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Fire Bringer, the first novel by David Clement-Davies, is a lengthy animal fantasy about a herd of deer, based on the age-old tale of good versus evil. This novel tells how a power-ridden deer slowly takes over, and demolishes the deer’s way of life. It takes you on the journey of little Rannoch, just a fawn when this starts, as he goes on his adventures as he leaves his home with others who are also in danger because of this new leader. The story also is intertwined with "The Prophecy":
When the Lore is bruised and broken,
Shattered like a blasted tree,
Then shall Herne be justly woken,
born to set the Herla free.
On his brow a leaf of oaken,
Changling child shall be his fate,
Understanding words strange spoken,
chased by anger, fear, and hate.
He shall flee o'er hill and heather,
and shall go where no deer can,
knowing secrets dark to Lera.
till his need shall summon man.
Air and water,earth and fire,
all shall ease his bitter pain,
till the elements conspire
to restore the Island Chain.
First the High Land grass shall flower,
as he quests through wind and snow,
then he breaks an ancient power,
and returns to face his woe.
When the lord of lies upbraids him,
then his wrath shall cloak the sun,
and the Herla's foe shall aid him
to confront the evil one.
Sacrifice shall be his meaning,
he the darkest secret learn,
truths on the heart of Herne.
Fawn of moonlight ever after,
so shall all the Herla sing.
For his days shall herald laughter,
born a healer and a king.
"So, it's you this Prophecy is talking about?"
"Yes," said Rannoch. "I mean , no. I mean parts of it seem to be about me. The fawn mark, anyway. But I've been thinking and thinking about it and it can't be me. It's simple. I'm not a changeling. Bracken is my mother. Besides, there's so much of it that I don't understand...that seems impossible...about Herne and the Island Chain. No, it's just a story, like the stories about Starbuck."
"But if it is true..." said the mole, looking wide-eyed at Rannoch.
"It isn't," said Rannoch, almost angrily. "I'm just a deer. Like my friends."
Little does he know, he is the One, and will save the Herla (deer) from Drail (the power-ridden leader) and his followers. This entrancing book is one of my favorites, but is only for serious readers (it’s over 400 pages, small print). Also, this is a book that you might want to read the first chapter first, or get at a library. If you like this book, there is a companion book that goes with it called The Sight, which is about wolves (but that’s a whole other story!)
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