"As mother of Trathmere's heir, you would have some stature in the
eyes of the Emperor. As Trathmere's widow, you are an obstacle in his
path. By Khadrach Law, only women of blood descent may inherit. The
Duchy of Trathmere, therefore, becomes a prize of war, and yourself,
my sharp-mannered Lady..." The Inquisitor paused, smiling
venomously. "You become chattel of the estate, less, even, than the
hens in the byre, for at least they and their eggs may be
eaten."
The story:
Elienne's husband, the Duke of Trathmere, is killed, and the young
widow is imprisoned by his killers. Her future does not look bright,
but then the sorcerer Ielond appears to her in her cell.
He offers her freedom, if she will come with him to his world, to become the wife of Prince Darion, who faces death unless he can prove his ability to father a child.
Years ago, a curse was put upon the Prince, and he cannot sire any children, and so the child that Elienne carries may prove both their salvation.
Thoughts about the book:
This is not one of Wurts' best books, but it has a certain appeal. I
believe Wurts to be fond of tragic characters, though, for her books
are certainly crowded with them.
The characters are somewhat shallow and stereotype, but the story is all together, enjoyable.
About the author Janny Wurts
starcat@starcat.rlyeh.net