Empire of Dirt (The Echoes Saga, #2)

by Philip C. Quaintrell

“You cannot take the blame for your ancestors failings any more than you can take the credit for their achievements.”

“Hey!” Nathaniel shouted, lifting his leg in time to avoid the hog. “Doran! What do you call it?” The dwarf stopped laughing with a confounded expression. “What do a’ call it?” Nathaniel laughed. “Yes, the warthog’s name…” “Bah! I see no warthog! This is a Warhog! Bred in Dhenaheim for… well, war!” Reyna couldn’t contain her amusement. “The poor creature has no name?” Doran Heavybelly shrugged. “Well, aye, it does. I jus’ call it Pig!”

The prospect of becoming a Dragorn was indeed exciting, but it also sounded like a long process. “How long does it take to complete the training?” Gideon asked. Adriel hesitated. “Longer than a human lifespan…” “Probably best to start now then,” Galanör added, placing a heavy hand on Gideon’s shoulder.

“And Gideon…” He half-turned to regard the young man. “You’re the first of your people to become a Dragorn. Being the first means you get to make the rules. Be the Dragorn you want to be…”

The true history of Verda is not one even the elves can recount. This battle took place thousands of years ago, not long after the creation of the elf. After the creation of the… Gideon could feel the world he knew tipping upside down. Mankind created the elves in their image. They were the first attempt at trying to become immortal, but the king failed, and in the process created another species you now know as the elf.

“You’re both young, so I understand that hope still plays a part in your thinking, but trust me, hoping doesn’t get it done. Sometimes you have to grit your teeth and keep fighting…”