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Copper Skin Iron Bone

The Iron Falcon

In the heart of Central Asia, where empires rise and fall like the shifting sands, a warrior emerges who will shape history with his sword, his strategy, and his unwavering faith. Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni—a name that would echo across centuries as both a conqueror and a patron of culture—sets out on a relentless campaign to expand his empire, challenge the mightiest rulers, and carve his place among history’s greatest kings. Mahmud, the eldest son of Sabuktigin, inherits not just his father’s kingdom but also his unyielding ambition. Born into the rugged lands of Ghazni, he learns early that power is not given; it is seized through blood, battle, and sheer will. But with great power comes great enemies—both within his court and beyond the frontiers of his realm. The story of The Iron Falcon is one of war, betrayal, loyalty, and a vision greater than one man’s thirst for conquest. The Rise of a Conqueror From the moment Mahmud ascends the throne, he faces opposition from his own family. His brother, Ismail, backed by courtly conspirators, attempts to claim the crown, igniting a bitter power struggle. But Mahmud is no ordinary ruler—his mind is as sharp as his sword. Through clever alliances and ruthless military tactics, he secures his place as the unchallenged Sultan of the Ghaznavid Empire. Yet, this victory is merely the beginning. Determined to extend his dominion, Mahmud sets his eyes on the rich lands of India, where the Hindu Shahi kings rule with immense wealth and influence. His ambition is not just territorial; he believes he has a divine mission—to spread the glory of his empire, establish Islamic governance, and secure untold treasures to strengthen his rule. The Battles That Shaped an Empire With his most trusted general, Malik Ayaz, at his side, Mahmud launches a series of daring military campaigns. His army, a formidable force of cavalry, archers, and fearless warriors, storms the strongholds of Northern India, clashing with the legendary Raja Jayapala in the Battle of Peshawar (1001 AD). The fierce resistance of the Hindu Shahi kings tests Mahmud’s strength, but his brilliant tactics and relentless pursuit of victory prove overwhelming. Yet, conquest is never simple. As Mahmud advances deeper into the subcontinent, he encounters the resilience of Raja Anandapala, who unites rival kings in a desperate bid to repel the Ghaznavid forces. The ensuing battles are fierce, with betrayals, shifting alliances, and moments of brutal warfare that define the era. Through it all, Mahmud remains steadfast—an iron falcon soaring above the battlefield, always striking with precision and power. Betrayal, Glory, and the Clash of Civilizations While Mahmud’s sword carves empires, his mind thirsts for knowledge. Unlike mere warlords, he is a patron of scholars, poets, and architects. He invites the brilliant Al-Biruni, a polymath whose wisdom transcends borders, to document the vast lands and cultures Mahmud encounters. The Persian poet Firdawsi, author of the Shahnameh, also graces his court, though their relationship takes a dark turn when Mahmud, consumed by his ambitions, fails to appreciate the poet’s genius. But amidst the grandeur of conquest and culture, danger lurks within Mahmud’s own court. His trusted advisors whisper of betrayals, his allies waver, and the political games of viziers and rival warlords threaten to destabilize his empire. Even those closest to him—loyal generals and royal confidants—begin to question the weight of his relentless campaigns. One of the most defining moments of Mahmud’s reign comes with the legendary attack on Somnath (1025 AD). The opulent temple, known for its immense wealth and religious significance, becomes the ultimate prize. To some, Mahmud is a liberator; to others, he is a plunderer. The battle for Somnath becomes not just a military conquest but a clash of civilizations, where faith, power, and destiny collide. The Legacy of the Iron Falcon
Emad_Sadiq · 762 Views

Under the Demon's Onyx Shadow: Why Are Demon Lords Obsessed With Me?

Update: Mon, Wed, and Fri [Very Mature and Explicit Content] Amongst the battlefield of death and destruction, a lone warrior, her body ravaged by bone charring burns. Spirits of the recently dead drifted aimlessly, and hungry Burburus devoured both souls and body, sparing only the living and strong-willed. Yet, she found herself fixated on the Demon Lord, Ose, and the fact she is convinced he is in love with her. ... A vile smell rose from the brimstone red of blood and entrails that spilled from allies, foes, and those that were supposed to be protected. Hundreds of bodies blanketed the landscape of debris that was once a great city, wails and cries of the dying were heard over the strong winds, their hands wet as they tried to hold their own life in their wounds. If only she had more training to assist with their injuries, in the knighthood she was groomed for solely combat. The spirits of the recently dead roamed aimlessly, not yet aware they were dead and that they would meet true nonexistence if they were not to seek shelter from the real horror to come. A sense in Yin energy was coming from the vast distance, but she was distracted by the smell and sight of a battle that was truly ungodly; fitting for battles between there armies led by Demons. Above, she could see the sunlight having its own battle with thick clouds that were a profane-black with only a little light caressing her skin, deep as rich earth. The lack of sunlight only made her colder, and fortunately for her more impassive to her surroundings, or that could also be because of the fact that a large part of her body weren't charred until her bones were blackened. Her skin was covered in the soot of the nerves and flesh of her right arm, shoulder, and parts of her torso that were completely disintegrated. "Dammit, Ose," she thought bitterly, her frustration boiling within with each sharp breathe in her chest. "If it wasn't for your ridiculous obsession with me, I wouldn't be here--suffering in hell and then some." Ever since he first laid his eyes on her, she was convinced the Demon Lord had secretly fallen in love with her. The threaded sigil of his eyes that seemed to hold the magic of the aurora lights remained visible on the back of her uniform, though her body was barely there. In the name of her tormentor, the 'Great' Demon Lord Ose, she walked towards the edge of the battlefield.
KerriahVoss · 19.7K Views

I Am The One Who Digs

In a world ruled by ancient magic, swords, and noble bloodlines, Bones is a digger—one of the many faceless workers condemned to toil in the depths. Day after day, he mines in darkness, extracting materials to feed the noble house’s hunger for wealth and war. He’s told that his work sustains the empire, but all Bones sees is the bottomless pit of need from those above. But when the earth beneath him begins to shift, strange things emerge from the stone—relics of a forgotten age, unearthly tremors, and whispers from the shadows. As Bones digs deeper, he unravels a secret older than the empire itself. What he and his fellow laborers have been unearthing is far more than just ore—it’s a power long buried, one that could reshape the world. And the empire knows nothing of it. Caught between forces beyond his understanding, Bones must confront a choice: remain a tool in the hands of those who control him or wield the power he’s uncovered for himself. But as the line between right and wrong blurs, Bones begins to lose himself in the magic he’s unearthed. His desire to escape his fate transforms into an insatiable hunger for control, and the deeper he digs, the darker his soul becomes. In this epic tale, Bones will discover that true power lies not only in what is buried beneath the earth, but also in the choices one makes when no one is watching. The man who was born to dig may become either a hero who defies the empire—or a villain who ushers in its downfall. The question is: how far will he go before he loses himself? (Still writing casually, maybe 1 chapter a week, 2 if I'm free). (I will also be posting this story on RoyalRoad on username: SirV)
SirV · 1.7K Views
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