a thousand years before the birth of Vlad Taltos, the dragon empire is the hotbed of intrigue, sorcery, swash buckling adventure and intrigue. for those who would be heroes, it is a delightful time to be alive- in an easy place to die. Khaavren of the House of Tiassa is a son of landless nobility, possessor of a good sword and "terribly well acquainted with its use ". along with three loyal friends he enthusiastically seeks out danger and excitement. but in a realm renowned for repartee and betrayals, where power is as mutable as magic, a young man like Khaavren, newly come from the countryside, has best be wary. his life depends on it. and so does the future of Dragaera. when swordplay beckons, it's all for 1- and 1 for... The Phoenix guards

ISBN: 0037145004990