A Wicked Winter — Richard Watkins

In the medieval country of Noediem, Francois Cassel is squire to the knight Lauchant, who, with a company of the King’s Guard, sets off to rid the southern regions of a raiding band from neighbouring Ballenrue. Lauchant is injured in an encounter with the Ballenrue, but Francois Cassel strikes terror into the raiders and they flee. King Rochfer of Noediem knights Francois for his deeds, but sends him to study with the high priest, Yulhara, so that he might learn about the strange powers he has exhibited. Yulhara banishes Francois from Noediem for an alleged misdemeanor and Francois wanders westward into Wuntegrun, only to find that country and the walled town of Kapul gripped with terror by bands of marauding wolves. Convinced the wolves are being organized by a greater power, Francois seeks out the wizard, Dreah-Gleig, the only one evil enough to concoct such a plan. As Francois fights to rid Kapul and Wuntegrun of an invasion of wolves and Northmen, he finds the Ballenrue raiders are also seeking to exact revenge upon him. On the battle-field with wolves, Northmen and Ballenure, Francois comes face to face with Dreah-Gleig - and the battle of their powers begins.