Publisher's Synopsis
The twins, Burton and Edward, are born to Claire and Pem! A son is born to Tess of Tribana and Fitz Royard, commander of the Palace Guard. Rissa and Turlo are rescued from an island prison and visit Pem and Claire. Claire and Pem's popularity with the people is overwhelming. Torvall Garrund, First Member of the Council, accelerates his plot to weaken the monarchy, unknowingly driven by Dark Sage Jallis Ruffin, who wants to rule the world. Garrund takes control of the standing army with an arrest writ against Queen Claire. The Council issues an edict accusing Claire of high treason. Claire and Pem with their twin sons, Tess and Fitz, and Gilbert, with the loyal Palace Guard, flee to escape arrest through Lunaria to Miller's Landing, and the Badlands until a fateful decision for survival and separation of the twins is reached. The grasp for power, not to govern for the people, dominates.
