Introduction
This book is a collection of 10 fantasy stories about a wood elf named Trikodemos. The 10 stories are arranged in chronological order, but do not need to be read in that order. The last chapter is an appendix that details important names and geographic locations mentioned in the stories.
This collection is dedicated to my brother Caleb and sister Ruth, who were there for me when I needed them most.
The Elven Handstone
(Short Story 1/10) In a tavern in the desertous northeast of the Empire of Rule, an elf named Trik drinks away his wits. Yet when he confronted by a merchant from Soros, he must decide if he will put away his drink and pursue a magical elven artifact that has remained buried beneath the sands for over a thousand years.
The Dragon’s Lair
(Short Story 2/10) Employed by a wealthy Endogar merchant, Trik sets off with his half-dwarf companion Olfe on a quest to fight a foe deep in the Stormdrake Mountains. Soon, they are joined by a young woman named Deidre, who will stop at nothing to avenge her family.
The Baron’s Daughter
(Short Story 3/10) Imprisoned by Baron Banesh for an illegal relationship with the noble's daughter, Trik is left to despair in the Baron's dungeon. Yet when the Baron's daughter is kidnapped by thieves, the noble makes a deal with his captive. If Trik will find and free his daughter, he will pardon the elf.
The Tower in the Clouds
(Short Story 4/10) When Trik wins a treasure map over a game of cards, he begins a quest that will take him far out to sea in search of a tower filled with riches. Accompanying him in this quest is the daughter of a local brewer, the original owner of the map.
The Unicorn of the Pearl Plains
(Short Story 5/10) A unicorn roams the Pearl Plains, or so rumors say. Aided by the daughter of a local horse rancher, Trik scours the vast grassland at the heart of the Empire, seeking the magical beast.
The Barbarians of the North
(Short Story 6/10) Trik has been summoned by Boros, the Chieftain of a half-dwarven clan in the Frozen North. Unbeknownst to Trik, the Chieftain's daughter Elendra has been kidnapped by a band of roving barbarian dwarves. Now Trik, with the help of a couple of Boros' trusted kinsmen, must brave the frigid mountainous terrain to bring her back.
The Monster of Endora
(Short Story 7/10) The small village of Endora is plagued by a monster, one that strikes at night and steals away children into the nearby forest. When Trik is summoned to the village, he discovers that he must confront not just an old foe, but his own fears.
The Crypt of Asrael
(Short Story 8/10) In a quest to find the powerful bow of the Elf King Asrael, Trik and his pirate companion drive deep into the shadowy Finn Swamp, a place few have entered, and from which, fewer have returned.
The Battle for Alaquonde
(Short Story 9/10) Alaquonde, the jewel of the Eastern Empire, is under attack from the Dwarven Army. Trik, now a Minister of Alaquonde, reunites with his old friend Olfe, as he prepares to defend the city against the onslaught.
Betrayal in Rule
(Short Story 10/10) The Imperial City of Rule is under threat. The good Baron Linden sends Trik and his son Durben from Linden to Rule with a message for the Emperor. "The Dwarf King's army is marching, and there is a traitor named Duke Mortimer."
