An awkward young rider returns not only with a critical message for the bearded man of the castle that will change the fate of the country for ever, but also - after all the horrors the rider has witnessed whilst away - as a self-assured adult.

On the long ride back, the rider dreams of being greeted with a fanfare, with praise and respect, but the bearded man is more intent on welcoming home his magical horse, Ruby…

Ruby's Return centres on the same world as the epic fantasy novel Melokai, book one of the In the Heart of the Mountains trilogy. The action takes place in the country of Fertilian, forty years before the events depicted in the novel. Does Benjamin Thorne overthrow the Clelands? And just who is the rider? Find out in Melokai now.

This adult fantasy short story can be read as a standalone and no prior knowledge of the trilogy is required.