When the evil Vlagh focuses his latest plans for annihilation on the gentle farming lands of the Falls of Vash under peaceful ruler Veltan, the human Omago works with the heroes of the goddess Zelana to raise a defense but underestimates the outlander Jalkan, who unleashes soldiers to corral new worshippers for Amar. By the authors of The Elder Gods. When the evil Vlagh focuses his latest plans for annihilation on the gentle farming lands of the Falls of Vashunder peaceful ruler Veltan, the human Omago works with the heroes of the goddess Zelana to raise a defense. This fantasy tale transports us to a wondrous land where gods and mortals join together to defy the dark forces that would destroy them all.As spring ripens into summer and warm winds blow through the apple orchards, rumors abound of hooded strangers scouting the peaceful farmlands of Vash. Flush from their narrow victory over the horrific Vlagh, Longbow and his companions are drawn to this pastoral territory in south Dhrall, confident that they will thwart the next assault by their inhuman foe. But on the border of the desolate Wasteland, the Vlagh is breeding a monstrous new army of venomous bat-bugs and armored spiders. These giant, grotesque legions threaten to overwhelm the allies, who are further shocked by a prophecy delivered by the Dreamers: an invasion by a new, second army.Seduced by the prospect of limitless gold and pagans ripe for enslavement, a corrupt former priest, Jalkan, will betray his allies. Conspiring to plunder this unspoiled land, Jalkan raises a force of armed acolytes and declares a global holy war. Caught up in the clash of these vast powers, neither Longbow and his allies nor Jalkan and his troops grasp the new danger among them. A mysterious entity - neither god nor mortal - has begun to meddle with the minds of both the locals and the invaders, spinning a web of intrigue that entraps all in its path.Farmers and hunters, soldiers and madmen, mortals and gods - all charge to a battle that will decide the fate of the world. Jalkan stumbled back, spitting blood, teeth, and curses and he clawed at his knife-hilt. Keselos sword, however, came out of its sheath more smoothly and rapidly. The young man put the point of his sword against the bone-thin Trogites throat. Drop it, Jalkan, he said quite firmly. Drop the knife, or Ill kill you right here on the spot. But this peasant just hit me! Jalkan screamed. Thats a hanging offense! Im an officer! Not anymore, you arent, Narasan declared in a flat tone of voice. Ive put up with you for much too long already, and youve just given me something that Ive been waiting for. Your army career is finished, Jalkan, and good riddance. You cant do that! Jalkan screamed at Narasan. I paid gold for my commission! Gold! -from The Treasured One.
