Inheritance of a Sword and a Path (The Earthrin Stones, Book 1)

Over a thousand years ago the Godswars ravaged the land of Dhea Loral, shattering continents, laying waste to cities, and driving species to extinction. The people of the land are once again starting to prosper and flourish, while the gods stay aloft and watch from afar the recovery. Yet, not all the old quarrels have been forgotten. For some gods, the time is right to once again meddle in the affairs of mortals. Though the gods have bound themselves by a Covenant that bars their direct entry into Dhea Loral, they are able to send mortal emissaries to carry out their schemes.

A night of violence erupts in a small village on the fringes of civilization. A woman is kidnapped, though only to cover up the real crime. Trestan, the son of a blacksmith, finds his hero dead and unwillingly accepts the magical elvish blade that was bequeathed to him. He sets out with his lifelong friend to see justice done for the blood that was spilled that night. They are joined by an uncommon group of adventurers to share in their quest, whom often get involved in their own squabbles. The further the road leads from home, the more their enemies seem to multiply. Even as they hope to attempt a desperate rescue, they must discover the true crime that was set in motion by ambitious gods.

Even honorable Trestan will find himself caught up in the plots of immortals. The youth must find the faith to save his friends, and yet even by doing so he may have to submit to another's will. Not only has he inherited a sword...he has inherited a path that will take him from the only home he has ever known.

Douglas was born on Nov 28th, 1971. He got to live many different places while growing up, courtesy of the assignments the US Army offered to his father. Too quiet and too shy for too long, there was always dreams of other worlds and places...and the desire to write about them. He got into fantasy role-playing games in his mid-teens. To this day he has friends whom he meets in tabletop role-playing games, as well as online adventures. Many of his characters evolved in games, and each developed their own personality. Inheritance of a Sword and a Path is the second book he has written, though the first he has had published. He continues to work at finishing the rest of the trilogy so that he might start on many of the other storylines buzzing around in his head.

Douglas lives with his wife and one dog in Minnesota. He works in health care, serving people's needs at an outpatient clinic. When most people see him, he is wearing scrubs and a white lab coat.