The Serpentine Throne

The country mourns while rumors of unrest stir. The sorcery castes struggle for power and the casteless riot in the streets. Conflict hadn’t escalated this rapidly in Nantai since the Ryū Wars more than five ages past.

Too many of Nantai’s children, Mairynne had never met. Decreeing that her aunt should ascend, she flees from Arashi and the Serpentine Throne. For the first time, she faces the hardship of those without the comforts of the elite caste. Gensui Thalaj Northerngale, her only companion and protector, travels at her side.

The dragons have resurfaced in Nantai, the Cloud Courtiers are playing dangerous games, and the empire is crumbling. The caste leaders are posturing for power; the price imposed by the Stone Singer leader Sarangarel tell as much. The sum cannot be unpaid, and a blizzard Mairynne cannot see her way through now rages inside Thalaj.

Nantai is no longer as Mairynne remembers. Her journey to find her father took too long. The City by the Sea is no more than ash, and there is only one explanation: dragon fire.

The devastation across Nantai deepens. Against all she wishes to believe, Mairynne is convinced her sister has fallen victim to the dragon terrorizing Nantai. And now, she must leave her father once again to beg her people to stand up for the country she loves.

The emperor and empress of Nantai are gone. Their youngest daughter and the chosen heir, Mairynne, is trapped between her duty to the country and the desire to find her father. The people need a new imperial leader, but Mairynne never wished for the role she inherited. She carries two soul stones, one cold and the other hot. They came to her with the loss of each parent. They now call to her, beckoning her to leave home. They reinforce her convictions . . . Her father lives. He will return to his seat upon the Serpentine Throne.