Kingdom Blades: A Pattern of Shadow & Light Book 4

You cannot sculpt a piece into a Player. A Player must mold himself out of fortitude and conviction.So begins the fourth book in Melissa McPhails award-winning fantasy series A Pattern of Shadow & Light. After the events of Cephraels Hand The Dagger of Adendigaeth and Paths of Alir the realm of Alorin remains unbalanced.In Kandori...Prince Ean val Lorian is bound to Björns van Gelderans game and to his sister Isabel but Ean would rather be free of both of them. Yet he fears the game wont let him--nor will the man he used to be. Chained by guilt on one side and duty on the other Ean chases memories through three kingdoms in an attempt to become a Player on his own terms.In Hallovia...Tanis of Adonnai has discovered his true identity and his nature as an Adept of four strands. Hes bound himself to the Malorinathgul Pelas and in turn bound Pelas to his uncle Björn van Gelderans game. But will Pelass ability to bend Fate to his will be enough to oppose the intentions of his brothers Darshan and Shail? And will Pelas be able to keep Tanis safe from the immortal Warlock Sinárr who vowed to go to any lengths to make Tanis his concubine?At the First Lords sareyth...Prince Trell val Lorian has been rescued from the island of Darroyhan and the moralir Adept Taliah halJaitar and is recovering at the First Lords sanctuary. But while Trell is enjoying an overdue reunion with his betrothed Alyneri he suspects he cannot long remain off the field. If the game doesnt summon him back his conscience will for he owes his life to too many others. Primary among these is the Water Goddess Naiadithine. Trell cant help but wonder what the goddess will require of him in return for Her many graces...and if it will be a price hes willing to pay.As Björns game intensifies and wars escalate those serving the Fifth Vestal must mold themselves into more than mere Players. They must become his Kingdom Blades.