Royal Exile
Royal Exile is the first novel in the Valisar trilogy, by Australian fantasy author Fiona McIntosh. It was first published in September 2008 by HarperVoyager Royal Exile follows the story of Leo, a young Valisar Royal whose world is destroyed by the Barbarian, Loethar, as he attempts to win back his throne and rid his land of the evil barbarian horde. The story is continued in A Tyrant's Blood. Plot summary Royal Exile begins with the capture of Barronel at the hands of Loethar, a barbarian warlord from the Likurian Steppes, who has his sights set on the illusive realm of Penraven. Fearful, now that its neighbours have been captured, King Brennus of Penraven sees to the birth of his daughter, to whom he declares deceased. Legate Regor De Vis, and his twin sons Corbel and Gavriel are called to bear witness to Brennus' cunning plan. Choosing Corbel to whisk away his 'deceased' daughter, the task of protecting Brennus' only 'true' son Leonel is given to Gavriel, who accepts with hesitance. With Loethar descending upon Penraven, both Regor De Vis and King Brennus are slain. Freath, Queen Iselda's aide, betrays the Valisar family, and in turn is granted ownership of