INTRODUCTIONHagen Ringler has never fit neatly into the life waiting for him. At seventeen, the young Clipton of Amuler, an Earth-like world warmed by the nearby sun of the Fraxda galaxy, spends more time dreaming of distant planets than preparing for the crown his father insists he must one day wear. The Cliptons are gentle, peaceful people, but Hagen's imagination is anything but quiet. He longs to travel the stars, to uncover forgotten wonders, and to collect the greatest treasures each world has to offer.
His mother, Kelina, encourages him to follow his heart, while his closest friend, Slent, reminds him to stand tall even when others try to push him down. And they do, especially Trutor, the ruthless leader of a group of boys who seem determined to drag Hagen into every fight he tries to avoid. Hagen believes his life will remain simple: avoid trouble, dodge the crown, and dream of adventure. But destiny has already begun to shift.
Soon he will discover love, friendship, danger, and the truth buried deep within his family's past. His greatest journey is about to begin, one that will give him far more than the treasures he seeks.
INTRODUCTIONHagen Ringler has never fit neatly into the life waiting for him. At seventeen, the young Clipton of Amuler, an Earth-like world warmed by the nearby sun of the Fraxda galaxy, spends more time dreaming of distant planets than preparing for the crown his father insists he must one day wear. The Cliptons are gentle, peaceful people, but Hagen's imagination is anything but quiet. He longs to travel the stars, to uncover forgotten wonders, and to collect the greatest treasures each world has to offer.
His mother, Kelina, encourages him to follow his heart, while his closest friend, Slent, reminds him to stand tall even when others try to push him down. And they do, especially Trutor, the ruthless leader of a group of boys who seem determined to drag Hagen into every fight he tries to avoid. Hagen believes his life will remain simple: avoid trouble, dodge the crown, and dream of adventure. But destiny has already begun to shift.
Soon he will discover love, friendship, danger, and the truth buried deep within his family's past. His greatest journey is about to begin, one that will give him far more than the treasures he seeks.
