Trading Knives
Page 4
An Arrow Against the Wind
Book 2 of The Bow of Hart Saga
Sample Chapter
Released April, 2017
Days of pursuit slipped past Athson like a dream of eating, sleeping and tracking. The trail into the Troll Heaths led him unerringly after Corgren and the Bane. Spark trailed Athson throughout the days of cold and lay near him in the dark, keeping him warm just as the dog had cared for him once he first escaped the Funnel years earlier. And now Athson stalked his enemy willingly back to the place of his losses, a journey of years he for which he sought an end.
The wind roared and buffeted Athson like attacking trolls when he crept through the pass above the Funnel. He crouched behind a screen of boulders with Spark. Below, the flat shelf of rock stretched to the sheer cliff edge above the river that swept swiftly. Corgren directed the Bane toward the Altar of the Trolls that hated stone where Corgren sacrificed to Magdronu. Limbreth lay limp in the Bane's hold. She must be alive. Athson shifted his gaze. Ath lay in a disheveled heap near the wizard.
Spark panted within Athson's reach. He strung the Bow of Hart. "I'll use it now." It must possess the necessary power to do what he needed now, just like his sword. The mountain hound panted, unmoving where he sat.
Athson peered out his hiding again. The worn path wandered onto the wide rock-shelf. That was no good. Corgren would see him. The rocky slope bent away south and turned toward the edge of the Funnel, cutting off the shelf. If only he could scramble among the boulders and attack at the closest point to Corgren.
He motioned Spark and worked his way among the rocks along the slope, his cloak pulled close for concealment. The high wind prevented any attempt at a long shot. But as he went, Athson spotted a high boulder near enough to the wizard. He might release an arrow from there with good result. This bow of prophecy must do the job. He had nothing else at hand to even his odds. He was the only one left to help Limbreth and his father. His stomach fluttered. The only one left.
Athson worked his way with care among the rocks. The constant rush of wind along the gorge covered any noise he caused. He crept down to the boulder close to Corgren. Ath lay twenty paces way. He might be asleep. Athson nocked an arrow.
Corgren whirled and gazed along the slope. "Come out, ranger. I know you're here." The wizard motioned to Limbreth where she lay on the altar by the Bane. "I have your woman. She'll die unless you give me the Bow of Hart."
The Bane brandished a wolf's-head dagger.
Athson gritted his teeth. It was like the one he carried, the one with which the Bane had murdered Heth and Cireena. A choice lay before him - the Bane or Corgren. If anything could kill that creature it was this bow. Either shot was a risk but taking down the Bane secured Limbreth. Athson ran his fingers along a feathered vane.
He rose in shadow from behind the boulder, drew the arrow and aimed for the Bane.
"Reveal yourself and turn it over. You have no choice unless you want her to die. Like your mother on that very rock." Corgren laughed.
Athson suppressed a scream. Heat flooded his veins. His heart pounded. Athson shifted his aim and released. At Corgren...
And…
Coming Fall 2017
The White Arrow
Apeth pushed himself to his feet, stepped around the fire and knelt before Athson. He touched Athson’s head and whispered a word Athson never heard clearly though it echoed across his mind in a moment that passed like hours.
Wellness covered Athson in an instant like a raincoat donned in a sudden downpour of rain. The cascade of sickness rolled from him and the fever fell away. His dizziness ceased and his vision snapped into clarity along with his thoughts. Weariness clattered from his limbs like loosened manacles from a prisoner. He gasped in delayed reaction to the Withling’s healing.
Apeth Stellin withdrew across the fire and rolled his bedding. “I was wondering why I was withheld from healing you immediately. And now it’s clear.”
Athson stood and inhaled deeply. “Thanks for that but I don’t follow your meaning.”
“We need to move.” Apeth pointed toward the cave entrance past the mule. “That wandering star is a sign. We aren’t the only ones to have seen it. You can bet Magdronu is seeking the arrow because of the sign. North is our way but choices lie ahead for you.”
Athson shoved the last of his venison in his mouth and chewed. In his mind, there was but one choice. “I see one way ahead.”
Apeth tugged at the brim of his hat and his blue-eyed gaze twinkled at Athson. “Oh, you have choices. What to do with the bow. Whether to finish this quest and find the arrow.”
With his arms spread wide, Athson lifted his gaze to the darkened cave roof rising above them. “Don’t you see? There’s no need for choices. Everyone’s dead that matters to me. My father. Limbreth. My companions. I can only see my way to one thing now and that’s bartering for my mother's freedom.”
“That’s a choice to let the curse on you continue to grasp your life, Athson, continue to let Magdronu’s evil control you. You have a choice to stop it.” Apeth stepped close again, his gaze intense but not threatening. “As for Limbreth, by your dream, I wouldn’t assume anything about her fate. But there are choices ahead. Will you go as far as Marston's Station with me before you make your final choice about the bow?”
Athson nodded. “I’ll go that far. I need supplies. But there’s no other choice for me.”
“Oh, but there is. Your dreams indicate something you must face.” Apeth gathered his things and paused in front of Athson.
Athson crossed his arms. “What must I face?”
“That you are gifted to be a Withling, asked to serve Eloch with everything you’ve been given.” The Withling strode toward the mule.
Athson’s head spun anew but not from fever. Light from the wandering star glimmered in the entrance of the cave and lit the Bow of Hart where he’d left it near the mule. His anger burst in a sudden bellow, “No!”
Thanks for reading about the rest of The Bow of Hart Saga. For news about The White Arrow and its cover reveal please follow me on my website or subscribe to my newsletter. Pre-order for the book will begin within a matter of weeks!
About the Author
P. H. Solomon lives in the greater Birmingham, AL area where he strongly dislikes yard work and sanding the deck rail. However, he performs these duties to maintain a nice home for his loved ones as well as the family's German Shepherds. In his spare time, P. H. rides herd as a Computer Whisperer on large computers called servers (harmonica not required). Additionally, he enjoys reading, running, most sports and fantasy football. Having a degree in Anthropology, he also has a wide array of more “serious” interests in addition to working regularly to hone his writing. He is currently finishing the next book, The White Arrow, due out Fall of 2017.
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About the Author
P. H. Solomon lives in the greater Birmingham, AL area where he strongly dislikes yard work and sanding the deck rail. However, he performs these duties to maintain a nice home for his loved ones as well as the family's German Shepherds. In his spare time, P. H. rides herd as a Computer Whisperer on large computers called servers (harmonica not required). Additionally, he enjoys reading, running, most sports and fantasy football. Having a degree in Anthropology, he also has a wide array of more “serious” interests in addition to working regularly to hone his writing. He is currently finishing the first book of a fantasy series entitled The Bow of Destiny and hopes to see it in print later this year.
Follow P. H. Solomon via these links for more information.
Website/Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Email | Google+
Additional Works
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sp; Book 1 of The Bow of Hart Saga: The Bow of Destiny
Book 2 of The Bow of Hart Saga: An Arrow against the Wind launches Fall 2016, reserve your copy today at select retailers. The cover reveal will be announced April of 2016.
Book 3 of The Bow of Hart Saga: The White Arrow launches early 2017.
What Is Needed another prequel short story to The Bow of Hart Saga
A parallel series to The Bow of Hart Saga is also in process as three novellas. There will likely be a sequel trilogy for The Bow of Hart Saga and possibly at least a prequel book.
The Black Bag fantasy short story on e-book at all major online retailers.
Guardians of the Gate epic fantasy is also a book/series in development.
The Black Glove adventure-fantasy series is also in development
P. H. Solomon is also working on numerous other short fiction projects to be submitted to fantasy magazine markets in the future.
See www.phsolomon.com for announcements or follow on him Twitter Facebook Goodreads Wattpad Pinterest Google +. This page will be updated regarding new releases as they become available.