The Hero's Fall

The Guard Serves The Emperor and The Empire to The Gates

Valan Doekstava grew up determined to follow his father's path in the Valsavian Imperial Guard. His life is everything he dreamed it could be. He's a masterful swordsman and a natural leader. He's supported by his loving parents. He's a rising star in The Guard, and those around him see him as a future Gran Brivvat - the supreme leader of The Imperial Guard and the third most powerful figure in Valsavia.
As a naturally empathetic man, Doekstava has always fallen back on The Guard's creed as his moral compass when his strong personal ethics might clash with his orders. This serves him well until a horrific battle shakes his faith in both himself, and the mission of The Guard.
Named a "Hero of The Empire" in a victory that saw most of his valanx destroyed, newly promoted Comitat Doekstava finds himself in the subjugated Almárian kingdom of V'tintin.
Wise in the tactics of battle but naïve in the ways of politics, Doekstava's sympathy for the subjugated Almárians soon leads to disagreements with the Valsavian overseers The Guard is sworn to aid and protect. Little does he know that the consequences of this conflict - for both himself and The Empire - are far more devastating than anyone could possibly imagine.