Lost Talismans — Stephen Donald Huff

The Wilderlands exist in an alternate past or a possible future. Depending on perspective, it is a realm inhabited by mysterious wizards or learned disciples of a new religion evolved from the practice of ancient science. Magic or high technology rules the world. During the course of his traditional exodus from Empire, Holy Warfarer Epsilon Three of the Martial Rite experiences firsthand the deadly reputation of the Wilderlands, the plagued territories that surround the Barricade Wall of Empire. Though he expects to die shortly after exiting the Wall's Postern Gate, he quickly learns to manage the dangers of the forest with the help of a mysterious benefactor, who follows and advises him while hidden in the shadows. Because the Wilderlands thrive on black magic and evil, Epsilon suspects his invisible companion's motivations, but he has no choice except to trust in the unknown until he learns enough Wilderland lore to survive on his own.