A thrilling adventure set within a storm of secrecy.Tansy, Perrin, and Skir could hardly be more different - a laundry-maid, a swordsman and a young Priest-King whose countries are at war. But their frantic escape from Arvestel thrusts them together. Pursued by soldiers, haunted by the Witch-Woman's sinister magic, they ride for their lives through hostile lands. To survive they must learn to trust each other, strip away the layers of deception that surround Skir, and challenge the tyranny of the Witch-Woman. But what will happen if all truths are revealed? And will the power of the Priest-King be enough to bring peace to the Threelands?'Constable's flavour of fantasy is fresh and full of heart. Politics, romance, magic - what more could you ask for? A beautiful and complex book.'Lili Wilkinson, Centre for Youth Literature