The world is in a state of turmoil and upheaval. Religious fanatics hailing from the desert city-state of Kenan have completed a war of conquest against their neighbors, the ancient kingdom of Forelia.  The Forelian capital has been razed to the ground and looted, its people sold into slavery.  Gideon is a skilled warrior fighting for the Singing Blades, a mercenary warband led by Gideon's father, who have been contracted by the Kenanite king to fight on his behalf. When the Singing Blades are annihilated on a patrol, Gideon is cast adrift to find new purpose in a world bereft of justice.  But fate has taken notice of him. He is destined to meet and train the woman who will restore balance to the world, at the point of a sword. Cold steel will shed gallons of red blood in this novel about bravery and the cost of heroism. Please leave comments or reviews with criticism! I'm posting this explicitly for that purpose, so anything you have to say is very welcome.