An ancient civilization of elves, all but brought to ruin by an insidious force, sends a trio of emissaries and protectors to find a chosen girl of the Seven Kingdoms, prophesied to be their savior.

And so begins a mere summary of "The Imperium Saga: The Impending Storm - Fall of the Imperium Trilogy, Book I," a new book published by Holliston native, Clifford B. Bowyer. While crafting the fantasy novel, Bowyer, 28, said he wrote more than 1,000-page outline, including maps, character histories and a dictionary, notes for what he calls his "expanded universe."

"It just flows," said Bowyer. "I wake up and say, 'OK, today I'd going to tackle these five bullets.' The next thing you know, you have 10 to 12 pages."

Although this class of 1993 Holliston High graduate said he always loved to write, he did not always dream of writing a sweeping saga of dire conflict and sparkling hope.

Bowyer graduated from Bryant College in December 1996 with a dual degree in management and marketing. He began working at State Street and soon found himself in the realm of financial analysis rather than a world of allies and enemies, rebellion and a hidden tyrant.

About six years ago he began fiddling around with notes for the Imperium Saga. But when layoff rumors became too intense, and a retirement package attainable, Bowyer decided to quit State Street, write full-time and finish his MBA studies.

"I have no regrets. I have no money, but I have no regrets," Bowyer said with a laugh.

With the help of friend and aspiring writer Shannon Horton, Bowyer contacted Silver Leaf Books and eventually published his more than 600-page book.

Some fantasy book enthusiast friends have told him his work does not fit the fantasy mold. But Bowyer said he feels that is an asset because his work can be unique.

"They would say to me, 'But that's not what a troll looks like.' And I would say, 'Well, that's what I think a troll looks like,'" said Bowyer. "I think when you are writing, it's your world. It's your imagination."

He admits up until this point, he had read hardly any fantasy books and preferred science fiction, such as the Star Wars series of books, or historical fiction from authors such as John Jakes.

"If I liked one of their books, I bought the whole series," said Bowyer.

The Imperium Saga is actually closer to ancient Rome than Lord of the Rings, he said. Mythology, American military history (cultivated by stops by Civil War battle sites during family road trips to Florida) and both have been influences on his writing, Bowyer said.

He also has the second book in the trilogy finished and is about two-thirds of the way done with the final installment.

There is also a teen series of The Imperium Saga in the works, said Bowyer. The books follow the adventures of elf Kyria and have a lighter tone than the adult books.

"It's such a different mindset writing for kids. It's more fun," said Bowyer.

He gave the first four books, about 120 pages each, to the toughest critics he knew - his niece Jessica Karner and nephew, Jessica's brother Thomas, of Hopkinton. They gave the books to their middle school friends, and now Bowyer said he has a huge pre-teen following in the neighboring town.

"Now I have a bunch of people waiting for the fifth book," said Bowyer with a smile.

If the trilogy takes off, the teen series and ideas for other works, perhaps in science fiction, are waiting in the wings, Bowyer said.

Horton said Bowyer is driven in what ever he does.

"This is a huge thing, and he's gone out and done it," said Horton of North Smithfield, R.I.

Bowyer's devotion to his book mirrors the passion with which he works on every thing in his life, she said. His research is no small task, she said.

"He has definitely gone into overdrive in his research," Horton said with a laugh. "I don't think he does relax. He always has something going."

Horton, who said she is working on a book about vampires that is more saga and less horror, said she understands first-hand what a great accomplishment publishing his book is for Bowyer.

"He could definitely become a big player," said Horton. "He could be on level of (fantasy) writers George RR Martin or RA Salvatore."

An avid movie collector, with more than 1,000 titles in his collection, Bowyer said he always has to be busy, whether at his primary residence with his parents in Holliston, or at his home office in Norwood.

"I'm always doing multiple things at once," Bowyer said.

To purchase a copy of the book or to get more information visit www.SilverLeafBooks.com.

(Theresa Edo can be reached at 508-626-3919 or tedo@cnc.com.)