Kerry Truelove, writer

For Elroi

“Senra,” unexpectedly gentle, drawing her meandering thoughts back to the conversation, “I really think you need to think this through.”

“I have.  I need a male who has power, probably the greatest amount possible, and that means Harele-  Yes,” at Vora’s shocked expression, “and that means a long and unpleasant negotiation with the pair of them, Harele and Ritilise.  Quite possibly Brax as well.  I need to be able to work my own power onto my body, something which Farr told me was feasible but not easy.  And I need you to work your power on my body.  All of this to make sure the pregnancy is, Daylight help me, as normal as possible.  I cannot say I’m looking forwards to it.  Nor can I say any member of my family is remotely suited to assuming the throne – not Arien, certainly.  Nor Baraen or Orvis.  Nor, to be honest, do I think anyone else in Linoih is suited.  What’s more, Farr said the ruler had to be Human, so even if Ebrald was suited – which he himself freely admits he is not, he finds it difficult enough to rule Mountainfolk – he won’t do.  Nor will any among the Yarlsende.  Elroi is in anything but a fit state to have a substandard ruler, so I really don’t have any option.  So I need you and the other healers to work out a plan to keep me and the child healthy. Assuming that I can conceive.”

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The Rider of Blizzards and Wind is gone.  With the willing help of the zora of Honar and their Honari cavalry companions, Senra must navigate Elroi back into life without the assistance and advice of her friend.  As she does so, lost Elroi begins to waken, bringing stability and purpose to the dispossessed from Honar and the other breeds of man who settle there.  Gradually each group becomes accustomed to the different appearances and customs of the others, although some of the old tensions inevitably remain.  

Despite this, all appears peaceful.  But when the benevolent northern Emperor dies, his war-like successor declares war on Elroi and sends forth his forces bent on conquest.  Once again, the ageing zora and their cavalry counterparts, assisted by their inexperienced and non-military compatriots, must take to the battlefield;  but this time the result has the potential to undo all that they have achieved.  

Senra’s twin children, Tafrine and Hariol, must learn how to rule the awakening land, supported by their aunt and Ritilise the madam, guided by their mother’s friend Linfarr.  But the actions of one of them are controlled by a malevolent being from Farr’s past that seeks only her destruction, actions that could de-stabilise the emerging nation.  Only the difference between the children and the other breeds of man can stop it.

But it is not the lessons in statecraft, riding, self-defence or the many other things the twins must learn that enables them to finally unravel the secret of Elroi.

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The final volume in The Heart of Elroi – what more can I say? I’m happy with the conclusion of that ‘short story’ that I attempted so many years ago, even though (or perhaps because?) it took off in a totally different direction. Writing The Heart of Elroi, I often felt that I wasn’t the author so much as the scribe, noting down the tale as it dictated itself to me. No book is perfect, but I am happy with this one and the two preceding volumes.

Once again, the cover artwork for For Elroi was done by the relevant department of Digital Print Australia. I don’t know who precisely did it, but they caught beautifully the image that I wanted to convey.

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Interested in exploring more? Copies of For Elroi can be obtained from the following online book stores:

Print on demand: ISBN 978-0-6489892-7-1

e-book: ISBN  978-0-6489892-8-8