Magic and a Mongoose

The troubles only continue for the Kingdom of Amni as the newly-expanded royal family must deal with the threats of the bitter Metal Magicianand the treacherous Vishpar clan. Teppik, the Glass Magician, has returned to the kingdom, but what are his true intentions? Prince Rilu is interested in magic, but first he must survive the constructs and traps of the Metal Magician. Will a twenty-year-old feud cost the Princess Arani her life, or will it cost someone else a terrible price to save her? - Back cover.

Arani glanced up, but continued to wipe her face lest some change of color betray her. She busied herself with mopping up her dress until she had sufficient control to raise her eyes without changing expression. There was already some laughter among the guests, for the entertainer -- a strange little man with stiff, short hair and thick spectacles -- had stumbled over his own feet, slipped on a crushed plum, and tripped over his pet mongoose, wich promptly climbed the nearest candlestick and was chittering angrily at him as he tried to coax it back down. - Back cover.