In this extraordinary third and final work in the second DemonWars trilogy, R. A. Salvatore weaves a diverse tapestry of characters and events from all novels of the series into an epic, unforgettable conclusion as a dark young king is driven by a quest to remake humankind. In Honce-the-Bear, King Aydrian Boudabras wakes in a cold sweat, his conscience haunted by those he has killed in order to garner power, including the rightful king before him, Danube, his mother’s husband. Now, Aydrian is preparing his armies for war, forging loyalties, playing one adversary against another, and giving those around him barely a glimpse at his remarkable powers. In the neighboring Behren, the evil Yatol Bardoh is unleashing a war engine of his own, using armies of mercenaries and horrific tactics to bring down the walls of Jacintha and to drive a ferocious dragon from the city of Dharyan. Between these two men, an explosive chain of events has been set into motion. Refugees flood the roads and valleys, alliances are formed and broken, navies clash at sea, and assassins seek their moment to strike. With Aydrian’s power and popularity turning into an avalanche and the courageous Byrnn Dharielle valiantly standing in the way of the Yalot Bardoh, the great players in the DemonWars saga will unite and clash on a single, magnificent stage. In book three of the second DemonWars trilogy, #1 New York Times bestselling author R. A. Salvatore concludes the second trilogy and gathers the whole arc of the seven books of the DemonWars saga in a stunning conclusion that Kirkus Reviews claims “fans will dance with joy” to experience. “Wild adventure, unique magic, stunning suspense, and forgettable characters.”—James Rollins, bestselling author of the Sigma Force series and The Starless Crown “An enthralling epic adventure.”—Terry Brooks As one of the fantasy genre’s most successful authors, R. A. Salvatore enjoys an ever-expanding and tremendously loyal following. His books regularly appear on The New York Times bestseller lists and have sold more than 30 million copies. Salvatore’s most recent original hardcover, The Two Swords , book three of The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy debuted at #1 on The Wall Street Journal bestseller list and at #4 on The New York Times bestseller list. His books have been translated into numerous foreign languages, including German, Italian, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Turkish, Croatian, Bulgarian, Yiddish, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Czech, and French. Chapter 1: The Shadow in the Mirror CHAPTER 1 THE SHADOW IN THE MIRROR THE SHADOW IN THE MIRROR drew him in, and Aydrian could not get the thought of Jilseponie out of his mind. Unlike the unrelenting hatred he felt for the woman, a rush of warmth came over him, as if this shadow was communicating to him that Jilseponie was his answer here. Not for glory. Not for power. For what, then? Salvation? Aydrian leaned back against the wall in the small darkened room he had set up for Oracle, this mystical connection to the shadows in the mirror. The elves had taught him Oracle, and had taught him that in looking into the mirror, he was seeing those who had gone before. Aydrian wasn’t sure of that. Perhaps Oracle was more a way for him to look within his own essence and heart. Perhaps these shadowy creatures he saw in the mirror—and he saw two, whereas others usually saw only one—were messengers of the gods, or his own attunement to godlike wisdom. It was here, at Oracle, that Aydrian had learned to comprehend the power of the gemstones. It was here, at Oracle, that Aydrian had first come to understand the manner in which he might reach his coveted immortality— immortalis in the ancient tongue of man and elf. So now he watched, basking in the continuing rush of warmth and softness that accompanied the thoughts of Jilseponie—imparted, he understood, by this one shadow. But then the second shadow appeared across the way, and Aydrian was immediately reminded of the truth of Jilseponie, that she had abandoned him to die, that she had, in effect, forced him into slavery at the hands of cruel Lady Dasslerond! Moments later, all warmth and thoughts of some mystical salvation flew away from Aydrian, replaced by his hatred for the witch Jilseponie, the pretend queen. He watched as the two shadows came together, not to blend into something larger and greater, but in an apparent attempt by each to overshadow the other. Aydrian couldn’t help but grin at this continuing battle. Other people who knew the secret of Oracle saw one shadow, but he had two, and it was precisely that, these two warring viewpoints on every issue, that led Aydrian to realize that he was truly blessed. Unlike the lockstep fools who followed Oracle without question, Aydrian forced from Oracle the power of reasoned resolution. Each step was worked through logically and in his heart. He laughed aloud, recognizing then that the first shadow was his own conscience, was the shack