Keeper of the Deer, Book Two
by Paul Heisel
In a world where nature and sorcery collide, young druid apprentice Heather faces betrayal and rising darkness within the sacred groves of Druid’s Glen. As forbidden magic reawakens and old alliances falter, her courage and faith are tested in a struggle that will decide the fate of the One Tree — and the balance of life itself.
The One Tree
In the ancient world of Elarandor, where the forces of nature and magic shape every living thing, the fragile peace of Druid’s Glen is beginning to fracture. Twelve-year-old Heather, daughter of the Grand Druid, stands at the threshold of her coming-of-age trials. She longs to prove herself worthy of the sacred calling, but shadows gather beneath the boughs of the One Tree—the heart of all druidic life.
When the long-silent Mage-Gates stir and forbidden energies seep into the world, an old betrayal rises anew. A mentor once trusted turns against the Circle, and Heather is forced to question everything she has been taught about faith, family, and the cost of power. As storms of sorcery sweep across the land, she and her allies must confront the return of ancient forces that seek to corrupt the balance of nature itself.
Haunted by visions, hunted by those who would control her gift, Heather’s path winds through ruin and revelation. The One Tree becomes both refuge and crucible—a place where courage is tested, and innocence gives way to purpose.
Blending mythic world-building with intimate human struggle, The One Tree continues the Keeper of the Deer saga. It is a tale of betrayal and renewal, of a young druid’s awakening amid the clash of old gods and mortal ambition, where the fate of the natural world—and every soul bound to it—hangs in the balance.
“When the roots of faith decay, even the purest magic turns against its keeper. ”
Merrow K.
Welcome to Books by Paul. I’m Paul Heisel, a fantasy author passionate about building immersive worlds and unforgettable characters. Whether it’s ancient forests, lost cities, or haunted towers, my stories are filled with mystery, magic, and meaning. This store is where those worlds come to life—through books, exclusive editions, and more. Thanks for joining me on the journey. Adventure awaits.
Paul Heisel is a fantasy author with a lifelong love of storytelling, first sparked in 1979 when he discovered Dungeons & Dragons and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Raised in Alaska and inspired by the wild landscapes of his youth, Paul began writing at thirteen and never stopped—building worlds shaped by loyalty, betrayal, and the eternal clash between light and shadow. His flagship series, Keeper of the Deer, has been nearly five decades in the making. In addition to that sprawling fantasy epic, Paul has published the An Emperor’s Fury series, Tale of the Catstaff, and a contemporary thriller, First Frontier. Paul’s writing is grounded, immersive, and driven by moral complexity. He invites readers to imagine beyond the page, to explore not only what is said but what is left unsaid. When he’s not writing, Paul works as a Principal Underwriter for the world’s leading property insurer, FM. He lives in Frisco, Texas, where he enjoys cooking, sipping Hendrick’s martinis, and listening to Alan Parsons while dreaming up new stories. Explore more at paulheisel.com or visit his official shop at books.by. Get Special Editions at https://paulhbooks.etsy.com. Also explore the world of Keeper of the Deer at Paul's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@PaulHeiselBooks. Smash evil.
Cast out. Bound in servitude. Hunted by blood and shadow.
Rad never asked for power. But in the halls of Château Saignoral, where secrets fester and cruelty reigns, a hidden legacy awakens. As darkness coils beneath the surface and ancient forces stir, Rad must decide what he’s willing to risk to reclaim his name—and his soul.
Collector's Edition - Not For Sale - For Sale Only Through the Author at Etsy. https://paulhbooks.etsy.com