It's up to Kal to protect the influential Naldeen Drogan, but it won't be easy. Drogan has enemies, their mission is hazardous and the city of Arkebis, a large skyport to the Sea of Clouds, has dangers of its own. In the exotic world of Under the Nine Suns, Kal knows to expect difficulty. He's going to need his sword, his wits and his arcane training if he hopes to keep them both alive. Expected Difficulties is an introductory short story to the "Under the Nine Suns" series, a heroic fantasy & science fiction tale set in an exotic steampunk inspired world. Kalrin Vallis, Kal to his friends, is an agent for the steadfast Aleph Association, an organization dedicated to the spread of arcane knowledge and the defense of its members. As an agent, it's up to Kal to keep the Aleph's members safe from deadly assassins, devious criminals, supernatural monsters and mechanical horrors, all while juggling the safety of his friends and family in a society that grows increasingly corrupt. This short story contains six illustrations and frontispiece by artist Bob Beason. Full color versions of the illustrations can be viewed at undertheninesuns.com