Shield of the People

Plot Summary
The heroes defend against electoral corruption and fraud in City of Maradaine. They get a lot of press, again.

In the days before the book, disturbances, including a riot in Seleth (the gang battles of Lady Henterman's Wardrobe), deterred voters from voting in the Sauriyan election day.

The election is beginning in the Archduchy of Maradaine, (North Maradaine city) and provocateurs are attempting to steal the election there, and with the results from the various Archduchies. Additional seats are open due to the murders in The Way of the Shield.

The new Tarian year is beginning, and Jerrine is facing new trials. She is one of sixteen third-year Tarian Order Initiates, who are all fighting for the chance to become Candidates. Her leg injury from The Way of the Shield has not yet fully healed, but she is unwilling to ask for further accommodations in the training and selection regimen.

The Grand Ten (spoiler link!) continue to advance their plot. The Open Hand movement from Scaloi appears in Maradaine to disrupt the Parliamentary elections and promote the end of a unified Kingdom of Druthal in favor of a confederation of independent countries.

The events of this book are referenced by Rian Rainey in A Parliament of Bodies.

Appendix
The appendix covers "The Archduchies of Druthal."

Characters
Tarian Order King's Marshals Royal First Irregulars The Veracity Press Henson's Majestic The Open Hand, Scaloi separatists, religious puritans Duchess Erisia Leighton of Kesta
 * Grandmaster Lon Orren
 * Master Nedell
 * Adepts
 * Amaya Tyrell
 * Osharin (transferred from Porvence)
 * Candidates
 * Dayne Heldrin
 * Vien Reston
 * Third-year Initiates
 * Jerrine Fendall
 * Raila Gendon
 * Enther
 * Maskier
 * Liana
 * Candion
 * Miara
 * Paskins
 * Tander
 * Chrinten
 * Iolana
 * Trandt
 * Haden
 * Dade
 * Eakin
 * ?? (Missing one name)
 * Clinan, "muscle man" which is a masseuse
 * Marshall Chief Donavan Samsell
 * Fredelle Pence
 * Argenitte
 * Evicka
 * Kelvanne
 * Hemmit Eyairin
 * Lin Shartien
 * Maresh Niol
 * Lady Mirianne Henson
 * Rian Rainey
 * Bishop Ret Issendel
 * Sister Frienne Okall

Quinara

Pria