The Hero Is Dead (And Nobody Can Know)

About this book

A century-old prophecy promised that Ser Caldrik Venn, the Prophesied Blade, would march on the Ashen Citadel and end the war. On day eleven of the march he dies, in the stupidest way imaginable, in front of four witnesses and one sleeping squire. Eight allied armies follow his banner, and belief in him is the only thing holding them together. If the truth escapes, the alliance shatters and the enemy wins without lifting a sword. So Tamsin Ferrow, the Hero's cook, does what any good quartermaster would: she plans. An aging actor will wear the Hero's armor. A guilty bard will write his speeches. A faithless healer will keep the body fresh with salt and borrowed prayers. They have forty more days of march ahead. A supreme commander longs to duel the Hero, and the enemy king keeps writing friendly letters. Somehow, they will have to win a war none of them is qualified to fight.