The Treasure of the Ancient King (Draft)

Ozbaldwick is hoping for a peaceful meal alone when his private dinner is interrupted by the sound of a familiar voice.

Ozbaldwick Grimestone chances upon a familiar retreat from his younger days.

Thank you for listening to the prologue of this 'in progress' novel. Part 1 will be released in weekly instalments at the end of September. See the Blurb below to whet your appetite:                 "What if you could hold a virtue in your hand? What would it look like? What would you give up to have it? And if it were hidden away in the darkest of places, would you seek it? Ozbaldwick Grimestone is a cynical old merchant, out to make his fortune and settle his comfortable retirement. Ebernia, his home, is an enchanted kingdom of progress and democracy, but also of deep divisions and moral decay - the mythical virtues that have defined its history now reinterpreted to suit the purposes of the powerful. But after having a chance encounter with an old friend, hearing a rumour of a lost prince, and smelling the whiff of a treasure beyond his imagination, Mr Grimestone realises he might have to reassess his priorities… Through the mouth of this unlikely hero, D A Clarke describes a world of intrigue and magic where one man’s longing for riches will take him down to the depths of the earth and back again - and perhaps turn the tide of history for the better."   - Blurb, The Treasure of the Ancient King by D A Clarke