The Metalist's Journey: The Metalist's Journey, #0.5

By KD Lumsden

Irwin had always disappointed his father, but this will be the last time.

 

Kobiton is a city that welcomes most. But people with Talents, secret powers, must watch their step.

 

After descending the mountain with their monthly cache of coal, Samuel 'Irwin' Miner and his father, Albert, have come to deliver their goods and purchase a night to remember at the Hairy Yak Saloon. They enjoy whiskey and meals, and select their women, but Irwin cannot commit to this expectation his father has placed on him. Saryh understands this and acknowledges Irwin's true identity. She supports his courage and his decision. A decision his father refuses to accept.

 

As Irwin embraces his true self, he grapples with his father's inner demons and confronts societal norms.

 

This LGBTQ Free Fantasy novella explores acceptance, self-discovery, and the bonds that transcend difference.

 

Tropes: Noblebright Fantasy, Found Family, High Action, High Stakes, High Fantasy, Morally Grey Characters, Diverse Story, Queer MC, Coming Out, Coming of Age, LGBTQ+ Fantasy, No Romance, Magical Fantasy, Gay Fantasy, Queer Fantasy, Shifter Fantasy, New Adult, Hero's Quest, Hero's Journey, Fast Paced, Non-Romantic, Single POV, Sword and Sorcery, Thrilling

Triggers: mentions of abuse, neglect, sodomy, rape, murder

• Language: English
• Publisher: KD Lumsden
• Release date: Aug 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781959679042

Book preview

The Metalist's Journey

Prologue to Secrets of Urthis

KD Lumsden

A KD Lumsden Production

THE METALIST'S JOURNEY, is the Prologue to The Metalist's Journey, Book 1, Secrets of Urthis, 2023 Copyright © KD Lumsden.

Edited by Camille Cole.

Cover and Internal Design by © 2023 KD Lumsden.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. All Characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

This book is published in the United States and Internationally by KD Lumsden.

ISBN

EPUB: 978-1-959679-04-2

www.KDLumsden.com

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Contents

1.Hairy Yak Saloon

2.Saryh

3.Not a Disappointment

4.Miscreants

About KD Lumsden

Also BY

5.Iron Irwin

1

Hairy Yak Saloon

Like a wild boar on the kill, Irwin’s father, Albert, raced through the streets of Kobiton. Irwin hurried to keep up. If he did not, there would be hell to pay. They had come down from their mine at the top of the mountain early that morning. Once they delivered their monthly cache of coal, they then purchased provisions for the next month. Soon after, Albert hurried to get to the Hairy Yak Saloon. A mean son-of-a-bitch, he had a history of turning into a crazed monster when he was in town. It was obvious to Irwin that his father was ready for his whisky and a good hot meal.

They passed a forge where a smithy banged hot metal into shape. Irwin became dizzy—his world spun from the vertigo he suddenly felt. He noticed Albert’s molten gold eyes glaring at the forge. A chorus of metal vibrations echoed through Irwin’s body, slowing him down—confusing him. He struggled to ignore the humming in his ears and tried to keep up with his father. He wished he were home in their peaceful cave.

They wove through the colorful streets and crowded alleyways of the city of Kobiton. The lay of the township followed the mountainous terrain along a gentle slope on the western side of the KruKluver Mountain Range—a peaceful place, full of kindly looking people.

For many years, Irwin’s family had mined coal for this small city. Albert usually brought the coal by himself to the same dealer every moon cycle—trekked down steep slopes, sometimes during horrendous white-outs. On this day Irwin had joined the monthly journey. Their load of coal brought them five pounds of silver. Three pounds would feed the donkeys—Jennies and Jacks—the rest would feed them. His father always made haste to the Saloon before returning to their cave. Usually, he bought a half-cask of whiskey and a meal before leaving. But tonight they would spend the night at the Saloon.

Irwin and Albert entered the Hairy Yak; the door swung shut behind them. Irwin held back. A stout middle-aged woman behind the bar’s long oak countertop watched the two mountain men. Her hair was braided and pinned around her head. Irwin nodded toward her and then chased after Albert who was heading toward his favorite table.

They took seats on two wooden chairs that Albert had scraped noisily across the floor. He ordered the same meal and drink he did every time. Irwin kept an eye on him. Albert’s behavior could change like a winter storm coming from the north at any time. The whiskey helped calm him, but not much.

An older woman shuffled toward the piano in the back of the room. Her fingers raced across the keys, and the melody soothed Irwin, soothed the