The Price of Freedom

Trained in his youth for war and politics, Sumto is interested in neither. As the son of a Patron, he should gather clients, acquire wealth, learn magic, husband a political power base and take his place amongst the Assembly of Patrons, the rulers of the city. Sumto would rather gather friends, acquire books, learn history, husband a hangover and take his place at the gambling tables. That is not going to be an option for much longer.

My name is Sumto. I have met the enemies of the city and prevailed against them, admittedly as much by luck as judgement. I could not have garnered the little success I can boast had I been alone: there is Sapphire, an assassin in the employ of my father; Meran, my former slave; and there is Jocasta, a sorceress of unexpected skill and strength. They all seem to care about me more than I probably deserve.

The necromancers power base is destroyed and the source of their power, the Grave, is flooded. Darklake is crammed to bursting with refugees after I sacked the Grave and destroyed Learneth by fire. Darklake, Learneth, the Grave are mine by right of conquest. Now I have to decide what to do with them. I just hope I decide wisely.

My name is Sumto and I was once content to drink and gamble and idle my days away in the company of good books, dubious friends, and casual women. Still, money and power have their lure and I have accepted I must acquire them as a matter of survival. As the son of a Patron, Sumto has set his feet unsteadily upon a path that will one day allow him to take his place amongst the Assembly of Patrons, the rulers of the city.