Two Extracts from The Shintae - a Novel (1/3) by Brian R Hill

(1/3), (2/3), (3/3).

The Shintae is a new fantasy novel by Yorkshire writer Brian Hill. The novel is due to be published by Publish America sometime around the Christmas period but is currently available online at www.amazon.com , www.publishamerica.com , www.barnesandnoble.com and www.whsmith.com. The ISBN number is 1-4137-8322-4. For more information on the book go to . www.theshintae.com The Shintae - Synopsis

After recovering The Shintae, an ancient relic of mystical properties, the Maraén warrior Kaér is surprised by the enemy and left for dead. Surviving his injuries Kaér is once more charged with retrieving The Shintae and, with his companion Angharad, travels deep into the Cantaén Mountains in search of the object. Together, Kaér and Angharad face great danger, adventure and all-out war before their arduous task can be completed. Standing in Kaér and Angharad's way is Sartae, an antagonist whose evil ambitions know no bounds. A leader, whose cruelty and hatred is legendary. As the mission progresses, Kaér and Angharad receive help from the most unlikely of sources but in the end, they must use all their skill and knowledge to keep themselves alive. As the venture races to its explosive climax, even this may not prove sufficient.

Extract from Chapter Ten

The steeply twisting passage created few difficulties for Kaér as he descended. Indeed, within minutes it had levelled out and, for quite a while, led him back beneath the mountains before bearing towards the right, dropping gently as it curved. Suddenly, without warning, the roof and walls opened out and, after negotiating a small flight of steps, he found himself at the edge of an immense cavern.

Running through the centre, cutting him off from the vaguely discerned far side, was a gaping chasm, from the depths of which echoed the sound of a raging torrent. A natural stone arch spanned the intervening space, rising from a point near to where he stood. Drawing closer to the divide, he explored in each direction but could find no other means of crossing. Although steps had been cut into the swiftly rising curvature, he was filled with misgivings concerning its strength, particularly where it narrowed towards the centre.

Mounting cautiously, the risers became progressively shallower the higher he went, ceasing altogether as he approached the upper section. With arms outstretched to aid his balance, he eased his way along what was now merely a slender beam. Poised precariously at the very peak, he steadied himself. But before he had chance to move further, an ear splitting crack rang out and the perilous platform began to sway alarmingly.

Dropping the lamp, he launched himself towards the far side as the central section collapsed beneath him. His fingers made contact with the splintered remains, but then the lamp hit the river below leaving him to struggle in the stygian darkness to maintain a grip. His efforts were to no avail, the rock fragmented beneath his grasp and, with a cry of despair, he plummeted down towards the hungry waters. Plunging deep below the surface of the turbulent flood, he was swept away as his air filled pack and clothes dragged his struggling body back to the top. Gasping for air, he barely managed to fill his lungs before the surging flow carried him over a roaring cataract. The pressure created by the falling water forced him under and pinned him down, or so it seemed, for an eternity until his plunging, spinning motion carried him free. With the easing of the cascade's murderous grip, the current snatched him away, claiming him for its own.

Continued... Next Page (2/3)

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