[The New Earth Chronicles 04] • The Dwarven Rebellion

Deep below the surface of the world, the empire of the dwarves has endured for countless centuries. A fierce and proud people, they have thrived for thousands of years surrounded by dangers more horrible than most humans could even imagine.

Ancient evils that stalk the deep, dark caverns with insatiable hunger. Evil creatures that defy description. Massive predators that tunnel through solid rock and spring on the unwary. The dwarves have stood against all of these foes and many more and they have prevailed.

But now the dwarven race is in decline and their ancient civilization is crumbling slowly into dust. But why? Is it because of the ages that have come and gone and the weight of the years pressing down on them, slowly grinding the life out of the empire? Or is it the corruption that lies at the heart of dwarven society itself? In recent memory, a succession of rulers have taken the throne through betrayal and greed and left the populace cynical and disheartened. An empire is only as strong as the person who rules it, or so the saying goes. And for centuries, the crown has been worn by weak and ineffective kings and queens.

Now though, the crown rests firmly on the head of a new king. And this ruler is different from the many that have come before him in recent memory. He was no pampered prince or traitorous noble. Instead, this dwarf was a simple warrior for many years and content to remain so. It was only when the old king was murdered, and his heir as well, that his youngest son reluctantly took the throne. His name is Shandon Ironhand.

Shandon has ruled well enough for a handful of years, but his plans to revitalize the empire are already in jeopardy. Rumors of traitors plotting to take his throne are swirling around him. There are even whispers of dark magics threatening his reign. Can the young king save himself and his people from those who would destroy them? Can he stop the decay and decline of the dwarves and raise them up again to become the proud, strong race they had once been? That is the test that lies ahead.