Dark Familiar — Stephen Donald Huff

The Wilderlands exist in an alternate past or a possible future. Depending on perspective, it is a realm inhabited by mysterious wizards or learned disciples of a new religion evolved from the practice of ancient science. Magic or high technology rules the world. Seizing the military initiative after claiming the undead armies of Draven's Revenge and assuming the mantle of Rit Apica, Epsilon Three destroys Ilmacht, the capital citadel of Vandegarte's evil empire. Pausing only long enough to dispense judgement and justice for the countless capital crimes committed there in the madman's name, Epsilon and his companions, the wizardess Pandolyn and her apprentice Ubar, quickly collect the spoils of their victory before they march south to complete their conquest of Empire. Following a tortuous and ruined highway, the company of wizards and their immortal army of the Martial Rite wreak havoc on their enemy's walled strongholds along the way. Before they can return to the Barricade Wall and overthrow Vandegarte's last bastion of support, the outnumbered forces of Rit must subdue an armed continent filled to overflowing with chimeric beasts borne of evil magic.