A series of three large novels are not penned without the help and advice of many kind hearted souls. I have been extremely fortunate to have received support from numerous friends on this wonderful journey. Chief amongst all has to be the immensely talented A J Hateley, who has once again performed wonders for the artwork which adorns the cover of this, the last book in the trilogy. I am extremely proud to work with such a brilliant illustrator and I wish her every success in her new career with the publishers Penguin.
I also owe a great debt of gratitude to Tanya Knapper, who has read and advised on all three novels and provided that essential independent viewpoint that every author craves. Thank you for your honesty and patience Lady T.
Luke Thompson, who I am certain has a huge literary career ahead of him, has always been there for me if I needed a fellow author’s input, and he gave me perhaps the greatest piece of advice I have received to date (apart from ‘give up’ that is). Thanks mate.
Here’s the group thanks; I’m bound to miss someone so apologies. Thanks for your understanding, encouragement, help and support… June and Graham Marklew, Simone and Brian, Mum, my best mate Wayne, Jim Smith, Vix and Brogan Mullis, Charity Parkerson, Lynn Hallbrooks and all in the Literary Guild, Lucy and Rox, Rob Faulkner, Andy Walls, Brian Norris and all at work, Sue Grier, Mike Maynard, Brian Beard, Jackie and Chloe Ward…..
Finally, an extra special thanks has to go to my wife. Not only has she had to put up with me over the last nine years and more, she has also had to contend with the writing bug that invaded my soul. I have to say that she bore the burden with varying degrees of restraint. But, she came out on top in the end and even proved to be my most valued and often used critic. Her help has been as constant as it has been vital. No words can convey the respect I have for her for that.
This is another book penned for my Jack and Sophie, my two adorable munchkins. They will be the true heroes of their own destiny I am sure. But, it is also written for all those who are young at heart, and have a little imagination. I hope you enjoy the series and will help to spread the word.
Thanks for reading and the very best wishes to you all.
Prologue
As chronicled in the novels ‘Jake West - The Keeper of the Stones’ and ‘Jake West - Warriors of the Heynai’, the reappearance of a Keeper changed everything for the long suffering people of Estia. His was a long awaited return which was to spark the flame of resistance in their troubled land, igniting a fire which burned to varying degrees of intensity within them all. His eagerly anticipated reappearance inspired all those who had previously been too afraid to act, as well as stirring to action seasoned veterans of the Ruddite wars, moving them to display ever more extraordinary degrees of valour. It reinforced the Estian people’s belief in the prophecies of old, the legends and stories which told of the Keeper’s role in their eventual liberation, and their deliverance from the forces of evil which had plagued their world for a thousand years. It was a rallying sign, a call to arms for a people sick to death of living in fear, in the very depths of despair. It was the defining moment in a long and bitter struggle, one which until now had seemed to have no end. It was a once in a lifetime chance to do something right, to fight for a just and moral cause, to help and protect their family and friends, and secure for them all a future, one which was worth having. Moreover, the return of the latest Keeper of the Stones, ‘The One’ who was destined to lead them to victory and freedom, was something that had been foretold, predicted. It was something that was always meant to be. It was fate. It was destiny. It marked the end of innocence for some, the beginning of anarchy for most, and the restoration of hope for all.
…And yet, as far as they were concerned, Jake West and his best friend, Ben Brooker, were just two ordinary fifteen year old schoolboys from Lichfield, a quaint and picturesque city in the heart of England, where nothing ever happened of note…