Emperor's Blade - William Hatfield - Bog

The Scythians, or Scoloti, as they called themselves, were formidable players in the first millennium B.C. They fought and won battles against every major empire they went against, from the Persians to Greeks, Egyptians, and even the barbaric hordes that swept across Eurasia. Nomadic in character, they dominated the steppes.And then they faded away.Historians have searched for the reasons for the Scythians' decline and assimilation, with few answers.Every year, the Scoloti gather with tribes from the western fringes of Macedonia to as far east as China.This year, three tribes arrive early, at the northern shores of the Black Sea. There are issues to resolve before the rest of the tribes arrive.King of Kings Atheas was killed in battle fifteen years earlier. He had no heir, leaving the tribes in a period of unrest. His replacement must be chosen. The three tribes must find ties to bind their common interests.King Orik and Queen Opis of the Paralatae have a daughter, Princess Arga. King Gelon and Queen Myrina of the Auchatae, son Prince Scyles. Playmates for much of their young lives, they seem a good match. Discovering their parents assume their union is inevitable doesn't sit well with either.King Agathyrsus and Queen Latoreia of the Caitiari have twins, Kavas and Ifito. They are determined to see Kavas take Arga as his wife, and Ifito become the wife of Scyles.Tensions mount and fighting seems inevitable until a ship appears in the sky that emits a beam that causes everyone in its path to fall.They awaken, hours later, prisoners. They are told they are now slaves of the Hshtahni Dominion, and live only to serve their masters.The Scoloti, out of their natural element, apparently helpless, disagree.