Ethcara

The land is under attack from snowstorms. Each flake is warm to the touch, and when it reaches the ground, it fizzles and sizzles, then soaks in, leaving a small heat haze over the area, and eventually this poisons the ground underneath.

Whonose, a Master Shipwright, is in contact with his sister, Whome, up at Ull, about this problem, where it is decided that the danger is coming from The Halh, as before.

Whonose is chosen to visit the sanctuary of Lancheal Uzban, to get some advice. With his companions, Maximum Benkys and Ethin Twentyfive, they set out on their eventful journey.

They meet Riffik Oozdal, Ma-cheng Pom and Odu Ishema, from whom Maximum learns all about Kolta, a mind and exercise regime; and a conclusive Mind-battle ensues.

To the friend’s dismay, they are then asked to continue on their ‘wending’ to find a legendary Mist-breather. On this leg of their journey, they spend a night on the Field of Smaryde Tor, which is not as comfortable as expected.

Finally, entering the Spur of Ethcara, it is here that the legend ends, and the fate of The Great Estate is determined.

Ruby Steele began her working career as a secretary in industry, before changing direction into the management of large building complexes. She lives in the West Midlands with her partner, Ron, and has two grown-up children. She is the author of Smeakmaster.

Ruby’s eclectic range of interests included photography, garden history and world-wide travel. Now retired, she keeps active by practicing Tai-chi and yoga, and has trekked in the foothills of the Himalayas and Bhutan.

To keep her mind active, she does cryptic crosswords, and of course, she wrote this book!