�Come at once. Ares is dying.� So reads the frantic message from Surchataine Nicole that brings Ares� adopted son Henry out of exile after two years. When Henry arrives at Westford, he discovers vultures gathering over the province, eyeing Ares� twin 14-year-old daughters, Sophie and Bonnie.
Accustomed to patrolling the wild western border of Lystra to keep out slavers, Henry must now readjust to courtly intrigues�a task made all the more difficult by the meaningless but conspicuous leper�s brand on his hand.
Matters come to a head when Surchatain Magnus of Scylla comes for an unexpected visit. He brings not only the spoiled, immature son he plans to marry off to Sophie, but a surprise guest who has designs on a most unwilling Henry.
In Extremis is Book Seven of The Latter Annals of Lystra. The story continues in Book Eight, All Mirrors and All Suns.
