The Black Elfstone: The Fall Of Shannara

The Black Elfstone: The Fall Of Shannara

The first book of the triumphant and epic four-part conclusion to the Shannara series, from one of the all-time masters of fantasy. Across the Four Lands, peace has reigned for generations. But now, in the far north, an unknown enemy is massing. More troubling than the carnage is the strange and wondrous power wielded by the attackers-a breed of magic unfamiliar even to the Druid order. Fearing the worst, the High Druid dispatches a diplomatic party under the protection of the order?s sworn guardian, Dar Leah, to confront the mysterious, encroaching force and discover its purpose. But another crucial journey is being undertaken. Exiled onetime High Druid Drisker Arc has been living in quiet seclusion, far from the politics and power struggles of his former life, until two brutal attacks by would-be assassins force him to seek out an infamous murder-for-hire guild-and find the hidden enemy who has marked him for death. At his side is Tarsha Kaynin, a young woman gifted with the wishsong and eager to be schooled in its formidable power by a master. She, too, is pursuing a mission: to locate her wayward brother, whose own magic has driven him to deadly madness and kindled his rage for vengeance . . . against his sister. In their darkest hours, facing dangerous adversaries, the lives and quests of Dar Leah, Drisker Arc, and Tarsha Kaynin will be inextricably drawn together. And the challenges each confronts will have resounding consequences for the future of the Four Lands.Praise for The Black Elfstone??Epic scope, heroic characters, and so much heart . . . proof that the Shannara series can still reach new heights.?-Tordotcom ??A strong opening book . . . The Four Lands face a new threat.?-Fantasy Book Review??Fantastic . . . one of the best books in this saga.?-SFRevuReview?Epic scope, heroic characters, and so much heart . . . proof that the Shannara series can still reach new heights.?-Tordotcom ??A strong opening book . . . The Four Lands face a new threat.?-Fantasy Book Review??Fantastic . . . one of the best books in this saga.?-SFRevuAbout the AuthorTerry Brooks has thrilled readers for decades with his powers of imagination and storytelling. He is the author of more than thirty books, most of which have beenNew York Times bestsellers. He lives with his wife, Judine, in the Pacific Northwest.Excerpt. ?Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.Chapter OneTigueron, the leader of Orsis Guild and one of the most feared assassins in all Varfleet, sat alone at a table in the back of the Bullfinch tavern, waiting. Smoke from pipes clamped between teeth and oil lamps set upon tables clouded the air with a pungent haze, wafting to the rafters and along the walls. Smokeless lamps were discouraged in places like this where so many of the customers preferred anonymity. It was crowded enough that such anonymity would have been impossible otherwise, and Tigueron did not necessarily ?isagree with the reasoning of his fellow patrons. The noise was ferocious-?houts and laughter and conversations fighting to reach the ears of those seated just across the table from each other. Pitchers filled glasses, which rose to meet eager mouths, which gulped and swallowed until the ale was gone and the glasses refilled to begin the process anew. Much of the amber liquid was spilled on the wooden boards of the worn tavern floor, and more than a little stained the clothes of the customers. Manners were not anywhere near as popular as raucous behavior.Tigueron hunched over his glass, watching everything around him without seeming to do so. Watching, but mostly waiting.He was a big man, burly and muscular, his head heavy on his shoulders, his face rough-?eatured and scarred, his hair cut short and close to his scalp, his broken nose prominent, and his eyes hard and empty. He wore a heavy cloak with the hood pulled back and the drawstrings unfastened. It was warm in the c