Synopsis: A Game of Houses

In a return to the lands of ancient Alkebulan, this prequel to The Ivory Scepter [Nano win 2008] takes places several generations in the past, when the Shadoe-kin were newly driven back into their mountains beyond the Great Mother River, and the kingdoms and clans of Alkebulan were rising as tarnished phoenixes from the ashes of their near-destruction. Intrigue, mistrust, fear and wild magics still stalk the land as the clans and councils fight enemies without and within as they seek to rise to greatness and power.

While the TraderHouse of Nysamburu seeks to expand its own power, wealth and influence, the widow Jasiren Aruaalan n’shal Nysamburu [Jasi] is unwillingly drawn into the Game of Houses when she unexpectedly meets the Earthsinger Taraji from mighty Tambeokuta. Their unwilling association leads both women to Tambeokuta, the Footstool of the Gods, where both of them must face old challenges - and new.