The Trials of the Core
Hydro Paen’s younger brother, Aiton, looked on closely from the shaded portion of the castle walls. Aiton sat in a long chair, held tight by his mother. His mother’s friends were there too—marchionesses from different provinces of Acquava. Elias Ward, his father’s adored, had also taken a spot amongst the crowd, waiting to tend to any injury. Hydro tried not to focus on them, but occasionally, he caught himself stealing a gaze, watching for his mother’s eye, which never seemed to look.
Mainly, Hydro concentrate on the man in front of him: Korth. His trainer swung his sword upward, forcing Hydro into a backflip. Upon landing, he ducked to avoid another stroke. Using his momentum, Hydro propelled his body forward, lance in front, attempting to pierce Korth’s seachrome armour. He missed. Back exposed, he tugged on the golden chain attached to his sapphire lance and spun around, ready to block an incoming attack.
Read or download Book
Michael E. Thies
Biography.
Michael Thies graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Creative Writing and Advertising. He published his first novel, The Trials of the Core, at twenty-three. Inspired by his writing and by the positive reviews and feedback he had received, he decided to change careers. He returned to school at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to obtain his English Education certificate. Living the life of a travelling author, Michael has been teaching in China for the past six years while travelling throughout Asia in his free time.