Deryni Rising

In the ancient realm of Gwynedd, a dangerous secret has long been guarded by the Haldane royal line: their blood occasionally carries the magical powers of the Deryni, an ostracized race condemned by the powerful Church. Upon the mysterious death of his father, young Prince Kelson assumes the throne, thrust into a world of political intrigue and magical peril. He must swiftly come to terms with his hidden Deryni heritage, for his ascension is challenged by Charissa, a formidable sorceress who openly embraces her own Deryni powers. Kelson faces an impossible task: master a lifetime's worth of magic in a mere few days to confront Charissa in a duel to the death. His failure means Gwynedd's collapse and his own demise, mirroring his father's fate. His victory secures his crown but exposes his forbidden powers to a world that fears and persecutes his kind, forcing him to navigate the treacherous path of a Deryni king.