This international bestseller profiles eight of Europe's most famous royal brides, from the author of "The Serpent and the Moon" and "Cupid and the King." 16-page photo insert.

As collected in The world's best orations, from the earliest period to the present time.

A legend tells of the danger posed by the abuse of an overpowering force of nature, the "White Dragon", which in ancient times brought about the downfall of an entire continent. This dragon will one day awaken from its millennia-long sleep and ignite the world conflagration. A small circle of faithful is called by the sages of the Brotherhood to lift the veil of mystery that hides behind the legend. Their directive: to warn humanity of this threat, which must be recognized and averted. A task that confronts all those involved with unimagined challenges. Can they succeed, in agreement with the Council of the Wise, to banish the disaster?