The Claws of Fear (Part One)

Being fifteen and pregnant isn't easy. But for Lady Morena of Cawdor, being pregnant isn't the hardest challenge she faces. Invading armies tend to take precedence over morning sickness...

And to make matters worse, her husband, Duke Eaver Al Ghotren, is far away, fighting a war on the border. So, when raiders from Feldwaen land on her shores, it is up to fifteen year-old Morena to organise the defense of her people.

It would be a lot easier if she knew what she was doing. She has only been married for a year and is still learning the ins and outs of proper social behaviour. Will she succeed in protecting her people from the attacking Felds? Or will she give into her fear and flee?

And then there is Kiva. A young warrior who has never been tested outside the training square. Hiding under Morena's nose for the past four months, she has been waiting to strike. Now that her clan has arrived, it's time to set her plan in motion. But will she be able to kill when it's expected of her? Or will she falter under the pressure of taking another's life?

The Claws of Fear takes the traditional fantasy trope of a castle under siege and flips it on its head. Instead of following fierce men fighting, well, other fierce men, you'll be thrust into the shoes of two nervous and frightened young women struggling to survive.

*NOTE* As of 3-June-2016 Part Two is currently being written and revised and will be uploaded as soon as it is ready. I apologise for the delays but am reluctant to share anything that is not entirely ready and in the best shape possible. I hope you'll bear with me and stay tuned for future updates.

- Eli