Synopsis: A Game of Houses

In a return to the lands of ancient Alkebulan, this prequel to The Ivory Scepter [Nano win 2008] takes place in a time 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 TradeHouse of Nysamburu seeks to expand its own power, wealth and influence, the widow Jasiren Aruaalan n’shal Nysamburu - also known as Jasi to her intimates - is unwillingly drawn into the Game of Houses when she unexpectedly meets the Earthsinger Taraji, a D'uad-Imir outlander.

Their unwilling association leads both women to Tambeokuta, the great priest city known as the Footstool of the Gods, where both of them must face old challenges - and new.