Despite the Rubicon: Stories of Solace in Sorrow

In this blend of literary fiction and genre fiction, follow five unique stories that explore the human condition through love in the face of loss - gallantry in the face of grief - solace in the face of sorrow. A heartfelt reminiscence of a budding, coming-of-age romance from long ago - one beset by a peculiar set of obstacles. Take a supernatural journey through a series of memories - recollections of a life once lived on the edge of humanity's extinction, close enough to see it coming yet powerless to stop it. When a father runs out of bedtime stories for his daughter, he makes up a new one - a fantastical story laden with allegory and hiding a number of memories, both joyous and painful. With the Kingdom of Vallar besieged by a wolfkin demigod named Tiernan, King Solomon makes the difficult decision to retaliate - with consequences far exceeding his expectations. A terrible plague of unknown origin sweeps through a small French village, leaving behind a pair of orphaned infants. Their lives irrevocably altered by the disease, the brother and sister discover a bond that transcends human reasoning, granting each of them the courage needed to move forward.