“You never left?” Mari sounded skeptical.
“No, I did, right after the treaty was signed. But I couldn’t leave the Three Kingdoms behind. I returned two moons ago.”
“By yourself?”
Koji nodded. “You’re doing well?”
Mari smiled. “Rebuilding has been a challenge, but we will become what we once were again. It will just take time.”
The girl, who’d only been paying half-attention to her mother, began running all over the viewpoint. “Asa, stop that!” Mari snapped.
Koji gave Mari a look. She shrugged. “I couldn’t think of any better way to honor her memory.”
Koji nodded. “She would be pleased, I think.”
They stood in silence for some time, looking out over the valley. “So, what will you do?” asked Mari.
“I’m not sure. Wander. Explore. Help however I can.”
“You’ll be hunted. Especially as the new students get older.”
Koji nodded again. “I know.”
Mari laughed. “It is good to see you again. But I should get going.” She paused as she picked little Asa up. “Will I ever see you again?”
Koji shook his head sadly. “I don’t think so.”
It looked like she’d expected that answer. “Take care, Koji. Wherever life may lead you.”
Koji bowed deeply. “It has, as always, been an honor, Lady Mari. Farewell.”
Mari turned and left, and Koji returned to looking out over the Northern Kingdom, spread out before him. He could go anywhere, and eventually, he would. But for now he rested, enjoying the view, basking in the last rays of sunlight before evening fell.
He looked toward the north, where Highgate and the island of the blades stood. This land wasn’t ready for them now, but someday, in the future, it would be.
Someday, the blades would return.
Want more fantasy?
As always, thank you so much for reading this book. I had a tremendous amount of fun returning to the world of Nightblade, and I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey as well.
This trilogy is a prequel to a series I wrote several years ago. If these books have been your first foray into the world of Nightblade, I’d recommend you check out the original trilogy, which starts with Nightblade.
Nightblade
If you’ve already read the original series but are looking for some more fantasy, might I recommend a book I wrote called Relentless Souls? It’s a standalone novel set in a new fantasy world, filled with fast-paced action.
Relentless Souls
Thank You
Before you take off, I really wanted to say thank you for taking the time to read my work. Being able to write stories for a living is one of the greatest gifts I’ve been given, and it wouldn’t be possible without readers.
So thank you.
Also, it’s almost impossible to overstate how important reviews are for authors in this age of internet bookstores. If you enjoyed this book, it would mean the world to me if you could take the time to leave a review wherever you purchased this book.
And finally, if you really enjoyed this book and want to hear more from me, I’d encourage you to sign up for my emails. I don’t send them too often - usually only once or twice a month at most, but they are the best place to learn about free giveaways, contests, sales, and more.
I sometimes also send out surprise short stories, absolutely free, that expand the fantasy worlds I’ve built. If you’re interested, please go to https://www.waterstonemedia.net/newsletter/.
Ryan
Also by Ryan Kirk
The Nightblade Series
Nightblade
World’s Edge
The Wind and the Void
Blades of the Fallen
Nightblade’s Vengeance
Nightblade’s Honor
Nightblade’s End
Standalone Novel
Relentless Souls
The Primal Series
Primal Dawn
Primal Darkness
Primal Destiny
Primal Trilogy
The Code Series
Code of Vengeance
Code of Pride
Code of Justice
About the Author
Ryan Kirk is the bestselling author of the Nightblade series of books. When he isn’t writing, you can probably find him playing disc golf or hiking through the woods.
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