by Aderyn Wood
“You found it?” The taller of the two asked. His lofty height made the other stretch his neck to look him in the eyes. Not that he looked for long. Anger and chaos lurked there among the shadows of the god’s black hood, even for a dark sorcerer such as the man, it was difficult to behold.
“I did,” the sorcerer replied. He reached into the folds of his cloak and extracted the stone placing it on the table before them. Its green light flashed in an instant, illuminating the glossy walls of the cavern briefly before guttering like a candle.
The god drew back his hood, revealing his fire-red hair and reached for the stone, his eyes reflecting its green. His gloved hand hovered above the bench, shaking. “Very well,” he said as he withdrew his arm. “It almost makes up for the girl. Almost.”
A fiery pain ignited in the sorcerer’s chest. His injury had healed, but the god would remind him of his mortality, nevertheless. A silent warning. “I won’t fail you again, my lord.”
A smile passed over the dark god’s face. “I wouldn’t be too sure. She is, after all, my niece.”
The sorcerer nodded. “Of course.”
“And the boy?”
“He is settled on Earth. He is groomed as we speak.”
“Good.”
Time stretched out before them, the Sorcerer wanting to ask a hundred questions at once, but not daring to spark anger.
“And she has found her dragon.”
“So it would seem,” the sorcerer agreed.
“Return to Earth.” The god drew his hood about him. “It is time to begin the last stage, but before the end, bring the boy to me, I will see him before we conduct our final assault.”
“As you say, my lord.”
“Earth is the key. Do not fail in this task. If it falls, we all fall.”
The sorcerer looked down at the prophecy stone, obedience written on his face. Yet, when he looked up, the god was gone. A groan escaped his lips and his knees weakened at once, making him fall to the ground, shaking. Yet, he’d survived. Yes, and he’d been given another chance. He couldn’t fail again. Next time, the girl would come with him, or she would die.
Want to know what happens next? Read on!
Thanks for reading The Borderlands: War. If you have a spare five minutes, it would be wonderful if you could leave a quick review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Reviews help me spread the word about my books.
If you’re interested in finding out what happens next in this series, make sure you sign up to my monthly newsletter to get exclusive news (and treats) about the next book in the trilogy.
Happy reading!
Aderyn.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Peter for his support and encouragement. I couldn’t do this without you.
This book is dedicated to friendship and I’d particularly like to thank good friends Karen and Tara for your invaluable feedback and encouragement.
Dawn and Symo – that little wood stove kept me warm as I wrote this.
Thanks also to Amanda J. Spedding for your wonderful edits. And, as always, thank you, Taire Morrigan, for persevering until the cover was just right.
About the Author
From high fantasy to paranormal, Aderyn's stories cover the broad spectrum of Fantasy. Inspired from childhood by the wonder and mystique of Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising and the adventures in Tolkien's The Hobbit, her love of the Fantasy genre has been life long. As a writer, Aderyn brings characters and places to life in stories filled with magic, mystery, and a good dollop of mayhem.
Aderyn studied Literature, History and Creative Writing at university, travelled the world, and taught English before becoming a full-time writer. She is also a part-time farmer passionate about self-sufficiency and poultry. She lives in a cosy cottage on a small farm in Victoria, Australia with partner Peter, their dog, cat, and a little duck called Snow.
If you’d like to be informed of the next installment in the ‘The Borderlands’ trilogy consider subscribing to Aderyn’s newsletter.
@AderynWood
@aderynwoodbooks
www.aderynwood.com
Also by Aderyn Wood
The Raven – The Secret Chronicles of Lost Magic
When a foreign tribe attacks the peaceful Onan people, a lonely outcast is forced to reveal her secret Gift – but will such power bring acceptance?
It is the darkest time in winter, when suns, moons, and stars all wane from the sky. In the Wolf clan, a baby is born with a powerful Gift, but dangerous omens brand her an Outcast, and the Elders name her Iluna.
Iluna struggles to find her place in the proud and distrustful Wolf clan, and as her powers bloom, she discovers a mysterious friend.
Dark magic, war, and treachery soon jeopardize the life of every clan member; many suspect Iluna and her Gift.
Is this Outcast girl to blame, or is she salvation?
'The Secret Chronicles of Lost Magic' is a collection of histories that will take readers on a journey into a rich new fantasy world. Enjoy stepping into the dark days of time in this sweeping prehistoric fantasy. The Raven is the first Chronicle in a collection set in a vibrant new world by Aderyn Wood.