Children Of The Serpent Gate

Gavril Nagarian, Lord Drakhaon of Azhkendir, is believed dead - perished in the heat of battle. Yet he still lives, and is entrusted with a sacred mission: to rescue the aged Magus, who has been kidnapped and in whose possession are the five priceless rubies that compose the fabled Tears of Artamon. Ancient law decrees that whoever possesses the stones has the power to impose his will over the Empire of New Rossiya. But the task exacts a cost. The drakhaoul that destroyed his forebears has penetrated Gavril's psyche and is gaining power over his soul. As these dark forces seek immortality inside him, so Gavril must feed on the blood of innocents - or die.
Toppled by the loss of the Tears of Artamon, Emperor Eugene of Tielen is tormented by his own daemon, but he must defend his lands against King Enguerrand of Francia who claims ownership of the Tears. Yet both men share a common goal: to destroy Gavril Nagarian and the Drakhaoul that lives within him once and for all.
Ingenious and unforgettable, Children of the Serpent Gate delivers a thrilling conclusion to the epic trials of a man of honour in a world in chaos - one that can only be laid to rest by an Emperor's Tears.

Sarah Ash read music at New Hall, Cambridge, studying with Robin Holloway and John Rutter for her finals. Her interests in music and drama led her into teaching. While a teacher she co-wrote several musicals for young performers, but decided to concentrate her creative energies on her other passion: writing fiction, and her breakthrough came with the publication of her short story 'Moth Music' in Interzone magazine.
As well as short stories, Sarah writes longer fiction and, to date, has nine novels to her name, including the acclaimed 'Tears of Artamon' trilogy - Lord of Snow and Shadows, Prisoner of Ironsea Tower and Children of the Serpent Gate. She lives in Bath.