The Crystal Shard: The Icewind Dale Trilogy, Book One

Akar Kessel, a weak-willed apprentice mage sets in motion events leading to the rediscovery of the magical device, the crystal shard. But is it merely an inanimate device . . . or is it capable of directing the defeat of Ten-Towns? Or have the barbarians already arranged for that themselves? Their brutal attack on the villages of Ten-Towns seals their fate, and that of the youn barbarian Wulfgar. Left for dead, Wulfgar is rescued by the dwarf, Bruenor, in exchange for five years of service . . . and friendship. With the help of the dark elf, Drizzt, Bruenor reshapes Wulfgar into a warrior with both brawn and brains. But is Wulfgar strong enough to reunite the barbarian tribes? Can an unorthodox dwarf and renegade dark elf persuade the people of Ten-Towns to put aside their petty differences in time to stave off the forces of the crystal shard?

Writer R. A. Salvatore was born in Leominster, Massachusetts and graduated from Fitchburg State College. He has published more than a dozen novels, mostly fantasy, including The Halfling's Gem, Sojourn, The Legacy and Starless Night (all New York Times bestsellers), but has also written the Star Wars novel, Vector Prime.

Larry Elmore Larry Elmore is one of the most well known fantasy illustrators in the world of science fiction. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Western Kentucky University. After college, he spent two years in the army, before becoming a full time free lance illustrator. Elmore has worked for TSR. Inc. sine 1981. He became a freelance illustrator in 1987, doing covers for comics, computer games, magazines and fantasy and science fiction books. While at TSR., Elmore did covers for "Dungeons and Dragons,""AD&D," and his most well known work, the "Dragonlance Saga." Elmore has also worked for other publishers such as, Baen Books, Bantam, Warren Books, ACE/Berkeley, Doubleday and Del Rey. He is the co-author of "Runes of Autumn" and creator of the "Sovereign Stone" series. In the gaming industry, Elmore has freelanced for TSR Inc., FASB, Mayfair Games, Game Designer's Workshop, White Wolf, Iron Crown Enterprises, Dragon Magazine, Amazing Magazine, Wizard Press, D.C. Comics, First Comics, Eclipse COmics and Frank Frazetta's Fantasy Illustrations.