The royal family of lthrace has been slaughtered. Now only four kingdoms remain in Garn, but they are on the brink of war, their leaders terrified that the newborn hhraci heir may have survived and been smuggled away, destined to grow up with revenge in his heart ... Declan is a gifted apprentice blacksmith content in the learning of his craft — until slavers descend on his peaceful village, forcing him to flee, taking with him priceless knowledge of an ancient method for forging powerful weapons. On the secret island realm of the Quelli Nascosti three young friends are being schooled as assassins and spies : Donte, son of a senior master ; Hava, a fierce, serious girl and a gifted fighter ; and Hatu, a lad burdened with unexpected fury, whose hair is a bright and fiery shade of red ...
