L. E. Modesitt, Jr., author of the bestselling Saga of Recluce fantasy series, opens the door into a marvelous new world. Millennia ago, a magical disaster caused the fall of a great worldwide civilization, the end of a golden age. New civilizations have fought their way up from the ancient destruction and chaos, knowing little of the lost world that preceded them or the details of its fall. Corus today is a world of contending countries, of humans, but also of strange animals and supernatural creatures. It is a place of magical powers, and of a few people who are talented enough to use them. Alusius is pulled away from his beloved wife, Wendra, and into another war. Hemust first quell a strange religiously-inspired rebellion and then find a way to destroy the powerful weapons of ancient design, again being used by the forces of Madrien. When a different, covert enemy threatens, only the timely assistance of the mysterious ancient Soarers and the addition of Wendra's Talent to his