The Heirs of Hammerfell

Plot summary

The houses of Hammerfell and Storn were locked in a long and bitter feud. After his son and heir was killed in battle against Storn's men, Duke Rascard of Hammerfell married the much younger Erminie Leynier. They had twin sons, Alastair, the heir, and Conn. When the twins were about eighteen months old, Storn attacked with clingfire. Erminie fled with Alastair and her dog Jewel, but a servant named Markos, carrying Conn, was separated from her in the chaos.

Eighteen years later, Erminie worked as a Second Technician in Thendara. Her colleague Valentine Hastur proposed marriage, but she delayed her answer. At a social gathering, Alastair met his cousin Floria Elhalyn, whom he had not seen since childhood. King Hastur told Alastair he would support his claim to Hammerfell, provided Alastair did not swear allegiance to Aldaran. Meanwhile, in the remote mountains, Markos had raised Conn, who lived a Robin Hood-like life, aiding common people mistreated by Lord Storn. Conn approached Valentine Hastur, who at first mistook him for Alastair. Hastur arranged for the family to be reunited. Alastair insisted on riding to the mountains with a small army to attack Storn.

A fire broke out on Storn lands, and Alastair joined the fire brigade. He found himself attracted to Lenisa of Storn, Lord Storn's granddaughter, even though he was more or less engaged to Floria Elhalyn. While fighting the fire, Alastair was injured. Conn sensed this through the laran bond he shared with his brother. A rescue party set out for the mountains. Alastair was taken to Storn Castle to recover from his burns. Lord Storn expressed a wish to end the feud, explaining that the land was exhausted and only fit for sheep pasture. He then discovered that his soldiers had been burning out tenants instead of persuading them to leave peacefully. Lord Storn repeated this explanation to Conn, suggesting the time for conflict was past. It was decided that Alastair would marry Lenisa of Storn, and Conn would marry Floria Elhalyn. Erminie agreed to marry Valentine Hastur.