Sub-Majer's Challenge

Alyiakal, a sub-majer in the Mirror Lancers of Cyador, The Empire of Light, is serving the last year of his tour as commanding officer of a remote border post. Rumors hint that the Cerlynese Duke, in retaliation for Alyiakal's success in a border skirmish, is readying an even larger attack. Against terrible odds, Alyiakal gains victory and a promotion. He takes leave only to discover his courtship of Saelora is opposed by her mother. Disappointed and reposted to the remote Pemedra Post- again-Alyiakal must navigate a rapidly developing war. In the midst of this, when forces outnumbering his command five to one attack a small town, Alyiakal is given orders to drive out the invaders, whatever the cost.

L. E. Modesitt, Jr., is the bestselling author of the fantasy series The Saga of Recluce, Corean Chronicles, and the Imager Portfolio. His science fiction includes Adiamante, the Ecolitan novels, the Forever Hero Trilogy, and Archform: Beauty. Besides a writer, Modesitt has been a U.S. Navy pilot, a director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant and staff director for a U.S. Congressman, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a consultant on environmental, regulatory, and communications issues, and a college lecturer. He lives in Cedar City, Utah.