In R.S. Wells’ fantasy novel Foreign Soil, we are introduced to the young Talek as he returns home to Leoris Port after an unsuccessful attempt to find work in the capital city, Ogsrudle. Talek has a close relationship with his sister Leola, who recently bought a new house in town.
Talek’s Homecoming
Talek is greeted by his friend Jaken, a skilled archer who is in love with Leola. Jaken reveals that Leola is considering signing up for an exploration voyage that could lead to great wealth. Talek rushes to Leola’s house to share the news that has sent him home early from Ogsrudle.
Leola’s Plan
Leola has a plan to get Talek, Jaken and herself on the crew of the upcoming voyage. She intends to put their names on the crew list at the Crone’s fort, and Talek provides her with valuable tea to bribe the crew clerk, Orissa.
Leola explains that while the exploration party claims to choose names from the lists fairly, a gift for Orissa is the unwritten law for getting selected. Talek’s tea, worth over twenty coppers, is more valuable than coins and should help secure their spots on the voyage.
The story provides an intimate glimpse into the relationship between Talek and Leola. Despite not being blood relatives, they have a close bond and even share a romantic relationship in secret. Leola tells Talek that she would consider being with him if they weren’t considered family.
The Prospect of Riches
Talek shares the rumors he heard in Ogsrudle about the real reason for the exploration voyage – the potential discovery of an island of gold. A golden fishhook found in a whale’s mouth suggests the existence of an island inhabited by people who don’t realize gold’s value, as they use it to make simple tools.
The Kree’nan Empire, who has an agreement with Leoris Port to allow the exploration, is unaware of the gold rumors. The expedition is being kept low-key to avoid suspicion from the Kree’nan and to get a head start before word spreads.
Talek and Leola see this as their chance to escape their circumstances and find riches. Leoris Port was once a great city but has fallen on hard times, with only 25,000 inhabitants left, most of them Breckan slaves. The prospect of adventure and potential wealth on the exploration voyage is an opportunity they can’t pass up.
The Fantasy World of the Riverlands
R.S. Wells has crafted an intriguing fantasy world with well-developed characters and relationships. The story leaves readers eager to see what challenges and opportunities await Talek, Leola, and Jaken as they embark on their exploration voyage in the next installment of Foreign Soil.
The fantasy world of the Riverlands is vividly brought to life. We learn that the Riverlanders are seafaring people who raid villages for slaves and goods. Positions on ships are highly prized, with captains sometimes killed by their own daughters in order to take over the ships and slaves.
Leoris Port itself is a once-great city that fell on hard times. Talek grew up in a simple house on the outskirts of town, but Leola has recently bought a nicer place closer to the shore. The story ends with Talek making breakfast the next morning as Leola prepares to sign them up for the exploration voyage. Jaken’s name will also be put on the crew list at Talek’s request.
Conclusion:
R.S. Wells has crafted an engaging tale that blends fantasy elements with relatable human relationships and desires. Foreign Soil promises more adventure and intrigue as the story continues.
Dare to be different. Foreign Soil challenges your perceptions of gender and society. Experience a world where women hold the reins of power, and two individuals fight to break free. Ready to be amazed? Get your copy of Foreign Soil today.