Before he became the Light Prince, before he became a noble warrior, Joshua Josephides started his life as 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.
In the second installment of this multi-part prequel series, Captain Joshua Josephides and his trusted faun companion Petros continue their journey across the magical world of Arden in search of fellow warriors. Their travels will take them to tropical islands, savannah-like grasslands, lush rainforests, and foggy moorlands. They will also have to fight against many formidable foes such as krakens, wyverns, and even demon-possessed men.
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.
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.
Jacobus the Merman
“Bruddah, you’re too generous. But my days as a warrior are behind me. I hung up my club and shield when I settled down with my old lady here and had our son. You hear me, cuz?”
Once a seasoned warrior, this merman now spends his days as a humble yet struggling fisherman providing for his wife and son. Like most merfolk, he has the ability to transform his tail into a pair of legs so he can live on both land and sea. He is a natural-born swimmer and an equally formidable fighter, especially when armed with his leiomano (shark-toothed club). Even then, he is as much a jovial fellow as he is a mighty warrior.
Simone the Pantherean
“I love the hunt. I lived for the hunt. Being a hunter is my life. And I will not let anything rob me of that love, even if it robs me of my life.”
Pathereans are natural-born hunters. They live and strive for the hunt. So much is true of Simone. This pantherean is the most esteemed hunter in her tribe. Her feline senses and agility allow her to track down any prey, be they beast or foe; and with her spear, she can easily strike them down. She was born and raised a hunter, and she remains determined to live as one even until her dying breath.
Janessa the Harpy
“Hola, mi amigos! If it’s not too much to ask, would you two valientes hombres, you two brave gentlemen, be so kind and willing as to escort me to this enchanted spring, por favor?”
The bright, colorful plumage of this harpy allows her to turn heads, not only with her lovely appearance, but also with her agile flying skills. As the most graceful flyer in her tribe, she proves herself to be equally skilled as an athlete and warrior. With an impassioned, high-pitched grito (cheer) and her macuahuitl (obsidian-bladed club) raised high, she swoops down with grace and easily strikes down her enemies.
Yidel the Sorcerer
“Ye are guilty of practicing the forbidden art of black magic. Surrender yourself, or be prepared to perish where you stand.”
“Perish, it is, then!”
As humans are understood to be incapable of using magic, the magical abilities of this young human sorcerer remain a mystery. Nevertheless, he utilizes his enigmatic skills as a witch hunter, tracking down witches and warlocks who practice black magic. With his rapier at hand, he proves to be equally skilled as a swordsman as he is a sorcerer.
J.C. Alexandre 