The Thief of Law

The Thief of Law is a currently unpublished novel set in the Locus of Connected Worlds. Its genre can be loosely described as a quasimodern fantasy steampunk space-opera spy-noir.

The story intertwines two plot lines, each following one of its major characters. One concerns Laran, a mercenary swordsman hired to safeguard the delivery of a priceless magical artifact, the Code of Law. The other concerns Kiosa (a.k.a. Ashtana, Ambiria, Thaidan, etc.), a sorceress/spy sent on a mission to investigate a plot by the power-hungry Shaideth Empire. When they cross paths, they find they are able to help each other. However, their interests are not so closely aligned as for this to happen in a straightforward manner. But since neither of their missions is as simple as it first appears, this is a small price to pay for their eventual success.

The Code of Law:


The Code of Law

The Code of Law is an enchanted stone obelisk, around five feet long and weighing in excess of three hundred pounds. It is covered in magical writing, similar in nature to mindscript. This explains its most evident magical property: anyone who looks at it is temporarily rendered lawful. This mind-control power has the effect of a security feature, as most would-be thieves fail when they suddenly find themselves compelled to return their loot.

The Code of Law begins the story under the protection of the Temple Irsidu. However, after a theft attempt comes dangerously close to success, they consider relocating it to a more secure location. To assist in this, they hire Laran, a former wingknight. To assist him (as well as keep an eye on him) they send two of their own agents, Erithu and Isina.

Villains:

Three different factions are trying to steal the Code of Law, each for their own reasons. One of these is the Shaideth Empire. A second is the Gomlati, a secret organization dedicated to reviving the old Gomla empire. A third is the Hand of Athryon, a secretive and violent Granter cult that has infiltrated many other organizations, including both the Shaideth and the Irsidu.

"Heroes:"

  • Kiosa: the anti-heroine of the story, Kiosa is cunning, duplicitous, greedy, and ultimately winds up working as a quintuple agent. However, she is also wise enough to realize who is worth doing business with and who needs to be stopped at any cost. It is this last characteristic that ultimately places her among the "good guys" of the story. While she ends up betraying her companions on multiple occasions, she nonetheless proves vital to their success.

    Kiosa is a formidable spellcaster, although the full extent of her power is kept secret initially in order to avoid blowing her cover. Her main abilities are illusions and metamagic. In addition to being able to change her appearance nearly at will, she is able to manipulate any magic item or spell she comes across, which is a formidable power given how much raw material the Locus gives her to work with.

  • Laran: the main hero of the story, Laran is a former wingknight turned bodyguard turned unemployed. In his financial desperation, he seeks employment with the Irsidu, not realizing the full danger of the mission they are about to send him on. Despite his personal situation, he holds himself to high standards of personal honor, a trait the Irsidu specifically selected him for.

    Fortunately, Laran is not only an exceptional swordsman, but the sword he carries is a multiply-enchanted heirloom that acts as a swordlance, a melting sword, and a powered weapon. This combination renders him a formidable combatant.

  • Erithu and Isina: a pair of naga shapeshifters sent to help protect the Code of Law, as well as keep an eye on Laran. The two of them are nearly opposites in personality. Isina is serious and domineering, whereas Erithu is playful and rebellious. Their loyalties within the Temple Irsidu organization are also different, which eventually becomes important.

    In combat, Erithu prefers to use a scroll bow, whereas Isina uses a repeater blowgun. Both of them wield healing magic, which proves useful given the hazards of their mission.

  • Melnar: a retired professor who Kiosa recruits to help her maintain her cover, Melnar initially plays little role in the delivery. However, his knowledge eventually proves important to their success. Because Melnar taught at a mage academy, everyone initially assumes he can cast spells. However, his apparent powers are merely a result of Kiosa's intervention.

    More on these characters can be found in Thief of Law: Characters in Pictures.

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