Prelude

By K R Schultz

The Songs of Aarda is an epic fantasy series that explores the conflict among three species of humanity-the nature-revering Abrhaani, the warlike Eniila, and the mysterious vanished Sokai. At the story's heart are Rehaak, an Abrhaani scholar seeking an ancient text called the Aetheriad, and Laakea, a young Eniila raised in the Abrhaani lands who becomes involved in Rehaak's quest.

Rehaak has spent decades exploring libraries and ruins for clues about the Aetheriad. He is driven by a recurring childhood nightmare of a dark, evil entity that only retreats when he cries out to "the Creator." His search brings him to the bustling capital of Narragan, where he tries warning people of an impending apocalyptic threat but is branded a heretic and exiled. Lost and hopeless, Rehaak encounters the gruff yet kind-hearted mithun drover Isil, who shares her past abuse at the hands of a Dark Ones cult.

Meanwhile, Laakea is a talented young Eniila warrior whose strict upbringing under his father Aelfric's brutal guidance has left him bitter and insecure. When Laakea curses his father during a moment of grief over his dying mother, Shelhera, he flees into the wilderness to escape the Eniila code demanding a duel to the death. Weakened from hypothermia, Laakea is rescued by Rehaak and taken to his forest sanctuary, where they form an unlikely friendship.
As Rehaak and Laakea's paths intersect, they uncover a conspiracy led by the followers of the Dark Ones, who seek the elimination of the Eniila and the Creator's remaining believers. Isil's revelations about her past involvement with the cult provide crucial information. In contrast, Laakea's mystical connection with the legendary ehlbringa metal could hold the key to forging weapons capable of defeating the Dark Ones' minions.

Haunted by his own failures, Rehaak struggles with self-doubt, but Laakea's unwavering loyalty keeps Rehaak going, despite the mortal danger. Laakea, in turn, must confront his violent impulses and the shame of his broken family ties. Hoping to regain his honor, he swears a Sword Oath to protect Rehaak and another to defend Aarda for the Creator.
As the trio delves deeper into the mystery, they discover that Aarda's three species were once united. The Sokai acted as a bridge between the Eniila and Abrhaani until a catastrophic event called the "Sundering of Brothers" tore them apart. The Dark Ones' followers, led by the charismatic yet corrupt Voerkett, exploit these ancient divisions to destroy the last remnants of the Creator's faithful followers. This will pave the way for their dark master Ashd'eravaak to take physical form and reign over a subjugated Aarda.

In a pivotal moment, Laakea enters the Creator's mystical forge, emerging with divine weapons of Truth, Justice, and Righteousness to protect his new family and the world from darkness. As Rehaak and Laakea prepare to face their enemies, Aelfric, Laakea's bitter father, begins his own journey of redemption. He is determined to reclaim his position and seek vengeance on those who wronged him.

With the stage set for an epic battle between the forces of light and darkness, The Songs of Aarda promises an expansive fantasy saga. It explores timeless themes of faith, family, and the cost of power, set in a richly imagined world on the verge of cataclysmic change.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1466303581
• ISBN13: 9781466303584
• Release Date: October 2019
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 322 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.0" x 8.0"