The Darnek Universe
Kendro is a loyal soldier of the Darnek province, sworn to protect it from enemies without and within. Like all his fellow soldiers, he was selected for this position based on his performance in the Inmish Taka, a coming-of-age ritual for all the 14-years wanting to enter the military.
Before the ritual, his father had asked him, “And do you want this, to stand as soldier to Darnek and its people?”
Kendro knew the answer to the question before his father had even finished. “More than anything. To serve is to stand tall before our enemies, to show that we are not Ungurt but an honorable people.”
Since his acceptance, he has lived his life according to the principles of honor set forth in their code. Kendro's principles come into crisis, though, when he participates in a coup, believing Parmat, the current ruler, to be corrupt. He backs Ambos, who promises freedoms and liberties for the Darnek people, which somehow vanish as he attains power. Kendro needs to determine whether he should continue to back this new ruler or raise his own coup against him for the "greater good."
These characters and situations are contained (so far) in two short stories, "Inmish Taka," and "The Coup."