The Down Deep

DUST KNIGHTS: A NEW SERIES IN CATHERINE ASARO’S SKOLIAN EMPIRE: Major Bhaajan and her gang of Dust Knights act as guides and bodyguards to a member of the Imperial family on a mission of good will in the Undercity. But what awaits them in the Down Deep may ruin the chance at peace forever.

A CITY DIVIDED

For centuries Selei City—the capital of the Imperialate and one of the most desired locales in all of the Skolian Empire—has been held together by the thinnest of threads. While the “haves” live in great luxury, the “have-nots” scrape by, eking out what existence they can in the Undercity. Major Bhaajan, formerly of the Imperial Army, knows both worlds. Born into the Undercity, she nevertheless has made a name for herself in the Imperialate. And now, she has the chance to help her people.

HOPE FOR RECONCILIATION

For the first time, a member of the Royal class wants to extend an olive branch to the Undercity. Hoping to build bridges, Colonel Lavinda Majda recruits Major Bhaajan and her Dust Knights to act as guides and bodyguards as she makes her way into the Undercity on a mission of goodwill.

THE DOWN DEEP

But the problems of the Undercity run deeper than Major Bhaajan or Lavinda know. If there is to be lasting peace, the Dust Knights must reach the very lowest rungs of society, known only as the Down Deep, where the scars from years of enmity and distrust are greatest. There they will face an unseen enemy that may destroy the lives of all citizens of Selei City—and threatens the fragile peace forever.