The Poison and the Promise

By Mr Xolani Paul Malaza

Caelum, a reluctant alchemist, is pressured by Kestrel to create a deadly poison to stop a ruthless warlord. Despite her threats and insistence that survival demands cruelty, Caelum resists, believing killing is not the answer. He proposes an alternative: a sedative that could incapacitate the warlord without taking his life. Kestrel, hardened by loss and survival, initially doubts this idealistic plan but slowly begins to trust Caelum. Together, they prepare the non-lethal remedy, symbolizing a fragile hope for mercy amid violence. As Kestrel leaves to confront the warlord, their alliance marks a potential new path-one where compassion challenges brutality and redemption remains possible.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GS6K9XLM
• ISBN13: 9798251354577
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 56 Pages
• Weight: 0.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"