Freshly graduated Master
Physician Narsi Lif-Tahm has left his home in Anacleto and journeyed to
the imposing royal capital of Cieloalta intent upon keeping the
youthful oath he made to a troubled writer. But in the decade since
Narsi gave his pledge, Atreau Vediya, has grown from an anonymous
delinquent to a man renowned for penning bawdy operas and engaging in
scandalous affairs.
What Narsi―and most of the larger world―cannot know is the secret role Atreau plays as spymaster for the Duke of Rauma.
After
the Cadeleonian royal bishop launches an unprovoked attack against the
witches in neighboring Labara, Atreau will require every resource he can
lay his hands upon to avert a war. A physician is exactly what he
needs. But with a relentless assassin hunting the city and ancient magic
waking, Atreau fears that his actions could cost more than his own
honor. The price of peace could be his friends’ lives.