Holstein Chronicles: the Lost Cities

Eighteen-year-old Kyra Lynne lives in a world of ruins, where those who were once beasts of the field now rule, and most humans serve them as the fallen race. Since her parents disappeared four years ago, she has been on her own acting as scavenger and selling her goods from town to town, with the knowledge that at anytime a beast merchant could make her a good for sale. The town of Rado is the capitol of an empire controlled by a feline race known as the Jihon. It is also Kyra's...
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Eighteen-year-old Kyra Lynne lives in a world of ruins, where those who were once beasts of the field now rule, and most humans serve them as the fallen race. Since her parents disappeared four years ago, she has been on her own acting as scavenger and selling her goods from town to town, with the knowledge that at anytime a beast merchant could make her a good for sale. The town of Rado is the capitol of an empire controlled by a feline race known as the Jihon. It is also Kyra's hometown. Soon after she arrives in Rado, a merchant named Mr. Mistu, who intends to sell her to the Holstein race, captures Kyra. Prince Meateus Khan is ruler of the young Holstein Empire, and as a very sober minded young bull, he considers his empires place in the world. When the merchants come to town, his father buys Meateus a young female human, Kyra, to act as his servant, along with the prince's human boy Kyle, a mute. Kyle's mom takes an instant dislike to Kyra, even as her son develops an interest in the young woman. Kyra makes friends with another servant in the imperial household, Gena Lacey. The Holstein have the honor of hosting a great event, a meeting of the three empires on their soil, the Jihon felines and the Canine royalty will be coming. the felines headed by their princess, Anulu Greyfur and her boyfriend Shard, the canines led by their prince Lukan Dolgora. Kyra used to play with Lukan and Anulu when they were younger, and they taught her much of what she knows. She fears them seeing her now as just a simple slave, but preparing for their visit is the responsibility of herself and Gena. During the conference, it is revealed that Kyra is a scavenger and trader, and friends with the royal houses of the Jihon and Canine, however it is agreed her fate I in the hands of her current masters. A Holstein scientist brings up the possibility of launching an exploratory team to the lost cities in the mountains, where much ancient knowledge is said to lie. While the other bulls are skeptical, Meateus is interested in the possibilities such knowledge could have for their empire. Anulu admits there is much which could be learned, however it is also very dangerous. The emperor is reluctant, but finally gives his assent to the expedition, which will go through Jihon territory and territory controlled by a bovine warlord called Mootilla. Anulu and Lukan plan to join the expedition, and suggest Kyra as guide because of her knowledge of the area, In the city of Rado Meateus and his group are met by Jihon royalty. Then they proceed to the area controlled by Mootilla, who insists that the merchant Mr. Mistu be permitted to join their group. As a spy they realize. On their way to the lost cities, the group are chased by packs of wolves, and finally must fight the savage humans who live in the cities. Prince Meateus and his general find books of knowledge and learn of the mysterious forbidden weapons. The savages chase them to a port city, where still operable ships used by tamer and free humans operate. They enable the Holstein group and their allies to escape. Meateus and the others return to Rado. There, he learns of the death of his father, that his sister has been forced to marry his rival, who has now been proclaimed emperor. His is offered sanctuary, but elects to return with his group. Before leaving Rado, Kyra is set free. Meateus is welcomed home and promised a role in creating a stronger and more powerful empire. The new emperor, wants the old weapons, but the only one who can find them is Kyra. Bulluos is sent to find Kyra, who has again been captured by Mistu.