Book IV : The Path Unconceived

If the east-west road is blocked both ways, the warrior jumps north

Returning home scarred but ready, Fourth Chevenga Shae-Arano-e throws himself furiously into the fight to liberate his Yeoli people from the occupying Arkans. Rallying the worn and demoralized remnants of Yeola-e’s warriors to unite with foreign allies, he takes up with relish the only weapons by which a general can win against far greater numbers: speed, deviousness, unrelenting resolve and all-or-nothing risks.

But the liberation campaign is fraught with complexities. Niku’s aNiah flyers must keep their great ability secret, causing other warriors to wonder why they’re so important; Chevenga is saddled with the surly, grudge-holding heir to the throne of Tor Ench, Reknarja, as an apprentice general; prejudiced Yeolis stir up trouble with the allies; and in trying to go beyond his limits, Chevenga discovers them in the most direct and brutal way.

His heart is most riven while he is fighting the duel of his life, against the Arkan champion Kallijas Itrean, fighting the duel of his... and each falls in love with the unlikeliest person ever.

But the worst horror comes when the Arkan Imperator Kurkas violates the sacred “World Compact” that guarantees Haiu Menshir’s safety, sending ships to conquer the island and arrest several healers—for the crime of healing Chevenga.

Now this war is personal.