It’s a beautiful day on the planet Thisia. The sort of day Zhan Marcus hates. Fourteen years, Marcus has served in His Sovereign Majesty’s Army—fighting for the Empire of Rozhon, the world at the center of the human universe. A world he’s never seen.
He has been to dozens of worlds like this one, fighting the brutal Kyűszai, a foe whose arcane technology is fueled by the suffering and death of human captives. Marcus has lost countless men in that endless fight—sacrificed his own blood, his youth, and his faith.
None of that has brought victory. Now, the emperor’s army has sent Marcus and his exhausted men here, to Thisia. They say the fight will be an easy one; they say the enemy is weak and unprepared.
Marcus knows better. After fourteen years, he knows that a clear sky and a cool breeze are not good omens, but ill. A beautiful day is a poor day for a battle.
A poor day to die.
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Cast of Characters
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Kentarch Zhan Marcus
A fourteen year veteran of His Sovereign Majesty's Army. Fresh from a grueling campaign on a vicious alien world, Marcus is hoping he and his men will get some rest before being thrown into battle again.
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Chaplain Hecidus
A man of faith, his duty is to minister to the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, CXIII Legion. It's a duty he takes seriously, sharing the dangers of battle with them unarmed, fighting to ensure their souls are well cared for.
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Militarch Taius Junius
Commander of the 1st Battalion. Marcus's oldest friend, and superior officer, he's one of the few leaders who cares more about his men than his career.
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Dekiarch Adalhart
A veteran junior officer whose few words less experienced men would do well to heed.
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Dekiarch Yan
A young, idealistic soldier fresh from Rozhon, eager to serve the Empire and prove himself to his veteran comrades.
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Lykos
A soldier who's seen too many battles, even if he doesn't yet know it.