Fifteen years before the events of EMBERS RISING, an extensively trained fighter, a daring burglar, and two spellcasters with completely opposite skillsets connected with each other.

The four of them founded a mercenary party of a different kind; a better kind. Not the usual band of brigands who would stab their own mothers for a pouch of silver coins. They made a roguish foursome, yet all were idealistic and thoughtful; only taking jobs to help society. If they earned a good payday and punished the inhumane and avaricious along the way, they’d call it a win.

Working synergistically as a team, they would one day accomplish many wonderful things. This is how it all began.

Author's note: this short story was written around Halloween, so it ended up with a few spooky elements. More so than anything in the novel.

"The First Mission"

by Sterling Carmichael