Phoenix: Ashes (Unabridged‪)‬

"A snowflake can start an avalanche, as one act of compassion can change the world".

Under the brutal oppression of the Empire, a new era of repression is to begin. The show trials will cease, and the bloody massacre of those deemed unclean or unholy will commence. Calidus Squad of the Imperial Guard has been recalled to Earth, the very seat of the Empire and is tasked with transporting these prisoners to their final destination, where they assume the prisoners will stand trial. Calidus Squad are among 7,000 Imperial Guardsmen assigned to this task by Investigator Celeris.

The convoy starts at Jerusalem and ends in Rome. Lieutenant Gratius and Sergeant Curtius are all too aware that the involvement of an Imperial Investigator, the Empire’s trained killing machines, heralds a dark undercurrent to this mission, but other members of the Squad, such as Guardsman Amatius Balbus, have much to learn about the Empire that they serve.

The one light in the dark is Mya, a small child who attaches herself to Calidius Squad, and she may just change the course of the Empire. This prequel to Phoenix: Rising is the story of the 7,000, worshipped as Demi-gods in the Empire of Phoenix: Rising.