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Obvious Threats Aren't Always The Greatest Danger.In a world where magic is forbidden by both nobles and priests, two secret societies struggle for change. The militaristic Order uses blood magic while the Sisterhood of Laesan secretly marry into aristocratic families, hoping to strengthen potent magic genes. Their centuries-old conflict to further magic use has escalated into a struggle for dominance and assassination. The Thrall Empire has invaded and taken the gold-laden mountain province of Pinixer from the weaker Griffin Confederation, whose young High Lord's leadership is questioned by his nobles. His sister-by-marriage develops a plan, but can he put aside his fear of magic to save his position? A faction of the defeated Jamari, whose plans to retake their occupied homelands from the humans fell apart centuries before, have renewed hope for success. But the Riven Blade, a powerful two-part artifact, could alter their plans. The lost half has now been found by a fool-hardy giant, and a deadly struggle begins to control it. Enemies await, and only an old fortune-teller sees the gravest threat of all.