The Mystic Order of Withlings
The Bow of Hart Saga
is set in the world of Denaria with its own history, people-groups, religions
and history. Part of the back-drop for the first book of the series, The Bow of Destiny, is the history of
the mystic order of Withlings. This religious order worships their deity,
Eloch, by learning to spiritually abide in his presence. Their catch-phrase,
"What is needed is given," best describes the outlook of Withlings;
they can only serve as Eloch provides.
While
this premise seems limiting, it isn't for Withlings who are capable of
performing astounding miracles and speaking prophesies. Often, they will not
speak of anything or act unless they determine from their mystic discipline that
it is Eloch's will for them to do so. It is the basis of their lives that they
best serve by learning total obedience. However, this does not make them
infallible as they are just as apt as anyone to misunderstand the meaning of
their actions and prophesies. Only the wisest of Withlings have learned to
withhold their speculations regarding any action taken or events experienced.
At
the time in which The Bow of Hart Saga
is set, there are few Withlings left in Denaria so that few people have even
met one in generations. Tales are remembered from past centuries of these once
well-known servants of Eloch, but few know much of them anymore except for the
longer-lived people-groups such as elves and dwarves who still revere
Withlings.
One
of the main characters from The Bow of Hart Saga is the Withling, Hastra. Part
of Hastra's story is told in the short story, What Is Needed, which explains the events surrounding the demise of
the Withlings. Interested readers are invited to read What Is Needed as well as the other prequel short story, Trading Knives.
The Bow of Destiny
takes up the story of the Withlings amid much mystery and magic, focusing upon
the young ranger of Auguron named Athson. This ranger is drawn into a quest
involving a Withling prophecy about a mythic bow. Fantasy readers are welcome
to join the hunt for the Bow of Hart by accompanying Athson on his adventure.
An Arrow Against the Wind
continues the quest for Athson as he must determine the best course he should
take in matters regarding his past and present, including the shared wisdom of
Withlings. But Athson's distrust of Withlings and his familial past create a
set of challenging choices which he determines to navigate on his own, almost
heedless of consequences.
Once
The White Arrow begins, Athson is
faced with a new choice regarding Withlings, one which will seal his destiny.
The march to the final confrontation leads Athson on a far different path than
he anticipated and a far different answer to the questions of his past, his
relationship with the Bow of Hart and the prophesied White Arrow.
