In the peaceful realm of Tequende, all second-born children at the age of fifteen must journey to the Alcazar to fulfill the mandate of the Oath of Guilds. There they train to earn a place among the Queen's guard, or work as indentured servants. For Sun Guilder Talimendra of the Magda River Traders, joining the Second Guard will not only bring honor to her family, it will be a chance to uphold her mother's legacy. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears will be spent to bear the weight of this prestigious title, and Tali is prepared to make that sacrifice even as she competes against hundreds of other pledges. But her loyalty will be tested when she uncovers a secret that could drag Tequende into all-out war. The enemy is close. With very little time and too many unanswered questions, Tali must trust her instincts-even if it means betraying the very guard she's fighting to join

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