Book excerpt: Axis is a true hero, in every sense of the word. On his shoulders lies the double burden of prophecy and war. Having fulfilled the first part of the prophecy by becoming the Starman, he now must reunite the three races inhabiting his world. It is his destiny to lead an army against his evil half-brother, to regain control of Tencendor, once the greatest land in the world. It is his destiny to be caught between the two women he loves, one of epitome of gentility, beauty and intelligence, the other a feirce warrior with a cunning wit. And it his destiny to be thwarted at every turn by the vicious Goragel, an insance monster bent on destroying all that Axis works to preserve...