Challenge Accepted: Book 1 of the Unnamed Saga by Stuart Maher & Peregrine Anish

Author:Stuart Maher & Peregrine Anish [Maher, Stuart & Anish, Peregrine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heron Hill Press
Published: 2023-07-28T04:00:00+00:00

My sixteenth birthday was approaching and, while every birthday was significant, sixteen was auspicious for one key reason- it was the minimum age at which one could be accepted as a member of the Craorish Guard. Although my continued failure to master the sword caused me some trepidation, I hoped my other skills would be enough to overcome that deficit. And gaining the status of a Guard was important to me for another reason, a reason that had to do with Athynae.

Almost a year earlier, she had been officially recognized as the commander (and only permanent member) of Special Investigations within the Guard. She had earned that honor by uncovering and thwarting a conspiracy that would have done serious damage to the Craorish Sept's relationship with the Darkland tribes. I had played a part in that investigation, and had received sincere but unofficial thanks. I imagined that my age, plus the fact that I was not acting in a sanctioned capacity, had weighed against anything more. However, during that adventure, I had the chance to wear a “borrowed” set of Guard armor for a short time.

That experience gave a focus to my previously vague desire to “become a warrior.” I did not expect to ever be Thyna's equal; for example, there was no hope of an independent command, even if I was old enough. But I would still welcome the opportunity to prove my worth. The Craorish were a warrior people, and even though they were mostly Muintir Laisar- People of the Flame or Flame elves- they welcomed anyone who could meet their standards of honor and martial prowess, even those who were not Muintir. My own father was a Council member, though he was a Carraigian, rather than an elf. As a Guard, I would have plenty of chances to be a warrior. Inis Bolcan, our island home, was still largely unsettled; dangerous beasts and even more dangerous people were a constant threat. Miles of coast line were a haven for smugglers; caves, tombs, and ancient shrines were a magnet for bandits, cultists, and summoned creatures. In addition, there were regular incursions by the Draoi and Gadai Septs, testing our vigilance and our ability to hold the lands that were ours.

So there was much more to being a Guard than sentry duty in Portan Baile, the seat of our sept's power. Guards often went into the wilderness in response to requests for assistance or to ensure the safety of the roads. And, although they sometimes went in pairs or squads, more often a single Guard was dispatched. When my request was accepted, I would take the next step toward achieving my life-long goal. I would be a warrior. I would be Athlain Treyson, Craorish Guardsman.

After what seemed an interminable wait, the moment arrived at last. It was a cool dry day, typical of the month of Tirim, and included a celebratory meal at my home, Caslean ard Sliath, the house my father had built outside of Portan Baile. That

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