King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul, #3)

by C.L. Wilson

A hidden land, forbidden land, beyond the Faering Mists. A people gone except in song, beyond the Faering Mists. Where magic’s spun and great work’s done, beyond the Faering Mists. Where Fey still dwell behind the spell that is the Faering Mists. “Beyond the Faering Mists,” from the collection Laments for the Fey, by Avian of Celieria

He had faced, unflinching, the countless battles of far too many bloody wars. He’d confronted terrifying magic, fearsome enemies, and even stood firm while forces that outnumbered his, hundreds to one, charged his position. Yet with that one step, as the sole of his boot made its first slight contact with Fey soil, his battle-hardened warrior’s body began to tremble. His legs shook, his shoulders quaked, and all strength fled him. With a cry of surrender, Gaelen vel Serranis fell to his knees on the land of his forefathers. Marissya turned, her shei’dalin’s radiance fully unshielded and glowing bright as a star. Love and joy and serenity caressed Gaelen’s senses in lapping waves, and her smile was a balm on his soul. “Ke tamiora,” she said. “Kem’jeto ruvel.” I rejoice. My brother returns. A hand touched his shoulder. He looked up to find Belliard vel Jelani at his side. “Welcome home, Gaelen,” he said softly. “Beylah vo, my brother,” he rasped, his voice thick with emotion. Tears welled in his eyes. He didn’t try to wipe them away. He simply let them fall, and the soil of Miora te Baloth’Liera drank them up, just as it had drunk the blood he’d shed here so many times in the past.

Fierce as the sun, she made shadows take flight The Star of Chakai, who spun souls back to Light. From “The Star of Chakai,” a warrior’s song of Ellysetta the Bright

That was the strength of Ellysetta’s weave. Bright, unyielding, indefatigable love. Love that did not know surrender. Love that did not understand limitations or even basic self-preservation. Love that would batter itself to death before giving in to defeat.

No moon, sun, or star ever dazzled the night Like the radiant grace of Ellysetta the Bright. From “The Star of Chakai,” a warriors’ song of Ellysetta the Bright

“More than I knew it was possible to love. All the stars will fall from the heavens before I ever stop.”