"The overarching government known as the Tenebris Consortium stands as the central authority uniting nine realms under a shared governance. This alliance, formed centuries ago, shows that the power holders, the "Game Keepers" are willing to work together to maintain their godly power.
Only nine realms make up the Tenebris Consortium out of the thousands upon thousands of realms that make up Purgatory. This alliance surely is the strongest. No other realm in Purgatory stands a chance against the power the Consortium holds.
The Noctari, clad in their distinctive red and black robes, are the enforcers of the Consortium's will. They are tasked with maintaining order, quelling rebellions, and ensuring that the Consortium's laws are upheld. Their presence is a constant reminder of the Consortium's power and reach.
Some would say they are the iron grip of the Consortium, stripping the freedom of the lower classes. Of course, Noctari are only comprised of casters. Why is that?"
- Injustice of the Consortium (1994)
By Garmand Vire
BANNED BOOK IN THE REALMS OF THE CONSORTIUM
***
The laziness of sleep. Pathetic. Alaric looked down on the sleeping boy. The boy looked just out of high school, roughly that age, likely was off to college. Until he died, somehow. Alaric wondered how this boy died, but those weren't things you asked about in Purgatory. Alaric learned that the hard way.
Curly brown hair adorned the kid's head. He wore a hoodie that was stereotypical of a teenager. Sure, the boy was a young adult, yet a boy in the eyes of Purgatory. Alaric lived in Purgatory long enough to know, but even Alaric was just a child in comparison to others. The boy lay on his back, collapsed on the couch. A open book lie on his chest. The position looked quite uncomfortable to Alaric. How can he sleep like that?
Why would I even be assigned this newcomer? And from the Grave Warden herself! Alaric thought, it was unlike her. Although he didn't really know her, not really. Viviette Grenadine was an illusive enigma, a puzzle impossible to crack.
***
"Wake up!"
The words were barked, an order. Liam sprang up, throwing the book off his chest to the floor. He rubbed his eyes, trying to adjust. He gazed around. The room was much the same, the bed Viviette slept in was returned to a bookshelf and she was not present. No sign of her existed.
A man gazed down at Liam. A man with jet black hair, short, but well maintained. The hair was combed back, giving the man a serious but slick appearance. He wore the same red and black robes as the other's Liam kept on seeing, but his were adorned with metal decor. He looked high ranking.
"Where's Viviaye?" Liam asked, still sleepy.
"Our Grave Warden has better things to do than to coddle a child." The man snapped coldly. A sense of dread filled Liam. "Besides, Lady Grenadine is how a person of your position should refer to her as. Or use her title."
What did I really get myself into?
"Grave Warden?" Liam asked, he never heard the term.
"You really know nothing do you?" Alaric's voice was harsh and lacking patience. His face contorted into a downward scowl.
"I just got here yesterday!"
"I wonder why she took an interest in you, I really do." Alaric reached a hand out to help Liam up off the couch. "Alaric Slate."
Liam reached for the hand, "Liam Ha—"
Liam was in a parking garage, one that resembled any old parking garage. Cars lined the parking spaces, but otherwise it was devoid of life. Liam flared around. "Alaric?"
YOU ARE READING
Purgatory Chronicles - A New Life After Death
FantasyAfter death, Liam finds himself reborn, in a place called Purgatory. The afterlife he didn't expect. Liam must learn and understand his place as a "Caster" and navigate the complex political factions and power systems of Purgatory to survive. Note:...
