The Runes of War

Threatened by a new ice age, barbaric tribes of the vast northern tundra join forces under the bloody rule of warrior-chief Morbak. In the name of Morbak's cruel god Vaal Peor they march south to claim dominion of the world. Only the frontier castle of Torra Alta stands in their way.

Within its walls, Baron Branwolf prepares his defences. For a thousand years Torra Alta has stood triumphant, unconquerable, perched on the spectacular pillar of rock where dragons once had their lair. But ominous sounds emerge from the labyrinth of dragon built tunnels beneath the castle. Sabotage is feared. Against the baron's orders, his young son Caspar accompanies the party despatched to seal off the tunnels. There, Caspar discovers an ancient dragon's hoard of treasure gleaming in the magical light of a moonstone, and when Caspar is captured by enemy spies, so is the moonstone. It is not an ordinary moonstone but the Druid's Eye – with its power Morbak will be invincible. Only the long abandoned Runes of War can save Torra Alta, and only Caspar can find them...

In this fabulous debut novel, Jane Welch reaches new levels of enchantment and excitement in fantasy fiction.