The Falanholme Chronicle (Riddle of Storien-Rhudd. Book 2)

As they ride deeper into the ruined Realm of Astalan, Calladhor and his companion Warrior maid cannot begin to imagine the horror they will encounter as they travel south. It slowly dawns upon them that the first Darkling Horde destroyed below the Heights of Rhyddu, and in the High Pass of Ling was merely a diversion to test the strength of the Defenders of the Western lands. What few survivors remain in Astalan are scattered widely. Few, if any, males survive. The Kingdom is subjugated, and ruled by despotic Tyrant Darkling. His minions prowl the land; seeking out and destroying any who show the slightest sign of resistance. A chance encounter with a handful of captive females...kept for the pleasure of the Tyrant, and his minions, results in the formation of a partisan band... the first allies that Calladhor has discovered. The leader of the captive females was once a Princess of Astalan before she was subjugated; and leads Callador and his companion to other Allies. The consensus of opinion is, that the Tryant and his forces must be destroyed, if Astalan is ever to return to peace and freedom.