Preface

“So it was in those days that Marduk, Demon King of the North, the fell and tyrannous Dread Titan, waged his great and terrible war, the very last war of that Age. Though he dared not himself come forth from his black fortress, he sent his mightiest servant to captain his legions in his stead: Asharadoth the Peerless, most ancient of all vampires, singularly gifted with such monstrous traits as to inspire terror in the gods themselves. An Age past, he had been both mortal and virtuous, but such things as human morality had long since lost their meaning to him over the long centuries, amidst a tide of blood, cruelty and hatred.”
—From Histories of the Third Age, author unknown, circa 137 F.A.

This work is dedicated to the FictionPress community, whose unbiased input and wholehearted support is much appreciated and likely undeserved. Thanks to everyone who reviewed my first story, especially Lara Bykirk, my very first reviewer: you guys rock!

This multi-chapter short story is a re-telling of the prologue to Blood of the King, written this time to conform properly to my fantasy setting. Depending on the response I get, I may turn it into a complete prequel.