There is a long-standing fantasy tradition that heroes should be people of high estate. Tarr has used this pattern in Lord of the Two Lands, insofar as the two main characters are Alexander and Meriamon. While Meriamon has a royal heritage and mission, she joins the Macedonian camp alone. Her experiences there are gritty and down to earth. She does not mind.

She even frets when Alexander assigns Ptolemy's brother as her guard; she prefers to spend her free time alone, observing and pondering. Free time is not plentiful for her, though, once her skills at healing become known.

As an Egyptian and a woman, Meriamon has certain knowledge and entrees that Alexander lacks. He seeks her out as a confidante and occasional emissary, and they become friends. All the time she is traveling with the army, she feels the distance from her native Egypt keenly. When she...