Uehashi, Nahoko

"Ten years after the fateful clash between two opposing sides of the Divine Kingdom of Lyoza. Elin lives a peaceful life with her family. She tries to stay as far away from her past as possible -- the girl who communicated with creatures and befriended a Royal Beast wants no part in the power struggles of humans. But when Elin is called upon to investigate a mysterious illness that has stricken the Toda, she uncovers a startling plot -- one that could threaten everything she holds dear"--Dust jacket.

Elin's family was responsible for caring for the terrifying water serpents that form the center of their kingdom's army, but when some of them mysteriously die, Elin's mother is executed as punishment. Her mother used her last breath to send Elin to safety, and now, alone, far from home, Elin learns she can communicate not only with the water serpents but also the majestic winged beasts who guard the queen. She must find a way to use this new skill to save herself and stop the beasts from being used in war.

The wandering female bodyguard Balsa returns to her native country of Kanbal, where she uncovers a conspiracy to frame her mentor and herself.

The wandering warrior Balsa is hired to protect Prince Chagum from both a mysterious monster and the prince's father, the Mikado.

The wandering female bodyguard Balsa returns to her native country of Kanbal, where she uncovers a conspiracy to frame her mentor and herself.

The wandering warrior Balsa is hired to protect Prince Chagum from both a mysterious monster and the prince's father, the Mikado.

The wandering warrior Balsa is hired to protect Prince Chagum from both a mysterious monster and the prince's father, the Mikado.