TALES OF KING DUNEN SERIES
	SUMMARY	The Awakened City is the first book in a series of seven potential books. The first three have been written and the first published.
	GENRE	The series is an adventure without magic, sorcery, gore or any vulgarity. It tries to portray a (non-denominational) Christian life in an ancient time period. It reenforces Christian truths and certain historical facts found before Noah's flood.
	READERSHIP	The books were written as simple as possible. Recommended reading age would be 10 years and older while still attracting adults.
	PURPOSE	The series was written to offer the Christian community a clean adventure series to entertain and educate our children.
	AUTOBIOGRAPHY	Click here for Arthur Miriello's autobiography.

	SAMPLE TEXT
	The sky was clear as the midday sun shone brightly upon a deserted field. Dense forest flanked closely on both sides of the field. In the distance, three horses and their riders appeared from the forest, galloping swiftly, leaving a trail of dust behind. Leading the three was Menfre, commander of king Favro's army. He was a tall man with a stern face, deep brown eyes and formidable build. The two others were soldiers and personal guards. Long swords hung by their sides and black capes fluttered behind them from their ride. Their strong and swift war-horses pounded the ground with their great hooves and send dirt flying about them. After a short ride, the horsemen urged their mounts off across the field to the opposite side and entered the dense forest. They slowed their pace as they travelled through the thick woods. Quickly they moved in and around the trees, knowing well their route. Coming to a small stream, they led their horses into the water. For a while they galloped in the shallow water, splashing water upon themselves and on every side. As they moved against the current, they then left the creek and entered the forest again. After a short ride, the terrain began to rise. The horses slowed their pace even more and were now trotting along. The riders earnestly urged the horses on. The climb ended upon a small plateau and a large clearing could be seen a little further on. Breaking through the brush, the riders entered the clearing and came upon a large wooden house with a barn and stables enclosed completely by the forest. Servants and soldiers walked about the grounds, and stopped their chores to behold the arrivals. Several soldiers stood before the door of the house with great care. As they arrived at the stables, the servants took hold of the horses as they dismounted. "Prepare to leave as soon as possible," Menfre ordered one of his soldiers. "Yes, sire," replied the soldier, and both soldiers immediately departed to execute his orders. Menfre moved off briskly to the house and entered it as he passed the saluting guards. Inside the house, the entranceway opened to a large dining room. Several wooden tables and chairs were set in order about the room, where a hundred or so men would easily be accommodated. At the back of the room, a door led to the kitchen. A staircase to one side led up to rooms on a second floor. A huge fireplace brooded dark and unlit along one wall. Above the fireplace, on a marble shelf, lay small figurines of warhorses and famous men who had fought wars long ago. Flags with picturesque emblems of royal families hung along the walls. On the far side, a woman stood by one of the few windows in the room. She was clothed in a burgundy dress with a golden belt about her waist. Her hair was long and brown with traces of white, telling her age. She was Lady Elena, queen of Teranda, and wife of the late Favro. She turned her attention from the window to Menfre. "Welcome, Menfre," she said dully. "Thank you, my lady!" After bowing slightly, he moved toward the centre of the room, where mugs, jugs and scattered papers rested upon one of the tables. Lady Elena’s face sagged with sadness from the recent events, and her movements were slow. Walking away from the window, she joined Menfre at the table. With a slight huff, he settled himself into one chair and poured himself a drink. He then drank the juice, appreciating the refreshment after the long and hot ride. "What news have you?" Elena asked, forcing a smile. "No word of Dunen," he returned in a low tone, dismayed to give the unwanted news. "But it seems it is the same for them that seek his life. Which is good news, bless God. Lurion has a great number of his army searching every inch of the country for him. It will not be long before they visit these parts." Elena accepted the news with hope. "This of course places us in danger. We cannot remain any longer. We have waited long enough for Dunen to come." Elena disliked the thought of leaving the secret meeting lodge. If Dunen was truly alive, he would come here first, as it had been planned should such circumstances occur, but she knew they had given him more than enough time already. "Yes, of course, you are right." "Good," Menfre said, relieved by her consent, and from the fear of her being captured. "I have some bad news from the city. Many have been beheaded for resisting Lurion, and others fear Rondree and his soldiers. The people are watched closely, and few are allowed to enter or exit Teranda. He is slowly, and by false pretext, arresting noblemen who defy him or show sympathy for us." This angered Elena. "That wretched soul will certainly pay for what he has done. I know his desire is to give Teranda to Ernum, but he will not succeed as surely as we live." "Lurion wants the city, but Ernum seeks for the sword," Menfre stated gravely. For a moment, both stared at each other fearfully, knowing well the serious implications if the Sword of Teranda should fall into the hands of Ernum. "Let us pray we don't fail." she said, and then calmed herself as she focused her thoughts on important matters. Menfre saw for a moment what he knew to be her troubled feelings and yearned to comfort her in some way. He now felt he should change the subject. "Another two hundred men have been added to our ranks. The men are in good spirits, but your presence among them would surely be welcomed." "We will leave for camp today," she affirmed. Menfre drank as he thought upon certain matters. The room was quiet for a moment, as Elena also fell silent to her thoughts. "I only pray that Dunen is alive," she finally said, not for the first time. Menfre, roused by her doubt, quickly assured her. "I believe, my lady Elena, that the Lord has spared his life and we will soon hear from him." She looked at Menfre with some regret. "The Lord forgive that I lack the faith, dear Menfre. The loss of my husband and eldest son has dispirited me, and no word is given of Dunen." "This is why I believe he yet lives!” Menfre said emphatically. “If he were dead, my lady, we would certainly have heard of it!" With a sigh of little hope, she replied, "Indeed, it may be so, but he was wounded. The land is vast and he may lie dead upon some unknown ground, never to be seen or found." She moved away and returned to the window. Menfre, feeling he could not encourage her any further, sadly rose from his chair. "I must hurry and prepare for the journey." "Very well," Elena said, not looking back. Menfre bowed and left. Staring out the window, Elena’s thoughts reverted to Dunen, his unknown whereabouts troubling her. "Dunen, where are you? Oh Lord, my God. Keep him safe and return him to me."