Elizabeth Vaughan, Warsworn

Warsworn

Elizabeth Vaughan

Tor, April 2006

ISBN: 0765352656

Xylara, the WARPRIZE and Keir the Warlord, are escorted by thousands of "Firelander" soldiers who travel to the Heart of the Plains for a ceremony to confirm Lara's status. When they reach the walled village of Wellspring, they find the sign of the plague. Unable to stay out as a Master Healer, Lara enters to help those suffering inside while the soldiers wait nearby.

However, the plague escapes the quarantined village Wellspring spreading amongst Keir's warriors. Iften the Second, who believes he is the worthy warrior who should be the Warlord, sees an opportunity. He challenges Keir, not fully healed, to determine who will lead their people in a battle to the death. Iften plans to eliminate the Warprize once he dispatches the warlord, but others have additional termination plans for moving up the ranks.

The second War tale (see WARPRIZE) is a terrific entry in what so far has been a great trilogy. Lara as a healer cannot stop herself from helping the beleaguered villagers of Wellspring, who to keep the Warlord out of their plagued city shoot arrows at the feet of the warriors. Her good intentions prove costly, as the plague leaves the city and enters the nearby military encampment. The Warprize's endeavor makes for a strong action packed yet philosophical fantasy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout, while afterward pondering the question of medical care during a quarantined lethal epidemic (think of the flu issue).