Monday, April 20, 2026

An excerpt from Hand of Fate

 




Fang growled, "I have fought for my own, as well! You think I like to kill, but you are wrong. I want to fight, because there are enemies. I am a warrior, but I am not a beast! Goblins do not understand. They attack from behind. We march into battle! The enemy sees us coming, so we must fight with fury."

Slither scowled. "Orcs are loud and obvious. We strike when the enemy is unawares. But we still die, just like you. I have lost many friends on the field of battle."

"Then, you should understand why I want to return. There are enemies to fight, and my people need me. You are needed, too."

The goblin grew frustrated. "You have always seen me as smaller and weaker. So, what makes you think I can make a difference?"

Fang looked right at him. "When, we were young, you convinced me to help our fathers. I did not want to do it. So, you told me you would do it alone. Now, it is my turn. If you will not return to the war with me, I will go alone." And with that, he turned to leave.

Slither paused, and then said, "Wait."

The orc stopped, and turned to look at him.

"We have fought the humans before. Our numbers are of little use."

Fang walked right up to him. "We will not return as warriors, but as Chiefs."

"You, a leader?"

The orc smirked, "You followed me." Slither was about to speak, but Fang held up a hand. "I know the Shades will follow you. We are heroes." He gestured all around. "Look at how they revere us. We will show them we deserve it. And we must use it as a weapon against our enemies."

Slither bowed his head. "I do not want to be a hero."

Fang assured, "What we want does not matter. We can make things better. We have done it before."

"Does Clar know about this?"

The orc chuckled. "Can I keep secrets from her? She knows, and she is not happy about it."

"Gishin will not like this. She will blame you."

Fang shrugged.

Slither turned to look at the orchard, as if for the last time.

The orc just stood there, waiting.

"What if we offer to be Chiefs and they refuse?"

Fang grinned. "We will convince them."


Hand of Fate is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2SM81S