Merlin's Apprentice: Sword & Sceptre - Paperback

When dark magic threatens to consume the realm and ancient powers awaken, young warrior-mage Pip faces an impossible choice: embrace his destiny as king, or watch everything he loves fall to shadow and flame.

Pip never wanted to be king. Armed with his enchanted sword and bonded to his raven, he is content honing his magic skills under Merlin's guidance. But then the ruthless warlord Halfdan threatens the kingdom from his stronghold, and dark whispers of an ancient prophecy begin to stir. The prophecy that names Pip as warrior-king.

Still, Pip resists. He is not king material and would only fail his people. Then a terrible discovery: Halfdan's blood oath with the demon is still intact. The realm cannot withstand a demon-Halfdan assault. With loyal friends at his side, Pip must infiltrate enemy territory on a rescue mission that will test his magical abilities-and challenge his courage to accept the crown he never wanted.