Risking everything to save the adventurers from the Elf Council’s decision to execute them for treason, the Elf Prince Cabal arranges for their escape. They then disappear, in search of the menacing storm cloud responsible for assassinating the wizards of the Elf Council.
After the tragedy of losing one of their own shortly after entering this new world, the remaining adventurers begin to create a new life in a world filled with Elves, magic, and Trolls. Suddenly the last surviving Elf Wizard vanishes in a violent storm, leaving an entire battalion of Elf Warriors dead. The adventurers now face a mysterious magical foe of unimaginable power.
As they rush to meet their fate, the adventurers quickly discover that a careless action from their past has poisoned the land and caused the Trolls to emerge from their lair.
Soon they have no choice but to head into a battle that pits friend against friend...
Excerpt
Bounding down the tower’s stone steps, she rushed across the large, dimly-lit dining hall, and sailed out into the courtyard, just as Jack and Cabal finished their session. Sarah was smiling brightly as she ran straight to Nicole, who waited expectantly on top of the stone wall. The sun flashed on Nicole’s long, black hair, displaying its dark-blue hues.
Nicole’s transformation into the petite, curvaceous form had given Sarah twinges of jealousy for several months after they arrived, until she realized that her athletic figure was just as pleasing to the eye.
Nicole’s eyes glimmered with amusement as Sarah stopped before her. “You finally managed to convince that old goat to allow you a hobby?” she remarked as Sarah stopped before her.
Nicole’s laughter brought Jack to her side as he said, “Did I hear right? You’re going to take up the sword?”
Jack grinned and pulled Sarah against his sweaty, bare chest for a quick hug.
“Yes!” she smiled, and squirmed to escape his grasp. “He has conceded to my wisdom.” A low throaty chuckle came from behind her. Sarah stiffened, realizing Prince Cabal had followed Jack to the edge of the courtyard.
“If Ahmity has granted you a favor, I’d be wary of its repercussions,” Cabal said with a grin.
Sarah forced herself to turn and face him. She glared at Cabal with more anger than intended and snapped, “I don’t care what his motives are; I want to learn.”
Cabal’s chiseled features and disheveled hair made her pulse race. Sarah couldn’t help but notice the glistening sweat that clung to his muscular arms and chest. She took a deep breath and concentrated on the one physical trait that separated humans from elves: his long, pointed ears. Cabal’s smile faded at her abrupt remark, and he glanced quickly at Jack. Nodding at her in silence, he opened his hands before him in submission, and turned to head across the courtyard.
“You could at least try to be nice to him,” Nicole chastised her gently. “His response might surprise you.”
“I came out here to learn how to use a weapon; not for a lecture on my manners.” Sarah spun around, confused by her own reaction to Cabal.
Nicole grinned. “Well, then, tell me, Jack, my loving husband, what is an appropriate weapon for a sharp-tongued sorceress?”
Jack forced a smile from his lips as he placed his hands on Sarah’s shoulders and turned her toward him. “Well, I’d say a short sword, although she is not the petite wisp of a thing that you are.”
“Wisp?” Nicole jumped down from the stone wall, drawing her sword. “Would you care to test this wisp’s talents?”
“There’s plenty of time for that later, my darling,” Jack said with a wink at Sarah as he released her and spun to take his wife in his arms.
Shaking her head at the pair as their lips met, Sarah glanced across at Prince Cabal. He emerged from the small blacksmith shop at the far end of the courtyard, and headed toward her. Sarah watched him. Her heart began to race as he neared. Cabal quietly presented her with a long, delicate sword, and a tiny, jewel-encrusted dirk.
“I hope you will find these to your liking.” He held them out to Sarah, his eyes focusing on hers. The thin blade of the sword left it surprisingly light and easy to wield. The bright silver metal glistened in the sunlight. The delicate carving of a wild rose climbed along the length of the blade.
“It’s beautiful,” Sarah gasped. She immediately felt guilty for her earlier remark.
“It’s elven steel,” Cabal explained. “It was my mother’s. In her day, she was quite a warrior.”
Sarah gawked at him. “The queen?”
“She believed the crown would go to Ahmity. By law, being Ahmity’s younger sister, she was to become the king’s protector. It was only natural that she became a warrior.” He pulled the dirk from its sheath. “For years, even after she became queen, she kept this in her boot.”
“These are much too precious; I can’t accept them.”
“I insist.” He grabbed her hand and thrust the dirk into her palm, his smile vanishing. His face softened as his eyes met hers, and he added quietly, “It would be a great honor, to the queen and me, if you would carry it.”
Stunned, she gazed into his eyes as an invisible hand reached out and squeezed the pit of her stomach sharply. Taking a deep, cleansing breath, Sarah smiled weakly. “How can I refuse?”
Cabal nodded, then turned, mounted, and swung the horse around to face them. “I’ve been invited to the Elf Council. The trolls Ahmity healed have started to emerge from the valley.”
Sarah’s heart felt like it stopped at his words. She could not move or speak. She could only stand there and listen. Trolls…
Professional Reviews
Loved it!
Wonderfully written by exciting new author Alaina Stanford. Edge of your seat suspense. Extremely creative story. Fun characters. Strong and sexy men. Its great fun!
Magic
I love the way Alaina keeps you on the edge of your seat. Waiting for more. I'm not sure how many books are in this series but I'm sure there won't be enough.
Great Series!
Great sequel that allows the characters to grow as well a action packed plot that makes this a quick and interesting read. Can't wait for the next book!
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