Billy cheerfully runs the Valley's Finest Inn with his father and daydreams of a life in the distant courts of the kingdom, completely unaware there are enemies lurking in the shadows.
One night, a murderous stranger from his secret past emerges to take his life and the magic ring his dead mother left him. To survive, Billy leaves home and is thrust into an adventure that takes him to the noblest courts of Lyonesse. But perils await; dragons, giants, and foul monsters prowl the land, while assassins and power-hungry lords plot deadly intrigues. Even behind the tallest castle walls, Billy and his new friends are in peril. Amidst this turmoil, the mystery of the magic ring deepens, and Billy struggles to unravel the secrets of his past. Each step of the journey brings him closer to the truth and closer to a confrontation with the evil sorcerer that has hunted him since his birth. Will the truth come in time to save Billy or only further endanger his life? "A writer to be reckoned with in the field of fantasy." (John DeChancie, author of Castle Perilous) "There's a delicate balance between the silly - lending itself to younger readers - and the darker, more mature themes that highlights K. C. Herbel's skill. The effort made to make [the story] such a solid work shines through every page; from the quiet strength of the common folk to the imbuing of life into the land and animals, Herbel never disappoints.... Indeed, there is an unmistakable sense of magic to the countryside, drawing a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world into the whole work.... Herbel does not shy away from allowing each character to have their own private pain, giving them a depth that cannot be overrated. A truly magical journey, and a delight to read." (Aimee Carol Dixon, Readers' Favorite reviewer)
