Wintertide

Wintertide is the fifth of the six Riyria Revelations novels by Michael J. Sullivan, first published in 2010 by Ridan Publishing. In January 2012 Orbit collected it with the final novel, Percepliquis, as Heir of Novron.

The New Empire means to mark its victory over the Nationalists on the high holiday of Wintertide. Regent Saldur has planned the celebration around two public executions, of Degan Gaunt and of Princess Arista, branded the Witch of Melengar, and around a wedding arranged for Empress Modina. The thieves Royce and Hadrian have other plans for the festivities.

To reach the prisoners, Hadrian must enter the great tournament in the imperial city of Aquesta as a knight, a role far outside his comfort zone, while Royce hunts Merrick Marius, his oldest friend and greatest enemy. Inside the palace, Amilia, a kitchen girl lifted into court politics, is the only confidante the silent empress has.