The story begins in the quaint village of Elmbrook, where Dingus, under the tutelage of the wise but eccentric alchemist Shemp, learns the subtle art of potion-making and basic spellwork. Dingus's life takes a dramatic turn when Selbin, a mysterious traveler with a past intertwined with Shemp’s, arrives in the village. Selbin brings tales of a world beyond Elmbrook, filled with ancient relics, forgotten magics, and a powerful group known as The Order.
As the story unfolds, Dingus is unwittingly drawn into a larger world of magic and power. He discovers that he possesses latent magical abilities, setting him on a path to uncovering his true potential. Alongside Selbin and Shemp, Dingus embarks on a quest to find a mystical relic, believed to be key in tilting the balance of power in a world dominated by The Order.
Throughout their journey, the trio encounters a range of characters, from the enigmatic Brute, a seemingly simple blacksmith with hidden depths, to the members of The Order, who seek to control magic and maintain their grip on the kingdom. The novel masterfully intertwines Dingus’s personal growth with the broader theme of freedom versus control in the world of magic.
The climax of the book is set in Apollyon, an ancient magical city now in ruins. Here, Dingus and his companions face the ultimate test of their abilities and convictions. The quest concludes with the discovery of the relic, awakening Dingus's magical powers and setting the stage for future adventures.
D. J. Peterson began the world of Perth over 40 years ago as a gaming adventure for collage friends. As the friends time became more scarce with jobs and families, the "Creation of the Sphere of Perth" became more a private World-Building excercise. With the advent of word processers, more and more of the lore created in his musings made it's way to paper, then computer stories, now internet publishing. These are not some child's version of a fantasy world, but the humerous, dark, imaginative adventures of a fully adult world. I hope you enjoy.