"Blades & Axes" the first book in the "Birth of Legends Series," is the story of two young men answering the needs of their individual peoples. In doing so, starting on the road to become the Legends they're destined to be. The 'Forest Kingdoms' are one small nest of "civilized" human communities; within the vastly untamed landscape of the world known, in ancient times, as Nede. The forest that provides all of the 'kingdoms' with their; food, homes, and livelihoods; also protects them from a vast number of unknown dangers. However, within the forest there are still many dangers from both humans and beasts. The Kingdom of Middlewood is so named for the fact that it has always been surrounded by enemies. On their northern border there's the Kanspraen Empire. The Legions of Kansprae are known throughout the Forest Kingdoms as being some of the most experienced and feared soldiers in the land. The Emperor sends his legions down into Middlewood regularly; to seize land as well as capture slaves from the frontier communities that pop up in the, as yet 'untamed, ' North-West Passage of the kingdom. Knights, Ladies, Nobles, Kings, Assassins, Swordsmen, Bards, Clansmen, Scholars, Woodsmen, Craftsmen, Masters, and Apprentices, Farmers and Inn Keepers, and many more; all inhabit the strangely familiar yet oddly alien domain of the Forest Kingdoms. The Academy of the Crimson Sash creates expert, and better, swordsmen (& women) that have more than the ability to fight with blades. They are intelligent, polite, learned, women and men; who have been taught to serve the poor and protect the weak. Saxon graduated from the Academy a mere few months ago; now he will face battle and destruction while life and death are both within his grasp. His life will not be the same after he puts himself 'to the hazard, ' for the people of Middlewood. The Cougar clan, of Mountain Tribesmen, is a very fierce and legendary clan. Even amongst the "wall builders" of the Forest Kingdoms, the Cougars are historically known to be thus. Sometimes enemies, but usually allies in the fights with other kingdoms; Middlewood has enjoyed a long time relationship with the clan. Now, a young Cougar Warrior by the name of A'Kree is at a point of testing in his life. How and what he does during this time can and will affect not only his life, or death, but that of his people as well. Those two vastly different young men are thrust into their peoples' struggle to survive. Will they have the mettle to step into the mantle of, 'hero?' Then wear that mantle into the future lives of their people, and so allowing themselves to be forged into something they may not want; but have been born to become?...read "Blades & Axes: Birth of Legends, Book 1" and find out. "Heads are severed, limbs are hewn, bodies turn instantly to dust, and corpses fall limp; as the two heroes of the North-West Passage stop evil cold.""