new husband. Spink Kester and Nevare's Cousin Epiny, married, are also in town, but he distances himself so as not to ruin their reputation. One day at his way home he gets attacked and shot in the head. His horse is stolen and he is left on the ground with his head bleeding. However, he survives and the wound heals rapidly due to his magic. Unfortunately, Nevare's magic is not as strong as it could be, since he has been avoiding the Specks so he could not get the magical food that Olikea brought. The cavalla scout Buel Hitch (also a Gernian seduced by the Specks) uses the stolen horse's bridle to strangle a prostitute who was friendly with Nevare, thus framing him for murder. As days go by, the Speck plague sweeps by the outpost of Gettys so Nevare is kept busy as cemetery guard/gravedigger. Among the dead is Carsina, who revives briefly at the cemetery and is cared for by Nevare, then dies in his bed. He is accused of necrophilia in addition to the earlier murder, and sentenced to be tortured and hanged. But fortunately for Nevare, the Tree Woman comes and frees him from his cell and impending doom. During his escape, confrontations with Spinrek and Amzil and the townspeople force Nevare to finally give in to the magic. With his magic, he gives the townspeople false memories of his death before embracing his future life in the forest. Characters in "Forest Mage" Nevare Burvelle – the main protagonist King Troven – ruler of Gernia Lord Keft Burvelle – Nevare's father 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 – Nevare's betrothed and Yaril's closest friend Dewara – A Kidona tribesman hired to teach Nevare Lord Sefert Burvelle – Nevare's uncle, Keft Burvelle's older brother. Father of Epiny. Epiny Kester – Nevare's younger cousin, an eccentric girl; wife of Spink Kester Lieutenant Spinrek "Spink" Kester – a short, poor, but honest cavalla Lieutenant; Nevare's friend and husband of Nevare's cousin Epiny. Amzil – a young widow befriended by Nevare Olikea – a young Speck woman Buel Hitch – a cavalla scout for Farleytown Regiment in Gettys Release details 2006, UK, Voyager , Pub date 3 July 2006, hardback