Kaanan's Way : The Ardwellian Chronicles, Book Four

by Young, Dennis

• ISBN13: 9781469791869
• ISBN10: 1469791862
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-05-23
• Publisher: Textstream

Summary

Let me tell you the story as it truly was.... "Hear my words, Audrey as time is brief. The land looks to you, as you are their hope. Know that in the world of mortals there are tasks the gods cannot achieve, and call upon those of faith and trust to become their voices. You are my Voice. You are my Messenger. Your strength will be theirs and your words will be heard, tho' you must be the willing implement of my justice. Else all will fail and the land will be lost." With these words, Audrey Vincent, Champion of the Church of Jhad, is chosen to battle the Shadow Horde in the Kingdom of the Sun. The goddess choosing Audrey is not of her religion however, but instead Kaanan, patron saint of the Church of the Rising Star, far to the south in Ardwel. As Audrey is targeted by assassins, an ancient enemy of elves and men, not seen for years, becomes a player. How will Audrey's task be viewed by her own religious leaders? Will she be cast out, though her mission is to save the land?

Excerpts

They sat within the masters' chambers, guards at the door and in the hallway, two standing by the window as Steffyn traced scented smoke around it, muttering arcane words beneath his breath. A healer tended Audrey's side, the cut long and shallow, no worse, she thought, than many taken years ago in battle. At last he rose and bowed, exiting quietly as soldiers latched the door. Jewelle and Sheynon had taken duty with Higar, seeking others who might lie in wait for opportunity again. Leyland had come to Audrey, the second assassin having vanished in the night. The warrior-woman nodded, sipping healing draughts and wincing at the tightness of her wound. "Sanshee," said Leyland, raising the weapon taken from the dead intruder. "Meanin' Long Blade, ye told us moons ago," replied Tarnak. "Like the ones ye carry." "A vengeance weapon," continued the half-elf, firelight glinting from the glistening point. "Note the upturned edge to find its way beneath the ribs into the heart itself. One thrust, and life's own blood pours from out the body." "Stop," said Steffyn with warning in his voice. "All are well-schooled in weapon craft." Audrey set her empty goblet on a table. "Two years I have trusted you upon the Wall, chosen the night you came in search of sanctuary, your spirit bright, tho' troubled. My lord spoke to me and I obeyed, returning your life unto your hands. Now on the eve of my investiture, two assassins waited in my private chapel. How so? From where did they come... and did you pass them through yourself?"