A Crux of Hope

Cover Image

A Crux of Hope was the first book of the originally planned trilogy about Belgrave Palafox. It covers the time from when he first entered the world to when he received the quest to search for the three rings. It covers the time from early autumn 6999 to late spring 7000 on the Nebulum timeline. As a prologue, it included the first chapter from To Raise a Dragon, now renamed to The Origin of Naiya'Nal. The proposed titles for the two sequels were going to be 'Four Lands to Unity' and 'The End Begins'. All three sections for the originally planned trilogy have been heavily edited and condensed into a single volume now called The Final Three.

Publishing

This book was published by PublishAmerica, LLC. in January, 2007, and was filled with many grammatical, spelling, and plot errors. It is estimated that no more than ten copies exist, two of which are owned by Ben Hinks. As of February, 2008, the publishing contract was negated and the book was discontinued at the request of Ben Hinks.

ISBN 1-4241-6110-X

Synopsis

Belgrave Palafox finds himself suddenly thrust into the midst of another world where he finds he is the fulfillment of the final three prophecies and cannot leave Nebulum to return home until they are completed. Chosen to renew the lost line of the Great Kings and forced to lead the nation of Tanarad into battle against an evil they have fought their entire lives, Belgrave defeats the Dark Witch Narva and her army of Barbidon slaves before leading the nation as they rebuild. By the unknown manipulations of prophecy and the interactions with his followers, Belgrave is changed from an average man into a leader of virtue. However, his life of peace in Tanarad ends when he answers a request to free the land of Panei from the same enslaving force. It is there that Belgrave will receive the guidance which will lead him toward the second prophecy.

Author Biography

Ben Hinks is a creative writer who grew up with a keen interest in fantasy stories. From his time in high school, the military, and beyond, he has been constantly developing his own fantasy world, Nebulum, in which many of his stories take place. Ben now lives in both Nebulum and Cleveland, Ohio.

Named Characters

Anou • Aorist • Balvain • Belgrave • Carala'Mah • Crandoli • Darika'Daf • Derkias • Eukil • Gitchvar • Golvreth • Haloz • Hashav • Ikaro • Inimpli • Jadela'Mar • Jazek • Joha • Jun Joon • Kell • Kylaren • Leukos • Lorica'For • Luscoi • Melas • Naiya'Nal • Narmste • Narva • Neaji • Nellac • Paghi'Nal • Rodroz • Rumsi • Saman • Shogwar • Sidrahkir • Tagwarch • Telkome • Tenaiya • Teof • Thag • Theg • Theltag • Thig • Thog • Thug • Tiklala • Tytane • Valchet • Voth • Wintfar • Wulshgar • Za'Lugar • Za'Vashoj

Named Places

Akenarj • Amehtana • Amis • Anamnesis, Bay of • Atalan • Dark Forest • Dark Valley • Duhobrek • Eema • Eeraman • Efundil • Elekim • Elevor • Explot • Fonu • Gadella • Gorraf • Heroabe • Heroabe Desert • Higdon • Hisper • Itragoni • Iswa • Kimb, Island of • Lakenad • Latan • Loyma • Loyman • Nasad • Nebulum • Nelfarj • Nerak • Nerak Nitil • Nerak River • Nodnarb • Nomota • Nomota River • Norl • Noslew • Orton • Otopo • Ozo Mountains • Panei • Pia • Rayoj • Rembi, Lake of • Rodanth, Cliff of • Rond • Samiril • Sarda • Skaa Desert • Styad • Tahist Mountains • Tanarad • Taor • Torudo Swamp • Vernon • Wekined