The second in the stunning fantasy trilogy starting with Odalisque. Accepting a punishment meant for the odalisque, Spur Lazar, the beloved protector of Percheron, has lost his life to the city he swore to protect. Or so everyone believes. Without Lazar's guiding hand and presence, Boaz, the young Zar, looks for counsel to the suddenly changed and secretive Vizier, who has a sinister agenda of his own. As she privately grieves for Lazar, Herezah, the Valide and ruler of the ha rem, hatches an audacious plot with the nefarious Grand Master Eunuch to bring about Ana's death, for the young woman flouts harem rules but has caught the Zar's eye, and might challenge Herezah's status. And as the cyclical battle of the g ods continues to build, the first of the Goddess's disciples falls into the grip of the demon Maliz. Yet not is all lost. Lazar is slowly recovering on a secret island. But as he returns to health, war from a distant realm threatens Percheron. Success or failure hinges on Lazar - who fears his illness has caused him to hear voices in his head - and if he cannot take action soon, all may well be lost. -from the cover