Issue #102 of Beneath Ceaseless Skies online magazine, featuring stories by Peter Darbyshire and Nathaniel Katz.

The legendary hero Allanon takes center stage in the first of three gripping new stand-alone eBook short stories set in the world of the fantasy-fiction phenomenon that is Shannara—by beloved New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks.The history is thus: The once-Druid Brona, seduced by his pursuit of dark magic, was forever transformed into the Warlock Lord—whose evil would be the downfall of the Four Lands and the death of the Races. Against him, th...

A bonus short story featuring Silhara and Martise from Master of Crows.In The Light Within, Silhara of Neith, now known as "the god-smiter," travels as the guest of honor to the winter festival of his father's people.The crow mage who destroyed one god must ignite sacred fires in honor of another. Yet the winter festival only reminds Silhara that the brightest light within him isn't the fire of a deity but the devotion of one woman.A tale of hope and celebration.

Kharlacht is a young orc of Vhaluusk, betrothed to Lujena, the daughter of the cruel shaman Narrakhan. But to become a full warrior of Vhaluusk, Kharlacht must survive his blood quest…a perilous mission chosen by the tribe’s shaman.And Narrakhan wants him dead.To survive, Kharlacht will have to use his wits, and overcome magic darker than he can imagine…

RIDMARK ARBAN was once an honored Swordbearer. Now he is a disgraced exile, outcast and alone.Yet he is still a warrior without peer, and when death cultists attack an innocent village, Ridmark must put himself to the test to save the villagers.Or die in the attempt...

The fabled Dwarven kingdom of Thazdulrene has been sealed for over one thousand years. Now, a new king sits upon the throne, seeking to open his kingdom to the world above the mountain once again. Will the king's servant Burlain be able to complete his mission to unite the kingdoms of men against their greatest threat?

Deception! Betrayal! A perfect partnership! In the conclusion to this four-part novella, Rucas Sarfael uncovers the twisted plots that brought him to the city of Neverwinter and discovers a plot on the life of its lord.

Darweena must choose to fight for the Forest Folk in an epic battle against the beasts. Will she choose love over her home? A short story of 3700 words.

For three long years after her husband died, Nora Katsaros was on the run. And now that she’s finally found a place to call home, she’s not about to let anyone stand in the way of raising her daughter in peace – not even Charon, the womanizing, drop-dead-gorgeous former god who works at her restaurant.Unfortunately, Charon’s love-‘em-and-leave-‘em lifestyle brings trouble to Nora’s doorstep when a jealous husband shows up looking for a fight. When the man threatens Nora’s safety, C...

Ken'ishi, a young ronin, travels through the wild countryside to the fortress of his new master, and encounters two strangers--one who demands his head, and the other, his heart. Which will he lose first?

A short story legend from the writer of Geist, Kindred and Wings, and the co-author of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.The arrival of man to their sacred homes bring challenges to the elves. Most retreat further and further into the peace of the woods, but on one island, elves who worship the goddess of war make a stand. The battles that follow will be epic, but from them something new and unexpected will rise. Something born from fire and love.

Charged with guarding a priceless relic, Neeka must escape a nightmare creature so horrifying the gods tremble before it. Her only hope of survival is the powerful mage who trained her. But Gehan's help will come at a price.When Gehan sees Neeka stumbling toward him from the dark woods surrounding his isolated home, he assumes she's a dream, a fantasy born of his obsession with her—until she collapses in his arms and begs for his help. To end his loneliness and keep her with him, h...