Sliver of Light — Simon Woodington

Amustere Goldfinch may well have abandoned hope that King Rainwall will denounce his warlike ways, but until the crown upon his head is proved a false symbol of the Alliance of Races' trust and faith in his rule, he cannot rest. When his wife is slain, his oath to unseat the King is met with the introduction of Fliss, who unseals the hidden crown, whereupon the shards of its primary jewel, the Three Heart Star, are scattered across the continent. Amustere reluctantly joins forces with Fliss, the unruly warrior Diver Seasmoke, Pewter and her brother Pale in the hopes of reaching Drawsdale in time to learn who sealed the crown and how it might be restored.