When Tamar, the young king of Sundari, loses a dice game, he loses everything--his kingdom, its riches, and even the right to call his life his own. His bondage is symbolized by the iron ring that appears mysteriously on his finger. To Tamar, born to the warrior caste, honor is everything. So he sets out on a journey to make good on his debt--and even to give up his life if necessary. And that journey leads him into a world of magic, where animals can talk, the foolish are surprisingly wise, and danger awaits...

"At every turn, there is adventure, magic, and often treachery, but most of all the quest for honor...Alexander offers a tale that is thoughtful without being leaden and moral without being moralistic. Alexander's legion of fans will respond to the moments of high adventure as well as the many twists and turns, internal and external, that will make them think." -- Booklist , starred review