Chapter 1 Summary

"The Will of the Empress" by Tamora Pierce is a fictional account of four young mages who find themselves pitted against an Empress who hopes to increase her holdings by forcing them to remain within her empirical boundaries. Though young, the mages are strong, and have a combined power that few mages of extensive experience have seen before. Their age causes many to underestimate them, and though as they become adults, they stray from each other and explore other realms, any confrontation or threat posed against one will bring the wrath of four in return.

Lady Sandrilene fa Toren just turned sixteen. She is a thread mage, and by the age of thirteen had already earned the right to practice as an adult. Daja and her teacher Frostpine are a week from home when he reminds her that unless she is willing to...