Dragon Rising

Dragon Rising Scorn, an eighty-year-old battle-worn dwarf, never wanted a life of violence. Once a humble blacksmith, his world was shattered when the human tyrant Emperor Abaddon conquered his people, forcing the dwarves into slavery and war. Now, after sixty years of bloody battles and ruthless service, Scorn seeks only peace--though peace seems as far out of reach as the stars themselves. Living in the human city of Westmoor, Scorn has found solace in the quiet moments spent at his old friend Panoply's inn. But when a pair of ruthless human soldiers threatens his only refuge, Scorn's brutal past crashes back into his present. A swift and lethal scuffle ensues, but Scorn's life is about to change forever. Beneath the scars of countless wars and the missing eye beneath his black eyepatch, Scorn carries more than just the weight of his past--he carries the heart of a warrior who will never back down. With the ever-looming threat of human oppression still hanging over the dwarves, Scorn finds himself drawn into a conspiracy that could alter the fate of Drakonia itself. Teaming up with his closest ally--Panoply, a seasoned warrior with a crossbow named Vixen--Scorn must navigate a world where trust is scarce, and betrayal lurks around every corner. As the fragile peace begins to unravel, Scorn's legacy as a warrior, a friend, and a dwarf will be tested in ways he could never imagine. Dragon Rising is a tale of vengeance, honor, and the fierce bond between two warriors fighting for survival in a world that no longer values them. Will Scorn rise from the ashes of his past, or will the fires of war consume him once more? Perfect for fans of epic fantasy, gritty battles, and complex characters, this gripping story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page.