Before there was Dun Lady’s Jess… Magic, betrayal, and a twice-cursed exile--only one man's determination can untangle the deadly intrigue that binds them together.

**When Ehren’s sovereign and friend was killed,** Ehren, First of the King’s Guard, was far away — sent on a wild goose chase by the First Level Ministry, whose number he now believes must contain at least one traitor.

**When a First Level wizard orders him to stop searching for the assassins** and instead to find and neutralize the dead king’s distant family, his suspicions deepen to near certainty.

**And Ehren is determined to find those exiles – if only so that he may guard them with his life.**

  
Other books in this series: *Dun Lady’s Jess, Changespell, Changespell Legacy*  
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**Award-winning author Doranna Durgin has nearly 40 published novels** (MMPB, trade, and hardcover) and another 19 short pieces. Now available from the author, BARRENLANDS is a re-released Baen Fantasy: Magic, betrayal, and a twice-cursed exile--only one man's determination can untangle the deadly intrigue that binds them together. (Changespell Saga Prequel)

 *“Ms. Durgin knows full well the value of pacing as she exquisitely choreographs action and character development into a pleasing whole.”*  
–Romantic Times

 *“Durgin has a remarkable gift for inventing unusual characters doing incredible things.”*  
–Kliatt

 *“…Crisp, vivid imagery…the details sweep you off your feet and carry you away to another world…”*  
–Hypatia’s Hoard