A Dragon for William

About the book

Set after the Aurora Award-winning novel, A Play of Shadow, this novella delves into the tale of a young boy whose fanciful stories of dragons and perils may hold more truth than meets the eye.

Werfol and his family return to Vorkoun only to discover their circumstances have taken a turn for the worse. His father has fallen from grace and been exiled from court. Meanwhile, Vorkoun has been surrendered to Asnor as part of a treaty by the prince, leaving everyone uncertain of what the future holds.

Adding to the complications, Werfol discovers he possesses the ability to detect falsehoods as a truthseer. Though his training has just begun, his mother refuses to send him back to his uncle in Marrowdell. Stuck in a state of boredom and sorrow, Werfol seeks solace in his imagination, crafting a story about a courageous boy who forms a bond with a young dragon. While the fictional "Prince William" always emerges as the hero in their escapades, Werfol finds himself growing increasingly frustrated and fearful in reality.

The situation is further strained when Werfol's once-trusted confidant, his brother Semyn, can no longer recall the enchantment of Marrowdell. Concerned for Werfol, Semyn stumbles upon his story and reveals it to their parents. Their mother, haunted by ominous visions, worries that her son might unwittingly open the door to a peril greater than any treaty.

For in Werfol's tale resides a dragon reminiscent of the formidable Sei, a creature whose sheer power once tore through worlds out of sheer curiosity. Now, as the lines blur between Werfol's imaginings and the mystical Verge, uncertainty looms over all, including Werfol himself.

Can a boy gifted with the ability to spot deception in others find the truth buried within his own self?