Uneasy Alliance
When his friendship with Bran leads Prince Keagan to commit to Elohim's prophetess and join the alliance to reseal the Outten Rift, he must set aside his need to fulfill his father's command to eliminate King Ravenslaine. In Keagan's words, no world existed in which he would leave his friend to face this journey without him. But taking on Bran's pledge means working with Falloran, the Silver Fox, and even worse, Covah, Keagan's shadow shifter nemesis.
As the company travels to Efthymia's retreat they are attacked by stroma d'rb, wolf-like creatures. While recovering from an injury, Keagan storms off in a fit of anger, but Claire follows him. The two fall prey to a delusion curse and Keagan is forced to enter a cave and bring a fire troll a weapon of great power. When Keagan touches the ancient spear, however, he hears a voice within his spirit. "Take up your burden." Is the voice speaking to him that of Elohim? Or that of the spear?
When the alliance picks up a bloody trail of violence. Keagan can no longer deny the truth. Noras Del'sham's soldiers and stroma d'rb wolves are working together. This, too, must be part of his father's plan for dominion. What is Keagan to do as the battle between his conflicting beliefs swells while the war of his father's making begins to break out?
Keagan is faced with an impossible decision. Remain loyal to his father and support King Nettlespore's plans to bring an enemy army through the Outten Rift and claim all Terra Nefala for himself? Or remain loyal to Bran and his commitment to Efthymia? His struggle reaches a peak. "I am my father's son." And yet, Bran had committed. Keagan can't change that. Will his next decision bring peace or destruction?
The alliance continues to disintegrate after Keagan leaves. Bran and Claire question Efthymia's prophecy if those called leave the company. Her response confirms her belief in Elohim. "Trust Elohim. When, in His perfect timing it is right for the company to reassemble, it will happen."
As the remaining companions approach Ironholde, King Nettlespore's massive fortress, faith is tested. Bran questions his relationship with Elohim, whom he has known as the Ancient and worshipped since he was a child. Claire continues to deny her growing attraction to Keagan while Bran and Alsbette begin to realize their strengthening bond.
With the appearance of King Nettlespore's new Rift Born High Advisor Nix-zou, much has changed in Ironholde since Keagan and Bran were last there. One thing remains unchanged, however: King Nettlespore's corruptive pride.
"When evil from the north deceives,
And words of alliance are spoken,
Pride will corrupt the tainted heart,
And Sealed Rift be broken.
When pure are stained by invaders summoned,
My chosen shall arise; to the task be gathered.
The number is fixed and must remain so,
To offer defiance and oppose the foe.
All seven must journey or all will be lost.
Others may join but need acknowledge the cost."
Customer Reviews
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