The loss of Archie in a fall from his horse almost crippled Thaddea, but no more so than her mother, Sydlynn. Where once the fight to survive had lived within her, the dear woman surrendered and, within a month of her dear husband's untimely end, Sydlynn lay on her own deathbed, refusing any magical treatment.

"It's time," she whispered to Thaddea and I as her daughter gently stroked her mother's hair, hovering near at every moment while Auburdeen and her brothers sat quietly ...