Shieldbreaker's Story

Fred Saberhagen brings his immensely popular Swords Series to a thrilling conclusion in the tale of Shieldbreaker – the Sword of Force, against which there is no defense.

Long ago, the gods forged Twelve Swords of Power and threw them on the gameboard of life to watch men scramble. But they forged too well; the Swords could kill the gods themselves.

Now, ages later, the Swords are as powerful as ever – and still coveted by good and evil men alike. Some have been lost again, and some destroyed. Prince Mark of Tasavalta holds five Swords: Woundhealer, Stonecutter, Dragonslicer, Sightblinder, and the greatest of them all, Shieldbreaker – the Sword of Force against which no enemy can stand. With their help, he has ruled peacefully, protecting his people from all dangers.

A year ago, Prince Mark defeated Vilkata, the dark King, who sought to gain the swords by force. Mark exiled Vilkata beyond the boundaries of the world, where not even Vilkata's horde of demons should have been able to find an escape for the mad sorcerer.

But the Dark King has overcome all barriers and returned to seek revenge. With him he brings Mindsword, the Sword of Glory – with the power to compel obedience from all who come within its range.

The Dark King's timing is perfect: Prince Mark is in a far corner of his kingdom, defending his people against a dragon. Vilkata finds the castle almost undefended, the ultimate power of the Swords almost in his grasp. Between him and the Sword vault stands only one small warrior: Prince Mark's son, Prince Stephen, armed with Shieldbreaker, Sword of Swords. But how can a fourteen-year-old boy, no matter how well armed, resist the evil power of the Dark King – especially with the Mindsword in Vilkata's hand?