There are two elements of battle in this novel. First, the main characters are often engaged in hand to hand combat, their chosen weapons usually being swords. To write these scenes with some historical accuracy, I studied different types of swords and their uses in combat. It helps that my husband collects swords and built his own forge in the back yard.
The other element of warfare in Brother, Betrayed comes from the main kingdom being at constant war with the surrounding tribes. These battles I modeled after battles fought in the Crusades. Though set in a fantasy world, there is a strong emphasis on knights, archers, cavalry, and siege weapons and tactics.
Several sequences in Brother, Betrayed were based on the Siege of Antioch, where a small number of soldiers defended against a large army in the First Crusade.
An excerpt from a hand to hand combat scene from Brother, Betrayed:
The large man stepped back, drawing his sword. Syah watched him grasp the hilt with both hands and then stand still. “You strike first,” Malgar said, as usual, “gradually to start.”
Syah nodded again as he drew his sword. His mind moved ahead of his actions, calculating the trainer’s moves, his vulnerabilities with a larger, slower sword. The prince moved towards him, swinging his blade downward and stepping to the side.
Malgar parried. “Good, and again,” he ordered.
Syah turned and swung at him from the other side. The trainer parried again and the prince tried at him from a different angle.
“Now faster,” Malgar ordered, stepping back to avoid the prince’s novice blade. The prince could feel his breathing grow shallow and his pulse quicken. He felt a rush of energy, his mind clear, thinking ahead of his strikes, evaluating and executing.
“Good,” Malgar said, “now defend.” Syah changed his stance to block the trainer’s sword. He saw the man’s direction; he watched the position of his sword, predicting his actions. Syah felt satisfaction as he was able to block each of Malgar’s attacks.
“Very nice, you defend well,” the trainer praised. “You know the moves well. Now we’ll increase the speed.”
Syah shifted his sword as Malgar came towards him. The prince held his ground a moment, but stepped back after blocking several quick attacks. Malgar moved forward again. Syah glanced at the trainer’s face, seeing his eyes were narrow, resolute, angry. Syah tightened his hands on the hilt and continued to defensively position his sword to prevent Malgar’s attacks from following through. The weapons master pushed forward, but Syah was close to the wall and had no room to maneuver. The man’s flashing sword came at him faster; although the prince was able to block it, it was becoming more difficult. Syah tried to move to a more open position away from the wall, but his adversary’s sword prevented him.
Malgar emitted a low, furious battle cry and Syah shuddered.
The wars drive the tension between the brothers as they each try to prove their usefulness to the kingdom. Oman, the eldest, is schooled on war by the king:
“A battle is fluid, my son. We do not plan for a single moment, but a series of possible events.”
“Yes Father,” Oman answered.
“Commander Lenpece, you will lead the majority of our mounted troops behind the Marrian army and wait until we engage them. Then you will herd them towards the hills, where Oman will be waiting with a company of fighters and archers. We will keep some cavalry with the main force in case they decide to send archers to the hills to the west. And I will await them, blocking their way to Bafonville. They will perceive us as a possible victory, a fair fight, and perhaps they will grow spine enough to engage us in open battle.”
Oman watched his men gather around him as the king left, awaiting orders. The king looked back to him after mounting. “Shall the skies shine on our victory today,” he said and tugged on the reins.
“We shall let the king and his army gain ground. When the Marrians see him they will slow their advance. We desire our presence to be secret, so we will approach with care, and gain the opposite side of the hill, out of sight. It will be imperative that they see the king’s army first and decide to match them. We will attack at the opportune moment, giving their army a chance to pass us. When the king’s army tears them down and they retreat, they will be exposed to our attack from the hill. Mount, we will ride until we can see the eastern hills in the distance. Tell the archers to follow behind us. Be wary of enemy scouts crossing the area.” The prince mounted and was followed by his host of soldiers and knights.
Tags: war, fiction war novels, warfare, warriors, Brother Betrayed by Danielle Raver, the Crusades, the Seige of Antioch, The First Crusade, knights, archers, siege, battles
Was perusing the books that customers bought who also bought Brother, Betrayed and wanted to give a SHOUT OUT to these other authors. I'm privileged to be on a list with these fine books!
Chronicles of Kale by A Dragon's Awakening by Aya Knight
Kale Firehart is a young dragon, and the sole survivor of his race. As a tyrannical general and his massive bloodthirsty army close in on Kale—the most unexpected circumstance transpires. With time against him, Kale’s trusted friend, a veteran arcane sorcerer, transforms him into the one thing he despises most—a human. Kale must unwillingly live among human-kind as he embarks upon an extraordinary journey. With a band of unlikely friends by his side, can Kale overcome the obstacles before him and return to the life he once knew? The age of dragons is all but over...
A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin
Like the first two books, A Storm of Swords could coast on the fundamentals: deftly detailed characters, convincing voices and dialogue, a robust back-story, and a satisfyingly unpredictable plot. But it's Martin's consistently bold choices that set the series apart. Every character is fair game for the headman's axe (sometimes literally), and not only do the good guys regularly lose out to the bad guys, you're never exactly sure who you should be cheering for in the first place.
Mageborn: The Blacksmith's Son (Book 1) by Michael G. Manning
Mordecai’s simple life as the son of a blacksmith is transformed by the discovery of his magical birthright. As he journeys to understand the power within him he is drawn into a dangerous plot to destroy the Duke of Lancaster and undermine the Kingdom of Lothion. Love and treachery combine to embroil him in events he was never prepared to face. What he uncovers will change his understanding of the past, and alter the future of those around him.
Infinity Blade: Awakening by Brandon Sanderson
Trained from birth in swordplay and combat, a young knight named Siris has journeyed to the Dark Citadel with a single purpose: fight through the army of Titans to face the tyrannical God King in one-on-one combat. This was his father’s sacred mission, and his father’s before him, going back countless generations in an effort to free their people from enslavement. But when Siris somehow succeeds where all those from his bloodline previously have failed, he finds himself cast into a much larger world, filled with warriors and thieves, ancient feuds and shifting alliances, Deathless immortals and would-be kings. His quest for freedom will take him on an epic journey in search of the mythical figure known as the Worker of Secrets – the one being in the world who can unravel the secrets of the Infinity Blade.
The Last Good Knight by Connie J.Jasperson
Swashbucklers, pirates, sword fighting courageous Knights and Fair maidens abound in The Last Good Knight. In the tradition of a Wilbur Smith and Michael Crichton's Medieval block buster Timeline. Action abounds, it this historical fiction account.
From slaying dragons, to rescuing the King's Whore, to secret missions for good King Henri, no job is too big or too small for the Great Knight, Sir Julian Lackland. But what happens when the only one still willing to take on the bad jobs is too old to be doing them? How does a hero retire from the business of saving people?
The Bindings of Fate (Book One of The Child of the Stars Trilogy) by Michael DeAngelo
Heroes Will Rise. Cities Will Fall.
The realm of Tellest is filled with bloodlust, greed and violence. Long has the world been thrust into turmoil, driven by the insatiable urge of man's conquest, and whatever rewards can be earned from the end of a blade.
But so, too, are the lands a place of courage, valor and sacrifice. Brave men and women across the world will stand up to the tyranny of the power-hungry kings, or be swept away by it.
Kaos Kreegan is a man haunted by memories of the past. To survive in the harsh world that evolves around him, he needs to rely on his wits and his friends to bring evil to justice, and avenge the wrongs that have been done to him. Along the way, he will discover that Tellest carries many surprises - and so does he
The Kinshield Legacy K.C. May
A mysterious stone tablet with five magical gems has sat abandoned in a cave for two hundred years. The kingdom is in ruins, with only warrant knights to keep the peace. But then, the gems in the tablet, one by one, disappear.
Warrant knight Gavin Kinshield is a man of many secrets. He's the one deciphering the runes in the tablet. Unless he can find a suitable replacement, he'll be Thendylath's next king. All he really wants is the letter written by his ancestor Ronor Kinshield, the last man to see King Arek alive... a letter he must earn by tracking down a common thief.
But when Gavin saves a woman's life, what should have been a simple task draws him face-to-face with his nightmarish past... and the truth of King Arek's demise.
The Young Magician (The Legacy Trilogy) by Michael Foster
Every known age has not ended well, to say the least. Entire continents have been decimated time and time again at the hands of the demon hordes, forcing civilisation to start over in every instance, all culture and art and history destroyed. Now, in the last days before the gates of hell fall open again, it seems as if all efforts to avert disaster have failed, but for one small sliver of hope. A boy is found whose potential is unequalled, a boy who could hold the secret to the demons' realm, a boy who could be the very salvation of man. But not even the Order's greatest champions could guess the true secrets hidden away deep inside of this boy, secrets that could ultimately destroy them all. Commended in the Austalian Literary Awards, The Young Magician begins a remarkable tale.
Brother, Betrayed by Danielle Raver (my book)
"One brother will betray the others with such treachery that it will change the destiny of Miscia forever."
The three princes hear this prophecy, and they will discover how far it will drive them to explore love, loyalty, and their own souls.
The princes are bound by loyalty to each other and their kingdom. When conflict comes to their land, their ascension into power is darkened by betrayal.
Oman, eldest and Anteria's promised king, leads his brothers on their journey through Arnith.
Fasime, driven by passion, seeks a life of romance and adventure.
Syah, born the ailing youngest brother of these two outgoing princes, endeavours to overcome his bleak destiny through pursuit of knowledge and magic... a quest that may reveal unknown power within his own soul.
A tale woven with deception, war, sacrifice, and magic, BROTHER, BETRAYED takes readers to a troubled kingdom surrounded by barbarians, magical races, and forbidden boundaries.
The Dream War: Book One The Royal Seal by Nick Alex
In the early ages, the world of Oniro was plagued by a frightening evil. Grotesque creatures roamed the land, wyverns filled the skies, and demonic, misshapen men plotted destruction and control. The strongest armies in existence stood no chance. In its current state, Oniro was lost.
Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One by Michael Duncan
A stolen text... When the Book of Aleth is stolen, Aaron, captain of the Royal Guard, is ordered by Emperor Therion to reclaim the ancient tome. The mission thrusts Aaron into a world he's never known--a world of elves and dwarves, races long thought extinct; a world where everything he has known and believed is a lie.
A secret past... Forced to challenge his long-held beliefs, Aaron and his companions, two soldiers of the Royal Guard and two men of the Dwarvish kingdom of Brekken-Dahl, set out on a quest to recover the Book. Aaron resolves to discover the truth, and rescue the empire he is sworn to protect.
Bound by Lee Taylor
Ursine Edwards was a normal, well-adjusted teenager prior to summer vacation. Now, he has unintentionally married a demon, fallen into line with a wolf-pack, and is being hunted by witches as well as the government, who are all in turn trying to use Ursine for their own devices.
Soul Seeker: A Novel of Lasniniar by Jacquelyn Smith
What if, in a world where every elf's destiny is an open book, you were the only one whose fate was unknown? Iarion's quest for meaning has spanned millennia. Now ancient, dark powers are rising, and he may be the only one who can stop them. Joined by the unlikeliest of companions, treachery looms from within and without. How far would you go in your search for answers? Purchase of this 130,000 word novel includes an excerpt of the prequel, Light Chasers. (Forthcoming.)
Spy Glass (Glass Trilogy) by Maria V Snyder
An undercover mission leads to danger, adventure and an impossible choice. After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic. More, she's immune to the effects of magic. Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world. Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood - and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or know it could be they are lost forever.
Return of the Dragon Riders: Book Two of the Dragon Stone Saga by Kristian Alva
The evil emperor Vosper gathers his troops in the east, poised to conquer the entire continent. His target is the rebel city of Parthos, a constant thorn in his side, and the last sanctuary of the Dragon Riders. Besieged from all sides, the remaining Dragon Riders come out of hiding. Forced to fight for their lives, they leave the safety of the desert, traveling across the land to gather intelligence and shore up forgotten alliances. At the center of it all is Elias Dorgumir, the key to an ancient prophesy, and Vosper will do anything to get his hands on him. Is it too late for the Dragon Riders to save Elias and stop Vosper from destroying the only refuge they have left?
Local author Danielle Raver will be
signing copies of her fantasy novel Brother Betrayed at Red House
Books on Saturday. Danielle is a former Troy graduate who now teaches
elementary school in Ozark. She has been writing fantasy novels since
childhood, and in January of this year signed with Fantasy Island
Book Publishing, an up and coming publishing company based in
Indiana. Brother Betrayed is a high action fantasy with Shakespearean
and Greek tragedy themes. Since its release in April, Brother
Betrayed has become a best seller on Amazon.
Danielle Raver with Store Manager Teressa Nyman
For more information search for Danielle Raver, Author on
Facebook.
Today I had a book signing on Fort Rucker Base next to Enterprise, Alabama. While driving onto the base I felt a strong sense of pride, for the entire base and everyone on it was devoted to the protection of our country. It felt like entering another world where normal human selfishness and rudeness were forgotten.
I enjoyed my signing at the Post Exchange on base. Something I learned was that every, and I do mean every, man or woman in uniform removed their hat as they entered the building. It was amazing to watch the coordination and discipline.
As the day neared it's end there was one thing I was disappointed about. Of all the books I signed and sold, none had been to a man or woman in uniform. As I was leaving and already packed up an army soldier approached me to buy my book.
What I inscribed in his book I meant with all my heart:
"Thank you for your service"
To the men and women that give their time to serve our country, I am truly grateful. <3
Excerpt from my current work in progress, Flight Moon.
“It
could be several moons before you can fly.”
The
dragon gave him a mischievous grin. “Let's test that theory.”
Flight
Moon sprang forth with such swiftness that Gakulisan didn't have time
to stop her. She rushed towards the cliff's edge, bounding forward on
four legs like a panther. With a powerful leap she thrust herself off
the cliff.
For
a moment she thought she would fall. The wind gusted painfully
against her wings. Pulsing them violently she shook off her
dystrophy. The force of her wings pushed her above the level of the
cliff.
Gakulisan
relaxed, watching her rise higher above him with a great effort. She
rose past the point where fear of falling distracts from the
sensation of sustained flight. She was able to slow her wings and
soar, drifting on air currents. Her gaze lifted to the horizon.
For
the first time in half a season she wondered where she would go.
Should she return to Gorusk and seek out Shirr? That would probably
be the last thing she ever did.
She
could continue to hide. She wondered if Shirr was still searching for
her.
With
a flap of her wings she rose higher, hoping the open wind would strip
away her thoughts. Gliding high above the land, again she looked at
the edge of land in her possible sight. But it wasn't towards Shirr
that her gaze was turned. Something tugged at her from where she had
come, from where she had fallen, but didn't fall. From where...
A
faint blue light flashed far in the distance. Flight Moon squinted to
discern its source, but the light became more intense, seemed to be
coming closer. What is that?
But the dragon didn't have any more time to think as the light rushed
towards her. She tried to back away, in an attempt to dodge it, but
her limbs wouldn't obey her.
With
a shock of pain and light the energy hit her. She
was blinded by blue-hot lightning. No, there was darkness in it. In
the center... a form. A face.
Flight
Moon felt a rush of wind from beneath her. Disoriented, a shock or
awareness made her open her eyes and realize that she was falling.
She was almost to the ground, but she couldn't move. No, she wasn't
falling. The gusting wind wasn't caused by her fall, it was an
unnatural force keeping gravity from claiming her form. The
wizard. She turned to see him on
the cliff, level with her, with both hands raised to the sky,
controlling the wind that was keeping her from pummeling into the
ground.
She
forced her wings to move and drifted more than flew back to the
cliff.
“Under...
attack...” Flight Moon forced out as she landed with a crash.
Gakulisan
collapsed to one knee, but managed to turn towards the north and scan
the skies.
“I
don't see anything.” He looked back to the dragon, hearing her
labored breathing. “What happened?”
“The
light... attacked me.”
“Light?”
the wizard asked. He didn't continue, seeing her eyelids close. He
started to approach her, but withdrew his hand when the hairs on his
harm rose and the fabric of his robe clung together.
Final book reading of the first book signing at Troy University.
Noon book reading part 1. These passages were chosen by my fans. Noon book reading part 2. First book reading from Brother, Betrayed. Table set up ready for the first book reading at 10:00 a.m.
The event will include readings by the author and book signings.
Readings of "Brother, Betrayed" will be at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The party also includes an online celebration happening at www.danielleraver.com. Giveaways from Barnes & Noble will be offered during the event as well.
Raver is a TROY graduate with a bachelor's degree in education and a
master's degree from the University of West Alabama in school
counseling. She is now a writer and senior editor at Fantasy Island Book
Publishing.
It has always been her dream to publish her writing. The book, along
with the book signing party is an opportunity to bring her dream back
home.
Raver grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota. When she was a
girl, she and her older brother used to create stories, competing to see
who could write the most. Eventually that game evolved into fantasy
writing, and "Brother, Betrayed" was the result.
A tale woven with deception, war, sacrifice, and magic, "Brother,
Betrayed" takes readers to a troubled kingdom surrounded by barbarians,
magical races and forbidden boundaries.
The year was 1999. Everyone was worried about Y2K. Everyone was planning the party of the millennium. They one day wanted to be able to answer the question: "What did you do when the year turned 2000?" with something worth remembering and sharing.
Not me. The young high school age Danielle was thinking... in 12 years it will be 2011. Something that hasn't happened in 1000 years will be happening again. I began planning for the date 11/11/11.
As my author biography alludes, I do always make a wish when I see the clock on 11:11. I know that in numerology 11/11 is significant. Some sources claim that it is a combination of numbers that means insight and inspiration. 11 has just always been my lucky number.
It wasn't until the beginning of this year that I decided what I wanted to do on 11/11/11. With the editing almost finished with my novel, I thought I might could finish it by November and hold a book release party on that special day. That would be something worth remembering, special enough to tell my children and grandchildren about, someday.
Then in March of this year I met J. D. Hall at Fantasy Island Book Publishing. Just weeks before I had received this fortune at the Chinese restaurant I frequent:
The fortune proved true. Fantasy Island Book Publishing has helped to make my dream a reality. 11/11/11 is fast approaching, and I plan to celebrate to the best of my ability. Join us.
To celebrate Denire's lead, the following is a character highlight on Denire.
My inspiration for Denire actually came from a picture I saw in a knight with a cloak in a medieval magazine (which I cannot find) but here are some pictures that were similar:
(not my art)
The reader first meets Denire when he ambushes the three brothers on their journey through Miscia. Here is an excerpt from the scene:
The
three brothers drew back their reins. The horses neighed, startled
and agitated. A rider on a black horse suddenly appeared in their
path. The rider pulled the reins of his shifting horse as he gazed at
them from beneath a helmet that shadowed his eyes.
“Young
travelers, a word,” he said.
The
brothers were uneasy, but stayed their hands, held over their swords.
Their shock left them and they examined the rider. He was lightly
armored in chain, a blue tunic and cape draped over his sturdy
shoulders and down the sides of his steed. Intricately tooled
leather, they noticed, held a
sword at his waist. The same leather decorated the girdle of his
horse, now pumping its head and snorting at them. They moved their
horses back a few steps, close to each other.
“He
is a soldier of Arnith,” Fasime whispered.
“How
did he find us?” Oman asked in a speculative tone.
“We
should order him back,” Fasime stated, glaring at the rider but
waiting.
“No,
then he would know who we are,” Syah warned.
The
rider’s horse shifted again but he held him back. “I need to
speak with you,” the soldier said in a tactful, compelling voice.
“Why
have you tried to ambush us?” Oman demanded.
“You
should not be here,” the stranger answered. “I am a knight of
Arnith. You three need to come with me.”
(this of course is the wrong time period but I looked at this picture a lot while writing Denire - I liked the dark moodiness of it)
From Chapter Forty Four of Brother, Betrayed
"A Field and a Cabin"
Fasime
turned for his mount, but he saw Eltha had already untied him and was
leading the mighty black warhorse quickly to them. He mounted and
took the reins before turning towards Torgan. All of the villagers
silenced at the sight of him. Agetha held her wounded son with tears
in her eyes.
“Quickly!”
Torgan shouted. “Gather what horses we have and follow him!”
Fasime
sheathed his sword and shouldered his bow. He didn’t take the
moment to glance to the villagers, the mother and the wounded boy,
knowing what their eyes would tell him.
Bring
her back.
Fasime
flicked Lightning’s reins and cried out to him, starting him
galloping out of the market and towards the northern woods. The
sounds of the villagers were quickly out of earshot. They were into
the field before Fasime realized what he was doing. He was one man
against at least a dozen raiders. The feelings of duty towards the
village and family that had harbored him strengthened his resolve and
he withdrew the bow from his shoulder. They can’t out ride
Lightning.
He
was already to the threshold of the forest. He pressed his heals into
the stallion’s sides and leaned forward. He had always held caution
with the beast, not allowing it to ride at its fastest speed, not
knowing, upon that brink, what he would unleash. But now he strove
towards it, seeing that upon entering the forest there was little
snow upon the ground and the marauders’ trail was indefinite.
The
steed responded with a supernatural understanding. It rushed with
zeal in the direction its rider commanded it. Fasime gripped the
girdle tightly, feeling the jolting of the ride strangely smooth the
faster they galloped, as if Lightning glided towards their foes,
becoming discernible in the distance between the trees. No root nor
stone nor limb hampered him.
Perilously
Fasime straightened, reached for an arrow and knocked his bow. Soon.
They will be within range soon.
They
were deeper into the woods and Fasime was almost close enough. How
many arrows will it take until they turn and fight? We shall see.
Fasime raised the bow, unsure of his aim upon his shaking ride.
He saw the trailing end of their riders clearly ahead. He closed one
eye and drew the string, locking his legs against the stallion and
targeted the rear rider. He released the string and the arrow flew
ahead of him. Within a moment the enemy rider fell off his horse. He
was close enough to see the other riders turn in their saddles and
spot him. They didn’t stop and turn. They quickened their pace.
"War is not the answer, but if there's only one thing that'll make it better, then call me a warrior..."
- from Admiral Tibbett's "War is Not the Answer"
War. A definer of cultures and nations. Embedded in the psyches of the inhabitants of every "civilized" country. The embodiment of humanity's greatest evils, and yet the source of our highest ideals.
Courage ~ Patriotism ~ Honor
War creates heroes, but also has been the inspiration behind many great novels.
Whether it is a war against the ultimate evil such as the war against Sauron in the Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien...
Or the sparring of factions such as the houses in The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin...
From The Art of The Song of Ice and Fire by Michael Komarck link
Most Popular Fiction War Novels:
Locked On by Tom Clancy
Though hard-core fans of Tom Clancy had mixed feelings about this novel, many reviews highlight the strong plot of this loved Locked On. A tale of modern military, terrorism, and political espionage.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Though written over a century and a half ago, War and Peace is still one of the best-selling fictional war novels.
A recent review from Amazon:
Ever since I was a teen (I'm 51) I tried reading War and Peace. The furthest I ever got was something like Page 80. Six summers ago, I thought, what the heck, give it another shot. After Page 100 or so, the book picked up steam, and I was absolutely awed as I've seldom been by all the great books I've read in my life. That's what I want to share with potential readers of this great book. Stick with it. It's like a trickling stream that grows and grows from many tributaries into a grand wide raging river. It's got everything in it, as if it were written by God. Tolstoy saw everything. There are so many, many unforgettable scenes in it. My favorite two are the costume party at the country estate (pure magic!) and the great wolf-hunting scene in which the wolf actually takes on a personality under the all-knowing skill of Tolstoy's great pen.
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
A very personal following of a fictional soldier's experiences during the Civil War. Though not action-oriented, The Red Badge of Courage gives insight to the darker side of war.
The Forever War by Joe Handleman
Critical acclaim for The Forever War:
"If there was a Fort Knox for Science Fiction writers, we'd have to lock Joe Haldeman up."
--Stephen King, author of The Shining, The Dead Zone, The Stand "The Forever War is not just a great Science Fiction novel, it's a great Vietnam war novel - and a great war novel, without qualification- that is also Science Fiction. A classic to grace either genre."
--Iain M. Banks, author of Use of Weapons, The Player of Games, Matter "FOREVER WAR is brilliant--one of the most influential war novels of our time. That it happens to be set in the future only broadens and enhances its message."
--Greg Bear, author of Moving Mars, Eon, The Forge of God
New Release in Fantasy, Fiction War Novels
Brother Betrayed by Danielle Raver (my novel)
There are two elements of battle in this novel. First, the main characters are often engaged in hand to hand combat, their chosen weapons usually being swords. To write these scenes with some historical accuracy, I studied different types of swords and their uses in combat. It helps that my husband collects swords and built his own forge in the back yard.
The other element of warfare in Brother, Betrayed comes from the main kingdom being at constant war with the surrounding tribes. These battles I modeled after battles fought in the Crusades. Though set in a fantasy world, there is a strong emphasis on knights, archers, cavalry, and siege weapons and tactics.
Several sequences in Brother, Betrayed were based on the Siege of Antioch, where a small number of soldiers defended against a large army in the First Crusade.
An excerpt from a hand to hand combat scene from Brother, Betrayed:
The large man stepped back, drawing his sword. Syah watched him grasp the hilt with both hands and then stand still. “You strike first,” Malgar said, as usual, “gradually to start.”
Syah nodded again as he drew his sword. His mind moved ahead of his actions, calculating the trainer’s moves, his vulnerabilities with a larger, slower sword. The prince moved towards him, swinging his blade downward and stepping to the side.
Malgar parried. “Good, and again,” he ordered.
Syah turned and swung at him from the other side. The trainer parried again and the prince tried at him from a different angle.
“Now faster,” Malgar ordered, stepping back to avoid the prince’s novice blade. The prince could feel his breathing grow shallow and his pulse quicken. He felt a rush of energy, his mind clear, thinking ahead of his strikes, evaluating and executing.
“Good,” Malgar said, “now defend.” Syah changed his stance to block the trainer’s sword. He saw the man’s direction; he watched the position of his sword, predicting his actions. Syah felt satisfaction as he was able to block each of Malgar’s attacks.
“Very nice, you defend well,” the trainer praised. “You know the moves well. Now we’ll increase the speed.”
Syah shifted his sword as Malgar came towards him. The prince held his ground a moment, but stepped back after blocking several quick attacks. Malgar moved forward again. Syah glanced at the trainer’s face, seeing his eyes were narrow, resolute, angry. Syah tightened his hands on the hilt and continued to defensively position his sword to prevent Malgar’s attacks from following through. The weapons master pushed forward, but Syah was close to the wall and had no room to maneuver. The man’s flashing sword came at him faster; although the prince was able to block it, it was becoming more difficult. Syah tried to move to a more open position away from the wall, but his adversary’s sword prevented him.
Malgar emitted a low, furious battle cry and Syah shuddered.
The wars drive the tension between the brothers as they each try to prove their usefulness to the kingdom. Oman, the eldest, is schooled on war by the king:
“A battle is fluid, my son. We do not plan for a single moment, but a series of possible events.”
“Yes Father,” Oman answered.
“Commander Lenpece, you will lead the majority of our mounted troops behind the Marrian army and wait until we engage them. Then you will herd them towards the hills, where Oman will be waiting with a company of fighters and archers. We will keep some cavalry with the main force in case they decide to send archers to the hills to the west. And I will await them, blocking their way to Bafonville. They will perceive us as a possible victory, a fair fight, and perhaps they will grow spine enough to engage us in open battle.”
Oman watched his men gather around him as the king left, awaiting orders. The king looked back to him after mounting. “Shall the skies shine on our victory today,” he said and tugged on the reins.
“We shall let the king and his army gain ground. When the Marrians see him they will slow their advance. We desire our presence to be secret, so we will approach with care, and gain the opposite side of the hill, out of sight. It will be imperative that they see the king’s army first and decide to match them. We will attack at the opportune moment, giving their army a chance to pass us. When the king’s army tears them down and they retreat, they will be exposed to our attack from the hill. Mount, we will ride until we can see the eastern hills in the distance. Tell the archers to follow behind us. Be wary of enemy scouts crossing the area.” The prince mounted and was followed by his host of soldiers and knights.
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