The Hounds of the North Series by Peter Fugazzotto

A DARK FANTASY ADVENTURE Shield Scyldmund captured his prize: the bloody head of a desert chieftain. But despite the promise of desperately needed coins, the aging swordsman is disturbed. After two decades of hunting down deadly witches and warlocks for the Dhurman Empire, Shield and his ruthless band of mercenary Northmen have been reduced to common bounty hunters in the burning sands of Hopht. Their coin is running out. His men are talking of deserting and returning North... moreA DARK FANTASY ADVENTURE Shield Scyldmund captured his prize: the bloody head of a desert chieftain. But despite the promise of desperately needed coins, the aging swordsman is disturbed. After two decades of hunting down deadly witches and warlocks for the Dhurman Empire, Shield and his ruthless band of mercenary Northmen have been reduced to common bounty hunters in the burning sands of Hopht. Their coin is running out. His men are talking of deserting and returning North. Even worse, Shield can no longer pursue his consuming vengeance against the magic wielders who murdered his father. On top of that, Shield is haunted by a vision of Birgid Wordswallow, the witch he once loved. So when Shield and his sword brothers are called away from the chaotic pillaging of the last walled city to hunt down a witch, Shield thinks things might take a turn for the better. But hunting a witch is never as simple as it seems…ASIN: B00OQU0VBSAlternate Cover Edition less

Shield Scyldmund has lost his purpose.For the past twenty years, Shield and his mercenary brothers the Hounds of the North have been purging the Dhurman Empire of warlocks and witches.But now the Dhurmans no longer want or trust the aging clansmen.So when an opportunity arises to return North to help an Apprentice Chronicler hunt down magic wielders, Shield is filled with hope... moreShield Scyldmund has lost his purpose.For the past twenty years, Shield and his mercenary brothers the Hounds of the North have been purging the Dhurman Empire of warlocks and witches.But now the Dhurmans no longer want or trust the aging clansmen.So when an opportunity arises to return North to help an Apprentice Chronicler hunt down magic wielders, Shield is filled with hope.But everything changes when Shield learns that the witch he is hunting is Birgid Wordswallow, the lover he abandoned two decades ago. less