<B>Could all that King Arthur fought for be lost? From the author of <I>The Merlin Prophecy</I>, a trilogy that <I>Kirkus Reviews</I> proclaimed, will “appeal to those who thrill to <I>Game of Thrones</I>,” the second installment in the action-packed historical trilogy is the epic tale of Arthur’s efforts to save the heart of his kingdom. </B><br><br>Twelve long, blood-soaked years have passed since Arthur fulfilled his destiny and was crowned High King. Against all odds, he has united Celtic Britain at last and banished the Saxon scourge from his lands.<BR> <BR>But even as Arthur’s kingdom reaches its zenith, his kingdom is being undermined from within. Not only has Arthur been betrayed by the one person he should be able to trust—his bitter queen and second wife, Wenhaver—he also learns of a terrible threat from inside his own kingdom. With his guide and master tactician, Merlin, gone, Arthur must decide how to proceed if he wishes to see Britain stand strong.<BR> <BR>As the burden of leadership and power rests solely on his shoulders, Arthur faces a terrible choice: does he commit a deed that will render him comparable to Uther Pendragon, the evil king who preceded him on the throne, or does he let the evil go unchecked?