The Black Raven (The Dragon Mage, Book 2) by Katharine Kerr
The second novel in the exciting new series, The Dragon Mage - and the tenth in the Deverry Cycle - The Black Raven continues the tales begun in The Red Wyvern.
At the end of the Civil Wars, Prince Maryn stands on the brink of bringing peace at last to the torn kingdom, but powerful magics threaten his reign and his life. Only Nevyn's young apprentice, Lilli, can see the horrifying power of the curse, her dead mother's legacy of evil, that could bring disaster upon them all. But she has only untried magic for a weapon as she fights to save her beloved prince.
Centuries later, this ancient evil rises again, threatening a raging tide of war that could destroy Deverry forever. Out in the lonely Northlands the savage Horsekin are gathering their armies to march west and conquer the kingdom promised them by their blood-maddened goddess, Alshadra, and her human priestess, Raena. Directly in their path lies the peaceful city of Cerr Cawnen, trembling in fear of war.