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Author Synopsis

Beneath the Deep Wave is the sequel to Mystical Greenwood and the second book in the planned One with Nature trilogy. As I was developing my first book, I didn’t originally intend for it to be epic fantasy. But when I realized it was going in that direction, I decided to go with the flow, and writing a trilogy seemed like the natural thing to do because other fantasy writers had done the same. Beneath the Deep Wave continues with the magic and adventure in Mystical Greenwood, and it also adds a little romance into the mix. I hope that anyone who reads both books will not only enjoy the fantasy but also gain a greater appreciation for the natural world and wildlife.

Extract

“Stop!” Aidan held up his hand. The prince clutched the reins, smelling charred wood and smoke from down below, despite the distance. He shuddered, remembering the attack on Lundersin.

“Forward!” Aidan quickened his pace, rushing up to the top of the heath. Yet when he got there, he pulled the reins, making his horse skid to a halt.

Aidan whispered, “Mercy of the heavens!”

It was the town of Astilae, or what remained of it. Clouds of smoke drifted from the castle’s battlements and the town’s walls. Many houses were barren, with exposed walls and innards. Common household items lay scattered all around, along with broken, half-burned wagons and singed weapons.

Aidan’s stomach grew heavy. Only one day after the attack on Lundersin had a messenger come from the Earl of Astilae, requesting aid because Ilbrech and other towns and villages in his territory had been attacked.

“Your Highness! Look!” said a soldier near Aidan, pointing.

A horde of broken people were trudging up the hillside. Most were townsfolk. Only a few wore soldiers’ garb. Two soldiers were on horseback, leading them, but even the steeds were trotting feebly as they hung their weary, sweaty heads. Their tunics bore the emblem of Astilae: a pair of purple battle-axes crossed on a white field surrounded by a black border. Aidan saw the people lift their hands as if to cry out to them, but none did.

Slowly the prince and his men made their way down. The two soldiers rode up to him and bowed their heads. All the horses whinnied and nodded among themselves.

“Your Highness!” said one soldier. “Bless the spirits and ancestors you’re here!”

“Where is the Earl of Astilae?” asked Aidan. “I must speak with him.”

“Your Highness, Lord Astilae has . . . has been taken prisoner. His wife and children were . . . they have been s-slaughtered . . . save his eldest son . . . who has also been captured.”

Aidan paused and peered at the town’s ruins again, before turning back to the soldier. “Who took them hostage? What exactly happened here?”

The soldier shivered. “A dragon, sire. The beast came and attacked our town two nights ago. But as we assembled to fight back, a legion of armored men in black besieged us. We fought valiantly. I swear. But we stood no chance against both forces.”

“And where are these black-armored raiders now?” asked Aidan. “Do you mean to say they were in league with those creatures?”

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