As war looms over the kingdom, veteran swordsman Nico grapples with personal loss while his daughter, Justice, discovers her formidable magical abilities—forcing them both into a battle against a powerful sorceress that could determine the fate of their land and their family.

Nico, once a legendary swordsman, has spent the last twenty years building a life with his wife, the sorceress Veras. Now in his fifties, he watches over their daughter, Justice, as she hones her skills with the sword and bow. But when tragedy strikes, everything changes. Justice discovers a deep well of magic within her—one too powerful to control alone. Under the guidance of Superior Sorcerer Xyron, she begins to understand her true potential.

As their family faces its own trials, war looms over the City of Espri. Queen Brillianna’s forces cross the border, aided by a sorceress wielding dark spells that bring entire armies to their knees. Magic-wielders and warriors alike rise to defend the realm, including Justice and her brother Aldred. Yet King Yurmar orders Nico to stay behind. But in a vision, Nico sees himself saving his daughter’s life in battle. If he ignores the call, will he doom her? If he follows it, will it cost him everything?

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Excerpt from On the Trail of the Sunset's Dawn © Copyright 2025 Lynne Armstrong-Jones

Chapter One

From across the market square, Veras gazed at the silhouette of the Tower, lit from behind by the bright sun. The sheer beauty seemed to happily confirm that spring was not only in full bloom but was edging towards the more constant warmth of summer. The inspiring view could not erase her concerns, though. Anxiety nibbled at her. She'd spent the morning in the Tower, helping the two new sorcery students to settle in with the routines. Only two, Veras pondered, her brow furrowed beneath a fringe of auburn hair mixed with white. Not so long ago, we would have had at least four, perhaps five or even six, she thought.

The Tower records did, indeed, show that the numbers of new sorcery students were declining, which suggested that there were fewer and fewer young people with gifts in the magical arts. A talented sorceress herself, when Veras sighed there was nothing left inside but sorrow at the thought… and the persistent pain that had been plaguing her.

As she turned, the dull ache somewhere within nagged at her again. Closing her eyes, bracing herself against the discomfort, she put a hand on the edge of the market stall to steady herself. It was getting worse. Could this be? Could the goddesses be calling her? Am I dying? It was true that she was approaching her fiftieth year. Oh, but I’m not ready yet, no, not at all! Her throat tight, she firmly took a long, deep breath to compose herself. I'll be all right. I've been worrying too much, that's all.

Her blue-green eyes now open, they caught the bright greens, reds, and oranges of the market stall before her, so cheerful in the gleaming sunlight. A smile lit her face as she looked closer. The vegetables were fresh and ready. Eagerly, Veras selected onions, rhubarb, and carrots as she exchanged glances and smiles with the tall, dark-haired woman who managed the display.

As the seller added the vegetables to Veras's basket, the sorceress admired the lovely, purplish violets which were there in small pots. Just the thing to boost my spirits! Yes, forget about your worries and make a lovely supper for your family! The sorceress handed the coins to the seller, who, smiling, added a pot of violets to the basket. Veras grinned back. Between the gentle, sweet scent of the flowers and the anticipation of her vegetables sizzling in the pan for supper, the sorceress felt better, indeed. Although she'd served for many years as an instructor of sorcery, cooking brought her tremendous joy, especially when it was for her family.

As she made her way across the market square, the sun caressed her cheeks lovingly, and she began to hum. Suddenly, she laughed aloud. She hadn't realized which song that was! Oh, she thought, still laughing, what would these good people think if they knew that I, a sorceress clad in the rainbow robe of a Superior, was preoccupied with one of my husband's favourite bawdy songs? But, then again, they probably wouldn't be surprised, knowing who my husband is!

One of the men entering the square smiled at her. “It's a beautiful day, is it not? It brings joy to everyone, I'm certain!”

Her grin was even broader now. Nodding to the man, she made her way contentedly to the drawbridge, but slowed her step when the ache returned, then grew into a sharper, more biting pain. With determination, she fought past the pain and filled her mind with images of her vegetables simmering, along with the capon that she would set on a spit above the fire when she reached the apartment suites. Highly regarded by the king for contributions to the realm over nearly twenty years, Veras had no need to cook for her husband and daughter—her family was welcome to food prepared by the palace cooks. But the simple truth was that she enjoyed it. The planning, as well as the activity itself, freed her mind from other concerns.

At the door to her suite of apartments, Veras hesitated, needing a moment to deal with the discomfort, suddenly intense. With each breath came pain, like a hand of fire reaching to grab at her insides. Climbing the flight of stairs had been harder than before. Stopped, she focused on breathing more shallowly, more carefully for a moment, eyes closed. She'd already used some of her magic to bolster her. Perhaps she should visit the palace physician…

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