Book excerpt: Blue Queen Athryn Ardfalla, having usurped from the Red King, Kirith Kirin, his rightful throne, has allied herself with an evil wizard, Drudaen Keerfax, and oppresses the people. The young shepherd Jessex, the son and grandson of witches, fulfills his destiny by entering the service of Kirith Kirin, who stays in the forest of Arthen. Jessex grows strong in his magical studies and fighting skills, finding both companionship and love in the company of the man he serves and discovering his crucial role in the battle against the evil that overshadows his land.