Braga discusses with his co-conspirator, who is revealed to be Bishop Saldur. After killing the mercenaries (whom Myron recognizes as the men who burned down the abbey), the group then attempts to return to Medford, but soon realize that Braga has seized power there. The group decides to go their separate ways now that Alric is with his soldiers and Riyria has completed their job.Īfter Alric leaves, Royce and Hadrian deduce that Alric is with a group of mercenaries, most likely employed by whoever murdered his father. Alric steps in to intervene and proves his identity as the prince and future king. While eating and planning their next move at a local inn a group of soldiers arrive and make trouble for the owner and patrons. After giving the group some advice on what to do next, Esrahaddon leaves to pursue something he started before he was imprisoned. At the prison, Alric frees Esrahaddon, who reveals that he was falsely imprisoned for murdering the emperor and destroying the empire nearly a thousand years ago. Braga accuses her of witchcraft and has her imprisoned for murdering her father. She uses magic taught to her by Esrahaddon to confirm that Braga had a hand in her father's death. While the group travels to the prison, Arista grows suspicious of her uncle Percy Braga. On the way, they are ambushed on a river and come across a burned monastery, whose only survivor, Myron, joins the group. Following Arista's instructions, Riyria and Alric make their way to the prison where the wizard Esrahaddon is being held. In return, they kidnap her brother, Alric, because she thinks he will also be killed. Arista, Princess of Melengar, saves them from execution. While searching for the sword they discover the dead body of the King, and are accused of his murder. Plot Summary The Crown Conspiracy Īfter a successful raid, Royce and Hadrian (together known as Riyria) are approached by a man offering much gold to steal a sword owned by Count Pickering, from the royal palace in Medford, the capital of the kingdom of Melengar. Trapped in a conspiracy that goes beyond the overthrow of a tiny kingdom, their only hope is unraveling an ancient mystery before it's too late. Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, are two enterprising rogues who end up running for their lives when they're framed for the murder of the king. There's no ancient evil to defeat or orphan destined for greatness, just unlikely heroes and classic adventure.

Theft of swords book