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Never before had human blood been spilled at an Imperial palace. And if it had, it was only a few drops, because of stupid accidents. But KILLING people – even the worst ones – was strictly forbidden. It was not conscience or awe that kept people from doing such things – but fear of the light gods. The palace was a special place. Even the sacred Towers were inferior to it in their ritual purity. That is why if a courtier wanted to destroy another – he did it outside the White Marble Walls.

Now that custom had been broken. And it was not just anyone who broke it, but the great Lyra… A woman who was able to do in eight years what men could not do in eight decades-to unite the Cusuni Kingdom.

Her story is told here.

Chapter 1: Even the greatest journey begins with a single step

Laira was born in an ordinary village on the far northern outskirts. And from a young age she was distinguished neither by her particular beauty nor by her special talents. Neither was she of noble birth, though she was, as her fellow villagers later claimed, a pure-blooded cousin. Her father was literate and adored books about ancient warriors. Having inherited a watermill from his ancestors, he had some money. He could afford to buy a few shabby volumes at the fair. Having read from them tales and tall tales, he dreamed of military glory… Of exploits and campaigns, of soldiers’ friendship and comradeship. But with a fair weight, a prosthesis instead of a leg, and living in the wilderness, he had to content himself with dreams.