Book Description

The DeÁine are on the move, and that means trouble for the five Islands! For thirty years an unofficial and tense truce has existed between the Islanders and their would-be conquerors, the DeÁine, but that's changed. For the Islanders the scale of this unexpected threat only emerges as they struggle with enemies closer to home.In easternmost Rheged, Ruari MacBeth thinks all he has to worry about is the bad news he's bringing back home from abroad - he couldn't be more wrong. Before he knows it he finds himself a hunted man, his world in turmoil and his friends in danger.On the southern Island of Prydein what should have been a simple diplomatic visit for young Queen Alaiz, swiftly turns into a nightmare as she and her companion are kidnapped. Who betrayed them and why? Alone and powerless she fears for her life and that of her deposed husband but is determined to fight back.Meanwhile on northern Celidon, former Knight Maelbrigt finds himself battling with bands of killers he thought he'd never need to face again, as he desperately tries to save the life of Taise, the woman he loves. Can he reunite with old allies? Will they help or think the price too high?Yet for Cwen and her new friend, Swein, in Brychan the greater danger seems to come from the mad and dangerous King Edward for whom murder is a sport and power a drug. They are only ordinary folk but do the Knights know something more of the king's dangerous past than they've told?For all of them, rumours abound and the DeÁine are never far from any of their minds. Are the DeÁine war-mages already in the Islands? And what are the strange items they are so desperately seeking? What dreadful powers will they give the DeÁine should they succeed in retrieving all of them? Do the Islanders have anything to counter such arcane forces, or are they destined to fight a battle they cannot win should the DeÁine regain their Treasures?Time is running short if the Islanders are to prevent the DeÁine's plans from becoming reality. Only together will they be in with a fighting chance of winning and keeping their freedom.