The Game of the Masters

The Gods of Alanta the Forerunner, ancient home of earth's magic, no longer openly interfere with the Wizards and their League. The Gods, Powers, and Wizards test one another from a distance in The Game of the Masters, a chess-like contest of intelligence and skills. Generations after the Wild Time, the Wizards' League has been relatively secure - until now.

 Powerful and hidden supernatural forces have emerged to destroy the League, rule Alanta and earth's Far Lands - and to overthrow the Gods themselves. A formidable attack has scattered the Wizards' power - Merlin has vanished, leaving Balardi at the mercy of a traitorous Thorian and his dark allies.

Left to oppose the looming destruction of the League are only three lowly pawns in The Game of the Masters: Julian the Apprentice, and the Knights, Galad and Kalanin. Their heritage shrouded from them, they must play a Game they do not understand, where they may be destroyed - or advanced through the Game's several levels. 

At stake is the survival of the League - and The Game of the Masters itself.