Azure Bonds



Azure Bonds is a fantasy novel written by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb and was originally published in 1988. It is the opening novel of the Finders Stone Trilogy which is set within the world of the Forgotten Realms. The novel marks the initial appearances of an ensemble of enduring characters, the foremost amongst which being Alias and Dragonbait.

Overview
The story begins with the main character, an adventuress named Alias, awakening in a disoriented and amnesic state. She quickly discovers that she has newly “acquired” a florid, azure coloured tattoo imprinted on the inside of her sword arm in the space between her wrist and elbow. At first she attributes her memory loss to ineberation and the tattoo as a prank by drinking companions. She soon finds that the tattoo resists attempts to remove it and more worryingly, exerts a power to compel her actions.

Plot Synopsis
Early on, Alias acquires a disparate party of companions namely; Dragonbait, Akabar Bel Akash and Olive Ruskettle. The novel’s plot follows the actions of the party which are mainly motivated through a combination of Alias’ investigations and interruptions by the tattoo’s compulsions.

By novel’s end, it is revealed that Alias is actually a complicated, magically created, artificial being intended by her creators to be their proxy in various nefarious purposes. The tattoo was to be a means of control as well as an ownership branding by each of the collaborating parties involved in her creation. Her long term memories were actually granted to her by her sole benign (but mislead) creator and her short term memory loss is due in part to the gap between the end of her artificial memories and her premature awakening.

Alias eventually wins the freedom to control her actions and is able to embark on a life of her own. Additionally, three-quarters of the way through the novel, she indirectly/inadvertently sets in motion a scene in the backstory of the next novel in the trilogy, The Wyvern’s Spur.

Main Characters

 * Alias: A female warrior and the protagonist of the novel. She is depicted on the cover artwork in ceremonial (and gratuitous) armour.


 * Dragonbait: A lizardman-like creature. Seemingly unintelligent but obedient, it is eventually learned that he is in fact a highly accomplished Saurial paladin. His name is actually an acquired nickname courtesy of Alias.


 * Akabar Bel Akash: A mage from the lands of Turmish, (roughly analogous in style and culture to medieval [middle-east]). When first encountered, Akabar is conducting his affairs as a merchant.


 * Olive Ruskettle: A Halfling thief and self styled bard. Olive Ruskettle is the final member of the party to be encountered.

Trivia

 * The trilogy’s titular “Finder’s Stone” actually has a largely minimal and essentially introductory presence in the novel.

Computer Game

 * Main article: Curse of the Azure Bonds

In 1989, SSI published a computer game titled “Curse of the Azure Bonds”. The game’s plot follows a similar premise to the novel and is set sometime after the events of the novel instead of being a direct adaptation of the novel.