Michael Anderle

The Red Countess, the lady Valentina Winters.If you see her, it's likely to be the last vision in your life.The Red Countess is on the trail of someone she loves. Unfortunately, the trail is blocked by someone who fears the day she finds out the truth.A truth she is willing to kill to learn.Archie has made a bold move. A move that will accomplish much for his efforts in the conclave.Or give the Assassin a chance to claim his head.You never accomplish great things by risking small amounts. Is Archie willing to risk his life to get what he wants most?Or is the Red Countess, the lady Valentina Winters going to learn just a bit too much and take back the only leverage he has keeping her from killing him?

It's the only logical strategy......and the Commonwealth has a plan to counter it.Does he have the allies to win?Alistair knows the risks, but he must take the Ice Queen's military and the gigante to Planet Phoenix. In order to defeat the Ascendant, Alexander de Finita, and put this nightmare behind him, it'll take every asset he can bring together.There's just one problem.The Commonwealth plans to strike first.If they control the star-gate at Phoenix, all is lost.Every choice he's made has had consequences, but none as gave as Alistair's next move. The Ascendant has the positional advantage. Should Alistair protect his pieces, make a sacrifice, or play a gambit?In this chess game......the future is on the line.