“A lesser man who speaks such words is thought mad. A great man who does, is thought blessed.”
Tales of Agni Kazirian swirl through taverns, temples, and barracks alike—of his legendary skill in battle, his kindness toward the people of Azectrai, or his valor in the face of death.
But in hushed tones, they speak of something else.
His “fits.”
His eyes lose focus. Strange, dark words escape his lips. He is seized by a rapture…or a cruel rage. Sometimes, he emerges with brilliant insight. Other times, with blood on his hands.
To the outside eye—even his closest companions—the episodes seem like seizures or madness. Alexander, the loyal captain, soothes soldiers’ fears by calling it a fever or a lingering epilepsy.
And they believe him…or at least pretend to.
Many believe he is blessed of the Dragon God.
The priests of Varenox suspect something more. They notice his longstanding discomfort in temple, his knowledge of forgotten rites, his reverence for the myths even they barely grasp. They dare not speculate too loudly about the town’s hero, but they wonder.
They do not know the Voice of Ages.
Anton forbids it.
Even Agni does not know how far his ancestor’s voice reaches—or how deep it has sunk into his soul.
“As one draws closer to the gods, one must forsake the realms of men.”
Anton called to him once—then left him to grow under his own strength. But as Agni grew in power, so too did the whispers in his mind. The fits grew deeper, the voice louder. Now, Anton’s promise of their thousand-year reign feels real.
But Anton Kazirian no longer remembers compassion. Or mercy. Or love. Only the Empire Kazia. Anything, or anyone that slows it is evil. A peasant girl, a loyal captain, his closest friends, even an emperor, are all tools. Tools can be discarded.
If Agni’s lords knew this, they would call it treason.
But Agni does hear the voice. And it pulls him farther and feather from the realm of men—towards gods and wars no mortal mind can grasp.
With every fit, Agni slips away.
Perhaps to become a saint.
Or a monster.
Or both.