The Last Swordbearer, A Medieval Christian Fantasy, Eifion, Book 3
Coming May 20th!
He can’t be king. He can’t abandon his oath. And he will not lose her again.
Arlen Wyth never wanted to be a hero. Left-handed and shunned as cursed, he lived in the shadows until a dying Swordbearer thrust an ancient blade into his hands and charged him with an impossible mission: protect the innocent. Now, with Saxone invaders ravaging the islands of Eifion and slaughtering everything in their path, Wyth stands alone between tyranny and destruction.
When he rescues the captive Eddwen from a sadistic lord’s castle, Wyth discovers that saving her life is only the beginning. Poisoned arrows have stolen her memories and fractured her mind, while her brutal captor will murder thousands to reclaim his prize. As darkness closes in and the enemy’s power grows, Wyth faces a heart-wrenching choice: flee with the woman he has come to love or make his final stand against a tyrant king whose appetite for cruelty knows no limits.
Armed with an unlikely wyvern companion and a faith that refuses to break, Wyth launches a desperate gambit to end the war forever. But the path to victory demands alliances with former enemies, sacrifices that will shatter his heart, and a trust in divine providence when all earthly hope is lost. In a brutal world where mercy is scorned and honor lies bleeding in the dust, one cursed warrior must become the sword that strikes for justice, the shield that stands for the broken, and the beacon that reignites hope in the darkest hour.
Book Details
- Ebook ASIN : forthcoming
- Audiobook ASIN forthcoming
- Audiobook Narrator : Wally Hobbins
- Audiobook release date forthcoming
- Paperback ASIN : forthcoming
- Publisher : Cambrian Pines Press
- Publication date : May 20th, 2026
- Publisher city/state : Vale, North Carolina
- Print length : 280 pages
- ISBN-13 : 979-8-9891615-1-5
- Book 3 of 3 : Eifion
- Bisac Catagories : FIC042080 FICTION / Christian / Fantasy FIC009030 FICTION / Fantasy / Historical FIC009100 FICTION / Fantasy / Action & Adventure
Themes
Redemption and Forgiveness
Faith and Doubt
The Nature of Good vs. Evil
Destiny vs. Free Will
The Cost of War
Personal Growth and Self-Worth
Loyalty and Betrayal
Love and Sacrifice
Prejudice and Acceptance
Hope in Despair
The Power of Scripture/Divine Word
Leadership and Responsibility
Tropes
- Good vs Evil
- Love Interest
- Reluctant Hero
- Dragon Rider
- Moral Dilemmas
- Religious Conflict
- Sword and Destiny
- Redemption Arc
- Last Stand
- Skeptic to Believer
- The Power of Friendship
About the Author
Carter Norman Phillips crafts epic tales of courage and faith, wielding his pen to inscribe eternal truth into thrilling stories of redemption and sacrifice. Raised in Missouri’s untamed hills, he grew up roaming forests, sword fighting with his brothers, and devouring novels and the pages of history. He loves swords, shields, dragons, and anything from the tide of time long ago.
Characters
Arlen Wyth is a left-handed archer and Swordbearer of Eifion, noted for his skill with bow and blade and for a deep, growing faith. He is fiercely loyal, driven by a strong sense of duty, and marked by inner struggle that pushes him toward steady courage. Wyth’s strengths are quick learning, resilience, and an uncommon bond with the wyvern he fears. He bears both doubt and destiny in his hand. Initially shackled by guilt, he finds confidence and freedom in the God the parchments speak
Eddwen (pronounced Eth-wen) is devout, compassionate, and remarkably resilient. She lived in the village of Llragorn before being uprooted in the Saxone invasion. Known for her musical gifts and steady faith; she is quietly resolute and often the moral center for those around her. When thrown into captivity and danger, she clings to a few parchments holding ancient truth and waits for God's deliverance while refusing to bow to evil.
Argyle is a hermit of the Wyvern Isles and a former Swordbearer. Years ago his treason tainted him, yet he has found redemption and peace through Christ’s atonement. He is patient, wise, and bears the demeanor of a man forever banished from Eifion, yet never alone. Argyle’s long experience with wyverns and martial craft marks him as a rare mentor for Arlen Wyth.
Ealdhelm is a young Saxone commander of rising rank from Arkeley, skilled in arms yet burdened by ambition and memories he can’t erase. He is earnest, capable, and increasingly guided by an evolving moral sense. Ealdhelm seeks honor and recognition, yet struggles with the demands his pursuit places on his conscience. He has an inner hunger not satiated by rank, coin, or battle. Nay, he needs something more.
Tanwen is a large, intelligent wyvern from the Wyvern Isles, tamed and trained by Argyle during his exile. Fiercely loyal and formidable in flight and combat, Tanwen serves as mount and companion to Wyth. The creature is noted for keen intelligence, curiosity, and rare but deadly fire.
Aelfear of Aramoor is an Eadburgan lord and commander known for fierce ambition and a ruthless temper. He commands respect through force and expects unquestioning obedience from those under him. Aelfear’s aim is dominance of the islands, and vengeance upon the Eifionons for what they did to him as a lad.
Taliesin is the pragmatic, battle-hardened captain of the Drake Rangers, noted for tactical skill and drake-riding prowess. He commands deep loyalty from his men and values discipline, effectiveness, and the protection of Eifion. Taliesin seeks security and a lasting peace for his homeland, yet struggles with anything outside his duties as a soldier and peacekeeper.
Berian ap Gwion is High King of Eifion and the protector of Eifion. A cautious and prayerful ruler who prioritizes the unity and survival of his people. He is respected for wisdom, a measured approach to leadership, and a fierce love for his nation. Berian’s principal aim is to safeguard Eifion and sustain its traditions.
Locations
Eifion
A wild archipelago of jagged cliffs, deep forests, and wyverns. A refuge for those who fled from the Saxone invasion of the Old North. Yet the Saxones followed, and now the islands are divided. Eifion to the east, a bulwark of the old ways, and Eadburga to the west, a land the Saxones have conquered and decimated. A place of danger and mystery, meant to be a sanctuary, but only becoming another battleground.
Alryne
Set between sea cliffs and northern peaks, Alryne is Arlen Wyth’s birthplace—a quiet coastal village perched atop the heather and beaten by the salted wind. An outpost for the cargo traded between the isles. Home of Colwen the Apothecary, and Gwenfor, the oldest smith in Eifion. A small monastery watches over the village, sacred parchments copied and protected in its walls.
The Wyvern Isles
To the west, between Eifion and Eadburga, where jagged rocks break the sea, lie the Wyvern Isles—wild, untamed, and sacred. The isles hold the Wyvern mating grounds, the tombs of the Eifionon kings, and the island of Ynys Noddfa. Here, the hermit Argyle fled after his betrayal at Farfest and waited for Jesu to send him an heir.
Penlon
Crowning the green mound above Brynmor’s plains, Penlon is the caer of kings, the Eifionon capital, symbolizing national identity and resistance to the invader. Its timber walls and crimson banner rise above the moors, and the great hall is the finest in the Archipelago. It is the heart of Eifionon commerce, and government.

