Windfire

Windfire, my horse, is unlike any I have ever known. He is highly intelligent and lusts for combat. When battle looms, he breathes fire.

I talked to the old horse handlers at my father's castle about him. They said there was an ancient breed of horse which was the choice of kings. Windfire certainly fits their descriptions of such steeds.

He cannot talk as humans do, yet I can understand what he says when he neighs or whinnies. He seems able to choose who he talks to.

Windfire is my best friend. And I know not why he chose me as his master. But I am very thankful he did. He always listens and has good counsel when I am troubled by something.

And yes, he chose me. I did not acquire him, as many people mistakenly say.

Bruce Skye, fantasy book, fantasy novel, Grayrider, new book release, sci fi fantasy, science fiction and fantasy

King Airell

Those who murdered my parents told me the Ansgarian army would invade the kingdom the next day. The threat of using Deathsong on them was their motivation.

I am not my ancestor, King Ahearn. I felt it best to flee Rivalin. King Airell, the monarch of Boadhagh on Rivalin's southern border, took me in. The last three years I have used Deathsong to stop the Ansgarians from sweeping through his kingdom as they did my father's.

King Airell is a good king and was a great warrior in days past. I have heard many stories of his exploits when he wore armor. His friendship has meant much to me.

But I worry about him. His daughter, Deirdre, left Boadhagh it seems without explanation several years ago. That broke his heart. He speaks of her sometimes with great longing. I hope someday, for his sake, she will return.

Bruce Skye, fantasy book, fantasy novel, Grayrider, new book release, sci fi fantasy, science fiction and fantasy

Deathsong

There are times I do not know if I love my sword or hate it. Its power terrifies me sometimes. It lusts to take life and seems to draw strength from doing that. It seems to have a mind of its own when I am in battle on occasion.

I remember my father taking me to the armory as a child. He opened a seldom-touched chest in a far corner. He showed me the worn leather scabbard that held Deathsong. He also showed me the ancient runes on the guard of the weapon. I did not know how to read them, so my father told me their meaning: "Whosoever wields this sword wields the curse of death. For if none is taken, yours shall be the sacrifice."

I can never draw Deathsong without taking a life. If I fail to do this, I shall be slain by the blade. So I am always extremely careful when I take out the sword.

My father told me time and again "Take heed with how you wield Deathsong, my son. For this sword must one day be used to destroy the sorceress Morrigan."

Morrigan is a legend. I doubt she exists. The Ansgarian warriors I fight are not human--unlike those soldiers she controlled a thousand years ago. My ancestor King Ahearn fought her army with Deathsong and won. And she disappeared.

Deathsong makes the Ansgarians far easier to fight. But, alas, the blade still scares me.

Bruce Skye, fantasy book, fantasy novel, Grayrider, new book release, sci fi fantasy, science fiction and fantasy