Darkness looms over the ancient world of Ahn Norvys, and the Great Harmony of Ardiel lies rent asunder. Prince Starigan, heir to the throne, has been abducted and power has been usurped by a traitorous cabal

In the mountainous highlands of Arvon is the small but ancient community the Stoneholding, which has held out against the gathering forces of the evil Ferabek. Here by tradition, from earliest times, the High Bard has resided as guardian of the Sacred Fire, as well as the golden harp called the Talamadh. But in his search for the lost prince, Ferabek has attacked the Stoneholding with his Black Scorpion Dragoons and razed it to the ground. Wilum, the aged High Bard was forced to flee for his life with a ragged band of survivors, including Kalaquinn Wright, the wheelwrights’s son.

Kal, green in years and understanding, was torn from his pastoral life in a remote highland clanholding, and thrust out onto a broader stage in a journey of danger and escape, discovery and enlightenment. Now, as night covers Ahn Norvys, he must save what remains of the hallowed order of things and seek his destiny, a destiny that lies far beyond the Stoneholding.

He must somehow find Prince Starigan and rekindle the Sacred Fire.  

From Publishers Weekly

This expansive series debut, Baen's first foray into epic fantasy, employs classic tropes but speaks with a unique voice. When the Arvon king was slain and his queen and infant son abducted, the merchant council of the Mindal set vile power-hungry upstart Gawmage on the throne. Eighteen years later, the highlanders of the Holding still reject Gawmage's rule. Wilum, the aged High Bard, and his bright-eyed apprentice, Kal, hope to locate and restore the lost prince before the Holding falls to Gawmage's army. Plentiful action scenes, narrative dialogue and liberal use of songs and poems recall Tolkien and keep pages turning. Strong characterization, especially of ingenious, daring Kal, obscures some awkward prose and dubious plot revelations. Readers who enjoy Baen's military SF and alternate history may well be pleasantly surprised by this new direction. (Sept.)
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From the Publisher

First book in a beautifully wrought new fantasy series, with original cover art by Ted Nasmith, renowned Tolkien illustrator, who says of the book: "When I read it, I enjoyed it thoroughly, marveling at Mark James' talent for creating memorable characters, a very compelling plot, and a consistently sustained faery world rich in lore, names and mystery. While it's comparable (naturally) to Tolkien, the author is clearly drawing from the wider Celtic tradtions, and in ways Tolkien never explored. The concept of the harmony which protects Good is marvelous and deep. I cannot imagine what more a discerning reader could ask for in a work of fantasy."