Centuries ago, the magical land of Arden was besieged by the Dark Dragon and his Army of the Underworld. One brave knight arose to wield the legendary sword Grail and defeat this great evil. His noble sacrifice transformed him into the Light Prince.
Before he became the Light Prince, before he became a noble warrior, he started a humble life as Joshua Josephides, an unknown and humble ward to the great wizard Drasil. This is the tale of how this young man gathered together his loyal companions and began his quest to become the fabled Light Prince.
Prelude To Destiny is a multi-part prequel series to the fantasy novel, The Light Prince: Grail. The story follows Captain Joshua Josephides as he journeys across Arden in search of allies to help him defeat an encroaching evil and achieve his destiny of becoming the Light Prince.
Characters
Captain Joshua Josephidies
“I will tell you this: that the greatest feats are often done by those overlooked as less than great. For not many are strong or wise or noble, but it is often the small things of this world that are made to confound the great and mighty.”
Raised as the ward of the Great Wizard Drasil, Joshua knew he was destined for great things ever since he was young. He joined the Royal Guard of Arden and rose in the ranks to become a captain. Now he seeks to use his position to fulfill his destiny and gather companions to assist him with his mission. With his knightly broadsword in hand, he bravely faces any foe and challenge with courage and faith.
The Great Wizard Drasil
“My lad, you are speaking with a wizard who has lived long enough to see entire generations born and pass away. If my wisdom has determined that someone like you is suited for such a task as this, then it is a wise decision worth heeding.“
The true age of this Great Wizard remains a mystery, for he has lived longer than anyone else in Arden. Some say he is as old as the world itself. With great age comes even greater wisdom that has allowed him to master his magic. Among these powers, his clairvoyance allows him to see everything that ever has been and will be. With his wisdom and experience, he raised the soldier Joshua to fulfill his destiny.
Petros the Faun
“You know, I always wanted to see the world. Besides, I’ve been in a rather creative rut lately, and I feel venturing out of my bubble will rejuvenate my creative juices. You get me?”
Like other fauns, Petros loves nothing more than to spend his carefree days frolicking in the woods, dancing and playing music, and creating arts and crafts. However, even this little faun has big aspirations for adventure outside his forest. That reason led him to follow Captain Joshua on his grand quest through the world of Arden. A jovial yet timid soul, he prefers to be a lover than a fighter. However, if need to, he can fend off foes with his dance fighting.
Barta the Dwarf
“Ocht! Crows and cockery! If any of ye mangy mongrels wish to take a bite o’ me, ye best prepare for the edge of me axes to take a bite out of you!”
Barta once resided in the Dwarven Underground toiling in the mines alongside her fellow dwarfs. She had since left for the world above seeking adventure and fortune. Despite her short stature, this dwarf bravely takes on any foe twice her size. With battle axes in hand, she leaps into battle to strike first and think things through never. She couldn’t care less, not as long as she can walk away after with a hearty laugh and enough coin in her purse to refresh herself with a cold brew.
Matthias the Elf
“My friend, you need not hold your tongue around me. You may call me blind. That is what I am, and I am not ashamed of it.”
Though elves are known for their keen eyesight, Matthias was born blind. Nevertheless, his other senses more than compensated for his lack of sight. This elf was raised by a master swordsmith to not only craft the finest blades, but use them with expert precision. His lifelong training allowed him to wield his katana just as well, if not better, than any seeing person. Though he wishes to continue his father’s trade, he yearns to venture from his village and experience the outside world.
Phillipa the Centaur (& Giacomo the Fairy)
“Now if that ain’t the sorriest sight you’ve done seen. He’s lying here beside the road. And he sure looks killed. But he sure ain’t road kill. That’s for sure!”
For as long as they can remember, Philippa the centaur and Giacomo the fairy have been close friends. Their herd and finagle travel alongside each other and settle in Arden wherever the seasons take them. Philippa is the rough-and-tumble no-nonsense type who’s a real sharp shooter with her crossbow. Giacomo, meanwhile, is a feisty little fellow who, despite his small size, can use his plant magic to subdue any foe larger than himself.
Tomek the Lupine
“My elders certainly taught me that I should consider others before myself as well, even if it were a person who would or would not do the same for me. It is the wisdom gained from many moons!”
Even among his own tribe of noble hunters and gatherers, Tomek is a skilled tracker who uses his wolf-like abilities to hunt his quarry. With his longbow and keen senses, this lupine can strike down any prey including the mighty buffalo. Often, he travels away from the rugged wilderness of his home village to sell and trade his furs afar. Though he can hold his own in combat, even a lone wolf like himself can accept help from others.
