The Ember Blade (The Darkwater Legacy, #1)

by Chris Wooding BA

No hope of help, then, and no reprieve. He watched as the glowing wood brightened in a faint breeze, and a peaceful, aching sadness soaked into his heart as he realised he’d reached the end of his road. It hadn’t felt nearly long enough.

Bravery loved company, but Aren had long ago learned that shame was best borne alone.

‘Mixing with his sort will only bring you trouble. Heed that, boy.’ ‘Aye, Da,’ said Cade, but he didn’t. After all, his da had never taken heed of him.

‘Father?’ he said. ‘Hmm?’ ‘Is everything alright?’ Randill turned his face towards Aren and smiled wanly. For the first time in his life, Aren saw the lie in his father’s eyes. ‘Everything is alright,’ he said. ‘Hail to the Emperor.’

Life was a flurry, seen through a tunnel, always rushing from task to task. It was easy to miss what was right in front of you.