A true "living legend", Grand Master Andre Norton returns with a spectacular new fantasy adventure that is certain to please the legions of fans she has won over her long and celebrated career. In a faraway dukedom rich in enchanting and intoxicating aromas, a young, orphaned scullery maid named Willadene possesses a uniquely heightened sense of smell that leads her first to an apprenticeship with a respected herbmistress, and ultimately into the highest circles of the Ducal court. But there is a great unnatural evil lurking among the palace nobles, inspiring fiendish plots, sinister betrayals, and craven murder. And when an unthinkable abduction occurs, Willadene sets out on a deadly quest to a dark, forbidden place of shadows and ancient secrets -- impelled by the power that has molded her destiny to attempt an impossible rescue in the realm of an invincible lord of abominations.
Description:
A true "living legend", Grand Master Andre Norton returns with a spectacular new fantasy adventure that is certain to please the legions of fans she has won over her long and celebrated career. In a faraway dukedom rich in enchanting and intoxicating aromas, a young, orphaned scullery maid named Willadene possesses a uniquely heightened sense of smell that leads her first to an apprenticeship with a respected herbmistress, and ultimately into the highest circles of the Ducal court. But there is a great unnatural evil lurking among the palace nobles, inspiring fiendish plots, sinister betrayals, and craven murder. And when an unthinkable abduction occurs, Willadene sets out on a deadly quest to a dark, forbidden place of shadows and ancient secrets -- impelled by the power that has molded her destiny to attempt an impossible rescue in the realm of an invincible lord of abominations.