BLURB
Branimir emerges from the Netherworld as a
living legend and learns the Ash Tree is still in danger from the cursed
dagger, kaelandur. An old friend compels Branimir to finish what they started
at Melkorka. Once again, the former slave must keep kaelandur out of uncertain
hands, while struggling to separate heroes from villains and friends from foes.
Some evils never lessen.
EXCERPT
The demons of the
Netherworld chased him. Four-legged, wolf-like creatures, known as Dreka,
rammed their goat horns at Branimir. The gray, wrinkled skin clung to their
gaunt frames. Thin lips were stretched back giving sight to the rows of teeth
on the tops and bottoms of their bloodied gums.
Branimir tumbled,
swinging his weapon and feeling it tear through flesh as easily as a hot blade
through frost. For a moment, he may have heard Dorofej’s riddlesome voice—no,
his cry—but Branimir had not the time to listen. Bran had to scramble, and
sneak, and stab.
And stab. And stab. And
stab.
The urgency of the
battle and the demons thumped inside of his head.
“Stop!” A familiar
voice, again, cried in desperation.
Crimson splattered his
vision as his dagger cut through skin once more. His blade loved the taste of
blood; he felt the need to drench it again.
Pain stung his leg, but
it was quickly forgotten as demon after demon lunged for him. The Dreka were
ever persistent in their attack. He spun, and twisted, and disappeared to avoid
every demonic beast soaring through the air, vicious teeth aimed for his
throat. They would not reach him. For a moment, he thought he saw a flash of
Hanna’s wide eyes, but they looked unfamiliar. Treacherous. Evil. Besides, his
dagger was already cocked behind his ear and he felt incapable of restraining
himself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joshua currently lives in Alaska with
his wife and children. In 1999, he began crafting the world for Thrice Nine
Legends, including Melkorka and Anaerfell. He is also the author of the A Midwinter Sellsword and Gladiators and Thieves in the Hawkhurst Saga. His short story, Grimsdalr, is inspired by the tale of
Beowulf.
No comments:
Post a Comment