The First Sword

by Pati Nagle

Fleeing the savages who destroyed his home, an lven bladesmith must forge a new weapon to destroy the enemies standing between him and freedom.

Wounded and grieving the death of his love, Ghalran helps another survivor escape the raiders who destroyed their village. Enemies pursue them into the heart of the mountains, trapping them in a cavern warmed by fire slumbering deep in the earth. Ghalran senses he could make a new weapon here—one that will devastate his enemies—if he has the courage and the magical strength to tame the mountain's fiery heart.

Audible Audio

Published October 2, 2013

About the author

Pati Nagle is the author of two linked romantic fantasy series: the Blood of the Kindred historical series (THE BETRAYAL, HEART OF THE EXILED, SWORDS OVER FIRESHORE), and The Immortal Saga contemporary series (IMMORTAL, ETERNAL, FOREVER). She was born and raised in the mountains of northern New Mexico. An avid student of music, history, and humans in general, she loves the outdoors but hides from the sun.

Nagle's stories have appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction, the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Cicada, Cricket, and in various anthologies, including collections honoring New Mexico writers Jack Williamson and Roger Zelazny. She has also written a series of historical novels as P.G. Nagle. She is a Writers of the Future finalist and finalist for the New Mexico Press Women's Zia Award. Her short story "Coyote Ugly" received an honorable mention in The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror and was honored as a finalist for the Theodore Sturgeon Award.

She lives in the mountains in New Mexico with her husband and two furry muses, surrounded by trees, starry skies, and wildlife.