Young Fitz, the illegitimate son of the noble Prince
Chivalry, is ignored by all royalty except the devious King
Shrewd, who has had him tutored him in the dark arts of the
assassin. He has barely survived his first, soul-shattering
mission, and returns to the court where he is thrown
headfirst into the tumult of royal life. With the King near
death, and Fitz's only ally off on a seemingly hopeless
quest, the throne itself is threatened. Meanwhile, the
treacherous Red Ship Raiders have renewed their attacks on
the Six Duchies, slaughtering the inhabitants of entire
seaside towns. In this time of great peril, it soon becomes
clear that the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz's
hands--and his role in its salvation may require the
ultimate sacrifice.