The first book in the epic fantasy-adventure series from 'the Godmother of Fantasy', Diana Wynne Jones. Now back in print! For centuries, Dalemark has been a land divided by the warring earldoms of the North and South. Now, with the help of the Undying, the mysterious gods of Dalemark, four extraordinary young people must join forces to reunify their beloved land. When twelve-year-old Moril's father is murdered by soldiers, Moril inherits his ancient cwidder - a musical instrument that once belonged to the great and legendary singer Osfameron. As Moril and his siblings embark on a dangerous journey to escape the evil forces around them, he gradually learns how to channel the cwidder's strange and powerful magic. But is it enough to protect those he loves from the looming threat of war? Gold title * Diana Wynne Jones has a dedicated legion of fans and has sold half a million books in the UK alone (Source: Bookscan TCM Chart). * She is also the author of HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE, an Oscar-nominated animated movie by Hayao Miyazaki. * Diana was working on this title before she died in 2011.

It has been completed by her sister Ursula Jones, and is the last book Diana wrote. * Neil Gaiman called Diana 'the best writer of magic there is'.