The dragon of despair
Firekeeper finds herself deeply entangled in the politics and intrigues of her high-born human relations and even more so in the fight for survival of her alternate family, the Royal Beasts of the forest. Malevolent sorceress Lady Melina Shield has wed New Kelvin's version of a king and become his "Consolor." Hawk Haven's King Tedric wants to know exactly what Melina is up to, and the only way he can discover her plans is by sending an expedition to New Kelvin, ostensibly as a trade delegation. If that isn't enough to worry about, unauthorized settlers have encroached on the territory of the Royal Beasts, forcing them (and therefore Firekeeper, as a member of the pack) to declare themselves ready for war against humans. Since Firekeeper is, as it were, neither fish nor fowl, she finds her loyalties divided in a most uncomfortable situation
Print Book, English, 2004
Tor, New York, 2004