Synopsis: From the back cover of the Ace Books first edition: For decades, the last scions of the Dunladrey have languished in luxurious exile, growing soft and weak in the comforts of the Feyan court. Now their highland home cries out for its rulers - Duncan with his virgin blade, and Mhairi, his sister - to lead the clans in a struggle for freedom from the usurping tyrant. But their battle is no ordinary one of sword and steel. For the priest-servants of the usurper have the very forces of darkness at their command. In the first test of his sword against a shape-shifting demon, the young king falls... And the fate of the empire lies in the hands of Mhairi, who must answer the call of her blood... as woman, as warrior, and as queen!