Standalone novel of Sherwood Smith's epic fantasy Sartorias-deles universe • follow-up to acclaimed military fantasy Inda series • courtly politics, vast worldbuilding, and diverse characters

"Smith should rank high on any list of military writers.... A first-rate author boldly at play." —SF Signal 

Emras is the most diligent of students, and she wants nothing more than to become royal scribe for the intelligent and beautiful Princess Lasva. And Emras gets her wish.
 
But life becomes complicated in ways she could never have foreseen. For though Emras adores the princess, she has been charged with a secret mission for the queen: to search her new home for signs of the evil magical influence of Norsunder—a kingdom once thought legendary, but now known to be real. Emras knows nothing of magic, but finds a knowledgeable and willing tutor in the barbaric land of Marloven Hesea.
 
Was the queen right? Is there a connection between Norsunder and Marloven Hesea? And if Emras was acting on orders from her queen, why is she now on trial?