the bridge in what ends up to be a climactic battle between him, his other self and the Tree woman. Despite the odds stacked against him, he manages to turn the tide of the battle by retrieving his sword, the "iron magic of his people". The bridge disappears and Nevare manages to slash the Tree woman, allowing Epiny to save his friend, before being once more expelled. Nevare eventually recovers and this part of the story ends as he finds himself returning to the Academy. Characters in "Shaman's Crossing" Nevare Burvelle – the main protagonist King Troven – ruler of Gernia Lord Keft Burvelle – Nevare's father Corporal Parth – Nevare's soldiering tutor at the story's opening Scout Halloran – scout for the army Sil Halloran – Halloran's daughter, part Gernian, part Plainspeople born Commander Hent – commander at Franner's Bend Sergeant Duril – Nevare's riding tutor Selethe Burvelle – Nevare's mother Rosse Burvelle – Nevare's eldest brother Vanze Burvelle – Nevare's younger brother Yaril Burvelle – Nevare's younger sister Elisi Burvelle – Nevare's elder sister Carsina Grenalter – A Gernian noble's daughter, promised to wed Nevare when he graduates the Academy. Master Rissle – Nevare's academic tutor Dewara – A Kidona tribesman hired to teach Nevare Lord Sefert Burvelle – Nevare's uncle, Keft Burvelle's older brother. Father of Epiny. Epiny Burvelle – Nevare's younger cousin, an eccentric girl Colonel Stiet – commandant of the King's Cavalla Academy Caulder Stiet – Colonel Stiet's son, a ubiquitous presence at the academy, disliked by cadets Spink (full name : Spinrek Kester) – a short, poor, but honest cadet at the academy; Nevare's friend, his mathematics skills are particularly weak. Gord – a wealthy, obese, highly intelligent cadet at the academy; Nevare's friend, although most cadets dislike him. Trist – a handsome, likeable academy cadet with a penchant for bending the rules Tiber – a New Nobles son who is sent out of the academy to become a scout Trivia The book's dedication reads "To Caffeine and Sugar, my companions through many a long night of writing." Release details 2005, UK, Voyager , Pub date 4 July 2005, Hardback 2005, UK, Voyager , Pub date 4 July 2005, Hardback (1000 copy limited and numbered edition) 2005, USA, EOS , Pub date September 2005, Hardback 2006, UK, Voyager , Pub date 6 February 2006, Trade Paperback 2006, UK, Voyager , Pub date 3 July