Free

A thrilling new novella about the daring exploits of the Free, the most feared mercenary company the world has ever known. The Free are the most feared mercenary company the world has ever known. For years, they've sold their martial and magical skills to the highest bidder, winning countless victories that have overthrown kings and shaken empires. Yulan is a newcomer to their ranks, keen to prove himself worthy of the Free's name. When corsair marauders ravage the Hommetic Kingdom's coastline, Yulan gets his chance. His mission is simple: travel to the corsairs' island fortress, persuade their self-proclaimed king to sign a peace treaty, then head home with sword unbloodied. Yet the crumbling fortress holds many secrets, and blades speak louder than words. Soon Yulan must fight not just for the glory of the Free, but for his very survival.

An action-packed novella from acclaimed fantasy author Brian Ruckley, following the adventures of the Free -- the most feared mercenary company the world has ever seen. Wren is a Clever, someone who can shape the unseen forces of the world. Such powers are more a curse than a blessing, and Wren has been running all of her life -- from the consequences of her actions, and from those who would use her abilities for their own ends. Now she finally has a direction. Rumors talk of a legendary Clever living in the Hommetic Kingdom's borderlands, a man who can teach her how to control the forces that rage inside her -- if she can find him. Yet enemies from Wren's past hound her every step, and a horde of ferocious barbarians ravages the very lands that she must travel. Somewhere in this chaos, the Free -- the most feared mercenary company in the world -- are fighting against the invaders. Surely they would help her in her quest . . . Or perhaps the Free will need her help even more.

A thrilling new novella about the daring exploits of the Free, the most feared mercenary company the world has ever known.

THEY ARE THE MOST FEARED MERCENARY COMPANY THE KINGDOM HAS EVER KNOWN. Led by Yulan, their charismatic captain, the Free have spent years selling their martial and magical skills to the highest bidder -- winning countless victories that have shaken the foundations of the world. Now they finally plan to lay down their swords. Yet when Yulan is offered a final contract, he cannot refuse -- for the mission offers him the chance to erase the memories of the Free's darkest hour, which have haunted him for years. As the Free embark on their last mission, a potent mix of loyalty and vengeance is building to a storm. Freedom, it seems, carries a deadly price.