The Cardinal's Blades

the long version

""Paris, 1633. Louis XIII reigns over France and Cardinal Richelieu governs the country. One of the most dangerous and most powerful men in Europe, Richelieu keeps a constant, sharp eye on the enemies of the Crown to avoid their assassination attempts, thwart their spies and avert their warmongering. The nobility keep tiny dragonnets as pets; royal couriers ride tame wyverns and lethal man-shaped scaled dracs roam the country. But the power rising from the Court of Dragons is anything but mundane; the Black Claw sect draws on dragons as they once were: ancient, terrible, utterly merciless and poised to move against France. Faced with the growing threat from Spain, Richelieu must persuade Captain la Fargue, an exceptional swordsman, devoted officer and brilliant leader and his legenday company of swashbucklers and rogues, to once again risk their lives, fortunes and reputations for Richelieu and for France." -- Rear cover.