The Initiate's Robe is the first book of the Claret Theocracy, a fantasy adventure that is intended to span at least three books. The Theocracy have ruled for over two hundred years after overthrowing the Monarchy. It seems unthinkable that the long peace could ever be broken, but the ruling class under the Magnus Council are fractured and dither in the Capital as asecretive and subversive society known as the Skull of Sawl grows in influence and power. The society is not unchallenged: The Frumentary is another secret society operating within the Theocracy founded by the last King of Mithradia to thwart the Skull of Sawl.

All religion in this book is loosely based on the pre-Christian religion of Mithraism, a dualistic and monotheistic religion that was derided as a cult by the Romans and eventually wiped out by early Roman Christians. I have replaced the warrior god of Mithra, the deity of light, justice and friendship (also Mitra in the Hindu Pantheon) with Vitras. In the Initiate's Robe, The Skull of Sawl represent darkness and chaos and the Frumentary represent light and order.
The remnants of the former monarchy still exist, squished into a separate self-governing state at the very edges of the Empire. Mithradia is led by a proud and capable steward, Idunn, who has rebuilt much of the ruins of the former capital and established new trade routes with her neighbours. As Mithradia's power grows, it puts them into direct conflict with the borders of the Theocracy.

This is a fantasy world and magic exists in the form of runes of power, based on the Anglo Saxon Futhorc runic alphabet. The main protagonists in the first book are Master Lochdale, a priest born in Mithradia, now living on the island province of Kintor under the Theocracy. His initiate, Zuph, and Zuph's best friend, a stable hand named Pep and the Princep's (Governor's) daughter, Nerilla.

Lochdale is sent to Mithradia by the Princep of Kintor to settle a dispute with a Theocracy town in the next province. Lochdale has plans of his own given his concerns over the Skull of Sawl and seeks Idunn's advice. He carries on his shoulders a secret that I'll not divulge here. All will be revealed later in the book!
Lochdale eventually negotiates an accord, increasing Mithradian power in the region in return for their support against the society.

The book culminates in a tournament organised by Idunn. This reveals much that was formerly hidden to Zuph and his friends. Unfortunately, the Skull of Sawl compete in the competition, causing all manner of mischief!
The Initiate's Robe is a coming-of-age tale, a fusion of folk and actual history, mixed with an interpretation of an ancient religion and some magic thrown in for good measure!

There are secrets.

There are shadows.

There's the eternal battle between good and evil!

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• Science Fiction & FantasyFantasyEpic

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• Print Length: 367 Pages
• File Size: 820 KB