The Crimson Sword — Eldon Thompson

The Age of Man has begun. Gone are the elves and dwarves, orcs and trolls, and other creatures of legend. Having driven the "undesirables" from their lands, the kingdoms of the island continent of Pentania have started a new chapter in human history. The gods are a myth, magic is a forsaken art, and the avatars, shepherds of the races, have faded into the mists of time. Now, mankind will rule. But they are not alone.

Alson's king has been assassinated, its capital besieged by a malevolent wizard. The chaos and terror now sweeping the land have come to the remote village of Diln--sending young Jarom far from his home to seek aid against the nefarious usurper. But a mysterious council has decreed Jarom must find one of the mythical Swords of Asahielthe divine talismans the elven avatars used to forge the earth--in order to save a quarrelsome, fledgling humanity. For a Demon Queen has awakened from the abyss--and humankind is about to discover its powerlessness in the face of the ancient terrors of the world.