First published 1987
Kerris has devoted seventeen years to scholarly pursuits in Tornor, mastering the arts of writing and learning. His brother Kel belongs to the chearis, the dancing warriors of Arun who blend combat with graceful movement. Kel teaches Kerris the intricate art of patterning, a discipline that brings structure and harmony to cheari society. This ancient practice weaves together physical skill with mental focus, creating warriors who fight like dancers and think like poets. But Kerris must put his newfound abilities to the test sooner than expected. The city of Elath faces a crisis of psychic combat that threatens to tear it apart. As Kerris masters the ways of the warrior, he discovers that battle involves more than physical technique. He must navigate the complexities of love while learning to fight, finding that the heart proves as challenging a battlefield as any external conflict.
Genres: romance, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, fantasy
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Tornor, Arun, Elath
Period: Ancient
Paperback · Arrow Books