In the original trilogy starring Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter, headstrong
daughter of a farmer on the north edge of the kingdom, Paks follows her
dream of becoming a hero out of legend by running away to join the army.
Military life and warfare aren't anything like she imagined . . . yet
she holds to both her duty and her dreams. Sheepfarmer's Daughter,
Divided Allegiance, and Oath of Gold tell of her rise to become the
paladin who saves a kingdom. In this new trilogy, Paks's former comrades
in Duke Phelan's Company assume new roles and the story turns to follow
their adventures. Thanks to Paks's courage and sacrifice, the
long-vanished heir to the half-elven kingdom of Lyonya has been revealed
as Kieri Phelan, a formidable mercenary captain who earned a title--and
enemies--in the neighboring kingdom of Tsaia. Now, as Kieri ascends a
throne he never sought, he must come to terms with his own half-elven
heritage while protecting his new kingdom from his old enemies--and
those he has not yet discovered. Meanwhile, in Tsaia, Prince Mikeli
prepares for his own coronation. But when an assassination attempt
nearly succeeds, Mikeli suddenly faces the threat of a coup. Acting
swiftly, Mikeli strikes at the powerful family behind the attack: the
Verrakaien, magelords possessing ancient sorcery, steeped in death and
evil. Mikeli's survival--and that of Tsaia--depend on the only Verrakai
whose magery is not tainted with innocent blood. Two kings stand at a
pivotal point in the history of their world. For dark forces are
gathering against them, knit in a secret conspiracy more sinister--and
far more ancient--than they can imagine.
