Mountain Lord

Areth and Moltiva Adelbern are the lord and lady of the fledgling County Areth. Together, they face tremendous obstacles and responsibilities in building their new domain. But neither can foresee the brewing storm which crawls toward them, a storm that threatens the very foundation of the Empire.

With the recent failure of the Gold Lions, the Steel Lion Company has been assigned to this frontier region to enforce Imperial law. With uprisings and rebel kings popping up like weeds, the Empress is  tightening control, especially in frontier lands such as County Areth, always alert for who might need to be weeded out.

In his efforts to create prosperity, Areth has discovered a means to save his homeland. But it will jeopardize his relations with the Imperial Throne--creating a dangerous situation with his new neighbors, the Steel Lions and bring the unwanted attention of the Throne.

But even as Areth and Moltiva work toward peace, the coming storm breaks upon them. To save their homeland, Areth must turn enemies into allies and turn his back against all that he had once been loyal. For he has discovered the Empress' dark secret, the heart of that storm, that will shatter an Empire.