Hal is the son of a tyrannical ruler, the end product of a dynasty that took the land by force seven generations ago. He discovers morals in himself which prevent him from following the tradition of rule by force. After being tortured, he sets out to cross the kingdom in search of forces to aid him in ruling justly when he ascends the throne, because most of the lords are cruel and would overthrow him if they learned of his policies. On his journey, he meets another youth named Alan, who later turns out to be his half-brother. As they quest for aid, they each meet their future wife, but both leave their loves behind to continue in their travels. While the evil old king dies of disease, Hal moves in to take the reins of power. As the bloody culmination, Hal fights with his loyal forces against the corrupt lordlings who try to take the throne for themselves. Finally, after the battle is won and after the bodies are buried, Hal and Alan are both crowned brother-kings.
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There is also a sub-plot running throughout the book about elves, normally immortal, who give their lives for justice or love. Alan's queen was immortal until she married him, thereby becoming mortal.
The review of this Book prepared by Toshi
Alan has escaped from the tower of Iscovar where his father had kept him imprisoned for years. He meets up with Hal and the two quickly become friends and then blood brothers. They vow to overthrow Alan's father, a tyrant who rules by punishment and torture. The two boys travel in search of allies and reach Lord Pelys whose daughter Rosemary is smitten with Hal. They then venture to the East where they discover the Elvish settlement. It is here that Hal learns that he is half Elf and Alan falls for a beautiful Elf Lysse. They return to Iscovar to overthrow Alan's father and then must muster their forces to turn back all challengers to power. The two then find that they are real brothers and their rule as joint kings fulfils the prophecy set up in the White Hart. The two rulers who join the two great families, the Dragon Kings of Lyrdion and the High Kings of Eburacon.
The review of this Book prepared by Neil Morey