Rodrigo leads his mercenary company south, to the dangerous lands of Al-Rassan. Meanwhile, in the north, the Jaddite’s most celebrated - and feared - military leader, Rodrigo Belmonte, is driven into exile in the wake of events following the death of the king he loved. Almalik is aided by his friend and advisor, the notorious Ammar ibn Khairan - poet, diplomat, soldier - until a summer afternoon of savage brutality changes their relationship forever. King Almalik of Cartada is on the ascendancy, adding city after city to his realm, even though Cartada is threatened by forces both within and without. The Asharies empire has splintered into decadent city-states lead by warring petty kinds. But over centuries, seduced by the sensuous pleasures of their new land, that stern piety has eroded. The ruling Asharites have come from the desert sands, worshipping the stars, their warrior blood fierce and pure. Award-wining author Guy Gavriel’s sixth novel, hauntingly evocative of medieval Spain, is both a brilliant adventure and a moving story of love, divided loyalties, and what happens to men and women when hardening beliefs begin to remake - or destroy - a world.
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