Book III:
The Road to Becoming

As yet untested in battle, Talymar has tried to convince himself that the life of a hearthguard was his destined life. Yet the White Hart had not come to him in some time, leaving him to doubt the path he had chosen. Fear and doubt begin to haunt him as he sees the conflict between his promise to hunt down and kill the murderers of his family and the oath of loyalty he has given to his eorl and king.

 

Now whispered rumors as well as belligerent threats of war have reached the ears of Mercia’s new king, Creoda. To find the truth of such threats, Talymar, in disguise, is sent on a long journey along the borderlands of Mercia. Deprived of his horse as well as his grandfather’s armor, helm, and sword, his life has been purposely put in danger by a king who lives in fear of an ancient prophesy about a Draconis Rex.

 

The Road to Becoming is both lonely and difficult. Those who travel it are often confronted by their greatest enemy—the monster of fear and self-doubt that lurks on the threshold of their souls.