Author(s): Joel Shepherd

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Sasha is a princess, the like of which the highland country of Lenayin has never seen before. But she turns her back on her regal heritage and trains under the great warrior Kesslighin to be a powerful warrior, fighting for the good of the people her father commands.Her exquisite swordplay astonishes all who witness it, yet Sasha is still young, untested in battle and often led by her rash temper. In the complex world of Lenayin loyalties, her defiant wilfulness is drawing the wrong kind of attention. Lenayin is a land almost divided by its two faiths: the Verenthane of the ruling classes and the pagan Goeren-yai, amongst whom Sasha now lives. The Goeren-yai worship swordplay and honour and begin to see Sasha as the great spirit - the Synnich - who will unite them. But Sasha is searching for what she believes and must choose her side carefully.When the Udalyn people - the symbol of Goeren-yai pride and courage - are attacked, Sasha will face her moment of testing. How will she act? Is she ready to lead? Can she be the saviour they need her to be?