Working Prologue for Book Three

At the beginning of the week I uploaded the revised prologue for Book One, of which the original version has already been published. During the middle of the week I submitted the prologue to Book Two, of which it and the revised version of Book One has been submitted for publication. Below is the working prologue currently in progress.

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Prologue

Shadrid Alsadri turned his gaze toward the tranquil sea in reflection…
 
In the mid-morning light, the red and orange-hued moons of their homeworld reflected resplendently off the water as they went about their uninterrupted journey across the sky. Being so close to the planet, it was always possible to catch sight of one or more volcanic eruptions that marred the Red Daughter, even during the brightest of days. Such dynamic eruptions whether glimpsed day or night stood as a symbol for change, a concept understood intimately by every culture that inhabited Ardis. Though the Orange Daughter was ever still and quiescent, she was believed to undergo a similar process, albeit beneath the surface. Nersis, the inner moon, represented outward change; Kesis, the outer moon, signified the change from within. Incorporated into numerous stories around the world, the dichotomous pair stood as a lesson on how to face adversity and ultimately overcoming it through change.
            Change. The old alchemist pursed his lips slightly, exhaled deeply, and allowed his thoughts to shift toward that issue at hand…
            For over thirteen thousand years, the twin empires of Navinas and Dathere coexisted peacefully beside one another to the far east. Both of them ancient and equally powerful, they boasted the finest of military forces and prestigious family dynasties that could be traced back for millennia on end. And being the finest centers for education, art, trade, and commerce they were unrivaled by anyone except each other. Leaders around the world, including the Fer’shaths of Dielberen, balked at the mere suggestion of a military invasion; drawing their ire invited death. But a decade ago, the crown heir of the Datheren Empire married the eldest daughter of Breidhas and Fásach, the Emperor and Empress of the Navinan Empire. This act unified their empires under a single banner… Sinseran. What rumored uprisings that occurred mercilessly quashed by the rulers themselves… the same ones that sent the request for an audience with him.
            Almost immediately the amber-eyed alchemist decided that this auspicious letter was not to be taken lightly. With much deliberation with the sect leaders within his guild and the blessings of Fer’shath Urdapesh who supplied him with ample gifts and a sizeable security escort, he made his way to the port city of Kamilest. Once they arrived, a fleet of ships would meet and escort them to Palestris, the capital city of Sinsera. Once there, he would speak with these potentates. Whatever matter that needed the attention of the Head of the Alchemist Guild of Dielberen, must’ve been of considerable importance, and he would treat it as such. Regardless, time would tell very soon…  
            There was also the matter of a formal petition which was brought before the Fer’shath in Manafre, of which was to him in the utmost secrecy….
            The past five decades had seen a rise in new technology originating from the Kingdom of Athallis. Even after it had been rechristened the Principality of Cestrin this continued. The transition from older, traditional methods, into more innovative manufacturing processes to improve and enhance efficiency had spread across the planet like wildfire. With this industrial revolution came other things, namely advancement in the sciences, along with a much better understanding of their world. One such science that had arisen from this appeared to parallel perfectly with alchemy. Some of his colleagues regarded it as ‘alchemy for the ungifted.’ As they and others had more derogatory terms for it, not suitable for public discourse, this relatively neutral term seemed fitting.
           “Ship coming to port!”
           Shadrid looked up in time to catch sight of a large and sturdy vessel slowing its approach toward the cement-constructed dock. As personnel prepared for the next voyage he returned to his thoughts once more…
            There was a combination of twelve councilors and nobles who had penned their names upon that document. At least half of them held considerable sway throughout the empire. As it was, he who had the final say on the matter, the Fer’shath had considered the option of ordering arrests for all of them out of loyalty to the alchemists. However, due to its sensitive nature, he brought the matter to him.
            “Tasaqir Alsadri,” a voice intoned reverently upon approach. “The Captain has asked me to inform you that we should be departing for Palestris within the hour.”
            “That is good to hear.” The amber-eyed alchemist looked to the Sea of Firdigan. “The waters are calm; we should expect good sailing there.”
            “Yes, we should.” The messenger nodded and grinned. “And should there be storms to darken our journey, Tasaqir, I do not doubt that you’ll have little trouble in calming them.”
            Nodding warmly, Shadrid cast a glance toward the messenger who went on his way to help with the loading. Musing once more on the document which had been shown to him, he pursed his lips. Before departing Manafre, he not only gave his approval but also his blessing for this new guild to be formed. Passing a hand over the mustache and goatee framed neatly on his face, he suspected the ungifted would never know, much less understand why he did this. But that didn’t matter. He was looking forward to seeing what they could do, and of course, what lay ahead for both of their guilds in the centuries to come…