Fletcher is put on trial by the Inquisition where he discovers his tragic origins, then is sent by the king into the Orc jungles where he and loyal friends Othello and Sylva must battle their way to the heart of Orcdom and save Hominum from destruction.

"Acclaimed author Elizabeth Moon spins gripping, richly imagined epic fantasy novels that have earned comparisons to the work of such authors as Robin Hobb and Lois McMaster Bujold. In this volume, Moon's brilliant masterwork reaches its triumphant conclusion. The mysterious reappearance of magery throughout the land has been met with suspicion, fear, and violence. In the kingdom of Lyonya, Kieri, the half-elven, half-human king, struggles to balance...

"The elves decide to throw a super-duper surprise party for Santa, complete with gifts, treats, and decorations! Andy Snowden has a million and one ideas to make the party the best one ever. What could possibly go wrong?"--

A re-emergence of magic after centuries of absence sparks brutal pogroms throughout the Eight Kingdoms, pitting a group of resolute heroes against the machinations of a vicious traitor.

Sophie's talents are getting stronger and, with the elusive Black Swan group ignoring her calls for help, she is determined to find her kidnappers but a daring mistake pushes her world to the edge of war, and soon she has exposed a a major conspiracy that could threaten all she loves.