The King's Justice contains two novellas from Stephen R. Donaldson, whose 10-novel series The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant is among the best fantasy of all time.
The first novella, "The King's Justice," tells of the King's servant, Black, a mysterious figure who seeks to eradicate a new evil that has appeared in the land. Black's travels introduce him to many villagers in Settle's Crossways, some helpful, some not, on his journey to discover the origin of the balance-destroying magic within the village itself. Black is captured when confronting Haul Varder, a blacksmith, but must find a way to rescue himself, as well as thwart Varder's malevolent plans.
The second novella, "The Augur's Gambit," concerns Queen Inimica Phlegathon deVry of Indemnie. Her majesty's hieronomer Mayhew, a seer into the unknown, tells the story of his queen's convoluted machinations within her own kingdom, to ensure its deliverance from Mayhew's dire prophesies. He is deeply loyal to Inimica, but also equally smitten with her plain yet brilliant daughter--and only heir--Excrucia, who must avoid many attempts on her life. When Mayhew, his queen and her daughter are forced to confront their enemies much sooner than they expect, "The Augur's Gambit" escalates into a tense, intricate read.
Donaldson is in fine form with these two engaging stories, each with its own elaborately conceived world and backstory that will pull curious readers in immediately and not let go until the very end. --Rob LeFebvre, freelance writer and editor