Lord of the Darkwood Books 3 and 4 in the Tale of Shikanoko Series

The rightful emperor is lost. Shikanoko is condemned to live half man and half deer, an outlaw in the Darkwood. Yet the mighty lords who now rule the Eight Islands are prey to suspicion and illness, and drought and famine overrun the realm. Only Shikanoko can bring healing by restoring the preordained ruler to the Lotus Throne and only one person can bring him back from the Darkwood. Against a background of wild forest, elegant castles, hidden temples and savage battlefields, Lian Hearn's Tale of Shikanoko series draws to its thrilling conclusion. - Publishers description.