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The Imperial Saga

Home of the Empire of the Seven Continents

  • Overview
  • Main Series
    • Rise of the Phoenix
    • Knight of the Dragon
    • Heart of the Guardian
  • Mythology
    • The Myth of the Scorpion Queen
    • The Myth of The Wolves
  • Character Profiles
  • Continent Info
    • Estova
    • Izuria
    • Krendia
    • Shem
    • Kaehlar
  • Other Info
    • About the Author
    • Contact
    • AI Policy
    • Privacy Policy

Character Profiles

Much of the art and all of the music is AI. Everything is clearly labeled. See my AI policy for more details.

Tahirah sind Rebekah el Asham

Imperial Name: Tara Rosen

A young woman in a black sweater with curly red hair, bronze skin, and amber-gold eyes
Created by Anne Winchell
Created by Nightcafe
Created by Adobe Photoshop
Rise of the Phoenix

The child of the Queen of Tamarud and  a phoenix guardian, Tahirah is hirim. That means she can use magic and has the compulsion to create phoenix eggs. Her first phoenix, Ryla, is no larger than a clenched fist, but when she creates a full-size phoenix egg, she’s bound to be caught.

Knight of the Dragon (contains spoilers)

After her brother successfully kills Queen Coral and is himself executed, Tahirah is the sole surviving member of the royal family. She was forcibly engaged to the Emperor after he failed to kill her, and is now in his custody and constantly plotting how to kill a man that she has discovered is immortal.

Heart of the Guardian (contains spoilers)

As Tahirah slowly adapts to life in the Imperial court, she is beset by new responsibilities and new people. Some might be allies, but some threaten everything she fights to protect. And as she unwillingly grows closer to the Emperor, she learns things she never would have expected.

Dance of the Empire (contains spoilers)

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Heir to the Continents (contains spoilers)

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Song Lyrics: Phoenix's Flame

Lyrics by ChatGPT

Verse 1:
In shadows deep, a flame concealed,
A princess hidden, her fate unsealed,
Her essence burns with fire’s might,
A phoenix rising in darkest night.

Chorus:
Oh, Tahirah, born of flame,
In your name, we’ll rise again,
From ashes born, you’ll light the way,
Our beacon bright, come what may.

Verse 2:
With fiery curls and eyes aglow,
You faced the dark, you fought the foe,
A spark within, your spirit strong,
A flame that burns, forever long.

Chorus:
Oh, Tahirah, born of flame,
In your name, we’ll rise again,
From ashes born, you’ll light the way,
Our beacon bright, come what may.

Bridge:
Through trials fierce and shadows deep,
You found your strength, you dared to leap,
From captive’s chains, you broke free,
A phoenix soaring, wild and free.

Verse 3:
Now as you stand, with flames alight,
A leader born, to claim the fight,
Your fiery heart, a guiding flame,
To lead us home, to reclaim our name.

Chorus:
Oh, Tahirah, born of flame,
In your name, we’ll rise again,
From ashes born, you’ll light the way,
Our beacon bright, come what may.

Outro:
So let us sing, to Tahirah’s name,
A phoenix’s flame, forever aflame,
In her fire, we find our way,
To freedom’s dawn, to brighter day.

Theme Song: Phoenix's Flame

Lyrics and art by ChatGPT, music by Suno, arranged by Anne Winchell

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Ari sind Rashid el Nahr

Imperial Name: Aaron Townsend

A young man in a dark blue button-up shirt with shaggy dark brown hair and brown eyes.
Created by Anne Winchell
Created by NightCafe
Created by Nightcafe
Rise of the Phoenix

The child of a noblewoman and one of the generals in the war, Ari has lived as sheltered a life as his parents can give him. He’s faced death and discrimination, but still relies on his family to get by. For the past seven years, he and Tahirah have been inseparable, getting into as much trouble as possible while staying alive.

Knight of the Dragon (contains spoilers)

When Tahirah bonds him to her phoenix Endel, his life is forever changed as he becomes mara tayerna, a phoenix guardian. He has reunited with his uncle and aunt and, along with the dragon knights Jana and Leena, has been helping prepare a rebellion for when Tahirah kills the Emperor.

Heart of the Guardian (contains spoilers)

Away from his usual sources of support, Ari finds himself leaning on those around him for support, and that might not always be good when his uncle reveals his ugly nature. But some relationships are true, and he contents himself with his new friendships even as he wonders if his parents are alive.

Dance of the Empire (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Heir to the Continents (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Song Lyrics: Trailblazer

Lyrics by ChatGPT

Verse 1:
In the quiet of the shadows, he stands,
A steady presence in shifting sands,
With a heart that beats for love’s embrace,
And a spirit that refuses to be erased.

Chorus:
Oh, Ari, a gentle flame,
In the darkness, you light the way,
With courage strong and dreams untamed,
You’re a trailblazer, come what may.

Verse 2:
Through the trials and the storms, he guides,
With wisdom beyond his years, he confides,
In the beauty of love’s enduring grace,
And the hope that shines in every face.

Chorus:
Oh, Ari, a gentle flame,
In the darkness, you light the way,
With courage strong and dreams untamed,
You’re a trailblazer, come what may.

Bridge:
In the face of fear, he stands tall,
With love as his compass, he’ll never fall,
Through the valleys low and mountains high,
He’ll journey on beneath the sky.

Verse 3:
With a heart that beats for Tahirah’s name,
He’ll navigate the world’s fierce flame,
For love’s true light, he’ll dare to fight,
And lead the way into the night.

Chorus:
Oh, Ari, a gentle flame,
In the darkness, you light the way,
With courage strong and dreams untamed,
You’re a trailblazer, come what may.

Verse 4: 

As a guardian of the flames, he’s bound,
To a phoenix’s spirit, he is crowned,
With wings of fire and a heart of gold,
He’ll protect the light that he holds.

Outro:
In the tapestry of stars above,
He’ll find his place, his lasting love,
As the dawn breaks and shadows fade,
He’ll be the one who blazed the trail, unafraid.

Theme Song: Trailblazer

Lyrics and art by ChatGPT, music by Suno, arranged by Anne Winchell

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Jana sind Amin el Anova

Imperial Name: Jenna Kinsey

A young Black woman with twist braids and light brown eyes with red circling the pupils in a black tank top with pink hems and a fain pink design on the front and makeup to match, and a gold chain around her neck
Created by Anne Winchell
Created by Nightcafe
Created by NightCafe
Rise of the Phoenix

The child of a general in the war, Jana has always been a troublemaker. Her mother died in the war, and she adores her father, who teaches her traditional stories at night despite the risk. At sixteen, she developed a crush for Leena that quickly turned into a romance. Seven years later, the two are never far apart.

Knight of the Dragon (contains spoilers)

After the destruction of Madi Anova, all Jana can remember is the look in her father’s eyes when he found that she had become a dragon knight, the same type of person he spent the war killing. Only Leena’s presence keeps her grounded as she faces the reality of life as a dragon knight and realizes she has to accept the responsibility. 

Heart of the Guardian (contains spoilers)

Although Jana is confident in her role as a dragon knight, she still finds leadership to be difficult, especially since she and Ari decide that they need to spend time with Ari’s uncle every day and the man despises dragon knights. As Jana begins to find her footing among Ari’s uncle and the rebels, she loses ground in her relationships with the other dragon knights and must find a new way to lead.

Dance of the Empire (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Heir to the Continents (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Song Lyrics: The Flame Within

Lyrics by ChatGPT

(Verse 1)
Jana’s journey is one of pain and resilience,
From the wreckage of her home, she finds her defiance.
Locked away in sorrow, her heart shattered and torn,
But from the ashes she rises, a phoenix reborn.

(Chorus)
In the heart of the fight, through the darkest night,
Jana, the dragon knight, takes her stand.
With fire in her eyes, and courage burning bright,
She’ll rise above, with strength hand in hand.

(Verse 2)
With eyes of fire, she’s marked by fate’s design,
Linked to a dragon, her spirit intertwined.
Betrayed by those she trusted, her world torn apart,
Yet she finds strength within, a flame within her heart.

(Chorus)
In the heart of the fight, through the darkest night,
Jana, the dragon knight, takes her stand.
With fire in her eyes, and courage burning bright,
She’ll rise above, with strength hand in hand.

(Verse 3)
Haunted by nightmares, haunted by the past,
But she stands strong, her courage steadfast.
Bound by loyalty, she follows her creed,
Protecting those she loves, fulfilling her need.

(Bridge)
In Leena’s embrace, she finds her solace,
A bond unbroken, through every trial they face.
Together they soar, through the skies they roam,
In love’s tender embrace, they find their home.

(Chorus)
In the heart of the fight, through the darkest night,
Jana, the dragon knight, takes her stand.
With fire in her eyes, and courage burning bright,
She’ll rise above, with strength hand in hand.

(Verse 4)
With conflicted feelings, she faces the night,
Blaming, forgiving, in love’s endless fight.
Forced to hide in shadows, from those who would condemn,
Yet she stands tall, a beacon in the storm’s mayhem.

(Chorus)
In the heart of the fight, through the darkest night,
Jana, the dragon knight, takes her stand.
With fire in her eyes, and courage burning bright,
She’ll rise above, with strength hand in hand.

(Outro)
With every breath, she defies the dark,
A warrior’s spirit, an eternal spark.
Guided by love, she fights for what’s right,
Jana, the dragon knight, in the heart of the fight.

Theme Song: The Flame Within

Lyrics and art by ChatGPT, art edited by Adobe Photoshop, music by Suno, arranged by Anne Winchell

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Leena sind Nadia el Evenes

Imperial Name: Laura Thorpe

A young Asian woman with black hair, dark brown eyes with red circling the pupil, and a patterned black/orange/green/gold top
Created by Anne Winchell
Created by Nightcafe
Created by NightCafe
Rise of the Phoenix

The child of two high-ranking nobles, Leena has always had a knack for machines. She’s constantly taking things apart and rebuilding them, to the occasional chagrin of her parents. She’s originally from Shana Alsharon, and has always faced discrimination from the other kids. Jana was the one to step up and defend her, leading to a close friendship that slowly evolved to love.

Knight of the Dragon (contains spoilers)

After Madi Anova was bombed, Leena climbed through the wreckage past her parent’s bodies to reunite with Jana and bond with a dragon. As Tahirah’s second dragon knight, she has taken it upon herself to find people to link with the remaining dragons. She seems undeterred by the hatred that the people of Tamarud have for dragon knights, but the pressures of the role can be difficult to carry.

Heart of the Guardian (contains spoilers)

Leena and Ari have teamed up to search for new dragon knights every couple of days, though their luck is limited and the threats immense. Her taste for danger is undiminished, and she looks forward to using her new status as a dragon knight to stand up to the invaders. With Ari and Jana at her side, there’s nothing that can stop her.

Dance of the Empire (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Heir to the Continents (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Song Lyrics: Watch Out World

Lyrics by ChatGPT

(Verse 1)
In the rubble of my past, I found my strength,
Through the tears and the pain, I found my way,
A misfit in this world, they tried to hold me down,
But now I rise, I stand my ground.

(Pre-Chorus)
I’ve felt the weight of loss, seen my world torn apart,
But from the ashes, I emerge, with fire in my heart,
I won’t bow down, won’t play their games,
I’ll rise above, and stake my claim.

(Chorus)
Watch out world, I’m breaking free,
No chains can hold my spirit, can’t you see?
I’ll fight for justice, for what’s right,
With courage in my soul, I’ll take flight.

(Verse 2)
In the darkness of the night, I found my light,
With Jana by my side, we face the fight,
From the east to the west, we’ll make our stand,
Together we’ll defy, we’ll make our stand.

(Pre-Chorus)
I’ve faced the shadows, felt the fear,
But I won’t cower, won’t shed a tear,
I’ll rise above, I’ll take the lead,
For my people’s freedom, I’ll plant the seed.

(Chorus)
Watch out world, I’m breaking free,
No chains can hold my spirit, can’t you see?
I’ll fight for justice, for what’s right,
With courage in my soul, I’ll take flight.

(Bridge)
Through the flames and the smoke, I’ll rise,
With every step, I’ll claim the skies,
I’ll be a beacon of hope, for all to see,
I’ll stand tall, I’ll be wild and free.

(Outro)
So here I am, with fire in my eyes,
I’ll be the change, I’ll touch the skies,
Watch out world, I’m breaking free,
Leena’s here, and I won’t flee.

Theme Song: Watch Out World

Lyrics and art by ChatGPT, art edited by Adobe Photoshop, music by Suno, arranged by Anne Winchell

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The Emperor of the Seven Continents

Imperial Name: Unknown

A stern-looking man with ebony hair, pale skin, and a military uniform
Created by Anne Winchell
Created by NightCafe
Created by NightCafe
Rise of the Phoenix

The Emperor rules over an Empire that currently stretches over seven continents. He has two key strengths that keep him in power: his ability to travel between continents, and his immortality. He took over Tamarud in the most violent way possible, wiping out the phoenixes and their guardians and massacring the people. However, he left the continent after the war ended.

Knight of the Dragon (contains spoilers)

On his last visit after his daughter Coral’s death, Tahirah’s abilities shifted his desire to kill her into a desire to control her, and he forced her into an engagement. Despite knowing about her murderous intentions towards him, he seeks ways to soften that hard edge and bring her in line with the thought that perhaps she could someday be Empress.

Heart of the Guardian (contains spoilers)

As the Emperor has gotten to know Tahirah, his anger at her presumed role in his daughter’s death has been replaced by something much warmer, and his icy exterior is beginning to thaw. Tahirah learns how he became who he is, and the Emperor’s humanity comes into focus despite the atrocities he continues to commit.

Dance of the Empire (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Heir to the Continents (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Song Lyrics: Eternal Reign

Lyrics by ChatGPT

(Verse 1)
In the heart of Alongra, where the dragons soar,
Our Emperor rose, his legend forevermore.
With wisdom and might, he built our domain,
Uniting the continents, forever to reign.

(Chorus)
Hail to the Emperor, ruler supreme,
In his name, we’ll fulfill our dream.
Dragon knights march, in honor they stride,
Under his banner, with unfaltering pride.

(Verse 2)
From the swamps of Alongra to Estova’s plains,
He brought us together, erasing all chains.
In Shouen’s great city, our unity shines,
Under the Emperor, our fate intertwines.

(Chorus)
Hail to the Emperor, beacon of light,
Guiding us through the darkest of night.
With Estova’s people, our strength does swell,
In the Emperor’s embrace, we all dwell.

(Bridge)
Krendia’s waters and skies of blue,
Even there, his power true.
In Izuria’s flames, he found allies strong,
His legacy echoes in our song.

(Chorus)
Hail to the Emperor, conqueror bold,
In his name, our story is told.
Through Shem’s shadows, his justice prevails,
His empire’s glory, no force can assail.

(Verse 3)
On Kaehlar’s fields and Tamarud’s shores,
His justice reigns, forevermore.
Though battles rage, his victory’s near,
His reign eternal, banishing fear.

(Chorus)
Hail to the Emperor, eternal and grand,
His empire’s reach, across every land.
With dragon knights’ valor, we stand tall,
In the Emperor’s embrace, we’ll never fall.

(Outro)
So let our voices, in chorus, ring,
Praising our Emperor, forever king.
In the Empire of Seven, his light shall gleam,
Hail to the Emperor, our eternal dream.

Theme Song: Eternal Reign

Lyrics and art by ChatGPT, art edited by Adobe Photoshop, music by Suno, arranged by Anne Winchell

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Willow Augustine

A young white woman with light brown hair pulled back in a bun with braids along her hairline and a few strands falling loose. She has green eyes, a bit of a smirk, and is in a blue dress with a brown cloak loosely pinned together with gold chain.
Created by Anne Winchell
Created with Nightcafe and Adobe Photoshop
Created by NightCafe
Rise of the Phoenix

Willow works as a servant for a lady in the Imperial Court in Alongra, gathering information on the people and occurrences that make up the world of the Empire behind the scenes. She is not present in this book.

Knight of the Dragon (contains spoilers)

Willow continues her work, and her close relationship to the Emperor becomes closer as he considers for a new job. She is not present in this book.

Heart of the Guardian (contains spoilers)

The child of presently unknown parents, Willow makes her first appearance in the series when she becomes Tahirah’s servant in order to help her adjust to the Imperial Court. Her ability to observe people and manipulate them to do her bidding gives her insight into how to navigate the world of the court, but her help might come with a cost.

Dance of the Empire (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Heir to the Continents (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Song Lyrics: Song of Willow

Lyrics by ChatGPT

(Verse 1)
In the shadows of a grand design, where whispers weave and secrets dine,
Willow walks, a silent specter, in the court of intrigue’s fine line.
With light brown locks and eyes of spring, she hides in plain sight, a hidden king.
Muscles coil beneath silk layers, a servant’s guise but born to swing.

(Chorus)
Oh, Willow, with your light green stare,
In the palace halls, you glide with flair.
Manipulating strings for fun, till dawn’s early light from night has spun.
But deep within, a loyalty burns, for the empire’s heart, your soul yearns.

(Verse 2)
Unique in thought, a world apart, she navigates the social art.
A chameleon in human form, with every mask, she wins the heart.
But laughter’s her secret weapon, in chaos, she finds her heaven,
Behind the scenes, a strategist, making moves, her silent leaven.

(Chorus)
Oh, Willow, with your light green stare,
In the palace halls, you glide with flair.
Manipulating strings for fun, till dawn’s early light from night has spun.
But deep within, a loyalty burns, for the empire’s heart, your soul yearns.

(Verse 3)
From the military’s disciplined ranks, to the servant’s files, she walks the planks.
With Emperor’s nod, she finds her stage, in the quiet shadows, she engages.
Her motives twist, her actions weave, for Tahirah’s success, she believes.
From trickster to ally, her role evolves, in the empire’s puzzle, her piece resolves.

(Chorus)
Oh, Willow, with your light green stare,
In the palace halls, you glide with flair.
Manipulating strings for fun, till dawn’s early light from night has spun.
But deep within, a loyalty burns, for the empire’s heart, your soul yearns.

(Outro)
In the tapestry of fate, Willow’s thread gleams,
A warrior in servant’s clothing, chasing her own dreams.
With each move, she dances closer to the empire’s heart,
In the grand design, Willow plays her part.

Theme Song: Song of Willow

Lyrics and art by ChatGPT, music by Suno, arranged by Anne Winchell

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Queen Coral

A dramatically lit woman with chin-length black hair, smoldering makeup, and a black dress
Created by Anne Winchell
Created by NightCafe
Created by NightCafe
Rise of the Phoenix

Coral grew up in the royal court in Alongra. When she was fourteen, she fell in love with the eighteen-year-old Maren, a dragon knight recruit. Despite her manipulations, he refused her advances, and she retaliated throughout the war on Tamarud. Now, she rules Tamarud with an iron fist, but has a soft spot for Tahirah, who reminds her of Maren.

Knight of the Dragon (contains spoilers)

Alas, Coral was murdered by Tahirah’s brother Prince Khalid in Rise of the Phoenix. 

Heart of the Guardian (contains spoilers)

Coral’s memory lingers as the Emperor continues to mourn her, but he pushes past his grief with the practice of an immortal who has lost loved ones for centuries.

Dance of the Empire (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Heir to the Continents (contains spoilers)

TBA!

Song Lyrics: Queen of Iron Will

Lyrics by ChatGPT

(Verse 1)
In the shadows of the night, Coral met Maren bold,
Her unrequited love consumed her, or so the stories told.
But ambition burned within her heart, a flame that could not fade,
And soon her thirst for power, her love for him betrayed.

As war engulfed the lands, Coral rose to take the throne,
Her cunning and her ruthlessness, her power widely known.
She struck down those who dared oppose, their blood staining her hands,
Leaving only Tahirah and Khalid to shape her final plans.

(Chorus)
Oh, Coral, queen of iron will, her empire vast and grand,
She ruled with an iron fist, her power over the land.
But beneath her regal facade, lay a heart inflamed by fire,
Driven by ambition’s call, her soul consumed by desire.

(Verse 2)
Yet amidst the chaos and the strife, Tahirah caught her eye,
A girl with untamed magic, beneath a darkened sky.
Coral felt a fleeting warmth, a flicker in her soul,
But as Tahirah’s powers grew, her heart began to grow cold.

When whispers reached Coral’s ears, of magic dark and wild,
She hardened her resolve, her empathy exiled.
At Tahirah’s trial, she condemned her without grace,
For fear of her potential, she could not afford to face.

(Chorus)
Oh, Coral, queen of iron will, her empire vast and grand,
She ruled with an iron fist, her power over the land.
But beneath her regal facade, lay a heart inflamed by fire,
Driven by ambition’s call, her soul consumed by desire.

(Bridge)
In her desperation and her rage, Coral lashed out far and wide,
Seeking vengeance on all who dared to stand beside.
But in the end, it was her own mistake that sealed her fate,
As Khalid’s dagger found its mark, her reign met its cruel date.

(Outro)
Oh, Coral, queen of iron will, her empire vast and grand,
She ruled with an iron fist, her power over the land.
But in the end, her ambition’s flame consumed her from within,
Leaving naught but ashes, where once a queen had been.

Theme Song: Queen of Iron Will

Lyrics and art by ChatGPT, music by Suno, arranged by Anne Winchell

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Character Theme Songs

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  • Overview
  • Main Series
  • Mythology
  • Character Profiles
  • Continent Info
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