Knightly Dispute: Lokaran Knights, #3

By Anne Adair

Gryshen, a formidable mage knight, finds himself compelled to protect the seemingly defenseless Prysthia whose disappearance sets in motion a riveting quest against time and unknown dangers​​.

Their journey takes a dramatic turn when an avalanche traps them in pitch-black darkness, setting the stage for a forced proximity that ignites unspoken feelings and reveals hidden magic​​. The power of Prysthia's concealed abilities is as surprising as it is formidable, challenging everything she's been led to believe about herself and her place in the world​​.

In this forced closeness, the pair confront their deepest fears and desires, leading to heartfelt revelations and an undeniable bond.

"Knightly Dispute" is a mesmerizing blend of fantasy, romance, and a touch of humor. It's a tale for those who relish a world where magic and love intertwine, creating a romance that is as thrilling as it is tender. This book promises an escape into a world where love overcomes all obstacles, and where the true magic lies in the heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spanielhill Publishing
• Release date: Jan 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224634552

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

On a busy street in the center of the town of Firan, sits a shop like no other. For in that shop is something that has caused my friend and brother-in-arms to stop the nomadic life most mage knights usually lead and put down roots. He still attends to his duties and joins us on missions, but his heart and home are now in this town.

I have made several quick visits to this town to gather my teammates or to deliver a message. But now, I study it.

Firan is a well-laid, defensible place. Ancient bendhar trees sit like guardian sentinels on the outskirts preventing anyone from having a direct line of sight into town. I look up. Yes, there in the corner is a tower for watching out past the trees.

There is no wall around the town. But the tightly packed stone buildings may as well be considered one. They only allow entry by a few street archways between buildings.

The cobblestone streets are well-maintained and could allow for quick maneuvering during skirmishes. A marketplace within a few steps of where I enter the town provides an easy way to monitor the comings and goings through the archway. I see several merchants give me an accessing glance. I nod in acknowledgment as I make my way past. If I ever were granted the luxury of settling down, this town could be a good place.

The tantalizing aroma of fresh-baked Krisgra loaves makes my mouth water. It has been weeks since I ate anything other than what I cooked over a campfire. I detour to the bakery. Like many of the shops, the front is decorated by climbing vines. The abundance of flowers among the leaves will give off a pleasant glow after dark. My mother had those same vines grow up the side of her cottage. I smile at the reminder of how happy my parents were together. If only….

No. I shake my head to dispel the wishful thought before it can make me melancholy. I have my brothers-in-arm as my family now. Wishing for more will not make it so.

I inhale the delicious aroma of baked bread and enter the shop’s open doorway. As I step in, I duck slightly to avoid hitting my head on the doorframe. The bell over the door drags on my shoulder, and when it’s free, jingles softly, announcing my entrance. I can almost taste the blend of spices and warm dough in the air. Racks of freshly baked bread, tarts, and pastries line the walls, a testament to the skill of the baker and an invitation to indulge.

A handful of patrons look up from their selections. I catch the flicker of surprise, then caution, in their eyes as they take in my size and heavy leather armor.

A young woman stands behind the counter moving a basket of rolls from a shelf to the countertop. Her dark hair is neatly braided though whisps have escaped and curled around her face. I surmise she is the baker by the flour staining the front of her dark green apron.

She looks up, eyes widen momentarily but then, to her credit, she recovers swiftly to having a large, armored man in her shop.

Good day, sir, she greets, her voice steady but tinged with a note of curiosity. May I help you find something?

Her professional demeanor eases some of the tension in the room. I see the other customers slowly resume their activities, albeit with occasional glances thrown in my direction. It is a scene with which I am familiar. The cautionary and sometimes fearful reaction of townsfolk rarely changes regardless of the town or village I find myself in.

Good day, I return the greeting, forcing cheerfulness into my deep voice. Two loaves of Krisgra, if you please.

She reaches for the bread and sets the loaves on the counter. Traveling far? she asks.

"Just arrived, actually. Considering staying