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Summary: Valeria has once again shocked the leaders on the Mountain. Not only is she the first woman ever Called, she's now pregnant with her teacher's child! And the Empire is still struggling to recover from the forces that nearly tore it apart. Kerrec, still First Rider but also still recovering from the last attack by the barbarians, is torn between his love for Valeria and his duty to the Mountain and his responsibility to the Empire. Breanna, his sister, is ruler, but doesn't seem to be able to have children. So Valeria is asked to give up her love for Kerrec to let him make a dynastic marriage and continue the bloodline. And Euan, the barbarian prince who wants to overthrow the empire and claim Valeria, is gathering forces for one more try. Will this third battle be the deciding one?