Novels by John Smith

Police officers and SWAT teams are now rushing towards the 5th street. The songs of gunfire echoed throughout the tall buildings of the City of Esden. Most officers now are armed with long guns even in their regular patrols as lessons from the previous attack on a town, Geilra to be specific.Brandishing their old but reliable M16A2's, HK33's and their new CZ Bren 2's, the police officers joined their already pressured comrades at fifth street.The massing army of beasts were then showered upon by 5.56mm rounds, some were even armor piercing, enabling the police to tackle even the thick skinned monstrosity. However with the intense fire, the large minotaur is still quietly standing still, it stands listless in the middle of the street, unbothered by the hundreds of bullets that were smacking him.A police helicopter, an Airbus H125 were now over them providing sniper fire from an officer with an M-14 EBR. The FLIR on the helicopter provided a clear picture for the authorities especial

KINGDOM OF CARDONIAA large silent parade of vehicles goes through the almost empty streets of the Capital City of Esden.Through their windows or tv screen. Citizens watch in sorrow as the parade honoring the late King and the hundreds of people who lost their lives on that fateful day 15 days ago. Hundreds of Cardonian flag were flown through the balconies and windows of the loyal citizens. They gave their firm salute as the parade passes them.Six BMW motorcycles lead the convoy in a triangle formation, A Mercedes hearse quickly followed them, a large convoy of black vehicles were also trailing behind. Inside it was the body of the late King. It is then followed by six Volkswagen Transporter hearse's, these meanwhile are the remains of the six valiant King's Guard who have died protecting him, as such they have the honor of being paraded with the King.The Air Force conducted a slow flyby with Blackhawk helicopters above the convoy as it droved through the avenues of the Capital,

EMPIRE OF SCOLUSNORTHERN PROVINCE"READY!""AIM" "FIRE!!!!!"*BANG.....BANGGGG!!!*A thunderous volley of fire coming from rudimentary flintlocks atop a stone fortress overlooking the crossroads connecting the Northern Province to the rest of the Empire.A large band of desperate beasts, wolfmen, pigmen, goblins and otger unknown creatures quickly fell into their knees as their bodies were penetrated by these very effective silver like cannonball.*BOOM....OOOMMMM*Another set of volleys this time coming from small cannons. Slinging large silver cannonballs to the enormous orcs charging the fort at high speed. The cannonballs rip right through their thick muscular bodies."RELOADING!!" soldiers shouted almost in sync as they quickly reloaded their smoking muskets."DON'T LET THOSE BASTARDS GET NEAR THE WALL!" an Imperial Commander shouted towards his shaken men.Dozens of lances and spears then struck anyone whose trying to climb atop their stone walls.After that, a second barrage

KINGDOM OF LITENIAPEARL PALACEA huge banquet was being held at the majestic cream white Palace, this is to celebrate the return of the Second Prince of the Kingdom from his year long adventure onto the desert continent of Sabrah. This part of the world remain as one of the most untouched regions as the very harsh environment prevents any successful expeditions.Various tribes also makes diplomacy as non existent as regions are divided among the many different tribes. However for traders like the Litenians in particular, the juicy resources that are hidden away in the various sand dunes are very hard to resist. From emerald, to gold, to iron and to this blackish flammable substance similar to their 'liquid fuel'.As such this dangerous endeavour is really worthy for this grand banquet.The King himself is entertaining many different merchant heads and diplomats from Azalea and Dylasla.This happened a few days after Cardonia has been attacked, before the new King has been crowned and

EMPIRE OF SCOLUSNORTHERN PROVINCEPROVINCIAL CAPITAL KAELIt has been three days since the Cardonian flying swords terrorize the Imperial skies and dropped these great fireballs all around the Empire. These stories quickly snowballed from one merchant to another, and within days the whole Empire knew what hit them and became anxious on how to prevent it.The chain of command as they know it has been destroyed in one day. Most of the higher demons are in the Palace that time for the Emperor's supposedly week long banquet after their successful attack on Cardonia's own Capital.Local lords and Imperial commanders took over command of their regional units and what is left of the Main Grand Army after their main fortress also suffered the same fate.There are no words coming from the Capital on what is going on. They feared that Cardonia did wiped out their hierarchy in the series of attacks. Tension between the local lords and generals both demon and human are sure to spark sooner or la

KINGDOM OF CARDONIA7 DAYS AFTER THE ATTACKThe whole Kingdom is still in full lockdown. Police cruisers and policed versions of APC's like the Pegasus and Leland Bearcat's patrol every streets and avenues in a rotational basis for the last few days.But the patrolling armored vehicles despite the good-intentions, are making things worse for the citizens watching behind their windows, who have been clueless ever since the attack. There were no clear message from the acting government, for all they know, the Capital is in ruins and this country might be heading for the same fate, and this martial law like lockdown is further fueling their doubts.National television is constantly maintained and censored by the government, only airing announcements about curfew and other relief provisions but no answer to what is really happening, censoring the media is a no go for a country who values freedom. However the parliament decided to keep it's mouth shut until there is a clear direction. A go

Lyse, looking down the path, could see the clearing of light that signaled the end of the forests of silence, and the valley just before the mountain range north of Liontari. As they emerged, the image they received in return was breathtaking. They were met, immediately, with a giant wall of white limestone over fifty meters high. The walls wrapped around the city Silondras, the capital of Liontari. Several towers, buttresses, were evenly spaced among the walls, and along with it Lyse saw many ballistae and cannons aimed down the valley. The main entrance, a two gated path heavily guarded with a few coming in and out, stopped and questioned, and then allowed through. Two twin lion statues, made of gold and silver, flanked the entranced and looked down menacingly at those who entered, the golden sun reflecting off their metal hides. And beyond the wall, behind the amalgamation of buildings from grand to mundane, is grandest of all structures laid nestled near the mountain bed. The beac

By morning, they were off. Lyse and Edlund said goodbye to all their friends, the few that lived in the village proper. Those who lived on their estate were nowhere to be seen that morning. Hardly anyone took the time to greet them. Men and women sifted through some of the burnt houses for any property, a body covered in blood and ash. They were claimed by the masked doctor, who loaded them all on carts. They wished to Visit Lidia's noble family on the hill, but the doors didn't seem open for any visitors, as guards were patrolled even more tightly. Lyse knew that it was partly in response to Lidia's late arrival home and the attack on his home. He said goodbye to his fellow squires, most of which were other sons and daughters of farmers, merchants, and blacksmiths who yearned to be in their shoes. Even Edlund, as proud as he was, seemed a little ashamed that he was sitting on his horse above the rest of them. Makyra waited impatiently, constantly asking them how long these departures

Lyse sat on the dirt road that led to what used to be his home. Now, it was a hollow shell of Ash and cinders slowly sputtering under the cold night. His lungs still heaved as if still filled with smoke, but he did not care enough to notice. His hands were still caked in his father's blood, and he stared into the burnt house where his body still lay. He did not look at his mother, her unconscious body still lying limp a few meters away. He was still trying to comprehend the past few hours. Was it even real? Of course, it is, he convinced himself. Not even in his wildest dreams could he conjure such things. The only question left for him to ask was why. Why did this happen?He was so engrossed with his thoughts that he did not notice the call of his own name. Then, slowly, as if pulled from the abyss, he came to realize the wolf sage shouted his name, holding onto a wound on the side of his mother's gut with a determined look in her eyes."Pay attention," she told him. Then, she grabbe

Brokenarrow had become alive once again. As the day slowly rolled into the evening, and the people came out in droves to prepare for the coming banquet, and festivals, Anyone could feel the palpable energy flowing in the air. Why would there not be? It is such a rare occasion that a knight is chosen within the plains, it is practically a requirement that celebrations must be had. Lyse has experienced many birthdays and other events where he was at the center of it all. But those were always focused just on his family and himself, with some blessings given by the other townsfolk. But tomorrow was different. It was just too surreal, to think so much could be done for just one person. As he saw tables being dragged into the central courtyard, tents being raised just for games, and musicians tuning their instruments to prepare their fanfare. Lyse even noticed some of his favorite tunes being practiced, no doubt commissioned by his parents. Lyse was just left standing near the fountain

It has been a long time since he has seen the light now. He spent so much time within the earth, trapped in his own prison, of his own making and design. Tunnels and twisting corridors that snaked and melded together. Within lied thousands of chambers for various persons, he somehow found the use of each. Even those with little will carried out his piece of the puzzle. Till he figured that the puzzle could not be any more perfect. He even designed this throne room. A dark hollow chamber, large columns lining its sides, draperies of red and black, and the blazing insignia of Talin that decorated each one. The main floor empty, enough to fit a thousand people abreast, laid bare with only a few servants walking aimlessly around, their hands seemingly uncomfortable without holding or fixing anything. Their white, almost mist-like dress making them appear as ghosts, a partial truth in honesty. They were indeed far from human. His dark eyes drifted to the door, large iron sets that would

Within the Liontari Kingdom, on the edge of where the plains meet the strange Forest of Secrets, there nestles a town hidden in the rolling hills. While it was quite the sprawl, large walls completely engulf it, skewing it from view. The dark forest looms ominously nearby, like a monster ready to fall upon them. Outside, farmlands decorate its exterior, where workers labor to gather the harvest before the coming winter, while men watched their efforts, as well as the hills beyond. Women and men alike bustled the tired streets in their day-to-day tasks, easy-going as it can be for this lax time of year. Children played after their school hours, acting as knights, damsels, lions, and dragons of legend. Such knights patrolled the streets as they chatted and monitored their homes. All things were peaceful, and no alarm had yet penetrated the gates of BrokenArrow. The town of peace and natural life.Beyond the borders, the hills and forest meet in a small concave dome. Here, two people spe

Activating his heat sight, Jared looked around for any signs of life. Thankfully, he saw nothing to pose an immediate threat save for a couple normal sized rats.Ignoring them, Jared started a thorough exploration of the large room before heading to the doors in the back. Judging from their location and the nature of this building, they led into a small hill at the back of the building."Scarlet, I'm heading down. Stay here and let me know if you need me."Cracking the door, slowly this time, Jared made sure he didn't cause the door to scream like last time. He had no desire to awaken another horde of rats. The hinges resisted at first, but with a sharp tug and a whispered grinding, they gave way and the door swung open.Not seeing any heat signatures, Jared started down the stairs. They descended at least three or four stories into the hillside. The structural integrity of the building was solid, and he made his way down with little effort. He kept the heat sight on while exploring s

Jared looked at Scarlet and shook his head causing gobs of rabbit fur and guts to splatter on the ground. "Okay, you win! I won't tease you about the dang rabbits anymore." Jared stripped his nasty garments off and scrubbed them using the sand nearby. Water was a scarce commodity, so he often resorted to scrubbing his skin and clothes with sand. It sucked, and he always felt chaffing after, but it was better than walking around with blood and guts all over.When it rained, he tried to stay under cover and only expose himself for short periods of time. The rain was often acidic and caustic, which quickly degraded his clothes and gear and often left abrasions or rashes all over. He once got the rain in his eyes and it felt like exposing alcohol to an open wound. His eyes puckered and burned from the acid. It took almost an entire day before he opened his eyes without the stabbing pain.One of the great side-effects of nanites coursing through his body was they eventually consumed any re

. This boss fight would test him. Worse case, I can just use my pistol and reduce the thing to a charred mass of rabbit meat. That might even be tasty... It'd been a long time since he had any non-artificial food."All right, you long-haired, buck-toothed, floppy-eared hairball, let's go!" Almost like a taunt in an actual video game, the creature reacted by leaping into the air at him. Jared had a little fun and jumped in place, rotating his body parallel with the ground while he brought his leg back to deliver a side-kick. He connected with the rabbit and sent it sailing away from him.Surprising Jared, it contorted in mid-air and landed on its feet only to jump right back toward him.Hm... How am I supposed to hurt this thing with all that fur around it? The dense coat of fur acted as an impact barrier, softening his blows to the point the rabbit barely felt it. The only vulnerable parts on it were its face and feet, neither of which he wanted to get close to. He still felt the impa

Moving! Jared set out toward the other explorer's. Let me know when I get within two miles. I don't want to be any closer than that especially when we are walking across these wide open areas.It looks like you were right. They are by-passing the city and heading south.Jared kept a steady pace for hours, following the group. He heard Scarlet flapping as she came in for a landing next to him, raising another cloud of dust.I need to rest for a while. They are in a wide stretch of open ground. It will not be hard for me to pick up the trail."So, flying? Judging by the emotions I'm getting from you, it must be awesome."It... I... It is hard to put into words."How long do you think it will be before you can carry me? Or... can you even carry me? I guess I assumed you would be able to after you got stronger."I could likely carry you now, but I could not fly long or far with the added weight. Perhaps after we assign the nanites I have available."Oh right! Dang, I'm sorry Scarlet. I go

Jared walked back to the entrance and sat on the slab of concrete he used for a door. He waited for nearly an hour before he heard a slight rustle and looked up to see a figure crouched on the roof of the structure. Looking at the person he said, "Hello, my name is Jared." Dude, that's cheesy. Why couldn't you say something about explorers or something... Jared chided himself when the person refused to speak.Crouched as they were and wearing a balaclava he couldn't tell if it was a skinny man, woman, or child. "Do you speak English?" Still no reaction. "All right, suit yourself. I'm going inside before it gets dark." He rose and walked into the room while the strange person stared at him. The fact they hadn't drawn a weapon spoke to their intentions, but he didn't know why they wouldn't speak. Jared made his way to his makeshift bed and sat, facing the door. Another half an hour passed until he glanced up to see the person enter in a crouch.As soon as the person passed the threshold

the sun beat upon them. Her wingspan was twice that of her length. Scarlet spent several minutes flapping her wings and stretching them to their limits.Without warning, she bunched her legs and thrust into the air with a massive beat of her wings. The surrounding dust swirled and created small cyclones of dust. At first, she hovered in place bobbing up and down. Then, the speed of her wings picked up, and she steadily rose into the air.YES! Scarlet cried out in joy.Jared imagined the exhilaration and feeling of the wind whipping around her. He couldn't wait until she could bear the weight of them both. He wasn't afraid of heights, at least he didn't think so. There wasn't a lot of tall structures left standing, but when he found them he had no trouble scaling them to the top.Jared watched her rise higher into the sky before she tucked in her wings, straightened her tail and thrust forward. She shot through the air for hundreds of yards and then flared her wings to stop in midair w