He dismounted in mid-trot and threw the reins down, not waiting for a boy to exit the stables and take them. He raced up the road and through the gate just as the portcullis was being raised. He knew he had information valuable to the despot, but he certainly didn’t want to die because Fallon felt his return was too slow. Ever since he had taken over Lachlan Castle and proclaimed himself king of Aaralyn, he had been even harder to deal with, his arrogance and power hungry soul even harder to appease.

He had gone through five retainers in the last few months, and it was common knowledge that he didn’t care how many he killed. Fallon was short tempered and hard hearted, and he generally took out his anger an anyone near, no matter who it was. He knew he had news that His Grace would be pleased about, but feared for his life all the same. If their news was not what he wanted to hear, it was their last dispatch. Fallon had not been happy with the news that had reached him as of late, and he decisively took it out on the messengers. He rode as if his life depended on it, and it probably did. Get to His Grace in a timely manner to relay the news he had obtained.

He felt guilty about riding his horse practically to death, but his mission was clear. He had ridden non-stop for weeks, stopping only to water his horse and stretch his aching limbs. His horse was heaving and foam gathered at the sides of his mouth. When the guards on the parapet walls saw him, they raised the portcullis for him to enter. Read moreĪ black leather clad figure galloped hard down the main road into Kingswell, taking the cobbled street up to the castle. Will this be the end for her and Dain? With Tanith's power, will she be able to withstand the strength of Fallon and the Dark One? Or will she fail and watch as all of Aelethia falls into darkness? This is the exciting finale of the journey of the Chosen One and her powerful sword Tanith.

Join Melenthia and her friends on this perilous battle between good and evil. With faith that the Isamarians will join them in the fight to save the world, Melenthia will prepare herself for the ultimate battle, one against Fallon and the Dark One. Kevaan and his knights plan to take back Lachlan Castle from Fallon's grip, and Alek must reach the Chancellor in the west before war breaks out. Fallon has grown strong and is preparing for war. With her knowledge and training, and the revelation that she has Elvin blood, she hopes her relationship with Dain won't fail, or the destiny she must face in defeating the darkness. With the completion of Melenthia's training by the elves, she is ready to return to the love of her life.

Aelethia's Hope by Leandra Martin