Legends of the Lost

By Dale Consolini

Legends of the Lost is a collection of four stories that are based in high fantasy set in the medieval period exploring mature themes like grief and forgiveness. 

 

"Drown" is a fantasy action story that explores an undead noble who must grapple with his past through a trial of the underworld in hopes he can return to the living.

 

"Showdown" is an action story set in feudal Japan as a samurai master must deal with his impulsive student while also dealing with his own scarred past. 

 

"Emperor of Black Hearts" is a fantasy drama where a simple peasant gets possessed by a god of death and must hide his newfound lethal powers from the person he cares about most. 

 

"Arisen" is a fantasy drama where the former tyrant of Camelot must outsmart death in a game of truth in order to return to the living and murder King Arthur.

 

"Nightmares in Blood" is an action drama where a a victim of gang violence gets the opportunity to seek revenge and save an elderly couple's last daughter. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dale Consolini
• Release date: Jun 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227880352

Book preview

Showdown

Blades spark in a flurry in a flat dirt field. Raiku, a trained military samurai with scratched and rusted armor and a clean face, pulls his sword back and strikes! Kusho, a teenage samurai with clean armor and a scar across his cheek, lets out a whirlwind of attacks as Raiku blocks every strike. He grabs Kusho’s wrist then drives his fist into his shoulder. 

Defend yourself. Raiku lets go of his wrist. The enemy would’ve killed you ten times by now.

Kusho glares at Raiku and pulls his sword back for a heavy swing. Raiku slams his blade down, knocking Kusho’s to the ground.

If that worked— Kusho starts.

You’d be dead before it would ‘work.’ You have no idea what this path can lead you to. Raiku picks up the fallen blade. 

Kusho’s eyes edge down as he shamefully takes the sword back.

When will I be on the battlefield? Kusho mutters.

When you can control yourself. Raiku takes Kusho’s hand. His knuckles have scrapes on them.

Kusho punches Raiku’s shoulder. Raiku remains calm as he gets up and walks away.

I knew it. Kusho stomps toward him. You’re holding back.

Raiku ignores Kusho and keeps walking.

Look! Kusho cuts Raiku off. I’m not your child. I’m a warrior. Treat me like one.

Raiku stops, then looks down at Kusho.

"You are a child. And you will be treated as one until you can show some discipline."

We’re master and apprentice. Why do you have to act like my parent all the time?

Raiku glares down with a scowl