Overview
Ordinary soldiers make up the bulk of Brencis's forces, but the blood guards are another breed: mighty, savage and untiring in battle. Besting even one is a notable achievement — and they seldom fight alone.
Where did their power come from? The word is that Xanthe is behind it; her shadowy rites forged them into what they are. They may once have had families and dreams, but now a single desire remains — to serve Brencis. They would sooner die than desert him.