Greylady

When going to war, hire allies stronger than your enemy. Not stronger than you. Otherwise getting rid of them can be a problem. That was how the Horse Lords came to Alba, and how they came to rule it. That was how Bayrd ar'Talvlyn rose from a mere captain's rank to become lord of his own clan. And that was how the Art Magic became a part of life and death for the Horse Lords, sowing the seeds of conflict for years to come. Bayrd ar'Talvlyn is known for thinking too much. In a heavily militaristic society, thinking too much can lead to problems. But Bayrd is smart and is not afraid to share his ideas to help his people. As a deeply honourable man and a well-trained soldier, Bayrd has the desire to lead his people and gain status among them. However, when Bayrd shows signs of having a talent for sorcery, he learns how dangerous a gift that is to have among the Albans. Bayrd soon finds the success he has been looking for. But all is not well in Alba. The land has been stolen from its native population at the point of a sword—and any resistance is crushed in the invaders' iron fist. But now, they're learning how to fight back: with sorcery... Bayrd's curse of magic has now become his greatest asset to his people. His quest to find a native sorcerer and enlist him in the Horse Lords' plight will take him to the far reaches of this land. But as he searches for the sorcerer, he will discover things about himself that he never thought possible...