Closer to the Heart (Valdemar: The Herald Spy)

By Mercedes Lackey, Nick Podehl

Subjects: Spies, Psychic ability, Fathers and daughters, Kings, queens, rulers, Fiction, Courts and courtiers, Teachers

Description: Saved from a harsh life of destitution as an enslaved orphan, Mags has been recruited by the King's Own Herald as a spy. In this special applointment, Mags has thrived - he is well fed, educated and treasured for his unusually powerful Gift, an ability to Mindspeak and Mindhear anyone, regardless of whether they are Gifted. This makes him the ideal undercover agent for the king. After a year of careful investigation of the gem mines, it becomes clear that half of what was produced has disappeared. No one knows where the gems are going or why. Mages must go undercover to find out. As he delves deeper into the mystery he will confront old foed and unearth a secret that goes to the heart of Valdemar.