The Dance of the Blacksmith and the Huntress: Book 3 of the Dance of the Blacksmith and the Huntress: The Dance of the Blacksmith and the Huntress, #3

By Paul Willson

From the author of the 5* rate "The Demon and The Raven" and the epic "The Fall of Cadoria" comes the Anthology edition of The Blacksmith and The Huntress series.

In a world where catarans fight to keep the worlds of humans and monsters apart, two rise to be perhaps the greatest of them all, Doyle, The Blacksmith, and Ophelia, The Huntress. Their exploits fighting the monsters that roam the farmlands around the town of Frieden inspire many stories but they are only half their story.

Their story is one of triumph over adversity, overcoming the physical and mental scars that their lives afflict on them but most of all romance. Their romance is one of a dance, dancing around each other but never having the courage to confess the love they feel for each other.

Can they finally express their love or will their feelings for each other remain unfulfilled?

Their heartbreaking romance is now compiled in this anthology edition.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Willson Fantasy
• Release date: Oct 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223402800

Paul Willson

Paul Willson is a fantasy writer with five published books. He began writing after being made redundant from his IT job during the Covid pandemic. This was short stories at first then he began attempting longer fantasy novellas. It was then that the fantasy action romance, "The Dance of The Blacksmith and The Huntress," trilogy was born and Ophelia and Doyle began their eternal dance. Not long afterwards, "The Demon and The Raven," come to fruition which has received 5* ratings on Amazon. This year his first full-length fantasy book, and the first book in the "Gods and Runes series", "The Fall of Cadoria" was released.  

Book preview

Prologue

Eagle with solid fill

Sara was struggling. She walked the trail several times, but she still couldn’t find the inspiration to finish her grandparents’ story. She loved them so much, but her words just wouldn’t do their story justice. She couldn’t find the words that were adequate enough to show the world how much they loved each other. The right words just wouldn’t come to her. She was under pressure as the deadline approached. The first two books gave an official account of their early lives written by someone who knew them, and who loved them, but people would want an end to the story and the city government wanted to give them one. The last story would ensure their story would live on forever. It had to be perfect.

Sara only knew them as Grandmama and Grandpapa. She remembered Grandpapa sweeping her up as a little girl in his still-strong arms. She loved it when he did that. He could carry all four grandchildren nearly to the end of his life, two in his arms and two around his neck. She remembered the sun flashing from Grandmama’s green eye as she told her she could be whatever she wanted. At night the moonlight would shine off her white eye as she danced close with her Grandpapa as she did since before her mother was born. If they stayed over, they would all listen to the exciting stories of their grandparents' lives at bedtime giving them vivid dreams of days gone by.

She had walked around the city centre seeing their statues everywhere. The balcony where they danced, outside The Huntress Hotel, which used to be the tavern Grandmama used to own, where Grandpapa is wistfully watching Grandmama as he walks by. She felt she was close but there was nothing. The words just weren’t there.

There was a knock at the door. An elderly lady was standing there. It was her mother’s Aunt Helena. Even though Sara’s mother moved away Aunt Helena still visited. Aunt Helena wasn’t her mother’s real aunt, she was her grandmama’s former student and a legendary ex-cateran who became one of her grandmama’s closest friends. Sara thought that Aunt Helena liked to keep in touch with her grandparents as she was such a good friend and still idolised her Grandmama.

Sara embraced Aunt Helena as she walked inside.

How are you, Aunt Helena? Sara asked.

You know, getting old. Not as young as I used to be. I can’t complain too much, I still have my health. She replied with a wistful smile. It is so busy here now. I remember when this house was on the edge of a small town. Now it is in the centre of a big city. I’m glad it is still with Doyle’s and Ophelia’s family though, she added warmly.

Sara moved in when her mother, Ursula, moved out. It was a good family home. Always had been and always would be despite its age.

Sara took Aunt Helena to the kitchen and made them both a hot drink.

And how are you dear, on your own? How are the children without their father? Aunt Helena asked with concern. Sara’s husband died young. She had to sell the house they had together, this was why Sara now lived in her grandparents’ house.

The children are doing well. They are doing well in school. They miss their father as do, but we are close and helping each other, Sara said holding back her tears.

And you? It must be hard raising two children by yourself.

The children make it easy. We have the odd moment, but we are as happy as can be expected.

But you look stressed.

Sara sighed. Aunt Helena being here might be the answer Sara needed. Sara had been to the Temple of Drethia earlier and maybe the goddess had heard her prayers. It was also so easy for Sara to talk to Aunt Helena about her problems.

I’m having problems finishing my grandparents’ story. The city wants it as soon as possible but I just can’t find the words to finish it. It must be perfect. Sara told Aunt Helena everything even how she prayed to the Goddess Drethia for help. She was desperate. Aunt Helena listened intently,

The Goddess Drethia seems to have an affinity with your family, Aunt Helena said after Sara finished telling her problems, despite not living in the temple for decades her faith in the goddess was still strong. It seems like you have all the pieces, but you need help putting them together. I will tell you the story of how they finally got together because myself, Begonia, Lily, and Fleur had no small part in helping them. In fact, without us, they probably would never have.

What do you mean? Sara asked curiously.

Those two were so stubborn. It was obvious to the world how they felt about each other but neither of them could see past their scars. They thought the world thought that they were hideous and neither of them could be loved. Their injuries inside were the deepest and most severe of all. Ophelia was so lively and beautiful but strong-willed. Doyle was rugged and strong but dependable. They needed each other. Aunt Helena paused as she got over her exasperation. Even now after all these years, even after Sara’s Grandpapa and Grandmama passed on Aunt Helena was still frustrated with them. Sara gave a little laugh. She always enjoyed talking to Aunt Helena.

I suppose I will start from what you know. How Doyle would pass Ophelia every day, admiring her but never approaching her,

Sara got a pencil and notebook and waited attentively as Aunt Helena began her story.

Chapter 1

Eagle with solid fill

Doyle walked from his blacksmith shop to Freeman Square as he usually did every day on his way home. He could see all the new caterans sparring. He could hear the shouts and the clash of steel on steel before he even reached the square. It was not uncommon for retired caterans to walk past there and watch the new generation train and give advice where necessary and