Thornkeep — Chris Turner

Meet Risgan: rogue, gambler and outlawed treasure-hunter who flees north from the Pontific of Zanzuria's wrath after a misunderstanding with his consort...and inevitably falling afoul of bounty-hunters and predatorial beasts. In a struggle for survival, he comes face to face with an unpleasant secret hidden deep in the mysterious forest of Mazgul: a menace lain hidden for many years. Here in a land of scattered kingdoms, strange beasts and ageless magic, he gathers others of his kind who are only too ready to exterminate the bane.

17000 words