Two vast armies battle for the fate of the world, and three tortured souls must give all they have to survive. Lying between the Orkhlands of the south and the Human and Aelf realms of the north is a wide pass between high mountains. Ever has it been a gateway of invasion by the Orkhish hordes. Now it is again, and again the way must be barred.Among the defenders of the pass are Bera, an unwanted half-Orkh lost among Humans. The Lady Zara, an impetuous captain of Aelfin cavalry who will do anything to erase an ancient stain of dishonor. And Earic, a young nobleman with a secret love that tears his world apart.Each must confront a crisis of the heart, while together they are caught up in a titanic struggle between ancient foes for control of this vital mountain a battle that will decide the fate of realms.The Fire Within is an epic fantasy novel of sword and shield, and the peril that lies in believing the stories we tell ourselves.