In the far North, Andrea Kirisra was struggling to hide her magical powers in a village where the Gifted were hanged. Orphaned and alone, she could see no way to avoid the long walk to the gallows.

In the capital city of Corus, Ryan Talver was a thief struggling to scrape a living together. When the magic that had lain dormant inside him exploded into his life, it had devastating consequences.

Keladry of Mindelan was fidning her life as a squire difficult, and with good reason: the only female squire among a host of boys, she was set apart, even if she had managed to make friends and a life for herself among them.

When the three find themselves drawn together by circumstance and divine meddling, they discover the dangerous truth about magic and about the difficulties of growing up.

Rating: 15-R
Disclaimer: Tortall and any characters or names you recognise are the property of Tamora Pierce. I borrow them only. All other characters belong to me, and I may emotionally maim them.
Spoilers: The Alanna, Wild Magic, and Protector of the Small quartets.
Author's Note: This is largely similar to the version on FFN, though I have made some minor changes here and there. When I have time, I'll edit it and take out the bits that make me cringe.