Rethana's Trial — Courtney Cantrell

In Rethana's Surrender, the pulse-pounding opening novel of Legends of the Light-Walkers, the gathering of an army shattered Rethana Chosardal's comfortable life and thrust her into the arms of one who could be either tormentor or savior. But just as she began to feel safe with the clerics who once hunted her family, new trials wrenched her from even this thin protection.

Now unknown enemies have captured her and torn her from the side of her dying sister. Once again tossed on the waves of war with no safe harbor, Rethana has nowhere to turn. The elusive, nomadic Soldan claim her as part of their ancient prophecy to overthrow the malicious rule of an evil emperor. To entice her into their cause, the Soldan offer to feed her insatiable hunger for magical knowledge. Is Rethana willing to pay the price they ask?

Before she can decide, another menace sweeps down from the icy north. Under the relentless scourge of the diabolical Skardi, it becomes clear that the petty civil war between Soldan and the clerics places the whole nation in peril. There is no hope but an alliance...if only either side would heed Rethana's warnings.

Rethana stands alone in the midst of trial and treachery, the powers of two great monarchs arrayed against her. Even the strength of the Warlord Allasin, her master and possible beloved, is out of reach. Abandoned by old friends, beset by new enemies, Rethana stands at the very heart of her homeland, forced to make her last stand.

Though the fate of Rethana's sister remains unknown and the whole world rests upon her shoulders, Rethana will bend but not break. Only this iron determination can see her through Rethana's Trial.