The Sword and the Dagger — Ardath Mayhar

MechWarriors believe that the only way to kill a BattleMech is with another 'Mech ... But Generals know that the best way to kill an army of 'Mechs is with a well-placed dagger.

The five houses of the Successor States employ both warfare and treachery in their efforts to gain control of the interstellar empire once known as the Star League. Huge, man-like, walking tanks called BattleMechs rule the battlefields, but intrigues and plots rule the imperial courts.

Hanse Davion is Prince of the Federated Suns, the largest of the five warring Houses. . . an idealistic man who has had to learn that politics is neither honorable nor straightforward.

Ardan Sortek is the commander of Hanse Davion's personal guard. Although a long-time friend of Hanse's, he has not yet learned the lessons of power. Through a chance series of events he stumbles upon a plot of such magnitude, that it threatens the balance of power of Inner Sphere. Unfortunately, no one will believe him . . . Indeed, they think he is quite mad.

Is Ardan crazy or is someone trying to kill Hanse Davion ?