Silverthorn

A poisoned bolt has struck down the Princess Anita on the day of her wedding to Prince Arutha of Krondor.

To save his beloved, Arutha sets out in search of the mytics herb called Silverthorn that only grows in the dark and forbidding land of the Spellweavers.

Accompanied by a mercenary, a minstrel, and a clever young thief, he wil confront an ancient evil and do battle with the dark powers that threaten the enchanted realm of Midkemia.

I found Silverthorn to be as exciting and absorbing as Magician in every way. The excellent characterization wedded to a tight and well-tumed plot makes it one of the outstanding fantasy offerings of the season. –Andre Norton