Crimson Fire

From the author of NIGHT BIRDS’ REIGN

B
OO K
T
WO OF TH E
D
REA M E R
’
S
C
YC L E

Medallion Press, Inc.

DEDICATION:

To Donald Edgar Taylor, whose wife has gone on before.

You’re the bravest man I know, Dad.

Published 2007 by Medallion Press, Inc.

The MEDALLION PRESS LOGO

is a registered tradmark of Medallion Press, Inc.

If you purchased this book without a cover, you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher, and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment from this “stripped book.”

Copyright © 2007 by Holly Taylor

Cover Illustration and maps by James Tampa

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission of the publisher, except where permitted by law.

Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used
fi
ctionally. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Printed in the United States of America Typeset in Baskerville

ISBN#978-1-933836-03-4

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

First Edition

Previous accolades for
Night Birds’ Reign
:

GRADE:
A

“This is an epic novel — fat in heft, rich on detail. The characters of NIGHT BIRDS’ REIGN really grab the reader, and they do not — let me repeat
do not
— let go . . . Kudos to Ms. Taylor.”

—Fantasy Novel Review

“NIGHT BIRD’S REIGN is an intriguing story; one that will wow many fantasy readers . . . At over 500 pages, there is a lot to take in. Don’t expect this to be a quick read, but do expect it to be gripping.”

—Round Table Reviews

“NIGHT BIRD’S REIGN is a strong fantasy. The story line is action-packed and
fi
lled with adventure. Holly Taylor provides a stirring quest that fans will want to trek alongside of Gwydion to partake.”

—H. Klausner, Independent Reviewer

Table of Contents Prologue

Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Epilogue

It has broken us, It has crushed us, It has drowned us.

O Annwyn of the star-bright kingdom; The wind has consumed us

As twigs are consumed by Crimson
fi
re from your hand.

Gwenllient ur Caswallon Third Master Bard Circa 203

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LIST OF CHARACTERS

IN KYMRU

Y Dawnus (The Gifted)

The Dreamers

Gwydion ap Awst var Celemon: Dreamer of Kymru, half brother of King Uthyr, brother of Amatheon