The Spy's Gibbet

In the year 724 since the Founding of the Province of Aarde, what historians call "The Caskas Incident" took place. The assassination attempt against King Reginald by the Priest Kokonof was thwarted by a man named Michael. That man, Michael, is the same spy and friend to Fleur in the book "Happy Hornet;" this is his story.

Born into poverty in the corrupt city of Caskas, the boy Gibbet never had a chance. Uncaring parents, no food to eat, he took to the streets in order to keep himself alive. Befriended by another street boy, Kuma, Gibbet was initiated into the Temple Boys - a group of boys who were cared for by the Temple of Aeline. As a Temple Boy, Gibbet was fed, clothed, and given a place to sleep. All that was asked of him in return was that he help add to the Temple's coffers - in any way a poor street boy could do.

Things aren't what they seem, however. As the Temple Boys get older, they vanish; no warning and nothing is heard of them again. Suspecting that his time is coming, Kuma makes a decision and bolts, abandoning the Temple Boys and joining the City Guard. This leaves Gibbet conflicted - between the Temple he loves and the friend he trusts. But when Kuma's life is endangered, Gibbet makes a choice that will lead him down a dangerous, difficult road.