Song of the Elves » Song of the Elves

Still ‘Restless’ after all these years…

David Shepherd — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:33:59 +0000

Well, its been a long time, but here I am, back in the saddle, just like erstwhile companions Morgan and his Uncle Naythan.

I’m inching forward with the manuscript, and you can see the initial chapters on the new ‘The Restless and the Godless’ page. In the meantime, why not check out the fabulous ‘Unearthed,’ penned by Cheshire author Jim Clarkson, and illustrated by his nephew ,err…. Jim Clarkson! quick loans

You won’t be disappointed.

Happy New year

David Shepherd — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 15:14:34 +0000

Hello,
I’m back and writing after a very stop start 2019. My aim this year is to finish the Restless and the Godless and be ready for SOTE book 4.
Thank you for your patience.
Up the Elves!
Shep

Cold press

David Shepherd — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 20:57:38 +0000

At least the freezing conditions have given me an excuse to settle in and get some writing done. I’m coming to the end of the first part of The Restless and the Godless. Sample paragraph coming soon.

Getting in the mood

David Shepherd — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 20:07:36 +0000

‘I’m throwing off the shadow of a better man,’ croons Eldritch, the velvet line a soothing antidote to my worn out wiper blade scratching hopelessly at the windscreen. Nothing like a slice of Classic Sisters to put me in the mood for writing.
I’ll soon post a teaser of The Restless and the Godless, my second tale of Rhoderica.
Tune in, turn on, burn out…

An old friend

David Shepherd — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 17:19:05 +0000

I’m visiting with an old friend. It’s been a long time since I stayed in Osten Ard. I arrived just in time to say farewell to Duke Isgrimnur. Now Simon and Miri will have to face the new threat from the Norns without their old ally. Thanks Tad – great return to the series.

Return

David Shepherd — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 20:27:19 +0000

Thank you for your patience. I am back writing, working on the completion of the Restless and the Godless, my second Tale of Rhoderica. Watch this space for updates soon.

New Year plans & a farewell

David Shepherd — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 20:35:14 +0000

I’m back – with plans to finish ‘The Restless and the Godless’ in the coming months, before returning to the saga of Song of the Elves.

It’s been a long, hard winter – not least because of the sudden passing of Winifred May Shepherd.

As a child I was surrounded by great tales and encouraged in every way with my writing.

I shall miss my mum, a truly witty, intelligent and supportive friend to the end.

Summer inspirations

David Shepherd — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 11:52:18 +0000

Just getting back to work on The Restless and the Godless. The coast and mountains of beautiful Wales have given me inspiration for the next sequence of the tale, as Naythan and Morgan try to cross the ice bridge to Suud-karnia.

Also currently thoroughly enjoying re-reading The Dragon Bone Chair, in anticipation of Tad Williams’s sequel due next year. 30 years on, and everything I loved about it first time around seems even more intensely delightful. The feel of his books continues to be a source of inspiration.

Until next time, up the elves!

Inkitt debut

David Shepherd — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 19:47:52 +0000

Dear Readers,

You can now enjoy The Wolves of Winter Part I for free on Inkitt. Please log on and review my story, which can be found by searching in the fantasy section.

In the meantime, I’m still plugging away at the latest Tale of Rhoderica: The Restless and the Godless. More news on this project soon.

Until then,

Up the Elves!

The Restless and the Godless

David Shepherd — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 16:00:11 +0000

My homage to Alan Le May’s, The Searchers, as envisioned by John Ford and John Wayne, is evolving. Now progressing under the working title of ‘The Restless and the Godless’, the title reflects the character of the two main protagonists.

Naythan is the restless one of the title, newly released from his commission in the army of Rosewall, the king’s forces having met defeat at the hands of Arthur Blackrose (a story for another day, though you can find a potted history within the Tales of Rhoderica section of this website). He is a conundrum of a man, torn by the honour of the trained sword and his unwavering hatred of the Southren. As the story begins, we do not know the source of this hatred, but it finds a target in the form of Neils, half southren-half human adopted son of Old Man Marne. The bitter exchanges at the outset of the tale set a tone for Naythan’s troubled character. As the story unfolds, his interactions with Neils provide a barometer for how far Naythan has succumbed to the darker leanings of his character.

Morgan, Naythan’s nephew and travelling companion, is the godless one of the title. His faith is shredded one day at the start of spring, when the unthinkable befalls his frontier family. Both men will wrestle with their inner demons as they give themselves over to a quest that at times seems futile. The passage of miles and the occasion of dire threat are strangely welcomed by the two partners of the trail, who find a useful companion in the constant fatigue and fear of death, as it affords them no time to dwell on the events of the recent past.

The ‘Reckless and the Godless’ also fills in a period of history of Rhoderica before the adventures of Rulnik and Torbad, the Wolves of Winter, and introduces a landscape to the south of the arena of action outlined in the first three ‘verses’ of the Song of the Elves.

Until next time, ‘up the Restless Ones!’