During a long-ago battle the king was killed, and his powerful amulet, which protects the kingdom from harm, was lost. Then Kelhadden fell to Ranulf, a cruel Northman, under whose regime the people are dying and the city is deteriorating. Now the only hope is that the true prince of Kelhadden will come forward, recover the amulet, and take back the kingdom.
Born on the night of the red sky, Thorn is taken in by the old warrior Morwid, former counselor to the murdered king and keeper of the all-knowing Book of Ancients. Thorn knows nothing of his background until his twelfth summer, when he learns it ishewho must undertake the dangerous quest for the lost amulet. Though Morwid has taught Thorn many useful skills, the tasks that lie before him seem nearly impossibe. But with the help of two remarkable companions, Thorn embarks on a journey to save the kingdom, and in the process reveals deep family secrets, leading him to his rightful place in the world.
The Secret Princeis an exhilarating story filled with enchantment, high adventure, and surprises that will leave readers breathless.Chapter One
At first Morwid couldn't say what had awakened him. One moment he was dreaming peacefully of his old life in the castle, the next he was wide awake, his failing eyes straining against the darkness of the sea cave.
Drawing his blanket around his shoulders, he sat up, listening for any sound of approaching danger, but all was quiet, save the trills of the forest creatures and the crashing of the sea against the rocky shore below.
He lit a torch and moved to the opening of the cave. Above him the night sky glowed with the color of blood. Along the horizon a sphere of light pulsed and grew until it blotted out all the stars. As if launched from a huntsman's bow, it arced across the heavens, trailing fire, then disappeared in a shimmer of gold that briefly lit the dark sea.
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