With this novel, the initial trilogy of the Deryni comes to a close, and in ways that are ultimately unexpected.
The previous volume left quite a mess for King Kelson to clean up, with a civil war to the south, an invading army to the north, a treasonous Earl, an adamantly opposed Archbishop, all lining up for various reasons against Kelson. His internal opponents are so blinded by their own dogmatic resistance to be able to comprehend that they are making their own situation worse by their opposition. They are convinced of the evil of the Deryni, and will oppose a Deryni Duke, even if it means that an evil Deryni warlord will invade and conquer.
King Wencit of Torenth already has the upper hand by his trechary, having slaughtered the armies in the north, the Cassini and Kheldish armies and is ready for pitched battle against a divided Gwynned. But even then, he has plans to skip the battle, a new plot and counterplot, a master schemer he is, pitting himself against both Gwynned and the Camberian Council.
There are a few interesting twists and a rather unsatisfying ending, but it does work out for the best, with no small amount of pain on the part of the victors. War is hell, and it is difficult to be king.
