The Second Apprentice

Vicious nicknames hurt. But it's even worse when the immortal king of the living city where Binja lives strips away his name and decrees he'll be called "Pox the Liar" for the rest of his life. What makes it all the more infuriating is that he follows the truth god and couldn't lie even if he tried. He'll do anything to get his real name back. Yet he'll find that his nickname and scarred skin are the least of his troubles . . . For millennia, the city of Chalescintine has provided food and water for her citizens. Yet now she is dying, poisoned by centuries of the king's evil. She tasks Pox to do the impossible: kill immortal Steel King Minotnz. But how? With the help of his mysterious master who knows more about history than anyone, he discovers hidden clues about the king's ascension. And Pox has the power to sense deceit. But will that be enough to topple the king in time? Moreover, does he even want to kill the king-when it is the king himself who could restore his name?

Kevin Lawhon lives and works in Austin, Texas, and frequently complains he is the last of the true natives. He moonlights by day as president of New Covenant Consulting, an advertising sales firm. By night he creates stories featuring fantastic worlds and characters. His style includes attention to description and setting and how worldview affects story. He has taught Basic Creative Writing: Science Fiction &Fantasy at Austin Community College. Several of his short stories appeared in the Rio Review, ACC’s literary journal. The Second Apprentice is his preview book. A sequel is in the works as well as an epic fantasy series titled, ＂Covenant Man.＂ Interests include typical geek fare such as sci-fi and fantasy, role-playing games, and writing. Other interests include theology, philosophy, church activities, wine, and cooking. He also likes other people in manageable doses. His website can accessed at www.secondapprentice.com