A young girl – armed with a talking shield and flaming sword – is thrust into a twisting fantasy adventure that will challenge and upend every ritual and ruler she’s ever known.
The Story of The Path
Rae, a young member of the Kípos servant caste, witnesses her brother's murder at the hands of their master. A magical messenger approaches her as she mourns; he brings with him the promise of adventure. Seeking a respite from her agony, Rae accepts. A talking bulwark, a flaming sword, and a mysterious nature-attuned friend eventually join her on her quest. Together, they navigate catacombs, enemy villages, underground prisons, and lies of the powerful.
Ideal or those who enjoy "Shadow and Bone," "The Hobbit," the "King Chronicle" series, and other great fantasy books.
17,000 word novella, 20 hand-drawn illustrations
Available as:Hardcover (hardback) $19.99 Add to Cart
Softcover (paperback) Storybook + Coloring Book $14.99 Add to Cart
Illustration Gallery
The Characters
Rae
Rae is a Grounder, a noncitizen laborer of Kípos. She, along with her brother Odio grew up in service to a kingdom they could never be a part of. Rae is tough, clever, loyal, and a true-believer of Zoogónos and his servant – the warrior-king Séftis.
Zoogónos
Zoogónos – the Gardener – was an elemental guardian of all Ágrios. He walked a never-ending path around his world, bringing life to every piece of ground he trod. A few hundred years ago, he vanished ... and Séftis appeared.
Odio
Odio was Rae’s brother, and a fellow Grounder. He was viciously protective of his sister and stubborn to a fault. After falling ill, Odío was mercilessly slain by Rayvinn – the keeper of the Grounders – in front of Rae.
The Moon Shield
The Moon Shield is more than a mere bulwark. Crafted by the Smith, the Moon Shield is a wise but irritable companion to protector of Zoogónos and Leafwing, the Messenger.
Leafwing
Leafwing, the Messenger, is the constant companion and harbinger of Zoogónos. He carries messages of love and need to his master, and glides ahead of the Gardener, ensuring the path ahead is safe and finding areas of greatest need.
The Smith
Little is known of the Smith, aside from his fervent devotion to the protection of the Gardener and his path. Many believe he crafted the fabled Moon Shield and Sun Shield from shards remaining from the Seed of Creation.
Erótisi
Erótisi is an ally and ambassador for the Humus, a race usually called “Kalli” by humans. There is something more to Erótisi, though. Their voice transcends words, and brings thoughtfulness to humans and “beasts” of Ágrios alike.
Rayvinn
Once a citizen of Kípos, Rayvinn now presides over the army of Grounders living beneath the walls of Kípos. She lacks compassion or compunction, but is a calculating and capable leader.