L. Darby Gibbs, Fantasy Author

In a world where skill and capability hold the highest value, one woman, cast aside as a child for a physical impairment, strove to prove her value among warriors. Viewed as one of the best among the dragon-riding fighters, Sulia Dek trains new recruits to face the demands of defending the realm on dragonback. Where does her value stand when she is assigned as the king's personal bodyguard?

King Arnor needs protection as the ogre attacks shift from harvesting humans from the coastal towns and cities to the capital and most recently a direct assault on the castle. His selection of Rider Dek as his bodyguard, while influenced by his admiration of her, is also fitting. The best swordswoman and dragon rider should be at his side. That is his argument when she questions the fairness of his choice.

Sulia Dek is honest, brutally honest. It's been the shield that has guarded her heart from rejection and the wedge that has shoved the hardy few away from her. King Arnor finds her frankness refreshing. He'll spar with words or swords, whichever will build the one honesty he hopes she'll accept. Love.