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Arrows of the Queen is the first novel in Mercedes Lackey's best-selling Valdemar series.

Talia has always known that she isn't suited for the life her elders have chosen for her. As part of a small, conservative community, she's never been allowed beyond the boundaries of her father's lands. Her only window to the outside world has been the few books she's been allowed to read, but this only fuels her desire to know more. This desire is unexpectedly fulfilled when, fleeing the prospect of an arranged marriage, Talia encounters a riderless Companion, one of the mystical guardians of the kingdom of Valdemar, and is swept up into an adventure beyond her wildest imagination.

Talia soon discovers that she has been chosen as the Queen's Own Herald and, despite her youth, must now serve as the monarch's primary advisor and protector. From the beginning, Talia finds that all of Valdemar is being threatened by those who wish to destroy the kingdom. These unseen enemies are willing to go to any lengths to strike at the Heralds, the heir to the throne, and even Talia herself. With the help of new friends, Talia must find a way to thwart this plot before it destroys them all.

Set in the medieval fantasy kingdom of Valdemar, this unique and exciting novel continues the story of Talia. Having mastered the powers necessary to a guardian of the kingdom, she faces the final preparation for her initiation as adviser and protector of the Queen.

With Elspeth, the heir to the throne of Valdemar, come of marriageable age, Talia, the Queen's Own Herald returns to court to find Queen and heir beset by diplomatic intrigue as various forces vie for control of Elspeth's future.

But just as Talia is about to uncover the traitor behind all these intrigues, she is sent off on a mission to the neighboring kingdom, chosen by the Queen to investigate the worth of a marriage proposal from Prince Ancar.