The Guardian of Emblems

The first installment from Joe Dayvie's epic fantasy, Archaic Deception.

When an almighty King fears the balance of power is threatened, a new guardian is summoned to restore order. Carefully exposing their realm to an anxious Jacob Emmerson, he struggles to comprehend what was last bestowed upon his great-grandmother. Tensions rise as a revelation forces the King to defend His legacy across the deceived land.

The illusion of peace is shattered when two friends of a presumably extinct race venture into the forbidden Outer World. Spotted by two hunters, one friend is captured while the other barely escapes back to their cavernous city. Remorseful, Smolar confesses to their ruler in hopes she'll strategize a rescue mission.

When the two assailants return home, they meet with the leader of the exiled to collect their generous reward. As a husband spies to appease his curiosity, he sacrifices the safety of his innocent wife and daughter. Forcing them to flee for their lives, there's a shift in their family dynamic that invites perilous situations and a new awareness of individuality.

As deceitful opposition spreads across the land of Diveria, where will your loyalty lie?