Saga of Recluce

Beltur, an Order mage, discovers he possesses frightening powers not seen for hundreds of years. With his new abilities, he survives the war in Elparta and saves the lives of all. However, victory comes with a price. His fellow mages now see him as a threat to be destroyed, and the local merchants want to exploit his power. There's only one way he can remain free and survive - he's going to have to run.

Once again, prejudices against the use of chaos magic force Beltur and his companions to flee their refuge in Axalt. The rulers of nearby Montgren have offered them sanctuary and the opportunity to become the Councilors of the run-down and disintegrating town of Haven. Montegren lacks any mages - white or black - making this seem like the perfect opportunity to start again.

Sixteen years have passed since the mage Beltur helped to found the town of Fairhaven, and Taelya, Beltur's adopted niece, is now a white mage undercaptain in the Road Guards of Fairhaven. Fairhaven's success under the Council has become an impediment to the ambition of several rulers, and the mages protecting the town are seen as a threat.

For over 1,000 years, Order and Chaos have molded the island of Recluce. The Saga of Recluce chronicles the history of this world through 18 books, L. E. Modesitt, Jr.'s longest and best-selling fantasy series. Recluce Tales: Stories from the World of Recluce collects 17 new short stories and four popular reprints spanning the thousand-year history of Recluce.