THE DEFIANCE OF VIM ©2020 CJ AARON This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of the authors. Aethon Books supports the right to free expression and the value of copyright. The purpose of copyright is to encourage writers and artists to produce the creative works that enrich our culture. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property. 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Contents ALSO IN SERIES Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Chapter 42 Chapter 43 Chapter 44 Chapter 45 Chapter 46 Chapter 47 Chapter 48 Chapter 49 Chapter 50 Chapter 51 Chapter 52 FROM THE PUBLISHER ALSO IN SERIES About the Author ALSO IN SERIES A TRIBUTE AT THE GATES FULCRUM OF LIGHT GHOSTS OF THE ERYLN THE DEFIANCE OF VIM Prologue The burning golden-yellow orb was the only blemish to mar the pristine blue sky overhead. In every direction, the unending wash of azure blanketed the heavens as it stretched out to the horizons. The sun maintained its permanent vigil as it watched over the embattled landscape under its domain. The sea to the south and the mountains to the north were unwitting spectators, watching the spectacle unfold at a pace that suited their evolutions. The ground here was locked in an age-old battle, one which to this point had remained in a perpetual stalemate. A jagged line of vegetation delineated the boundaries of the two opposing sides. Each forever pushing against the other, matching strength for strength. Where meters were gained by one, the other reclaimed the lost territory shortly down the border. To the east, the land was green and lively. The thick, nutrient-rich earth produced diverse flora and fauna. Vibrantly colored, straight blades of wild grasses stood proudly, swaying as a gentle breeze rippled through their midst. Scattered copses of trees dotted the rolling terrain. Melodic trills and varied songs of the birds melded into a symphony of harmonic beauty. Wildlife scampered through the underbrush, pausing to enjoy the fruits of the healthy land. The terrain to the west was as different as night is to day. A monochromatic palette of burnt reds colored the barren waste that stretched to the horizon. Here, the dry earth was hard and infertile, sustaining little life. The vegetation that survived was as harsh as the terrain from which it sprouted. The trees were stunted, riddled with thorns and tiny brittle leaves. The grasses were short, bent into a pitiful posture, yet their serrated edges were eager to draw blood. Clusters of boulders, sharp rocky outcroppings, and scattered groves of short, gnarled trees highlighted the muted terrain. There were no songs in the air, as no birds flitted through the sky above. Few creatures survived in the bleak conditions here. Those that did were wary, exposing their motion for an instant at a time before seeking shelter once more. Even the air here seemed affected. It was stale, hinted with a tinge of ash. A hint of rot lingered when a breeze stirred the stagnant atmosphere. A small songbird alighted on a slender branch of a thin sapling at the edge of a grove of trees only meters into the fertile land to the east. Its attention was drawn to a sudden motion from the lifeless wastes to the west. A shadow stirred among a pile of rocks along the boundary. From behind the outcropping the movement coalesced into a form. It was tall and skinny with hairless skin so deep red it appeared black in the sun. Its long, lanky legs and arms seemed grossly disproportionate to its body. The creature flexed its hands. The long wicked claws clicked together as it made a fist. The beast hunched slightly as it stalked forward. The long claws on its toes left pointed indents and gouges in the hard, reddish ground as it passed. High in the branches above, the small bird watched anxiously. Though the air was still its feathers ruffled as if jostled by an unnatural breeze. A potent wave of emotions washed over it. There was fear. There was hatred. Raw and unfiltered. The beast paused at the edge of the boundary between green grass and burnt earth. Its head angled to the side, its teeth gnashed together. The black eyes darted from point to point. The calculating gaze examining the terrain before it. All life had paused along the border. The birds rested motionless on their branches. Their songs had faded into an abrupt silence. No creatures stirred among the grasses. Even the wind paused in anticipation. After a moment of survey, the beast took a hesitant step forward. The black claws of its feet tore into the grass underfoot. The healthy green blades were severed as they were crushed into the soft
