Stormbirds
A Novella by C.J. Cherryh
Edition Used for Analysis:
[Four from the Witch World] (1991) Published by TOR, PB, 0-812-51006-2, 978-0-812-51006-5, LCCN 88-29170, $3.95, 275pg ~ cover by Victoria Poyser
Synopsis:
Gerik is the last survivor of his Keep, one of a small band that escape as the Hounds of Alizon took it. But now all of his band have fallen, save himself and his lord’s war horse. At 38 he is no longer young and seeks to join distant kin in the war. But on his journey his mis-interprets the signs of wind and wing and comes against a Hound patrol of three riders with a small child tied to a 4th horse. What is a hero to do? He rides against them, frees the child, and then turns and flees the troop of foot soldiers following the Hound riders. But he is dying, his horse is dying, and the child is feverish. He bravely moves on, and when his horse falls, he is himself, to feverish to prevent the dead horse becoming a beacon to the Hounds that trail him. The two stumble on toward a small fishing shack, but are the residents friend or foe? Gerik passes out.
Timeline Points:
- p72. Hounds of Alizon victorious in Dales of High Hallack.
- p73. Fortal of Palten Keep dead, Gerik is 38.
Sorcerer's Notes:
The Kolder are very much on Gerik's mind so this is probably still the early part of the war. Probably set during the Year of the Leopard.
The Sorcerer’s recommend that you read next: Wolfhead
