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Drazkon the Defiant: Love Hurts, Vengeance Kills

by Zane A. Bastian

356 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #03-0650; ISBN 1-4120-0281-8; US$28.50, C$33.00, EUR23.50, £16.50

Opposed by those who question his love for a tiny fairy, and dealing vengeance to a seemingly unstoppable evil horde, the barbarian Drazkon raises his axe to defy them all!

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about the book      about the author      excerpts      catalogue info

About the Book When an evil warlord and his army take young Drazkon's family from him, two strangers rescue the orphan and vow to raise him. Aspen, the fleet-footed elf, and Exteri, a tiny fairy with a big heart, are these strangers. Aspen, taking on the full responsibility of the child, raises him as a child of the forest; and as Drazkon grew, so did Exteris' fondness for him. Being in such a sorrowful and hopeless situation, Exteri visits her mother, the eldest and wisest of the fairy kingdom, for advice. Exteris' mother tells her of a legend which sends her and her friends on a very long and dangerous quest, which upon completion would allow Exteri to take human form. With feelings of love mutual between the hulking barbarian and the tiny fairy, Drazkon and his friends set out on their grand adventure with high hopes of success. Along the way friendships grow stronger, as many dark and evil foes step forward to oppose the companions. Many new friends are acquired along the way; which suits Drazkon just fine, for to him this quest has two main goals; love and vengeance. The physical love he wished to share with Exteri, and the vengeance he vowed to bring upon the evil warlord Maxitor, and his murderous hoard!

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About the Author I was born in central Pennsylvania on May 29, 1972. Having always been interested in the world of fantasy writing, I started to put my thoughts down on paper with the hopes of creating something that others could enjoy as much as myself. Finally the images in my mind have indeed been put down on paper. Many more stories still roam around in my mind, and I hope to also put them into writing for others to read and enjoy. Other than a few small publications of my poetry, this is his first full novel that I have created. I hope for many to read it, and I hope even more that they enjoy the experience. Thank you.

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Excerpts

THE BRONDOLEARS

The sun hung high in the sky above, as the putrid smell of death and decay from "The Swamp of Shadows", invaded the nostrils of the cautiously approaching riders.

A large wagon full of fresh and not so fresh human corpses, and a catapult, could be seen by the swamps' edge. Aspen knew what it was from stories he had heard, but had never witnessed it himself. It was the "Brondolears"; the collectors of the dead.

The brondolears were paid by the leaders of the many surrounding towns and cities to travel from location to location, gathering those dead or dying from disease whom had no loved ones, also they would gather all those who were left dead or deathly wounded, on the battlefield after each battle. Those fortunate enough to have great respect on the battlefield were given proper burials; all others were sent to the swamp for their final resting place.

Even from a distance, Aspen and the others began gagging from the stench, trying very hard not to vomit. The annoying buzzing sound from the thousands of flies crawling on the rotting flesh, seemed to silence all else.

Several of the bodies near the top of the heap of blood and gore, still moved and screamed in anguish and despair. The sound sent chills up the riders' spines.

Drazkon followed by Ringo, vomited on the ground, unable to control their disgust. The brondolears, dressed in rusty and bloodstained armor, began unloading the wagon, heaving bodies and body parts, one by one into the huge hollowed out end of the catapult.

When the catapult was completely full of human remains, the group watched in disbelief, and disgust as the brondolears released the mechanism, which held the pile of carnage down, sending the unfortunate souls flying through the air and into "The Swamp of Shadows".

Entrails and bodies hung in the branches of the leafless trees, like a sign to all who dare to approach the great evil, which lived there in the swamp. Most of the bodies however landed far into the swamp, and now lay in the mud and slime, waiting to be devoured by the evil which lurks within the darkness. I can only hope that those who still live to be catapulted, are shown mercy in death from the fall. Said Aspen, as the brondolears reset the catapult for another load of carnage. And I only hope this is not a sign of things to come. Said Dingo almost in tears. I will do my best to make sure it is not my friend. Said Drazkon proudly, and sincerely. We question not your honor or bravery barbarian, you are a true defender, but I assure you this will be no easy task.

The buzzard which circled overhead, added to the ambiance as the group prepared, and planned for their trip through "The Swamp of Shadows".

FROM THE JAWS OF DEATH

The valiant woman bit and clawed as the vermin one by one took their turns with her until the raping and beatings left her but a ragged corpse on the dirt covered floor. The final two without mercy, took their turns even after death had come for her. When the shadowy figure was thoroughly convinced that none still lived in the tiny cottage; other than the soldiers; he turned to make his way through the forest in search of Exteri and the boy.

Quick as a cat and quiet as a mouse, through the forest he ran with great skill and dexterity; stopping behind a great oak, the figure listened intently. As he stealthy hid behind the tree, the crunching of leaves and snapping of twigs under the boys' feet could be heard echoing through the forest. The figure peered around the tree to the place of the sounds but to his surprise he saw only the boy, the fairy could not be located.

Aspen Oakenrift! He heard in a tiny voice from behind him just as an acorn tossed by Exteri struck him in the back of the head. Exteri!! There you are, the elven archer softly exclaimed.

BRAXX THE VETERAN

I buried your mother next to your father under the shade tree so that even in death they could be together. The grave-marker was my final gift to them Drazkon. As Drazkon approached he read the words on the metal marker that Braxx had created. On the marker was written; "Borvaxion & Luna, Forever Together". Drazkon fell to one knee and ran his fingers across the letters of his parents' names. The coldness of the sign sent chills up his spine and his heart filled with sorrow. Someday I hope to be as great a warrior as you were father. Drazkon began to speak. I am very lucky to say my father was Borvaxion "The Defender". Drazkon then stood and slowly stepped from the tree to a patch of wildflowers where he picked a huge handful of daises and placed them on his mothers' grave. I love you mother, I hope to make you proud someday. Then Drazkons' solemn look turned stern as his voice, powered by his huge heart, boomed.

On this day I promise to you mother and father, that Maxitor and his demon dogs shall pay for what they have done; somehow I will find a way to avenge your deaths, and the deaths of all the good and innocent people they have slaughtered! This I promise you.

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Catalogue Information

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