
A band of warriors from the distant citadel of Killorn sets out on a desperate pilgrimage to reclaim the resonant pipes of the gods—ancient instruments whose music can shape the fate of their world. Leading them is Bram the Red, a towering Heorran famed for his brutal strength and uncompromising will, while Kery, a lithe Broina swordsman, carries the hereditary duty of safeguarding the sacred pipe. Their march is a tapestry of battle and camaraderie, as they cut a swath through hostile terrain, hunting for supplies and carving out fleeting victories against rival towns.
After five years of relentless wandering across icy crags, wind‑swept moors and restless rivers, the ragtag force has grown into a caravan of families, tents, and children, slowing their once‑swift stride. Yet the looming shadows of Ryvan’s lands—where dusk forever hangs and rumors of an advancing army stir fear—press the travelers toward an uncertain showdown. The strain of endless travel and the promise of a home once more drive Kery and his companions onward, even as the darkness ahead threatens to eclipse their hopes.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (105K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2020-12-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1926–2001
A major voice in science fiction and fantasy, he paired big ideas with fast-moving adventure and helped shape the field across more than half a century. His stories range from hard science fiction and time travel to historical fantasy, with a gift for making vast worlds feel vivid and human.
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