"At her best Kurtz's love of history lets her do things with her characters and their world that no nonhistorian could hope to do." - CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

This is a tale of an earlier time in the kingdom of Gwynedd, a time before the magical Deryni were persecuted as evil beings, before they were hounded nearly out of existence, before those of Deryni blood feared to let it be known.

"Exquisitely detailed." -PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

In those days, the Deryni Council took a hand in the affairs of state, albeit secretly.  There were Deryni at court and some of the lords of the land claimed Deryni heritage.

"A vital continuation to the saga." -BOOKLIST

But the king, Donal Haldane, ruled over all with a casual ruthlessness.  He expected much of himself, as a ruler, as a warrior, and as the father of future kings.  And he expected the same of those in his service - human and Deryni alike - in spite of the web of royal intrigue that threatened to ensnare them all...

"[A] great Deryni tale." -THE BEST REVIEWS

"TERRIFIC MEDIEVAL REALISM."
-Publishers Weekly

Feared by the populace of Gwynedd and viewed with deep suspicion by the Church, the magical Deryni have no allies, yet they are quick to scorn the half-human, half-Deryni Alaric Morgan.  Under the king's protection, Alaric has a future mapped out for him that should ensure his survival.  For his Deryni blood makes him ideal to safeguard the powers of the Haldane kings and ensure that Prince Brion shall have the protection of his hereditary magic.

But Alaric is only four years old...

"Kurtz's fans will celebrate this continuation of
In the King's Service." - Booklist

"Interesting... a fascinating character."  - Midwest Book Review