Parno's Gambit — N.C. Reed

In a post-apocalyptic world thrown back into medieval times, young Prince Parno McLeod's family troubles have gone from bad to worse of late. His father has been murdered by his insane sister and his brother has only narrowly escaped death at her hand. Now as Parno struggles to adapt to his new position as Marshal of the Army after so many years of being ignored, he must prevent his sister with her elite company of Soulan Calvary from installing her evil twin brother on the throne in his father's place. Likewise, he must struggle to prevent the realms other enemies from driving any deeper into his Kingdom's territory and with getting 'reluctant' bureaucrats to help him by simply doing their jobs correctly in the King's name. Parno has been fortunate, and he is a gifted leader for one so young, but he is young, and inexperienced. He has a plan that will save his people, but he's about to learn a very important lesson; no plan survives contact with the enemy. He will also learn that despite his successes so far, he is as close to losing the war as he has been since it began. Now, gambling with his people's freedom, Parno tries to do too much, too soon, and with too few men. A gambit that he admits is dangerous, and may yet see the capitol of Soulan in flames!