Bücher der Reihe Children of the Stone

Just as quiet rumors begin to whisper that an ancient evil might be arising, the Lord Protector of the kingdom goes missing. Four years later, Mathilda Hawksthorne finds herself leaving the safety of Crosshawk because events dictate the need for her to prove to king and country that she can carry on in her father's stead. After fighting for her inheritance, she is ordered to solve the mystery surrounding the disaster that had befallen the man's mission. While she already has companions willing to assist her, another is commanded to also help her with the task. Garin Von Bos, two parts honorable and one part jaded, does his best to keep her out of trouble. He manages to do so until they stumble upon a powerful gemstone known as the Dragon's Heart, which changes their lives forever.

Though they had locked Caligo away forever, Garin and Mattie quickly discover that the creature's dark influence still torments the inhabitants of the land. The Mage's Council, in particular, is slowly being overtaken by an evil in their midst. When the couple arrives at the Stronghold in the North, they must find a way to stay a step ahead of this new enemy or risk losing their lives completely.

Garin and Mattie finally arrive back in Crosshawk after their ordeals in the North, but relaxation is nowhere to be found. Various secrets swiftly become unraveled, ensuring that the couple doesn't have a moment of peace. In the end, Garin must make a heart-wrenching choice that could have an impact on every resident in the duchy, including Mattie.