This fantasy novel opens with the battle exploits of an ambitious warrior who serves a famous conqueror. At the edge of the known world now, supernatural dangers threaten his dreams of glory.
Go to Chapter 2 Meet the heroine Miranda in this fantasy book podcast as she is confronted by the double challenge of an invasion and the cruel yoke of her master.
Go to Chapter 3 With the conquest of the known world nearly complete, Dreibrand Veta anticipates exploring the mythic Wilderness where it is said the gods once made war.
Go to Chapter 4 Dreibrand realizes that no matter how heroically he serves the Empire, he will never overcome the disgrace that burdens his name. Unable to resist his ambitions, he makes a radical choice.
Go to Chapter 5 Miranda, desperate to protect her children from war, looks for safety in the Wilderness, where those who enter never return.
Go to Chapter 6 Captured by the scouts of Lord Kwan, Dreibrand tries to convince them to let him go, but it is Miranda who will save him from a danger greater than being a prisoner.
Go to Chapter 7 After a terrifying initiation into the monstrous realities of the Wilderness, Dreibrand and Miranda pause to get to know each other and plan their desperate next steps.
Go to Chapter 8 The unfolding human drama is about to become embroiled in the high stakes rivalry of two rys, whose magical race holds supreme power in the lands of the far west.
Go to Chapter 9 Dreibrand adapts eagerly to the Wilderness, hunting and exploring, but he does not realize how another magical will is exploiting his dreams and drawing him, Miranda, and her children into peril.
Go to Chapter 10 The Wilderness begins to test its intruders with fearsome beasts. Battles ensue and Dreibrand and Miranda weather injuries to continue exploring a beautiful if hostile land.
Go to Chapter 11 Magic is real, and Dreibrand and Miranda are powerless against it. Tragedy strikes and their hopeless quest begins.
Go to Chapter 12 Dreibrand believes they are getting closer to the abductor of Miranda's daughter, but they must survive cruel torment before reaching the enchanted mountains.