The Azdar Kenduran Series
Return of the Guardians (Book I)

Status:
Completed

PLOT SUMMARY…

Imagine being the subject behind a prophecy that affects the delicate balance of light and dark, peace and war.

Join Kieran, a 14-year-old hunter from Raturez, on an adventure that will change his life. He is accompanied on this journey by his brother, 13-year-old Aidan. Follow them as their Spring Break starts off normally with the Nationally-known Winters-End Festival, but it quickly changes when the Emperor, Murtaugh I, decided to have his right-hand man, Lord Za'Aracturma, conduct a town review to make sure it measures up the standards of an imperial town under Murtaugh I. On top of that, Kieran kept having dreams about a prophecy. The end of leaving town to travel around Nataar and Na'Alandor in search for answers and finding what truth, if any, is behind the prophecy that Kieran was dreaming about. They will run across unlikely friends and obstacles along the way and their view of the empire and people will be forever changed.

“Suddenly, a deer entered the clearing and stood still, grazing unaware of him. Its dark eyes reflected the moonlight as it looked around. As the deer moved across the meadow, Kieran heard its hooves and instinctively raised his bow and nocked an arrow. He struggled to steady his trembling hands, then took a deep breath, drew back, and aimed. In that moment, everything else vanished – the firelight, the voices in his head, and the revelation of his origins. Only the quiet forest, himself, and the deer remained.

Unfortunately, that moment passed quickly, and he lost focus as his vision blurred. Kieran exhaled shakily and lowered the bow. The arrow slipped from his fingers and fell into the leaves with a soft thud. The deer flicked its ears, then vanished into the trees. He sank to one knee, pressing his fist into the earth to steady himself. “I don’t know who I am,” he whispered to the empty forest. Suddenly, a cool breeze blew through his hair, and he broke down in tears again.

Minutes passed before he was able to stand up again. He began to walk, no longer wanting to hunt. As he walked through the deserted forest, he tried to think about what had happened, but his mind remained blank, tired from the day. He sighed and listened to the branches creaking above him, and to the occasional hoot of an owl or the cry of a wolf. These sounds helped comfort him on the way back, as they were consistent and never changed, unlike himself.”

• Excerpt from The Azdar Kendurans: Return of the Guardians ( Chapter IV: The Unexpected Truth)