The Tawny Man

Peace and calm reign in the Kingdom of the Six Duchies. In the past are the wars of the red ships. There is no more King Verity. Until the prince Deftful reaches adulthood, the country is ruled by the Dowager Queen Kettricken.

Fitz Chival, a former royal assassin, has long retired from his work and for many years has been living in a cabin near the abandoned town of the Smithy.

But one day Fitz is visited by his old teacher Chade, who calls the former student to Deer Castle—to teach the young prince the ancient magic of the Seeing House.

Fitz is also visited by an old friend, who once was the jester at Deer Castle. He also claims that it’s time to return to the wider world. Fitz doesn’t give in to persuasion.

Then comes the terrible news: the heir to the throne has disappeared without a trace, and if he isn’t found, the prince’s engagement will be broken and the alliance the queen had pinned her hopes on will never be formed…