Last witness of an elder time, handmaid of the age to come.

It was a time of the end of empire. The world was in turmoil. The Romans were abandoning Britain, leaving the remaining servants of empire to try to stem the tide of chaos. Aurelia was one such, the child of a Magistrate, and wife of a Legate. The entire world was changing around her. How could she raise her sons to thrive in such a world?

Everywhere, it seemed, the old, well-ordered realm she had been born into was passing away to be replaced by . . . what?

It was that question her sons, Aurelius and Uther—with the help of Merlin—were born to answer.

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Praise for the Pendragon Cycle:

“Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis . . . Highly recommended.” —Library Journal on Taliesin

“Entertains and tantalizes . . . an exciting and thoughtful addition to the ranks of Arthurian fantasy.” —Locus on Merlin“Evocative . . . intriguing . . . enthralling.” —Locus on Arthur

“Though Lawhead brilliantly creates an authentic and vivid Arthurian Britain, he never forsakes the sense of wonder that has graced the legend throughout the ages.” —Publishers Weekly on Pendragon

“Suspenseful . . . soulful, philosophical . . . engagingly drawn . . . Arthurian Britain is invoked with robust verisimilitude.” —Publishers Weekly on Grail

“A rousing postscript to Lawhead’s bardic Pendragon Cycle . . . Playing off snappy contemporary derring-do against the powerful shining glimpses of the historical Arthur he created, Lawhead pulls off a genuinely moving parable of good and evil.” —Publishers Weekly on Avalon

Praise for the works of Stephen R. Lawhead:

“In a style reminiscent of Tolkien, Lawhead presents a world of vivid imagery. This book is a delight.” —Bookstore Journal on The Paradise War

“A fun read that will leave readers anxious for the next installment.” —Publishers Weekly on Hood

“Lawhead’s . . . latest effort, the first in a series that combines historical fact with Christian legend, displays the author’s deep convictions as well as his storytelling expertise. A good choice for most fantasy collections.” —Library Journal on The Iron Lance

“Lawhead displays considerable historical scholarship.” —Publishers Weekly on The Iron Lance

“In the sweeping style of George R.R. Martin and J.R.R. Tolkien, Lawhead has created a diverse universe and rich cast of characters.” —Library Journal on Bright Empires

“Lawhead demonstrates a genuine love for and understanding of Anglo-Celtic mythology.” —Library Journal on The Paradise War

“Fierce companions, mighty foes, and fae magic all intertwine with multiple points of view in an exciting tale.” —Booklist on In the Region of the Summer Stars