Into the Land of Valentia

Slaying dragons is what Vivica does best. She can disappear into the forest with only her bow and arrow (and maybe some troublesome thoughts), and re-emerge a few weeks later to collect her payment from the Crown. The money may not be a lot, but it does support her and her sister, Naleena.

But now the Crown has grown uncomfortable with the idea of allowing a woman-a girl, really-to go off on her own to face such dangerous creatures. Vivica is left with only one option: to accept a quest presented to her by someone who is equally uncomfortable with her presence and skills.

The clock is ticking as one of the King's own slowly dies of a disease with a cure so difficult to find, none have succeeded. Vivica knows the layout of Valentia. She knows its secrets. But it's her secrets, and the secrets of her travel companion, that she should be worried about.