01 Dec Thomas J. Berry Fire and Ash (Gifts of the Gods, Book 3) The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour #FireandAsh #HistoricalFiction #AncientGreek #CoffeePotBookClub

Introduction

It is my pleasure to feature Thomas J. Berry as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held between November 30th – 11th December 2020. He is the author of the historical fiction novel, Fire and Ash (Gifts of the Gods, Book 3), that was released on 10th October 2020 by BookLocker Publisher (450 pages). The Coffee Pot Book Club awarded Fire and Ash the Gold Medal for Book of the Year 2020 under Historical Fiction, Ancient World! 

Below are highlights about Fire and Ash, Thomas J. Berry’s biography, and an excerpt from his book. 

Fire and Ash

Fire and Ash

Gifts of the Gods, Book 3

By Thomas J Berry

Five men and women in Ancient Greece are set on a dangerous journey of self-discovery during the bitter conflict of the Peloponnesian War.

While mighty Athens struggles to rebuild after a devastating campaign abroad, the feared warriors of Sparta prepare to deliver the final blow in a decades long war. No one is safe anymore as the conflict shifts across the Aegean to the shores of wealthy Persia. Old colonies, once loyal to Athens, are eager to rebel and the Great King is willing to pay anything to regain his control over them. These coastal plains set the stage for massive battles and heartbreaking defeats. This time there will be only one true victor.

The news coming out of Sicily ripples across the cities of Ancient Greece like a thunderbolt and it is left to the poor and desperate to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. One young mother is suddenly faced with a horrible tragedy and struggles against all odds to make a new life for her family. An eager boy looking for adventure enlists in the new Athenian ranks but finds life on campaign a lot more than he bargained for. A Spartan officer in the twilight of his years struggles to adapt to a young man’s army and an exiled Athenian strives to earn his way back into the graces of his beloved city. The harem girls in a Persian court meet a handsome foreigner and one risks everything for a chance at love.

As the conflict between Athens and Sparta builds to a final showdown, five men and women struggle to come to terms with their changing world. What will they find in the ashes when peace finally comes?

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Author Bio: Thomas J. Berry

Thomas J. Berry received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from St. Bonaventure University.  He takes pleasure in extensively researching both historical fiction and non-fiction stories.  In his spare time, he enjoys long-distance running and has completed several marathons.  He currently lives with his wife and children in New Jersey.  You can learn more about Thomas and his historical novels on his website:  www.thomas-berry.com.

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Fire and Ash (Gifts of the Gods, Book 3) Excerpt

By Thomas J. Berry

“Do you have any idea what this is about?” she asked her beau as they walked towards the largest of the old homes. It belonged to a minor official in the area who was currently with his troops in Lebedos. It would afford them a quiet, remote location for this clandestine meeting.

“Tissaphernes only told me that my presence was requested. Otherwise, he has kept me in the dark. It’s a bit unsettling, I must say, but I had to place my fate in his hands months ago and he has not let me down yet. I must continue to trust the man, at least for now.”

The small party had to endure another hour of waiting before the door finally opened to admit their guest. He had covered his head and shoulders with a hooded robe, apparently to avoid being seen. When he pulled it off, Timandra did not recognize him but his bearing spoke of a military background. He was a tall man, somewhere in his mid-fifties if she had to guess. He wore his hair long and his heavy black beard was even thicker than many Persian nobles she knew. The man wore no uniform, but he might have just wanted to keep a low profile. Her two escorts, however, stood up and greeted him with curt formality.

“Admiral,” Tissaphernes inquired, “we are here as you requested although I am not sure why we could not have met at my castle in Sardis.”

“I thought Magnesia was a convenient spot for both of us, under the circumstances. I have come alone, and I see you have brought Alcibiades as I had hoped. What I have to say certainly involves you.” He turned towards Timandra and asked the Governor why she was in attendance.

“She is here at my discretion,” Alcibiades explained. “I like the way she keeps me entertained. The girl will be as silent as the dead.”

The Spartan commander looked annoyed with the idea but let it go for now. Timandra had seen the crimson-caped warriors at Miletus as well as her own castle in the last few months but this face was new. Her curiosity was getting the better of her. What had brought him alone to meet with his paymaster?

“Astyochus, your men are not due for my coin for another two months,” the Governor said with irritation. “Explain yourself. We have been waiting too long already.”

Their guest removed a parchment from beneath his short tunic. “Last week, I received this letter from a concerned party…in Samos.”

Alcibiades perked up at the mention of the Athenian base. Did this have anything to do with his recent actions?

“It’s a warning, apparently written by the hand of their own commander, a man named…”

“Phrynichus,” Alcibiades finished for him. What in Hades had possessed the man to reach out to his sworn enemy?

“Indeed,” the Admiral said with a sly grin. “It appears the letter wasn’t completely inaccurate then.”

“What does it say exactly?” Tissaphernes inquired hotly. He was sitting between two warring factions and their antics seemed to be escalating for reasons still unknown to him.

The Admiral finally handed over the parchment and let the Persian read through it. “Phrynichus tells a sordid tale,” their guest began, “and accuses Alcibiades of betraying Sparta. He goes on to explain how this once trusted advisor to King Agis himself agreed to deliver Persian influence to Athens in an effort to win the war for his former homeland.”

“If you believe that to be true, why are you telling us this?” Tissaphernes said with a hint of anger in his voice. “I have not discussed anything of the sort with Alcibiades and have no interest in coddling up to the likes of Athens.”

Astyochus simply shrugged his shoulders. “That may be,” he said, “but it certainly stinks of treason and dishonor.”

“I understand the commander’s reasons for accusing me,” Alcibiades said. “He and I have a long-standing disagreement…”

The Admiral grabbed the parchment back angrily. “I don’t care what you two had going on back in the day! If his letter is accurate, and I see no reason for him to lie about it, why do you think he’d tell me at all? We are at war! It seems the commander is at odds with his own troops. He seems concerned for the future, for his future! If we use this information and attack Samos before the Persian fleet arrives to support them, we can cut them off at the knees and force them from these very shores.”

“If that is your plan, why are you divulging it to us now?” Timandra asked for the first time. All eyes turned in her direction. She was not an expert in foreign affairs, nor did she even have much knowledge of the current war effort. Each of these three men had decades more experience in such matters. Still, she felt she couldn’t remain silent any longer.

The Spartan looked irritated but answered her question anyway. Perhaps it was what he was hoping to get off his chest this whole time, she thought. “My duty is to Sparta, but I can also be of assistance to Persia in other ways…for the right price.”

The damn man is asking for a bribe to betray his own! Timandra was shocked at the thought. However, she reasoned, even the strict Spartans needed coin now and then, despite whatever hardship story they tell others. The world is full of people willing to trade information for a bit on the side.

Tissaphernes smiled. Despite the cultural differences between them, here was a man he could finally understand. He put his arm deep into his robe and pulled out a small bag. He tossed it to the Admiral who weighed the coins in his hand and nodded his approval.

“If you get any more missives from the Athenian commander,” Tissaphernes stated, “you will convey them directly to me. I am not working with Phrynichus and will do nothing to hamper the Spartan cause but if his information can help us, it’s important to take advantage of it.”

“You are most generous, Governor,” the Spartan replied. “I will do my utmost to give you any new updates from Samos if they are forthcoming.”

The Admiral turned to face Alcibiades. “There is a price on your head from two cities now,” he commented. “I have a personal request from Agis himself. The Governor graciously protects you but one day you might find yourself alone and without friends. You should be careful where you walk these days.”

“Is that a threat?” Alcibiades asked a bit hotly.

“Let’s just call it an observation. If I followed my king’s directive, I would have had you assassinated long ago. You should know more than anyone just how deadly Spartans can be.” The Admiral turned on his heels without waiting for a response and quickly exited the building.

Timandra looked at her two escorts and wondered what they were thinking. The Athenian commander had tried to target Alcibiades by accusing him of betraying Sparta, but he had compromised his own position in doing so. She assumed Phrynichus must be at a crossroads himself if he was taking such a gamble. Was he willing to risk a Spartan strike against Samos?

“Governor,” Alcibiades began. “Phrynichus has put us both in a bad light with Sparta and we were fortunate the Admiral is as fond for silver and gold as the rest of us mortal men. But the Athenian must pay for his action and I know how best to do it.”

“Indeed,” Tissaphernes replied hotly. “What is your recommendation?”

“We can’t reach him directly but he’s already in a tight predicament with his officers. I will write to them and denounce his actions as treasonous. I shall demand his immediate execution. With him out of the way, my plan to be recalled will meet with no further obstacles. Athens will abandon its hold over the colonies and return them to Persian control.”

“And what of Sparta?” he asked. “Will she retire as well? We are supporting their army, but my instinct tells me they will seek to take more territory than they give back. If Persia is to have lasting peace, the Great King must collect his tribute from those coastal towns once lost to us. How will you guarantee Spartan cooperation?”

“Your guarantee, Governor, just walked out that door,” Alcibiades replied. “The Admiral is in your pay now and, given enough coin, he can make all your worries disappear!”