Starlight On Stone CRUX

A classical confrontation between the armies of history's two most powerful empires. The characters of the previous four books are propelled into the intrigue, violence and death surrounding a legendary battle which is likely the creative mythic spark for all subsequent escalations. These lead like self-fulfilling prophecies to the Armageddon so many ardently desire today. But this story is about those long-ago warriors, princes and noble women who must fend off their own dark age. The options they have are grim. It is up to the Boy-king and his Nubian armies, a soon-to-be emperor of a collapsed realm and the peace-bride who has nothing to offer except her need for vengeance. Choosing sides, as they all must do, are the giants, Kee and Bussil, assassin H'ktir, Shargo the Strong, Twice-born Twi and Canni, the homeless priestess. Ugan the Glott and Waaloo slide like warm oils between the factions. But it is Parro, the far-sighted entertainer who spins herself into the creases of our psyches.