The Stonegate Sword
Author
Harry James Fox
Author Bio
Harry James Fox has ridden horseback over most of the places featured in his latest novel. Raised on a working cattle ranch, he has served as an Army intelligence officer, including a combat tour in Vietnam. He then spent a second career in natural resource management with the US Department of the Interior. He loves the outdoors, history, elk hunting and time with the grandkids. When not writing he likes to hike in the deserts of New Mexico.
Two of his books, including “The Stonegate Sword” were award-winning finalists in the International Book Awards.
Description
Imagine a future century after a collapse of civilization when the survivors have managed to climb back to a society similar to the middle ages. Now a new time of troubles now threatens. The free towns of the rugged mountains and plains are in the path of conquest. The Prophet’s armies are coming, filled with hatred and armed with terrible, rediscovered weapons. Donald of Fisher, outcast and alone, is in the path of the march, searching for Rachel, who has been captured by the Raiders-minions of the Prophet. But how can he find and rescue one small captive in a wilderness teeming with enemies? And even if he succeeds, should he wield his sword beside the tiny band of defenders? Is Donald to become yet another victim, or is he, just possibly, the deliverer promised in prophecy? What can one person do in the face of a war that will shape the future of a continent?
Book excerpt
Without further warning, with a shrill cry and a blast of horns, a black wave of men exploded from the dark woods below. Quickly fording the small stream, they loped across the narrow floor of the valley like a pack of wolves scenting a blooded prey.
Their numbers were many, at least twice, maybe three times the size of the defending force. The leaders slowed to a trot as the hill steepened. Don could see separate individuals clearly, as they voiced loud hoots and yells. The breeze carried a fetid smell ahead of them, a smell of rancid fat and unwashed bodies. Then a hush fell on both sides, with cracking bushes and slipping feet on gravel making the only sounds. The Stonegate archers began to harass the leaders with scattered shafts, but Don could see no effect.
As the enemy gained the last few steep yards, Don could clearly hear their hoarse breathing, like a hundred smithy bellows. The cling of metal against metal and the low buzz of curses made a grim undertone. His body quivered like a windswept aspen. His mouth was parched and dry, and he wished he had taken a drink earlier. Too late now, they were almost on him. . . .
“Out spears!” rang out the order, at last.
Reacting automatically, he thrust his spear forward over the shoulder to the swordsman to the front of him, just as he had been taught. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a steel-tipped thicket of spears spring full grown out of the line, three ranks deep. The first rank wielded sword or axe, the second, spear, and the third, missile weapons. The burly trooper to his front leaned toward the enemy. Don glanced down and saw the mail across his shoulder blades stretch tight as he raised his sword and shield. He had a hard time looking up, since it seemed so much safer to bend over and duck his head.
Something swished over his head and he realized that the rearmost ranks were casting stones (cheap, yet effective weapons) and javelins. He raised his head to see a wall of oval shields, some pained purple-black, others bright red, rise up before his eyes and slam with a loud crash into the waiting line. Don’s spear caught on one of the black shields for an instant, and then slipped off. But he was knocked back half a step by the impact. Don recovered and frantically thrust with all his strength, again and again. The enemy seemed to be trying to push them back by brute strength. Don concentrated less on pushing with his shield and tried to force the enemy defenses apart, to make an opening for the swordsman. The clanging filled his ears.
Author Website
http://www.foxwarepublishing.com
Best place to buy your book
http://www.amazon.com/Stonegate-Sword-Harry-James-Fox-ebook/dp/B00TBOLLPY/
