Bitter Fight

A messenger reached Kalen shortly after I wrote my last message to you. Another invading Ansgarian army struck across the border. The Boadhagh army moved to intercept the incursion.

Leading elements of Kalen's forces reached the varlets a day later. We have been fighting until yesterday evening. We finally were able to beat them back across the border.

Losses have been high. Kalen is grieving his slain warriors. Those of us who remain can only rest and bury our dead. It was a long and bitter fight.

Bruce Skye, fantasy book, fantasy novels, Grayrider, new book releases, sci fi fantasy, science fiction and fantasy

From Where

Kalen is uncertain. The Boadhagh army commander has no idea where the Ansgarians will attempt to invade next. He has all the places where another intrusion from Rivalin being watched. He is still uneasy.

Windfire snorts flame still. So battle somewhere awaits us. But from where will it come?

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Sleep Well

The Ansgarian army was driven back into Rivalin today. Kalen used his archers to shoot an arrow storm of flaming shafts into the enemy columns. The invaders died in droves as they panicked and ran from those who set them afire. The use of fire finally balanced the immense numbers sent against us.

Windfire and I launched ourselves at those retreating. The Long Riders waded in among those fleeing as well. Thousands of the tree-like soldiers perished this day.

Tonight I shall sleep well.

Bruce Skye, fantasy book, fantasy novels, Grayrider, new book releases, sci fi fantasy, science fiction and fantasyah

Doomed

The Boadhagh army was on the move towards the invaders as Windfire and I galloped towards the Ansgarian forces. They met today in battle. I slew I know not how many. At nightfall, the two armies withdrew from one another.

Kalen, as always, used his troops wisely and well. But with the vast numbers facing him, all he could do was halt the Ansgarian army's advance. He is thinking now before the fire, his eyes with a distant expression.

I only hope he comes up with a way of defeating the hordes facing us tomorrow--or Boadhagh may well be doomed.

Bruce Skye, fantasy book, fantasy novels, Grayrider, new book releases, sci fi fantasy, science fiction and fantasy

My Only Hope

Kalen received a message before dawn this morning; another Ansgarian army is invading Boadhagh from further afield. He is sending the Boadhagh cavalry (who we call the Long Riders) to harass and impede the progress of the invaders.

He has asked me to go as well. I have saddled Windfire and will proceed as swiftly as possible to where the varlets are crossing the border. Windfire and I shall reach the enemy long before the Long Riders do. Windfire's speed far outstrips any horse I have ever known.

My only hope is that we can slow down or perhaps stop the enemy until the Long Riders can reach us.

Bruce Skye, fantasy book, fantasy novels, Grayrider, new book releases, sci fi fantasy, science fiction and fantasy

My Worry

Kalen celebrated heartily last night our victory over the invading Ansgarian army. But I did not participate. For Windfire still believes battle is imminent. He snorted fire when I told him of Kalen's joy.

So I stood watching the Pass last night with a half moon as the only light illuminating the way. No one approached. Yet, I am still uneasy.

Something will happen, I think--and soon.

Bruce Skye, fantasy book, fantasy novels, Grayrider, new book releases, sci fi fantasy, science fiction and fantasy

Solution

Kalen, as always, found a solution to the problem of fighting the much larger Ansgarian army facing us in the Pass. He had the many archers the Boadhagh army possesses fire flaming arrows at the tree-like soldiers.

Chaos ensued as those set afire panicked and collided with their brethren. The pending attack early this morning fell apart. Those who survived retreated.

I know not how long it will be until the Ansgarians strike south again. But it will be all too soon, I fear.

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

A Long Fight

Kalen and I were up well before dawn moving the army to the Pass. We stood watching the Ansgarian army near the Pass late this morning. He is worried we shall not succeed in stopping the varlets from entering Boadhagh. I share his concern--I know not if we shall triumph here. It would seem a long and bloody fight is before us.

The Angarians vastly outnumbers us. Numbers alone can many times win battles. My only hope is Kalen can find a way to once more outwit our opponents.

Windfire snorts flame now. He knows battle is near. I only wish I lusted for it as he does.

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Wondering

Every time the armies of the Ansgar Empire attempt to invade Boadhagh, their forces grow larger and larger. It is only Kalen, King Airell's army commander, who outwits our opponents and brings victory out of certain defeat. There has been more than once, I must admit, when I was not sure any of us would survive the day.

With so many being thrown against us, I sometimes I wonder how I can bring about the destruction of the Ansgar Empire.

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

Kalen

The leader of the Boadhagh army, Kalen, has become a good friend these last three years. I have fought often with his army against Ansgarian invasions of the kingdom.

He is a cunning warrior. I have yet to see the Ansgar Empire deceive or defeat him in battle. I have marveled often at how he can anticipate their strategies.

But it is not just about winning battles for him. Kalen truly cares about the men under his command. After a fight is over, he is inconsolable for at least a day afterwards. He grieves for the Boadhagh soldiers he has lost.

His friendship is a great boon to my spirit.

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