Fated Path by N.D. Jones — a futuristic fantasy about a young magistrate facing political intrigue, deadly betrayal, and the trials that forge her into a powerful leader.
- Publication Date: July 19, 2020
- Genre: Futuristic Fantasy
- ASIN: B084FLVJP8
- ISBN: 978-1735299822
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Some leaders are forged in fire.
Chief Magistrate Lela of the House of Asheema begins her political career with high hopes and unshakable determination. Newly inducted into the Council of Magistrates, she is tasked with aiding the regent in negotiating a peace treaty between warring planets. It’s her chance to prove herself worthy of ruling alongside the seasoned chief magistrates, thirty years her senior.
But diplomacy turns deadly when the peace talks are ambushed by mercenaries, thrusting Lela into a web of treachery and violence. The mission to broker reconciliation becomes a desperate pursuit of justice as Lela and her security team race to uncover the truth: Who hired the assassins? What is their endgame? And who else is in danger?
The path laid before Lela is fraught with blood, pain, and war—a journey she is not yet prepared to walk. But leaders are rarely born, and the circumstances of their ascension are never ideal. To protect her people, Lela must embrace the trials that will shape her into the leader her world desperately needs.
Fated Path is a gripping standalone entry in the Forever Yours series, exploring themes of leadership, resilience, and political intrigue. Perfect for fans of strong heroines, intricate world-building, and futuristic fantasy with a twist.
Excerpt
Lela eased out of the kiss, recalling what Ammon had said when he’d first appeared behind her. “I didn’t think he would give it to you as part of the ceremony.” Had he been referring to …? Lela removed Yusef’s gift from her cloak pocket. It was lightweight, so she’d forgotten the offering. It was a …
With sure fingers, Ammon plucked the item from her hand. “This is the tactical knife my father gave me when I turned fifteen anulls.”
“At your Rite of Pala?”
“Yes. Sometimes, I think he forgets the rite proclaimed me a man and ready for Shielder combat and tactical training. I’m double that age now, but I love this knife as much today as I did when Ab’ba handed it to me.” His fingers slid over a well-maintained custom-fitted sheath. “The weapon has three finger choils and contoured scales for a comfortable grip. It also comes with a neck paracord.”
“Why?”
Combat and tactical knives were weapons of a bygone era. Lela had grasped Yusef’s link to ancient Paladins when he’d proclaimed his band “blade and armor.” But, as she listened to the pride in Ammon’s voice, as well as the expertise that came with being a well-trained soldier, her understanding expanded.
“The paracord is for inverted carry as a neck knife. It’s small enough to be easily concealed under a blouse. If you will accept another gift from me, I also have a hunter’s knife I’d like to give you. It has a fixed blade and a good grip.”
“A fixed blade and a good grip,” Lela repeated, the words rotten fruit in her mouth. “I’m not going off to war, Ammon. It’s a peace negotiation.”
“Among warring planets. That’s why I’m giving you my Rite of Pala blade. I also hope you’ll accept my hunter’s knife. It’s made of mor’up, which means it’s sharp enough to gut anyone who may threaten to do you harm.”
Lela gaped at Ammon, astounded into silence. She’d never thought him like his father, but it could’ve been Yusef speaking to her. True, regardless of the band, everyone received basic self-defense training from Paladin instructors. Only Paladins, however, received extensive training, their band responsible for regional law enforcement and planetary defense.
She should’ve objected when he slipped the paracord around her neck, the knife’s tip touching the ver’ty. But she could do nothing but stare at him, surprised by how casually he’d spoken of gutting an enemy. But Lela was also touched by Ammon’s concern for her safety.
“The hunting knife can be hidden in a boot or in a sheath strapped to your thigh.” A bright smile formed, and his eyes darted to her lap. “If you like, I could show you how to arrange the strap on your leg. You wouldn’t want it falling off at an inopportune time.”
“You’re serious?”
“Yes, I could help you—”
Lela playfully pushed away the hand reaching for her cloak-covered thigh. “Not about that. I know we haven’t begun the courting rituals, but I’m certain none of them involves the exchange of deadly weapons.”
Ammon sobered. “My father and I may disagree more than we ought, but we take the safety of those we care about seriously. It says much that he turned what should’ve been a private gesture into a public offering. I’m unsure if you are aware, but mor’up, the natural resource the Affiq use to make many of our weapons and all of our transporter shields, is undetectable by any known scanner. Do you know what that means?”
“I cannot bring a weapon into peace talks.”
“You sound quite appalled and very Verity, my sweet Lela.”
“You’re asking me to lie.” She also didn’t appreciate the criticism of her band, no matter how gently the comment was stated. “Do you know what will happen if I’m discovered with your Paladin weapons on my person?”
“You’ll be alive, and the person who dared to harm you will be at your feet bleeding out,” Ammon responded so matter-of-factly it took Lela’s breath away.
“I … I …” There were no words. Well, there were plenty, but she couldn’t get the image he had painted out of her mind to form them.