Spirit Fox

Book excerpt: This collaboration between two skilled fantasists introduces an epic struggle that could ultimately destroy an entire civilization unless a special young woman, spirit-linked to a fox at birth, can harness her gift The Joyous Reunion has brought peace to the people eof the River and the Marchlands. With learning the art of warfare now prohibited, it seems peace will be assured for eternity. But the arrival of a well-trained foreign army—complete with Magians who practice the magic of destruction—may spell the death of this now-defenseless civilization. At greatest risk are the magic-gifted healers and the spirit-linked—men and women linked at birth with an animal who shares their thoughts, emotions, and even physical sensations. For the Magians have sworn to annihilate them. Perhaps most in danger is Kiarda, a young woman destined to be spirit-linked to a fox. But when the fox kit is killed at the time of Kiarda’s birth, its spirit has nowhere to go but into the infant’s own body. This unheard-of event leaves Kiarda ill-prepared when her unsuspected link finally claims her, transforming her into the companion whose spirit is totally entwined with her own. The resulting misunderstanding will see an innocent man condemned to death, and send Kiarda on an odyssey into the very heart of danger. Targeted for destruction and with only one trained warrior in her party, what chance does Kiarda have of surviving to carry the warning home before it’s too late?