alpraed

Secrets spell trouble for a group of trainees threading their way through a minefield of rivalries, conflicting loyalties, and betrayals in the capital and beyond. Trainee Song-hee's repaying an honor debt to a local gang nearly costs a teammate his life. Meagre forgiveness leaves Song-hee isolated, his warnings unheeded, as the team heads into trouble at their mentor's country estates. While the team's reputation grows, hiding the prince-to-come in their midst may break them. Welcome back to the Kingdom of Coranna where competing internal factions are played by neighboring empires, and where a small band of trainees strives to shore up the previous generation's fraying peace accords. The group's unique talent to mobilize crystal energy draws unwanted attention as they struggle to find harmony with each other. Expect weekly updates on Saturday mornings.…

alpraed

Friends of a wounded officer convince him accept trainees with the aim of inspiring broader changes in a complacent officer class. The new league finds talent in unexpected places but the young recruits each come with their own brand of trouble. The group's initial success, based on their diverse talents including the ability to tap into crystal energies, generates both hope and fear. In the face of the interference from neighboring empires, the question becomes whether the league, or even the kingdom, can survive the looming struggle for succession.This is the second in a series set in the mythical kingdom of Corrana, tracks Park Junseo through his first qualifying tournaments where he finds new friends and mentors. His special talents attract dangerous attention and he struggles to find the balance needed to face down enemies willing to violate the accords.I am looking forward to seeing your comments and suggests.…

alpraed

Kate thought she was done with Daniel after he shattered her heart and trampled its pieces on the dance floor. Her interfering roommates have other ideas butcan she risk the hurt?…

alpraed

The first day at a new boarding school can be hard. Settling in at his uncle's school became more challenging for Park Junseo when his new roommate needed protection. Before long, strange powers reveal an uncomfortable truth.This stand-alone, short story continues the Crystal Accords adventures in the imagined kingdom of Corinna. It gives another perspective on the intersection of politics and magic in this world.Honestly, the whole series started as a vague type of fanfic therapy for my K-drama/boyband obsessions. It grew into something else all together. I need to get back to more of my work-a-day sort of writing so hope this will hold you for a bit. I will start posting volume two in spring 2022. Until then....Fair Winds.A.L.…

alpraed

Enter a land pinned between two empires where family and connections count more than skills and talent. Meet two friends from opposites sides of town who glimpse different kinds of freedom through kite racing. Junseo struggles against the rising expectations of his family while Bon Wie fights to catch even the bottom rung of the social ladder. They are recruited to be messengers for the rebels but soon learn they have secrets of their own to protect. This is the first in a series set in the imagined kingdom of Coranna. Leaders in this borderland struggle to balance the influences of neighboring empires and resolve the disputes between ruling families in the north and south. Leagues form to try to restore balance in society and honor in martial traditions.Yes, there is magic but it is not wand waving. Think Totems and Chi. Oh, and there is also Shaman with talisman. Trigger Warning: Scenes of violence, references to child abuse.…

alpraed

When his talents outstrip his older brother's and might draw the attention of the wind-singers, Pange In-Yeon's family sends him to the Sun Temple in Lesou. He will not find a safe harbor until he can learn to control his energy and join the nascent court of the prince-to-come but religious factions are trying to prevent the rise of a new guardian.This volume welcomes readers back to the Kingdom of Corrana where rumors run thick as heirs to the previous principalities are manipulated by neighboring empires and the heavy hand of the remaining members of the Council of Five spurred on the Broken Wheel Rebels. Despite opposition, Former Commander Lei Wen Hou and his friends continue to build their training league but the team struggles when their first recruit is struck down by a northern priestess.…

alpraed

This is a place for short stories and other experiments.Some of these are responses to prompts and/or suggestions from other sites.Nothing too serious.…

alpraed

This is a collection of maps, sketches, and notes for the Crystal Accord Series.I am looking forward to your comments and suggestions for these working drafts.…