Dark Destiny

"Dark Destiny" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds on the outlaw world of Ulna, where a blue warrior named Haral grapples with his ambition and the chaotic realm around him, encountering the formidable goddess Xaymar and the threats posed by warlords and dark schemes. At the start of the story, Haral is approached by an old priest, Namboina, who implores him to kill a woman named Kyla to protect her from falling into the hands of the raider Gar Sark. As a former conqueror, Haral's lingering ambition and disillusionment make him initially reject the priest's offer. However, upon being cornered by Sark's raiders in a smoky tavern, a violent confrontation forces him to act. Haral’s chaos-infused life intertwines with the powerful goddess Xaymar, as he navigates the treacherous dynamics of power, ambition, and the defense of those he encounters, particularly Kyla—a virgin priestess who plays a critical role in the unfolding conflict that threatens both their fates.