No longer just a ( very popular ) game , League of Legendshas spawneda Netflix series in Arcane(an awesome show)—and now the first novel set in the League population is coming : Anthony Reynolds ’ Ruination . Ahead of its expiration September 6 , io9 has a sneak peek at the first chapter .
First up , here ’s a bit more about the book and its characters :
Camavor is a brutal Edwin Herbert Land with a bloody legacy . Where the empire ’s horse go , butchery follows .
Image: Orbit
Kalista seeks to change that . When her immature and narcissistic uncle , Viego , becomes Rex , she vows to temper his destructive instincts , as his loyal confidant , advisor , and military superior general . But her plans are thwarted when an assassin ’s poisoned leaf blade strike Viego ’s married woman , Isolde , afflicting her with a malady for which there is no cure .
As Isolde ’s condition worsens , Viego descends into madness and heartbreak , peril to get behind Camavor down with him . Kalista makes a desperate gambit to pull through the realm : she explore for the long lost Blessed Isles , rumored to defend the queen ’s salvation , if only Kalista can find them .
But corruption grows in the Blessed Isles ’ capital , where a vengeful warden seeks to ensnare Kalista in his cruel machinations . She will be drive to select between her allegiance to Viego and doing what she cognise is right — for even in the face of sodding swarthiness , one noble deed can shine a light that economize the humanity .
Image: Orbit
Here ’s the full back . brand ahoy !
And here ’s the selection , the full first chapter of Ruination : A League of Legends Novel .
Part One
How different the human beings might have been had that blade found its Deutsche Mark …
— Sentinel - Artificer Jenda’kaya
Dearest Isolde , baby of my heart ,
By the fourth dimension you get this , you will have leave Alovédra and be only days from Santoras .
It disappoints me that our efforts to find a diplomatical solution fell unretentive , but do n’t be disheartened — the idea of a exsanguinous negotiation would never have been even consider during my grandfather ’s rule . This is progress , and your ardent plea for Camavor to avoid create more enemies and to keep the economy of our ally were compelling . Were Viego not so swell to cement his rule with a victory on the arena , he might not have heed to the arguments of the priesthood and the Knightly Orders at all .
Viego go for your pleader in the highest regard , and your positive influence on him will rein in the Knightly Orders ’ worst excesses . He ’s come so far , just in the short clock time you ’ve been married ! Already he has enacted changes that I never would have dreamed of . The nightly opening of the East Barracks kitchens to feed the poor and needy — which I bang was at your urging — has earned him much good will among the less fortunate of Alovédra , and I am still in awe that you were able to convince Viego to give a council seat to an elected representative from the lower division .
I still vex about you travel here to Santoras and being in such close propinquity to the coming difference of opinion , but I understand your logical thinking . Indeed , if the quietus of Viego ’s motor hotel had even a fraction of your wiseness , empathy , and compassion , the world would be a far bright place . There is no incertitude Santoras will fall , as so many other city - state and nation have before , but I trust you are right : Your presence will ensure that Santoras is not put to the blade after the battle .
The Grand Masters will resist at being order not to sack the metropolis — they have originate affluent filling their coffer with poorly - gotten riches stolen from conquered foes — but they will not defy go against Viego . There will still be some violence and robbery , of path . It would be unrealistic to consider otherwise . But I do think this is the sunup of a new earned run average for Camavor , one built upon bolstering trade with allies and better the life of intermediate Camavorans , and not fix upon brutal subjugation and bloodshed hidden behind the veneer of the “ noble quest . ”
It will take time to change the superannuated and roughshod questing culture of the Knightly Orders , but with your help , I am confident that we can guide Viego toward end it once and for all . What perhaps began as a stately endeavor has become corrupted by greed , and it is long retiring metre for this worthless practice to stop . Your people witnessed the bad of it at first hand ; no one should have to see their fatherland ravaged and their have sex single butchered like they did . Nothing can be done to atone for that barbarousness , but we can ensure that it never happens again .
The history will record your influence on the next greatness of Camavor , I have no doubt . You bring out the best in Viego . It give me such Bob Hope for the future .
Your dearest friend and ally ,
Kalista
Chapter One
The Scouring Plains , Santoras
Eighteen Months After Viego ’s Coronation
Kalista vol Kalah Heigaari , General of the Host , Spear of the Argent Throne , and niece to the Martin Luther King Jr. , ripped the helmet from her straits . She sucked in a recondite breathing spell and ran a hand through her long , perspiration - dampish hair .
The sun wash up down upon her , relentless and unforgiving . The heat was searing , burning her lung , but slowly , her heart rate began to steady . Only then , with the fury of struggle dissipating , did she experience the aching and sting of wounds she did n’t recall take . Her headspring felt heavy , and there was a ringing in her pinna . Had she taken a head blow ? It was possible , yet the battle had been so chaotic , she could n’t be sure .
Her arms were leaden , her back sore . All she want to do was sink to the land and close her eyes , but she did not . No soldier wanted to see their commanding officer giving in to enfeeblement . And so she remained on her foot , implore to the ascendent that her legs did not break up beneath her .
grand of body were strew across the dusty plain stitch . Where the fighting had been thickest , they were mob high , in business where the soldier had clashed and conk out . Most were motionless , but not all . Survivors on both side nip and moaned . But the Camavorans were the victors , and so while their wounded would be accept away , their injuries tended , the Santorassians were already being finished off .
Beyond the battlefield , the wives and daughter , husbands and boy of those soldiers watched from atop the sloping sandstone rampart of their city . Kalista imagined she could hear their wails . There would be panic within those walls . Their Martin Luther King Jr. had gambled all by standing against Camavor , but he was all in , and his city would be claim .
Far behind Kalista , upon a upgrade overlooking the field , was the covered pavilion where her Martin Luther King Jr. watched , his fagot at his side . Viego had wanted to be down here , fighting , lead from the front , the mighty blade sanctitude in hand . He come from a lineage of warrior - kings , and his father was the legendary Lion of Camavor , after all . Viego had been Billie Jean King for a year and a half now , and wanted to prove his might to his ally and his detractors likewise .
Before the engagement , he had dismissed the counsel of his adviser and generals who urged him to watch from afar , out of harm ’s elbow room . Once they had function , Kalista had confronted him .
“ You are the king , and you do not yet have an heir , ” Kalista had say through grit dentition , starting to lose her forbearance .
“ I am nauseous of living in my father ’s shadow , ” Viego had snapped . He was garbed for struggle , wear gleaming black plate edged in gold . “ I am every bit the warrior he was . I want this triumph to be mine . ”
“ It will be yours whether you take the field or not , ” Kalista shot back . “ The histories will record it as a victory for King Viego . It does n’t matter if you campaign . ”
“ It matters to me , ” he had render heatedly .
No one else would make bold speak to him in the tincture she had used , but as a child , he had always sought her approval , and in many ways still did .
Even so , Viego was not to be convince . He had opened his mouth to argue , until Queen Isolde placed a hand on his branch . “ Kalista is impudent , my love , ” she had say . “ remain by my side . Please . You have nothing to prove . ”
As lightly spoken as she was , there was a unnerving forcefulness in Isolde . Viego had sighed , and finally relent . “ I guess it is just pridefulness that draw me desire to fight , ” he had read , set a hand over his queen ’s . “ I will do as you wish , my love . ”
On the dusty , hot field , besiege by the dead and dying , Kalista raise her lance high , in salutation to the regal couple in the distance .
“ secure get that date to , General , ” said a vocalization , a deep baritone rumble . Kalista turned to see Ledros , her most sure and capable skipper . He was a giant of a man , standing head and shoulders above the next tall soldier in the Camavoran ranks , and his profoundly tanned face was crisscrossed with pallid cicatrice . As with all the lowborn infantry of the Host , his armour consisted of little more than a scorched - leather aegis , a humble bronze helm , and leather greaves . His large wooden shield was sliver , and it fell to piece as he unhooked it from one arm . Those munition were monolithic , as big as any other man ’s second joint . He was splattered with rake , but minuscule of it was his own .
Kalista star at him , render to understand what he think . He motion to the side of her head , and she reached up to her temple . She frowned as her fingertip came away bloody . peek down at her helmet , curb slackly in dead fingers , she saw the snag gouged in its side . ax strike . It must have been a peek blow , else she would have been lie in the rubble with the other corpses . She ’d been lucky , and Ledros get it on it .
“ It ’s nothing , Captain , ” she say .
Ledros was carrying a severed mind , holding the grisly prize by its haircloth . The Santorassian king . It had been the death of that warrior - monarch that burst the opposition . And as always , once the rout began , the remnant had been inevitable . awe was contagious on the battlefield , and the resolve of soldiers could be fragile . The last of one human race could cause an entire fight line to shatter , just as a unmarried pebble could make an avalanche .
“ That was a fine killing , ” Kalista said .
The foeman king had a reputation as a consummate fencer , and from what Kalista had seen of him fighting , that reputation was n’t exaggerated . He ’d carved into their right flank at the nous of his elite guard , fighting like a demigod , slaughtering everything in his path . The Camavoran lineage had buckled , threatening to break , until Ledros had shouldered his way through the fray to face him .
There was no incertitude the top executive had been a talented warrior … He’d just never faced the like of Ledros before .
“ Bastard put up a good fight , ” Ledros grunted .
“ Not dear enough , it seems , ” Kalista observed . “ The Knightly Orders will be tempestuous you deny them the luck to claim that halo themselves . ”
Ledros grin . His features were too broad and thick for him to be regarded as big , but he had an honest cheek . He had utterly no craftiness in him , which was far too uncommon a trait . “ That just makes this victory all the sweeter , ” he said , a distasteful gleaming in his dark eyes .
Kalista snorted . It was an undignified sound , but there was no one near to hear it but Ledros and her other loyal soldiers of the master of ceremonies . She may have been titled , but she had always matte more easy among the common rank and file than among other Lord , with all their flattery , lies , and backstabbing . Camavoran court of justice politics were as dangerous as any field of battle , full of feints , sudden assaults , and desperate last stands , but Kalista would much rather front her opposition across the discipline . At least there you could see who was holding a sword .
Dust clouds in the length usher where the scattered remnants of the enemy army had fled . They would n’t last long . Three major Knightly Orders had marshaled for conflict alongside the Host to defeat Santoras — the Knights of the Azure Flame , the Horns of Ebon , and the Iron Order — along with a handful of venial purchase order . They had been denied the glory of a decisive , victorious kick , for the foeman had broken before any of them had fully committed themselves to the conflict , and so those knight would satisfy themselves by running down the survivors .
Pushing apart her exhaustion , Kalista walked among the Host , Ledros at her side . She wanted them to see their general . She barricade ofttimes to congratulate individual soldiers , to joke with some , and commiserate with others . She kneel beside the hurt , and hold the mitt of the demise , and draw the line of descent trident upon the foreheads of those who had already passed , speaking words of thanks for their bravery — it sounded empty to her but seemed to give solace to those still living to try it . She tell apart the untried soldier they were veterans now , and nod to the real veteran , with their haunted center . Porcelain - mask priests picked their elbow room across the field , tapping at the taut surface of their finger - drums to help guide the spirits of the dead to the Revered Ancestors .
Everywhere they went , soldiers slapped Ledros on the shoulder . Even those who had not seen him kill the enemy king hump of it . Every soldier in the innkeeper regarded him with fear and reverence . He was their amulet . Kalista dreaded what would happen should he ever fall in battle , for he truly was the heart and soul of the server .
The sun had dip low-pitched as Kalista and Ledros made their manner through the gathered knot of soldiers . Her pharynx was parched and rubble - surface , and she thankfully accepted a water skin from one of her officer .
Now that the jounce of combat was languish , there was a rejoicing mood among the Host . They had survived the day and were victorious . They would see their wives , husband , and youngster once more , and the next sunrise would seem brilliant for that .
A great cheer went up for Ledros , and he obligingly lifted his bloody trophy high for all to see . Kalista saw the blush on his broad cheeks and smile . As big as he was , indomitable in battle and capable to face buck heavy horse without a hint of fearfulness , this form of adoration made him nervous . She found it endearing .
Ledros catch her eye . Help me , his eye beg , but that only goaded her on . She localise a mitt on his massive shoulder — well above her own head — and lifted up her lance .
“ Ledros ! ” she roared . “ Slayer of Rex ! ”
He stared down at her , aghast , and she express joy at his superfluity .
The legion wail their approval and chanted his name . Everyone was on their foot now , thrusting dent and bloodied weapon in the air . Only when it began to die down did Kalista notice the to a great extent armored horseman nearby , watching wordlessly . baby-sit astride a brand - encased warhorse of titanic proportions , the knight was glorious in his ornate armour , a fat purple cloak of the fine velvet drape over his berm .
Hecarim , Grand Master of the Iron Order . My betrothed .
She hurriedly move out her hand from Ledros ’s shoulder . The jubilation of moments before was gone , leaving only silence . The big captain turned toward Hecarim and lowered his regard in duteous respectfulness , as did every phallus of the Host . Kalista did not comply cause . She was of royal blood and get down her gaze to no one but the business leader .
Hecarim ’s features were majestic and noble , refined and aristocratic , and he cast his disdainful gaze across the soldier . It lounge on Ledros for a moment before settle on Kalista . His wavy berm - duration pilus was dark , his olive skin unmarred by defect or defect . His optic were the deep green of sea depths , and they had an intensity that was at once beguiling and unsafe .
He unhorse , sliding swimmingly to the earth with a rale of armour . He was tall and broad - shoulder . Not Ledros - marvellous , but who is ? A gallant rush ahead — the daughter of some noble wealthy enough to buy her place at Hecarim ’s side — and took the warhorse by the check . The brute snorted and stamped one iron - shod hoof , eye flashing . For a moment it seemed it would bite the girl , but a sharp word from its master settled it .
“ Lady Kalista , ” Hecarim said , defer his caput , though his eyes never left her own .
“ My lord Hecarim , ” Kalista returned , with a subtle inclination of her chin .
The secretiveness lengthened as she look for him to speak . A bead of elbow grease ran down her taut , muscle back , beneath her armour . They were set to be we 500 before the year was out , yet this was only the third time they had talk . There was an understandable awkwardness between them , for they were barely more than strangers . lashings nearby watched and heed , but if she was being honest with herself , she was principally witting of Ledros , brook statue - still at her side .
As if smell out her thoughts , Hecarim peek again at Ledros , tarry on the break up head still clasped in the maitre d' ’s deal . Kalista marvel if he was go to say something about a lowborn bondman denying him the honor of that kill . or else , he smiled . It was warm and lit up his face .
“ Will you take the air a mo with me , madam ? ” Hecarim sound out .
“ Of of course , ” she do .
He turned and held out his subdivision . Kalista go on her shaft to an tender and pace beside him , placing her hand lightly upon his ornate vambrace .
We must make a strange pot . A leisurely afternoon saunter through a garden would perhaps have been more meet for a bespoken duet , but here they were , walk among the dead and dying . Hecarim ’s appearance was spotless , and Kalista was acutely conscious of the fact that she was cover in blood , dust , and sweat .
“ Do n’t ever say I do n’t take you to the nicest of places , ” Hecarim murmur , a grin in his voice . “ If you ’re lucky , next time I may take you to a charnel pit . Or a swamp . Chaperoned , of form . ”
Kalista was pleased to see he had some wit about him . She felt up the tensity between them alleviate a little , and she look up at him . How were his teeth so perfect ? she wonder idly .
“ It is good to see you smile , lady , ” he say lightly .
She glanced around them . “ It storm me that I am able , ” she admitted , “ given the circumstances . ”
“ You have won a convincing victory this Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . A triumph for the ages . ”
“ In the Rex ’s name , glory be upon him . ”
“ Of course . ”
The ranks of the Host stood at attention as they walk by , salute precipitously .
“ They really do adore you , do n’t they ? ” remarked Hecarim .
“ They revalue a full general who does n’t handle them as chaff . ”
Hecarim grunted . Kalista was n’t certain whether he was amuse or he ’d never really considered the whimsy . In trueness , few Lord had .
“ There are those who worry you withstand too much careen with the common masses , ” he mull over .
“ Because I do n’t leave them to mow down , like kine ? ”
“ Because there are a lot of them , ” replied Hecarim , chafe his chin . “ Populist monarchs have come to power in the past through lowborn uprisings . ”
Kalista laughed . “ Anyone who recall I am plot to take the Argent Throne is an abject fool , ” she said . “ I have no desire to rule , and I detest motor lodge political relation . I ’ll stick to the battlefield . ”
Hecarim smiled . Ancestors , but he is a good - see man .
“ And you lead your soldiers well , ” he articulate . “ But in a nothingness of nice rumormonger , there are plenty who feel the motivation to manufacture it . Though declaring your serious bondsman soldier Kingslayer , well , that is perhaps not going to do much to quell such talk . ”
Kalista frowned . “ I really do n’t manage what they whisper behind my back , ” she declare . “ The motor hotel is a batch of vipers . ”
Hecarim ’s expression became more serious , and it was like the Lord’s Day dip behind a swarm . He stopped and turned to face Kalista , taking her hand in his own . It was the first time they had ever really touched .
“ My apology , stately lady , ” he sound out earnestly . “ It was not my purpose to have you upset . I had merely hail to ensure that you were unharmed , and to put up congratulations for your strategical mastery today . ”
Kalista feel her cheeks blush . “ Thank you , ” she murmured .
Hecarim released her hands , and they continued in silence until they came full circle , returning to where they had started . The knight ’s gallant still held his angry ebony steed , and she looked relieved to turn over back the rein .
“ I must get out you , pricy lady . The king has tell that the city not be sack , and I want to ensure that that rescript is followed , ” said Hecarim . “ There will be a triumphal feast held within the walls . Will you do me the laurels of being seated at my side ? ”
“ The honor would be mine , my lord . ”
scud a terminal smile , Lord Hecarim remount his immense steed . He bike once , then rode off , attendants following in his aftermath , like leaves in the wind . He rode like one born to the saddle , as if he and his furious veteran were one .
His knights jolly up as their Grand Master rejoined them . With a cacophony of a horn , the one have it away as the Iron Harbinger signaled their advance , and the lodge rode for the conquered city .
debris rise behind them , and Kalista ’s expression darkened . The city of Santoras would not be clear , but there would still be some level of looting and plundering , despite what Hecarim say ; there always was in the aftermath of battle . And she knew that any who resisted would be massacre .
Ledros pitter-patter onto the ground .
“ He rides well enough , ” he say . “ I ’ll give him that . ”
Excerpt from Anthony Reynolds ’ ruin : A League of Legends Novel reprinted by license of Orbit .
Anthony Reynolds ’ Ruination : A League of Legends Novel will be released September 6 ; you may pre - order a copyhere ( U.S. link)orhere ( UK link ) .
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