Dane's Mountain — Jill Penrod

Having betrayed his friends to save his family, Dane the guard is now called on to right his wrongs, and he finds himself leading his friends back to his home, a dangerous mountain filled with enemies. His friends no longer trust him, and he deserves that. What he doesn't deserve is their forgiveness and concern, and he is determined to keep them safe and be worthy of their misplaced trust. Galleo, the ancient warrior sent to protect them, forces Dane into leadership, and they climb the mountain and encounter, for the first time in the man's memory, hints of his origins. They also encounter nature at its worst and evil men, and one of Galleo's charges is gravely wounded. Friendship, trust, and faith have to come together to get the children and their guardian off the mountain and back to the task of finding safe homes for all of them. Along the way they rescue souls and discover their own strengths, for each has a role to play in this drama of the god. Unfortunately, an old enemy follows, so the journey home isn't as easy as they hope. Dane's Mountain is book two of the Sekou Saga, a Tale of Balia in Four Parts. The entire series includes Chessa's Rescue, Dane's Mountain, Gem's Gypsies, and Casimir's Silence. The Tales of Balia: Stories of a world not unlike ours and the deity who will stop at nothing to get his children home. Historic fantasy with a Christian worldview.