Three children meet—by chance—on the battlefield where the kingdom of Hoad’s peaceful future is being negotiated. The king’s third son, the “mad” prince; the princess-heir of a minor province; and an aboriginal boy who’s “not right” gradually mature into their predestined roles of royal successors and court magician. Hans Christian Andersen–award winner Margaret Mahy explores the mysteries and complexities of freedom, friendship, fate, treach ery, and love in this complex fantasy set in an imaginary kingdom—much like the real world—where peace is not always desired by all. 2010 USBBY Outstanding International Books List. Mahy was awarded the Order of New Zea land and in 2006 won the Hans Christian Andersen Award. She has also twice won the Carnegie Medal, been honored by New Zealand as a Living Icon, and received the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in Fiction. lmp

Originally published by HarperCollins New Zealand, in 2008.