Alpha Shade, Chapter 1

On the edge of the Gearian Salt Flats lies the fortified city of Kiessil, a thorn in the side of the Emperor's Second Army's advance. Established by treaty, the country of Gearia was supposed to be a buffer between the Great Southern Empire and its blood enemy, the Great Northern Empire. For 15 years, the non-aggression pacts held, but when rich mineral deposits are discovered in the newly created territories, both empires mobilize to claim the prize. War spreads like wild fire. The smaller empires must choose their allies carefully or perish. Kiessil is the bottleneck that has prevented the GSE from punching into the underbelly of its enemy. Laura Stone has only recently gained control of her small country. As the leader of a nation beholden to the GSE, she has been allowed a chance to prove her worth and to gain victory, where the stubborn Imperial Generals have failed. Surrounded by enemies on all sides, Laura is determined to gain the reputation and prestige she needs to keep her people safe.