A young imperor flees his own kingdom to escape an army of sorcerers
in this "lively adventure" of a fantasy novel from the author of The
Cutting Edge (Publishers Weekly).
The old imperor was dead at last. His popular soldier grandson, known as
Shandie, had succeeded him . . . had he not? No, he had not. The man who
sat on the opal throne was not Shandie, but an illusion created by the
mad dwarf Xinixo. Year after year, he had been stealthily ensorcelling
sorcerers, turning them into loyal minions. Now, wielding their combined
power, he was irresistible. He ruled the Impire, so he ruled the world.
He would continue to rule it for centuries. Anyone who knew the truth or
opposed him in any way, he would destroy or enslave. That especially
included his old enemy, King Rap of Krasnegar; Shandie, the rightful
imperor; and all their supporters, their friends, their families. All of
them! But first he had to catch them. With his infinite magic, that
ought to be easy. Rap and Shandie had other ideas, but even they could
see that their cause looked hopeless.