title: The Battle Within
author:  Alastair Luft 
description: "Crushingly intimate, a remarkably accurate and poignant dissection of PTSD." <i>Kirkus Reviews</i> <br /><br /> "<i>The Battle Within</i> removes the stigma that often plagues mental challenges such as PTSD, instead displaying the courage and strength that is needed to overcome it."  <i>Ottawa Life Magazine</i> <br /><br /> "Although this novel is a work of fiction, it shines a searing light on the real-life challenges and sometimes tragic consequences of PTSD." General (Ret'd) Raymond R. Henault, Former Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Forces <br /><br /> "Alastair Luft has made a major contribution to our knowledge of PTSD by putting a personal face on the battle within, which will serve both soldier and citizen alike." Lieutenant-General (Retd) Michael K. Jeffery, Former Chief of the Land Staff, Canadian Forces <br /><br /> "Anyone who wishes to understand, no matter what their background, the silent curse of PTSD would benefit from reading this compelling story." Major-General (Ret'd) Lewis MacKenzie, Canadian Forces <br /><br />
zlib_text: **Shadowheart**
  
    
  
   _ **( Legends of the Raven - 2 )**_ ****
  
  **James Barclay**
  
  >  **James Barclay**
  
  >  ****
  
  > **Shadowheart**
  
  >  **Chapter 1**
  
  The detachment of cavalry from the mage college city of Lystern wheeled and
  attacked again, charging hard at the defenders holding their positions outside
  Xetesk's east gates. Targeting the weakened left flank, they sped in, hooves
  churning mud, swords and spear tips glinting in the bright, warm afternoon
  sunlight. Thirty horses, sweat foaming under saddles, galloping under the
  steady control of crack Lysternan riders and led by Commander Izack.
  
  'Come on, this time,' whispered Dila'heth to herself, watching the attack from
  a rise above the blood-drenched battlefield.
  
  Down in fhe centre of the line, the bulk of the surviving Al-Arynaar and
  TaiGethen elves were engaged in a cat-and-mouse game, trying to lure the
  stubborn Xeteskians out of alignment. So far, their efforts had been
  fruitless. Protectors at the core of the defensive line, s