Resurrection: The Raven Bringer Saga, #1

By C. A. McHugh

For nearly fifteen years, the people of Elgeus have believed the Raven Bringer was dead, the chaos and destruction of his reign a distant memory.

They were wrong.

Now he’s returned, intent on finishing what he started, beginning with the assassination of the young king.

And this time, he’s not alone.

It’s up to a disgraced knight and a semi-reformed thief to save the king, but in doing so, they risk exposing themselves to the executioner’s ax. And even if they succeed, will it be enough to pardon them from their pasts?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crista McHugh
• Release date: Jul 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781940559353

Book preview

Resurrection

The Raven Bringer Saga, Book 1

by C. A. McHugh

Resurrection

Sir Ceryst of Klone clung to the shadows covering the rooftop as the royal procession passed through the streets below. It was the first official day of summer, yet the air carried an unnatural chill that prickled his skin with gooseflesh and wove a cage of ice around his heart.

Are you certain about this? he asked, even though every fiber of his being was on edge.

Absolutely, Raimel replied with uncharacteristic seriousness. He broke his attention away from their target below. The setting sun flashed in his eyes, turning the inky pupils blood red. I may not know everything, but I’m certain about what’s out there.

Ceryst suppressed the shudder welling up inside him from the reminder of his friend’s inhumanity. Raimel may not have been able to control the creature that sired him, but he usually could keep that part of his nature suppressed.

Usually.

For the last fourteen years, Raimel had been his annoying, happy-go-lucky companion, but when he’d awakened in a cold sweat this morning, his demeanor had changed. Instead of tripping along with his usual lanky grace, Raimel moved with the swift silence of a trained assassin, every movement fluid and purposeful. He hadn’t seen him act this way since the Battle of Innishmore.

Just one more reason to be on edge.

And one more reason to believe the outrageous claim Raimel had made.

He crossed in front of Ceryst and got as close to the roof’s edge as he dared. I see Aerrin.

As if that were something difficult to do, he muttered from his position further back. The boy is surrounded by guards.

So was his father.

The reply wasn’t meant to be an accusatory barb, yet Ceryst still winced from the memory. As the Knight Protector, he’d been charged with guarding the lives of the royal family.

And he’d failed.

Regret coursed through his veins, followed by a steely resolve. He may have failed Brendon and Liera, but he still upheld his vow to protect their son. For fourteen years, he’d watched from the shadows, knowing he’d face certain death if someone recognized his face. The kingdom may have blamed him for the murders of the prior king and queen, but he refused to stray from his duty.

Another gust of wind swirled around them, and Raimel stiffened. He sniffed the air. Do you smell that?

Ceryst drew in a deep breath. The unmistakable twangs of fire and sulfur burned his nostrils. Brimstone.

I told you there were demons nearby. Raimel dashed forward like a gazelle, clearing the space between buildings in an elegant leap. He stopped and turned back. Are you coming?

The knight rose from the crouch he’d maintained for the last twenty minutes, his knees protesting the movement, and jumped across the gap. By the time he caught up to Raimel, the stiffness in his muscles had melted away. What next?

Don’t know.

You’re the one who had the vision.

Raimel gave a half-laugh. You make it sound like having your mind filled with gory images by the Raven Bringer is some sort of blessing.

In Aerrin’s case, it might have been. He spied the young king in the crowd, and his chest tightened. The boy looked so much like his father. He warned us.

Or he could be luring us into a trap so he can strike at Aerrin without fear.

He’d have to take out Master Binnius first. The mage was considered to be one of the most powerful wizards in the history of Elgeus, and he was never far away from the king. Even now, the old man rode alongside

Reviews for Resurrection

[montzaleew · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great prequel!Resurrection by C.A. McHugh is a prequel that had me hooked on page one! Knight, mages, evil, and a guy that he more than he appears. He is on the side of good but battles an evil inside, a darkness, and he can talk to the evil Raven Bringer.... so cool! I have the next book already!