Simus focused behind the man, trying to let his anger go with the wind. “The Eldest Elder Hail Storm has decreed that all shall pull back, out of sight and sound of the Heart.” “I say again,” the warrior-priest said, his eyes as dark as Simus’s own skin. They’d no love for the warrior-priests, either.

His warriors, gathered behind him, shifted in their saddles, muttering darkly, no doubt fingering the hilts of their swords. Simus seethed, holding his temper in check. He’d offered no name, no token, no courtesy. Nothing marked him from his fellows except a long scar that ran along the side of his face, puckering the corner of his lip. His hair hung in long, matted braids his face, neck, and chest were covered with swirling red, green, black, and brown tattoos.

Instead, he eased back in his saddle, took a long, deep breath of the sweet air of the Plains, and let his glare sweep down over the bragnect before him. It took everything Simus had not to plunge his sword into the chest of the arrogant warrior-priest who barred his way.īut that had been the exact mistake that Keir of the Cat had made when he had conquered Xy, hadn’t it. Who, in the fashion of a zen master, asked ‘Why do you write?’ and Whose wit, words and wisdom have guided me more than he can ever know “Unusual and thoroughly enjoyable.”-Booklist “The most entertaining book I’ve read all year.”-All About Romance “Warprize is possibly the best romantic fantasy I have ever read.”-Anne McCaffrey

Praise for The Chronicles of The Warlands Can Simus face the challenge of trusting Snowfall with his honor? And perhaps…with his heart? The warrior-priests have abused their power for many years. Snowfall fights for her place beside Simus, despite resistance from friend and foe. Now Simus and Snowfall must solve the mystery of the pillar of white light, and protect their people from all the destruction and chaos it brings. Her knives are sharp, her tattoos alluring, and her cool grey eyes can look through Simus and see…everything. Now a warrior-priestess, Snowfall, stands before Simus, who dares to speak of peace, of reconciliation. For on the first night of the Challenges, a mysterious and deadly pillar of white light scorches the night sky-instantly changing everything for the People of the Plains. But his deadliest challenge does not come from other warriors, or even the sundered Council of Elders.

For Simus of the Hawk, now is the time to raise his challenge banner, to fight for the chance to finally become Warlord. Spring returns to the Plains, and with it, the Time of the Challenges, when warrior fights warrior in a contest for rank and status.

Warlord elizabeth vaughan read online