An Exclusive First Look At My Upcoming Novel
Now that my stay in 19th century Vienna has come to an end, I will transport my readers further back in time again to 16th century Mongolia. Following on the heels of the final installment of #TheCountryGirlEmpressseries, ALL THAT REMAINS..., I'm now diligently working on WISDOM OF THE LAST WARRIOR QUEEN, the sequel to RISE OF THE LAST WARRIOR QUEEN, projected to release in 2025.
In the book, Mandukhai, Khatun of the Northern Yuan, and Wan Zhen’er, the true leader of the Middle Kingdom and the power behind the dragon throne, rise to claim their power. They are the most formidable rulers of their era, but their ascendancy is not without its sacrifices.
Here, you will find a first look at WISDOM OF THE LAST WARRIOR QUEEN, with an exclusive cover reveal and a sneak peek at the book's first page.
Excerpt from WISDOM OF THE LAST WARRIOR QUEEN
by A. Piper Burgi
领英推荐
Chapter One
The Golden Prince's advisors meticulously calculated that it would take him six to eight weeks to arrive in the Middle Kingdom with well-rested warriors. He would have to follow the Ongi River until he reached the Gobi Desert. Since the river only held water for part of the year, he would need guides to take him from one watering hole to the next. Not to mention, he would have to wait for the right time of the year. Crossing the desert in the spring was nearly impossible since the horses were too weak from the long winter months. Not to mention, the sandstorms, typical for this time of year, could swallow up whole caravans. The winter months were simply too cold for such a journey, and the summer too hot. The only time of year suitable for such a journey was autumn, but there were no guarantees that they would find enough water.
“A small troop doesn’t need that much water, and whatever we do find will be sufficient,” the Golden Prince boldly swore to the Khan. “And once we’ve crossed the Gobi Desert, our brothers and sisters, subjugated by the Chinese, will flock to my banner. I’m only doing what our forefather, Genghis Khan, once did!”
He referred to the Turkic tribe with whom Genghis Khan was once allied and who had accepted the Chinese Emperor instead of the Khan as their leader in later years. But even though Manduul Khan felt rejuvenated through his new son, he insisted that Bayanmongke didn’t leave until autumn and only with hand-selected leaders. Unebolod was not among them. Mandukhai was told that he had declared he needed to attend to the tribes to the northeast to prevent the impression that now, when a large part of the army traveled south, a quick take-over of the territories would remain unpunished.
“A descendant of Genghis Khan doesn’t need to have war strategies explained to him by a descendant of his younger brother!” Bayanmongke announced. But it wasn’t just Mandukhai who heard a touch of fear in his voice amidst all his bragging.
Piper is the award-winning author of?The Country Girl Empress series.?When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee.?Follow her on?LinkedIn,?Facebook,?Medium, and?Goodreads.