Blade and Flame

Kuthius Tallerus might be old and sick, but as a sergeant of the Prisonlands border wardens he still has a job to do when a pair of exiles escape with help from the outside world.

Leading a squad of wardens, including his nephew the scout, Kuthius sets out in pursuit of the fugitives, eventually discovering this was no simple escape plan.

A dark mage with ulterior motives freed the exiles, the wizard's ultimate goal potentially impacting Kuthius personally. But can an old man who finds himself alone in the hinterlands with only his steel and wits stand against an enemy who can summon demons?

WARNING: This short story contains a few potential spoilers for those who have not read The Kobalos Trilogy.

This short story of 11,000 words is a prequel to The Kobalos Trilogy. Its events happen a year before those of the trilogy.