The First Sword — Anna Kashina

"The child must leave ... immediately ... take the sword ... to the Keepers ... there's a diamond coming..." A murdered man's last words, a four-bladed dagger set with a huge diamond, and a hidden sword launch Kyth, his brother Alder, and their friend Ellah on a perilous journey from theirhome in the Forestlands to the White Citadel, hidden in the distant mountains. Pursued by Knights of the Holy Star and a Majat Assassin, they are joined by Kara, a young mercenary whose fighting skills help save the three teens from their deadly enemies. In Tallan Dar, bloodlines determine destiny, and Duke Evan Dorn's line is of the best. Yet the Reverend Haghos wants to put a puppet on the throne -- his rightful throne. Surrounded by spies and held prisoner in his own castle, Duke Evan makes a desperate break for freedom. To save his Kingdom, to prevent the Reverend from usurping his power, he must find two things: the child he gave up so many years ago, and the First Sword...