Sword in the Storm (David Gemmell)

Synopsis of "Sword in the Storm", first book of "The Rigante" by David Gemmell: The Rigante dwell in the mountain lands when Connaver is born. The Seidh, a magical race, take notice of him and gift the warrior with a sword as powerful and deadly and the Seidh. Swearing to protect the Rigante, Connaver takes the name Demonblade. Fierce and proud, the Rigante dwell deep in the green mountain lands, worshiping the gods of air and water, and the spirits of the earth.  Among them lives a warrior who bears the mark of fate. Born of the storm that slew his father, he is Connavar, and tales of his courage spread like wildfire. The Seidh a magical race as old as time take note of the young warrior and cast a malignant shadow across his life. For soon a merciless army will cross the water, destroying forever the timeless rhythms of life among the Rigante. Swearing to protect his people, Connavar embarks on a quest that will take him into the heart of the enemy. Along the way, he receives a gift: a sword as powerful and deadly as the Seidh who forged it. Thus he receives a name that will strike fear into the hearts of friend and foe a like a name proclaiming a glorious and bitter destiny . . . Demonblade.

Born in the storm that doomed his father, Connavar grows to manhood among the mist covered mountains of Caer Druagh, where the Rigante tribe dwell in harmony with the land and its gods. But beyond the border, across the water, an evil force is gathering strength, an unstoppable force that will change the world beyond all recognition. Haunted by malevolent spirits and hunted by evil men, Connavar sets out on a spectacular mission to save his people. In this latest tale of love and honour, friendship and courage, from the master of the genre, Gemmell explores the intriguing worlds of Celtic myth and earth magic.