NOVEL NEXT Reborn as a Dark Lord Book 2 Synopsis
Varix Vel'Naris, a man with no less than three identities, has settled into the peaceful village of Everspring. He is formerly from Earth, where he was Vince Logan. The dark lord Morthisal Ebonwrath, about to be defeated by the heroes of Mythralon, fled into Vince's body, leaving Vince now stranded in that of a withered old dark elf who possesses the power to control the dead.
Once he escapes with a goblin named Lady Churl, he can take on a disguise utilizing a pre-cataclysm amulet called The Heart of Shadows.
Varix works tirelessly to build a life in Everspring with his new friends, some of whom he traveled with. Once he has earned enough money, he purchases a tavern called The Shadow's Respite. Varix meets a gem enchanter who is a half-elf. They begin dating after she reveals to him that she is also from Earth and has been living in the body of Seraphina Brightstar for five years.
Varix builds trust between the orcs, the former enemies of the humans, as well as the goblins, via Lady Churl. A pair of orcs named Urzan and Moktar begin hanging around outside the tavern as 'guards'. In reality, they are there because they love Varix's cooking.
Things take a turn for the worse when Morthisal's former second in command arrives, intent on killing Vince/Varix, taking the former dark lord's magical staff, as well as the Heart of Shadows, so she can restart the dark lord's empire and dreams of conquering all of the land.
Once she is defeated, Varix meets King Alister, aka The Pale King, who, as it turns out, is also from Earth. He is rewarded with a large amount of money, which he immediately uses to upgrade the tavern. The first book ends with a massive party at the tavern.
In the second novel, Varix Vel'Naris is exhausted after the grand reopening of The Shadow's Respite tavern. His body aches from overwork. Nightmares of his dark lord's past still haunt him. The tavern has changed since Varix captured the dark sorceress Thalindra. Upgrades make the place more inviting yet challenges remain.
His and Seraphina's relationship has deepened over the past few months, since their adventures. The town has grown more accepting of "green skins" like orcs and goblins, thanks to Varix's influence. His meeting with King Alister helped change attitudes despite Baron Swiftwood's opposition.
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Strange noises begin emanating from beneath the tavern. Varix suspects it connects to ancient ruins. His suspicions prove correct when he discovers a vast underground chamber. This leads to the awakening of Frostfire Aetherwing, a massive blue and white dragon trapped in hibernation for six thousand years. Varix also meets Triolux, a ferrokin being made of polished granite with gemstone eyes.
Seraphina's father, Elixander Lioshan Brightstar, visits Everspring. Their first meeting goes poorly. The aloof elf looks down on humans except for his wife. Tensions rise when Elixander discovers Varix's true identity as Morthisal. He nearly attacks Varix before Seraphina intervenes, explaining she's known the truth for months. Elixander reluctantly accepts Varix after witnessing his genuine reformation.
Baron Swiftwood continues undermining Varix's business through the tavern guild. The baron sends troublemakers to disrupt an event night featuring local brewers. Despite these challenges, Varix finds unexpected allies. He later confronts the baron directly, flying to his estate on Frostfire's back. Their confrontation leads to a surprising resolution. Varix purchases the rival tavern, The Wandering Boar, from the financially troubled baron.
King Alister summons Varix to Crownforge for his wedding to Princess Elowen Dawnwatcher. During this visit, Varix receives the title of Lord Commander, giving him equal standing with Baron Swiftwood. Varix also discovers that Thalindra now houses the soul of Penny, his former neighbor from Earth. This revelation complicates matters as they must find a way to free an innocent woman from imprisonment.
With help from Seraphina and Elixander, Varix creates a magical solution using gems and ancient knowledge. They copy the spell from the Heart of Shadows amulet that conceals Varix's actual appearance. This breakthrough offers hope for Penny's freedom while strengthening bonds between Varix and Seraphina's family.
The ferrokin establishes a permanent portal between their underground city and Everspring. This cultural exchange brings new opportunities. King Alister and Princess Elowen make a surprise appearance at a ferrokin feast celebrating this connection. The king announces infrastructure improvements for Everspring and deepening relations with the ferrokin. The town serves as a model for cooperation among different races.
Varix proposes to Seraphina in a lavender field outside Everspring. She accepts with conditions: a proper house away from the taverns and her work at her gem shop. She gladly accepts, but on one condition. She is not going to live in one of Varix's taverns.