Book excerpt: Colours in the Steel, Volume One of the Fencer Trilogy, introduced a remarkable new voice in fantasy fiction. The Belly of the Bow confirms that rich promise and establishes K. J. Parker in the top rank of writers. The city of Perimadeia has fallen. Bardas Loredan, the man who was supposed to save it, is now living on the Island -- a recluce, living apart from his family in the mountains, with only a young apprentice for company. His life as a fencer-at-law is over. Instead, Loredon spends his days perfecting the art of bow-making. But his isolation will not last forever; and when the Island comes under attack, his skills as a soldier and general are once again called upon.