Derian Hettle

A seemingly simple task to protect his brother’s fledging business compels Derian, the young blade master, into an unavoidable confrontation that spins his life down an unexpected path. Despite his attempts to forge his own trail, Derian is forced to rely upon his nearly unrivaled skills with his blades to survive in the hostile land.

Derian’s destiny begins to hold promise as he is recruited into the ranks of the Kadamar Rangers who use steel, magic, and influence to enforce their perceived form of justice. He encounters his superior in swordsmanship and is engaged in honing his skills with the master Sulouw. There he also meets four other new and unlikely recruits, Goldy a roughish gambler, Centzy a cloistered bookworm, Pinztara a fierce woman of sun drenched Zanbia, and Hijara the spiritual leader of the plains people.

The tranquility of his new home is abruptly disturbed when the mighty Voluxians, practitioners of the forbidden magic, come calling and Derian has to make a difficult choice when his morality demands action but the Rangers have other plans, as do his teacher and his newly made friends.