The conspiracy has formed. Robby will make his bid to become King. First he must go to the mythical place called Griferis, on the far side of the world. But no sooner than their journey begins, Robby and his band of friends face delay and obstacle. Along the way, they make new acquaintances, people both inscrutable and mysterious.
Lord Tallin, brooding and powerful, haunted and paralyzed by a perfect memory. But he is the only person who can buy Robby the time he needs, if only he can shake himself to action.
Lyrium, an Elifaen Firstborn, mysterious and secretive, come to test Robby, and to advise him. But when she meets Robby’s companions, one in particular, she is filled with wonder, and with foreboding.
Esildre, beautiful and enigmatic, fighting against the curse that Secundur put upon her. One of Robby’s companions will soon fall prey to her enchantment.
When Robby and his companions are captured by pixies, he bargains for their freedom, and risks unleashing the little folk upon an unsuspecting world.
Meanwhile, he is trailed by mercenaries, tracked by black eagles, and followed by an elusive Dreamwalker who holds the key to Robby’s greatest power.
And darker forces now stir, forces that only Robby can thwart.
But only if he can reach Griferis in time.
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About The Year of the Red Door
244 Days Remain.
That is all.
The Year of the Red Door has begun, and four months have already passed by. This is the story of the last 244 days.
Uncanny things are taking place in the world, mysterious powers are stirring, and there are signs of coming change. Like pieces on a game-board, ancient forces are moving into position, gathering strength. Many sense the portents and see the signs, but few know their meaning. Fewer still understand what must be done. But who is there to do it?
In only 244 days, six intrepid travelers must cross thousands of miles, to the far edge of the world, to find a place that may not even exist. A legendary place called Griferis where a new king may be prepared, trained, and judged for worthiness. It is their bid to find that place, to discover the secret Name of the King, and to make one of their companions the new King. But hope is thin, and time runs out. Can the Name be found? Can the Usurper use it to take the throne? And will it make any difference? It already seems too late.
In the spirit of J.R.R. Tolkien and Charles Dickens comes a new heroic tale, a story of ageless love and brave determination, of tragic loss and the hope of redemption. During this quest, mythic powers arise from the ancient past, fate collides with destiny, and the world edges swiftly to its final destruction or to its ultimate fulfillment. Only the Bellringer can tip the balance of fate, but the world is almost out of time...
(Translation priority will be given to the first volume of this work, The Bellringer. Until that book is translated into any language, offers to translate the other books will be entertained but will be given a lower priority)
The Nature of a Curse is the second volume of a 5-volume work, The Year of the Red Door. It continues the adventure, following already-introduced characters and introducing additional players. With a 20% overall read-through-rate for the entire set of volumes, The Nature of a Curse has enjoyed steady sales, though it has never ranked over 1000 in its Amazon categories. However, for such a massive and immersive work such as The Year of the Red Door, sales have been very good. As with all of the volumes of this work, sales have been notable in Germany, France, Japan, and China. Ebook sales are significantly higher than print sales. Readers outside of the U.S. and U.K purchase copies primarily via Amazon, Apple, Kobo, and Ingram. World-wide English-language distribution to retailers other than Amazon is currently handled via Smashwords, Kobo, and StreetLib.
Meanwhile, at the housekeeper's gesture, the bindings on the second carpet were untied, and, as it was unraveled, they were all surprised when a long pole rolled out of it and across the floor, its metal caps ringing. In its wake unfurled a long green standard, hemmed in gold, with a white dragon finely embroidered upon it. Tallin stared as the servants backed away.
"Gurasa," he muttered.
For years, tales of this name had filtered north out of the Dragonlands, tales of glory told on the lips of captured Dragonkind, stories breathed with fear by renegades in the badlands of the desert, and exploits related by smugglers and mercenaries. Gurasa. He who smote the rebellious Dragonkind generals that defied their Emperor. Gurasa, who swept across the fabled southern deserts like a sandstorm, scouring the land free of criminals and discontents, annihilating larger armies by dint of his cunning and bravery. It was said that no army that marched under Gurasa's banner would ever know defeat. A green banner emblazoned with a white dragon. The battle standard of Gurasa, who had once been a guest of this very Hall.
Seeing a bit of parchment wrapped around the pole's base and tied with twine, the housekeeper tentatively unfastened it and handed the curled paper to Lord Tallin. Tallin took it absently, his eyes still fixed by those of the white dragon, his mind full of the image of his eldest son, whose death had only recently been reported to him. Finally, he broke his gaze and looked at the small note. Upon it were written only five words, brushed in a careful, almost delicate hand with distinctive flourishes.
"In exchange for one ring."
