War of Wolves: Part 1

In an instant, Zora Agreeva's world shattered. When the wolves came for her village, she fled into the night, watching everything she ever knew or loved burn behind her. Lost and frightened, she stumbled through the forest, sure she would die, until a chance encounter changed her life…

Torvin is a man with few equals. Strong and steady, he is a son of the forest, his past shrouded in mystery. When he shelters Zora from the danger that follows her, he is drawn to a treacherous path, where old enemies lie in wait, and destiny calls…

Approximate length: 10,200 words (a novella)

Part one of a series

Excerpt:

Zora finally relented slightly, pulling back the staff so she could lean heavily upon it, the tension of his sudden arrival dissipating. She nodded slowly. 'Both. My village was attacked two days ago.'

He kept his distance, respectfully, but nodded back at her, understanding in his eyes. 'I though that I saw smoke in the distance. That explains it.' He removed a wineskin from his belt, and offered it to her. Seeing her regard it warily, he explained that it carried water. Approaching cautiously, he held it outstretched, and she took it from him. Zora hadn't had anything to drink since the day before when she'd found the stream; the cool drops on her tongue felt like heaven. She finished the whole thing quickly, handing it back with an apology and a chastised look. The stranger assured her it was no problem.

His eyes took in her ample frame once more. 'My name is Torvin.' She introduced herself in turn. He inclined his head towards her in a gesture of greeting, and turned to replace the wineskin on his belt. 'So Zora, who attacked your village?'

She shook her head. 'I do not know what they were. Great black skinned beasts, like men but...'

His head whipped around, his long locks dancing in the air. His eyes focused upon her, and one word passed his lips.

'Wolfkind?'

Zora stared at him uncomprehendingly, unfamiliar with the word. His mannerisms had changed in an instant; he paid her little attention, his eyes scanning the forest around them for any threat. His hands were suddenly upon the hilt of his sword, and he spoke without looking at her. 'Were you followed?'