Cirrus@Austlit

'General Wyl Thirsk, a favourite of the Morgravian sovereign, swears a blood oath to protect the king's son, Celimus, even though he despises him. The long-held acrimony between heir and champion is deepened when Celimus contrives for Wyl to witness the barbaric torture of a young woman called Myrren. Declared a witch because of her ill-matched eyes, only Thirsk takes pity on her suffering. In return for his kindness, she promises him a gift. At the second of her death Wyl's eyes become ill-matched for just a moment and only a blind Seer understands the truth of The Quickening which has arrived in Wyl's life. Years later Celimus is king and finally in a position to rid himself of the man he hates. Using the cruellest blackmail he despatches Wyl, together with the mysterious mercenary Romen Koreldy, into the enemy realm of Briavel. The duel which ensues between Wyl and Koreldy will claim one of them but not even a true believer of sorcery could forsee the dark secret of Myrren's Gift as it emerges to begin its journey of vengeance'. Source: publisher's website (http://www.voyageronline.com.au/books/). Sighted 15/2/11.