Synopsis: From the back cover of the Bantam first edition: "Angus Wells has imagined a magnificent new novel of vengeance, courage, and adventure - an electrifying tale of a noble warrior willing to lay down his life in name of honor... Aided by the dark magic of an evil sorcerer, a merciless army seeks to conquer the peaceful province of Chaldor. After Chaldor's king meets his death in battle, his queen urges the regions fiercest warrior, Gailard the Highlander, to carry out one final mission. She asks - and Gailard consents - to protect the royal daughter, Princess Ellyn, until she is old enough to gain her hereditary powers and win back her father's kingdom. But Gailard knows the enemy is closing in. In desperation, he turns to Shara, and enigmatic sorceress - and the only one with the power to help the pair survive. Shara vows to lead Gailard and Ellyn to their destiny. But will it be one of triumph... or destruction?"