The First Sword — Pati Nagle

NOTE: this book is a novella (a short novel)

Fleeing the savages who destroyed his home, an ælven bladesmith must forge a new weapon to destroy the enemies standing between him and freedom.

Wounded and grieving the death of his love, Ghaláran helps another survivor escape the raiders who destroyed their village. Enemies pursue them into the heart of the mountains, trapping them in a cavern warmed by fire slumbering deep in the earth. Ghaláran senses he could make a new weapon here -- one that will devastate his enemies -- if he has the courage and the magical strength to tame the mountain's fiery heart.