Rise of the Ranger (The Echoes Saga, #1)

by Philip C. Quaintrell

Every time the ranger caught Devale giving Nathaniel a dirty look, he couldn’t help but laugh to himself. Sending him into the tavern to recruit Nathaniel had been his first order to the arrogant Graycoat. It wouldn’t be his last.

“You think yourself so smart, Alidyr. I am the Father of Nightfall; I know everything that transpires inside these walls. You think I don’t know who you answer to, who you truly serve? You have used my Arakesh for your own purposes, breaking the very laws you helped to create.”

“You will never get the gem.” He spat blood at the elf’s feet, his words surprising Alidyr even more. “Asher will beat you...”

“Back for more, Fen-dick?”

“Are you ready for this, boy?” Galanör asked the mage. “My count’s higher than yours.” Gideon indicated the fallen Darkakin strewn across the floor between them and the mob. “And don’t call me boy.”

“Guarantees are hard to come by in this life, fellas.” Asher met their stunned faces with a menacing expression. “But I guarantee you, if either of you pulls a sword, I will break your goddamn neck.”