Unholy War — Debra Killeen

Sultan Beyazid, ruler of the Holy Lands, is convinced there is no coincidence when the leading rabbi and Magical gate guardian of Zyonn is murdered in the temple at the same time he receives confirmation that a large Christian army is en route. He begins defensive preparations, recognizing not all of his subjects will be loyal to him. The Christians travel in two groups, one by sea and the other by land. While sailing, Duke Reginald Lattimore of Saelym develops an unexpected camaraderie with one of the imperial noblemen traveling with him. Meanwhile, the men traveling by land reach the Grecian capital of Hellenopolis, where they receive a lukewarm greeting. Some of the Latin crusaders are attacked by the Grecians as they're leaving the city, and the Latin Emperor Clytus swears vengeance, giving his antagonist Robert Claybourne temporary control of the army. In Myrridia, the regents scramble to ensure they have control of Rhennsbury's Magical gateway as the popes in Lativium plan a Magical attack on the recalcitrant kingdom.