What does it take to make a hero? In “The Shadow Lord’s Son,” the Bard, Brannan, faces complex challenges. While his adventures share features of the archetypal Hero’s Journey, Brannan Marec Mavrenn’s trials are not typical. He is an honoured and influential bard until his life is disrupted. The first challenge is to deliver a vital message entrusted to him, but before he can do so, the Warlord, Samir, of Torrent Mountain, imprisons his wife, Mara, and the Bard must rescue her. He does so, but it nearly costs him his life when Samir cuts him down and impales him on his sword.
Brannan recovers from the wound, but the Warlord imprisons him. There is no chance to deliver his message while he undergoes a long term of torture, lasting many Moons. However, his entire circumstance changes when he and Samir discover they share a hidden passion for each other. They develop a deep, physical relationship, even as Brannan attempts to reconcile torture with love.
The Bard knows imprisonment and physical suffering have affected his mind as he begins a profound transformation. Haunted by visions, other senses expose him to the Shadow Realms, with its mysterious Being, but he cannot understand their full meaning.
Exoneration and freedom only bring the Bard more challenges. He struggles to make the Warlord accept the message he has carried for so long and eventually employs a dangerous technique to convince him. Consequently, Samir directs Brannan to travel to his homeland so he can verify the danger that threatens the entire continent of Eren. At the end of Book One, the Bard sets out on his journey, accompanied by two friends. He will have to face his own darkness to succeed in his mission.