More from Song and Sword, the first novel I published, since I’m working on a sequel and need the motivation. This follows immediately after last week’s snippet.
Skipping ahead just a bit from last week. Dakkas aided the Humans in their hunt and has been invited to share their meal.
As they started back to the tribe’s camp, Dakkas could not help but wonder what his father would have to say about this. Joining with Humans for food? Drow did not mix with other races.
And that, Dakkas thought, was part of the problem. Centuries – generations – of isolationism had not improved the Drows’ lot: in fact, it seemed to him that it had only made it worse. There was fear, hatred, and mistrust on both sides of the border, and he was fool enough (according to his father) to believe that it could change.
“So, where do you come from, stranger?” one asked. “We don’t meet many Elves.”
“I’m not an Elf,” Dakkas replied, feeling a sudden tension.
“You sure look like one,” one of them said.
“I’m a Drow,” Dakkas said, preparing to signal Rebel to fight – or flee.
“Drow?” The leader frowned, looking up at him. “What are you doing down here? We’ve never had any trouble with your kind.”
“And I hope there is no trouble now,” Dakkas replied quietly. “I was merely patrolling our borders, and grew curious. And lonely.”
The Human nodded. “I am Thanor, son of the chief, and I bid you welcome at our fires.”
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?
Available for Kindle at Amazon
and at Smashwords for everything else
Novel Notes 
Well, that seems like a warm welcome.
And so hope may bloom for change! (Though I know what’s coming…)
I like it – anxious tension and then relief.
Yay! This could be pleasant.
Off to a good start, let’s hope things continue to be so friendly. Enjoyed the excerpt!
Hope things continue to go well. Great snippet.
So far so good. Hope it continues.
Good start at keeping things friendly. Hope it stays that way for Dakkas’ sake.
I’m glad that didn’t end in violence. Nice snippet. :)