Description

The ruling Asharites of Al-Rassan came in the desert sands, but over generations, lured by the sumptuous joys of the new property, their strict piety has evaporated. The Asharite kingdom has splintered into decadent city states led by warring small leaders. King Almalik of Cartada is on the ascendancy, assisted usually by his friend and consultant, the infamous Ammar ibn Khairan -- poet, diplomat, soldier -- until a summer morning of savage violence changes their relationship forever. Meanwhile, in the north, the vanquished Jaddites' most famous -- and dreaded -- military chief, Rodrigo Belmonte, driven into exile, brings his mercenary organization south.