Strange Companions
Andrew Claydon
Genre
Fantasy
Publication Date
05/12/2022
Series Name
Chronicles of the Dawnblade
Book Number
2
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About the Book
Just because you’re chosen, doesn’t mean you want to be.
A month ago, Nicolas Percival Carnegie was chosen to deliver a message, but circumstances spiralled far beyond his control, and he ended up dodging danger, death, and vampires to try to save his kingdom.
Returning home, he had one comfort, beyond having done the right thing, which was that his adventuring days were one and done.
But then a strange creature attacks his village, and he has to set out into the world to try to find the source of this creature before more are unleashed.
Still haunted by the events of his previous journey, Nicolas must take to the road again with old companions and surprising new ones as he somehow finds the fate of another kingdom resting in his hands.
At least this time he has his own sword.
But will it make a difference when the forces of evil have a minotaur?
Book Excerpt
The look of surprise on the barman’s face the next morning suggested he hadn’t expected them to still be here. It didn’t take a wizened scholar to see the connection between that and what had happened last night. Quietly, he mentioned his suspicion to Garaz and Silva.
Several seconds later, he was still trying to dislodge Silva’s arm from around the windpipe of the barman, who was turning a dark shade of blue.
‘Let him go!’ She wouldn’t give despite his best attempts. Deities’, her arm was toned.
‘He tried to have you killed,’ Silva replied. ‘We need to know who those men were.’
‘And how do you intend to question him while choking him?’
The warrior mulled this over for a moment or two before finally releasing her grip. The barman stumbled back, knocking several tankards to the floor, coughing and spluttering as he attempted to breathe again.
Though he didn’t care for Silva’s questioning style, the barman was surprisingly open to talking, once he could form words again. ‘Don’t know who they were.’ The man was shaken, eyeing Silva fearfully as he spoke. ‘They were from Sarus, I know that. Gang boys by the look of ’em. Had some meetin’ or other going on but slipped me some gold to point out anyone asking around about Sarus. That’s all I know. I swear.’
Judging when people were lying was not in his skill set. He seemed genuine enough, but how could they be sure? As if reading his mind, Silva took a single step towards the barman, who looked as if a full-grown dragon stood before him, mouth open and flames ready. Repeatedly, he reassured the group that he knew nothing more. As reparation for the attack, the barman said he’d put the coin they’d given toward a slap-up breakfast for the trio, with a couple of extra rashers thrown in to boot. Seemed like the least he could do, though a single glare from Silva got an extra sausage added to the plate as well. Once he’d produced the breakfast, the barman made himself scarce.
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About the Author
Andrew Claydon
So, a bit about me then. I am a Fantasy Author and creator of The Chronicles of the Dawnblade series. I’ve always been a fan of Sci/Fi and Fantasy.
Some of my favourite films are from those genres; Conan The Barbarian, Willow, Predator (obviously), Aliens. I’m an avid reader, which has given me a passion for the world building that goes into a book and inspired my passion to create my own worlds, and a passion for that new book smell…I have a problem.
I have written bits and pieces here and there for years, but finally decided to knuckle down and chase the dream. My hope is that my books draw people into their worlds like other writers work does to me (how bad is it when you are engrossed in a book and someone tries to start a conversation lol).
Also in my spare time I play Warhammer 40,000. I enjoy both the painting and gaming sides of the hobby.
I have a degree in both History and Psychology and Black Belts in several martial arts styles, all of which I try to use to inform my writing. I also have an odd sense of humour, but I’ll let you find that out for yourselves when you read…
