<p><b>''A gloriously gritty adventure through Hanrahan''s astonishing imagination''</b> Peter McLean, author of <i>Priest of Bones</i><br><b><br>THE SWORD CARES NOT WHO IT CUTS</b><br><br>Many years ago, Sir Aelfric and his nine companions saved the world, seizing the Dark Lord''s cursed weapons, along with his dread city of Necrad. That was the easy part. <br><br>Now, when Aelfric - keeper of the cursed sword Spellbreaker - learns of a new and terrifying threat, he seeks the nine heroes once again. But they are wandering adventurers no longer. Yesterday''s eager heroes are today''s weary leaders - and some have turned to the darkness, becoming monsters themselves.<br><br>If there''s one thing Aelfric knows, it''s slaying monsters. Even if they used to be his friends.<br><br><b>Set in a world of dark myth and dangerous prophecy, <i>The Sword Defiant</i> launches an epic tale of daring warriors, living weapons and bloodthirsty vengeance.</b><br><br>Praise for Gareth Hanrahan:<br><br><b>