Book Title:
Winter Night Falling
Series: Ti-aran Chronicles: Rise of the Guardians
Book One
Edition:
Second
Author:
Bryan R. South
Publisher:
Freaky Fiction Writing - http://freakyfictionwriting.wordpress.com/
Cover Art: Bryan
Rainey
BLURB:
The Four Kingdoms are in
peril. A demon Lord thought forever imprisoned in limbo has escaped and begins
to summon his Horde once again to take his revenge. In his twisted black iron
tower he summons a massive wall of darkness that brings the winter storms in
the fullest.
Now the Four Kingdoms are each proud and full of themselves. All the
races of the realms must come together and fight the demon lord once again.
Magic has been outlawed, and it is up to the reawakened Grand Mage, an
eccentric old man, and what is left of the Mage Knights, as well as a budding
Guardian to try to keep the peace.
Can the Grand Mage and his friends get the other kingdoms to move in time to
stop the Demon Lord? Does the Demon Lord have more than one objective now that
he is free? Only time will tell.
BOOK LINKS:
~~~~~~~~~
THE REVIEW!
First let me say that this is my first book that is like this. I haven't even read Lord of the Rings *slaps hand!*, but this is similar in storyline to that. I always love it when one I haven't read before, completely takes me by surprise!!
This book was two journeys in one! The first is Orindyll, an ancient wizard who awakes to find the world he left behind quite different from the world he is faced with. He's been asleep for a very long time, and people think him long dead when faced with him. The Demon Lord, B'Liamon has escaped his prison, and is now back on his throne. It is up to Orindyll and the few men he's able to find to stop him. Whatever the cost!
The second journey is Tomas Silverhand. He is the youngest son of J'Lann, and the next Grand Mage! While is at Elfhome being taught everything he needs to know, he is faced with a choice. It surprises everyone who knows him, but it causes him to go on a journey to discover more of what it means for him and his people.
This book was riveting to me! I love when I can get lost in a book, and I was able to get lost in this book! I would start reading, and time would fly past without me even realizing it! I love when that happens to me! I loved getting lost in this world of Elves, Demons, and otherworldly creatures! It honestly makes me want to read Lord of the Rings!! I haven't yet... *again slaps hand*, but this book makes me want to!!
THE CHARACTER BIOS:
Orindyll Ravenslock – Arch mage of the First
Order, Acting Grand Mage of the Orders of Five, Earl of Raven’s Bluff
J’Lann Silverhand-- Mage-Knight; First
Sword of the 2nd Order, Later Preceptor (commanding officer) of the
Mage-Knights.
Joran Silverhand—Mage-Knight; 3rd
Order
Tomas Silverhand-- First thought to be a
magus of the First Order; he is later discovered to be the Last of the
Guardians, as well as a Divine Agent of Adara the Lost. Goddess of Knowledge,
Nature, and Magic.
Count Evan Dupont-- Count of the Township
of North Keep
Zatchion D’Orsk— Arch Magus of the 2nd
Order. Great Grandson of Orindyll Ravenslock. Baron of Caer Percivor.
Sarah D’Orsk -- Arch Magus of the 3rd
Order. Great Granddaughter of Orindyll Ravenslock.
Sirenthial Silverbranch -- Arch Magus of the 4th
Order. Heir to the Elven Throne of Erinor. Chronicler of the Orders of Five.
Chase Summers – Mage-Knight of the
First Order, Traitor
Gregory Pecorian – Mage-Knight of the 2nd
Order; Sergeant
Aileen Mistwinter—an Elven Hunter of
Erinor; Twin of Tariel
Tariel Mistwinter – An Elven Hunter of
Erinor; Twin of Aileen
Duke Echias of High Point – Duke of the City of
High Point.
Captain Rancos – Captain of the Black
Watch of High Point
Jack – Arch Mage of the 5th
order. From Tiramon
Haicho – A portly Journeyman
Mage of the 5th Order from North Keep
Kelvin – Former Grand Mage of
the Orders of Five; Arch Mage of the First Order, King of Tiramon
Arrowthorn— Ranger of Tiramon, Heir
to the Throne of Tiramon. Kelvin’s son
Alindryia Silverbranch—Queen of the Elven
Kingdom of Erinor. Priestess of Adara. Mother of Sirenthial
Korinthial Silverbranch—Son of Sirenthial, Heir
Presumptive of the Elven Kingdom of Erinor. Blade-Weaver.
Sebastion Thr’ask— Mage-Knight of the 4th
Order. First Sword.
Orion Brighthammer— Mage-Knight of the 3rd
Order. First Sword
Erik Joruss— Heir to the throne of
the High Kingdom of Pendys
General Tapi— General of the Armies of
Tiramon
Tir’alac— Shadar-Hai War-Leader.
Balin Ironfist— Dwarven KingsGuard. The
maker of Joran’s Broadsword (though both do not seem to mention it in the
story) Brother to Borodor
Borodor Ironfist— Dwarven KingsGuard.
Brother to Balin.
Lee Featherhand— Mage-Knight of the 2nd
Order
Charles Stormcloak— Mage-Knight of the 5th
Order
Brother Bradley— A powerful Priest of
Galaen the Just. God of Justice
Akbar— Dwarven Journeymen
Mage of the 2nd Order
Ermina— a Sylph bound to Joran’s
Sword
Jarrack—A powerful Corrupted
Portal Master of Limbo.
Cassandra— Lady of the Oak Glade,
Guardian
Nysander – Shade of the Great
Guardian of Erinor . Cassandra’s Grandfather.
Tyramononix—The Very First Guardian
of the Four Kingdoms, Soul is bound to a Golden Torc Tomas wears
THE EXCERPT!
“Good Evening, your Grace. Would you mind telling me where you are keeping my son? Don’t look at me! You look at the old man sitting at the end of your bed. He’s important. He is the Grand Mage, and has a few inquiries for you got it?” whispered J’Lann. Orindyll gave the now terrified man a little wave from the end of his bed as he popped into view.
“I am sure the Duke is going to cooperate Preceptor, you can put away your toy for a few minutes. Oh don’t worry about trying to call for your guards. I put the whole palace under a sleep enchantment upon entering, so you and I can have a quiet little chat.” said Orindyll casually flipping his hand this way and that. J’Lann tucked his dagger back into its scabbard in his boot and crossed his arms over his chest, foot tapping impatiently.
Orindyll rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. “Alright, alright... first question then, where are you keeping the Preceptor’s son?”
“He is in a cell just under the wine cellar, first door on the left “stammered Echias. “Did you hear that?” asked J’Lann raising his voice.
“And just who are you.....?” his questions were interrupted by J’Lann’s fist smashing into his face. J’Lann walked over and picked him up once more bringing the Duke’s face into his own. “I told you I don’t have time for games. You know who I am. The Grand Mage told you who I am. Now answer the question before I really begin to lose patience with you.”
“Are you making a comment about age sonny?” asked Orindyll. “I have you know I am well over a thousand years old. Now pay attention, I have two questions for you, and one official order. Are you ready? You sure J’Lann didn’t thump you too hard? Alright here is my first question then. Why did you disband the Border Guard stationed in the Old Keep at Jalen’s Pass?”
“There is no reason to keep it manned. There has been no threat from the North since the end of the Great War.”
“Me that sealed him away? I am quite aware of this. The threat is genuine. The Barons of Caer Cian and North Watch have already lost men to him and his horde. The Barony of North Watch is begin ran by its steward since the Baron was slain. Until you decided to send that Captain Rancos to Northkeep to arrest Count Evan he was mustering soldiers to man the old keep. The Dwarven king has sent him two hundred of his finest warriors as well. Now on to my second question. Where is Corporal Summers? He wasn’t in the rooms your Chamberlain assigned him.”
Echias scowled and looked over at Orindyll finally regaining some of his composure. “Why do you want that Black Heart for?”
“You violated a very old High King’s law my friend, by arresting my men you have condemned yourself to a Treasonous act. There are only three who can reprimand my men. The High King, the Grand Mage, and myself. When they swear their oaths they are outside your jurisdiction. In fact we can probably bring you up on several accounts of kidnapping and murder while we are at it.” said J’Lann with an evil grin.
Orindyll watched the Dukes bluster fade once more. “Not having such a chipper night are we? Now for my Order. Sarah show yourself.” Sarah materialized, standing next to her grandfather once again tossing her long black locks over her shoulder. Duke Echias paled again. Four! Four foul magic users in his bedchambers. That was when he knew he was doomed to the gibbet, and let out a sigh.
Orindyll continued.” You are going to send two Full companies of your guard to the Keep in Jalen’s Pass. In fact you are going to write up the order right now and my beautiful granddaughter here is going to deliver it to your general personally.” Echias let out another sigh and reached over towards his writing desk for a pen, when the door to the bedchamber was thrown open with violent force. In the doorway stood a fuming Joran, glowing sword held in shackled hands.
“Where is he?” came his voice with barely contained fury.
Orindyll was glaring at Echias, and then waved Joran over. “I thought all of these destroyed. Who made these Echias?”
“Burn them” said Orindyll.
Duke of High Points Chambers Excerpt #2
Duke Echias turned over in
his blankets and looked about the room. Still a little tipsy he thought as he
watched the rooms’ features roll in his vision. He shut his eyes briefly, only
to snap them back open when he felt the edge of something cold, obviously
steel, and an edge against his jugular.
“Good Evening, your Grace. Would you mind telling me where you are keeping my son? Don’t look at me! You look at the old man sitting at the end of your bed. He’s important. He is the Grand Mage, and has a few inquiries for you got it?” whispered J’Lann. Orindyll gave the now terrified man a little wave from the end of his bed as he popped into view.
“Good evening your Grace.
I am Orindyll Ravenslock, Earl of Raven’s Bluff. Do you know of me? Good. It
saves time. You know what I am capable of doing to you if you do not
cooperate?”
The Duke gave a slight nod, stopped by the edge of J’Lann’s dagger drawing a thin line of blood.
The Duke gave a slight nod, stopped by the edge of J’Lann’s dagger drawing a thin line of blood.
“I am sure the Duke is going to cooperate Preceptor, you can put away your toy for a few minutes. Oh don’t worry about trying to call for your guards. I put the whole palace under a sleep enchantment upon entering, so you and I can have a quiet little chat.” said Orindyll casually flipping his hand this way and that. J’Lann tucked his dagger back into its scabbard in his boot and crossed his arms over his chest, foot tapping impatiently.
Orindyll rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. “Alright, alright... first question then, where are you keeping the Preceptor’s son?”
“I don’t know
who you mean” said Echias. J’Lann reached over and grabbed Echias by the throat
and lifted him into the air with one hand, green eyes blazing.
“Let’s speak plainly. I don’t have time for games. Where are you keeping my Son, Joran Silverhand.” whispered J’Lann with some venom to the edge of his voice.
“Let’s speak plainly. I don’t have time for games. Where are you keeping my Son, Joran Silverhand.” whispered J’Lann with some venom to the edge of his voice.
“He is in a cell just under the wine cellar, first door on the left “stammered Echias. “Did you hear that?” asked J’Lann raising his voice.
Sergeant Gregory appeared out of thin air and nodded. ”Zatch is enroute”
Echias grew pale at the appearance of another Mage in his bed chambers. Greg didn’t help matters by giving the Duke a little finger wave.
Echias grew pale at the appearance of another Mage in his bed chambers. Greg didn’t help matters by giving the Duke a little finger wave.
”All right.
Now how many more of my men are you holding?” asked J’Lann.
“And just who are you.....?” his questions were interrupted by J’Lann’s fist smashing into his face. J’Lann walked over and picked him up once more bringing the Duke’s face into his own. “I told you I don’t have time for games. You know who I am. The Grand Mage told you who I am. Now answer the question before I really begin to lose patience with you.”
“I hold two more of
your mage-spawn. They’re in the cells next to your son. They’re really old
though.” sneered Echias.
“Are you making a comment about age sonny?” asked Orindyll. “I have you know I am well over a thousand years old. Now pay attention, I have two questions for you, and one official order. Are you ready? You sure J’Lann didn’t thump you too hard? Alright here is my first question then. Why did you disband the Border Guard stationed in the Old Keep at Jalen’s Pass?”
“There is no reason to keep it manned. There has been no threat from the North since the end of the Great War.”
Orindyll shook his head as if disappointed in a child. “What if I told you that
there is a serious threat now? What if I told you that the Dark One has escaped
his prison and as we speak sits on his Black throne in his Tower?” The Duke’s
face drained of all color. “That isn’t possible it was…” he paused as it
finally sank into his wine muddled head exactly who was sitting on the end of
his bed.
“Me that sealed him away? I am quite aware of this. The threat is genuine. The Barons of Caer Cian and North Watch have already lost men to him and his horde. The Barony of North Watch is begin ran by its steward since the Baron was slain. Until you decided to send that Captain Rancos to Northkeep to arrest Count Evan he was mustering soldiers to man the old keep. The Dwarven king has sent him two hundred of his finest warriors as well. Now on to my second question. Where is Corporal Summers? He wasn’t in the rooms your Chamberlain assigned him.”
Echias scowled and looked over at Orindyll finally regaining some of his composure. “Why do you want that Black Heart for?”
Greg looked from where he was watching the mild interrogation over to
J’Lann.
“I don’t
think he realizes how much trouble he is in.” he said quietly.
The Duke’s head whipped around to glare at Greg. “How so?”
“You violated a very old High King’s law my friend, by arresting my men you have condemned yourself to a Treasonous act. There are only three who can reprimand my men. The High King, the Grand Mage, and myself. When they swear their oaths they are outside your jurisdiction. In fact we can probably bring you up on several accounts of kidnapping and murder while we are at it.” said J’Lann with an evil grin.
Orindyll watched the Dukes bluster fade once more. “Not having such a chipper night are we? Now for my Order. Sarah show yourself.” Sarah materialized, standing next to her grandfather once again tossing her long black locks over her shoulder. Duke Echias paled again. Four! Four foul magic users in his bedchambers. That was when he knew he was doomed to the gibbet, and let out a sigh.
Orindyll continued.” You are going to send two Full companies of your guard to the Keep in Jalen’s Pass. In fact you are going to write up the order right now and my beautiful granddaughter here is going to deliver it to your general personally.” Echias let out another sigh and reached over towards his writing desk for a pen, when the door to the bedchamber was thrown open with violent force. In the doorway stood a fuming Joran, glowing sword held in shackled hands.
“Where is he?” came his voice with barely contained fury.
J’Lann
was a wraith as he crossed the distance between him and the Duke and violently
grabbed him and lifted him into the air once more.
“You
said nothing about him being roughed up!”
” I am alright
Father. I just want Summers’ head so I can stick it on a pig pole and kick it a
few hundred times. Grand Mage can you take off these shackles please?”
Orindyll was glaring at Echias, and then waved Joran over. “I thought all of these destroyed. Who made these Echias?”
“I don’t know
I purchased a dozen from a cloaked merchant about five years ago.” he said
softly. Orindyll barked an incantation, and watched the Glow fade from the
shackles and then reached out and pushed in on a series of bolts in a
predetermined order and the shackles fell to the floor with a large
clang.
“Burn them” said Orindyll.
“Gladly!“
Said Zatch picking them up and tossing them into the hearth and calling fire to
the unlit logs there. Orindyll once more was looking at Echias.
“Write your
General Echias. And then we will move you to your new quarters down in your own
dungeons.”
THE AUTHOR:
AUTHOR BIO:
Bryan R South was born and Raised in the Pacific
Northwest. He Graduated Kamiakin Highschool in 1993 . Bryan has had
several poems published and has been working on the Rise of the Guardians
Series since he was 16, and did his senior year paper on being a fantasy
novelist. He has worked as a Linecook, in construction, and other
odd jobs. He resides with his wife and fell author, S. Cu’Anam Policar,
and their children in the Pacific Northwest still.
AUTHOR LINKS:
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