spoltz
1/13/2014
Extract: Ista is the dowager queen of Chalion. She has lived a cursed life full of heartbreak and despair, and she may just be a little nuts. She is constantly surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting and guards to keep her safe, presumably from herself. Tired of this subtle imprisonment, she sets out on a journey under the guise of a pilgrimage, just to get away from her memories, and out from under the thumb of her overprotective staff. On the way, she has confrontations with enemy soldiers, sorcerers, gods, and demons that give her a chance come to terms with the powers bestowed on her and embrace her destiny...
http://itstartedwiththehugos.blogspot.com/2013/09/1992-barrayar-loismcmaster-bujold.html