The adventure continues in the final instalment of the New York Times bestselling series from the fantasy author who is a legend herself: Tamora Pierce. A powerful classic that is more timely than ever, the Protector of the Small series is about smashing the ceilings others place above you. Duty or glory: which will she choose? Keladry of Mindelan has finally achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a knight – but it's not quite what she imagined. In the midst of a brutal war, Kel has been assigned to oversee a refugee camp. Others are sent to fight. Though certain she has been given this inglorious and difficult task because Lord Wyldon continues to deny she is equal to her male peers, Kel is learning the importance of caring for people who havebeen robbed of their homes, of self-respect and of safety. Perhaps this is the most important battleground in the war? But when Kel discovers truths behind the monstrous killing devices that her friends are fighting without her, will she honour her sworn duty . . . or embark on a quest that could turn the tide of the war? In a landmark quartet published years before it's time, Kel must prove herself twice as good as her male peers just to be thought equal. A series that touches on questions of courage, friendship, a humane perspective – told against a backdrop of a magical, action-packed fantasy adventure. 'I take more comfort from and as great pleasure in Tamora Pierce's Tortall novels as I do from Game of Thrones' – Washington Post