More from Song and Sword, the first novel I published, since I’m working on a sequel and need the motivation. I’m skipping ahead quite a bit so I can introduce the other characters.
Dakkas watched her from the cover of the forest, just as he had for weeks, ever since the mountain passes had cleared and he had come down to patrol their borders at the edge of Human territory. He was captivated by her as he had never been by any other woman.
Her name, he knew, was Kashrya. He also knew that she was something of an outsider, even as he himself was. Dark eyes closed against the deep ache in his heart as he again wished for the courage to approach her.
But wishes were for the weak. The strong simply took what they wished for.
Dakkas sighed, his eyes again seeking her among the other young women. He was weak. He simply could not ride out and take her. It was what his father would have done, or his half-brother. It was what his father said a real Drow would do. But he could not.
Perhaps his father was right. Perhaps he was not fit to rule. Perhaps Jehadi, his older half-brother, the King’s favorite son, should succeed him on the throne. Dakkas shook his head; he knew all too well that the only reason that Jehadi was not the Heir Apparent was that Jehadi was the King’s bastard, and could take the throne only if there were no legitimate heirs. In fact, Dakkas was vaguely surprised that Jehadi – or their father – had not arranged his death before now.
Blurb:
Pashevel: a simple Elven Bard — and the Crown Prince
Marlia: a Paladin of Arithen, the Elven God of Justice – seeking vengeance for the destruction of her village
Dakkas: heir to the Drow throne — if his father and elder half-brother don’t kill him first
Kashrya: raised among a tribe of nomadic Humans, she is unaware of her true heritage — or of the prophecy that made her mother an outcast
Their goal: build a bridge between the Elves and their outcast brethren, the Drow, reuniting them and undoing the damage caused in a time so far gone that history has become legend and legend has become myth.
But first, they have a problem to solve: how do you stop a war that hasn’t started?
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Novel Notes 
Nice introduction, and the insight into the character so well written. Really enjoyed today’s snippet!
Terrific snippet and I loved the glimpse into his thoughts. I like him!
Fantastic snippet! I think he should find a way to make himself known to her in a nice way, as opposed to taking her.
Says the person who writes Armani? LOL
Ha, so true! :)
That last line sure is a downer. It also hints at troubles yet to come.
He’s living in a perilous situation, but I like him a lot.
Nice insight to his family and their feeling toward him. Enjoyed the snippet.
Wow, the dark thoughts he is going through. Now wonder he can’t go get the girl if he is putting himself under so much pressure. It must be terrible to fear for your life every time you go home and not knowing if their is a conspiracy for your head.
Quite compelling!