FirstBlades‘ Honor (Canticle of the Blades, #1)

The peace of the elven forests of Oberlon Ward is shattered, forever altering the lives of the Princess Ahlana and the orphan boy, Khalyn, setting their feet on the path to destiny. For Ahlana, an Heir of the long-lost Throne of DragynFord, she awaits for word that it is now safe for her to return to her father and people in the far north. She now finds her steps directed towards the knightly Order of Eleision, whose broken oaths to her House in part led to its downfall and the loss of the magical talisman, the Stargem. Her life endangered at every turn, she must rely upon those now entrusted with her protection. For Khalyn, orphaned as a child when orcs raided his village, he is now truly alone. His brother and elven family slain, his only inheritance two swords of ancient make, he follows the Heirs of DragynFord to Angarin for a new chance at life. He will find that the life of a squire is not all that it seems, and he must find the courage to persevere through the trials ahead. For Sir Tarek, Lord of Angarin and Knight of Eleision, the arrival of Ahlana and Khalyn brings hope of restored honor to a House disgraced by treason, and emnity between the Lord of Angarin and the Grand Master of the Knights of Eleision. For Korwyn FirstBlade and his wife, Liara, powerful DragonLords of a previous Age, ancient covenants sworn upon blades of steel and dragonsilver bind them and their remaining family to the two youths now in Lord Tarek‘s care. It will take all of their power and wisdom to protect Princess Ahlana from the evil of the Dark Lady and her ForeSworn. And as for Gwyn, the indefatigable FirstBlade of Ahlana, he remains faithful and committed to his charge, his blade ready to thwart any threat at any cost directed towards his princess. The fate of nations hangs in the balance as the blood of ancient Houses stirs, flowing towards a destiny as yet unknown, the young to be blooded and tried, faced not only with their own survival, but that of kin, of kingdoms, and of the world of which they are a part. Ciaran Alexander King invites you to join him on this journey to the world of Alaria, a land of dragons and magic, of great deeds and terrible evil, and of honor and love that will determine a destiny thousands of years in the making, and which will bring either eternal salvation to the inhabitants of the earth, or everlasting torment. FirstBlades‘ Honor 574 pages