One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, #1)

by Rachel Gillig

The Shepherd King had made seventy-eight Providence Cards in descending order. There were twelve Black Horses, held exclusively by the King’s elite guard—the Destriers. Eleven Golden Eggs. Ten Prophets. Nine White Eagles. Eight Maidens. Seven Chalices. Six Wells. Five Iron Gates. Four Scythes. Three Mirrors. Two Nightmares. And one Twin Alders.

When the shadows grow long, when our names turn to dust, what we loved, what we hated, will spoil to rust. All will be forgotten, save one truth, unshaken… What did we do when the children were taken?

To be wary is to be keen— Keen of those who may use magic for wrong. To be clever is to be wise— Wise not to use the Cards too often. To be good is to be reverent— Reverent of balance—of the salt in the air—of the Spirit of the Wood. Be wary. Be clever. Be good.