On the misty, pine-clad slopeqof the western highlands five princes go hunting-but the mountains are perilous and they clash with unexpected foes.

To the north a burrower digs its way through a labyrinth of underground caverns; there is knowing what it is, how it came there, or where it is gomg.

Cecilia Dart-Thornton graduated from Monash University with an honours degree in sociology. She began as a teacher and lecturer, then started and ran a business before becoming a full-time writer. Her interests include animal welfare, environmental conservation and digital media. She lives in Australia.

Glossary

Some Significant Characters

The Story So Far

Map: The Four Kingdoms of Tir

Prologue

1 Comrades and Foes

2 Mai Day Eve

3 Conversations

4 Philosophies

5 Strategies

6 Household Strife

7 Princes

8 Urisks

9 The Invitation

10 Plots and Schemes

11 Treachery

12 Upon a Ferny Hill

Acknowledgements