Book 3 of Wolkarean Inscription
Katrine of Banur has escaped from Elnid-Kyeh's dungeon. Now she must prepare for war.
"Katrine was seconds from passing out. Muscles quivering, she lowered the tip of her sword in the traditional symbol of surrender. Perspiration soaked her uniform, gluing it to her skin. Pinpricks of light danced around dark splotches in front of her eyes. Asher scowled at her and lowered his blade as well. Sinking to the ground, Katrine pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapped her arms around them, and let her head loll forward. 'Not good enough,' Asher said, 'not nearly good enough.'"
As Katrine prepares to meet Elnid-Kyeh for their final battle, she must come to terms with the fact that he is a three hundred year old sorcerer who is much stronger and more experienced than she is.
She can only pray that he is not smarter.