Author Description

Duty, honor, and loyalty will be put to the ultimate test. Mark Howard brings us an epic coming-of-age fantasy tale about duty, honor, and loyalty in a life-or-death stakes struggle for the realm. As the battles rage in a mysterious world that echoes J.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, the true test for the young knight isn't proving his bravery or vanquishing his foes - it's realizing his own potential as a leader. A military crusade is called to aid the Kingdom of Azgald in the distant Nordslands, and Godfrey, a young and idealistic knight, doesn't hesitate to volunteer for the noble quest. Yet, he soon learns that the greatest threat is not the swords of savage clans under the High Warlord Alvir and the dark magic of the High Witch of the North, Nera, but the crusaders themselves. "This skilled story has everything a fantasy reader could ask for: monsters (human and otherwise), intrigue, romance, and the quest for true knighthood. It is highly recommended." -- Blue Ink Review A knight's destiny is determined by his adventures. His character is determined by the trials he faces along the way. Godfrey de Bastogne has much to prove when he answers the call to embark on an adventure to save the realm to the north from old enemies that have united against them. The expedition's success against the mythical creatures and clansmen does not hinge on strategy, tactics, or victorious battles but on a vision granted to him by the gods. Flanked by soldiers, knights, loyal friends, and his love interest, Madeline, who is hiding her magical powers, he must stop his foes from unleashing an ancient evil on the land...or die trying. Now a veteran of fateful struggles and epic military clashes, all eyes turn to the hero Godfrey as the chosen one to fulfill the prophecy by delivering them victory in their quest. With the fate of Azgald hanging in the balance, can he succeed in uniting the crusaders with his holy blade, or