Stephen Allan

Shadows of the Empire Stephen Allan

Out of the darkness emerges a young girl who can save the world-if the empire doesn't kill her first. For her entire childhood, Zelda has only known homelessness, hardship, and hostilities toward her and the other magi. Despite-and because of-their powers, the empire and its citizens persecute magi without mercy or cause. But just south of the imperial capital lies an ancient dragon so deadly, legend says it can tear asunder an entire city in a single night. Soldiers cannot conquer it. Dragon hunters avoid it. Even magi fear it. But greed and fear are driving powerful political figures to hunt the dragon. And in doing so, they may bring about their very end-unless Zelda and the other magi can look past centuries of genocide. Should the lust of those in power awaken this mythical monster, the world's only hope lies in the shadows of the empire.