Ballad of Oak and Steel

IN THEIR DESTRUCTION, SHE WAS CREATED.

Maret Arriens lives, knowing she is both a miracle and a reminder, being the last witch of Kharis, despite the humans spending hundreds of years trying (and failing spectacularly) to erase magic completely. Now, all the magic of her people resides within Maret.

She lives under a protective order in Cedora, the only mortal land that doesn't want her dead. With King Tormas' support, Maret built the Great Oak Library, one of two libraries available to mortals, filled with books and knowledge. But not all books carry stories. Some hold potions and elixirs created for those in need and trust in Maret's abilities.

Maret's life is busy but predictable. But that changes when Tormas sends Zale, a grumpy, rough-around-the-edges guard with a deep hatred for magic, to hand-deliver an invitation to Maret for the Queen's birthday ball. He'd rather battle three trolls barehanded than escort a witch to tea, but orders are orders, and Tormas has a task for Maret.

After the ball, Tormas assigns Maret, with the help and guidance of Zale, to travel together to retrieve an ancient manuscript that he plans to display in the Great Oak Library.

It should be simple: cross the island, catch a ship, don't kill each other.

Naturally, nothing goes according to plan.

They face treacherous storms, mischievous goblins turning dwarves into golems, and humans who'd happily end Maret's life or use her for their own personal gain. As well, they continuously stumble upon a beautiful but poisonous plant that is spreading across the lands, which Maret has yet to find a cure for. Every obstacle forces them to change routes, adapt quickly, and rely on each other far more than either would like.

Somewhere between dodging attempted murderers, surviving heavy rain, and sharing an awkward moment in a hot spring, Zale and Maret realize they might have had each other all wrong. Sometimes you have to walk beside what you fear most to find the misunderstanding at the other end.