The Book of Kantela

CRISIS IN SHERRAN

Bedridden, ancient King Pijtos was dead, and his country was in turmoil. Enemies assailed borders, the treasury was plundered, bandits terrorized trade routes, riots broke out on city streets, and rival private armies camped in the capital.

Pijtos's young widow, Queen Kantela, had never ruled more than her household. But the nobles and wizards who courted her would drag her to bed or cut her throat to take the throne. They were greedy, brutal, unfit for the crown they coveted.

To save Sherran, Kantela must seize power... and learn - fast - how to wield it. Her only allies were a pristess, an aged magistrate, and her lover - General Bakarydes, a plain-spoken, loyal soldier. But war and wizardry called Bakarydes to the front; suddenly Kantela had to save her land, her crown and her life from a siege of enemies - alone.