Publisher's Synopsis
"In this gorgeous fantasy in the spirit of Guy Gavriel Kay and Robin McKinley, a prince and a princess must work together to save their kingdom from outside invaders...and dangers within. Long ago the Kieba, last goddess in the world, raised up her mountain in the drylands of Carastind. Ever since then she has dwelled and protected the world from unending plagues and danger... Gulien Madalin, heir to the throne of Carastind, finds himself more interested in ancient history than the tedious business of government and watching his father rule. But Gulien suspects that his father has offended the Kieba so seriously that she has withdrawn her protection from the kingdom. Worse, he fears that Carastind's enemies suspect this as well. Then he learns that he is right. And invasion is imminent. Meanwhile Gulien's sister Oressa has focused on what's important: avoiding the attention of her royal father while keeping track of all the secrets at
