Hiya! Welcome to another “Traveller’s Guide”!

“A Traveller’s Guide…” is a fun little project where authors introduce us to their realms, worlds, and hidden places. There will be times where I (or a certain goblin) will guide you around parts of Venari, but there will also be times (like today!) when another author will pop in and take us on a little adventure.

In this edition, author Gregory Kontaxis will be introducing us to John (aka Long Arm) and Iovbridge as part of the Escapist Book Co’s tour for “The Return of the Knights”.

“The Return of the Knights” is the first book in Kontaxis’s epic fantasy series “The Dance of Light”.

About “The Return of the Knights”:

The Palace of the Dawn will soon be stormed. The most ruthless man of all time is one step away from assailing on Iovbridge and dethroning Sophie Delamere. The Queen of Knightdorn is now alone, with neither allies nor an army capable of rebuffing the enemy which is approaching her city. Everything appears to be over, until a mysterious young man, Elliot, makes his appearance.

Entangled in a web of lies and politics, Elliot will try to draw Walter away from Iovbridge and face him in the stronghold of Wirskworth. He will attempt to rekindle relations and revive the old alliance between the Queen of Knightdorn and Syrella Endor, the Governor of Wirskworth. Elliot’s mission will take every fibre of his will and if he fails, so shall the kingdom.

Game Of Thrones meets Greek mythology in this explosive epic fantasy story, packed with war, medieval lore, magic, loyalty and bravery. The first book in the series, The Dance of Light, will take you on an epic journey to a fantasy world of men and mythical creatures which will keep you spellbound till the very end.

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Got all that? Now, it’s time to take you to Iovbridge…

Iovbridge

Hi all,

I am John and many know me as Long Arm. I was born and raised in Galley Villages, a group of villages in the Mynlands region of the north. I left this place many years ago to travel around the world. I have been a bounty hunter and a pirate.

I never wanted to go back to my hometown. I have always found it too small for my ambitions. I want to see the world, steal, and earn as much gold as I can and spend my life in a big city with endless wine and brothels.

These days, I live in Iovbridge, the capital of the Kingdom of Knightdorn. I like this city as its full of brothels, markets and taverns with tasteful wine and beautiful women. However, the kingdom has been plagued by war for the last seventeen years and a siege is coming to the city. The queen, Sophie Delamere, will probably lose her crown soon and I don’t want to be here when Walter Thorn takes the kingdom. Walter is a tyrant, ready to kill anyone that object to his desires and I don’t want to stay in this city with him in the throne. You can find Iovbridge in the below map of the kingdom.

Where is Iovbridge?

Iovbridge is in the south-east of Knightdorn. It was built by the elwyn, a race that lived in the kingdom before humans. Many believe that elwyn are gone but I have seen them in the Mountains of the Forgotten World in the south-west part of the kingdom. The elwyn was a glorious and pure race that left the kingdom when humans started fighting and destroying it.

Who lives here?

Thousands of people live in the royal capital. However, recently men, women and children run away, afraid of the terror that Walter Thorn will bring into the city. Also, Iovbridge is the home of many lords and rich men. I hate most of the nobles. They think they are the greatest among all of us, but after some years in this city, I learned to not bother about them.

Places to visit

There are plenty of things to do in Iovbridge. Some of them are to walk in the alleys, drink and eat in the taverns, walk near the Scarlet Sea and of course visit the brothels. Also, the wine has a unique taste here. Isisdor, the region that Iovbridge is built within, has the best grapes in the kingdom. Furthermore, the Palace of the Dawn and the Temple of the Unknown God are some of the most beautiful places in the city.

Stuff to look out for

The interior of the Palace of the Dawn is marvellous. One walk around it would be something unique. Also, the Royal Hall has an elaborate dome with every god of the world depicted on its surface. The throne is made by Moonstone and it has two golden Pegasus wings surrounding it. If you can walk inside the palace, don’t miss the chance to visit it. However, if you are new to the city, the guards won’t let you in and if you manage to enter secretly, you will probably never leave this place alive.

Weather

Weather in this part of the world is nice. Winters are not very cold and spring and summer are quite warm and enjoyable. Rain is the only thing that is missing from this place. I love watching the rain but it’s not common in the south-east part of the kingdom.

Other notes

Iovbridge has many thieves who will try to rob you in the streets of the city. Be careful in crowded markets and always hold a small knife with you. Also, if you are a foreigner try to bargain the prices in taverns and markets as locals will try to sell you everything for a higher price.

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