What would you do if the final moments of your home were upon you? If the stroke of destruction’s hammer began its last descent and in that worst of hours, you were forced to flee to lands unknown to you? Emerging from your flight, you find leadership thrust upon you, all eyes and hearts begging you to possess the strength required to heal and unite. You have but three companions. One, your long suffering servant, is strong and able in combat though he possess a hot temper and conceals a deadly secret. Another had long been your fathers cup bearer. This portly servant’s high intellect is concealed beneath a character that is meek, soft of speech and unable to endure the slightest of adversities. Your final friend is perhaps the most able, both wise and gifted in the arts of warfare. Despite the immense skill and value this man offers, there is a lingering darkness casting a shadow of doubt on all surrounding him. Perhaps this plight seems reasonable, or at least within the possibility of survival, but that is not the end. The expedition stretches out before you, uncertainty, turmoil and little chance for long life lining the road on your every side. War rages in your homeland and the Lords of the Fists of Arken search for you. Voices reach to the heavens in the night, begging for your return, but you will not hear them. Through all the troubles, the joys and deaths, a wise, though dangerous councilor demands to know, what kind of royal will you be? You want to answer, to state your virtue and uphold the honor of your lineage, but you cannot. You never wanted to be a royal at all. Desire does not shape the world and you must face all that stands before you. So, what kind of royal will you be? Do you have the strength required and can you keep your friends alive though all the dangers that surround and bind? The answers can only be found in your own heart, and the Fists of Arken.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but quickly became hooked. The flawless flowing of the story keeps the reader's attention and excitement all the way to the ending, which leaves you thirsty for more. I look forward, with great exuberance, to the next installment from this highly gifted writer.