Gorgik the Liberator

In the enthralling expanse of the Neveryon series, it is Gorgik the Liberator who captivates the imagination most profoundly. Much like the other mythical personas that populate this world, Gorgik is enfolded in layers of contradictory tales, each spinning its own yarn about his actions and hidden motives. The opening tale, "The Game of Time and Pain," is an intriguing narrative that unfurls last in the series timeline. Lacking palpable action, the story charts Gorgik's journey to Lord Krodar's solemn funeral procession. He finds himself spending a night in a nearly abandoned fortress with a young barbarian named Udrog. During their stay, Gorgik reflects on his youth, recounting a brutal event from his days toiling as a mine slave. As the night wears on, he shares with Udrog the pivotal moments of his quest to emancipate the enslaved. In the latter part of this narrative, he crosses paths with the Vizerine Myrgot, his first great benefactor, and shares nostalgic recollections. Thus, throughout "The Game of Time and Pain," the reader glimpses a past version of Gorgik, shaped by nostalgia and the deceptive clarity of memory—filtered, too, through the lens of an audience of one, weary and eager for diversion. The Gorgik portrayed in the concluding tale, "The Tale of Gorgik," is defined by his societal rank and subsequent triumphs as a mercenary. This story, positioned first in the chronological sequence, delves into his formative years at court and his inaugural military assignment. Notably, it culminates with the phrase "a civilized man," providing an outward portrayal of Gorgik that complements the introspective monologue from earlier.

Clodon and the Journey of Time

Within the book's narrative tapestry, Clodon emerges as a pivotal character, guiding the reader through the middle section of the tale. "The Tale of Rumor and Desire" spans across decades, tracing Clodon's life from the tender age of sixteen to various points at ten-year intervals. By the time Clodon reaches the prime of his life, Gorgik has become a celebrated figure across Neveryon, nearing the completion of his monumental quest to liberate the slaves. Yet, in a striking twist of irony, Clodon's most vivid recollections are entwined with images of slave collars and the dark allure of power dynamics. In Clodon's segment of the narrative, Gorgik is glimpsed only from afar, as a distant, legendary figure, much like the majority of Neveryon's inhabitants would perceive him.