'Grabbed me and refused to let go' George R.R. Martin Thorn Bathu was born to fight. But when she kills a boy in the training square she finds herself named a murderer. Fate places her life in the hands of the deep-cunning Father Yarvi as he sets out to cross half the world in search of allies against the ruthless High King. Beside her is Brand; a young warrior who hates to kill. A failure in her eyes and his own; the voyage is his last chance at redemption. But warriors can be weapons; and weapons are made for one purpose. Will Thorn always be a tool in the hands of the powerful; or can she carve her own path? Is there a place outside of legend for a woman with a blade?