The Raven's Path

Foolish girl! You claim to be my priestess? How hard can it be to fetch a simple loop of iron?

You have held my torc in your hand twice… Each time it has slipped through delicate fingers.

There was a moment when a thought might have brought you to me, but instead, you fling yourself halfway around the world and lose the torc in the bargain!

For an instant you held it, and I believed we might both be free of the Serpent, but you will need him now, and other allies besides.

Go, hunt for what you've lost in the Etan lands – perhaps you will learn wisdom unravelling the threads you have so thoroughly snarled. I suppose we must endure Kelbrin just a little longer – he has a gift for bucking the odds.

As I've learned, to my great disappointment, we must all use the tools we have, however resentful or unsuited they might be to the task. Why waste time in recrimination? I know too well what it is to be called a fool.

Remember, the pattern is not unravelled. Fate is only ever deferred.

Dugan will be hard on your heels, you will be pursued, and you will pass through ice and wave, blood and flame. If you are quick and cunning you might survive.

The way will be narrow, more dangerous than I hope you ever know. Trust your guides, and stay fixed on your purpose as you walk The Raven's Path.

In this sequel to The Serpent's Quest, Hetephes and Kelbrin must dare frozen wastes and searing deserts to stay ahead of the Beast Lord's fury and recover the torc that might damn or save their world.