Uldovai's Challenge

The Harthans have arrived in Alga-Ra, and discover that they have dropped into a pit of intrigue. While Emperor Germain was away, enemy forces began to marshal against his rule. His rival Larriere and Empress Shantal are now allied. She is supplying the drug that he is passing out to his henchmen to disrupt the government. Germain and Liminar have ended their liaison now that they are back on Alga-Ra, but they are having a hard time because they are still in love with each other. The princess Mistal has discovered the Harthan teens, and that she has an affinity for them, and many of them become her close friends. Migal's work for Germain has created a positive shift in the Third Circle, which is disrupting Larriere's long range plans. Key people are being attacked. The Harthans, with their arcane powers, have managed to deflect attacks on Mistal, and themselves. Then Germain learns about Shantal's treachery, and he takes revenge on her. Princess Mistal is torn apart-save her mother, doom her father. Events are coming to a head with the Jubilee, celebrating 25 years of Germain's rule.