In his thirtieth year, Penric fell deeply in love with light …

Discovered Penric, a sorcerer and divine of the Bastard’s Order, travels over the sea to sunlit Cedonia on his initial covert diplomatic mission, to try and secure the services of a disaffected Cedonian general for the Duke of Adria. Nevertheless, nothing is since it appears: Penric is betrayed and tossed into a dungeon, and even worse follows for the overall and his kin.

Penric’s narrow escapes and adventures-including his fascination with a young widow-are told with Bujold’s remarkable energy, wit, and humor. Once again, Bujold has generated unforgettable people and a wondrous, frequently dangerous world of intrigue and sorcery.