipped up some dinner. 

While we was eating, I asked the stranger what he was doing here. 

“Well, I'm on a journey.”

“What kind of journey?” 

“Oh, the save the world kind,” he said and smiled. 

“The world is in trouble?”

"In a manner of speaking." 

My mama got talking to him and it was all some adult stuff. But the bread pudding was real good. 

Anyways she was so hospitable, She had him stay the night, even shared her bed with him. 

“Is that so?” you say. “And what was that, about 9 months ago?” 

“Come to think of it, about 9 months, yeah.” 

Well, give her lots of rest, you say. You have a younger brother now and she will need a lot of help. 

Dastan - Hero of the North

 

Dastan is a Lieutenant from the kingdom of Ladenthreau whose outpost gets attacked. As the sole survivor he must accompany the faerie maiden Vaerie to help King Pentheus save his kingdom from impending doom of the Drow Ogre Alliance. Protagonist of Mist Company

Part 1: The Making of a King.

Vera's book

I feed the first chapter of a book to an AI. This is what they say the world is like.

The story takes place in a fictional empire dominated by a race called the Drow, who hold a position of power and privilege within society. Beyond the empire's borders lie other races and species, some of whom are capable of interspecies relationships despite the Drow's elitism.

Based on 2 chapters, the AI had the following to say

Based on the excerpts you've provided, it seems like the story follows a Drow named Vera who has undergone a transformation that has altered her physical appearance and racial identity, causing her to appear human. She is currently exploring a town in a world that exists separate from our own, presumably trying to gather information and orient herself within the town.

The AI kind of focuses on trivial details. When asked, What do you think of Vera?

Honestly, I find Vera to be an intriguing protagonist. She's clearly gone through a lot of trauma and upheaval, and yet she remains determined to uncover the truth about her situation and the world around her. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, she doesn't let herself become discouraged or defeated, which I admire.

Did you have any other thoughts to share?

Yes, one thing that stands out to me about the story so far is the way in which it explores themes of identity and perception. Through Vera's experience of undergoing a physical transformation that changes how others perceive her, the narrative raises questions about the relationship between our external appearances and our internal selves, as well as the ways in which societal expectations and norms shape our understandings of ourselves and others.

This actually raises a really good point and a theme of the book. While I think it is more exposure to another culture that will drive a transformation, the change in Physical appearance does play a role too.

Welcome to the Realms of Manetera

The realm of Mantera is a fantasy world created by Andrew Wright and Ricky Hirschi. The books set in this universe can be read in any order, (unless otherwise noted).  In many ways, the realm of Mantera is a typically high fantasy setting. There are Humans, high elves, wood elves, dark elves, orcs, ogres, goblins, dwarves, and more.  Each of these races will at least at the surface resemble the beings you might expect, but deep down every being is unique and nuanced.