The Ends of the Circle — Paul O. Williams

ACROSS A SHATTERED LAND

Some among the Pelbar meant to kill Stel, so the master craftsman was forced to abandon his love, his family, and the security of Pelbarigan in order to survive.

Because his curiosity about the world outside Pelbarigan's walls had been aroused by the tales of earlier travelers, Stel set out in search of the fabled Shining Sea--but between him and his goal lay the poisonous cities of the ancients, barbarians who practiced ritual murder, the treacherous Children of Ozar, a mad exile--and a host of other deadly perils.

Stel's beautiful and devoted wife followed, determined to return with the man she loved.