A Gathering of Heroes — Stephen H. Steel

Reos and his friend are ordinary farm laborers. Their future looks bleak when their employer is murdered and the land is to be sold off piecemeal. During a festivity, however, a traveler passes through his village and they meet. They are persuaded to join the traveler in order to seek out a new life for themselves elsewhere. Soon, however, it becomes clear that all is not what it seems in the world: the storm clouds of war are gathering. They set off, collecting companions on their way, as they travel through new and strange lands. Vicious enemies ambush them, traitors hinder their progress, and Reos discovers a destiny in which he will play a key role in the war that has already swept one proud nation to oblivion. A classic fantasy tale of doubt and discovery in the life of an ordinary worker from an ignorant land. Experience the wonders and the horrors that are discovered by Reos and Otylik, Serval the honourable messenger, Ordian the cocky thief, Addaris-son of the Great Lord of Erlarnia, and Nineka, warrior maiden of the forest people of Layot.